498 research outputs found

    Non-Gaussian states for continuous variable quantum computation via Gaussian maps

    Get PDF
    We investigate non-Gaussian states of light as ancillary inputs for generating nonlinear transformations required for quantum computing with continuous variables. We consider a recent proposal for preparing a cubic phase state, find the exact form of the prepared state and perform a detailed comparison to the ideal cubic phase state. We thereby identify the main challenges to preparing an ideal cubic phase state and describe the gates implemented with the non-ideal prepared state. We also find the general form of operations that can be implemented with ancilla Fock states, together with Gaussian input states, linear optics and squeezing transformations, and homodyne detection with feed forward, and discuss the feasibility of continuous variable quantum computing using ancilla Fock states.Comment: 8 pages, 6 figure

    Cross validation of bi-modal health-related stress assessment

    Get PDF
    This study explores the feasibility of objective and ubiquitous stress assessment. 25 post-traumatic stress disorder patients participated in a controlled storytelling (ST) study and an ecologically valid reliving (RL) study. The two studies were meant to represent an early and a late therapy session, and each consisted of a "happy" and a "stress triggering" part. Two instruments were chosen to assess the stress level of the patients at various point in time during therapy: (i) speech, used as an objective and ubiquitous stress indicator and (ii) the subjective unit of distress (SUD), a clinically validated Likert scale. In total, 13 statistical parameters were derived from each of five speech features: amplitude, zero-crossings, power, high-frequency power, and pitch. To model the emotional state of the patients, 28 parameters were selected from this set by means of a linear regression model and, subsequently, compressed into 11 principal components. The SUD and speech model were cross-validated, using 3 machine learning algorithms. Between 90% (2 SUD levels) and 39% (10 SUD levels) correct classification was achieved. The two sessions could be discriminated in 89% (for ST) and 77% (for RL) of the cases. This report fills a gap between laboratory and clinical studies, and its results emphasize the usefulness of Computer Aided Diagnostics (CAD) for mental health care

    Distribution and Abundance of Parasites of the Rhodesgrass Mealybug, Antonina graminis: Reassessment of a Classic Example of Biological Control in the Southeastern United States

    Get PDF
    Control of the rhodesgrass mealybug, Antonina graminis Maskell (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), by the encyrtid wasp Neodusmetia sangwani is considered a textbook example of classical biological control. However, recent evidence suggests that A. graminis is abundant in the southeastern United States and no recent surveys have been conducted to determine the status of N. sangwani or other A. graminis parasites. A survey was conducted and it was found that N. sangwani was uncommon overall, occurring at only 20 percent of survey sites. In addition, N. sangwani exhibited a patchy geographic distribution. Possible causes for these results are that N. sangwani has not dispersed widely since its introduction, or that the imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, is interfering with biological control. These results suggest that a reevaluation of the efficacy of biological control may be necessary. The survey also found two other encyrtid wasps utilizing A. graminis as a host. One, Acerophagus sp., is apparently native and was nearly as frequent as N. sangwani, while the other, Pseudectroma sp., is apparently introduced and relatively rare

    Evaluation of the current knowledge limitations in breast cancer research: a gap analysis

    Get PDF
    BACKGROUND A gap analysis was conducted to determine which areas of breast cancer research, if targeted by researchers and funding bodies, could produce the greatest impact on patients. METHODS Fifty-six Breast Cancer Campaign grant holders and prominent UK breast cancer researchers participated in a gap analysis of current breast cancer research. Before, during and following the meeting, groups in seven key research areas participated in cycles of presentation, literature review and discussion. Summary papers were prepared by each group and collated into this position paper highlighting the research gaps, with recommendations for action. RESULTS Gaps were identified in all seven themes. General barriers to progress were lack of financial and practical resources, and poor collaboration between disciplines. Critical gaps in each theme included: (1) genetics (knowledge of genetic changes, their effects and interactions); (2) initiation of breast cancer (how developmental signalling pathways cause ductal elongation and branching at the cellular level and influence stem cell dynamics, and how their disruption initiates tumour formation); (3) progression of breast cancer (deciphering the intracellular and extracellular regulators of early progression, tumour growth, angiogenesis and metastasis); (4) therapies and targets (understanding who develops advanced disease); (5) disease markers (incorporating intelligent trial design into all studies to ensure new treatments are tested in patient groups stratified using biomarkers); (6) prevention (strategies to prevent oestrogen-receptor negative tumours and the long-term effects of chemoprevention for oestrogen-receptor positive tumours); (7) psychosocial aspects of cancer (the use of appropriate psychosocial interventions, and the personal impact of all stages of the disease among patients from a range of ethnic and demographic backgrounds). CONCLUSION Through recommendations to address these gaps with future research, the long-term benefits to patients will include: better estimation of risk in families with breast cancer and strategies to reduce risk; better prediction of drug response and patient prognosis; improved tailoring of treatments to patient subgroups and development of new therapeutic approaches; earlier initiation of treatment; more effective use of resources for screening populations; and an enhanced experience for people with or at risk of breast cancer and their families. The challenge to funding bodies and researchers in all disciplines is to focus on these gaps and to drive advances in knowledge into improvements in patient care

