bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Intertemporal Relationship Between the Currency Spot Market and the Currency Option Market
Authors: Pan Ming‐Shiun , Hocking Ralph T. , Rim Hong K.
Published: August 2010

This study examines the lead/lag relationship between currency option and currency spot markets for the Deutsche mark and the Japanese yen. Using intraday currency option transactions data for the year 1989 and applying a European type currency option pricing model, pair data series of the implied and the observed exchange rates are compiled. Causality tests are then employed to test the causal relation between the observed and the implied exchange rate changes. The results indicate that the currency spot market leads the currency option market by about ninety minutes.
Trait Recognition: An Alternative Approach to Early Warning Systems in Commercial Banking
Authors: Kolari James , Caputo Michele , Wagner Drew
Published: August 2010

The present study reports the empirical results of trait recognition (TR) as an alternative early warning system for identifying failing US commercial banks. TR has previously been employed in the sciences, and unlike previous statistical and nonparametric models, incorporates a large number of interaction variables based on the independent variables taken two and three at a time. Discriminatory original and interaction variables (or traits) are selectively retained for use in classifying observations based on a voting procedure. Comparative results for failed and nonfailed US commercial banks using Call Report data indicate that the TR model generally outperformed logit regression models, in some cases by a considerable margin. A major implication of these results is that TR could be useful in other binary choice problems in business finance and accounting, including predictions of nonbank failures, bond rating changes, and other firm events.
The Market Evaluation of Information in Directors’ Trades
Authors: Hillier David , Marshall Andrew P.
Published: August 2010

The purpose of this paper is to examine the propensity, characteristics and performance of directors’ trades. Consistent with prior research we show that on average, directors outperform the market. However, we also find that there exist a large number of trades which do not share these abnormal share price returns and consequently have little information content. This has important consequences for market participants who use director trading activity as a signal for their own trading strategies. Using different measures of directors’ trades based on trade characteristics, we report that purchases by directors are more informative than sales. In addition, the number of directors trading within a twenty day window and the percentage of the directors’ holding that is being traded are both important factors in the abnormal share price performance following the trade.
The Use of Dynamic Financial Analysis to Determine Whether an Optimal Growth Rate Exists for a Property‐Liability Insurer
Authors: D'Arcy Stephen P. , Gorvett Richard W.
Published: August 2010

Prior research on the aging phenomenon has demonstrated that new business for property‐liability (P‐L) insurers generates high loss ratios that gradually decline as a book of business goes through successive renewal cycles. Although the experience on new business is initially unprofitable, the renewal book of business eventually becomes profitable over time. Within this context, insurers need to manage their exposure growth in order to maximize long run profitability. Dynamic financial analysis (DFA), a relatively new tool for P‐L insurers, utilizes Monte Carlo simulation to generate the overall financial results for an insurer under a large number of scenarios. This article uses a publicly available DFA model—along with the estimated market value of an insurer, based on 1990–2001 data for stock P‐L insurers and underlying financial variables—to determine optimal growth rates of a P‐L insurer based on mean–variance analysis, stochastic dominance, and constraints on leverage.
A Pricing Model for Quantity Contracts
Authors: Aase Knut K.
Published: August 2010

An economic model is proposed for a combined price futures and yield futures market. The innovation of the article is a technique of transforming from quantity and price to a model of two genuine pricing processes. This is required in order to apply modern financial theory. It is demonstrated that the resulting model can be estimated solely from data for a yield futures market and a price futures market. We develop a set of pricing formulas, some of which are partially tested, using price data for area yield options from the Chicago Board of Trade. Compared to a simple application of the standard Black and Scholes model, our approach seems promising.
The Impact of Regret on the Demand for Insurance
Authors: Braun Michael , Muermann Alexander
Published: August 2010

We examine optimal insurance purchase decisions of individuals that exhibit behavior consistent with Regret Theory. Our model incorporates a utility function that assigns a disutility to outcomes that are ex post suboptimal, and predicts that individuals with regret‐theoretical preferences adjust away from the extremes of full insurance and no insurance coverage. This prediction holds for both coinsurance and deductible contracts, and can explain the frequently observed preferences for low deductibles in markets for personal insurance.
CD6 synergistic co-stimulation promoting proinflammatory response is modulated without interfering with the activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule interaction
Authors: Nair P , Melarkode R , Rajkumar D , Montero E
Published: August 2010

The CD6 membrane-proximal scavenger receptor cysteine-rich domain (SRCR3) includes the activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule (ALCAM) binding site. CD6-ALCAM mediates a low-affinity interaction and their long-term engagement contributes to the immunological synapse. Their ligation may play a dual function, facilitating stable adhesion between the antigen-presenting cells and T cells during the early activation phase and later in the proliferative phase of the immune response. This study explored the strength of the CD6 co-stimulatory effect and whether CD6 co-stimulation with its natural ligand ALCAM also contributes to the lymphocyte effector differentiation. It was found that CD6–ALCAM interaction in vitro induced a synergistic co-stimulation of normal human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, defined by Bliss analysis. CD6 co-stimulation enhanced the CD3 proliferative efficacy by 23–34%. Moreover, a fivefold increment in the CD25 molecules number with a distinct gene transcription profile associated with cell activation, differentiation, survival and adhesion molecules was observed over CD3 single activation. Additionally, CD6 co-stimulation in excess interleukin (IL)-2 promotes a preferentially proinflammatory response. Besides, a CD6 membrane-distal domain (SRCR1)-specific non-depleting monoclonal antibody (mAb) inhibited the induced proliferation in the presence of ALCAM, reducing interferon-γ, IL-6 and tumour necrosis factor-α production. These results suggest that CD6 co-stimulation enhances the intrinsic activity of the CD3 activation pathway and contributes to the T helper type 1 subset commitment, enhancing the IL-2 sensitivity of recent activated human lymphocytes. It supports the role of CD6 as a susceptibility gene for pathological autoimmunity leading to tissue inflammation, and its relevance for targeted therapy.
The pathology of bone marrow failure
Authors: Leguit Roos J , Van Den Tweel Jan G
Published: August 2010

