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Articles 1861 - 1890 of 2421

Full-Text Articles in Life Sciences

Effect Of African Nightshade Species (Solanaceae) On Developmental Time And Life Table Parameters Of Tetranychus Evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae), Lucy Kananu Murungi, Aggrey Nyende, John Wesonga, Peter Masinde, Markus Knapp Mar 2010

Effect Of African Nightshade Species (Solanaceae) On Developmental Time And Life Table Parameters Of Tetranychus Evansi (Acari: Tetranychidae), Lucy Kananu Murungi, Aggrey Nyende, John Wesonga, Peter Masinde, Markus Knapp

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The effect of five African nightshade (Solanum sp.) species on the biological and demographic parameters of the tomato spider mite, Tetranychus evansi Baker and Pritchard, was examined in the laboratory at 25 ± 1°C, 70-80% RH and 12L:12D photoperiod. Duration of each development stage, reproduction rate, longevity, intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), and doubling time (DT) of the tomato spider mite on the five nightshade species were calculated. The results indicated that S. villosum, S. scabrum, S. tarderemotum and S. americanum are more suitable for T. evansi due to a shorter developmental period, longer adult longevity, higher reproduction and …

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Molecular Diagnosis Of A Previously Unreported Predator-Prey Association In Coffee: Karnyothrips Flavipes Jones (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) Predation On The Coffee Berry Borer, Juliana Jaramillo, Eric G. Chapman, Fernando E. Vega, James D. Harwood Mar 2010

Molecular Diagnosis Of A Previously Unreported Predator-Prey Association In Coffee: Karnyothrips Flavipes Jones (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) Predation On The Coffee Berry Borer, Juliana Jaramillo, Eric G. Chapman, Fernando E. Vega, James D. Harwood

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The coffee berry borer, Hypothenemus hampei, is the most important pest of coffee throughout the world, causing losses estimated at US 500 million/year. The thrips Karnyothrips flavipes was observed for the first time feeding on immature stages of H. hampei in April 2008 from samples collected in the Kisii area of Western Kenya. Since the trophic interactions between H. hampei and K. flavipes are carried out entirely within the coffee berry, and because thrips feed by liquid ingestion, we used molecular gut-content analysis to confirm the potential role of K. flavipes as a predator of H. hampei in an organic …

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Prospects For The Development Of Odour Baits To Control The Tsetse Flies Glossina Tachinoidesand G. Palpalis S.L., J. B. Rayaisse, I. Tirados, D. Kaba, S. Y. Dewhirst, J. G. Logan, A. Diarrassouba, E. Salou, M. O. Omolo, P. Solano, M. J. Lehane, J. A. Pickett, G. A. Vale, S. J. Torr, J. Esterhuizen Mar 2010

Prospects For The Development Of Odour Baits To Control The Tsetse Flies Glossina Tachinoidesand G. Palpalis S.L., J. B. Rayaisse, I. Tirados, D. Kaba, S. Y. Dewhirst, J. G. Logan, A. Diarrassouba, E. Salou, M. O. Omolo, P. Solano, M. J. Lehane, J. A. Pickett, G. A. Vale, S. J. Torr, J. Esterhuizen

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Field studies were done of the responses of Glossina palpalis palpalis in Côte d'Ivoire, and G. p. gambiensis and G. tachinoides in Burkina Faso, to odours from humans, cattle and pigs. Responses were measured either by baiting (1.) biconical traps or (2.) electrocuting black targets with natural host odours. The catch of G. tachinoides from traps was significantly enhanced (∼5x) by odour from cattle but not humans. In contrast, catches from electric targets showed inconsistent results. For G. p. gambiensis both human and cattle odour increased (>2x) the trap catch significantly but not the catch from electric targets. For …

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Ecological Niche And Potential Geographic Distribution Of The Invasive Fruit Fly Bactrocera Invadens (Diptera, Tephritidae), M. De Meyer, M. P. Robertson, M. W. Mansell, S. Ekesi, K. Tsuruta, W. Mwaiko, J. F. Vayssières, A. T. Peterson Feb 2010

