bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impacts of sulphur levels on yield, storability and economic return of onion
Authors: Ullah MH , Huq SMI , Alam MDU , Rahman MA
Published: April 2009

The experiments were carried out at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, Rahmatpur, Barisal during the rabi seasons of 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 to study the impact of different sulphur levels on bulb yield, storability and economic return of onion. Sulphur application had significant effect on yield components and bulb yield of onion. The highest bulb yields (19.75 and 19.88 t/ha) were obtained from sulphur levels between 60 and 75 kg/ha in two consecutive years. Both the cumulative weight and rotten loss were significantly influenced by sulphur fertilization. The maximum weight loss (40.78%) was recorded after 180 days of storage in S60 kg/ha and the minimum (31.40%) was found in S45 kg/ha. The bulbs stored in bamboo platform were found in acceptable condition after 6 months of storage showing 31.40% of weight loss. The maximum rotten bulbs (63.75%) were observed in control treatment (without S) and the minimum rotten bulbs (37.04%) were observed in S45 kg/ha after 180 days of storage because application of sulphur enhanced the storability of onion bulbs. The highest (9146 %) marginal rate of return (MRR) with gross margin of Tk. 181844/ha was obtained from the sulphur level S60 kg/ha. Key Words: Sulphur, yield, storability, economic return, onion. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2286 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 539-548, December 2008
Effect of rhizobium inoculation on nodulation and yield of chickpea in Calcareous soil
Authors: Bhuiyan MAH , Khanam D , Hossain MF , Ahmed MS
Published: April 2009

Two field experiments were carried out during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2002-03 and 2003-2004 at Farming System Research Site, Chabbish Nagar, Rajshahi (AEZ 11) with a view to assessing the effect of Rhizobium inoculation on four varieties of chickpea viz., BARI Chola-3, BARI Chola-4, BARI Chola-5 and BART Chola-6. Each variety was tested with and without Rhizobium inoculation. Each plot received basal application of 22 kg P/ha as TSP, 42 kg K/ha as MOP, 20 kg S/ha as gypsum and 5 kg Zn/ha as zinc oxide. Peat based rhizohial inoculurn (Rhizohium strain RCa-220) @ 1.5 kg/ha was used for seed inoculation. Inoculated plants gave significantly higher nodule number, nodule weight, stover yield and seed yield compared to uninoculated plants. Among four varieties, BARI Chola-3 produced the highest nodule number, nodule weight and stover yield, while the highest yield was obtained from BARI Chola-4. Key Words: Chickpea, Rhizobium, nodulation, yield. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2287 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 549-554, December 2008
Determination of economic injury levels of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) in chickpea
Authors: Zahid MA , Islam MM , Reza MH , Prodhan MHZ , Begum M Rumana
Published: April 2009

Chickpea pod borer Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) is considered to be one of the major pests of chickpea. The damage potential and economic threshold level for Helicoverpa armigera larvae on chickpea crop were worked out. On an average, single larva per m row reduced the yield to the extent of 155 kg/ha and 157 kg/ha in 2004-05 and 2005-06 cropping season, respectively. The ratio of the value of yield saved to the cost of insecticide application at one larva per m row was 1.06 and 1.12 in 2004-05 and 2005-06, respectively. EILs for Helicoverpa armigera were determined as 12 and 0.95 per m row and ETLs was at 09 and 0 73 larvae per m row in 2004-05 and 2005 - 06, respectively. Key Words: Economic injury, chickpea, pod borer doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2288 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 555-563, December 2008
Contribution of BARI cereal crops to the national GDP of Bangladesh
Authors: Karim MR , Baset MA , Alam QM , Hossain S
Published: April 2009

The study was conducted to estimate the contribution made by BARI cereal crops to GDP in the national economy of Bangladesh during the financial year 2005-2006. For the purpose of GDP calculation of BARI cereal crops, both primary and secondary data were collected from the concerned scientists of BARI, BBS, and DAM. Bangladesh has produced total goods and services those valuation at constant market price of Tk. 3150370.14 million in the financial year 2005-2006, where the contribution of agriculture and forestry was found Tk. 467436.18 million. Primarily producers sell their crops to the different users at farm-gate price and then the final output flour, bread, biscuit, poultry feed and its by-product straw, cattle feed, fuel and fodder for further value added when it is marketed to the consumer via a number of intermediaries. The value added price of the goods and services of BARI cereal crops were found at constant market price of Tk. 31434.75 million that comes as GDP valuation to the national economy. Finally, the contribution of BARI cereal crops to the agricultural and forestry GDP as worked out at 6.72 percent. On the other hand, contribution to GDP of BARI cereal crop technologies was found to be 4.40 percent. Key Words: Contribution, BARI cereal, national GDP. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2289 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 565-570, December 2008
Effect of postharvest treatments on shelf life and quality of tomato
Authors: Nasrin TAA , Molla MM , Hossaen M Alamgir , Alam MS , Yasmin L
Published: April 2009