Leguit R J & van den Tweel J G (2010) Histopathology 57, 655–670 The pathology of bone marrow failure

An important indication for bone marrow investigation is the presence of bone marrow failure, which manifests itself as (pan)cytopenia. The causes of cytopenia are varied and differ considerably between childhood and adulthood. In the paediatric age group inherited bone marrow failure syndromes are important causes of bone marrow failure, but they play only a minor role in later life. This review gives a comprehensive overview of bone marrow failure disorders in children and adults. We classified the causes of bone marrow failure according to the main presenting haematological abnormality, i.e. anaemia, neutropenia, thrombocytopenia or pancytopenia. The following red cell disorders are discussed: red cell aplasia, sideroblastic anaemia, congenital dyserythropoietic anaemia, haemolytic anaemia, paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria, iron deficiency anaemia, anaemia of chronic disease and megaloblastic anaemia. The neutropenias occur in the context of Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS), severe congenital neutropenia, cyclic neutropenia, immune‐related neutropenia and non‐immune neutropenia. In addition, the following causes of thrombocytopenia are discussed: congenital amegakaryocytic thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenia with absent radii, immune‐related thrombocytopenia and non‐immune thrombocytopenia. Finally, we pay attention to the following pancytopenic disorders: Fanconi anaemia, dyskeratosis congenita, aplastic anaemia, myelodysplastic syndromes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
Partitioning variation in ecological communities: do the numbers add up?
Authors: Gilbert Benjamin , Bennett Joseph R.
Published: August 2010

1. Statistical tests partitioning community variation into environmental and spatial components have been widely used to test ecological theories and explore the determinants of community structure for applied conservation questions. Despite the wide use of these tests, there is considerable debate about their relative effectiveness.

2. We used simulated communities to evaluate the most commonly employed tests that partition community variation: regression on distance matrices and canonical ordination using a third‐order polynomial, principal components of neighbour matrices (PCNM) or Moran’s eigenvector maps (MEM) to model spatial components. Each test was evaluated under a variety of realistic sampling scenarios.

3. All tests failed to correctly model spatial and environmental components of variation, and in some cases produced biased estimates of the relative importance of components. Regression on distance matrices under‐fit the spatial component, and ordination models consistently under‐fit the environmental component. The PCNM and MEM approaches often produced inflated R2 statistics, apparently as a result of statistical artefacts involving selection of superfluous axes. This problem occurred regardless of the forward‐selection technique used.

4. Both sample configuration and the underlying linear model used to analyse species–environment relationships also revealed strong potential to bias results.

5. Synthesis and applications. Several common applications of variation partitioning in ecology now appear inappropriate. These potentially include decisions for community conservation based on inferred relative strengths of niche and dispersal processes, inferred community responses to climate change, and numerous additional analyses that depend on precise results from multivariate variation‐partitioning techniques. We clarify the appropriate uses of these analyses in research programmes, and outline potential steps to improve them.
Hepatitis C testing practices and prevalence in a high‐risk urban ambulatory care setting
Authors: Southern W. N. , Drainoni M.‐L. , Smith B. D. , Christiansen C. L. , McKee D. , Gifford A. L. , Weinbaum C. M. , Thompson D. , Koppelman E. , Maher S. , Litwin A. H.
Published: August 2010

Summary.  Approximately 3.2 million persons are chronically infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the U.S.; most are not aware of their infection. Our objectives were to examine HCV testing practices to determine which patient characteristics are associated with HCV testing and positivity, and to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection in a high‐risk urban population. The study subjects were all patients included in the baseline phase of the Hepatitis C Assessment and Testing Project (HepCAT), a serial cross‐sectional study of HCV screening strategies. We examined all patients with a clinic visit to Montefiore Medical Center from 1/1/08 to 2/29/08. Demographic information, laboratory data and ICD‐9 diagnostic codes from 3/1/97–2/29/08 were extracted from the electronic medical record. Risk factors for HCV were defined based on birth date, ICD‐9 codes and laboratory data. The prevalence of HCV infection was estimated assuming that untested subjects would test positive at the same rate as tested subjects, based on risk‐factors. Of 9579 subjects examined, 3803 (39.7%) had been tested for HCV and 438 (11.5%) were positive. The overall prevalence of HCV infection was estimated to be 7.7%. Risk factors associated with being tested and anti‐HCV positivity included: born in the high‐prevalence birth‐cohort (1945–64), substance abuse, HIV infection, alcohol abuse, diagnosis of cirrhosis, end‐stage renal disease, and alanine transaminase elevation. In a high‐risk urban population, a significant proportion of patients were tested for HCV and the prevalence of HCV infection was high. Physicians appear to use a risk‐based screening strategy to identify HCV infection.
A IIIman protein is involved in the transport of glucose, mannose and fructose by oral streptococci
Authors: Bourassa Sylvie , Gauthier Lucie , Giguère Raynald , Vadeboncoeur Christian
Published: August 2010