Ecological Niche And Potential Geographic Distribution Of The Invasive Fruit Fly Bactrocera Invadens (Diptera, Tephritidae), M. De Meyer, M. P. Robertson, M. W. Mansell, S. Ekesi, K. Tsuruta, W. Mwaiko, J. F. Vayssières, A. T. Peterson

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Two correlative approaches to the challenge of ecological niche modeling (genetic algorithm, maximum entropy) were used to estimate the potential global distribution of the invasive fruit fly, Bactrocera invadens, based on associations between known occurrence records and a set of environmental predictor variables. The two models yielded similar estimates, largely corresponding to Equatorial climate classes with high levels of precipitation. The maximum entropy approach was somewhat more conservative in its evaluation of suitability, depending on thresholds for presence/absence that are selected, largely excluding areas with distinct dry seasons; the genetic algorithm models, in contrast, indicate that climate class as partly …

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Chemical Ecology Of Animal And Human Pathogen Vectors In A Changing Global Climate, John A. Pickett, Michael A. Birkett, Sarah Y. Dewhirst, James G. Logan, Maurice O. Omolo, Baldwyn Torto, Julien Pelletier, Zainulabeuddin Syed, Walter S. Leal Feb 2010

Chemical Ecology Of Animal And Human Pathogen Vectors In A Changing Global Climate, John A. Pickett, Michael A. Birkett, Sarah Y. Dewhirst, James G. Logan, Maurice O. Omolo, Baldwyn Torto, Julien Pelletier, Zainulabeuddin Syed, Walter S. Leal

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Infectious diseases affecting livestock and human health that involve vector-borne pathogens are a global problem, unrestricted by borders or boundaries, which may be exacerbated by changing global climate. Thus, the availability of effective tools for control of pathogen vectors is of the utmost importance. The aim of this article is to review, selectively, current knowledge of the chemical ecology of pathogen vectors that affect livestock and human health in the developed and developing world, based on key note lectures presented in a symposium on "The Chemical Ecology of Disease Vectors" at the 25th Annual ISCE meeting in Neuchatel, Switzerland. The …

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Flying Squirrel Removal Does Not Reduce Their Use Of Simulated Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Nest Cluster, Jennifer S. Borgo, Michael R. Conover, L. Michael Conner Jan 2010

Flying Squirrel Removal Does Not Reduce Their Use Of Simulated Red-Cockaded Woodpecker Nest Cluster, Jennifer S. Borgo, Michael R. Conover, L. Michael Conner

Wildland Resources Faculty Publications

Reproductive success of the endangered Picoides borealis (Red-cockaded Woodpecker) is thought to be reduced by the presence of Glaucomys volans (Southern Flying Squirrels); hence, these squirrels are often removed when found inside woodpecker cavities. For this management practice to benefit Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, however, squirrel removal must both reduce the future probability of a flying squirrel re-occupying cavities and increase reproductive success for Red-cockaded Woodpeckers. In this study, using simulated Red-cockaded Woodpecker clusters (pseudo-clusters), we tested the first assumption regarding squirrels reoccupying nest cavities. We found no differences between removal and control pseudo-clusters in the amount of time that flying squirrels …

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Explorations Of Aspects Of Mixotrophy Using Mathematical Models, Kenneth W. Crane Jan 2010

Explorations Of Aspects Of Mixotrophy Using Mathematical Models, Kenneth W. Crane

Biology Dissertations - Archive

This work examined three theoretical aspects of mixotrophy, the simultaneous use of phototrophic and heterotrophic nutritional modes, and one practical application. The first study addressed the coexistence of microorganisms pursuing diverse nutritional strategies. It was found that in the range of model environments explored that all four types of organisms were predicted to persist for certain parameter combinations. The most successful mixotrophs were predicted to be primarily autotrophic, supplementing photosynthesis with bacterivory. The second study extended the first one by focusing on the effects of environmental parameters governing resource supplies and the responses of populations and ecosystem properties in relation …

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Using Shewanella Baltica Ecotypes As A Model For Transcriptional Variation At The Population Level, William Sealy Hambright Jan 2010

Using Shewanella Baltica Ecotypes As A Model For Transcriptional Variation At The Population Level, William Sealy Hambright