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of chlorine, packaging and storage conditions on quality and shelf life of tomato. Tomato treated with chlorine; packed in perforated (0.25%) polyethylene bag and kept at ambient (Temperature 20-25Â°C & relative humidity 70-90%) condition resulted in substantial reduction in losses caused by decay and weight loss. This treatment combination also considerably delayed compositional changes in TSS, total sugar, reducing sugar, vitamin-C, B-carotene, etc. Under this condition, shelf life of tomato had extended upto 17 days as compared to non-treated and kept in ambient condition without packaging or packed in gunny bag for 7 days only. Key Words: Postharvest treatments, shelf-life, quality of tomato. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2291 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 579-585, December 2008
Efficacy of rhizobium strains and biofertilizers for controlling foot and root rot and increasing green pod yield of bush bean
Authors: Khalequzzaman KM , Hossain I
Published: April 2009

The experiment was conducted during 2002-03 in the infested plot of the BINA sub-station at Ishurdi, Pabna to evaluate the effectiveness of Rhizobium strains and biofertilizers in controlling the foot and root rot disease, and to increase green pod yield of Bush bean under field condition. The highest germination (91.6%) was recorded with BINAR P36, which was statistically similar to BAUR 107, BARIR 7029, BARIR 1000, BINAR P6 and BINA biofertilizer. The lowest germination (77.9%) was found in untreated control. The highest foot and root rot (24.5%) was observed in untreated control and the lowest (10.00%) was in BINAR P36. Biofertilizers and Rhizobial strains decreased foot and root rot upto 59.2% over untreated control. The highest green pod yield (20.8 tlha) was obtained for using BINAR P36, which was followed by BARIR 7029, BARIR 892, BARIR 1000, BINAR P6 and BINA biofertilizer. The lowest green pod yield (13.6 tlha) was found in untreated control. Rhizobium strain BINAR P36 may be used as seed treatment for controlling foot and root rot and increasing green pod yield of Bush bean. Key Words: Rhyzobium, biofertilizers, foot and root rot, bush bean. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2305 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 617-622, December 2008
Effect of duration of weed competition and weed control on the yield of Indian spinach
Authors: Khan MSA , Hossain MA , Islam M Nurul , Mahfuza SN , Uddin MK
Published: April 2009

Field experiments were conducted at the research farm of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Joydebpur during kharif-1 (March to July) seasons of 2005 and 2006 to identify the critical period of crop-weed competition for Indian spinach. Major weed species were Paspalurn commersoni, Echinochlaa crusgalli. Lie nv/nc india. Cyanotis axillaris and Cyperus rotundus. The lowest weed dry matter was 76.3 g m-2 in 2005 and l01.60 g m-2 in 2006 from the plots weeded up to 40 days after transplanting (DAT). The highest yields were obtained (74.82 t ha in 2005 and 48.48 t ha in 2006) from the weed free plots. The fresh yield of Indian spinach did not vary among no weeding upto 20, 30 and 40 DAT in 2006. But weeded plot upto 30 and 40 DAT produced identical yield in 2005. Maximum BCR (4.52) was obtained from weeded plots upto 30 DAT in 2005 but BCR (2.60) was same from weeded upto 30 and 40 DA F in 2006. On an average, highest BCR (3.55) was recorded from weeding upto 30 DAT. Results revealed that the critical period of crop weed competition lies between 20 and 30 DAT and two times hand weeding would be necessary within 30 DAT for maximum benefit. Key Words: Crop-weed competitions, critical period, weed management and Indian spinach. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2306 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 623-629, December 2008
Genetic analysis for panicle characters in diallel cross of rice
Authors: Iftekharuddaula KM , Newaz MA , Salam MA , Akter Khaleda
Published: April 2009

An experiment was carried out to study the genetic components for eight panicle characters in rice using an 8-parent half diallel cross excluding reciprocals during Transplant Aman season, 2003. The parental genotypes used in the study were BRRI dhan29, BR4828-54-4-l-4-9, BRR1 dhan28, 1R8, Amol3, 1R65610-38-2-4-2-6-3, Minikit and ZhongYu7, which were chosen for their diversity in panicle characters. Hayman's analysis of variance (ANOVA) indicated importance of both additive and non-additive genetic components for all the panicle characters except dominance component for filled grains/secondary branches. The ANOVA showed unidirectional dominance for the characters viz, primary branch length, secondary branch length, primary branches/panicle, secondary branches/panicle and filled grains/primary branch, asymmetrical gene distribution for all the panicle traits except filled grains/secondary branch and residual dominance effects for all the panicle characters studied. Two out of eight panicle characters viz., primary branches/panicle and unfilled grains/ secondary branch followed the simple additive-dominance genetic model. The rest of the panicle characters showed nonallelic gene interaction or epistasis. According to Vr-Wr graph, partial dominance was involved in the action of genes governing the inheritance of primary branches/panicle, while complete dominance was involved in the inheritance of unfilled grains/secondary branch. Most of the dominant genes for primary branches/panicle belonged to other hand, 1R8 possessed most of the dominant genes, while 1R65610-38-2-4-2-6-3 possessed most of the recessive genes for unfilled grains/secondary branch. The estimates of components of variance demonstrated involvement of both additive and dominant components in the inheritance of primary branches/panicle and unfilled grains/secondary branch. The distribution of dominant and recessive genes was unequal in the parents for these two characters also. There was drastic influence of environment on these two panicle characters following simple additive-dominance genetic model. Heritability in narrow sense (h2 ns) was very high for primary branches/panicle and unfilled grains/secondary branch. Key Words: Genetic analysis, diallel cross, panicle characters, rice. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2307 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 631-638, December 2008
Integrated weed management in potato at Munshigonj
Authors: Khan ASA , Hossain MA , Mahmud AA , Howlader MIA , Rahman MA
Published: April 2009