    The Cosmological Constant

    Get PDF
    This is a review of the physics and cosmology of the cosmological constant. Focusing on recent developments, I present a pedagogical overview of cosmology in the presence of a cosmological constant, observational constraints on its magnitude, and the physics of a small (and potentially nonzero) vacuum energy.Comment: 50 pages. Submitted to Living Reviews in Relativity (http://www.livingreviews.org/), December 199

    Leucine-enriched protein feeding does not impair exercise-induced free fatty acid availability and lipid oxidation: beneficial implications for training in carbohydrate-restricted states

    Get PDF
    Given that the enhanced oxidative adaptations observed when training in carbohydrate (CHO) restricted states are potentially regulated through free fatty acid (FFA) mediated signalling and that leucine rich protein elevates muscle protein synthesis, the present study aimed to test the hypothesis that leucine enriched protein feeding enhances circulating leucine concentration but does not impair FFA availability nor whole body lipid oxidation 56 during exercise. Nine males cycled for 2 h at 70% VO2peak when fasted (PLACEBO) or having consumed a whey protein solution (WHEY) or a leucine enriched whey protein gel (GEL), administered as 22 g 1 hour pre-exercise, 11 g/h during and 22 g thirty minutes post-exercise. Total leucine administration was 14.4 g and 6.3 in GEL and WHEY, respectively. Mean plasma leucine concentrations were elevated in GEL (P= 0.001) compared 60 with WHEY and PLACEBO (375 ± 100, 272 ± 51, 146 ± 14 μmol.L-1 respectively). No differences (P= 0.153) in plasma FFA (WHEY 0.53 ± 0.30, GEL 0.45 ± 0.25, PLACEBO 0.65 ± 0.30, mmol.L-1) or whole body lipid oxidation during exercise (WHEY 0.37 ± 0.26, GEL 0.36 ± 0.24, PLACEBO 0.34 ± 0.24 g/min) were apparent between trials, despite elevated (P= 0.001) insulin in WHEY and GEL compared with PLACEBO (38 ± 16, 35 ± 16, 22 ± 11 pmol.L-1 respectively). We conclude that leucine enriched protein feeding does not impair FFA availability nor whole body lipid oxidation during exercise, thus having practical applications for athletes who deliberately train in CHO restricted states to promote skeletal muscle adaptations

    Nasal Carriage and Antimicrobial Susceptibility of Staphylococcus aureus in healthy preschool children in Ujjain, India