Biology Theses - Archive

Eukaryotic studies have shown considerable transcriptional variation among individuals of the same population. Owing to the cost of sequencing entire eukaryotic genomes, tested organisms were assumed to be genomically similar or even identical. We overcame this necessary assumption by using four sequenced strains of the bacterium Shewanella baltica, (OS155, OS185, OS195, OS223), as models to assess transcriptional variation and ecotype formation within a prokaryotic population. The strains were isolated from various depths throughout a water column of the Baltic Sea occupying different ecological niches characterized by various abiotic parameters. Although their genome sequences are strikingly similar, when grown in the …

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A Tale Of Three Phytopathogens: Impact Of Transposable Elements On Genome Evolution, Komal Vadnagara Jan 2010

A Tale Of Three Phytopathogens: Impact Of Transposable Elements On Genome Evolution, Komal Vadnagara

Biology Theses - Archive

The genus Phytophthora harbors some notorious plant pathogens like Phytophthora infestans (causal of Irish potato famine), Phytophthora sojae (soybean rot agent), and Phytophthora ramorum (responsible for sudden oak death) that have significant economic, ecological and environmental impact. These phytopathogens exhibit remarkable phenotypic instability and vary tremendously in genome size from 65 Mb (P. ramorum) to 240 Mb (P. infestans). Complete draft genome sequences revealed that a substantial portion of their genome is occupied by highly repetitive DNA. This extreme genome plasticity is due to an infestation of repetitive virus-like genomic parasites called transposable elements (TEs). TEs are sometimes called jumping …

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Environmental Regulation Of Stomate-Based Defense Against Bacterial Infection In Arabidopsis, Reejana Chitrakar Jan 2010

Environmental Regulation Of Stomate-Based Defense Against Bacterial Infection In Arabidopsis, Reejana Chitrakar

Biology Theses - Archive

Stomata are natural openings in the plant epidermis responsible for gas (O2 and CO2) exchange between plant interior and environment. They are formed by a pair of guard cells, which are able to close the stomatal pore in response to a number of external factors including light intensity, carbon dioxide concentration, and relative humidity. The stomatal pore is also the main route for pathogen entry into leaves, a crucial step for disease development. Recent studies have unveiled that closure of the pore is effective in preventing bacterial disease in Arabidopsis plants and the successful plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato …

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Comparing The Genome Expression Profiles Of Verrucomicrobium Sp. Strain Tav2 Cells Grown Under Two Different Oxygen Concentrations, Austin Willis Jan 2010

Comparing The Genome Expression Profiles Of Verrucomicrobium Sp. Strain Tav2 Cells Grown Under Two Different Oxygen Concentrations, Austin Willis

Biology Theses - Archive

Termites are significantly different in their lifestyles and organization but most are linked by the common trait in degrading plant material, whether it is leaf litter, wood, soil or animal waste. They consume the cellulose, hemicelluloses and lignin that make up the plant material but rely on a food web consisting of about 270 different phylotypes of microorganisms to break down the biomass into usable nutrients. Isolated from the hindgut of the termite Reticulitermis flavipes, one such organism is Verrucomicrobium sp. strain TAV2. Members of this relatively new bacterium phylum have rigid peptidoglycan with some possessing prosthecae. They have been …

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Characterization Of Anti-Rotavirus Activities Of Saponin Extracts From Quillaja Saponaria, Ka Ian Tam Jan 2010

Characterization Of Anti-Rotavirus Activities Of Saponin Extracts From Quillaja Saponaria, Ka Ian Tam

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Rotavirus is the leading cause of severe diarrhea disease in newborns and young children worldwide, estimated to be responsible for over 500,000 adolescent deaths mostly in developing countries each year. Rotavirus-related deaths represent approximately 5% of all deaths in children younger than five years of age worldwide. Previous research has shown that Quillaja saponins demonstrate strong antiviral activity against 7 different viruses, including rotavirus, in vitro. Quillaja saponins, a natural, aqueous extract of triterpenoid saponins obtained from Quillaja saponaria, the Chilean Soap Bark tree that display strong adjuvant activity when used in vaccines. In this study, Quillaja saponins are stable …

