bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Microtubules spatial alterations in root cells of Brassica rapa under clinorotation
Authors: Kalinina Ia.
Published: November 2007

Organization of tubulin cytoskeleton in epidermis and cortex cells in different root growth zones in Brassica rapa L. 6‐day‐old seedlings under clinorotation has been investigated. It was shown that changes in cortical microtubules orientation occur only in the distal elongation zone. In control, cortical microtubule arrays oriented transversely to the root long axis. Whereas under clinorotation an appearance of shorter randomly organized cortical microtubules was observed. Simultaneously, a significant decrease in a cell length in the central elongation zone under clinorotation was revealed. It is suggested that the decline of anisotropic growth, typical for central elongation zone cells, is connected with cortical microtubules disorientation under clinorotation.
Nuclear actin in plants
Authors: Cruz José R. , De La Torre Consuelo , de la Espina Susana Moreno Díaz
Published: November 2007

Actins constitute a wide family of proteins that are major components of the cytoskeleton. Animal cells have nuclear G‐actin forms that assemble into several nuclear macromolecular complexes and are substrates for myosin I β (NMI). The nuclear actin related proteins (ARPs) are part of the chromatin‐remodelling complex, while nuclear acting binding proteins (nABPs) comprise either nuclear forms of cytoplasmic ABPs (as NMI) or specific nABPs. No evidence of the presence of nuclear actin exists in plants, which lack orthologues of the main animal structural nABPs. Here we prove the presence of actin forms with different solubility, and their associated protein NMI in the plant nucleus, as components of the transcription complexes and the nucleoskeleton. For this, WB and confocal immunofluorescence with antibodies against human actin and NMI were used.
Cloning and expression of the tubulin genes in barley
Authors: Radchuk Volodymyr , Sreenivasulu Nese , Blume Yaroslav , Weschke Winfriede
Published: November 2007

Tubulins are encoded by small gene families in plants. Based on the barley EST collection, cDNAs for α‐, β‐, and γ‐tubulins were selected. Five genes for α‐tubulin, eight newly identified β‐tubulin sequences and one γ‐tubulin gene were found to be expressed in barley. In silico analysis of relative abundance of the distinct tubulin sequences among ESTs derived from different libraries revealed that the various tubulin genes differed in their level of expression, and to some extent were tissue specific.
Role of cytoskeleton in gravisensing of the root elongation zone in Arabidopsis thaliana plants
Authors: Shevchenko G. , Kalinina Ya. , Kordyum E.
Published: November 2007

In order to reveal the involvement of tubulin microtubules and actin microfilaments in gravisensing reactions in the distal elongation zone of root, Arabidopsis thaliana plants stably transformed with MAP4‐GFP construct were grown under slow clinorotation. Experiments have shown that stabilization of cell growth in the distal elongation zone of Arabidopsis seedling root is provided by common structural organization of microtubules and microfilaments, and interrelations between microtubules and microfilaments is highly dependent upon the type of cell differential growth. Less pronounced effect of microfilament disruption on microtubule organization has been observed under clinorotation and it suggests the existence of complex mechanism of cooperation between microtubules and microfilaments which is probably, masked on earth.
Differential expression of two winter wheat alpha‐tubulin genes during cold acclimation
Authors: Christov Nikolai K. , Imai Ryozo , Blume Yaroslav
Published: November 2007

Overwintering crops, such as winter wheat, display significant increase in freezing tolerance during a period of cold acclimation (CA). To gain better understanding of molecular mechanisms of CA, it is important to unravel functions and regulations of CA‐associated genes. Differential screening of a cDNA library constructed from cold‐acclimated crown tissue of winter wheat identified an alpha‐tubulin cDNA clone named wca18g11 that showed elevated expression upon cold acclimation. Nucleotide sequence analysis showed that the clone encoded a group 3 alpha‐tubulin. Reverse transcription real‐time PCR analysis of the expression of both wca18g11 clone and its closest paralogs of the wheat tubulin A‐2 homeologous group during the course of cold acclimation revealed that both genes were differentially regulated with distinct expression patterns. The involvement of the two alpha‐tubulin genes in cold acclimation and signal transduction is discussed.
Value of BNP to estimate cardiac risk in patients on cardioactive treatment in primary care
Authors: Nielsen O.W. , Cowburn P.J. , Sajadieh Ahmad , Morton J.J. , Dargie H. , McDonagh T.
Published: November 2007

Cardiac dysfunction may be suspected in patients with cardiovascular disease but identifying those with the highest risk is problematic. B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) is a strong marker of heart failure in un‐treated patients. This study evaluates a combined BNP and clinical algorithm for detecting cardiac dysfunction and the risk of death, in patients receiving cardioactive medication.

Methods

459 stable general practice patients, who were taking typical heart failure drugs for any indication, were included. Echocardiography, ECG, and assay of NT‐proANP and BNP (two methods) were performed. Regression models were used to identify items in a Risk Score to detect cardiac dysfunction.

Results

A Risk Score based on history of myocardial infarction (1 point), abnormal ECG (2 points), atrial fibrillation (1 point) and raised BNP (1–2 points) detected cardiac dysfunction with an AUC of ROC of 0.85. A Risk Score ≥2 had a sensitivity of 90%, specificity of 58%, and positive and negative predictive values of 37% and 96%. Risk Score and LVEF<0.36 also predicted mortality. Abnormal BNP defined as either > 100 pg/ml (Shionogi), or as age and sex related values, had similar predictive value.

