bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular analysis of a mutant Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AgMNPV) shows an interruption of an inhibitor of apoptosis gene (iap‐3) by a new class‐II piggyBac‐related insect transposon
Authors: Carpes M. P. , Nunes J. F. , Sampaio T. L. , Castro M. E. B. , Zanotto P. M. A. , Ribeiro B. M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA new piggyBac–related transposable element (TE) was found in the genome of a mutant Anticarsia gemmatalis multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus interrupting an inhibitor of apoptosis gene. This mutant virus induces apoptosis upon infection of an Anticarsia gemmatalis cell line, but not in a Trichoplusia ni cell line. The sequence of the new TE (which was named IDT for iap disruptor transposon) has 2531 bp with two DNA sequences flanking a putative Transposase (Tpase) ORF of 1719 bp coding for a protein with 572 amino acids. These structural features are similar to the piggyBac TE, also reported for the first time in the genome of a baculovirus. We have also isolated variants of this new TE from different lepidopteran insect cells and compared their Tpase sequences.
Biological Flora of the British Isles: Urtica dioica L.
Authors: Taylor Kenneth 
Published: September 2009

Summary

This account presents information on all aspects of the biology of Urtica dioica that are relevant to understanding its ecological characteristics and behaviour. The main topics are presented within the standard framework of the Biological Flora of the British Isles: distribution, habitat, communities, responses to biotic factors, responses to environment, structure and physiology, phenology, floral and seed characters, herbivores and disease, history and conservation.
Urtica dioica is a tall, usually dioecious, rhizomatous, perennial herb with numerous stinging hairs, probably native in fens and semi‐natural ancient woodlands, but widely naturalized in a range of habitats and abundant throughout the British Isles. British material is mainly ssp. dioica which also extends throughout Europe, and locally ssp. galeopsifolia (without stinging hairs) which is also found in western, central and eastern Europe.
Urtica dioica is a moderately shade‐tolerant species, which occurs on most moist or damp, weakly acid or weakly basic, richly fertile soils.
A highly competitive ruderal species, Urtica dioica often forms monospecific stands which are not infrequently the product of a single individual that has spread by means of horizontal rhizomes.
Urtica dioica has frequently been described as a nitrophile, but there are many soils in which the supply of inorganic nitrogen is adequate for growth. However, there are other soils in which growth is checked with symptoms of severe phosphorus deficiency unless soluble phosphate is added to the soil. This is especially so in the long‐established deciduous woodlands, and where there has been no addition of fertilizers to the soil. The growth responses of U. dioica to the availability, source and utilization of nitrogen and phosphorus have been examined experimentally in some detail.
Urtica dioica with its stems and leaves densely covered with stinging hairs, which release potential pain‐inducing toxins when brushing contact is made with them, is rarely eaten by cattle and rabbits, but is palatable to some species of snail. It is the food plant of the larvae of a number of attractive butterflies and other phytophagous insects.
Male clones of U. dioica flower in advance of female clones. The pollen grains are extremely small. It is usually wind‐pollinated, but occasionally insect‐pollinated.
The low seed mass of U. dioica enables the production of vast numbers of seeds. Few of the seeds germinate in the period immediately following dispersal, and the species maintains a seed bank that changes little in size with season and is large in relation to annual seed production.