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Integration Mechanism Of The Site Specific Non-Ltr Retrotransposon, R2bm, Christi Lynn Hull Jan 2010

Integration Mechanism Of The Site Specific Non-Ltr Retrotransposon, R2bm, Christi Lynn Hull

Biology Theses - Archive

The focus of this thesis is the mechanistic study of non-LTR retrotransposon replication using the site specific transposon R2Bm. Non-LTR retrotransposons integrate into new chromosomal sites by copying their RNA back into DNA at the site of insertion using an exposed chromosomal 3' OH to prime cDNA synthesis.1 Although some of the early steps of an integration event have been detailed, how the element completes integration remains unknown.¹ ² ³ ⁴ ⁵ ⁶ Clarifying the last integration step, known as second strand synthesis, is a major goal of this research. In order to accomplish this, R2 RNA and protein substrates …

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Insights Into The Transmission Of Helitrons And Their Impact On The Genome Architecture Of Myotis Lucifugus, The Little Brown Bat, Jainy Thomas Jan 2010

Insights Into The Transmission Of Helitrons And Their Impact On The Genome Architecture Of Myotis Lucifugus, The Little Brown Bat, Jainy Thomas

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Probably the most dynamic proportion of multicellular eukaryotic genomes is composed of teeming populations of parasitic mobile DNA, called transposable elements (TEs). Helitrons are rolling circle TEs that have a limited distribution among mammals, having been identified only in the genome of the little brown bat, Myotis lucifugus, and a few closely related species. One family of Helitrons, called Helibat, was estimated to make up as much as 3% of the M. lucifugus genome. In addition, Helibat was shown to have captured and amplified the promoter and 5' UTR of a highly conserved single copy gene to >1000 copies. Together …

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Reproductive Isolation In Drosophila: From Behavior To Genome, Daina Ma Jan 2010

Reproductive Isolation In Drosophila: From Behavior To Genome, Daina Ma

Biology Dissertations - Archive

In this study, I investigate factors underlying reproductive isolation in Drosophila. I begin (Part I) by measuring behavioral isolation between Zimbabwe and cosmopolitan D. melanogaster, and asking the following questions: What is the pattern? What are the sensory cues leading to isolation? In Part II, I present results of a genomic screen for candidate genes underlying behavioral isolation between Zimbabwe and cosmopolitan D. melanogaster. Then I turn to the genomic causes of postzygotic reproductive isolation (Parts III and IV): What are the possible genes associated with hybrid sterility? What are the relationships between fertility/sterility and genotypes and allelic expression? What …

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Comparison Of The Dna Methylation Patterns Between Interspecific Xenopus F1 Hybrids And Their Parental Species, Alie Patrick Koroma Jan 2010

Comparison Of The Dna Methylation Patterns Between Interspecific Xenopus F1 Hybrids And Their Parental Species, Alie Patrick Koroma

Biology Dissertations - Archive

In this study the main focus is to compare the methylation patterns of interspecific Xenopus F1 hybrids to the parental species using Methyl-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphisms (MSAPs). Genomic DNA was extracted from the liver and muscle tissues from a representative sample of F1 hybrids and the parental species (Xenopus laevis and X. muelleri). First, the MSAP markers were very effective in comparing the methylation patterns of hybrids and the parental species. Genetic analysis of 504 liver and 364 muscle MSAP markers revealed that these markers were highly polymorphic. Principal coordinate analysis showed four distinct clusters with the two parental species separate …

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Effects Of The Exotic Invader, Tamarix Spp., On Aspects Of The Aquatic Ecosystem At Mccomb Creek, Presidio County, Texas, Jane Blaisdell Nellan Moore Jan 2010

Effects Of The Exotic Invader, Tamarix Spp., On Aspects Of The Aquatic Ecosystem At Mccomb Creek, Presidio County, Texas, Jane Blaisdell Nellan Moore

