Entomopathogenic fungi as a potential control agent against the lesser mealworm, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Alphitobius diaperinus</Emphasis> in broiler houses

We tested the pathogenicity of 18 Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschn.) Sorokin isolates and 22 Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin isolates against Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) larvae and adults. The efficacy of the most virulent isolate—M. anisopliae K—was evaluated in containers with a concrete bottom covered with wood shavings, under simulated poultry house conditions. Application of conidia of this isolate to the shavings or directly to the concrete bottom reduced the yield of larvae in 8–15 time compared with the control. In another test, the mortality of mature larvae placed on previously inoculated shavings or bottom reached 80–90% within 14 days, compared with 14% in the control. The residual activity of conidia kept at 28°C retained its initial level during 14 days post-inoculation, but declined after three weeks. Based on our data M. anisopliae has considerable potential for the control of A. diaperinus.

Biological activity and identification of nucleopolyhedroviruses isolated from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mythimna separata</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera litura</Emphasis> in Japan

We compared the infectivity of two nucleopolyhedroviruses (NPVs), MyseNPV G isolated from Mythimna separata (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) and SpltNPV S isolated from Spodoptera litura (Fabricius) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). MyseNPV G was more pathogenic against M. separata than against S. litura. Although SpltNPV S was more pathogenic than MyseNPV G against S. litura, it did not infect M. separata. Restriction endonuclease (REN) analysis of viral genomic DNA revealed that the two NPVs have quite different REN profiles. Based on nucleotide sequences of the coding regions of polyhedrin, lef-8 and lef-9, SpltNPV S was closely related to other SpltNPV isolates, whereas MyseNPV G appeared to belong to the Mamestra NPV group, and was distinct from a Chinese isolate of Leucania (=Mythimna) separata NPV. The potential of MyseNPV G and SpltNPV S to control pest insects is discussed.

Two new species of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycena</Emphasis> from alpine sites in Norway

Mycena aphanes and Mycena exilis, belonging to section Filipedes and section Polyadelphia, are proposed as new species. They are described and illustrated and compared to other species in the two sections. Mycena aphanes is a strikingly characteristic Mycena with fulvous or yellowish brown colours of both pileus and stipe. Mycena exilis is characterized by its occurrence on fallen Salix leaves, a pale brown pileus, occasionally with a pale pink tinge, narrowly adnate lamellae, four-spored basidia, and the presence of clamp connections.

A queueing model for predicting message latency in uni-directional <Emphasis Type="Italic">k</Emphasis>-ary <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-cubes with deterministic routing and non-uniform traffic

The interconnection network is one of the key architectural components in any parallel computer. The distribution of the traffic injected into the network is among the factors that greatly influences network performance. The uniform traffic pattern has been adopted in many existing network performance evaluation studies due to the tractability of the resulting analytical modelling approach. However, many real applications exhibit non-uniform traffic patterns such as hot-spot traffic. K-ary n-cubes have been the mostly widely used in the implementation of practical parallel systems. Extensive research studies have been conducted on the performance modelling and evaluation of these networks. Nonetheless, most of these studies have been confined to uniform traffic distributions and have been based on software simulation. The present paper proposes a new stochastic model to predict message latency in k-ary n-cubes with deterministic routing in the presence of hot-spot traffic. The model has been validated through simulation experiments and has shown a close agreement with simulation results.

Characterization of Two Novel Biovar of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Agrobacterium tumefaciens</Emphasis> Isolated from Root Nodules of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Vicia faba</Emphasis>