Efficiency of selection, as measured by single nucleotide polymorphism variation, is dependent on inbreeding rate inDrosophila melanogaster
Authors: DEMONTIS DITTE , PERTOLDI CINO , LOESCHCKE VOLKER , MIKKELSEN KARINA , AXELSSON TOMAS , KRISTENSEN TORSTEN NYGAARD 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIt is often hypothesized that slow inbreeding causes less inbreeding depression than fast inbreeding at the same absolute level of inbreeding. Possible explanations for this phenomenon include the more efficient purging of deleterious alleles and more efficient selection for heterozygote individuals during slow, when compared with fast, inbreeding. We studied the impact of inbreeding rate on the loss of heterozygosity and on morphological traits inDrosophila melanogaster. We analysed five noninbred control lines, 10 fast inbred lines and 10 slow inbred lines; the inbred lines all had an expected inbreeding coefficient of approximately 0.25. Forty single nucleotide polymorphisms in DNA coding regions were genotyped, and we measured the size and shape of wings and counted the number of sternopleural bristles on the genotyped individuals. We found a significantly higher level of genetic variation in the slow inbred lines than in the fast inbred lines. This higher genetic variation was resulting from a large contribution from a few loci and a smaller effect from several loci. We attributed the increased heterozygosity in the slow inbred lines to the favouring of heterozygous individuals over homozygous individuals by natural selection, either by associative over‐dominance or balancing selection, or a combination of both. Furthermore, we found a significant polynomial correlation between genetic variance and wing size and shape in the fast inbred lines. This was caused by a greater number of homozygous individuals among the fast inbred lines with small, narrow wings, which indicated inbreeding depression. Our results demonstrated that the same amount of inbreeding can have different effects on genetic variance depending on the inbreeding rate, with slow inbreeding leading to higher genetic variance than fast inbreeding. These results increase our understanding of the genetic basis of the common observation that slow inbred lines express less inbreeding depression than fast inbred lines. In addition, this has more general implications for the importance of selection in maintaining genetic variation.
Malaria preventive measures, health care seeking behaviour and malaria burden in different epidemiological settings in Sudan
Authors: Mustafa H. S. , Malik E. M. , Tuok H. T. , Mohamed A. A. , Julla A. I. , Bassili A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjectives  To provide information about preventive measures and treatment seeking behaviour as well as an estimate of the malaria burden in different epidemiological settings for effective monitoring and evaluation of the ongoing efforts.Methods  Cross‐sectional survey carried out in four areas representing different levels of transmission to explore the use of preventive measures, care‐seeking behaviour and accessibility in addition to point prevalence was followed by a follow‐up phase in which the health workers registered and reported all fever cases including malaria. The relation between the reported malaria incidence, the product of symptomatic/asymptomatic ratio and the prevalence of confirmed malaria cases was used to develop the equation that could predict the true malaria incidence.Results  Thousand households and 3628 individuals were surveyed. The presence of any net varied between 6.6% and 40%; the percentage of people who reportedly slept under mosquito nets in the previous night varied between 35 and 80. Prompt use of medications ranged between 14 and 48% with a delay of more than 24 h noticed in different areas. The mean number of individuals per household who reported use of anti‐malarial drugs in the last 2 weeks ranged between 0.6 (SD = 0.92) and 1.2 (SD = 1.1), with variable cost per treatment and affordability. The prevalence of asymptomatic parasitaemia, fever and confirmed malaria at time of the survey differed by area. The incidence of malaria during the follow‐up period was estimated to be 8.5, 178.6, 23.7 and 10.3 episodes per 1000 population in Malakal, Elrank, Elhosh and El Matama, respectively. Based on this, a prediction equation was developed.Conclusion  We found suboptimal health care seeking behaviour, coverage and use of preventive measures with a high malaria burden. We developed a model for future estimation of malaria episodes.
Allelopathy of the moss Hypnum plumaeforme by the production of momilactone A and B
Authors: KATO‐NOGUCHI H , KOBAYASHI K , SHIGEMORI H 
Published: September 2009

SummaryExtract of soil under colonies of Hypnum plumaeforme inhibited the growth of roots and shoots of cress, lettuce, lucerne, ryegrass, timothy, Digitaria sanguinalis and Echinochloa crus‐galli. Increasing the extract concentration increased the inhibition, which suggest that the soil may contain growth inhibitory substances and possess allelopathic potential. The extract of the soil under H. plumaeforme was purified and two main inhibitory substances were isolated and determined by MS and 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR spectral data as momilactone A and B. Momilactone A and B inhibited hypocotyls and roots of cress seedlings at concentrations >10 and 1 μm respectively. The endogenous concentration of momilactone A and B in H. plumaeforme was 58.7 and 23.4 μg g−1 dry weight respectively and the concentration of momilactone A and B in MS growth medium of H. plumaeforme was 4.3 and 6.4 μg g−1 dry weight of H. plumaeforme, respectively. These results suggest that momilactone A and B were probably secreted into the medium during the incubation and momilactone A and B found in the soil under H. plumaeforme may have been released by the moss. Therefore, growth inhibitory activity of the soil under H. plumaeforme may be caused by momilactone A and B, which may act as allelopathic agents of H. plumaeforme.