A field experiment was carried out at the research farm of Tuber Crops Research Sub-station, Munshigonj of Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI) during rabi seasons of 2005-06 and 2006-07 to find out the effective and economical integrated weed control method in potato. Chenopodium album and Amaranthus viridis were the major weed species in potato field. Mulch (water hyacinth) along with herbicide application (Ronstar 25 EC @ 1 ml/L water) at 7 days after planting (DAP) was found most effective in controlling weed population (94 to 95%) upto 30 days of planting than that employed by only mulch (45 to 53%). The weeds were found to reduce tuber yield to the extent of 43 percent. Mulching plus herbicide spraying at 7 DAP followed by one time uprooting of weeds by hand at 25 DAP produced the highest tuber yield of 23.39 t/ha in 2005-06 and 29.58 t/ha in 2006-07 and it was most effective in controlling weeds as compared to unweeded and mulched plots. The highest net returns (Tk. 116141/ha in 2005-06 and Tk. 205646/ha in 2006-07) and maximum benefit cost ratio of 2.64 and 3.28 were noted with mulching by water hyacinth + herbicide application at 7 DAP + one time weed uprooting by hand at 25 DAP. Key Words: Weed management, mulching, herbicide, potato tuber yield. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2309 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 647-654, December 2008
Effect of boron application on the yield of different varieties of broccoli in hill valley
Authors: Firoz ZA , Jaman MM , Alam MS , Alam MK
Published: April 2009

Key Words: Brocolli, boron, hill valley. doi: 10.3329/bjar.v33i4.2310 Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 33(4) : 655-657, December 2008
Composition-Dependent Dielectric Properties of DMF-Water Mixtures by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Jia Guo-Zhu , Huang Ka-Ma , Yang Li-Jun , Yang Xiao-Qing
Published: April 2009

In this paper, we study the dielectric properties of water-N,N dimethylformamide (DMF) mixtures over the whole composition range using a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. The static and microwave frequency-dependent dielectric properties of the mixtures are calculated from MD trajectories of at least 2 ns length and compared to those of available measurements. We find that the short-ranged structural correlation between neighboring water and DMF molecules strongly influences the static dielectric properties of mixtures. In terms of the dynamics, we report time correlation functions for the dipole densities of mixtures and find that their long-time behavior can be reasonably described by biexponential decays, which means the dielectric relaxations of these mixtures are governed by complex multitimescale mechanisms of rotational diffusion. The dipole density relaxation time is a non-monotonic function of composition passing through a maximum around 0.5 mole fraction DMF, in agreement with the measured main dielectric relaxation time of mixtures.
Probing the Structure, Stability and Hydrogen Adsorption of Lithium Functionalized Isoreticular MOF-5 (Fe, Cu, Co, Ni and Zn) by Density Functional Theory
Authors: Venkataramanan Natarajan Sathiyamoorthy , Sahara Ryoji , Mizuseki Hiroshi , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: April 2009

Li adsorption on isoreticular MOFs with metal Fe, Cu, Co, Ni and Zn was studied using density function theory. Li functionalization shows a considerable structural change associated with a volume change in isoreticular MOF-5 except for the Zn metal center. Hydrogen binding energies on Li functionalized MOFs are seen to be in the range of 0.2 eV, which is the desired value for an ideal reversible storage system. This study has clearly shown that Li doping is possible only in Zn-based MOF-5, which would be better candidate to reversibly store hydrogen.
Neuronal Aneuploidy in Health and Disease:A Cytomic Approach to Understand the Molecular Individuality of Neurons
Authors: Arendt Thomas , Mosch Birgit , Morawski Markus
Published: April 2009

Structural variation in the human genome is likely to be an important mechanism for neuronal diversity and brain disease. A combination of multiple different forms of aneuploid cells due to loss or gain of whole chromosomes giving rise to cellular diversity at the genomic level have been described in neurons of the normal and diseased adult human brain. Here, we describe recent advances in molecular neuropathology based on the combination of slide-based cytometry with molecular biological techniques that will contribute to the understanding of genetic neuronal heterogeneity in the CNS and its potential impact on Alzheimer´s disease and age-related disorders.
Synthesis, X-ray Diffraction Study and Antimicrobial Activity of Calcium Sulphate Nanocomposites from Plant Charcoal
Authors: Bhattacharjee Chira R. , Paul Satya B. , Nath Abhijit , Choudhury Pinak P. N. , Choudhury Sudip
Published: April 2009

Calcium sulphate nanocomposite materials (CB) have been synthesised from plant charcoal. Crushed charcoal powder was heated to red hot over a Bunsen burner flame and produced a white material which has been isolated. The surface morphology of the material has been studied by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and the elements were analyzed by Energy Dispersion Spectroscopy (EDS). To explore the structural features of the materials X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns were recorded. The material showed pronounced inhibitory effects against Streptococcus faecaelis, Bacillus subtilis, Klebsilla pneumoni, E. coli, Proteus vulgaris and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
Synthesis and Molecular Descriptor Characterization of Novel 4-Hydroxy-chromene-2-one Derivatives as Antimicrobial Agents
Authors: Mladenović Milan , Vuković Nenad , Nićiforović Neda , Sukdolak Slobodan , Solujić Slavica
Published: April 2009

