Impaired microcirculatory function, mitochondrial respiration, and oxygen utilization in skeletal muscle of claudicating patients with peripheral artery disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an atherosclerotic disease that impairs blood flow and muscle function in the lower limbs. A skeletal muscle myopathy characterized by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative damage is present in PAD; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well established. We investigated the impact of chronic ischemia on skeletal muscle microcirculatory function and its association with leg skeletal muscle mitochondrial function and oxygen delivery and utilization capacity in PAD. Gastrocnemius samples and arterioles were harvested from patients with PAD (n = 10) and age-matched controls (Con, n = 11). Endothelium-dependent and independent vasodilation was assessed in response to flow (30 μL·min−1), acetylcholine, and sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Skeletal muscle mitochondrial respiration was quantified by high-resolution respirometry, microvascular oxygen delivery, and utilization capacity (tissue oxygenation index, TOI) were assessed by near-infrared spectroscopy. Vasodilation was attenuated in PAD (P \u3c 0.05) in response to acetylcholine (Con: 71.1 ± 11.1%, PAD: 45.7 ± 18.1%) and flow (Con: 46.6 ± 20.1%, PAD: 29.3 ± 10.5%) but not SNP (P = 0.30). Complex I + II state 3 respiration (P \u3c 0.01) and TOI recovery rate were impaired in PAD (P \u3c 0.05). Both flow and acetylcholine-mediated vasodilation were positively associated with complex I + II state 3 respiration (r = 0.5 and r = 0.5, respectively, P \u3c 0.05). Flow-mediated vasodilation and complex I + II state 3 respiration were positively associated with TOI recovery rate (r = 0.8 and r = 0.7, respectively, P \u3c 0.05). These findings suggest that chronic ischemia attenuates skeletal muscle arteriole endothelial function, which may be a key mediator for mitochondrial and microcirculatory dysfunction in the PAD leg skeletal muscle. Targeting microvascular dysfunction may be an effective strategy to prevent and/or reverse disease progression in PAD

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

[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

Deployment of mating disruption dispensers before and after first seasonal male flights for the control of Aonidiella aurantii in citrus