Conclusion

In patients on cardioactive medication, a structured Risk Score based on raised BNP, history of MI, atrial fibrillation and abnormal ECG was useful for identifying patients for immediate further examination and those who could be evaluated later.
Arp3 is required during preimplantation development of the mouse embryo
Authors: Vauti Franz , Prochnow Blair Raymond , Freese Elke , Ramasamy Suresh Kumar , Ruiz Patricia , Arnold Hans-Henning
Published: November 2007

The role of Arp3 in mouse development was investigated utilizing a gene trap mutation in the Arp3 gene. Heterozygous Arp3WT/GT mice are normal, however, homozygous Arp3GT/GT embryos die at blastocyst stage. Earlier embryonic stages appear unaffected by the mutation, probably due to maternal Arp3 protein. Mutant blastocysts isolated at E3.5 fail to continue development in vitro, lack outgrowth of trophoblast‐like cells in culture and express reduced levels of the trophoblast marker Cdx2, while markers for inner cell mass continue to be present. The recessive embryonic lethal phenotype indicates that Arp3 plays a vital role for early mouse development, possibly when trophoblast cells become critical for implantation.
Thyroid hormones states and brain development interactions
Authors: Ahmed Osama M. , El‐Gareib A.W. , El‐bakry A.M. , Abd El‐Tawab S.M. , Ahmed R.G.
Published: November 2007

The action of thyroid hormones (THs) in the brain is strictly regulated, since these hormones play a crucial role in the development and physiological functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). Disorders of the thyroid gland are among the most common endocrine maladies. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify in broad terms the interactions between thyroid hormone states or actions and brain development. THs regulate the neuronal cytoarchitecture, neuronal growth and synaptogenesis, and their receptors are widely distributed in the CNS. Any deficiency or increase of them (hypo‐ or hyperthyroidism) during these periods may result in an irreversible impairment, morphological and cytoarchitecture abnormalities, disorganization, maldevelopment and physical retardation. This includes abnormal neuronal proliferation, migration, decreased dendritic densities and dendritic arborizations. This drastic effect may be responsible for the loss of neurons vital functions and may lead, in turn, to the biochemical dysfunctions. This could explain the physiological and behavioral changes observed in the animals or human during thyroid dysfunction. It can be hypothesized that the sensitive to the thyroid hormones is not only remarked in the neonatal period but also prior to birth, and THs change during the development may lead to the brain damage if not corrected shortly after the birth. Thus, the hypothesis that neurodevelopmental abnormalities might be related to the thyroid hormones is plausible. Taken together, the alterations of neurotransmitters and disturbance in the GABA, adenosine and pro/antioxidant systems in CNS due to the thyroid dysfunction may retard the neurogenesis and CNS growth and the reverse is true. In general, THs disorder during early life may lead to distortions rather than synchronized shifts in the relative development of several central transmitter systems that leads to a multitude of irreversible morphological and biochemical abnormalities (pathophysiology). Thus, further studies need to be done to emphasize this concept.
Supply chain variability, organizational structure, and performance: The moderating effect of demand unpredictability
Authors: Germain Richard , Claycomb Cindy , Dröge Cornelia
Published: November 2007

Supply chain process variability is the level of inconsistency, or volatility, in the flow of goods into, through, and out of a firm. The research investigates the links among organizational structure (formalization and integration), supply chain process variability, and performance as moderated by environmental uncertainty. We found that in a predictable demand environment, only formal control affects supply chain process variability, leading to improved financial results; but in an unpredictable demand environment, only cross‐functional integration affects supply chain process variability, leading to improved financial performance. We also examined whether supply chain process variability is a complete or partial mediator of the relationship between organizational structure and performance, and found that: (1) in a predictable demand environment, supply chain process variability completely mediates the relationship between formal control and performance and (2) in an unpredictable demand environment, supply chain process variability partially mediates the relationship between integration and performance. Supply chain process variability has an inverse relationship with financial performance, regardless of the demand environment; and organizational structure provides managers with the mechanisms to mitigate this variability's detrimental impact on financial performance.
Making sense of North Korea: “National Stalinism” in comparative-historical perspective
Authors: Chen Cheng , Lee Ji-Yong
Published: November 2007

This paper examines the striking institutional parallels between the seemingly inexplicable DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) and Ceausescu’s Romania. It argues that in both cases, the role of strong anti-liberal ideology that combined both far left and far right nationalist elements was highly significant in sustaining the regime and therefore should not be underestimated. While developments elsewhere in the Soviet bloc deprived the Ceausescu regime of potential nationalist cards it could play and thus precipitated regime change, the DPRK regime was able to hold on to power by using imagined and real external threats to justify its ongoing domestic repression and reinforce its nationalist claims.
How Putin’s Russia embraces authoritarianism: The case of Yegor Gaidar
Authors: Shlapentokh Vladimir
Published: November 2007

