Silver Leaf Research Articles

Effects of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) infestation and squash silverleaf disorder on Cucurbita pepo L. leaf

The aetiology of squash silverleaf (SSL) induced by the infestation of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) ‘biotype’ B (B. tabaci-B) is poorly understood. To help to find out how B. tabaci destroys Cucurbita pepo L. and induces SSL, changes induced by SSL and responses of C. pepo to B. tabaci-B infestation were studied by comparing chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and biochemical, morphological and anatomical aspects of grade 0–4 SSL leaves. The results showed that chlorophyll contents decreased and the chlorophyll a/b ratio increased with the increase of silvered leaf, which indicated that the decrease of chlorophyll contents led to silvered leaf. Anatomical observation showed that B. tabaci-B infestation changed the shape and arrangement of lower epidermis cells and spongy mesophyll cells. Moreover, air spaces appeared between upper epidermis and palisade tissue and in spongy tissue, which might be the cause of the increase in leaf thickness. Additionally, the altering of former spaces light reflection was another reason for leaf silvering. As response to B. tabaci-B infestation, the content of soluble proteins and soluble sugar decreased, and the content of Malondialdehyde (MDA) increased. Pearson correlation showed a significant correlation between fluorescence parameters (except α) and the other parameters measured in this study. The result also suggested that chlorophyll fluorescence can be widely used in field studies as an early diagnostic measure of stress in plant caused by adverse environmental conditions, especially by insect pests.

Design in Japan: Contemporary Perspectives on Design Practice

Design in Japan:Contemporary Perspectives on Design Practice Ignacio Adriasola (bio) The following translations complete the selection of texts by theorists, critics, and practitioners of design accompanying the Review of Japanese Culture and Society's special issue "Design and Society in Japan" (Vol. XXVIII, December 2016, guest edited by Ignacio Adriasola, Sarah Teasley, and Jilly Traganou). These texts—which were deferred due to difficulties with our timeline for publication—provide an important supplement to the critical essays by Yoko Akama and Christian Dimmer. The translations published here include an interview with graphic designer Sugiura Kōhei conducted in 2013; the minutes for a meeting of the Can Fashion Be Renewed? Study Group (Fasshon ga kōshin dekiruno ka? Kaigi gijiroku, 2012), which for the previous five years had engaged academics and practitioners in a debate on critical issues in apparel design; an editorial detailing the adjudication process for specialized magazine Nikkei Design's first Smart Design Award in 2012; and the epilogue to Kakei Yūsuke's book Practical Guide for Social Design (Sōsharu dezain jissen gaido, 2013). A key figure in the development of graphic design in postwar Japan, Sugiura Kōhei (b. 1932) spearheaded a revolution that quietly unfolded in the pages of some of the key journals of the period, ranging from specialized publications such as Shinkenchiku (known in its English-language edition as The Japan Architect) to the general cultural magazine Ginka (Silver Leaf). On the side, Sugiura was also involved in ambitious collaborations with avant-garde artists, producing lavish photobooks for Hosoe Eikoh (Barakei, 1963) and Kawada Kikuji (The Map [Chizu], 1965), and collaborating with architect Isozaki Arata in the proto-installation Electric Labyrinth, presented at the Milan Design Triennial of 1968, among other important projects. While not part of the Metabolist group, Sugiura was deeply influenced by some of the group's ideas. In the 2013 interview reproduced here (originally published in the journal Aidea; translated by Mycah Braxton), Sugiura reflects on some of the ideas informing his practice, which [End Page 285] he absorbed from the rich discussions that emerged from the crucible of the 1960s: new ideas concerning the nature of information, the international aspirations of Japan's emerging design scene, the biomorphic metaphors Sugiura introduced for approaching publications as objects, and how Metabolism's stress on the distinctiveness of an Asian viewpoint had allowed him to revisit and reframe the Bauhaus paradigms for design he had acquired as a student, and more directly engaged as a visiting lecturer at the Hochschule für Gestaltung Ulm, in Germany. The three remaining texts provide a sample of contemporary perspectives on design: from attempts to bridge academic discussion and practice; to corporate responses to social issues; and, finally, community-oriented design interventions. Directly informing these discussions we find important changes in Japan's social, economic, and political conditions. As is commonly known, following the crash of the asset price bubble in the early 1990s, Japan's economic growth rate slowed down significantly—a situation that has extended for over two decades. While some recent economic indicators appear to suggest a return to limited growth, there is still no consensus among economists and policymakers on the root causes of this slowdown, or clear ways to address it. Seeking a return to growth, successive governments implemented partial liberalization measures in finance, public spending, and the labor market; however, these measures brought with them a significant reduction of the social safety net that once characterized postwar Japan, and this has led in turn to heightened forms of social inequality.1 A broader historical view would suggest that the shifts currently being experienced by Japanese society and its economy—rather than signaling a new phenomenon—express in a more pronounced manner some of the basic features and contradictions inherent to Japan's model of modernization. For example, the shifts in economic production, population decline and ageing, and the environmental effects of industrialization are not equally distributed across Japan—the situation in the rural areas of the northeast and the transalpine regions differs dramatically from that in large metropolitan areas such as Tokyo or Osaka.2 And, like elsewhere, such inequalities become particularly evident at times of disaster...