The rejection of citrus fruit caused by infestations of the California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), raises concerns about its management. This fact has led to the introduction of new integrated control methods in citrus orchards, including the implementation of techniques based on pheromones. Previous works described efficient mating disruption pheromone dispensers to control A. aurantii in the Mediterranean region. The main aims of the present study were to adjust the timing of dispenser applications and study the importance of controlling the early first generation of A. aurantii by testing two different application dates: before and after the first CRS male flight. The efficacy of the different mating disruption strategies was tested during 2010 in an experimental orchard and these results were confirmed during 2011 in a commercial citrus farm. Results showed that every mating disruption strategy achieved significantly lower male captures in monitoring pheromone traps compared with untreated plots, as well as mean fruit infestation reductions of about 80 %. The control of the first CRS generation is not essential for achieving a good efficacy as demonstrated in two locations with different pest pressure. The late application of MD dispensers before the second CRS male flight has proven to be effective, suggesting a new advantageous way to apply mating disruption.The authors want to thank Fernando Alfaro from Denia, Antonio Caballero, and Javier Macias from Rio Tinto Fruit S.A. (Huelva, Spain) for field support. We also thank Ecologia y Proteccion Agricola SL for the pheromone supply. This work has been funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation (project AGL2009-10725) and Agroalimed Foundation. The translation of this paper was funded by the Universidad Politecnica de Valencia (Spain).Vacas González, S.; Alfaro Cañamás, C.; Primo Millo, J.; Navarro-Llopis, V. (2015). Deployment of mating disruption dispensers before and after first seasonal male flights for the control of Aonidiella aurantii in citrus. Journal of Pest Science. 88(2):321-329. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-014-0623-1S321329882Avidov Z, Balshin M, Gerson U (1970) Studies on Aphytis coheni, a parasite of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii in Israel. Biocontrol 15:191–207Barzakay I, Hefetz A, Sternlicht M, Peleg BA, Gokkes M, Singer G, Geffen D, Kronenberg S (1986) Further field trials on management of the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii, by mating disruption with its sex-pheromone. Phytoparasitica 14:160–161Bedford ECG (1996) Problems which we face in bringing red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), under biological control in citrus in South Africa. Proc Int Soc Citriculture 1:485–492Campos-Rivela JM, Martínez-Ferrer MT, Fibla-Queralt JM (2012) Population dynamics and seasonal trend of California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii Maskell) in citrus in Northern Spain. Span J Agric Res 10:198–208Collins PJ, Lambkin TM, Bodnaruk P (1994) Suspected resistance to methidation in Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: diaspididae) from Queensland. J Aust Entomol Soc 33:325–326Corma A, Muñoz-Pallares J, Primo-Yufera E (1999) Production of semiochemical emitters having a controlled emission speed which are based on inorganic molecular sieves. World Patent WO9944420Corma A, Muñoz-Pallares J, Primo-Yufera E (2000) Emitter of semiochemical substances supported on a sepiolite, preparation process and applications. World Patent WO0002448DeBach P (1959) New species and strains of Aphytis (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) parasitic on the California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Mask.), in the Orient. Ann Entomol Soc Am 52:354–362DeBach P, Argyriou L (1967) The colonization and success in Greece of some imported Aphytis spp. (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) parasitic on citrus scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae). Biocontrol 12:325–342Desneux N, Decourtye A, Delpuech JM (2007) The sublethal effects of pesticides on beneficial arthropods. Ann Rev Entomol 52:81–106Diari Oficial de la Comunitat Valenciana (DOCV) (2008) DOCV no. 5901, 26. Resolution 27 October 2008 of Consellería de Agricultura, Pesca y Alimentación; November 2008. http://www.docv.gva.es/datos/2008/11/26/pdf/2008_13692.pdfDomínguez-Ruiz J, Sanchis J, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2008) A new long-life trimedlure dispenser for Mediterranean fruit fly. J Econ Entomol 101:1325–1330Eliahu M, Blumberg D, Horowitz AR, Ishaaya I (2007) Effect of pyriproxyfen on developing stages and embryogenesis of California red scale (CRS), Aonidiella aurantii. Pest Manag Sci 63:743–746Furness G, Buchanan G, George R, Richardson N (1983) A history of the biological and integrated control of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii on citrus in the lower Murray Valley of Australia. Biocontrol 28:99–212Grafton-Cardwell EE, Gu P (2003) Conserving vedalia beetle, Rodolia cardinalis (Mulsant) (Coleoptera : Coccinellidae), in citrus: a continuing challenge as new insecticides gain registration. J Econ Entomol 96:1388–1398Grafton-Cardwell EE, Reagan CA (1995) Selective use of insecticides for control of armored scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San-Joaquin Valley California citrus. J Econ Entomol 88:1717–1725Grafton-Cardwell EE, Vehrs SLC (1995) Monitoring for organophosphate-resistant and carbamate-resistant armored scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San-Joaquin Valley citrus. J Econ Entomol 88:495–504Grafton-Cardwell EE, Lee JE, Stewart JR, Olsen KD (2006) Role of two insect growth regulators in integrated pest management of citrus scales. J Econ Entomol 99:733–744Grout TG, Richards GI (1991a) Effect of buprofezin applications at different phenological times on California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae). J Econ Entomol 84:1802–1805Grout TG, Richards GI (1991b) Value of pheromone traps for predicting infestations of red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell) (Homoptera: Diaspididae), limited by natural enemy activity and insecticides used to control citrus thrips, Scirtothrips aurantii Faure (Thysanoptera: Thripidae). J Appl Entomol 111:20–27Grout TG, Du Toit WJ, Hofmeyr JH, Richards GI (1989) California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) phenology on citrus in South Africa. J Econ Entomol 82:793–798Hefetz A, Kronengerg S, Peleg BA, Bar-zakay I (1988) Mating disruption of the California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). In: Proceeding 6th International Citrus Congress, Tel Aviv (Israel), pp 1121–1127Hernández-Penadés P, Rodríguez-Reina JM, García-Marí F (2002) Umbrales de tratamiento para cóccidos diaspídidos en cítricos. Bol San Veg Plagas 28:469–478Hothorn T, Bretz F, Westfall P (2008) Simultaneous Inference in General Parametric Models. Biometrical J 50:346–363Ioratti C, Anfora G, Tasin M, De Cristofaro A, Witzgall P, Lucchi A (2011) Chemical ecology and management of Lobesia botrana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). J Econ Entomol 104:1125–1137Kehat M, Anshelevich L, Harel M, Dunkelblum E (1995) Control of the codling moth (Cydia pomonella) in apple and pear orchards in Israel by mating disruption. Phytoparasitica 23:285–296Kennett CE, Hoffmann RW (1985) Seasonal development of the California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in San Joaquin Valley citrus based on degree-day accumulation. J Econ Entomol 78:73–79Levitin E, Cohen E (1998) The involvement of acetylcholinesterase in resistance of the California red scale shape Aonidiella aurantii to organophosphorus pesticides. Entomol Exp Appl 88:115–121Lykouressis D, Perdikis D, Samartzis D, Fantinou A, Toutouzas S (2005) Management of the pink bollworm Pectinophora gossypiella (Saunders) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) by mating disruption in cotton fields. Crop Prot 24:177–183McLaren IW, Buchanan GA (1973) Parasitism by Aphytis chrysomphali Mercet and A. melinus Debach of Californian red scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Maskell), in relation to seasonal availability of suitable stages of the scale. Austr J Zool 21:111–117Moreno DS, Kennett CE (1985) Predictive year-end California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) orange fruit infestations based on catches of males in the San-Joaquin Valley. J Econ Entomol 78:1–9Moreno DS, Luck RF (1992) Augmentative releases of Aphytis melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) to suppress California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in southern California lemon orchards. J Econ Entomol 85:1112–1119Pekas A, Aguilar A, Tena A, García-Marí F (2010) Influence of host size on parasitism by Aphytis chrysomphali and A. melinus (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in Mediterranean populations of California red scale Aonidiella aurantii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Biol Control 55:132–140Rill S, Grafton-Cardwell EE, Morse JG (2007) Effects of pyriproxyfen on California red scale (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) development and reproduction. J Econ Entomol 100:1435–1443Rodrigo E, Troncho P, García-Marí F (1996) Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) of three scale insects (Homoptera: Diaspididae) in a citrus grove in Valencia, Spain. Entomophaga 41:77–94Roelofs WL, Gieselmann MJ, Cardé AM, Tashiro H, Moreno DS, Henrick CA, Anderson RJ (1977) Sex-pheromone of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii. Nature 26:698–699Rongai D, Cerato C, Lazzeri L, Palmieri S, Patalano G (2008) Vegetable oil formulation as biopesticide to control California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii Maskell). J Pest Sci 81:179–185Sorribas JJ, Rodríguez R, Rodrigo E, García-Marí F (2008) Niveles de parasitismo y especies de parasitoides del piojo rojo de california Aonidiella aurantii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) en cítricos de la Comunidad Valenciana. Bol San Veg Plagas 34:201–210Sorribas J, van Baaren J, Garcia-Marí F (2012) Effects of climate on the introduction, distribution and biotic potential of parasitoids: applications to biological control of California red scale. Biol Control 62:103–112Staten RT, Flint HM, Weddle RC, Quintero E, Zarate RE, Finell CM, Hernandes M, Yamamoto A (1987) Pink bollworm (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): large-scale field trials with a high-rate gossyplure formulation. J Econ Entomol 80:1267–1271Tashiro H, Chambers DL (1967) Reproduction in the California Red Scale, Aonidiella aurantii (Homoptera: Diaspididae). I. Discovery and extraction of a female sex pheromone. Ann Entomol Soc Am 60:1166–1170Tena A, Llácer E, Urbaneja A (2013) Biological control of a non-honeydew producer mediated by a distinct hierarchy of honeydew quality. Biol Control 67:117–122University of California (1991) Integrated pest management for citrus. University of California, BerkeleyVacas S, Alfaro C, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2009) The first account of the mating disruption technique for the control of California red scale Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae) using new biodegradable dispensers. Bull Entomol Res 99:415–423Vacas S, Alfaro C, Navarro-Llopis V, Primo J (2010) Mating disruption of California red scale, Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Homoptera: Diaspididae), using biodegradable mesoporous pheromone dispensers. Pest Manag Sci 66:745–751Vacas S, Vanaclocha P, Alfaro C, Primo J, Verdú MJ, Urbaneja A, Navarro-Llopis V (2011) Mating disruption for the control of Aonidiella aurantii Maskell (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) may contribute to increased effectiveness of natural enemies. Pest Manag Sci 68:142–148Vanaclocha P, Vacas S, Alfaro C, Primo J, Verdú MJ, Navarro-Llopis V, Urbaneja A (2012) Life history parameters and scale-cover surface area of Aonidiella aurantii are altered in a mating disruption environment: implications for biological control. Pest Manag Sci 68:1092–1097Vanaclocha P, Vidal-Quist C, Oheix S, Montón H, Planes L, Catalán J, Tena A, Verdú MJ, Urbaneja A (2013) Acute toxicity in laboratory tests of fresh and aged residues of pesticides used in citrus on the parasitoid Aphytis melinus. J Pest Sci 86:329–336Yarom I, Blumberg D, Ishaaya I (1988) Effects of buprofezin on California red scale (Homoptera: Diaspididae) and Mediterranean black scale (Homoptera: Coccidae). J Econ Entomol 81:1581–1585Yust HR, Nelson HD, Busbey RL (1943) Comparative susceptibility of two strains of California red scale to HCN, with special reference to the inheritance of resistance. J Econ Entomol 36:744–74