We show in this article that the transport of glucose, mannose and fructose by the phosphoenolpyruvate: mannose phosphotransferase system of oral streptococci requires the participation of a protein component that we have called IIIman. This protein was purified from Streptococcus salivarius by chromatography on DEAE‐cellulose, DEAE‐TSK, hydroxyapatite, and Dyematrex Green A. The purified protein migrated as a 38,900 molecular weight protein on a sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel. However, electrophoretic analysis of phosphoproteins and Western blot experiments indicated the presence in membrane‐free cellular extracts of S. salivarius of 2 different forms of IIIman having molecular weights of 38,900 and 35,200. The presence of the high‐molecular‐weight form of IIIman was observed by immunodiffusion. Western blot and phosphorylation by [32]PEP in S. salivarius, Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, and Streptococcus lactis but not in Streptococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus casei. Antibodies directed against the IIIman of S. salivarius did not react with the IIIman of Escherichia coli.
Proteomic analysis of ampicillin‐resistant oral Fusobacterium nucleatum
Authors: Al‐Haroni M. , Skaug N. , Bakken V. , Cash P.
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  Fusobacterium nucleatum represents one of the predominant anaerobic species in the oral microbiota. Penicillin‐resistant F. nucleatum have been isolated from intra‐ and extraoral infections. This study aimed to assess ampicillin resistance in F. nucleatum by investigating the synthesis of resistance‐associated proteins.

Methods:  Ampicillin‐resistant and ampicillin‐susceptible F. nucleatum isolates were obtained from 22 dental plaque samples. Two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry were used to investigate bacterial protein synthesis. Proteins exhibiting statistically significant quantitative changes between sensitive and resistant isolates were identified using peptide mass mapping and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization – time of flight/time of flight (MALDI‐TOF/TOF) mass spectrometry.

Results:  Twenty‐three F. nucleatum isolates were recovered from plaque samples and their ampicillin minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged between 0.125 μg/ml and 256 μg/ml. Analysis of the bacterial cellular proteins by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis resolved 154–246 distinct protein spots (mean 212, n = 9). Between 32% and 83% of the protein spots were common for the F. nucleatum isolates. Comparisons of the protein profiles of sensitive and resistant isolates revealed the presence of a 29 kDa protein and significant increases in the synthesis of two proteins at 37 and 46 kDa in the ampicillin‐resistant F. nucleatum isolates. These proteins were identified as a class D β‐lactamase, ATP‐binding cassette (ABC) transporter ATP‐binding protein and enolase, respectively.

Conclusion:  Synthesis of a class D β‐lactamase by ampicillin‐resistant F. nucleatum isolates could complicate antimicrobial treatment because these enzymes might confer resistance to many classes of β‐lactam antibiotics. The differences observed in protein synthesis between ampicillin‐resistant and ampicillin‐susceptible F. nucleatum may contribute to the antibiotic resistance and virulence of these bacteria.
Extensive oral shedding of human herpesvirus 8 in a renal allograft recipient
Authors: Al‐Otaibi L. M. , Al‐Sulaiman M. H. , Teo C. G. , Porter S. R.
Published: August 2010

Introduction:  Studies were conducted to investigate changes in the extent of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) shedding and diversity of HHV‐8 strains in the mouth of a renal allograft recipient who developed cutaneous post‐transplantation Kaposi’s sarcoma.

Methods:  Matched oral and blood samples were obtained from a Saudi Arabian renal allograft recipient from 3 days before to 38 weeks after transplantation, and from his kidney donor. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) protocols to amplify selected HHV‐8 sub‐genomic regions were applied to detect and quantify HHV‐8 DNA. Sequence diversity was determined by cloning the PCR products and subjecting them to denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and to nucleotide sequencing.

Results:  Before transplantation, the recipient was seropositive for anti‐HHV‐8 immunoglobulin G, but the donor was seronegative; HHV‐8 DNA could be detected in the recipient’s blood, whole‐mouth saliva (WMS) and buccal exfoliates, and the salivary viral load was estimated as 2.6 million genome‐copies/ml. Post‐transplantation, the recipient’s salivary viral load initially increased to 4.1 million genome‐copies/ml, and thereafter declined precipitously, coinciding with an increase in the dosage of valaciclovir given; HHV‐8 DNA was detected most often in WMS compared with parotid saliva, and buccal and palatal exfoliates. Carriage of multiple HHV‐8 strains was evident in blood and oral samples; whereas before transplantation strains belonging to genotypes A1 and A5 were observed, after transplantation genotype A5 strains became dominant and A2 strains emerged.