3-2 Manipulation of Material Perception by the Projection Mapping and Novel Representation of Gold and Silver Leaf art Beauty

3-2 Manipulation of Material Perception by the Projection Mapping and Novel Representation of Gold and Silver Leaf art Beauty

A transgenic approach to control hemipteran insects by expressing insecticidal genes under phloem-specific promoters.

The first generation transgenic crops used strong constitutive promoters for transgene expression. However, tissue-specific expression is desirable for more precise targeting of transgenes. Moreover, piercing/sucking insects, which are generally resistant to insecticidal Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) proteins, have emerged as a major pests since the introduction of transgenic crops expressing these toxins. Phloem-specific promoters isolated from Banana bunchy top virus (BBTV) were used for the expression of two insecticidal proteins, Hadronyche versuta (Blue Mountains funnel-web spider) neurotoxin (Hvt) and onion leaf lectin, in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). Here we demonstrate that transgenic plants expressing Hvt alone or in combination with onion leaf lectin are resistant to Phenacoccus solenopsis (cotton mealybug), Myzus persicae (green peach aphids) and Bemisia tabaci (silver leaf whitefly). The expression of both proteins under different phloem-specific promoters resulted in close to 100% mortality and provided more rapid protection than Hvt alone. Our results suggest the employment of the Hvt and onion leaf lectin transgenic constructs at the commercial level will reduce the use of chemical pesticides for control of hemipteran insect pests.

Coprological survey of gastrointestinal parasites of mammals in Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens, Sri Lanka

A cross sectional, coprological survey on gastrointestinal (GI) parasites of captive mammals in the Dehiwala National Zoological Gardens was carried out in 2014. Fresh faecal samples from all the mammal species belonging to nine orders: Primates, Carnivora, Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, Proboscidea, Erinaceomorpha, Lagomorpha, Rodentia and Diprotodontia were analyzed. Intensity of parasite infections was determined using the McMaster technique. Of the 70 samples, 44 (62.9%) were positive for one or more GI parasites. A total of 13 types of GI parasite eggs, cysts and/or oocysts of Trichuris sp., Strongyloides sp., Toxocara sp., Spirometra sp., Moniezia sp., Nematodirus sp., Giardia sp., Blastocystis sp., Balantidium sp., Entamoeba spp., strongyle type eggs, hookworm, and coccidian oocyts were observed. The most common stage was strongyle type egg (17.1%) followed by cysts of Entamoeba spp. (14.3%). Of the infected individuals, 25% had mixed infections. A higher prevalence of helminths (81.8%) compared to protozoans (47.7%) was observed but this difference was not statistically significant (Chi square test; p>0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of infection among the captive bred, imported or wild caught individuals (Chi square test; p>0.05). Mammals of seven orders were infected with GI parasites but lagomorphs and diprotodonts did not have any parasites. Among the herbivores, strongyle type, Moneizia, Entamoeba and coccidian infections were common while Nematodirus sp. in a porcupine and Spirometra sp. in a flying squirrel were rare. Common parasites of carnivores were, Toxocara and Entamoeba but Blastocystis sp. in coati was a rare infection. Trichuris and Giardia infections were common in Primates. High worm burden was evidenced in silver leaf monkey, Hamadryas baboon, African lion, black rhino, pony, porcupine and flying squirrel. Although regular deworming is carried out, results of this survey highlight the importance of faecal analysis before administering deworming and applying a more targeted approach to manage the pathogenic species. This study provides baseline data on the GI parasites of all the mammal orders at Dehiwala Zoological Gardens.