Long‐term Low Radiation Decreases Leaf Photosynthesis, Photochemical Efficiency and Grain Yield in Winter Wheat
Authors: Mu H. , Jiang D. , Wollenweber B. , Dai T. , Jing Q. , Cao W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractLow radiation reduces wheat grain yield in tree‐crop intercropping systems in the major wheat planting area of China. Here, two winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L) cultivars, Yangmai 158 (shading tolerant) and Yangmai 11 (shading sensitive), were shaded from jointing to maturity to evaluate the impact of low radiation on crop growth, photosynthesis and yield. Grain yield losses and leaf area index (LAI) reduction were less than the reduction in solar radiation under both shading treatment in both cultivars. Compared with the control (S0), grain yield only reduced 6.4 % and 9.9 % under 22 % shading treatment (S1), while 16.2 % and 25.8 % under 33 % shading (S2) in Yangmai 158 and Yangmai 11 respectively. The reduction in LAI was 6.0 % and 9.2 % (S1), and 18.2 % and 22.2 % (S2) in Yangmai 158 and Yangmai 11 respectively. However, decline in canopy apparent photosynthetic rate (CAP) was 15.0–22.9 % (S1) and 29.5–49.6 % (S2), which was consistent with the reduction in radiation. The reduction in LAI was partially compensated by increases in the fraction of the top and bottom leaf area to the total leaf area, which facilitated to intercept more solar radiation by the canopy. The decrease in photosynthetic rate (Pn) of flag leaf was partially compensated by the increase in Pn of the third leaf from the top. In addition, an inconsistency between the low Pn and the high Chl content in flag leaf was observed at 30 DAA. This could be explained that more excitation energy was dispersed via the non‐photochemical approaches in the photosystem II (PSII) of flag leaf after long‐term shading.
The Key Physiological Response to Alkali Stress by the Alkali‐Resistant Halophyte Puccinellia tenuiflora is the Accumulation of Large Quantities of Organic Acids and into the Rhyzosphere
Authors: Guo L. Q. , Shi D. C. , Wang D. L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractEight‐week‐old seedlings of Puccinellia tenuiflora were stressed by exposure to 1 : 1 molar ratio mixtures either of the two neutral salts NaCl and Na2SO4 or of the two alkali salts, NaHCO3 and Na2CO3. To identify the physiological mechanisms involved in this plant’s resistance to alkali stress, the relative growth rates, the quantities and compositions of organic acids accumulated and secreted through the roots into the rhyzosphere, the concentrations of inorganic ions, proline and other solutes accumulating in the shoots were measured. The results show that the organic acid constituents in the shoots and roots were much the same. These were predominantly malic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid and succinic acid. The total concentration of organic acids in the shoots increased strongly with increasing alkali stress. However, these either did not increase or they decreased slightly with increasing salt stress. Of the four organic acids, the concentration difference between salt‐ and alkali‐stressed plants was most striking for citric acid. This became the dominant organic acid component under alkali stress. Results show that proline is the main organic osmolyte, whereas the contribution of betaine to osmotic adjustment is insignificant under either salt or alkali stress. The main organic acid accumulated was not only an important organic osmotic regulator, but also an important negative charge contributor, playing important roles in ionic balance and pH adjustment. The concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl− and of organic acid were 80.7% of all solutes under salt stress. The concentrations of Na+, K+, Cl− and of organic acid were 85.4% of all solutes under alkali stresses. The ionic balance was disrupted by the strong increase in Na+ content under alkali stress. This perhaps explains why large amounts of the organic acids were accumulated. The organic acid concentration in the roots was lower than in the shoots. The roots secreted citric acid into the rhyzosphere only under alkali stress, secretion of the other organic acids was not detected. Therefore, citric acid secreted from the roots probably plays an important role in pH adjustment in the rhyzosphere of P. tenuiflora.