Conclusion:  Immunosuppression and antiviral prophylaxis may interact to influence the spectrum of oral HHV‐8 strains and the extent of post‐transplantation HHV‐8 shedding into the mouth.
Detection of a single bacterial cell using a 16S ribosomal RNA‐specific oligonucleotide probe designed to investigate periodontal pathogens
Authors: Tsuruda K. , Shimazu A. , Sugai M.
Published: August 2010

Introduction: The current detection methods for periodontopathogens mainly use polymerase chain reactions. However, there are few methods available for visualizing the bacteria that impact on patients with periodontal disease for use in health education. The purpose of this study was to develop a specific detection method to visualize periodontopathogenic bacteria.

Methods: Fluorescently‐labeled oligonucleotide probes directed to specific 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequences ofPorphyromonas gingivalisandAggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitanswere synthesized. Cultured individual bacterial species were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde and smeared on glass slides. Fluorescein isothiocyanate‐labeled oligonucleotide probes were hybridized under stringent conditions with smeared whole cells, and then probe specificity was investigated by epifluorescence microscopy.

Results: Comparatively long (50‐mer) oligonucleotide probes forP. gingivalisandA. actinomycetemcomitanswere designed. These probes clearly hybridized with 16S rRNA of the target speciesin situand single bacterial cells were detectable visually. The probes exhibited no cross‐hybridization against the additional organisms that were closely related to the target species.

Conclusions: The fluorescencein situhybridization technique is a specific and reliable method by which to visually identify the target organisms. The oligonucleotide probes designed in this study will be useful for detectingP. gingivalisandA. actinomycetemcomitanspopulations.
An IgG, Gentamicin Sulfate‐Dependent Antibody Found during Prenatal Antibody Screening
Authors: Peloquin P.M. , Hawkes D. , Mayers S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The serum of a prenatal patient was found to contain an IgG antibody that reacted with all red cells suspended in solutions containing the antibiotic gentamicin sulfate. The antibody was nonreactive with red cells suspended in media containing chloramphenicol, neomycin, hydrocortisone or inosine. Since gentamicin sulfate is used in the suspending medium of some commercial reagent red cell products, difficulties in the interpretation of antibody detection and identification tests may arise when patient sera contain gentamicin‐dependent antibodies.
Haemolytic Disease of the Newborn due to Anti‐Dia and Incidence of the Dia Antigen in Poland
Authors: Kuśnierz‐Alejska Grażyna , Bochenek Stanislawa
Published: August 2010

A strong complement‐fixing incomplete anti‐Dia was found in the serum of a Polish mother who gave birth to a newborn suffering from a severe haemolytic anaemia. The whole family was of Polish origin. 9,661 donor blood samples from different regions of Poland were tested against antiserum derived from that mother. Dia antigen was present on red cells of 45 (0.46%) individuals. All of them were of Polish origin. In some cases, family studies were undertaken.
Report on the 13th International Society of Blood Transfusion Platelet Immunology Workshop
Authors: Foxcroft Z. , Campbell K. , Merieux Y. , Urbaniak S. , Brierley M. , Rigal D. , Ouwehand W. H. , Metcalfe P.
Published: August 2010

Background and Objectives  The aim of the 13th International Society of Blood Transfusion Platelet Immunology Workshop was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of the in‐house method for the detection of human platelet antigen (HPA) antibodies currently used in participating laboratories with a modified rapid protocol for the monoclonal antibody (mAb) immobilization of platelet antigen (MR‐MAIPA) assay.

Materials and Methods  Twenty‐eight laboratories from 15 countries participated. A set of four freeze‐dried minimum potency reference reagents with known single‐specificity HPA antibodies were supplied for testing by titration with both assays and two coded freeze‐dried plasma samples were provided for antibody specificity testing. Critical reagents and materials for the MR‐MAIPA were provided including lyophilized panel platelets and five capture mAbs.

Results  Titration of the reference standards showed that the sensitivity of the MR‐MAIPA was the same as the in‐house methods. The proposed replacement anti‐HPA‐1a reference reagent 05/106 gave results that did not differ significantly from the current reference reagent 93/710. The results with the two blinded samples showed that in the first sample, 27 out of the 28 laboratories were able to correctly identify the anti‐HPA‐1a present when using their respective in‐house methods, but only 23 correctly identified the antibody when using the rapid MAIPA method. The results from the second sample, which contained multispecificities, showed that only 50% of the participants correctly identified all five antibodies present using their in‐house method. The results for the rapid MAIPA were lower, with only 32% identifying all specificities. The variability in the reconstitution of the freeze‐dried platelets may have been one of the contributing factors to the poorer results.

Conclusions  The sensitivity of the MR‐MAIPA compared favourably with that of the in‐house methods. Most laboratories were able to identify anti‐HPA‐1a alone in Sample 1 but more than half of the participants were not able to correctly assign the specificity of all HPA antibodies present in the second sample. The usefulness of the panel of freeze‐dried platelets varied considerably between laboratories.
Severe fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia due to anti‐human platelet antigen (HPA)‐1a in a mother with a rare and silenced ITGB3*0101 (GPIIIa) allele
Authors: Smith G. A. , Rankin A. , Riddle C. , Cheetham‐Wilkinson C. , Ranasinghe E. , Ouwehand W. H. , Watkins N. A.
Published: August 2010

Background and Objectives  Fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) is caused by maternal antibodies against a human platelet antigen (HPA) present on fetal, but absent from maternal platelets. We identified and characterized a case of FMAIT due to anti‐HPA‐1a in a mother with an HPA‐1a1b genotype.