Several novel 4-hydroxy-chromene-2-one derivatives 2b-16b were easily prepared through condensation reactions with microwave heating and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H-NMR and mass spectrometry. Geometry optimization of these compounds was executed by PM3, PM5 and Minimize Energy methods to describe them via molecular descriptors. The antimicrobial activity of the synthesized compounds was evaluated against different microbial strains using two different methods: the diffusion method and the micro-dilution method. All data indicated that the products possess antimicrobial activity which depends on the nature of substituent attached to the benzopyran moiety. In general, after 24 h the MIC values of most tested coumarins was 0.13 mg/mL, but compounds 1 and 6b displayed the strongest antimicrobial activity on the tested cultures of bacteria after 48 h. Compound 13b has the strongest growth inhibitory potential on fungus C. albicans, tested by diffusion method,with an inhibition zone of 30-37 mm at a concentration of 150 µg/mL. The conclusion of this experiment is that the synthesized compounds have varied and different influence on different classes of bacteria and the fungus C. albicans.
Comparative Molecular Docking of Antitrypanosomal Natural Products into Multiple Trypanosoma brucei Drug Targets
Authors: Ogungbe Ifedayo V. , Setzer William N.
Published: April 2009

Antitrypanosomal natural products with different structural motifs previously shown to have growth inhibitory activity against Trypanosoma brucei were docked into validated drug targets of the parasite, which include trypanothione reductase, rhodesain, farnesyl diphosphate synthase, and triosephosphate isomerase. The in-silico calculations predicted that lowest energy docked poses of a number of the compounds can interact with catalysis-dependent residues, thus making them possible catalytic inhibitors and of course physiologically active. Compounds that possess a number of hydrogen-bond-accepting and/or -donating groups like phenolics and quinones show extensive interactions with the targets. Compounds like cissampeloflavone, 3-geranylemodin and ningpogenin thus offer profound promise.
Determination of Proton Relaxivities of Mn(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III) added to Solutions of Serum Proteins
Authors: Köylü Mehmet Zafer , Asubay Sezai , Yilmaz Ali
Published: April 2009

Relaxometric studies are still of scientific interest due to their use in medicine and biology. In this study, proton T1 and T2 relaxivities of Mn(II), Cu(II) and Cr(III) in water were determined in the presence and absence of various proteins (albumin, α-globulin, γ-globulin, lysozyme, fibrinogen). The 1/T1 and 1/T2 in all solutions are linearly proportional to the concentration of the paramagnetic ions. Mn(II) has the great influence to alter relaxations in all protein solutions, while Cu(II) and Cr(III) have a poor influence on the relaxations. In addition, Mn(II) and Cu(II) are bound to each protein, but Cr(III) is not bound to any protein.
A Small-Displacement Sensor Using Total Internal Reflection Theory and Surface Plasmon Resonance Technology for Heterodyne Interferometry
Authors: Wang Shinn-Fwu
Published: April 2009

A small-displacement sensor based on total-internal reflection theory and surface plasmon resonance technology is proposed for use in heterodyne interferometry. A small displacement can be obtained simply by measuring the variation in phase difference between s- and p-polarization states with the small-displacement sensor. The theoretical displacement resolution of the small-displacement sensor can reach 0.45 nm. The sensor has some additional advantages, e.g., a simple optical setup, high resolution, high sensitivity and rapid measurement. Its feasibility is also demonstrated.
An Adaptable, Portable Microarray Reader for Biodetection
Authors: Thompson Deanna L. , Pearson Francesca , Thomas Cynthia , Rao Rupa , Matthews Dennis , Albala Joanna S. , Wachsmann-Hogiu Sebastian , Coleman Matthew A.
Published: April 2009

We have developed an inexpensive portable microarray reader that can be applied to standard microscope slide-based arrays and other array formats printed on chemically modified surfaces. Measuring only 19 cm in length, the imaging device is portable and may be applicable to both triage and clinical settings. For multiplexing and adaptability purposes, it can be modified to work with multiple excitation/emission wavelengths. Our device is shown to be comparable to a commercial laser scanner when detecting both streptavidin-biotin and antibody interactions. This paper presents the development and characterization of a handheld microarray imager and directly compares it with a commercial scanner.
Parallel Processing Method for Airborne Laser Scanning Data Using a PC Cluster and a Virtual Grid
Authors: Han Soo Hee , Heo Joon , Sohn Hong Gyoo , Yu Kiyun
Published: April 2009

In this study, a parallel processing method using a PC cluster and a virtual grid is proposed for the fast processing of enormous amounts of airborne laser scanning (ALS) data. The method creates a raster digital surface model (DSM) by interpolating point data with inverse distance weighting (IDW), and produces a digital terrain model (DTM) by local minimum filtering of the DSM. To make a consistent comparison of performance between sequential and parallel processing approaches, the means of dealing with boundary data and of selecting interpolation centers were controlled for each processing node in parallel approach. To test the speedup, efficiency and linearity of the proposed algorithm, actual ALS data up to 134 million points were processed with a PC cluster consisting of one master node and eight slave nodes. The results showed that parallel processing provides better performance when the computational overhead, the number of processors, and the data size become large. It was verified that the proposed algorithm is a linear time operation and that the products obtained by parallel processing are identical to those produced by sequential processing.
An Artificial Neural Network Embedded Position and Orientation Determination Algorithm for Low Cost MEMS INS/GPS Integrated Sensors
Authors: Chiang Kai-Wei , Chang Hsiu-Wen , Li Chia-Yuan , Huang Yun-Wen
Published: April 2009