A total of eight strains of bacteria were isolated from the root nodule of Vicia faba on the selective media of Rhizobium. Two of these strains produced phenotypically distinct mucoid colonies (one slow growing and the other fast growing) and were examined using a polyphasic approach for taxonomic identification. The two strains (MTCC 7405 and MTCC 7406) turned out to be new strains of biovar 1 Agrobacterium rather than Rhizobium, as they showed growth on alkaline medium as well as on 2% NaCl and neither catabolized lactose as the carbon source nor oxidized Tween-80. The distinctness between the two strains was marked with respect to their growth on dextrose and the production of lysine dihydrolase, ornithine decarboxylase and DNA G + C content. 16S rDNA sequencing and their comparison with the 16S rDNA sequences of previously described agrobacteria as well as rhizobia strains confirmed the novelty of the two strains. Both of the strains clustered with strains of Agrobacterium tumefaciens in the 16S rDNA-based phylogenetic tree. The phenotypic and biochemical properties of the two strains differed from those of the recognized biovar of A. tumefaciens. It is proposed that the strains MTCC 7405 and MTCC 7406 be classified as novel biovar of the species A. tumefaciens (Type strains MTCC 7405 = DQ383275 and MTCC 7406 = DQ383276).

Activity of quinolizidine alkaloids from three Mexican <Emphasis Type="Italic">Lupinus</Emphasis> against the lepidopteran crop pest <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spodoptera frugiperda</Emphasis>

Bitter lupins (Lupinus spp.) are not used as a protein source because of their toxicity. However, they may have alternative uses as potential sources of natural insecticides. Quinolizidine alkaloids (QA) of three Mexican Lupinus species (Fabaceae): L. montanus (HBK), L. stipulatus (Agardh) and L. aschenbornii (Schauer), were analyzed by capillary Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Sparteine was found in high amounts in both L. montanus and L. aschenbornii while the major alkaloids in L. stipulatus extract were aphylline and an epiaphylline-like compound. Alkaloid extracts were tested for their insecticidal activity using larvae of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith); (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae) as a model pest. We compared LD₅₀ values and mean weight of caterpillars fed with alkaloid extracts of the three species studied with those of sparteine, a widespread QA found in various lupin species. Extracts of L. montanus and L. aschenbornii were found to be as effective as sparteine and extracts L. stipulatus were found to be the most toxic against the larvae of S. frugiperda. This suggests that the various QA act differently on caterpillars, and could be used to control Spodoptera populations.

Progress in understanding the <Emphasis Type="Italic">N-</Emphasis>demethylation of alkaloids by exploiting isotopic techniques

The reaction of N-demethylation plays an important role in the degradation of some alkaloids in a number of organisms. This review presents how our understanding of the N-demethylation of nicotine in plants has been improved through studies in cell cultures of Nicotiana plumbaginifolia and N. glutinosa using a variety of isotopic techniques. The overall aim is to understand how metabolism recycles the alkaloid skeleton, both in terms of the metabolic route(s) exploited and the reaction mechanisms of the enzymes involved. The former has been approached using high-resolution 2-dimensional NMR and GC-MS methods; the latter by determining kinetic isotope effects and modelling the potential reaction steps. It appears that the mechanism for nicotine demethylation in plants is similar to but has significant differences from that described for mammals and Pseudomonas bacteria. These differences are discussed.

Revealing the anti-HRP epitope in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Drosophila</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Caenorhabditis</Emphasis>

Antibodies are very often used as specific cell and/or tissue markers. An example of this is anti-horseradish peroxidase (HRP), an antibody raised against a plant glycoprotein, which was shown some twenty-five years ago to specifically stain neural tissue in an animal, Drosophila melanogaster. This peculiar finding was later expanded to other invertebrate species including Caenorhabditis elegans, which were also shown to bear anti-HRP epitopes. Initial experiments indicated that the epitopes recognised by anti-HRP in invertebrates are of carbohydrate nature. Indeed, more recent experiments have characterised relevant core α1-3-fucosylated N-glycan structures that act as epitopes in various model and parasitic organisms. Moreover, a number of enzymes required for the synthesis of such structures have been identified. Over the years, medically-relevant roles of these structures have become apparent as regards allergenicity and immunoregulation. Although major advances have been made in understanding of the underlying mechanisms and structures related to the anti-HRP epitope, the in vivo role of the relevant epitopes in neural and other tissues is yet to be resolved. Current understanding of the anti-HRP epitopes synthesis and their relevance is discussed and elaborated.