The ability of an Orwellian society to bend the will of individuals and force them to change their minds is well known. Putin’s Russia, however, has proved that not only a harsh totalitarian state, such as the Soviet Union, but also a somewhat milder, authoritarian regime is able to achieve almost the same result. Such a regime can threaten to diminish the income, privileges or social status of prominent people. By murdering or jailing only a few active people (businesspeople, journalists and politicians), the regime can show its potential opponents that everyone in the country is vulnerable. Looking back on Stalin’s time, one cannot help but think that he could have achieved his goals and stayed in power until his death without using such horrendous acts of violence. The ideological evolution of Yegor Gaidar represents a strong piece of evidence in support of this thesis.
Neoproterozoic Chingasan Group in the Yenisei Ridge: new data on age and deposition environments
Authors: Nozhkin A.D. , Postnikov A.A. , Nagovitsin K.E. , Travin A.V. , Stanevich A.M. , Yudin D.S.
Published: November 2007

Trachybasalt-alkali trachyte volcanism in the Yenisei Ridge was found out to be synchronous with deposition of coarse tilloids and flysch of the Chivida Formation of the Neoproterozoic Chingasan Group. New 703±4 Ma 40Ar/39Ar biotite and titan-augite ages of subalkaline basalts in the Chivida Formation indicated that they erupted in the Late Neoproterozoic. According to microfossil evidence, the Chingasan sediments correlate with Late Neoproterozoic strata in the type sections of the southern Siberian craton. The Chingasan deposition apparently lasted no longer than 30 Myr judging by the isotope ages obtained for the underlying Upper Vorogovka Group and subalkaline basalts in the Chivida Formation. The fault-parallel position of grabens and coarse grain sizes and variable thicknesses of their lithological complexes, as well as syndepositional trachybasalt-alkali trachyte volcanism provided evidence that the volcanosedimentary rocks of the Chingasan Group formed in an environment of active rifting.
Genesis of gold and silver sulfides at the Ulakhan deposit (northeastern Russia)
Authors: Savva N.E. , Pal’yanova G.A.
Published: November 2007

Geology and mineralogy of the Ulakhan Au-Ag epithermal deposit (northeastern Russia, Magadan Region) are considered. A four-stage scheme of mineral formation sequence is proposed. Concentrations of Au and Ag in minerals of early and late parageneses were determined. It has been established that uytenbogaardtite is associated with native gold and hypergenesis stage minerals — goethite, hydrogoethite, or limonite replacing pyrite. The compositions of uytenbogaardtite (Ag3AuS2), acanthite (Ag2S), and native gold were studied. The composition of the Ulakhan uytenbogaardtite is compared with those of Au and Ag sulfides from other deposits. Thermodynamic calculations in the system H2O–Fe–Au–Ag–S–C–Na–Cl were carried out, which simulate the interaction of native gold and silver with O2- and CO2-saturated surface waters (carbonaceous, sulfide-carbonaceous, and chloride-sodium-carbonaceous) in the presence and absence of acanthite and pyrite at 25 °C and 1 bar. In closed pyrite-including systems, native silver and kustelite are replaced by acanthite; electrum, by uytenbogaardtite, acanthite, and pure gold; and native gold with a fineness of 700–900‰, by pure gold and uytenbogaardtite. Under the interaction with surface waters in the presence of Ag2S and pyrite, Au-Ag alloys form equilibrium assemblages with petrovskaite or uytenbogaardtite and pure gold. The calculation results confirmed that Au and Ag sulfides can form after native gold in systems involving sulfide-carbon dioxide solutions (H2Saq > 10–4 m). The modeling results support the possible formation of uytenbogaardtite and petrovskaite with the participation of native gold in the hypergenesis zone of epithermal Au-Ag deposits during the oxidation of Au(Ag)-containing pyrite, acanthite, or other sulfides.
The character or the variation: the genetic analysis of the insecticide-resistance phenotype
Authors: McKenzie J.A.
Published: November 2007

In this critique it is argued that the genetic basis of the evolution of resistance is dependent on how the phenotypic, and underlying genotypic, variation is channelled during a selective response. A polygenic response is preferentially favoured if selection acts within the phenotypic distribution of susceptibles; a monogenic response is predicted if selection screens rare mutations with phenotypes outside that susceptible distribution. The relevance of this model to the method of genetic analysis, the prediction of resistance mechanisms to novel insecticides, the generation of resistant beneficial insects and the development of the most effective resistance and integrated pest management programmes is discussed.
The potential of Lagenaria rootstock to confer resistance to the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus (Acari: Tetranychidae) in Cucurbitaceae
Authors: Edelstein M. , Tadmor Y. , Abo-Moch F. , Karchi Z. , Mansour F.
Published: November 2007