Biology Dissertations - Archive

The effects of saltcedar, Tamarix spp., invasion in riparian zones of the western United States have been well documented. These include, but are not limited to soil salinization, and shifts in hydrology and water use. Comparatively unknown are the effects on the associated aquatic systems and if a significant increase in water salinity accompanies these invasions. Shifts in stream metabolism have been reported, but the impacts of saltcedar invasion on the algal species, which are the dominant primary producers in desert aquatic ecosystems, are unknown. A two year study was conducted in an oligotrophic desert stream, currently experiencing an invasion, …

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The Herpetofauna Of The Virunga Mountains With Emphasis On Two Species Of Albertine Rift Endemic Treefrogs Of The Genus Leptopelis., Corey Edward Roelke Jan 2010

The Herpetofauna Of The Virunga Mountains With Emphasis On Two Species Of Albertine Rift Endemic Treefrogs Of The Genus Leptopelis., Corey Edward Roelke

Biology Dissertations - Archive

I present a short description of the biodiversity crisis, the Albertine Rift as a biodiversity hotspot, and a literature review of the taxonomy of the genus Leptopelis. I then present a list of the reptiles and anurans from the Parc National des Volcans (PNV)(01°43'S, 29°52'W), an area in the west and north provinces of the Republic of Rwanda in the Albertine Rift region of Africa. Fieldwork was conducted for two to six days per week from June through August of 2007 and 2008. I also conducted literature searches of all historical expeditions within the park for species records. Seventeen species …

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Host Recognition And Acceptance Behaviour In Cotesia Sesamiae And C. Flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Parasitoids Of Gramineous Stemborers In Africa, Meshack Obonyo, Fritz Schulthess, Bruno Le Ru, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Paul André Calatayud Jan 2010

Host Recognition And Acceptance Behaviour In Cotesia Sesamiae And C. Flavipes (Hymenoptera: Braconidae), Parasitoids Of Gramineous Stemborers In Africa, Meshack Obonyo, Fritz Schulthess, Bruno Le Ru, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Paul André Calatayud

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The host recognition and acceptance behaviour of two braconid larval parasitoids (Cotesia sesamiae and C. flavipes) were studied using natural stemborer hosts (i.e., the noctuid Busseola fusca for C. sesamiae, and the crambid Chilo partellus for C. flavipes) and a non-host (the pyralid Eldana saccharina). A single larva was introduced into an arena together with a female parasitoid and the behaviour of the wasp recorded until it either stung the larva or for a maximum of 5 min if it did not sting the larva. There was a clear hierarchy of behavioural steps, which was similar for both parasitoid species. …

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Nestmate Recognition And The Role Of Cuticular Hydrocarbons In The African Termite Raiding Ant Pachycondyla Analis, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Robin M. Crewe, Peter G.N. Njagi, Ian Gordon, Baldwyn Torto Jan 2010

Nestmate Recognition And The Role Of Cuticular Hydrocarbons In The African Termite Raiding Ant Pachycondyla Analis, Abdullahi A. Yusuf, Christian W.W. Pirk, Robin M. Crewe, Peter G.N. Njagi, Ian Gordon, Baldwyn Torto

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) are used for chemical communication among nestmates in many ant species, and they may play a role in the discrimination of nestmates and non-nestmates. Using the mandible opening response (MOR) bioassay, we tested the response of the African termite raiding ant, Pachycondyla analis, to CHC extracts of nestmates and non-nestmates. The ants were able to distinguish control chemical cues, from nestmate CHCs, and from non-nestmate CHCs, and, based on a CHC recognition threshold, aggression was demonstrated toward non-nestmates. Gas chromatography (GC) and GC-mass spectrometric analyses showed that CHC components of different ant colonies had chain lengths ranging …

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Analysis Of The Suppressive Effects By Reovirus On Rotavirus Replication During Co-Infections, Melody Lyn Kiesling-Barrager Jan 2010

Analysis Of The Suppressive Effects By Reovirus On Rotavirus Replication During Co-Infections, Melody Lyn Kiesling-Barrager

Biology Dissertations - Archive

Reovirus and rotavirus are both members of the Reoviridae family and commonly occur in children. Rotavirus induced diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death in children under the age of five worldwide. Identifying new treatment options for an unnecessarily deadly diarrheal infection caused by rotavirus would benefit hundreds of thousands of children a year. Currently, only oral rehydration therapy or costly vaccinations are available to treat or prevent rotavirus diarrhea. Even with their prevalence, little is known about how these two viruses (reovirus and rotavirus) interact when co-infecting cells. Determining these interactions could lead to new treatment options …

