bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution, host range, and climatic constraints on Centistes gasseni (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), a South American parasitoid of cucumber beetles, Diabrotica spp. (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Walsh G. Cabrera , Athanas M.M. , Salles L.A.B. , Schroder R.F.W. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe genus Diabrotica includes a large number of pest species, including some of the most important crop pests of the Americas. The parasitoid Centistes gasseni Shaw is the first braconid to be described parasitizing Diabrotica in South America, and high natural infestations are reported. Field and experimental observations on the host range, distribution and biology of this parasitoid are described. Centistes gasseni was collected in southern Brazil, eastern Paraguay and northeastern Argentina, in a region comprising humid lowlands and highlands, and cool temperate to warm subtropical climates, with regular rainfall in excess of 1300 mm. Three Diabrotica species, D. limitata (Sahlberg), D. speciosa (Germar) and D. viridula (Fabricius) were found to host the parasitoid, with mean percent parasitism of 5.4, 2.0 and 1.0%, respectively. Diabrotica speciosa and D. viridula are the two most important pest Diabrotica species in South America. Laboratory experiments with field-collected beetles and parasitoid cocoons indicated that C. gasseni overwinters in adult host beetles, remaining dormant in its live host below developmental temperatures. A potential distribution of C. gasseni in North America is proposed based on its known climatic range and the distribution of the main pest species of adult overwintering North American Diabrotica.
Basic biology and small-scale rearing ofCelatoria compressa(Diptera: Tachinidae), a parasitoid ofDiabrotica virgifera virgifera(Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)
Authors: Zhang F. , Toepfer S. , Kuhlmann U. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThe tachinidCelatoria compressaWulp has been evaluated as a candidate biological control agent for the western corn rootworm,Diabrotica virgifera virgiferaLeConte, in Europe, where it is an invasive alien pest of maize. Special emphasis has been placed on understanding aspects of the parasitoid basic biology and on developing a rearing technique for a small-scale production ofC. compressapuparia. The age ofC. compressaadults was found to be the most crucial factor in achieving mating. Only newly emerged, 1-h-old females, mated successfully with 2- to 5-day-old males, achieving a success rate of 74%. After mating, a prelarviposition period of 4 days occurred. The 5-day-oldC. compressafemales inserted their eggs containing fully-developed first instars directly into adults ofD. v. virgifera. Total larval and pupal developmental time, including a pre-larviposition period of 4 days, was 29 days under quarantine laboratory conditions (25°C daytime, 15°C at night, L:D 14:10, 50% ± 10% r.h). Females ofC. compressawere capable of producing on average 30 puparia throughout a female’s mean larviposition period of 15 days. A large number of host attacks byC. compressawere unsuccessful, resulting in a mean larviposition success rate of 24% per female. Parasitoid females appear to have difficulties inserting the egg through the intersegmental sutures or membranes around leg openings of the host adults. Although the small-scale rearing technique ofC. compressapresented is both time and labour intensive,C. compressahas been reared successfully for at least 20 successive generations without shifting the 1 male: 1 female sex ratio using a non-diapause strain ofD. v. virgifera.
A morphological study of the Anopheles punctulatus group (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Solomon Islands, with a description of Anopheles (Cellia) irenicus Schmidt, sp.n.
Authors: Schmidt E.R. , Foley D.H. , Bugoro H. , Bryan J.H. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractA description of Anopheles (Cellia) irenicus Schmidt, sp.n. (formerly A. farauti No. 7) is provided. This species is one of six recorded from the Solomon Islands within the A. punctulatus group, which contains the major vectors of the causative agents of malaria and lymphatic filariasis in the southwest Pacific. Morphological markers are described for adult females, fourth-instar larvae and pupae that identify most specimens of A. irenicus. Keys are presented to distinguish members of the A. punctulatus group in the Solomon Islands.
Intraguild predation among ladybeetles and a green lacewing: do the larval spines of Curinus coeruleus(Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) serve a defensive function?