Almond diseases and disorders

Almond production has become a major horticultural industry in Australia over the last ten years. Due to the relatively recent expansion of the industry and limited published information on local diseases and disorders, overseas literature was initially relied on to aid diagnosis of tree health issues. As knowledge of the diseases of almonds in Australia increases, this information will become more relevant as a reference for local growers and researchers. A range of diseases have significant impacts on almond production. Symptoms and key features of major diseases of almonds are described under the categories: foliar or fruit; and trunk, crown and root diseases. The diseases under the respective categories are: hull rot (Rhizopus spp.), bacterial spot (Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni), rust (Tranzschelia discolor), shot-hole (Wilsonomyces carpophilus), almond scab (Cladosporium carpophilum); silver leaf (Chondrostereum purpureum), Verticillium wilt (Verticillium dahliae), and trunk and root rot (Phytophthora and Fusarium spp.). Certain foliar disease symptoms are similar to either nutritional or physiological disorders or pesticide toxicity. Correct diagnosis of diseases and disorders is crucial for development and implementation of appropriate disease management strategies.

Study of Coloured Lakes Used for the Covering of Silver Leaf in Ecclesial Art of the First Half of 19th Century

The wooden sculptures in orthodox churches are usually gilded with golden leaves, applied by means of different techniques (with bole or mixtion). Silver leaf was also used for economic or aesthetic purposes, usually covered with coloured lakes: red, green (for flowers, leaves and fruits) or yellow (for gold imitation). This study presents analysis realized on samples of coloured lakes taken from different cult objects. We used red and green lakes taken from the royal doors of the St. Nicholas church from Aroneanu, Iasi (1814) and from the royal doors and deacon doors from St. Archangels Church, Ceplenita, Iasi (beginning of the 19th century). The yellow samples were taken from two icons painted in russian style: St. Nicholas and Holy Virgin of Kazan (beginning of 19th century). The SEM-EDX and FT-IR spectra revealed the different origins of the lake (organic and inorganic) and suggested the technique for their preparation.

The use of powdered bismuth in Late Gothic painting and sculpture polychromy

Abstract This paper presents a material study of the altarpiece in the chapel at Křivoklat (Purglitz) Castle called Křivoklat Ark (around 1480–1490), located in Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. The Křivoklat Altarpiece is one of the most important works of Jagiellonian courtly art in Bohemia. It is decorated with polychrome sculptures and panel paintings. An initial investigation of the gilded and silvered parts of the paintings, sculptures and architectural decor of the altarpiece was undertaken using a portable X-ray fluorescence analyser. Not only the expected metallic elements gold and silver were identified, but also bismuth. This surprising result led on to a complex study of the altarpiece, focused on the layered structure and the method by which bismuth was used the paint layers under the metal-coated areas (under the gold and silver plating). The coating technique using bismuth powder in the Late Gothic period has already been described in scientific publications. However, our paper deals with a rare technique, i.e. the use of powdered bismuth in red bole and its plating with gold and silver leaf. Several micro-samples were therefore taken from carefully selected parts of the altarpiece. Only a minimum amount of sample material was taken, due to the significance of altarpiece. The samples were then analyzed with optical and electron microscopy, EDS analysis, micro-XRF, and other methods. The quantitative element mapping on the cross-section of a micro-sample with gilding showed distributions of several elements (Bi, Au, Fe, Al, Ca); this means that the presence of bismuth grains in the red layer under the gilding leaf was proven. Interdisciplinary cooperation and a combination of microscopic and spectral methods have enabled us to describe this unique late Gothic gilding technique, in which metallic bismuth was intentionally used to affect the color scheme of the coated areas in paintings and polychrome sculptures.