Evidence of gonochorism in a grouper, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mycteroperca rosacea</Emphasis>, from the Gulf of California,Mexico

The sexual pattern and sexual development of the leopard grouper, Mycteroperca rosacea, were investigated from 483 specimens collected from the Gulf of California, Mexico. Histological and population data indicated a gonochoric sexual pattern. Some juveniles passed through an immature bisexual phase of gonadal development, but no evidence of post-maturational sex change was found. The immature bisexual phase is believed to be associated only with male development. The size distribution and size at sexual maturity were similar for both males and females. In accordance with predictions of the size-advantage model, the gonochoric sexual pattern of M. rosacea is likely influenced by its group-spawning mating system.

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Plasmodiophora brassicae</Emphasis> in its Environment

Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor. is viewed in this article from the standpoint of a highly evolved and successful organism, well fitted for the ecological niche that it occupies. Physical, chemical, and biological components of the soil environment are discussed in relation to their effects on the survival, growth, and reproduction of this microbe. It is evident that P. brassicae is well equipped by virtue of its robust resting spores for survival through many seasonal cycles. Germination is probably triggered as a result of signals initiated by root exudates. The resultant motile zoospore moves rapidly to the root hair surface and penetration and colonization follow. The short period between germination and penetration is one of greatest vulnerability for P. brassicae. In this phase survival is affected at the very least by soil texture and structure; its moisture; pH; calcium, boron, and nitrogen content; and the presence of active microbial antagonists. These factors influence the inoculum potential (sensu Garrett, 1956) and its viability and invasive capacity. There is evidence that these effects may also influence differentially the survival of some physiologic races of P. brassicae. Considering the interaction of P. brassicae with the soil environment from the perspective of its biological fitness is an unusual approach; most authors consider only the opportunities to destroy this organism. The approach adopted here is borne of several decades spent studying P. brassicae and the respect that has been engendered for it as a biological entity. This review stops at the point of penetration, although some of the implications of the environment for successful colonization are included because they form a continuum. Interactions with the molecular and biochemical cellular environment are considered in other sections in this special edition.

Mapping the geographic distribution of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aglaia bourdillonii</Emphasis> Gamble (Meliaceae), an endemic and threatened plant,using ecological niche modeling

Aglaia bourdillonii is a plant narrowly endemic to the southern portion of the Western Ghats (WG), in peninsular India. To understand its ecological and geographic distribution, we used ecological niche modeling (ENM) based on detailed distributional information recently gathered, in relation to detailed climatic data sets. The ENMs successfully reconstructed key features of the species’ geographic distribution, focusing almost entirely on the southern WG. Much of the species’ distributional potential is already under protection, but our analysis allows identification of key zones for additional protection, all of which are adjacent to existing protected areas. ENM provides a useful tool for understanding the natural history of such rare and endangered species.

Aeropalynological research in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salitral de la Vidriera</Emphasis>, Buenos Aires province,Argentina

This paper reports results from monitoring atmospheric pollen in Salitral de la Vidriera, an area of natural vegetation near Bahía Blanca city (East Central Argentina). Sampling was carried out weekly during January to December 2003 and May 2005 to April 2006 using a volumetric impact sampler. Observations of flowering in the field were carried out at the same time as the aerial sampling. During this period, 43 pollen types were identified; most of these correspond to pollen grains from either herbaceous or shrubby vegetation typical of the study area, for example Amaranthus, Brassicaceae, Centaurea, Poaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Urticaceae, some Asteraceae, and Condalia microphylla. This study on the atmosphere of Salitral de la Vidriera allowed us to identify the components of the vegetation type dominant in the area, namely a shrubby halophytic steppe. A well represented family, for example Chenopodiaceae, could, under appropriate weather conditions, be an important contributor of pollen to Bahía Blanca.