Authors: Michaud J.P. , Grant A.K. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractLaboratory experiments examined interspecific interactions between larvae of three coccinellid species, Curinus coeruleus Mulsant (Chilocorinae), Harmonia axyridis Pallas and Olla v-nigrum (Mulsant) (Coccinellinae), and between these and larvae of the green lacewing, Chrysoperla rufilabris (Burmeister). Larvae of C. coeruleus, although defended on their dorsal surface with long spines, had the smallest mandibles, were the slowest-moving, and the least successful in interspecific larval combat. The long spines of third instar C. coeruleusappeared to reduce their palatability as food to H. axyridis and O. v-nigrum larvae in choice tests with dead larvae, but were not an effective defence against these species in Petri dish arenas. Larvae of O. v-nigrum had a smooth dorsal surface, were intermediate in terms of mandible size, but were the fastest moving, a trait that benefited their survival in intraguild combat. Larvae of H. axyridis were intermediate with respect to dorsal spines and speed of movement, but had the largest mandibles. This species was the most effective intraguild combatant among the coccinellids and the only one to successfully compete against C. rufilabris larvae of similar age. The speed, manoeuverability and long mandibles of C. rufilabris enabled them to impale coccinellid larvae at a relatively safe distance. The spines of C. coeruleus larvae impeded laterally oriented attacks by C. rufilabris, but did not provide sustained protection from repeated attacks. Success in these interactions appeared largely a function of offensive weaponry (mandible size and morphology) and speed of movement, although the role of dorsal spines as defensive structures was not ruled out. Rates of larval cannibalism were highest for C. rufilabris and largely mirrored the level of aggression observed in interspecific combat for each species.
Food-plant effects on larval performance do not translate into differences in fitness between populations of Panolis flammea (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Vanbergen A.J. , Hodgson D.J. , Thurlow M. , Hartley S.E. , Watt A.D. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn the UK, Panolis flammea (Denis & Schiffermüller) is a pest of monocultures of non-native lodgepole pine Pinus contorta Douglas, but not of the indigenous host Scots pine P. sylvestrisL. This difference in population dynamics may be due to the adaptation of P. flammea populations to the phenology, chemical composition and natural enemy complement of lodgepole pine. To ascertain if there was local adaptation of P. flammea populations to lodgepole pine, this study tested for improved performance of both larvae and adults on the host plant species from which they were sourced, compared with their performance on the alternative host plant species. No difference was found in the relative mean performance of populations sourced from Scots pine or lodgepole pine plantations, when fed on Scots or lodgepole pine foliage. Larvae grew faster on Scots pine but this difference did not translate into differences in pupal weight, female body weight or fecundity. Indeed, those insects that had fed on lodgepole pine had a longer lifespan than those that had fed on Scots pine, which, if translated into greater probability of mating or higher fecundity, could contribute to the observed outbreak dynamics in the field. The prediction that the observed outbreak dynamics of P. flammea can be explained by the existence of populations locally adapted to lodgepole pine was not supported. These results cast doubt on the use of larval growth parameters as surrogates of fitness in Lepidoptera.
Changes in genotypic composition of Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on tobacco during the past two decades in Japan
Authors: Shigehara T. , Takada H. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractNinety-nine and 476 clones of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) were sampled on tobacco at Kyoto (Shimogamo) (1996–2000) and at 23 other localities (1998–1999) in Japan, respectively. The clones were classified into colour-esterase forms, distinguished by combinations of body colour and electrophoretically detectable esterases, to verify the changes in genotypic composition during the past two decades. Fifteen and 31 colour-esterase forms were found at Kyoto (Shimogamo) and at 23 other localities, respectively. Fourteen (representing c. 95% of the total clones sampled) and 24 (c. 44%) colour-esterase forms, respectively, were different from those found on tobacco during 1978–1985. The frequency of the green form and the very highly insecticide-resistant form increased. More than half of the colour-esterase forms found in the present survey were newly detected. The factors associated with these changes are discussed.