Antibiosis and resistance of six Cucurbita and two Lagenaria accessions to the carmine spider mite, Tetranychus cinnabarinus Boisduval, were evaluated in the laboratory. Significant differences among accessions were observed three days after the inoculation of detached leaf discs. The Lagenaria accessions, Slawi and Sus, proved to be the most resistant to mites, with average populations of mite eggs, 87 and 95%, respectively less than that of the susceptible C. pepoaccession, Orangetti. The Cucurbita accessions, Tace, Brava, Tetsukabuto, Phoenix and TZ-148 had mite egg totals 4, 9, 13, 26 and 40%, respectively, less than those of accession Orangetti. The Sus accession of Lagenaria was resistant to T. cinnabarinus from the four-leaf stage until fruit set in laboratory and field tests. Grafting the susceptible Brava onto Sus rootstock increased the resistance of the scion to the same level as that of non-grafted Sus. Grafting the susceptible Cucumis melo Noy Yizre’el on resistant or susceptible rootstocks of Cucurbita and Lagenaria accessions did not affect its susceptibility to T. cinnabarinus. The results indicate that resistance to T. cinnabarinuscan be transferred by grafting from Lagenaria stocks to Cucurbita scions but not in the opposite direction.
The response of Culex quinquefasciatus (Diptera: Culicidae) to traps baited with carbon dioxide, 1-octen-3-ol, acetone, butyric acid and human foot odour in Tanzania
Authors: Mboera L.E.G. , Takken W. , Sambu E.Z.
Published: November 2007

The responses of Culex quinquefasciatus Say to traps baited with carbon dioxide, 1-octen-3-ol, acetone, butyric acid and human foot odour were studied in the field in Muheza, north-east Tanzania using Counterflow Geometry (CFG) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) traps. It was found that significantly more C. quinquefasciatusresponded to foot odour collected on nylon stockings than to clean nylon stockings (P < 0.05). Significantly more mosquitoes were caught in a CFG trap baited with carbon dioxide than in traps with either human foot odour, acetone or butyric acid. It was also found that in an outdoor situation a carbon dioxide baited CDC unlit trap collected over 12 times more C. quinquefasciatus than an unbaited CDC unlit trap and nine times more mosquitoes than CDC traps baited with 1-octen-3-ol alone (P < 0.05). The number of mosquitoes caught in a CDC trap baited with 1-octen-3-ol did not differ significantly from that of the unbaited CDC trap (P > 0.05). These results indicate that the Afrotropical C. quinquefasciatusrespond significantly better to traps baited with carbon dioxide than to either octenol, acetone or butyric acid, and that human foot odour contains stimuli to which C. quinquefasciatus is attracted under field conditions.
Genetic variation among populations of the Hessian flyMayetiola destructor(Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) in Morocco and Syria
Authors: Naber N. , Bouhssini M. El , Labhilili M. , Udupa S.M. , Nachit M.M. , Baum M. , Lhaloui S. , Benslimane A. , Abbouyi H. El
Published: November 2007

The RAPD–PCR technique was used to study genetic variation within and among geographical populations of the Hessian fly,Mayetiola destructor(Say), from Morocco and Syria, associated with the fly’s ability to overcome resistance in three wheat cultivars containing H5, H13 and H22 resistance genes. Variation was detected both for the level of susceptibility of the cultivars and RAPD profiles ofM. destructorpopulations. By the use of RAPD–PCR, high genetic variability was detected among individuals and populations ofM. destructorwithin and between areas separated geographically. The DNA fingerprints of populations ofM. destructorwere area-specific with Nei’s measures of genetic distance ranging from 0.156 (between Abda and Beni Mellal, Morocco) to 1.977 (between Marchouch, Morocco and Lattakia, Syria). Cluster analysis of the genetic distances among the populations, identified the Syrian population as an outlier. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.81) observed between the genetic and geographic distances among the populations, provided genetic support for dispersal of the fly from its presumed origin in West Asia to Morocco.
Population biology of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), in two potato cropping systems in Israel
Authors: Coll M. , Gavish S. , Dori I.
Published: November 2007

The life cycle, within-field distribution, crop damage and impact of natural enemies of the potato tuber moth, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller) were investigated in two potato cropping systems. The two systems differed in soil type (sandy vs. loess) which in turn affected the choice of cultivars, irrigation programme, insecticide application method (ground vs. aerial), and planting and harvest times. From mid-April to the end of May, almost twice as many moths were caught in pheromone traps in sandy than in loess fields. Highest infestation of tubers was found before harvest, and infestation was greater in loess than in sandy fields. Larval densities in foliage and tubers were significantly higher at the margins of the fields than in the centre. A significant positive correlation was found between adult catch and larval infestation on foliage in sandy fields but not in loess. Tuber infestation in sand was positively correlated with foliage infestation. No such correlation was detected in loess. Five parasitic wasps emerged from P. operculella larvae collected from commercial fields and volunteer plants: Diadegma pulchripes (Kokujev) and Temelucha decorata, (Gravenhorst) (Ichneumonidae) and Bracon gelechiae Ashmead and two other unidentified Braconidae. The most abundant predators at the field site were Coccinella septempunctata Linnaeus (Coccinellidae), Chrysoperla carneaStephens (Chrysopidae), Orius albidipennis (Reuter) (Anthocoridae) and four ant species (Formicidae). Parasitism rate reached 40% and predation was estimated at 79%. Results are discussed with regard to the development of an integrated pest management programme for this important pest.
Temperature tolerance of the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) in tropical and temperate regions of Asia
Authors: Shirai Y.
Published: November 2007