    Get PDF
    <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>There is increasing evidence that community acquired <it>S. aureus </it>infections are spreading among healthy children. Nasal colonization with <it>S. aureus </it>plays pivotal role in the increasing prevalence of resistant community acquired <it>S. aureus </it>infections worldwide. A regular surveillance system is important in ensuring quality of patient care. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of and the factors associated with nasal carriage of <it>S. aureus </it>and its antibiotic sensitivity pattern among healthy children in Ujjain, India.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A prospective study was done in paediatric outpatient clinics of R.D. Gardi medical college Ujjain, India. Healthy children from 1 month to 59 months of age were included. Information on previously known risk factors for nasal colonization was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire. Swabs from anterior nares were collected and transported in Amies transport media with charcoal and cultured on 5% sheep blood agar. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed using Kirby Bauer's disc diffusion method according to performance standards of Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute guidelines.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of the 1,562 children from 1-month up-to five years of age included in the study 98 children tested positive for nasal carriage of <it>S. aureus</it>. The prevalence of nasal carriage of <it>S. aureus </it>was 6.3% (95% CI 5.1-7.5) out of which 16.3% (95% CI 8.9-23.8) were methicillin-resistant <it>S. aureus </it>(MRSA). The factors associated with nasal carriage were "child attending preschool" (OR 4.26, 95% CI 2.25-8.03; <it>P </it>= 0.007) or "school" (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.27-7.18; <it>P </it>< 0.001) and "family size more than 10 members" (OR 2.76 95% CI 1.06-7.15; <it>P </it>= 0.03). The sensitivity pattern of isolated <it>S. aureus </it>showed resistance to commonly used oral antibiotics while resistance to glycopeptides was not noted.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>We found a relatively low rate of nasal carriage of <it>S. aureus </it>in children below five years when compared to children of older age groups in India. Yet, prevalence of MRSA was relatively high.</p

    Diabetes mellitus in dogs attending UK primary-care practices: frequency, risk factors and survival

    Get PDF
    Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an important endocrine disorder of dogs. The objectives of this study were to estimate prevalence and incidence of DM in dogs, and to explore risk factors for DM and the survival of DM cases in primary-care clinics in the UK. Results: A case-control study nested in the cohort of dogs (n = 480,469) aged ≥3 years presenting at 430 VetCompass clinics was used to identify risk factors for DM, using multivariable logistic regression. Overall 409 new and 863 pre-existing DM cases (total 1272) were identified in 2016, giving an apparent annual prevalence of 0.26% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.25–0.28%), and an annual incidence risk of 0.09% (95%CI: 0.08–0.09%) in dogs aged ≥3 years. Factors associated with increased odds for DM diagnosis were all age categories > 8 years, female entire dogs (odds ratio (OR): 3.03, 95% CI 1.69–5.44, p < 0.001) and male neutered dogs (OR: 1.99, 95% CI 1.18–3.34, p = 0.010) compared to male entire dogs, Border Terriers (OR: 3.37, 95% CI 1.04–10.98, p = 0.043) and West Highland White Terriers (WHWT) (OR: 2.88, 95% CI 1.49–5.56, p = 0.002) compared to crossbreeds. Dogs that had received previous glucocorticoid treatment (OR: 2.19, 95% CI 1.02–4.70, p = 0.044) and those with concurrent conditions (documented obese, pancreatitis, hyperadrenocorticism) also had increased odds for DM diagnosis. Cox regression modelling was used to evaluate factors associated with survival in the 409 incident DM cases in 2016. Increased hazard of death following diagnosis of DM was shown in dogs that were ≥ 10 years age, Cocker Spaniels (HR: 2.06, 95% CI 1.06–4.01, p = 0.034) compared to crossbreeds, had a blood glucose (BG) level at diagnosis > 40 mmol/L (HR: 2.73, 95% CI 1.35–5.55, p = 0.005) compared to < 20 mmol/L at diagnosis, or had received previous glucocorticoid treatment (HR: 1.86, 95% CI 1.21–2.86, p = 0.005). Dogs at reduced hazard of death included neutered dogs (HR: 0.58, 95% CI 0.42–0.79, p = 0.001), Border Collies (HR: 0.39, 95% CI 0.17–0.87, p = 0.022) and those starting insulin treatment (HR: 0.08 95% CI 0.05–0.12, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Certain breeds and concurrent health conditions are associated with an increased risk of DM. In addition to certain signalment factors, a high BG level at diagnosis and prior glucocorticoid treatment were adversely associated with survival of dogs with DM. Keywords: Diabetes mellitus, Risk factors, Survival, Case-control study, Benchmarking, VetCompas

    How a slow-ovipositing parasitoid can succed as a biological control agent of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus: implications for future classical and conservation biological control programs

