Book reviews

Book reviewed in this article: P. Singh & R. F. Moore (eds.) (1985). Handbook of Insect Rearing, Vol. 1 & 2 J. A. Hardman, P. R. Ellis & E. A. Stanley (1985). Bibliography of the carrot fly Psila rosae (F.).     

Assessment of faba bean (Vicia faba) response to inoculation with Rhizobium leguminosarum in clay loam Nile Delta soil

A field experiment was conducted to assess the response to inoculation with rhizobia in a clay loam soil of the Nile Delta using faba bean (Vicia faba) for two successive winter seasons (1985/6 and 1986/7). Three selected strains of Rhizobium leguminosarum, TAL 634, NRC 65 and TAL 1400, were used singly or in combination as peat-based inocula in 1985/6 winter season. Strain TAL 1400 was replaced by strain F9 in the 1986/7 winter season. A significant seed yield response was obtained only with strain TAL 1400, in the 1985/6 season. In the 1986/7 season, no significant yield response was observed with any of the strains. The serotyping of nodules collected in the 1985/6 season showed that strain TAL 1400 was more competitive than either the indigenous rhizobia or the two inoculant strains. However, the majority of nodules formed in the 1986/7 season were formed from strains other than the inoculant ones.     

The repeated sequences (incB) preceding the protein E gene of plasmid mini-F are essential for replication

Summary At the XhoI site (45.08F) of plasmid mini-F a deletion of 649 bp was generated employing exonuclease Bal31. By this deletion nucleotide sequences functioning as origin II and the four 19 bp direct repeats constituting the incB region in front of the E protein gene were removed from the plasmid. Analysis of proteins radioactively labelled in Escherichia coli mini-cells indicated that all mini-F encoded proteins are expressed. However, the plasmid carrying the deletion was not capable of replicating from the primary origin (origin I, 42.6F). Recently a smaller deletion at the XhoI site (45.08F) of about 300 bp, removing only the region functioning as origin II and replicating from origin I, was described by Tanimoto and Iino (1984, 1985). The data presented suggest that the incB repeats are essential for the initiation of replication from origin I, and possibly also from origin II, and seem not to be engaged in the autoregulation of E protein expression.     

Colonization of Claviceps purpurea sclerotia on Triticale by Fusaria in 1985

During 1985 60% of Claviceps purpurea sclerotia collected from Triticale heads were colonized by Fusarium acuminatum Ell. et Ev. and F. heterosporum Nees.     

Fishing mortality rates of giant clams (Family Tridacnidae) from the Sulu Archipelago and Southern Palawan,Philippines

Average size frequency distributions of Tridacna squamosa, T. gigas, Hippopus hippopus and H. porcellanus harvested from the Sulu Archipelago and Southern Palawan areas from 1978–1985 were derived from export records and a warehouse inventory of giant clam shells. Average species mortality rates (Z) were estimated and were used to approximate average fishing mortality rates (F) over the period 1978–1985. Crude estimates of exploitation rates (F/Z) indicate that populations of these species are already overexploited. These findings have serious implications in view of the fact that the Sulu Archipelago and Southern Palawan are thought to be the last strongholds of giant clams in Philippine waters.     

Trematodes from Red Sea fishes: Neohypocreadium aegyptense n. sp. (Lepocreadiidae), Fairfaxia cribbi n. sp. and Macvicaria chrysophrys (Nagaty & Abdel-Aal, 1969) (Opecoelidae)