Digital mobile mapping, which integrates digital imaging with direct geo-referencing, has developed rapidly over the past fifteen years. Direct geo-referencing is the determination of the time-variable position and orientation parameters for a mobile digital imager. The most common technologies used for this purpose today are satellite positioning using Global Positioning System (GPS) and Inertial Navigation System (INS) using an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). They are usually integrated in such a way that the GPS receiver is the main position sensor, while the IMU is the main orientation sensor. The Kalman Filter (KF) is considered as the optimal estimation tool for real-time INS/GPS integrated kinematic position and orientation determination. An intelligent hybrid scheme consisting of an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and KF has been proposed to overcome the limitations of KF and to improve the performance of the INS/GPS integrated system in previous studies. However, the accuracy requirements of general mobile mapping applications can’t be achieved easily, even by the use of the ANN-KF scheme. Therefore, this study proposes an intelligent position and orientation determination scheme that embeds ANN with conventional Rauch-Tung-Striebel (RTS) smoother to improve the overall accuracy of a MEMS INS/GPS integrated system in post-mission mode. By combining the Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) INS/GPS integrated system and the intelligent ANN-RTS smoother scheme proposed in this study, a cheaper but still reasonably accurate position and orientation determination scheme can be anticipated.
Automatic Registration of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Point Clouds using Panoramic Reflectance Images
Authors: Kang Zhizhong , Li Jonathan , Zhang Liqiang , Zhao Qile , Zlatanova Sisi
Published: April 2009

This paper presents a new approach to the automatic registration of terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) point clouds using panoramic reflectance images. The approach follows a two-step procedure that includes both pair-wise registration and global registration. The pair-wise registration consists of image matching (pixel-to-pixel correspondence) and point cloud registration (point-to-point correspondence), as the correspondence between the image and the point cloud (pixel-to-point) is inherent to the reflectance images. False correspondences are removed by a geometric invariance check. The pixel-to-point correspondence and the computation of the rigid transformation parameters (RTPs) are integrated into an iterative process that allows for the pair-wise registration to be optimised. The global registration of all point clouds is obtained by a bundle adjustment using a circular self-closure constraint. Our approach is tested with both indoor and outdoor scenes acquired by a FARO LS 880 laser scanner with an angular resolution of 0.036° and 0.045°, respectively. The results show that the pair-wise and global registration accuracies are of millimetre and centimetre orders, respectively, and that the process is fully automatic and converges quickly.
Biotic Translocation of Phosphorus: The Role of Deer in Protected Areas
Authors: Flueck Werner T.
Published: April 2009

Biogeochemical cycles are cornerstones of biological evolution. Mature terrestrial ecosystems efficiently trap nutrients and certain ones are largely recycled internally. Preserving natural fluxes of nutrients is an important mission of protected areas, but artificially leaky systems remain common. Native red deer (Cervus elaphus) in the Swiss National Park (SNP) are known to reduce phosphorus (P) in preferred feeding sites by removing more P than is returned with feces. At larger scales it becomes apparent that losses are occurring due to seasonal deer movements out of the SNP where most deer end up perishing. Thus, the SNP contributes to producing deer which translocate P to sink areas outside the SNP due to several artificial factors. An adult female dying outside of SNP exports about 1.8 kg of P, whereas a male dying outside of SNP at 8 years of age exports 7.2 kg of P due also to annual shedding of antlers. Averaged over the vegetated part of the SNP, the about 2,000 deer export 0.32 kg/ha/yr of P. Other ungulate species using the SNP and dying principally outside of its borders would result in additional exports of P. Leakiness in this case is induced by: a) absence of the predator community and thus a lack of summer mortalities and absence of several relevant non-lethal predator effects, b) hunting-accelerated population turnover rate, and c) deaths outside of SNP principally from hunting. The estimated export rate for P compares to rates measured in extensive production systems which receive 10-50 kg/ha/yr of P as fertilizer to compensate the losses from biomass exports. Assumptions were made regarding red deer body weight or population turnover rate, yet substituting my estimates with actual values from the SNP would only affect somewhat the magnitude of the effect, but not its direction. The rate of P loss is a proxy for losses of other elements, the most critical ones being those not essential to autotrophs, but essential to heterotrophs. High deer turnover rates combined with accelerated biomass export warrants detailed mass balances of macro and micro nutrients, and studies of biogeochemical cycles in protected areas are essential if preserving natural processes is a mandate.
Considering Structural, Individual and Social Network Explanations for Ecologically Sustainable Agriculture: An Example Drawn from Washington State Wheat Growers
Authors: Jussaume Raymond A. , Glenna Leland
Published: April 2009

As acceptance of the concept of agricultural sustainability has grown, it has become increasingly recognized that notions of sustainability and how to promote it will necessarily vary depending on the commodity in question. It thus becomes important to investigate how movements towards sustainability are emerging for different commodities. The objective of our paper is to present the results of an analysis of Washington wheat producers that investigates the degree to which interest in sustainability exists amongst those farmers and whether structural factors and farmer personal characteristics are more or less significant than social network factors in explaining farmers’ views of possible sustainable methods. Our findings indicate that a measure indicating use of local social networks to gain information is associated with a higher degree of interest in new production methods aimed at improving agricultural sustainability.
Identification of Proteins with Increased Expression in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Tissues
Authors: CHANG XIAOTIAN , CUI YAZHOU , ZONG MEIJUAN , ZHAO YAN , YAN XINFENG , CHEN YU , HAN JINXIANG
Published: April 2009

Objective.