    Full text link
    [EN] Phenaccocus peruvianus Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: pseudococcidae) is an invasive mealybug that has become a pest of ornamental plants in Europe and has recently been detected in California, USA. In this work, we studied the tritrophic interaction among this mealybug, its main parasitoid Acerophagus n. sp. near coccois (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) and tending ants to disclose the success of this parasitoid controlling P. peruvianus. Acerophagus n. sp. near coccois accepted mealybugs for parasitism regardless of their size but did not hostfeed. We recorded three active defenses of P. peruvianus. Host handling time-consuming process that required more than 30 min. Tending ants, Lasius grandis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), reduced the time spent by parasitoids in a patch and disrupted oviposition attempts. The low numbers of ants tending mealybugs colonies in Spain and France could explain why this parasitoid, with a long handling time, is an efficient biological control agent for P. peruvianus.Beltrà Ivars, A.; Soto Sánchez, AI.; Tena Barreda, A. (2015). How a slow-ovipositing parasitoid can succed as a biological control agent of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus: implications for future classical and conservation biological control programs. BioControl. 60(4):473-484. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10526-015-9663-6S473484604Arakelian G (2013) Bougainvillea mealybug (Phenacoccus peruvianus). Factsheet 2013. County of Los Angeles. Department of agricultural commissioner/weights and measures, USABartlett BR (1961) The influence of ants upon parasites, predators, and scale insects. Ann Entomol Soc Am 54:543–551Bartlett BR (1978) Pseudococcidae. In: Clausen CP (ed) Introduced parasites and predators of arthropod pests and weeds: a world review, 1st edn. Agricultural Research Service USDA, Washington, USA, pp 137–170Barzman MS, Daane KM (2001) Host-handling behaviors in parasitoids of black scale, Saissetia oleae (Homoptera: Coccidae): a case for ant-mediated evolution. J Anim Ecol 70:237–247Beltrà A, Soto A, Germain JF, Matile-Ferrero D, Mazzeo G, Pellizzari G, Russo A, Franco JC, Williams DJ (2010) The Bougainvillea mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus, a rapid invader from South America to Europe. Entomol Hell 19:137–143Beltrà A, Garcia-Marí F, Soto A (2013a) Seasonal phenology, spatial distribution, and sampling plan for the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). J Econ Entomol 106:1486–1494Beltrà A, Tena A, Soto A (2013b) Fortuitous biological control of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus in Southern Europe. BioControl 58:309–317Beltrà A, Tena A, Soto A (2013c) Reproductive strategies and food sources used by Acerophagus n. sp. near coccois, a new successful parasitoid of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus. J Pest Sci 86:253–259Berlinger MJ, Golberg AM (1978) The effect of the fruit sepals on the citrus mealybug population and on its parasite. Entomol Exp Appl 24:238–243Blumstein DT, Daniel JC (2007) Quantifying behavior the JWatcher way. Sinauer Associates Inc., Sunderland, UKBoavida C, Ahounou M, Vos M, Neuenschwander P, van Alphen JJM (1995) Host stage selection and sex allocation by Gyranusoidea tebygi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the mango mealybug, Rastrococcus invadens (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Biol Control 5:487–496Bokonon-Ganta AH, Neuenschwander P, van Alphen JJM, Vos M (1995) Host stage selection and sex allocation by Anagyrus mangicola (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of the mango mealybug, Rastrococcus invadens (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Biol Control 5:479–486Bugila AAA, Franco JC, Borges da Silva E, Branco M (2014a) Defense response of native and alien mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) against the solitary parasitoid Anagyrus sp. nr. pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). J Insect Behav 27:439–453Bugila AAA, Branco M, Borges da Silva E, Franco JC (2014b) Host selection behavior and specificity of the solitary parasitoid of mealybugs Anagyrus sp. nr. pseudococci (Girault) (Hymenoptera, Encyrtidae). Biocontrol Sci Techn 24:22–38Bynum EK (1937) Pseudococcobius terryi Fullaway, a Hawaiian parasite of Gray Sugarcane mealybug in the United States. J Econ Entomol 30:756–761Cadée N, van Alphen JJM (1997) Host selection and sex allocation in Leptomastidea abnormis, a parasitoid of the citrus mealybug Planococcus citri. Entomol Exp Appl 83:277–284Clausen CP (1924) The parasites of Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn) in California (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea). Part II. Biological studies and life histories. UC Pub Entomol 3:253–288Daane KM, Barzman MS, Caltagirone LE, Hagen KS (2000) Metaphycus anneckei and Metaphycus hageni: two discrete species parasitic on black scale, Saissetia oleae. BioControl 45:269–284Daane KM, Bentley WJ, Walton VM, Malakar-Kuenen R, Millar JC, Ingels CA, Weber EA, Gispert C (2006) New controls investigated for vine mealybug. Calif Agric 60:31–38Daane KM, Sime KR, Fallon J, Cooper ML (2007) Impacts of Argentine ants on mealybugs and their natural enemies in California’s coastal vineyards. Ecol Entomol 32:583–596De Farias AM, Hopper KR (1999) Oviposition behavior of Aphelinus asychis (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) and Aphidius matricariae (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae) and defense behavior of their host Diuraphis noxia (Homoptera: Aphididae). Environ Entomol 28:858–862Dorn B, Mattiacci L, Bellotti AC, Dorn S (2001) Host specificity and comparative foraging behavior of Aenasius vexans and Acerophagus coccois, two endo-parasitoids of the cassava mealybug. Entomol Exp Appl 99:331–339Eisner T, Silberglied RE (1988) A chrysopid larva that cloaks itself in mealybug wax. Psyche 95:15–20Flanders SE (1963) Predation by parasitic Hymenoptera, the basis of ant-induced outbreaks of a host species. J Econ Entomol 56:116Foldi I (1983) Structure et fonctions des glandes tégumentaires de cochenilles Pseudococcines et de leurs secretions. Ann Soc Entomol Fr 19:155–156Foldi I (1997) Defense strategies in scale insects: phylogenetic inference and evolutionary scenarios (Hemiptera, Coccoidea). In: Grandcolas P (ed) The origin of biodiversity in insects: phylogenetic tests of evolutionary scenarios, 1st edn. Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris, France, pp 203–230Godfray HCJ (1994) Parasitoids: behavioral and evolutionary ecology. Princeton University Press, Princeton, USAGonzález-Hernández H, Johnson MW, Reimer NJ (1999) Impact of Pheidole megacephala (F.) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) on the biological control of Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae). Biol Control 15:145–152Gross P (1993) Insect behavioral and morphological defenses against parasitoids. Annu Rev Entomol 38:251–273Gullan PJ (1997) Relationships with ants. In: Ben-Dov Y, Hodgson CJ (eds) Soft scale insects—their biology natural enemies and control, 1st edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp 351–373Gullan PJ, Kosztarab M (1997) Adaptations in scale insects. Annu Rev Entomol 42:23–50Hcidari M, Jahan M (2000) A study of ovipositional behavior of Anagyrus pseudococci a parasitoid of mealybugs. J Agric Sci Technol 2:49–53Honda JY, Luck RF (1995) Scale morphology effects on feeding behavior and biological control potential of Rhyzobius lophanthae (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Ann Entomol Soc Am 88:441–450Joyce AL, Hoddle MS, Bellows TS, Gonzalez D (2001) Oviposition behavior of Coccidoxenoides peregrinus, a parasitoid of Planococcus ficus. Entomol Exp Appl 98:49–57Karamaouna F (1999) Biology of the parasitoids Leptomastix epona (Walker) and Pseudaphycus flavidulus (Brèthes) and behavioural interactions with the host mealybug Pseudococcus viburni (Signoret). Ph.D. Thesis, University of London, UK, p 333Karamaouna F, Copland MJ (2000) Oviposition behavior, influence of experience on host size selection, and niche overlap of the solitary Leptomastix epona and the gregarious Pseudaphycus flavidulus, two endoparasitoids of the mealybug Pseudococcus viburni. Entomol Exp Appl 97:301–308Klotz JH, Hansen L, Pospischil R, Rust M (2008) Urban ants of North America and Europe. Cornell University Press, Ithaca, USAMailleux AC, Deneubourg JL, Detrain C (2003) Regulation of ants foraging to