Materials and Methods  The first child of a 29‐year‐old mother presented with a petechial rash and a platelet count of 8 × 109 per l. Upon routine serological investigation, a discrepancy between the HPA‐1a genotype and phenotype prompted the sequencing of the 15 exons of the ITGB3 (integrin β3, GPIIIa and CD61) gene in the mother.

Results  The mother was genotypically HPA‐1a1b heterozygous but phenotyped as HPA‐1a negative. Sequencing of the ITGB3 exons confirmed HPA‐1a1b heterozygosity, but also identified a novel single nucleotide insertion in exon 10 leading to a frameshift and premature termination at amino acid 471 of ITGB3. Maternal anti‐HPA‐1a was detected but with a pattern typical for a low‐affinity antibody. Three transfusions of HPA‐1a and ‐5b negative neonatal platelet concentrates were required to return to a safe platelet count.

Conclusion  A rare ITGB3 allele was uncovered by the investigation of a severe case of alloimmune thrombocytopenia in a mother with HPA‐1a antibodies who genotyped as HPA‐1a1b.
Investigation of the thrombin‐generating capacity, evaluated by thrombogram, and clot formation evaluated by thrombelastography of platelets stored in the blood bank for up to 7 days
Authors: Johansson P. I. , Svendsen M. S. , Salado J. , Bochsen L. , Kristensen A. T.
Published: August 2010

Background and Objectives  Transfusion based on the Thrombelastograph (TEG®) results reduces transfusion requirements in cardiac surgery and in liver transplantation. Taking the pivotal role of thrombin generation in the coagulation process into consideration, the clinical utility of the TEG may, in part, depend on its reflection of the dynamics of thrombin generation.

Material and Methods  The kinetics of thrombin generation of platelets stored for 2 and 7 days, respectively, was assessed by calibrated automated thrombogram (CAT) and the lag time (min), time to peak (ttPeak; min), peak (nm thrombin) and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP; nm thrombin*min) were registered. Clot formation was evaluated by TEG and the R time (min), maxial amplitude (MA; mm), time to maximum thrombus generation (TMG; min) and maximum thrombus generation (MTG; dynes cm−2 s−1) and total thrombus generation (TTG; dyne cm−2) were registered.

Results  Platelets become more procoagulant, evaluated both by TEG and CAT during storage. The reduction in CAT lag time and the ttPeak correlated with a decrease in the TEG R time and TMG (P < 0·0001) as did the CAT peak thrombin generation and the TEG MTG (P = 0·0035). No correlation between ETP and TTG was found (P = 0·65).

Conclusion  The kinetics of thrombin generation, as evaluated by CAT, correlates with the thrombus generation, as evaluated by thrombelastography and this may in part explain the clinical utility of the TEG in identifying clinically relevant coagulopathies, secondary to impaired thrombin generation.
Pheromone blends and trap designs can affect catches of Sesamia nonagrioides Lef. (Lep., Noctuidae) males in maize fields
Authors: Ameline A. , Frérot B.
Published: August 2010

Among lepidopteran insects, the female‐produced sex pheromones are the most widely used chemical stimuli for pest management by (i) mating disruption, and (ii) monitoring adult insect populations in agricultural crops. Sesamia nonagrioides is one of the main pests on maize crops around the Mediterranean area and monitoring adult populations with synthetic sex pheromone is of great interest. The technique used involved field trapping with synthetic pheromone blend. The reliability of the technique is directly related to the trap shape and pheromone blends. Universal Moth Trap® (UM trap, Biosyste˘mes, France) and Service Régional de la Protection des Végétaux (SRPV) traps baited with either synthetic pheromone blend or virgin females were evaluated in two commercial maize fields (var.cecilia) (Belleserre, Tarn. France) to determine the potential use of synthetic lures in monitoring S. nonagrioides populations in maize field. The study showed that SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromone blend caught significantly more S. nonagrioides males than UM traps baited with the same blend, indicating the efficiency of the SRPV traps in monitoring field population of S. nonagrioides. The study also showed that the synthetic pheromone‐baited SRPV trap caught three times less adult males than the same traps baited with virgin females indicating that the synthetic blend was less attractive than the natural blend released by virgin females. However, despite the lower number of catches in the SRPV traps baited with synthetic pheromones, there was a significant and positive relationship between the number of catches in SRPV traps baited with the synthetic pheromone and with the females. This result indicates that synthetic pheromones can be used as baits in SRPV traps to monitor S. nonagrioides adult population in commercial maize crops. Nevertheless, to use the synthetic pheromone to monitor S. nonagrioides population effectively in the field, further refinement and improvement of the synthetic blend should be carried out in order to obtain a blend that is equally as attractive as the natural blend released by virgin females.
Premiers résultats sur l’acclimatation d’Ageniaspis citricola Logvinovskaya (Hym., Encyrtidae), parasitoïde spécifique de Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lep., Gracillariidae), en Tunisie
Authors: Chermiti B. , Braham M. , Znaidi M. , Gahbiche H. , Messelmani B. , Dali M. , Messelmani H.
Published: August 2010