All that glitters is not gold: silver leaf gilding, another means to an end

Complementando e enriquecendo retabulos e imagens, o uso de folhas metalicas tornou-se paradigmatico dos interiores religiosos portugueses nos seculos XVII e XVIII. Apesar do ouro ter sido sempre favorecido desenvolveram-se, simultaneamente, tecnicas alternativas para atingir o desejado lustre dourado, com recurso a folhas metalicas brancas cobertas com velaturas coloridas. Referencias historicas, presentes em numerosos textos de tecnicas artisticas, indiciam que estas tecnicas de contrafacao sao praticadas desde ha muito. Pouco mencionado, o processo de prateamento e genericamente descrito como identico ao de douramento, sendo dada muito mais atencao aos vernizes dourados a ser aplicados sobre a superficie prateada, o que permite que a sua evolucao material e tecnica seja seguida. Baseado num inquerito a estas referencias, e feito um enquadramento destes desenvolvimentos e da terminologia associada, tendo presente que o fulgor alvo das folhas de prata tambem brilhou por direito proprio.

Specific identification, biology and symptoms of whitefly species infesting sunflower in South India

Whitefly species related to sunflower was identified as Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Further the identified whitefly species was confirmed to be indigenous B. tabaci on molecular basis by using B-biotype specific SCARs and biological silver leaf assay on sensitive pumpkin (cv Big variety). None of the whitefly samples could positive for the presence of B biotype. The results of the study on the pest life cycle under the laboratory conditions showed that, B. tabaci passed through four nymphal instars before the adult stage. The mean duration values of these stages were 5.6, 4.2, 4.4 and 5.6 days respectively. The total duration of the life cycle of B. tabaci ranged from 23- 42 days at the temperature of 29±2°C with a mean of 34.5. The damage to sunflower crop caused by the whitefly species is discussed with a special emphasis on its ability to transmit leaf curl viral disease.

The Study of Stages and Operations Involved in the Preservation and Restoration of two XIX-th Century Icons, on Wooden Support

Abstract The paper presents the stages and the operations involved in the preservation and restoration of two icons on wooden support, from the XIX-th century, which are part of the heritage of the ”Sfinții Arhangheli Mihail and Gavriil” church, from Galați. The two icon have inventory numbers as part of the collection as followed: 112 for the first icon and 113 for the second one. Both icons have the same theme, ”The Grieving Mother from Rohia” and are made by anonymous painters in egg tempera, on lime wooden support, without ground. Being part of the same collection, they were deposited in the same place and as a direct consequence, they suffer from similar deteriorations and degradations that affect both the support and the painting layer. Both panels are attacked by xylophagous insects and the painting layer has detachments, gaps, cracks, clogged dirt and a cracked and degraded varnish layer. Ten samples taken from the already detached areas were analyzed by optical microscope, SEM-EDX and micro-FTIR. Based on the chemical elements identified in the EDX spectrums, the pigments used to create the painting layer are: ultramarine natural blue Na8-10Al6Si6O24S2-4, carbon black, earth green, K[(Al,FeIII),(FeII,Mg)](AlSi3,Si4)O10(OH)2, ocher (FeO), burned or natural umber Fe2O3· H2O + MnO2·n H2O+ Al2O3, lead white (2PbCO3·Pb(OH)2) and yellow iron oxide (Fe2O3·4H2O). It was also determined that the gold leaf usually used in byzantine icons was replaced in the case of both icons: the icon number 112 has silver leaf covered with varnish, while the halo of the icon number 113 was created with yellow metallic pigments (realgar or orpigment).The pigments were also identified by determining specific peaks in micro-FTIR spectrums. For natural ultramarine blue the peaks between 628 - 724 cm-1 were assigned; the peaks in the interval 795 - 887 cm-1 confirm the presence of carbonates (calcium and lead based). The earth green pigment (aluminum - silicates) had the peaks between 1464 - 1599, while the carbon black pigment was confirmed by the peaks in the interval 921 - 1060 cm-1. After the pigments and the materials used by the author were identified, the restoration process begun with the following stages: consolidation of the painting layer (fish glue 8% and japanese paper), stopping the xylophagous attack (encapsulation with nitrogen), consolidation of the wood supports (colophon and wax, 1:1), cleaning the painting layer (ethylic alcohol and distilled water, 1:1), filling the gaps and reintegrating the fillings in tratteggio, all followed by the process of varnishing the two icons.