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An Application Of A Modified Experiential Learning Model For A Higher Education Course: Evidence Of Increased Outcomes, Mark F. Roark, Jonathan C. Norling Jan 2010

An Application Of A Modified Experiential Learning Model For A Higher Education Course: Evidence Of Increased Outcomes, Mark F. Roark, Jonathan C. Norling

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

This case study applied a modified Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) model in an undergraduate outdoor recreation management course. The Kolb (1984) ELT model was modified to accommodate the higher education learning processes suggested by L. B. Sharp (1943), Sugarman (1985) and Greenaway (1995). Results indicate evidence of increased student learning. Quantitative results from a retrospective pre/posttest evaluation of change score means in learning outcomes supported the study hypotheses that 1) the application of a modified ELT model affects the outcomes of planning, knowledge/skills, and potential for transfer of learning and 2) previous trip experience affects these outcomes. A secondary analysis …

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Playful Experiences: Measure Youth Outcomes In Parks And Recreation, Mark F. Roark, F. Evans Jan 2010

Playful Experiences: Measure Youth Outcomes In Parks And Recreation, Mark F. Roark, F. Evans

Kinesiology and Health Science Faculty Publications

Do you like to play or know anyone else who likes to play? Play has forever been a seminal focus for recreation and parks programs. When designing and implementing experiences for youth participants, we typically measure our success by how much fun youth had. These days, while play and the outcome of fun are still meaningful to youth, stakeholders expect outcomes beyond fun. From season to season, many of us now hear parent voices asking, “What will my children gain from your program?” or “Why is yours better? What makes yours unique?” City council members ask us to justify the …

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Dvd Multimedia Nutrition Education Curriculum For Self-Study, J. Tawzer, Heidi Leblanc, Nedra K. Christensen, Janet Anderson, Jennie Murri Jan 2010

Dvd Multimedia Nutrition Education Curriculum For Self-Study, J. Tawzer, Heidi Leblanc, Nedra K. Christensen, Janet Anderson, Jennie Murri

Nutrition, Dietetics, and Food Sciences Faculty Publications

The State of Utah has one of the highest food insecurity rates in the nation. It is ranked in the top 4% in the nation of being food insecure and 34% of the state is considered low-income, defined as at or below 185% of poverty level (LeBlanc, Christofferson, & Christensen, 2008). These trends place Utah’s low-income population at increased risk of obesity and chronic disease. The Center of Hunger and Poverty reported a high rate of obesity among low-income individuals, with hunger, poverty, and obesity frequently occurring at the same time (USDA, 2009). With limited income, quantity is often more …

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Expression Of Metallothionein And Α-Tubulin In Heavy Metal-Tolerant Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto (Diptera: Culicidae), Paul O. Mireji, Joseph Keating, Ahmed Hassanali, Daniel E. Impoinvil, Charles M. Mbogo, Martha N. Muturi, Hudson Nyambaka, Eucharia U. Kenya, John I. Githure, John C. Beier Jan 2010

Expression Of Metallothionein And Α-Tubulin In Heavy Metal-Tolerant Anopheles Gambiae Sensu Stricto (Diptera: Culicidae), Paul O. Mireji, Joseph Keating, Ahmed Hassanali, Daniel E. Impoinvil, Charles M. Mbogo, Martha N. Muturi, Hudson Nyambaka, Eucharia U. Kenya, John I. Githure, John C. Beier

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

Anopheles mosquitoes have been shown to adapt to heavy metals in their natural habitats. In this study we explored the possibility of using Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto as bio-reporters for environmental heavy metal pollution through expressions of their metal-responsive metallothionein and α-tubulin genes. The study was undertaken with third instar larvae after selection by cadmium, copper, or lead at LC30 through five successive generations. Expression levels were determined in the 5th generation by semi-quantitative RT-PCR on the experimental and control populations. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA. The highest metallothionein (F3, 11=4.574, P=0.038) and α-tubulin (F3, 11=12.961, P=0.002) responses …