Temperature tolerance was investigated in nine populations of Plutella xylostellaLinnaeus from tropical and temperate regions of Asia. At all rearing temperatures between 15 and 35°C, no clear differences were observed in female egg production or larval development between tropical and temperate populations. Thus, tropical populations did not show a high-temperature tolerance superior to that of the temperate populations. In all populations, the net reproductive rate (number of new females born per female) largely depended on the number of eggs laid per female, and egg production significantly decreased with increasing temperature (P < 0.001). Larval developmental rate also showed a significant positive correlation with temperature (P < 0.001). Per cent hatch of eggs and larval survival did not show a significant correlation with temperature: hatching was constant between 15 and 32.5°C, but considerably lower at 35°C. Larval survival was similar between 15 and 30°C, appreciably lower at 32.5°C and declined to 0% at 35°C. Based on these results, environmental conditions under which P. xylostella can maintain a high population density throughout the year in tropical and subtropical regions are discussed.
The diversity of beetle assemblages in different habitat types in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Chung A.Y.C. , Eggleton P. , Speight M.R. , Hammond P.M. , Chey V.K.
Published: November 2007

The diversity of beetle assemblages in different habitat types (primary forest, logged forest, acacia plantation and oil palm plantation) in Sabah, Malaysia was investigated using three different methods based on habitat levels (Winkler sampling, flight-interception-trapping and mist-blowing). The overall diversity was extremely high, with 1711 species recorded from only 8028 individuals and 81 families (115 family and subfamily groups). Different degrees of environmental changes had varying effects on the beetle species richness and abundance, with oil palm plantation assemblage being most severely affected, followed by acacia plantation and then logged forest. A few species became numerically dominant in the oil palm plantation. In terms of beetle species composition, the acacia fauna showed much similarity with the logged forest fauna, and the oil palm fauna was very different from the rest. The effects of environmental variables (number of plant species, sapling and tree densities, amount of leaf litter, ground cover, canopy cover, soil pH and compaction) on the beetle assemblage were also investigated. Leaf litter correlated with species richness, abundance and composition of subterranean beetles. Plant species richness, tree and sapling densities correlated with species richness, abundance and composition of understorey beetles while ground cover correlated only with the species richness and abundance of these beetles. Canopy cover correlated only with arboreal beetles. In trophic structure, predators represented more than 40% of the species and individuals. Environmental changes affected the trophic structure with proportionally more herbivores (abundance) but fewer predators (species richness and abundance) in the oil palm plantation. Biodiversity, conservation and practical aspects of pest management were also highlighted in this study.
Parasitoids of medfly,Ceratitis capitata, and related tephritids in Kenyan coffee: a predominantly koinobiont assemblage
Authors: Wharton R.A. , Trostle M.K. , Messing R.H. , Copeland R.S. , Kimani-Njogu S.W. , Lux S. , Overholt W.A. , Mohamed S. , Sivinski J.
Published: November 2007

Arabica coffee was sampled from two sites in the central highlands of Kenya (Rurima, Ruiru) and one site on the western side of the Rift Valley (Koru). Three species of ceratitidine Tephritidae,Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann),C.rosaKarsch andTrirhithrum coffeaeBezzi, were reared from sites in the central highlands, and an additional species,C.anonaeGraham, was recovered from the western-most site. Ten species of parasitic Hymenoptera were reared from these tephritids. The parasitoid assemblage was dominated by koinobionts. Eight of the species are koinobiont endoparasitoids, but only one idiobiont larval ectoparasitoid was reared, and only one idiobiont pupal endoparasitoid. The effects of sampling bias on determination of parasitoid assemblage size associated with concealed hosts are discussed. The potential for use of these parasitoids in biological control is also discussed. Most of the parasitoid species recovered during this study are capable of developing onC.capitata, while several also attackC.rosa. Both flies are notorious pests of tropical and subtropical fruits.
The biology and ecology of the large pine weevil,Hylobius abietis(Coleoptera: Curculionidae): a problem of dispersal?
Authors: Leather S.R. , Day K.R. , Salisbury A.N.
Published: November 2007

The biology and pest status ofHylobius abietisLinnaeus in Europe are critically reviewed. New data are presented and the relationships between the weevil and its host plants considered. In Europe,H. abietisis the major pest of establishment forestry causing millions of ECUs of damage annually and perpetuating the addition of insecticide residues to sensitive habitats. Predator and parasitoid complexes in Britain and Europe are compared and contrasted. The lack of knowledge of the processes involved in adult dispersal and longevity are highlighted as major areas of concern. The biology and behaviour of the adult and larval stages are reviewed and new data presented. The feeding preferences of the adult weevils are considered and the possibility of using deterrents as a pest management strategy discussed. The development of risk assessment and forecasting tools aimed at more effective deployment of pest-management options are discussed. Risk criteria have their origins in important ecological relationships which require new understanding, but the prospects for determining high-risk forest sites are promising. The options for biological control are evaluated, in particular the use of mycopesticides and increased larval predation. It is concluded that much more research into the biology and ecology ofH. abietisis required before a successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme can be initiated.
Insecticide resistance in the currant–lettuce aphid, Nasonovia ribisnigri (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the UK
Authors: Barber M.D. , Moores G.D. , Tatchell G.M. , Vice W.E. , Denholm I.
Published: November 2007