Microclimate Modification and Insect Pest Exclusion Using Agronet Improve Pod Yield and Quality of French Bean

French bean [Phaseolus vulgaris (L.)] is among the leading export vegetable in Africa, mostly produced by small-scale farmers. Unfavorable environmental conditions and heavy infestations by insect pests are among the major constraints limiting production of the crop. Most French bean producers grow their crop in open fields outdoors subject to harsh environmental conditions and repeatedly spray insecticides in a bid to realize high yield. This has led to rejection of some of the produce at the export market as a result of stringent limits on maximum residue levels. Two trials were conducted at the Horticulture Research and Teaching Field, Egerton University, Kenya, to evaluate the potential of using agricultural nets (herein referred to as agronets) to improve the microclimate, reduce pest infestation, and increase the yield and quality of French bean. A randomized complete block design with five replications was used. French bean seeds were direct-seeded, sprayed with an alpha-cypermethrin-based insecticide (control), covered with a treated agronet (0.9 mm × 0.7 mm average pore size made of 100 denier yarn knitted into a mesh impregnated with alpha-cypermethrin), or covered with an untreated-agronet (0.9 mm × 0.7 mm average pore size made of 100 denier yarn knitted into a mesh not impregnated with insecticide). Alpha-cypermethrin and agronets were manufactured by Tagros Chemicals (India) and A to Z Textile Mills (Tanzania), respectively. Covering French bean with the agronets modified the microclimate of the growing crop with air temperature increased by ≈10%, relative humidity by 4%, and soil moisture by 20%, whereas photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) and daily light integral (DLI) were decreased by ≈1% and 11.5%, respectively. Populations of silverleaf whitefly [Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)] and black bean aphids [Aphis fabae (Scopoli)] were reduced under agronet covers as contrasted with control plots. Furthermore, populations of both pests were reduced on French bean grown under impregnated agronets compared with untreated agronets, but only on three of the five sampling dates [30, 44, and 72 days after planting (DAP)] for silver leaf whitefly or at only one of the five sampling dates (30 DAP) for black bean aphid. Covering French bean with agronets advanced seedling emergence by 2 days and increased seedling emergence over 90% compared with control plots. French bean plants covered with both agronet treatments had faster development, better pod yield, and quality compared with the uncovered plants. These findings demonstrate the potential of agronets in improving French bean performance while minimizing the number of insecticide sprays within the crop cycle, which could lead to less rejection of produce in the export market and improved environmental quality.

Dido, queen of Carthage: Léonard Limosin.

Dido, queen of Carthage: Léonard Limosin.

Gestão de Striga asiatica em milho no Planalto Central de Angola - consociação com plantas-armadilha leguminosas e gramíneas

Maize intercropped field trials with the legumes Desmodium uncinatum cv. ‘D. Silver leaf’, Cajanus cajan, Mucuna pruriens, Tephrosia sp. and Crotalaria sp. and the trap grass Tripsacum laxum were conducted from 2008 until 2010, at Chianga, Huambo, Angola, to evaluate the effect of intercropping for the control of Striga asiatica and maize cv. ‘SAM3’ yield. Greenhouse trials with the trap grass T. laxum in clean and infested soils with the parasitic plant were also carried on. T. laxum grown in infested soils by S. asiatica both in greenhouse and field trials significantly duplicated weed seed emergence, comparatively with the sown of maize alone. By other side, in the maize-legumes trials, the results show that the intercropping of maize with legumes significantly reduced S. asiatica infestation and gave significantly higher grain yield of maize. These studies have confirmed the potentials of Tripsacum laxum as trap crop combined with maize x legume intercropping in the management of S. asiatica. Based on these results, this cultural strategy could reduce the parasitic plant seed bank and increase soil fertility and consequently maize yield.