Electrostatic actuator with liquid metal-elastomer compliant electrodes used for on-chip microvalving

We describe a new class of electrostatic actuators with a compliant electrode made of liquid metal alloy contained by a thin elastomeric membrane. We illustrate the use of such actuators as on-chip microvalves for gas flow control. The microvalve comprises of one fixed electrode spanning the floor and sidewalls of the trapezoidal gas channel and one corresponding flexible electrode suspended across the channel. Details of fabrication and preliminary characterization of on/off and proportional valving are presented.Peer reviewed: YesNRC publication: N

Domain-specific and total sedentary behaviors associated with psychological distress in older adults

Lovro Štefan,1 Mario Baić,2 Goran Sporiš,1 Damir Pekas,2 Nikola Starčević21Faculty of Kinesiology, Department of General and Applied Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; 2Faculty of Kinesiology, Department of Sport Kinesiology, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, CroatiaPurpose: Time spent in sedentary behaviors has become a major public health problem, affecting both physical and mental conditions, which is regularly evident in older adults. The aim of this study was to explore the association between each domain-specific sedentary behavior (screen-time, leisure-time sedentary behavior and transport) and total sedentary behavior (sum of all indicators) with “high” psychological distress among older individuals.Patients and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we recruited 810 participants aged ≥85 (16% men) from 6 neighborhoods in the city of Zagreb. We used Measure of Older Adults’ Sedentary Time sedentary behavior questionnaire to assess the time spent in a specific domain of sedentary behavior and Kessler K6 scale to assess the level of psychological distress. Participants who had a score ≥13 points were treated as those with “high” psychological distress. Generalized estimating equations with Poisson regression models and risk ratios were used to calculate the association.Results: After adjusting for sex, body mass index, sleep quality, self-rated health, material status, physical activity, diet and chronic diseases, participants categorized in the second, third and fourth quartile of screen-time, in the fourth quartile of leisure-time sedentary behavior and in the third and fourth quartile of total sedentary behavior were less likely to have “high” psychological distress. However, participants categorized in the fourth quartile of transport were more likely to have “high” psychological distress.Conclusion: Our study shows that more time spent in front of screens, leisure and in total sedentary behavior is associated with lower levels, while more time spent in transport is associated with higher levels of psychological distress, pointing out that the aforementioned associations remained even after adjusting for variables describing “general” physical health. Thus, strategies aiming to reduce the time spent in passive transport and enhance active transport in a sample of older adults are warranted.Keywords: geriatrics, mental health, sitting, associations, generalized estimating equation

Genetic variation of Marchalina hellenica (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) sampled from different hosts and localities in Greece

Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was applied to 120 individuals of Marchalina hellenica (Gennadius) representing six populations collected in northern, central and southern mainland Greece. One population was sampled on one species of fir tree and the others on two species of pine trees. Four random decamer primers were used to evaluate genetic variation among the populations examined. The results revealed intra- and interpopulation polymorphism both related to host type and region of origin. Phylogenetic analysis based on genetic distances estimated by the RAPD frequencies revealed an important genetic differentiation in samples collected on fir trees in southern Greece and to a lesser extent in samples from pine trees in central and northern Greece. Furthermore, considerable subdivision and restricted gene flow among the populations examined were observed. The results are discussed in relation to the biology and geographical distribution of M. hellenica in Greece

Particle flow control by induced dipolar interaction of superparamagnetic microbeads

Weddemann A, Wittbracht F, Auge A, Huetten A. Particle flow control by induced dipolar interaction of superparamagnetic microbeads. Microfluidics and Nanofluidics. 2011;10(2):459-463.Magnetic particles diluted in liquid agglomerate in rod-like particle arrays if an external homogeneous magnetic field is applied. This work introduces a method to specifically exploit particle-particle interaction to obtain flow control of magnetic particles without changing the motion state of the carrier liquid. Experiments show the possibility to uncouple the particle flux from the motion state of liquid. We show how this method may be applied to design a microfluidic geometry in which the particle flow in a specific direction is either enabled or suppressed by the relative orientation of the fluid velocity and the external field