Specimens of the marine fishes Chaetodon lineolatus (Chaetodontidae), Lethrinus nebulosus (Lethrinidae) and Acanthopagrus bifasciatus (Sparidae) were caught in the Red Sea off the coast of Sharm El-Sheikh, South Sinai, Egypt. Fifteen (75%), four (16%) and fourteen (35%) fish, respectively, were found to harbour intestinal trematodes. C. lineolatus was parasitised by Neohypocreadium aegyptense n. sp. (Lepocreadiidae), L. nebulosus by Fairfaxia cribbi n. sp. (Opecoelidae) and A. bifasciatus by Macvicaria chrysophrys (Nagaty & Abdel-Aal, 1969) Bray, 1985 (Opecoelidae). N. aegyptense n. sp. is most similar to N. chaetodoni (Mahavi, 1972), but is smaller and differs in having acinous rather than digitate ovarian lobes, vitelline follicles extending anteriorly to midway between the ventral sucker and the intestinal bifurcation and an external seminal vesicle extending posteriorly to reach the anterior margin of the ovary. The generic diagnosis of Neohypocreadium is amended. F. cribbi n. sp. resembles F. lethini Cribb, 1990, but differs in having relatively smaller gonads, cirrus-sac and eggs, and larger suckers and pharynx. M. chrysophrys, collected from its type-host and locality, is redescribed. Plagioporus saoudi Ramadan, 1985 is considered its synonym.     

Reviews

Book reviewed in this article: Chapman , R. F., E. A. Bernays , & J. G. Stoffolano , Jr., eds. (1986): Perspectives in chemoreception and behavior (Geruch, Geschmack und Verhalten). Wilczynski , W., ed. (1986): Common principles in the neuroethology of acoustic and electric communication (Übereinstimmungen in der Neuroethologie akustischer und chemischer Kommunikation). Ganzer , J., J. Schmidtmayer , & H. Laudien (1984): Das Kampfverhalten der Männchen von Betta splendens Regan (Pisces, Belontiidae) — eine etho-physiologische Studie (Fighting in male B. s. — an etho-physiological study). Redfern , P. H., I. C. Campbell , J. A. Davis , & K. F. Martin, eds. (1985): Circadian rhythms in the central nervous system (Circadiane Rhythmen im Zentralnervensystem). Ingold , T. (1986): Evolution and social life (Evolution und menschliche Gesellschaft). Series: Themes in Social Sciences.     

Book reviews

Book Reviewed in this article:
T he S taphylococci (1985). Edited by J. Jeljaszewicz.
G uidelines for D rinking -W ater Q uality (1985).
C olour A tlas of F ood Q uality C ontrol (1986). J. P. Sutherland, A. H. Varnam & M. G. Evans.
M icrobiology of F rozen F oods (1985). Edited by R. K. Robinson.
M icrobiology of F ermented F oods , Volumes 1 and 2 (1985). Edited by B. J. B. Wood.
M icrobial E nergetics (1985). E. A. Dawes.
G. T. M acfarlane & H. N. E nglyst . Journal of Applied Bacteriology 1986 60 , 195–201     

Morphometric characteristics of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Formica aquilonia</Emphasis> ants in monitoring of their settlements

The variability of size, chaetotaxy, the petiole shape, and mandible dentition in workers of F. aquilonia was studied in the Verkhnyaya Klyazma Myrmecological Preserve (Moscow Province, Russia), where populations of red wood ants (F. aquilonia, F. polyctena, and F. lugubris) have been monitored since 1966. Comparative analysis of samples from two different F. aquilonia settlements (A1 and A21S) showed that workers from A1 had a smaller size and more abundant pilosity. The variability of the molar margin of the mandibles was similar in the two settlements while the petiole shape differed. Comparison of three generations of workers from A1 (the seasons of 1969, 1986, and 1992) revealed significant changes in their phenotype (a decrease in size and an increase in pilosity and asymmetry) which coincided with the settlement degradation after mass destruction of ant nests by poachers, wild boars, and woodpeckers in 1977–1985.     