Chromium and insulin resistance
Authors: Anderson Richard A. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractInsulin resistance leads to the inability of insulin to control the utilization and storage of glucose. It is associated initially with elevated levels of circulating insulin followed by glucose intolerance which may progress to type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension, obesity and cardiovascular diseases. While the causes of these diseases are multifactorial, one nutrient that is associated with all of these abnormalities is Cr. In the presence of Cr, in a biologically active form, much lower levels of insulin are required. Modern diets, which are often high in refined carbohydrates, are not only low in Cr, but lead to enhanced Cr losses. In response to the consumption of refined carbohydrates, there is a rapid rise in blood sugar leading to elevations in insulin that cause a mobilization of Cr. Once mobilized, Cr is not reabsorbed but lost via the urine leading to decreased Cr stores. Several studies involving both human subjects and experimental animals have reported improvements in insulin sensitivity, blood glucose, insulin, lipids, haemoglobin A1c, lean body mass and related variables in response to improved Cr nutrition. However, not all studies have reported beneficial effects associated with improved Cr nutrition. Well–controlled human studies are needed to document an unequivocal effect of Cr on insulin sensitivity in human subjects. Studies need to involve a significant number of subjects with insulin resistance, glucose intolerance or early stages of diabetes, who have not been taking supplements containing Cr for at least 4 months, and involve at least 400 to 600 μg supplemental Cr daily or more. Studies should be at least 4 months to document sustained effects of supplemental Cr on insulin resistance and related variables. Cr is a nutrient and not a therapeutic agent and therefore will only be of benefit to those whose problems are due to suboptimal intake of Cr.
Thiamin deficiency and brain disorders
Authors: Butterworth Roger F. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractThiamin plays a key role in the maintenance of brain function. Thiamin diphosphate is cofactor for several enzymes involved in glucose metabolism whereas thiamin triphosphate has distinct properties at the neuronal membrane. Thiamin metabolism in the brain is compartmented between neurons and neighbouring glial cells. Thiamin deficiency is commonly encountered in severe malnutrition associated with chronic alcoholism, HIV–AIDS and gastrointestinal disease where it frequently results in Wernicke's encephalopathy (the Wernicke–Korsakoff syndrome). Wernicke's encephalopathy is severely underdiagnosed according to clinical criteria in both alcoholic and HIV–AIDS patients. Magnetic resonance imaging reveals bilateral ventricular enlargement, mammillary body atrophy and cerebellar degeneration indicative of selective neuronal loss that is characteristic of Wernicke's encephalopathy. Several mechanisms have been proposed to explain this selective loss of neurons including a cerebral energy deficit resulting from reductions in activity of thiamin diphosphate-dependent enzymes, oxidative stress and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity. Both microglia and perivascular endothelial cells are sources of NO and oxidative stress in thiamin deficiency. Decreased activities of thiamin diphosphate-dependent enzymes (in particular α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase) have also been reported in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases independent of patient malnutrition. In these cases, decreased activities result from direct toxic actions of oxidative stress and β-amyloid produced as part of the neuronal cell death cascade in these disorders.
The impact of low concentrations of aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol or fumonisin in diets on growing pigs and poultry
Authors: Dersjant-Li Yueming , Verstegen Martin W.A. , Gerrits Walter J.J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractIn the present review, the quantitative impact of dietary aflatoxin, deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin concentrations on performance of pigs and broilers is evaluated, with special emphasis on low concentrations of these toxins. Also, responses in performance of pigs and broilers to these three toxins are related to their absorption and elimination kinetics. By applying simple linear regression, information from many literature sources is integrated and condensed into, for example, estimates of depression in rates of weight gain, relative to non-contaminated diets, with increasing toxin concentrations. It was estimated that with each mg/kg increase of aflatoxin in the diet, the growth rate would be depressed by 16 % for pigs and 5 % for broilers. For DON, with each mg/kg increase in the diet, the growth depression was estimated at about 8 % for pigs, while broilers showed no response to DON concentrations below 16 mg/kg. Fumonisin showed the lowest impact on growth performance; with each mg/kg increase, the depression in growth rate was estimated at 0·4 and 0·0 % for pigs and broilers, respectively. Dietary concentrations that cause a 5 % reduction in growth rate were estimated at 0·3 and 1·0 mg/kg for aflatoxin for pigs and broilers, respectively; 1·8 and 0·6 mg/kg for pure and naturally contaminated DON for pigs, respectively; 21 and 251 mg/kg for fumonisin for pigs and broilers, respectively.