Bioassay data for a reference strain of Nasonovia ribisnigri (Mosely), exhibiting similar responses to proven susceptible strains of Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Aphis gossypii Glover, were used to assess insecticide resistance in two suspected resistant strains and nine field strains of N. ribisnigri originating from lettuce in the UK. Results showed widespread but varied levels of resistance to pirimicarb, lower and also varied resistance to pyrethroids and organophosphates, and no significant differences in response to imidacloprid. In some strains, resistance was associated with an intensely-staining esterase band disclosed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). However, no direct relationship between esterases and resistance has yet been established. There was no biochemical evidence of an altered acetylcholinesterase contributing to pirimicarb resistance in these strains.
Bionomics and the predicted distribution of the aphid Brachycaudus rumexicolens (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Scott J.K. , Yeoh P.B.
Published: November 2007

Development rates of the aphid, Brachycaudus rumexicolens (Patch), a recent arrival in Australia and a potential biological control agent against weeds in the family Polygonaceae, were measured over a range of constant temperatures. The theoretical lower limit for development is 6.4°C and the upper limit 32°C. Maximum fecundity per day was reached at 19°C. The rate of increase peaked at about 28°C giving a population doubling time of less than two days. These values were used with the current distribution to develop a CLIMEX model to predict the potential world distribution of the aphid. The model predicts that the aphid has suitable periods of population growth in autumn and spring, and that survival is unlikely over summer in most of south-western Australia where the aphid has the potential to contribute to the biological control of the polygonaceous weeds, Emex and Rumexspecies. The model predicts that years with cool summer temperatures and late summer rains in south west Australia, such as in 1990 when the aphid was first abundant, will be particularly suitable for aphid development. These conditions occurred twice between 1985 and 1995. To increase the effectiveness of the aphid as a biological control agent of weeds in other years, augmentation by provision of alternative hosts and/or the release of mass reared individuals during autumn is proposed.
Dispersal of dung containing ivermectin in the field by Onthophagus taurus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Dadour I.R. , Cook D.F. , Neesam C.
Published: November 2007

Fifty-five species of exotic dung beetles have been introduced into Australia and in many areas, several species are now established and often abundant. Controversy exists in the dung beetle literature concerning the use of ivermectin as an anthelmintic treatment for livestock and its subsequent lethal and sub-lethal effects on adult dung beetles. A study was conducted in the field exposing replicate dung pats containing residues of ivermectin excreted 0–15 days post-injection. At the time of the study, the introduced species of dung beetle Onthophagus taurus (Schreber) was present in high numbers (>1000 beetles per pat). After 24 h exposure, dung pats collected from cattle treated 7 and 10 days earlier with ivermectin were dispersed significantly less than untreated dung. A similar pattern was evident in the numbers of dung beetles present in each pat. This study is discussed in the context of anthelmintic usage in cattle and their potential ecotoxic effects against dung beetles.
Trap design for monitoring moth biodiversity in tropical rainforests
Authors: Intachat J. , Woiwod I.P.
Published: November 2007

Experimental comparisons were made between samples of moths obtained by Rothamsted tungsten-filament and Robinson mercury-vapour light-traps operating in a lowland dipterocarp forest in Peninsular Malaysia. The Rothamsted trap gave more uniform and consistent samples and performed better in the tropical conditions than the Robinson trap. There were no significant differences between the overall measurement of diversity for the group Geometroidea between the two trap designs although the Robinson trap was much more erratic from night to night. The total catch of non-Geometroidea moths was remarkably similar in the two trap types. The choice of appropriate light-trap designs for biodiversity studies in tropical rainforest is discussed.
A systematic approach to area-wide tsetse distribution and abundance maps
Authors: Hendrickx G. , Napala A. , Dao B. , Batawui D. , De Deken R. , Vermeilen A. , Slingenbergh J.H.W.
Published: November 2007

A raster or grid-based Geographic Information System with data on tsetse, trypanosomosis, animal production, agriculture and land use has recently been developed in Togo. This paper describes the generation of area-wide digital tsetse distribution and abundance maps and how these accord with the local climatic and agro-ecological setting. Results include: (i) a spatial demarcation of ecologically distinct areas, producing a seasonal cluster map based on seasonal weather data and temporal series of satellite derived National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) AVHRR and METEOSAT variables: (ii) tsetse distribution maps of Glossina tachinoides Westwood, G. palpalis palpalis (Robineau-Desvoidy), G. morsitans submorsitansNewstead, G. longipalpis Wiedemann, G. medicorum Austen and G. fusca fusca (Walker); and (iii) tsetse abundance or ‘risk’ maps, corrected for within database seasonal fluctuations, for G. tachinoides and G. p. palpalis. It is concluded that grid-based sampling is the ideal method for rapid assessment of the current vector and disease situation within any country or region, and that remote sensing has an important role to play in planning such a sampling system.
Genetic variation among Asian populations of rice planthoppers,Nilaparvata lugensandSogatella furcifera(Hemiptera: Delphacidae): mitochondrial DNA sequences
Authors: Mun J.H. , Song Y.H. , Heong K.L. , Roderick G.K.
Published: November 2007