Identification, Distribution and Vector Population Dynamics of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus in Three Cereal-Producing Areas of Spain

ELISA-based surveys during 1985–87 in three major cereal-growing areas of Spain confirmed the presence of barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV). Samples of small grain cereals and grasses with and without BYDV-like symptoms were collected in the central, southwestern, and northeastern Spain. Infections were found in all cereal species sampled and in some grasses. About 37 % of the samples collected in 1985 were infacted with isolates of the PAV serotype. Isolates of the RPV serotype were less common, and were detected only in samples from the central region at El Encin, Madrid. Only a single sample, collected from El Encin in 1987, was unequivocally diagnosed as containing an isolate of the MAV serotype. Aphid vector population dynamics was monitored during fall and winter of 1984–87 in the central region. Rhopalosiphum padi L. appeared to be the most abundant species during fall and winter months, infesting grasses and volunteer wheat. Other species present were Sitobion avenae (F.), Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker) and Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch). Both R. padi and S. avenae seem to be anholocyclic in the central region of Spain, and are able to remain and reproduce on wheat volunteers and grasses until the beginning of spring. S, avenae populations increase quickly on wheat volunteers in April, while populations of R. padi remain low. Therefore, spread of S. avenae-transmitted BYDV types to neighbouring cereal fields seem more likely to occur than spread of other types. Other possible virus reservoirs, such as maize, also need investigation for a better understanding of BYDV epidemiology in the central and other cercal-growing areas of Spain.     

Captive killer whale (Orcinus orca) survival

Killer whales (Orcinus orca) were first placed into captivity in 1961 and are now found in theme parks around the world. Despite successful breeding of captive killer whales since 1985 there is growing concern for their welfare in captivity, which often includes claims of poor survival. We employed Kaplan‐Meier and Cox Proportional hazards models and annual survival rate analyses on 201 captive killer whales to discern how sex, facility (U.S. vs. foreign), captive‐born vs. wild‐captured, pre‐ vs. post‐1 January 1985, and animal age upon entering captivity affect survival. Overall median survival estimate was 6.1 yr, with no difference between male and female survival. Killer whales in U.S. facilities (12.0 yr) demonstrated a significantly higher median survival than those in foreign facilities (4.4 yr), as did whales entering captivity post‐1 January 1985 (11.8 yr) vs. those entering prior to 1 January 1985 (3.9 yr). Median survival for captive‐born (14.1 yr) was significantly higher than wild‐captured killer whales (5.5 yr), though the two failed to differ among the post‐1 January 1985 cohort. Facility location and pre‐ vs. post‐1 January 1985 were predictors of the hazard rate. Survival of captive killer whale cohorts has generally improved through time, although survival to age milestones are poor when compared to wild killer whales.     

Patterns of mycotoxin production by Fusarium gmminearum isolated from Argentine wheat

Fusarium graminearum was isolated from several wheat samples of the 1985/86 Argentine crop, taken from lots that had suffered extensive invasion by this fungus. Previous chemical analysis of the cereal, had revealed contamination with deoxynivalenol (DON), but the presence of the other mycotoxins could not be excluded with certainty, due to the low sensitivity of the analytical methodology employed.Twenty four F. graminearum isolates were grown on white corn with 50% water, for 21 days at 28 °C, or in liquid medium (Sucrose 3%, Peptone 0,1% and Yeast Extract 0,1%) for 7 days at 28 °C without shaking, and tested for the production of mycotoxins. Eight isolates (33% of the total) were found to produce toxins in one or both media. Toxins detected were: DON (6 isolates), 15-AcetylDON (5), 3-AcetylDON (2) and Zearalenone (3). No traces of Nivalenol, Fusarenon-X or other trichothecenes were found.These results suggest that strains of F. graminearum, prevailing in Argentine wheat-growing regions, might belong to the DON/AcetylDON chemotype, since no organisms of the Nivalenol/Fusarenon-X chemotype were detected in this study.     

Essay review: The Correspondence of the young Darwin

The Correspondence of Charles Darwin: Volume I, 1821–1836; Volume II, 1837–1843 (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1985, 1986).     