First results on releasing experiments of

Ageniaspis citricola Logvinovskaya (Hym., Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of Phyllocnistis citrella Stainton (Lep., Gracillariidae) in Tunisia. Trials were conducted to reduce the population of the citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella in Citrus orchards by releasing the imported specific parasitoid Ageniaspis citricola in Tunisia. Adults of the parasitoid were released in 69 orchards between 1 June and 23 December 1996, corresponding to the two main flushes of Citrus. Results indicate that the parasitoid was established in 27 orchards reaching a maximum percentage of parasitism of 28%. In 1997, A. citricola is established in some Citrus groves proving its real acclimatization in Tunisia, with a maximum percentage of parasitism reaching 45%.
Interspecific competition between Cephalonomia stephanoderis and Prorops nasuta (Hym.,Bethylidae), parasitoids of the coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei (Col., Scolytidae)
Authors: Infante F. , Mumford J. , Baker P. , Barrera J. , Fowler S.
Published: August 2010

The competition between Cephalonomia stephanoderis and Prorops nasuta was studied in the laboratory, using coffee fruits infested with the host of these parasitoids, the coffee berry borer Hypothenemus hampei. Experiments were performed under different conditions, using: (a) three temperatures; (b) five densities of infested coffee fruits; and (c) introducing the parasitoids at different times. The effect of competition was determined according to the production of the progeny. When cultured together at the same time, C. stephanoderis produced in general, more progeny than P. nasuta under conditions of 29°C and alternating temperatures of 18–29°C. Nevertheless, there were significant differences at densities of 1 : 3, fruits : parasitoids (F0.05=8.9; d.f.=1, 12; P < 0.05) and 1 : 5 (F0.05=7.56; d.f.=1, 12; P < 0.05) at 29°C. Under alternating temperatures, there were differences at the same ratios as above in favour of C. stephanoderis, 1 : 3 (F0.05=20.08; d.f.=1, 12; P < 0.05) and 1 : 5 (F0.05=20.21; d.f.=1, 12; P < 0.05). Prorops nasuta was clearly more successful in all densities at 18°C. When C. stephanoderis was introduced 10 days before P. nasuta, the progeny production was markedly higher in eight from 10 densities at temperatures of 29°C and 18–29°C. Despite being introduced 10 days later, P. nasuta showed better performance at 18°C. When P. nasuta was introduced 10 days earlier than C. stephanoderis, there were significant differences in progeny production in favour of P. nasuta in 13 of 15 fruit densities under the three temperatures. Both parasitoids avoided ovipositing on previously parasitized hosts. Aggressive behaviour or interference was not observed when they were outside coffee fruits.
Growth patterns of Microplitis rufiventris (Hym., Braconidae) teratocytes in Spodoptera littoralis (Lep., Noctuidae) larvae treated with a chitin synthesis inhibitor
Authors: Hegazi E. M. , Khafagi W. E.
Published: August 2010

The influence of sublethal dietary levels (0.4 p.p.m.) of a chitin synthesis inhibitor lefenuron {N‐[2,5‐dichloro‐4‐(1,1,2,3,3,3‐hexafluoropropoxy)‐phenylaminocarbonyl]‐2,6‐difluorobenzamide} on the development of Microplitis rufiventris teratocytes was investigated. Observations and data were taken on maturing teratocytes, i.e. at the end of parasitoid development. When embryogenesis of the parasitoid eggs was initiated in treated hosts, the dissociated cells of the embryonic membrane of some of the parasitoid larvae did not liberate in the haemolymph of the host, whereas in the other hosts, the released ones as individual cells scored the largest mean number per host larva. When young teratocytes were exposed to the treatment they were found in some cases clumping in masses or clustered around the parasitoid larvae. In treated hosts, different size classes of teratocytes co‐existed. Larger and morphological abnormal cells were more common in hosts which contained older teratocytes at the time of treatments. Abnormal teratocytes were associated with developmental abnormalities of parasitoid larvae, possibly due to deterioration of the host environment. This observation was common in treated hosts and in few cases of untreated ones. A significant decrease in teratocyte size occurred 24 h after parasitoid emergence. Observations and results obtained in the present work suggested that: (1) teratocyte may function in controlling the growth and successful development of parasitoid larvae; (2) they might have a protective function through sequestering abnormal materials issuing in the haemolymph of the host either during the course of parasitoid development or due to external stress; and (3) number of teratocyte cells liberated from the embryonic membrane of parasitoid egg is not constant.
Effects of plant extracts on fecundity and fertility of mosquitoes
Authors: Muthukrishnan J. , Pushpalatha E.
Published: August 2010

Rearing of Culex quinquefasciatus, Anopheles stephensi and Aedes aegypti larvae in water at concentrations less than the critical concentration for inhibition of adult emergence in 50% of treated larvae (EC50) of the ethyl acetate fractions of Calophyllum inophyllum seed and leaf, Solanum suratense and Samadera indica leaf extracts and the petrol ether fraction of Rhinocanthus nasutus leaf extract, from hatching to emergence significantly decreased the fecundity of the mosquitoes and the hatchability of their eggs. At the highest concentration of 50% EC50 of the extracts, the decrease in the fecundity over the control ranged between 62.4 and 87.4%. Sterility index of the mosquitoes reared in the media with the different extracts at this concentration ranged between 82.8 and 93.3%.
Study of the relationship between sex pheromone trap catches of Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schiff.) (Lep., Tortricidae) and the accumulation of degree‐days in Sherry vineyards (SW of Spain)
Authors: Del Tío R. , Martínez J. L. , Ocete R. , Ocete M. E.
Published: August 2010