A proteomic approach was applied to discover novel rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-specific proteins by comparing the expression profiles of synovial membranes from patients with RA, osteoarthritis (OA), and ankylosing spondylitis (AS).

Methods.

Synovial tissues were collected from patients with RA (n = 10), OA (n = 10), or AS (n = 6), and healthy controls matched for age and sex. Proteins were separated by 2-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the proteins with significantly increased expression in the RA samples were subject to matrix-assisted laser adsorption-ionization time-of-flight spectrometry. Results were verified using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Levels of the candidate proteins were measured within plasma and synovial fluids from the RA patients (n = 30), who had disease duration of 3–7 years, using ELISA. Levels were also measured within plasma from unmedicated RA patients (n = 41), who had disease duration of 1–6 months.

Results.

Compared with the OA and AS tissue samples, the proteins Ig-kappa light-chain C region, PRDX4, SOD2, TPI, and TXNDC5 were found with increased expression in synovial tissues of RA patients. PRDX4, SOD2, TPI, and TXNDC5 had 2-fold or more increase in expression in some of the early RA plasma samples (58.55%, 31.7%, 26.8%, and 36.6%, respectively) as compared with the early OA samples and control samples. TXNDC5 had 2-fold or more increase in expression in 53.3% of blood samples and 73.3% of synovial fluid samples from patients with long disease duration of RA as compared with samples from OA and AS patients.

Conclusion.

Functional classification indicated that these identified proteins were related with cell differentiation, glycol metabolism, immunoactivation, and endogenous antioxidant reaction.
Aggregation of Agriotes obscurus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) at cereal bait stations in the field
Authors: Vernon Robert S. , Kabaluk J. Todd , Behringer Anita M.
Published: April 2009

Dusky wireworms, Agriotes obscurus (L.), aggregated in similar numbers at wheat [Triticum aestivum L. (Gramineae) ‘Max’], oat [Avena sativa L. (Gramineae) ‘Walderen’], barley [Hordeum vulgare L. (Gramineae) ‘Verdin’], and fall rye [Secale cereale L. (Gramineae) ‘Wheeler’ and ‘Prima’] cultivar bait stations containing 100 seeds planted 3 cm deep in 127-cm2 circular bait stations. Similar levels of aggregation also occurred at 11 varieties of wheat planted at 100 seeds/127 cm2. When wheat, oat, barley, and the fall rye cultivars were planted at increasing density (0–180 seeds per bait station), aggregation by A. obscurus increased initially, but reached a plateau at numbers and at seeding rates specific to each grain variety as determined using the asymptotic equation y = B0(1 – e–B1x). Except for barley, this equation predicted wireworm densities within 11% of the densities actually observed at bait stations with 100 seeds/127 cm2. It was concluded that any of the wheat, oat, barley, or fall rye varieties would be suitable for monitoring A. obscurus wireworm populations if planted in bait stations at 100 seeds/127 cm2, as well as for aggregating wireworms by means of a trap crop.
Prevalence and biology ofFuria gastropachae(Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) in populations of forest tent caterpillar (Lepidoptera: Lasiocampidae)
Authors: Filotas Melanie J. , Hajek Ann E. , Humber Richard A.
Published: April 2009

Furia gastropachaecomb. nov.(=Furia crustosaMacLeodetTyrrell) has long been associated with declines in populations of the forest tent caterpillar,Malacosoma disstriaHübner; however, its prevalence and impact on host populations have never been documented. We clarify the nomenclature for this species, which has previously been calledF. crustosa, and describe the morphology ofF. gastropachaeisolates from Maryland and New York. Epizootics ofF. gastropachaewere studied inM. disstriapopulations in New York and Maryland, United States of America. Prevalence (mean ± SE) ofF. gastropachaein late fifth instar larvae in New York was 25.6 ± 7.8% compared with 22.2 ± 11.3% infection by virus and 23.3 ± 8.4% parasitism. In Maryland,F. gastropachaewas not found in early instars and its incidence in fourth and fifth instars was 14.5 ± 7.3 and 21.6 ± 17.6%, respectively. Dipteran parasitoids were also important natural enemies with 38.3 ± 3.0 and 17.9 ± 1.4% parasitism in fourth and fifth instars, respectively. Virus was found in fewer than 5% of larvae collected.Furia gastropachaeshowed a marked tendency toward resting spore production in infected larvae, with 100% of larvae collected in New York and >80% of larvae collected in Maryland producing resting spores, either alone or in combination with conidia. The appearance of cadavers of larvae dying from fungal and viral infections was similar. Of 13 species of Lepidoptera exposed toF. gastropachaeconidia in host-range bioassays, only 3.3% ofDanaus plexippus(L.) (Lepidoptera: Danaidae), 5.6% ofPieris rapae(L.) (Lepidoptera: Pieridae), and 3.7% ofManduca sexta(L.) (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae) were successfully infected by this fungus.
Revision of the Phyllophaga s.s. schizorhina species group (Coleoptera: Melolonthidae: Melolonthinae)
Authors: Morón Miguel-Angel
Published: April 2009