resource productivity. P R Soc Lond B Bio 270:1609–1616Majerus ME, Sloggett JJ, Godeau JF, Hemptinne JL (2007) Interactions between ants and aphidophagous and coccidophagous ladybirds. Popul Ecol 49:15–27Mgocheki N, Addison P (2009) Interference of ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with biological control of the vine mealybug Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Biol Control 49:180–185Moore D (1988) Agents used for biological control of mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). Biocontrol News Inf 9:209–225Paris CI, Espadaler X (2009) Honeydew collection by the invasive garden ant Lasius neglectus versus the native ant L grandis. Arthropod Plant Interact 3:75–85Pekas A, Tena A, Aguilar A, Garcia-Marí F (2011) Spatio-temporal patterns and interactions with honeydew-producing Hemiptera of ants in a Mediterranean citrus orchard. Agric Forest Entomol 13:89–97Pennacchio F, Strand MR (2006) Evolution of developmental strategies in parasitic Hymenoptera. Annu Rev Entomol 51:233–258Pijls JW, Hofker KD, Staalduinen MJ, van Alphen JJM (1995) Interspecific host discrimination and competition in Apoanagyrus (Epidinocarsis) lopezi and A(E) diversicornis parasitoids of the cassava mealybug Phenacoccus manihoti. Ecol Entomol 20:326–332Robert Y (1987) Dispersion and migration. In: Minks AK, Harrewijn P (eds) Aphids—their biology, natural enemies and control, 1st edn. Elsevier, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, pp 299–313Sandanayaka WRM, Charles JG, Allan DJ (2009) Aspects of the reproductive biology of Pseudaphycus maculipennis (Hym: Encyrtidae), a parasitoid of obscure mealybug, Pseudococcus viburni (Hem: Pseudococcidae). Biol Control 48:30–35Sarkar D (2008) Lattice: multivariate data visualization with R. Springer, New York, USASime KR, Daane KM (2014) Rapid, non-discriminatory oviposition behaviors are favored in mealybug parasitoids when Argentine ants are present. Environ Entomol 43:995–1002Tena A, Garcia-Marí F (2008) Suitability of citricola scale Coccus pseudomagnoliarum (Hemiptera: Coccidae) as host of Metaphycus helvolus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae): Influence of host size and encapsulation. Biol Control 46:341–347Tena A, Hoddle CD, Hoddle MS (2013) Competition between honeydew producers in an ant–hemipteran interaction may enhance biological control of an invasive pest. Bull Entomol Res 103:714–723The R Core Team (2011) R: a language and environment for statistical computing. R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austriavan Driesche RG, Belloti A, Herrera CJ, Castello JA (1987a) Host preferences of two encyrtid parasitoids for the Columbian Phenacoccus spp. of cassava mealybugs. Entomol Exp Appl 43:261–266van Driesche RG, Belloti A, Herrera CJ, Castello JA (1987b) Host feeding and ovipositor insertion as sources of mortality in the mealybug Phenacoccus herreni caused by two encyrtids Epidinocarsis diversicornis and Acerophagus coccois. Entomol Exp Appl 44:97–100Vet LE, Dicke M (1992) Ecology of infochemical use by natural enemies in a tritrophic context. Annu Rev Entomol 37:141–172Völkl W, Woodring J, Fischer M, Lorenz MW, Hoffmann KH (1999) Ant-aphid mutualisms: the impact of honeydew production and honeydew sugar composition on ant preferences. Oecologia 118:483–491Wajnberg E (1989) Analysis of variations of handling-time in Trichogramma maidis. Entomophaga 34:397–407Way MJ (1963) Mutualism between ants and honeydew-producing Homoptera. Annu Rev Entomol 8:307–344Weiss MR (2006) Defecation behavior and ecology of insects. Annu Rev Entomol 51:635–661Wyckhuys KAG, Stone L, Desneux N, Hoelmer KA, Hopper KR, Heimpel GE (2008) Parasitism of the soybean aphid Aphis glycines by Binodoxys communis: the role of aphid defensive behavior and parasitoid reproductive performance. Bull Entomol Res 98:361–370Zain-ul-Abdin, Arif MJ, Suhail A, Gogi MD, Arshad M, Wakil W, Abbas SK, Altaf A, Shaina H, Manzoor A (2012) Molecular analysis of the venom of mealybug parasitoid Aenasius bambawalei Hayat (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Pak Entomol 34:189–193Zinna G (1959) Specializzazione entomoparassitica negli Encyrtidae: studio morfologico etologico e fisiologico del Leptomastix dactylopii. Howard Boll Lab agr Filippo Silvestri 18:1–14
    corecore