Sequence Diversity and Linkage Disequilibrium within the Merozoite Surface Protein-1 (Msp-1) Locus of Plasmodium falciparum: A Longitudinal Study in Brazil

ABSTRACT. The merozoite surface protein‐1 (MSP‐1) is a major vaccine candidate for the asexual blood stage of malaria. We examined both the extent of sequence diversity in block 17, the 3′end of Msp‐1 gene coding for a 19‐kDa polypeptide (MSP‐1₁₉) putatively involved in red blood cell binding, and the patterns of linkage disequilibrium between polymorphic sites throughout the Msp‐1 locus. The parasite population sample consisted of Plasmodium falciparum isolates collected between 1985 and 1998 in Rondônia. an area of hypoendemic malaria transmission in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon. Results were summarized as follows. (I) Seven block‐17 sequence variants or haplotypes were found among 130 isolates, including two new haplotypes (novel combinations of previously reported amino acid replacements), here named Brazil‐1 (E‐TSR‐F) and Brazil‐2 (Q‐TSR‐F). (2) As previously shown for other Msp‐1 polymorphisms, frequencies of block‐17 haplotypes displayed significant temporal variation. (3) Extensive linkage disequilibrium was demonstrated between neighboring dimorphic sites within block 17, as well as between polymorphisms at the 5′and 3′ends of Msp‐1 (map distance range: 3.83–4.99 kb). (4) The overall patterns of linkage disequilibrium within Msp‐1 remained stable over a period of nearly one decade, and examples of possible ‘epidemic’ expansion of parasites carrying particular Msp‐1 alleles were found in the 1980s and 1990s. These results are discussed in relation to the population biology of P. falciparum and the development of malaria vaccines based on MSP‐1.     

Phytoplancton du lac Ichkeul (Tunisie): Composition,structure et activité photosynthétique Phytoplankton of Lake Ichkeul (Tunesia): Composition,Structure and Photosynthetic Activity

Phytoplankton evolution was established during a study carried out on lake Ichkeul (Tunisia) from January 1985 to June 1988. During this period, the flora, composed of 51 species is distributed principally between Diatomophyceae and Chlorophyceae. Succesional changes of phytoplankton were often unpredictable and characterized by populations with monospecific trend. Photosynthetic activity and the parameters A_opt and I_K were studied regularly along the year 1985 by oxygen method (GOLTERMANN , 1969). The relations between phytoplankton composition and photosynthetic activity were discussed.     

Sequence organization of the chloroplast ribosomal spacer of Chlamydomonas reinhardii: uninterrupted tRNAile and tRNAala genes and extensive secondary structure

Summary The 1805 bp spacer between the chloroplast ribosomal 16S and 7S RNA genes of Chlamydomonas reinhardii has been sequenced. It contains the genes of tRNA ala and tRNA ile which are both uninterrupted. The spacer includes several short direct and inverted repeats and a large palindromic structure which maps in the region where DNA rearrangements have occurred in other Chlamydomonas species.Paper presented at the First International Congress of Plant Molecular Biology (Savannah, GA, 1985).Paper presented at the First International Congress of Plant Molecular Biology (Savannah, GA, 1985).     

Book reviews

Book reviews in this article.
M icrobial G as M etabolism (1985). R. K. Poole & C. S. Dow.
I nactivation of M icroorganisms in S ewage S ludge by S tabilisation P rocesses (1985). Strauch, Havelaar & L'Hermite.
P ractical S tatistics for E xperimental B iologists (1985). A. C. Wardlaw.
T he B iology and T echnology of the C ultivated M ushroom
M ycotoxins , F ormation , A nalysis and S ignificance
H ospital H ygiene
W orld's D ebt to P asteur (1985). Edited by H. Koprowski & S. A. Plotkin.     