The relationship between temperature accumulations and pheromone trap captures of the males of Lobesia botrana (Den. & Schiff.) (Lep., Tortricidae) in the Sherry vineyards (SW of Spain) presents a statistically acceptable linear behaviour through conveniently transforming the variables. Data series ranging from 1990 to 1995 were used to compute the linear correlations. The reliability of the forecasts based on the resulting log‐probit lines have shown to be acceptable in order to be considered as an useful tool to improve the effectiveness of the integrated pest management in the area.
Bioassay approaches to observing behavioural responses of adult female Cydia molesta to host plant odour
Authors: Natale D. , Mattiacci L. , Hern A. , Pasqualini E. , Dorn S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Three different olfactometers were evaluated in order to develop a bioassay procedure testing for the olfactory responses of Cydia molesta. Females were tested individually using a linear and a Y‐tube olfactometer, and in groups using a dual‐choice arena. Room temperature, relative humidity, light intensity, airflow, age of the moths and odour source were kept constant during experiments. The odour source tested was a green shoot of peach excised 10 min before experiments started. Cydia molesta females showed a significant response to this plant odour in all olfactometers. A number of qualitative aspects were found to be in favour of the dual choice arena as a tool for screening potentially attractive odour sources. It allowed for a differentiation of the response of mated and virgin females. Experimental conditions allowed the circadian rhythm of insects to be mimicked. Manipulation of individuals is reduced and flight is not precluded.
Compatibility of a natural enemy, Coleomegilla maculata lengi (Col., Coccinellidae) and four insecticides used against the Colorado potato beetle (Col., Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Lucas É. , Giroux S. , Demougeot S. , Duchesne R.‐M. , Coderre D.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:   The toxicity of four insecticides used to control the Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), imidacloprid (Admire®), cryolite (Kryocide®), cyromazine (Trigard®), and Bacillus thuringiensis var. tenebrionis (Novodor®), to one of its natural enemies, the 12‐spotted lady beetle, Coleomegilla maculata lengi Timberlake (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) was determined in the laboratory. Toxicity assays against C. maculata adults and larvae consisted of (1) topical applications and (2) exposures to treated foliage and prey, using concentrations up to 10 times the manufacturer's recommendations. Over a 6‐day period, cyromazine (insect growth regulator) and B. t. var. tenebrionis (microbial insecticide) had no lethal effects on first and third instars C. maculata. For both larval and adult stages, cryolite (inorganic insecticide) caused very low predator mortality when topically applied and moderate mortality when ingested through contaminated eggs of Colorado potato beetles. Imidacloprid (systemic organic insecticide) was highly toxic to adult and larval C. maculata. Its estimated LD50 at 6 days following treatment, corresponded to 0.02–0.09 times the recommended field concentration, depending on the developmental stage and mode of contamination. These results indicate that integrated pest management programmes for Colorado potato beetles using imidacloprid or, to a lesser degree, cryolite, would be detrimental to C. maculata. Cyromazine and B. t. var. tenebrionis seem to present a better compatibility with the protection of C. maculata populations.
An index model on predatory effect of female adults of Coccinella septempunctata L. on Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas
Authors: Deligeorgidis P. N. , Ipsilandis C. G. , Kaltsoudas G. , Sidiropoulos G.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The predatory effect of female adults of Coccinella septempunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) on aphid Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) was examined under laboratory conditions, in controlled environmental chambers. This study took place on single rose leaves in transparent small plastic cages at varying proportions of predator/number of aphids. Coccinella septempunctata proved to be an effective predator for the biological control of M. euphorbiae under controlled conditions in closed environments. It is proposed to use starved adult females of C. septempunctata in biological control programmes in greenhouses, as a specialized predator of M. euphorbiae in proportions near 1 : 35 predator/aphids. The percentage of aphids that may escape was correlated to the hunger satiation of the predator and the total number of aphids, and the theoretical models describing the predator's behaviour under controlled conditions were defined.
Susceptibility of various developmental stages of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky (Col., Curculionidae) to methyl iodide in brown rice
Authors: Faruki S. I. , Miyanoshita A. , Takahashi K. , Misumi T. , Imamura T. , Naito H. , Goto M. , Soma Y.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The efficacy of methyl iodide (MI) as a fumigant against all developmental stages of the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motsch. was investigated. Tests were conducted with concentrations of 1.5, 1.8, 2.1, 2.4, 2.7 and 3.0 mg/l, for a 6‐h exposure period. Values of LC50, LC95 and LC99 of MI for immatures and adult stages were determined. The present laboratory tests showed that MI was toxic to various life stages of S. zeamais at relatively short exposure periods. At the LC50 and LC95 levels, the most susceptible stage was the egg stage followed by larvae, pupae and adults (1‐day mortality). The egg was found to be most susceptible to MI, requiring 0.81 and 2.16 mg/l for 50 and 99% mortality, respectively, while the adult was most tolerant, requiring 2.30 and 3.02 mg/l for 50 and 99% mortality, respectively, based on 1‐day mortality count. Pupae were less susceptible to MI than egg and larvae, requiring 1.47 and 3.19 mg/l for 50 and 99% mortality, respectively. Based on the present toxicity tests, MI has the potential for use as a fumigant to control all developmental stages of the maize weevil, S. zeamais.
Winter and spring abundance of Frankliniella spp. and Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Thysan., Thripidae) on weed host plants in Turkey
Authors: Atakan E. , Uygur S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The species composition of thrips and abundance of three pestiferous thrips species, Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande), Thrips tabaci Lindeman and Frankliniella intonsa (Trybom) (Thysan., Thripidae) on weed species during winter and spring time were studied in vegetable production and polycultured areas in the eastern Mediterranean region of Turkey in years 2002 and 2003. Of a total of 61 543 thrips extracted from 8933 samples collected, 77% were adults. F. occidentalis was collected from all of 49 weed species sampled and F. intonsa was detected on 18 plant species between May and June. T. tabaci was collected from 42 of a total of 49 weed species. Immature thrips were extracted from 42 of a total of 49 weed species. Four weed species of a total 35 weed species sampled between April and May in the sampling areas hosted 63% of larvae and approximately 50% of F. occidentalis collected. A total of 23 thrips species was recorded from weeds sampled in this study. F. occidentalis accounted for 83% of a total 47 640 adult thrips collected and followed by low rates of T. tabaci and F. intonsa (9 and 1%, respectively). Melanthrips spp. accounted for 3.54% of total numbers of adult thrips. Flower‐inhabiting thrips species and T. tabaci were most abundant on weeds between April and May when the number of weed species in bloom was greatest, then decreased to low levels after May. Most pestiferous thrips on weeds species were collected from vegetable production areas. F. occidentalis was the predominant thrips comprising over 80% in most months in the vegetable grown area. In polycultured area, the composition of adult thrips shifted monthly. While Melanthrips was the more prevailing thrips by rates 53% in February and 81% in March, F. occidentalis was the predominant thrips with 60 to 62% in spring, respectively.
Effect of the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin on the green peach aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer)
Authors: Le‐Feuvre R. R. , Ramírez C. C. , Olea N. , Meza‐Basso L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  The green‐peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (Hem., Aphididae), is a major agricultural pest of a wide range of host plants, causing damage by feeding and indirectly by transmitting viruses. In this study we tested the effect of the antimicrobial peptide indolicidin on M. persicae survival and on its essential bacterial endosymbionts. Artificial diet bioassays showed a significant dose‐dependent lethal response of indolicidin on M. persicae survival (LD50 of 209 ± 60 μg/ml). Histological analysis of indolicidin‐treated aphids revealed a lower number of distorted mycetocytes, whereas control aphids showed abundant number of rounded and filled mycetocytes. These results suggest that aphid survival could be affected via reduction of its endosymbionts. Thus, aphid control based on antimicrobial substances against endosymbionts could be a promising strategy that needs to be further explored.
Evaluation of Serangium n. sp. (Col., Coccinellidae), a predator of Bemisia tabaci (Hom., Aleyrodidae) on cassava
Authors: Asiimwe P. , Ecaat J. S. , Guershon M. , Kyamanywa S. , Gerling D. , Legg J. P.
Published: August 2010