The Phyllophaga schizorhina (Bates) species group is revised, and the following new species are described from specimens collected in Mexico, Guatamala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and Ecuador: P. changuenasp. nov., P. onoreanasp. nov., P. solisianasp. nov., P. schizorhinoidessp. nov., P. borucasp. nov., P. izabalanasp. nov., P. canoanasp. nov., P. chortianasp. nov., P. zarcoanasp. nov., P. chiblacanasp. nov., P. javepacuanasp. nov., P. ocozocuanasp. nov., P. chimoxtilasp. nov., P. cholanasp. nov., P. tuxtlecasp. nov., P. zaragozanasp. nov., P. matacapanasp. nov., P. catemacoanasp. nov., P. atratoidessp. nov., P. humboldtianasp. nov., P. comaltepecanasp. nov., P. dsaimanasp. nov., P. quianasp. nov., P. yoloxanasp. nov., and P. pseudoatrasp. nov.Phyllophaga schizorhina and P. nigrita are recorded for first time from Costa Rica. A key is provided for males of the 38 species. Diagnostic structures of all species are illustrated and distribution maps are provided.
Molecular markers for Peristenus spp. (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) parasitoids associated with Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae)
Authors: Erlandson M. , Braun L. , Baldwin D. , Soroka J. , Ashfaq M. , Hegedus D.
Published: April 2009

Molecular markers for identifying Peristenus spp. parasitoids to species level and preliminary molecular markers to distinguish two groups of Lygus spp. common to the Canadian prairies were developed. Peristenus species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were developed based on DNA sequence data from a 1600-bp region of the internal transcribed spacer region between the 5.8S and 18S nuclear rRNA genes (ITS2). These primers were able to distinguish Peristenus digoneutis Loan, Peristenus stygicus Loan, and Peristenus pallipes (Curtis). Their ability to identify to species-level parasites dissected from field-collected Lygus spp. nymphs was examined by analysis of DNA from 100 parasite samples. Of those samples showing positive PCR amplification with both control (ITS2) and species-specific primers, all were positive for P. pallipes; none of the samples amplified appropriately sized products with P. digoneutis specific or P. stygicus specific primers. These findings were validated using restriction enzyme digests of amplified regions of the Peristenus spp. cytochrome oxidase 1 gene. Both methods were consistent with earlier studies that showed P. pallipes to be the only species of the genus Peristenus to be associated with Lygus spp. on the Canadian prairies. PCR primers based on DNA sequence data from a 550-bp region of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene were designed to discriminate Lyguslineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) from Lygus borealis (Kelton), and Lygus elisus (Van Duzee). These PCR primers were used to identify field-collected nymphs, with most being identified as either L. borealis/L. elisus (72–82%) orL. lineolaris (14–18%). These estimates of species composition closely reflected those of subsequent adult population surveys from the same fields.
Revision of the NearcticSilusa(Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Aleocharinae)
Authors: Klimaszewski Jan , Pohl Greg , Pelletier Georges
Published: April 2009

A revision of the Canadian species of the genusSilusaErichson is presented. In this contribution, we treat six species recently discovered in Canada, one of which is a new species from Alberta,Silusa langoriKlimaszewskisp. nov.The distribution records for two species are greatly expanded.Silusa californicaBernhauer is now known from Alaska, Minnesota, Alberta, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia (previous records: British Columbia, California).Silusa vesperisCasey is now known from Washington and British Columbia (previous record: California). For two other species, there are first records for Canada and one new United States state record.Silusa alternansSachse is now known from Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and New Hampshire (previous records: Georgia, New York), andSilusa densaFenyes is now known from Alberta (previous record: California).Silusa valensCasey is here considered as a synonym ofS. alternans.Silusa rutilansCasey andS. modicaCasey are confirmed to belong toLeptusaKraatz, and both are here considered as new synonyms ofLeptusa canonicaCasey.Silusa gracilisSachse andS. nanulaCasey are also confirmed to belong to the genusLeptusa. The following lectotypes are newly designated for species described on the basis of syntypes:S. alternansSachse andS. californicaBernhauer. New data are provided on the systematics, relationships, bionomics, and distribution for all Nearctic species of America north of Mexico. Diagnoses and illustrations of external and genital features are provided for all species, and the distribution of each is discussed and shown on maps. A key to the species occurring in Canada is presented.
An Early Eocene bee (Hymenoptera: Halictidae) from Quilchena, British Columbia
Authors: Engel Michael S. , Archibald S. Bruce
Published: April 2009

A fossil halictine bee from Early Eocene, Okanagan Highlands deposits of Quilchena, British Columbia, Canada, is described and figured.Halictus?savenyeisp.nov.is distinguished from other Tertiary halictines as well as modern bees. The specimen is the second oldest body fossil of a bee yet discovered and the first fossil bee from Canada. The antiquity of Halictidae and of bees in general is briefly commented upon.
A review of the pine-feeding Lithophane lepida species group (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), with descriptions of two new species
Authors: Troubridge James T. , Lafontaine J. Donald
Published: April 2009