Many species of insects associated with cultivated rice do not over-winter in Korea and Japan, but migrate into these areas each year. To understand better the origins of these immigrations as well as the geographic structure of rice pests in Asian rice growing regions, intraspecific variation in two species of delphacid planthoppers,Nilaparvata lugens(Stål) andSogatella furciferaHorvath, was examined. An 850 base pair region of mitochondrial DNAcytochrome oxidase-I (CO-I) was sequenced from a total of 71 individuals collected from 11 localities in seven countries: Korea, Philippines, China, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Vietnam and Thailand. InN. lugens, three haplotypes were found and all populations sampled shared a dominant haplotype. Localities in Korea contained two haplotypes and localities in China and the Philippines contained three. However, in samples from the Indochina peninsula no variation was detected either within or between populations, consistent with a hypothesis of regular migration and gene flow. These populations did not contain some haplotypes found in Korea, suggesting they were not the source of yearly immigration into Korea and, by extension, Japan. Populations from China did share haplotypes with Korea, which was consistent with the hypothesis that China was the source for yearly immigration into Korea. There was insufficient resolution to distinguish among populations in China. ForN. lugens, the data suggested that populations south of the Red River Valley in Vietnam experienced regular mixing and were distinct from populations to the north which contributed to yearly immigrations. InS. furcifera, there was less differentiation among populations. Two haplotypes were found in all populations except Malaysia. The results for both species were consistent with seasonal weather data and indicated that more detailed analysis of DNA sequence data will be fruitful.
Activity and relative abundance of hymenopterous parasitoids that attack puparia ofMusca domesticaandStomoxys calcitrans(Diptera: Muscidae) on confined pig and cattle farms in Denmark
Authors: Skovgård H. , Jespersen J.B.
Published: November 2007

A survey was conducted on 84 pig and cattle farms in Denmark between August and October 1996 and 1997. The aim was to describe the activity and relative abundance of parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae and Ichneumonidae) that attack puparia ofMusca domesticaLinnaeus andStomoxys calcitrans(Linnaeus). In total, seven pteromalid species were recovered:Spalangia cameroniPerkins,S. nigripesCurtis,S. subpunctataFörster,Muscidifurax raptorGirault & Sanders,Pachycrepoideus vindemiae(Rondani),Urolepis rufipes(Ashmead) andNasonia vitripennis(Walker), an ichneumonidPhygadeuon fumatorGravenhorst, a diapriidTrichopriasp., and a staphylinidAleocharasp. This is the first time thatU. rufipeshas been recorded in Europe.Spalangia cameroniandM. raptorwere the most frequently recorded species in all regions of the country, and accounted for the main parasitism ofMusca domesticaandStomoxys calcitranspuparia. The overall rate of parasitism per farm was low: 12.9% of the total number of fly puparia collected. Direct ordination, used to assess the habitat distribution of the parasitoids, showed thatMuscidifurax raptormainly seeks fly puparia in outdoor manure heaps and especially in manure from pigs rather than from cattle, whereasSpalangia cameronimainly seeks fly puparia indoors, irrespective of livestock.
Mitochondrial COI and II provide useful markers forWiseana(Lepidoptera: Hepialidae) species identification
Authors: Brown B. , Emberson R.M. , Paterson A.M.
Published: November 2007

A method for identifying the members of the endemic genusWiseanaViette from New Zealand is described. Seven species have been described in the genus:W. cervinata(Walker),W. copularis(Meyrick), W. fuliginea(Butler), W. jocosa(Meyrick), W. mimica(Philpott), W. signata(Walker) andW. umbraculata(Guenée). No morphological characters have been identified to distinguish between the larvae of each species and adult females exhibit high levels of intra and interspecific morphological variation making identification difficult or impossible. Adult males can be distinguished by a combination of scale, antennal and genital characters, but this requires considerable taxonomic experience. Molecular markers were generated via amplification of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I and II (COI and II) of the mitochondrial DNA by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Amplified DNA was digested with restriction enzymes to give characteristic fragment patterns. Fourteen restriction enzymes were surveyed and a combination of four of these distinguish allWiseanataxa exceptW. fuligineaandW. mimica.
Host distributions do not limit the species ranges of most African ticks (Acari: Ixodida)
Authors: Cumming G.S.
Published: November 2007

The factors that set broad-scale limits on the species ranges of ticks have not been clearly defined, despite their potential importance for the study and control of ticks. A database of 33,989 published collection records for African ticks is used to test the hypothesis that the outer limits to tick species ranges are determined by the distributions of their hosts. Distribution maps for many of the more economically important tick species are given. Direct comparisons of the known ranges of ticks and their hosts show that the hypothesis of a host-determined species range is supported for only one tick species, Amblyomma rhinocerotis (de Geer), which has been constrained by the near-eradication of its rhinoceros hosts. At least 97 other species are not host-limited; the quality of available host-use and distribution information is insufficient to draw strong conclusions about the (approximately) 132 remaining species. In general, the boundaries to tick species ranges are more likely to be set by factors such as vegetation and climate.
Description of a new species of Orseolia (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) from Paspalum in West Africa, with notes on its parasitoids, ecology and relevance to natural biological control of the African rice gall midge, O. oryzivora
Authors: Harris K.M. , Williams C.T. , Okhidievbie O. , LaSalle J. , Polaszek A.
Published: November 2007