Nano-biotechnology: carbon nanofibres as improved neural
and orthopaedic implants
Authors: Webster Thomas J , Waid Michael C , McKenzie Janice L , Price Rachel L , Ejiofor Jeremiah U 
Published: January 2004

For the continuous monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of neural tissue, implantable
probes are required. However, sometimes such neural probes (usually composed of
silicon) become encapsulated with non-conductive, undesirable glial scar tissue.
Similarly for orthopaedic implants, biomaterials (usually titanium and/or titanium
alloys) often become encapsulated with undesirable soft fibrous, not hard bony,
tissue. Although possessing intriguing electrical and mechanical properties for
neural and orthopaedic applications, carbon nanofibres/nanotubes have not been widely
considered for these applications to date. The present work developed a carbon
nanofibre reinforced polycarbonate urethane (PU) composite in an attempt to determine
the possibility of using carbon nanofibres (CNs) as either neural or orthopaedic
prosthetic devices. Electrical and mechanical characterization studies determined
that such composites have properties suitable for neural and orthopaedic
applications. More importantly, cell adhesion experiments revealed for the first time
the promise these materials have to increase neural (nerve cell) and osteoblast
(bone-forming cell) functions. In contrast, functions of cells that contribute to
glial scar-tissue formation for neural prostheses (astrocytes) and fibrous-tissue
encapsulation events for bone implants (fibroblasts) decreased on PU composites
containing increasing amounts of CNs. In this manner, this study provided the first
evidence of the future that CN formulations may have towards interacting with neural
and bone cells which is important for the design of successful neural probes and
orthopaedic implants, respectively.
Please, Marry Me! An Experimental Study of Risking a Joint Venture
Authors: Güth Werner , Ivanova‐Stenzel Radosveta , Tjotta Sigve 
Published: January 2004

ABSTRACTEmpirical studies in family economics usually rely on questionnaires, statistical data or panel data. Here we try to study experimentally some crucial aspects of engaging in a marriage. The female partner can end the relationship or suggest one of two forms of joint venture where more labor division makes her more exploitable by her partner. More specifically, the random profit of the joint venture is allocated by ultimatum bargaining in the case of a full engagement whereas marriage bargaining is procedurally fair in the case of a low engagement. Our treatment variables are her and his outside options representing different attitudes to investing in human capital.
Uncertainty and Endogenous Selection of Economic Equilibria
Authors: Scaramozzino Pasquale , Vulkan Nir 
Published: January 2004

ABSTRACTThis paper presents a model of coordination failures based on market power and local oligopoly. The economy exhibits a multiplicity of Pareto‐ranked equilibria. The introduction of uncertainty generates an endogenous equilibrium selection process, due to a strategic use of information by firms. The economy is more likely to settle on some equilibria than on others. We argue that a full understanding of these robustness criteria is needed before any policy which is intended to help coordinate the level of activity to a Pareto‐dominant outcome can be successfully implemented.
The Temporal Single‐system Interpretation of Marx's Economics: A Critical Evaluation
Authors: Veneziani Roberto 
Published: January 2004

ABSTRACTThe temporal single‐system (TSS) quantitative approach to Marx's economics is analysed. It is shown that TSS models lack a clear equilibrium concept and a coherent (dis)equilibrium methodology, and that Marx's propositions on value and exploitation are tautologically obtained (i) by constructing a money costs theory of value, where by assumption values are equal to market prices, apart possibly from short‐run deviations; and (ii) by arbitrarily assuming that the undefined monetary expression of labour time is positive. In general, the shortcomings of the analytical framework make TSS claims, including the proofs of the law of the tendential fall in the profit rate, unwarranted.