Effects of the suspension feeding musselMytilus trossuluson a brackish water macroalgal and associated invertebrate community
Authors: Kotta Jonne , Herkül Kristjan , Kotta Ilmar , Orav‐Kotta Helen , Lauringson Velda 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe importance of suspension‐feeding mussels is particularly apparent in benthic communities; however, the role of this feeding strategy on the development of macroalgal and associated invertebrate communities is in general poorly known. The effect of suspension‐feeding musselsMytilus trossuluson benthic communities was studied in anin situfactorial field experiment in the Northern Baltic Sea over one ice‐free season. The experiment was performed under different regimes of wave exposure (low and moderate) and on different sedimentary habitats (soft bottom with high organic content, soft bottom with low organic content, and hard bottom). In general the presence of mussels was associated with increased biomass of filamentous algae, herbivores and deposit feeders and decreased biomass of charophytes. The effect ofM. trossulusinteracted with the effect of exposure and substrate. Stronger responses were observed in moderately exposed than in sheltered areas. The presence ofM. trossulusaffected charophytes and deposit feeders on sand with low content of organic matter and filamentous algae on pebbles but not on other substrate types. The magnitude of the effects varied between months. The results suggest that (i) even in dynamic coastal systems the biodeposits and excretions of mussels are at least partly assimilated locally and are not flushed away to the open sea, (ii) the accumulation of faecal material induced elevated growth of deposit feeders, (iii) mussels enhanced the growth of ephemeral macroalgae and reduced the growth of perennial macroalgae, and (iv) together with increasing benthic primary production, mussels indirectly increase the production of herbivores.
Effects of experimental small‐scale cockle (Cerastoderma eduleL.) fishing on ecosystem function
Authors: Cesar Christopher P. , Frid Chris L. J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe cockleCerastoderma eduleL. occurs at commercially exploited densities within both species‐poor and species‐rich assemblages, dominating the faunal biomass and potentially acting as a key contributor to a number of ecological functions. The questions considered were: Is the delivery of ecological functions affected by the removal ofC. edule? Does the biodiversity of the affected assemblage affect the extent to which it is altered? To explore these questions, adult cockles were removed from experimental plots at two shores in the North‐West of England: a species‐poor shore at Warton Sands, Morecambe Bay, and a more diverse shore at Thurstaston, Dee estuary. Impacts on the functioning of the systems were determined during a 4‐month study in summer 2007 by direct measurements of benthic primary production, organic matter content and sediment granulometry, and by indirect analyses using Biological Traits Analysis. Removal of adult cockles led to significant changes in faunal assemblage composition and in the distribution of biological traits, with increased biodiversity and an increased prevalence of traits relating to opportunistic taxa observed following the removal ofC. edule. These changes occurred at both study sites and hence were independent of the initial biodiversity of the assemblages. Sediment granulometry was significantly affected; however, surface chlorophyll and organic matter were not affected. This implies a minimal impact on these functions and a high degree of functional redundancy within the macrofauna. The implications of these findings and future areas of research are discussed.