The species of the Lithophanelepida Grote complex are reviewed and two new species of the genus Lithophane Hübner from western North America are described. Adults of all species are illustrated, as well as male and female genitalia (where known) and larva of L.lepida and Lithophane itata (Smith). A key to species of the L. lepida group is provided.
Effects of plant nutrition on the expression of abdominal discoloration in Phytoseiulus persimilis (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Bjørnson S. , Raworth D.A.
Published: April 2009

The effect of plant nutrition on the expression of abdominal discoloration in Phytoseiulus persimilis Athias-Henriot was investigated. Phytoseiulus persimilis were fed spider mites, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), that were reared on bean, Phaseolus vulgaris L. (Fabaceae), plants treated with distilled water or one of three concentrations of 20–20–20 fertilizer (0.6, 2.4, and 3.8 g/L). Symptoms observed in P. persimilis included white stripes along the sides of the body in the region of the Malpighian tubules, white coloration of the rectum, or a combination of these symptoms. The proportion of observations of white symptoms in P. persimilis increased in an asymptotic curvilinear fashion as fertilizer concentration increased. There was no significant difference in life-history characteristics of P. persimilis from the four treatments, including total fecundity, mean daily oviposition, oviposition period, post-oviposition period, or adult survival. Peak oviposition for mites from all treatments (4.9 eggs per female per day) occurred 2–3 days following mating. Thereafter, mean fecundity was greater than 4 eggs per female per day until day 11, and greater than 3 eggs per female per day until day 15, followed by a sharp decline. Following death, individual mites were examined for microsporidia, but none were detected. Results suggest that the expression of white abdominal discoloration in P. persimilis is related, at least in part, to plant nutrition; symptoms are an expression of normal excretory function in P. persimilis; and white abdominal discoloration does not necessarily affect predator performance.
Review of the genus Cosmia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in North America, with description of a new species
Authors: Lafontaine J. Donald , Troubridge James T.
Published: April 2009

The North American species of the genus Cosmia Ochsenheimer are reviewed and four species are recognized: Cosmia calami (Harvey), C. praeacuta (Smith) comb. nov., C. epipaschia (Grote) comb. nov., and C. elisaesp. nov.Achytonix McDunnough syn. nov. is synonymized with Cosmia subgenus Calymnia Hübner. Namangana praeacuta nigramaculata Barnes et Benjamin and Namangana praeacuta orae Barnes et Benjamin are synonymized with Cosmia praeacuta. Illustrations of adults and genitalia are provided.
Reproduction and survival in Melanoplus sanguinipes (Orthoptera: Acrididae) in response to resource availability and population density: the role of exploitative competition
Authors: Branson David H.
Published: April 2009

The relative importance of exploitative competition for resources on grasshopper reproductive allocation has not been fully examined. Given the large fluctuations in grasshopper densities that periodically occur in western North America, an increased understanding of how grasshopper survival and reproduction vary in response to intraspecific densities and per capita resource availability is important. I examined if exploitative resource competition could explain variation in reproductive allocation in Melanoplus sanguinipes (Fabricius) in response to resource availability and grasshopper population density. I also examined whether individual differences in competitive ability resulted in increased variance in egg production with low per capita resource availability. As expected with exploitative resource competition, per capita resource availability explained a significant amount of the variation in all reproductive characteristics examined. There was no effect of per capita resource availability on survival. Residuals of the regressions of egg production and vitellogenesis versus per capita resource availability did not differ for resource or density treatments, indicating that exploitative competition for resources played a more important role than interference competition in determining reproductive allocation in M. sanguinipes. Individual differences were evident, as variation around the mean of egg production increased with resource limitation. Exploitative competition for resources was important in determining both individual and population-level reproductive responses of grasshoppers to resource availability.
Major range extension of the lily leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), a pest of wild and cultivated Liliaceae
Authors: LeSage Laurent , Elliott Brent
Published: April 2009

The lily leaf beetle, Lilioceris lilii (Scopoli) (Fig. 1), was first noticed in Portage la Prairie (49°58′N, 98°20′W), about 90 km west of Winnipeg, in June and July 1999. The beetles were present on Asiatic lily varieties only, especially tiger lilies (Lilium tigrinum Ker-Gawl (Liliaceae)). Larvae and adults were observed at two locations in the northeastern section of the town. The plants that were attacked were completely defoliated.
Aphidini (Hemiptera: Aphididae) living on Senecio (Asteraceae), with descriptions of a new genus and three new species
Authors: Durante M. Pilar Mier , Nafría Juan M. Nieto , Ortego Jaime
Published: April 2009

The species of Aphidini living on Senecio L. in South America are reviewed. Pehuenchaphisgen. nov. is described; it is an Aphidina genus characterized mainly by the siphunculi on abdominal segment VI when present and by its radicicolous way of life. The type species of the genus Pehuenchaphis agilissimasp. nov. is described and the new combination Pehuenchaphis americana for Sene ciobium americana Mier Durante and Ortego is established. Aphis senecionicoides E.E. Blanchard is redescribed and its neotype is established. Aphis papillosasp. nov. with very large marginal papillae and Aphis malalhuinasp. nov. with short siphunculi are described and differentiated from the previously known Aphis intrusa Ortego and A. senecionicoides. A key for the apterous viviparous females of these seven species and Andinaphis paradoxa Mier Durante et al. is given.