Study on the Appearance and Peel Strength of Byakudan-Nuri Works

This paper focuses on Byakudan-nuri, one of the traditional decoration techniques of Japanese Urushi (Urushi natural lacquer) crafts. Works produced by Byakudan-nuri express a unique luster color owing to painting gold or silver leaves along with highly transparent Urushi. The specific problem of Byakudan-nuri is the exfoliation of Urushi off the metal leaf surface, to solve a lot of repair work which is done nowadays. For Byakudan-nuri, silver leaf is preferred to a gold leaf. This paper tries to clarify the influence of the different kinds of metal leaves on the appearance and peel strength of works of Byakudan-nuri and, moreover, to elucidate the reason why silver leaf has been used more frequently for Byakudan-nuri until now. It was found out that the reason for the more frequent use of silver leaf in Byakudan-nuri is that silver does not seem to affect the appearance and peel strength in works produced by this technique.

Effect of Planting Pattern and Cutting Height on <i>In Vitro</i> Digestibility and in Sacco Degradability of Napier Grass Mixed with Silver Leaf Desmodium at Bako, Western Ethiopia

In vitro digestibility and in sacco dry matter (DM) degradability of Napier grass/silver leaf Desmodium mixtures were carried out using 3X2 factorial experiment arranged in randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments were three levels of stubble cutting heights (20cm, 30cm, and 40cm) and two levels of planting patterns (same row and alternate row). For the legume component DM disappearance after 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation significantly (p<0.05) increased with increasing cutting heights (20cm to 40cm) during second year production season. Both factors had no significant effect on DM disappearance and most of degradability characteristics of the grass component during first year, however, in vitro DM digestibility was higher (p<0.05) for alternate than same row planting pattern and increased significantly (p<0.01) with increasing cutting height. During second year, alternate row planting pattern showed higher (p<0.05) DM disappearance after 48, 72 and 96 hours of incubation. Significant difference for DM degradation between cutting heights were observed for 72 and 96 hours of incubation. Among degradability characteristics, slowly fermentable fraction significantly increased (p<0.05) with increasing cutting height. The in vitroDM digestibility of the second season harvest of grass followed similar trend of the first harvest grass component.

Study of Archeometric Characteristics of a Panel Painted Icon Form XIXth Century

Abstract This study presents a physicochemical analysis on the orthodox icon “The grieving Mother” from XIXth century. The icon is made by an anonymus painter, in tempera pigments, on a lime wood support, Tillia cordata. God’s Mother is represented from one side, only the bust, with the head down, framed by a white border. The predominant colors of the icon are ultramarine blue, ocher, red-brown, with silver leaf. The edges of the panel were painted with tempera pigments as the border. On the right edge an inscription in blue ink, can be seen, but is unreadable. The painting layer has gaps, fissures, detachments, dirt, degraded and scaly varnish. The panel is made from a single board, transversally cut, without crossbeams. The study is based on the identification of some archeometric characteristics of the wood panel and of the pigment layer. To determin painting materials and the conservation state, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (Micro-FTIR) and Scanning Electron Microscope coupled with Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX) were employed. Using this methods we identify the pigments used and the state of degradation of the panel. The FTIR spectrum analysis showed that the pigment layer contains schellac varnish, ultramarine blue and dust, a conclusion supported by SEM-EDX analysis.

Clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of acute and late radiation reactions from the MASCC Skin Toxicity Study Group

Radiation dermatitis (RD) results from radiotherapy and often occurs within the first 4 weeks of treatment, although late effects also occur. While RD may resolve over time, it can have a profound effect on patients' quality of life and lead to dose modifications. A study group of international, interdisciplinary experts convened to develop RD prevention and treatment guidelines based on evidence from randomized, controlled trials. Evidence-based recommendations were developed after an extensive literature review. Randomized, controlled trials with standardized measurement of outcomes were considered the best evidence, and a majority of the recommendations were formulated from this literature. The adoption of washing with water, with or without a mild soap, and allowing the use of antiperspirants is supported by randomized trials. Use of topical prophylactic corticosteroids (mometasone) is recommended to reduce discomfort and itching. There is some evidence that silver sulfadiazine cream can reduce dermatitis score. There is insufficient evidence to support, and therefore the panel recommends against the use of trolamine, topical sulcrate, hyaluronic acid, ascorbic acid, silver leaf dressing, light-emitting diode lasers, Theta cream, dexpanthenol, calendula, proteolytic enzymes, sulcralfate, oral zinc, and pentoxifylline. Moreover, there is no evidence to support the superiority for any specific intervention in a reactive fashion. For patients with established radiation-induced telangiectasia and fibrosis, the panel suggests the use of pulse dye laser for visual appearance, and the use of pentoxifylline and vitamin E for the reduction of fibrosis.