Personal Experience of Schizophrenia and the Role of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Danwei</Emphasis>: A Case Study in 1990s Beijing

Danwei as a cornerstone of Chinese urban society has received great research attention. The relationship between the Danwei and psychiatric patients, however, remains unclear. This article aims to shed light on the subject with an integrated micro–macro approach. It introduces a historical understanding of mental health in urban China under the “economic state in transition” framework. A detailed case study in clinical sociology is provided to reveal the many social factors affecting the experience of a schizophrenic patient and his significant others. A changing role of the Danwei is hypothesized and validated with qualitative data. The Danwei was shown to have changed significantly before the mid-1990s, yet it still played a major role in urban workers’ lives, including those of psychiatric patients, and even more so in people’s expectations. This lends support to the need for a more responsive public policy to address various social issues brought about by economic reform, with the learning of worldwide experiences including “community care,” “social support” and “social rehabilitation.” Implications for social research, policymaking and professional practice are discussed.

Predation by <Emphasis Type="Italic">Nesidiocoris tenuis</Emphasis> on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bemisia tabaci</Emphasis> and injury to tomato

Tomato is the most important vegetable crop in Spain. The mirid bug Nesidiocoris tenuis (Reuter) commonly appears in large numbers in protected and open-air tomato crops where little or no broad-spectrum insecticides are used. Nesidiocoris tenuis is known to be a predator of whiteflies, thrips and several other pest species. However, it is also considered a pest because it can feed on tomato plants, causing necrotic rings on stems and flowers and punctures in fruits. Our objectives were to evaluate predation by N. tenuis on sweetpotato whitefly Bemisia tabaci Gennadius under greenhouse conditions and establish its relationship to N. tenuis feeding on tomato. Two different release rates of N. tenuis were compared with an untreated control (0, 1 and 4 N. tenuis plant⁻¹) in cages of 8 m². Significant reductions of greater than 90% of the whitefly population and correspondingly high numbers of N. tenuis were observed with both release rates. Regression analysis showed that necrotic rings on foliage caused by N. tenuis were best explained by the ratio of B. tabaci nymphs:N. tenuis as predicted by the equation y = 15.086x − 0.6359.

Fluorescent pseudomonad mixtures mediate disease resistance in rice plants against sheath rot (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarocladium oryzae</Emphasis>) disease

Plant growth-promoting rhizobacterial (PGPR) strains were isolated from different agro-ecosystems of Tamil Nadu, India, and were tested for their efficacy against the sheath rot pathogen Sarocladium oryzae under in vitro, glasshouse and field conditions. Vigour and a relative performance index (RPI) were used to assay the growth promotion and antagonistic activity of Pseudomonas strains against S. oryzae under in vitro conditions. The results revealed the significant performance by strains Pf1, TDK1 and PY15 compared to other strains. Further, the combination of Pseudomonas strains Pf1, TDK1 and PY15 was more effective in reducing sheath rot disease in rice plants compared to individual strains under glasshouse and field conditions. Quantitative and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis of peroxidase (PO), polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and chitinase activity in rice plants showed an increased accumulation of defence enzymes in the treatment with a combination of Pf1, TDK1 and PY15 compared to the treatment with individual strains and untreated controls. The present study revealed the probable influence of antagonism, plant growth promotion and induced systemic resistance (ISR) by the mixture of Pseudomonas bioformulations in enhancing the disease resistance in rice plants against sheath rot disease.

Aggregations of juvenile whale sharks (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Rhincodon typus</Emphasis>) in the Gulf of Tadjoura,Djibouti

A total of 23 whale sharks were identified over a 5 d period in the Arta Bay region of the Gulf of Tadjora, Djibouti. Most of the sharks aggregating in this area were small (<4 m TL) males. Individuals were identified using photographs of distinctive scars and spot and stripe patterns on the sides of the animals. Of these, 65% had scarring that was attributable to boat or propeller strikes. Most of the whale sharks we encountered were feeding on dense accumulations of plankton in shallow water just off (10–200 m) the shoreline. This food source may account for the aggregation of sharks in this area. One 3 m male shark was tagged with an ARGOS (Splash) satellite tag for 9 d. During this time the shark traversed to the shoreline on the opposite side of the Gulf (a distance of 14 km) and then returned to the Arta Bay area before retracing his path to the other shore. The shark spent most of the daylight hours at the surface, while at night dives were more frequent, deeper and for longer durations.