Abstract  The potential of a new, previously unidentified Serangium species (Col., Coccinellidae) to control the high Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hom., Aleyrodidae) populations on cassava was evaluated. Field and laboratory studies were carried out to determine the abundance and feeding capacity of this Serangium species feeding on B. tabaci on cassava. Serangium nymphs and adults were most abundant in cassava fields late in the season, rising sharply from 5 months after planting (MAP) to a peak at 7–8 MAP. Pre‐imaginal development averaged 21.2 days and was longest in eggs and shortest in the L1 instar. Mean total prey consumption of immature Serangium increased with the stage of development with the lowest consumption in the L1 instar and highest in the L4 instar. Mean daily consumption was lowest on the first day after hatching in the L1 instar and rose to a peak on the 13th day after hatching in the L4 instar. Each Serangium larva consumed a mean of over 1000 nymphs during its entire development. These results have demonstrated the potential of this Serangium species to control B. tabaci populations on cassava.
Potential of Beauveria bassiana (Hyphomycetes: Moniliales) for controlling the white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi (Col., Curculionidae)
Authors: Trudel R. , Lavallée R. , Guertin C. , Côté C. , Todorova S. I. , Alfaro R. , Kope H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract:  Studies were conducted under laboratory conditions to document the potential of Beauveria bassiana conidia applications for controlling the white pine weevil, Pissodes strobi (Peck). A screening test including six B. bassiana isolates allowed us to demonstrate that CFL (Centre de Foresterie des Laurentides) and IP‐CPB (Île Perrault‐charançon du pin blanc) were the most virulent isolates among the ones tested, with percentages of mortality after 3 weeks of 73% and 85.5%, respectively. These two B. basiana isolates were applied either onto soil or branch sections to compare the effectiveness of these potential control strategies. Greater than 75% mortality was observed within 3 weeks for both modes of application using suspensions of B. bassiana at a concentration of 1.0 × 108 (soil application) and 1.0 × 109 conidia/ml (branch application). The results demonstrate for the first time that B. bassiana is an effective entomopathogen against P. strobi.