Fusarium species and their mycotoxins in infected corn in Italy

Surveys of corn (infected plants and commercial kernels) forFusarium species and their mycotoxins were carried out on samples collected all over Italy and from some European and mediterranean countries.Investigations on samples of corn stalk and ear rot standing in the field, mainly collected in southern Italy, proved to be contaminated with zearalenone (ZON), zearalenols (ZOL), and deoxynivalenol (DON). TheFusarium species most frequently isolated, and their recorded toxigenic capability (in parentheses), were:F. moniliforme;F. culmorum (ZON, ZOL, DON, 3AcDON);F. equiseti (ZON, ZOL); andF. proliferatum (MF). Along with these species,F. graminearum group 2 (ZON, DON and/or 3AcDON or 15AcDON);F. chlamydosporum;F. acuminatum (type-A trichothecene derivatives); andF. semitectum were often found to be associated.F. heterosporum (ZON, ZOL);F. solani;F. crookwellense (ZON, ZOL, FUS, NIV);F. oxysporum (MF);F. avenaceum (MF);F. sporotrichioides (T-2 toxin and derivatives); andF. poae (DAS, MAS) were occasionally isolated.     

Improved efficiency of protein structure calculations from NMR data using the program DIANA with redundant dihedral angle constraints

Summary A new strategy for NMR structure calculations of proteins with the variable target function method (Braun, W. and Go, N. (1985)J. Mol. Biol.,186, 611) is described, which makes use of redundant dihedral angle constraints (REDAC) derived from preliminary calculations of the complete structure. The REDAC approach reduces the computation time for obtaining a group of acceptable conformers with the program DIANA 5-100-fold, depending on the complexity of the protein structure, and retains good sampling of conformation space.Dedicated to the memory of Professor V.F. Bystrov     

pH Modulation of the kinetics of rabbit jejunal,brush-border folate transport

Summary In jejunal brush-border membrane vesicles, an out-wardly directed OH^– gradient (in>out) stimulates DIDS-sensitive, saturable folate (F) uptake (Schron, C.M., 1985).J. Clin. Invest. 76:2030–2033), suggesting carrier-mediated folate: OH^– exchange (or phenomenologically indistiguishable H⁺: folate cotransport). In the present study, the precise role of pH in the transport process was elucidated by examinin F uptake at varying pH. For pH gradients of identical magnitude, F uptake (0.1 M) was geater at lower (pH_int/pH_ext:5.5/4.5) compared with higher (6.5/5.5) pH ranges. In the absence of a pH gradient, internal Ftrans stimulated DIDS-sensitive³H-folate uptake only at pH6.0. Since setepwise increments ininternal pH (4.57.5; pH_ext=4.5) stimulated F uptake, an inhibitory effect of higherinternal pH was excluded. In contrast, with increasing external pH(4.356.5; pH_int=7.8), a 50-fold decrement in F uptake was observed (H⁺ K _m =12.8±1.2m). Hill plots of these data suggest involvement of at least one H⁺ (OH^–) at high pH (divalent F^–2 predominates). Since an inside-negative electrical potential did not affect F uptake at either pH_ext 4.55 or 5.8, transport of F^– and F^–2 is electroneutral. Kinetic parameters for F^– and F^–2 were calculated from uptake data at pH_ext 4.55 and 5.0. Comparision of predictedvs. experimentally determined kinetic parameters at pH_ext 5.8 (K _m =1.33vs. 1.70 m;V _max=12.8vs. 58.0 pmol/mg prot min) suggest that increasing external pH lowers theV _max, but does not affect thatK _m, for carrier-mediated F transport. These data are consistent with similarK _i's for sulfasalazine (competitive inhibitor) at pH_ext 5.35 and 5.8 (64.7 and 58.5 m, respectively). In summary, the jejunal F carrier mediates electroneutral transport of mono- and divalen F and is sensitive to extermal pH with a H⁺ K _m (or OH^– IC₅₀) corresponding to pH 4.89. External pH affects theV _max, but not theK _m for carriermediated F uptake suggesting a reaction mechanism involving a ternary complex between the outward-facing conformation of the carrier and the transported ions (F and either OH^– or H⁺) rather than competitive binding that is mutually exclusive.