Expression of transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐beta 1) in odontogenic cysts
Authors: Piattelli A. , Rubini C. , Fioroni M. , Favero L. , Strocchi R. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAim  To evaluate the positivity to transforming growth factor‐beta 1 (TGF‐beta 1) in different types of odontogenic cysts.Methodology  A total of 30 radicular cysts (RCs), 27 follicular cysts (FCs) and 28 odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs) were evaluated for immunohistochemical analysis of TGF‐beta 1. TGF‐beta 1 was evaluated in blood vessels, stromal cells (fibroblasts) and pluristratified squamous epithelium. TGF‐beta 1 expression was determined by evaluating the number of positive elements. TGF‐beta 1 expression was determined by evaluating 1000 cells in the pluristratified squamous epithelium (500 in the basal and parabasal layers, and 500 in the superficial layer) and 500 cells (the fibroblasts in the stroma) for each specimen, and counting the number of positive cells. The number of positive vessels was evaluated in 10 high power fields (HPF). The Chi‐square test was used to evaluate differences between the two groups (RC + FC and OKC). A P‐value <0.05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.Results  A higher and statistically significant positivity was found in the basal–suprabasal epithelial layers (P = 0.0011), superficial epithelium (P = 0.053) and stromal cells (P = 0.0002) of orthokeratotic and parakeratotic OKC as compared with RC and FC.Conclusions  These differences suggest that control of the cell cycle may be abnormal in orthokeratotic OKCs. These OKCs may have an intrinsic growth potential not present in other cyst types.
Dissolution of pulp tissue by aqueous solution of chlorhexidine digluconate and chlorhexidine digluconate gel
Authors: Okino L. A. , Siqueira E. L. , Santos M. , Bombana A. C. , Figueiredo J. A. P. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAim  To evaluate the activity of various root canal irrigants on bovine pulp tissue.Methodology  The irrigants tested were: 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite; 2% aqueous solution of chlorhexidine digluconate; 2% chlorhexidine digluconate gel (Natrosol™); and distilled water as control. Bovine pulp fragments were weighed and placed in contact with 20 mL of each tested substance in a centrifuge at 150 r.p.m. until total dissolution. Dissolution speed was calculated by dividing pulp weight by dissolution time. Statistical analysis was performed using the Kruskal–Wallis test.Results  Distilled water and both solutions of chlorhexidine did not dissolve the pulp tissue within 6 h. Mean dissolution speeds for 0.5, 1.0 and 2.5% sodium hypochlorite solutions were 0.31, 0.43 and 0.55 mg min−1, respectively. The solvent ability of chlorhexidine solutions was similar to that of distilled water. The results for sodium hypochlorite solutions, chlorhexidine solutions and distilled water were statistically different (P > 0.01).Conclusions  Both chlorhexidine preparations and distilled water were not able to dissolve pulp tissue. All sodium hypochlorite solutions were efficient in dissolving pulp tissue; the dissolution speed varied with the concentration of the solution.
Resolution of persistent periapical infection by endodontic surgery
Authors: Ferreira F. B. A. , Ferreira A. L. , Gomes B. P. F. A. , Souza‐Filho F. J. 
Published: January 2004

AbstractAim  To examine the surfaces of a root tip removed during surgical endodontic treatment for the presence of microorganisms.Summary  The present clinical case illustrates an endodontic retreatment of a maxillary premolar tooth with a fistula and periapical reaction. The case was under treatment for 1 year, during which an intracanal medicament was replaced several times. As the lesion did not decrease and exudate was persistent through the fistula and root canal, root end resection with root end filling was performed. Microbiological samples were collected from the fistula, where Propionibacterium acnes, a species associated with endodontic failures, was detected by appropriate anaerobic technique. The resected root apex was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed cocci and fungal forms surrounding one of the foramina. After 12 months, the periapical lesion had reduced.Key learning points

Persistent extraradicular infections are not affected by the action of antimicrobial agents such as irrigants and medicaments used during root canal treatment.
Apical surgery is a suitable alternative for definitive removal of an established refractory infection, promoting repair of difficult cases.