Field sampling of grasses growing in and near rice fields at 12 sites in Nigeria during April/May 1994 recorded the presence of galls on Paspalum scrobiculatumat densities of up to 10.9 galls per m2. These galls were induced by Orseolia bonzii Harris, sp. n., which is described. This species is morphologically close to, but distinct from, the African rice gall midge, Orseolia oryzivora Harris & Gagné, with which it has been confused in earlier studies of that pest species. In host-transfer experiments O. bonzii did not transfer to rice, Oryza sativa. Six hymenopterous parasitoids were reared from galls of O. bonzii and the most abundant of these were Platygaster diplosisae Risbec, Aprostocetus nr. procerae (Risbec) and Neanastatusnr. cinctiventris Girault. Host-transfer experiments with the Platygasterand Aprostocetus species from O. bonzii on Paspalum indicated that the Platygaster may not transfer onto O. oryzivora on rice whereas the Aprostocetus does. The overlap between the parasitoid faunas of the two species of Orseolia is potentially useful as it may be possible to enhance the natural biological control of O. oryzivora by manipulating parasitoid populations on Paspalum.
Heritability and stability of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis in Ostrinia nubilalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Huang F. , Higgins R.A. , Buschman L.L.
Published: November 2007

Realized heritability, h2, of resistance in European corn borer, Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner), to Bacillus thuringiensisBerliner ssp. kurstaki endotoxins was examined in five resistant laboratory colonies. These colonies were reared on a meridic diet that incorporated a commercial formulation of B. thuringiensis, Dipel ES. Resistance in these colonies reached 42–67× by the seventh to twentieth selected generations and then plateaued. The realized heritability of resistance averaged 0.17–0.31 over all selected generations for the five colonies. In the three Iowa colonies, the highest realized heritability, 0.18–0.33, occurred during the second period of selection (seventh to thirteenth selected generations). In the two Kansas colonies, the highest realized heritability, 0.36 and 0.46, occurred during the first period of selection (first to sixth selected generations). In the absence of selection pressure, resistance in the southwest Kansas colony decreased from 62× to 42× after two generations, and remained at about that level for the next five generations.
Fly populations associated with landfill and composting sites used for household refuse disposal
Authors: Goulson D. , Hughes W.O.H. , Chapman J.W.
Published: November 2007

Calyptrate fly populations were monitored with sticky traps at the following sites in Hampshire, UK during August to November 1998: a landfill and composting site (Paulsgrove), a site adjacent to this landfill (Port Solent), a site with no landfill nearby (Gosport), and a composting site with no landfill nearby. Overall, house flies Musca domestica(Linnaeus) and lesser house flies Fannia spp. were not important constituents of the dipteran catch, while bluebottles (Calliphora spp.) and greenbottles (Lucilia spp.) comprised approximately 12% of the total. Very large fly populations were found at the two composting sites, and it seems likely that these provide ideal breeding grounds for a range of fly species since they offer an abundance of warm decaying organic matter. Large fly populations were also evident at the landfill site. The suitability of household waste for the development of calyptrate Diptera was confirmed in a controlled trial: a mean of 0.43 adults emerged per kilo of one-week-old waste. Since many hundreds of tonnes of waste are delivered to the landfill daily, it is clear that the landfill is likely to substantially increase the local population of calyptrate flies. However, the data suggest that there was little movement of Diptera from the landfill to Port Solent situated approximately 500 m away. The most important calyptrate flies at this site were the cluster flies Pollenia rudis (Fabricius) and P. amentaria (Scopoli); the landfill site is unlikely to provide a suitable breeding site for these flies, as the larvae develop as parasites of earthworms. Significantly more flies emerged from one-week-old than from two-week-old household waste. A comparison of different barriers to the emergence of adult house flies from waste demonstrated that sacking provided an effective barrier to fly emergence, but that soil did not differ significantly from control treatments. If managed appropriately, it seems that the use of sacking over landfill waste could substantially reduce associated fly populations.
The within-field spatial and temporal distribution of arthropods in winter wheat
Authors: Holland J.M. , Perry J.N. , Winder L.
Published: November 2007

The within-field spatial distribution of some common farmland arthropods from the Carabidae, Araneae and Collembola was assessed using two-dimensional grids of pitfall traps distributed across whole winter wheat fields. In the first year, the extent to which arthropod capture was influenced by location within the field and sampling intensity was examined using a nested grid design (1.5 m, 7.5 m and 30 m spacings). In the second year, distributions within two different-sized winter wheat fields were compared. Spatial pattern and association between arthropods and weed cover were analysed using SADIE and trend surfaces were used to visualize distributions. Many of these arthropod groups exhibited aggregated distributions within the fields in clusters larger than 30 m across, demonstrating that the numbers captured will vary depending on the location of sampling within a field.Amaraspecies,Bembidion lamprosHerbst, Carabidae and Lycosidae were predominantly found within 60 m of the field edge.Nebria brevicollisFabricius andPterostichus madidusIlliger were found within the field in patches of one and two hectares, respectively. Linyphiidae were relatively homogeneously distributed across the fields. There was some evidence of clustering by Collembola. The spermophagous Carabidae and Lycosidae were positively associated with the degree of weed cover. SADIE analytical techniques were useful for identifying the importance and location of patches with greater and less than average numbers, although a minimum of 36 sample points is recommended.