'My Sun' and 'Guided by the Moon'

My Sun and Guided by the Moon (2012) show the heavily pregnant artist with her swollen belly covered in gold and silver leaf. The work is suggestive that the connectivity experienced by an expectant mother, extends outwards, even as far as her relationship with the cosmos. The 'sun' portrait was taken on a bright September morning, and its partner image, the following October, on the night of a full moon. Female cycles and the importance of time passing during a pregnancy are referenced. Interestingly, bearing in mind that the artist gave birth to a son in November, creating the 'moon' portrait felt like a familiar, empowering and yet isolated expression of selfhood, whilst the 'sun/son' version exuded the energy of a collaboration, and stimulated feelings of joy, liberation and potentiality. By seeming contradiction, the boy was born on a full moon, exactly a month to the day that Guided by the Moon was taken.

First Report of Cowpea mild mottle virus in Cowpea and French Bean in Taiwan.

In 2009, more than 50% of vine type French beans were found bearing severe viral symptoms in a vegetable garden in Nantou County, Taiwan. Infected plants were stunted and exhibited pronounced mottling symptoms on their leaves. The symptomatic plants were mechanically inoculated on Chenopodium quinoa and local lesions developed 7 to 10 days after inoculation. The virus source established by back isolation the single lesion from C. quinoa on French beans developed symptoms similar to those found in the field. Host range test showed that this isolate could only infect leguminous plants, including soybean, mung bean, pea, peanut, asparagus bean, cowpea, adzuki bean, and lima bean, but not cucurbitaceous and solanaceous plants. Since only Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has been reported in Taiwan to induce similar symptoms in French beans, we tested both the field collected and inoculated French beans by CMV antiserum in ELISA but obtained a negative result. Due to subsequent electron microscopy studies that found potyvirus and carlavirus like particles in the leaf dips of infected French beans, we conducted reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using generic degenerate primers for potyviruses (Hrp5/Pot1 (2) and PotZ/Pot1 (3)) and carlaviruses (Decarla-u2 (5'-TGCACTGARTCMGAYTATGARGCYTT-3' and Decarla-d1 (5'-GCACATRTCRTCVCCDGCAAA-3') previously designed in our lab. No amplification was found from the potyvirus primers, while the carlavirus one gave an expected amplicon of 285 bp, which was found sharing 81% nucleotide sequence identity with the replicase gene of Cowpea mild mottle virus (CpMMV) (GenBank Accession No. FJ560903). A primer pair (CpMMV-CPu: 5'-TTTACTCTTAggTWATggAgTC-3' and CpMMV-CPd: 5'-CCTATTAAAACACACAAHTCAAA-3') was thus designed to amplify the complete coat protein (CP) gene based on the reported CP sequences and obtained an expected 867-bp product from our French bean isolate. This 867-bp sequence (JX020701) was confirmed to have 97.6% amino acid sequence identities with the CP gene of a Puerto Rican CpMMV isolate (GU191840). In a separate survey, another isolate from asparagus bean (CpMMV-V) causing mild mottling symptom was obtained. Analyses of the CP gene of CpMMV-V (JX070669) confirmed that it shared 88.8% and 97.8% of nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities with the French bean isolate, respectively. Different from most carlaviruses with aphid transmissibility, CpMMV has been shown to be transmitted non-persistently by whiteflies (1). Both CpMMV isolates from Taiwan were confirmed to be transmitted by silver leaf whiteflies (Bemicia argentifolii Bellows and Perring). This is the first record of whitefly transmissible legume virus in Taiwan. Since whitefly has been a problem in agriculture worldwide, CpMMV can be a new emerging threat for Taiwan's legume crop production.