Altering intertidal sediment topography: effects on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning
Authors: Jones Diane , Frid Chris L. J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractSedimentary marine systems are often highly productive and perform important nutrient regeneration functions as they efficiently decompose organic material. In recent years the role of habitat effects and of species composition in ecosystem functioning has become of interest. Estuarine environments are frequently subject to considerable anthropogenic pressures whilst supporting a variety of habitats ranging from well sorted soft muds through biogenically stable sediments to highly mobile coarse sands. There is therefore considerable spatial complexity in habitat type and faunal composition. This study set out to observe the effects of altering the topographical habitat features of an estuarine mudflat on a range of porewater nutrient concentrations (NH4+, NO3−, NO2−, PO43−and SiO) collected from four depths (3, 5, 9, and 12 cm) and on faunal composition. Two treatments (Shelled Nets and Net Controls) were used to alter the topography from simple mud to a mussel shell crumble and were compared to un‐manipulated Control areas. Sediment granulometry and organic matter content analyses alongside biological traits analysis of the fauna were also conducted.Differences were observed in porewater nutrient concentrations between the Control and both netted treatments at 5 cm depth only; the species diversity and abundance were also different in the netted treatments compared to the Controls, although no difference between the two manipulated treatments were observed. The changes in faunal composition were attributed solely to the altered topography and the observed nutrient changes were attributed to the faunal alteration rather than the topographical manipulation.
Recent innovations in marine biology
Authors: Boero Ferdinando 
Published: September 2009

AbstractModern ecology arose from natural history when Vito Volterra analysed Umberto D’Ancona’s time series of Adriatic fisheries, formulating the famous equations describing the linked fluctuations of a predator–prey system. The shift from simple observation to careful sampling design, and hypothesis building and testing, often with manipulative approaches, is probably the most relevant innovation in ecology, leading from descriptive to experimental studies, with the use of powerful analytical tools to extract data (from satellites to molecular analyses) and to treat them, and modelling efforts leading to predictions. However, the historical component, time, is paramount in environmental systems: short‐term experiments must cope with the long term if we want to understand change. Chaos theory showed that complex systems are inherently unpredictable: equational, predictive science is only feasible over the short term and for a small number of variables. Ecology is characterized by a high number of variables (e.g. species) interacting over wide temporal and spatial scales. The greatest recent conceptual innovation, thus, is to have realized that natural history is important, and that the understanding of complexity calls for humility. This is not a return to the past, because now we can give proper value to statistical approaches aimed at formalizing the description and the understanding of the natural world in a rigorous way. Predictions can only be weak, linked to the identification of the attractors of chaotic systems, and are aimed more at depicting scenarios than at forecasting the future with precision. Ecology was originally split into two branches: autecology (ecology of species) and synecology (ecology of species assemblages, communities, ecosystems). The two approaches are almost synonymous with the two fashionable concepts of today: ‘biodiversity’ and ‘ecosystem functioning’. A great challenge is to put the two together and work at multiple temporal and spatial scales. This requires the identification of all variables (i.e. species and their ecology: biodiversity, or autoecology) and of all connections among them and with the physical world (i.e. ecosystem functioning, or synecology). Marine ecosystems are the least impacted by human pressures, compared to terrestrial ones, and are thus the best arena to understand the structure and function of the natural world, allowing for comparison between areas with and areas without human impact.
Reproductive biology of Symphodus mediterraneus (Teleostei, Labridae) in the Azores
Authors: Raposeiro Pedro M. V. M. , Azevedo José Manuel N. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA description of the colour patterns, reproductive behaviour, spawning season and size at first maturity is given for an Atlantic population of Symphodus mediterraneus, based on underwater observations and animals collected by spear‐fishing and photographed. Gonad histology was used to determine the sex and maturity stages. Size at first maturation was estimated as the length at which 50% of the individuals are mature. General appearance was a brown or brownish‐red body, with a series of large brown transverse stripes, a conspicuous yellow‐ringed black spot on the base of the pectoral fins and a black spot on the caudal peduncle. Terminal males could be distinguished from females by the blue tones on the extremities of the median fins and on the throat. Differences from the colour pattern of the Mediterranean population are noted. This is probably a gonochoric species: the larger males are territorial, building algal nests and defending them from conspecific males and from other microbenthic carnivorous fishes; the smaller mature males did not show sneaking or satellite behaviour. Reproduction takes place in late spring and summer, after the spring productivity peak, suggesting that the feeding biology of the adults may be the main determinant factor of the timing of spawning. Total length at first maturity is 12.1 cm for males and 9.6 cm for females.