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Importance Of Contact Chemical Cues In Host Recognition And Acceptance By The Braconid Larval Endoparasitoids Cotesia Sesamiae And Cotesia Flavipes, Meshack Obonyo, Fritz Schulthess, Bruno Le Ru, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Jean François Silvain, Paul André Calatayud Jan 2010

Importance Of Contact Chemical Cues In Host Recognition And Acceptance By The Braconid Larval Endoparasitoids Cotesia Sesamiae And Cotesia Flavipes, Meshack Obonyo, Fritz Schulthess, Bruno Le Ru, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Jean François Silvain, Paul André Calatayud

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

The ability of the congeneric braconid parasitoids Cotesia sesamiae (Cameron) and Cotesia flavipes Cameron to discriminate between stemborer larval cues upon contact was studied using their natural hosts, namely the noctuid Busseola fusca (Fuller) and the crambid Chilo partellus (Swinhoe), respectively, and the pyralid non-host Eldana saccharina (Walker). When the natural host larvae were washed in distilled water, parasitoid behavior was similar to that displayed when in contact with E. saccharina, characterized by the absence of ovipositor insertion. When washed host or non-host larvae were bathed with water extracts of their natural host, the parasitoids showed a significant increase in …

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Geographic And Breed Distribution Patterns Of An A/G Polymorphism Present In The Mx Gene Suggests Balanced Selection In Village Chickens, S. Ommeh, L. N. Jin, H. Eding, F. C. Muchadeyi, S. Sulandari, M. S.A. Zein, G. Danbaro, C. E. Wani, S. G. Zhao, Q. H. Nie, X. Q. Zhang, M. Ndila, R. Preisinger, G. H. Chen, I. A. Yousif, K. N. Heo, S. J. Oh, M. Tapio, D. Masiga, O. Hanotte, H. Jianlin, S. Weigend Jan 2010

Geographic And Breed Distribution Patterns Of An A/G Polymorphism Present In The Mx Gene Suggests Balanced Selection In Village Chickens, S. Ommeh, L. N. Jin, H. Eding, F. C. Muchadeyi, S. Sulandari, M. S.A. Zein, G. Danbaro, C. E. Wani, S. G. Zhao, Q. H. Nie, X. Q. Zhang, M. Ndila, R. Preisinger, G. H. Chen, I. A. Yousif, K. N. Heo, S. J. Oh, M. Tapio, D. Masiga, O. Hanotte, H. Jianlin, S. Weigend

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

An A/G Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) at position 1,892 of the Mx gene coding sequence has been linked to susceptibility/resistance to avian viral infection in vitro. Using PCR-RFLP and sequencing methods, 1,946 samples from 109 populations from Asia, Africa and Europe; grouped as indigenous village, commercial, fancy chicken as well as wild junglefowl were genotyped for the polymorphism. Allele and genotype frequencies were calculated. Only the G allele was present in Ceylon junglefowl Gallus lafayetti. Using the wild red junglefowl G. gallus population as reference, we assessed if the A/G alleles and genotypes frequencies have been affected by the breeding …

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Non-Target Effects Of The 'Push-Pull' Habitat Management Strategy: Parasitoid Activity And Soil Fauna Abundance, Charles A.O. Midega, Zeyaur R. Khan, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Callistus K.P.O. Ogol, Toby J. Bruce, John A. Pickett Dec 2009

Non-Target Effects Of The 'Push-Pull' Habitat Management Strategy: Parasitoid Activity And Soil Fauna Abundance, Charles A.O. Midega, Zeyaur R. Khan, Johnnie Van Den Berg, Callistus K.P.O. Ogol, Toby J. Bruce, John A. Pickett

All Peer-Reviewed Publications

We assessed the non-target effects of a habitat management system ('push-pull') on maize stemborer specialist natural enemy activity and soil Collembola. Two study sites in western Kenya were sampled. There were two treatments at each site, maize monocrop and 'push-pull'. The latter comprised an intercrop of maize and Desmodium, Desmodium uncinatum Jacq., with Napier grass, Pennisetum purpureum (Schumach), as a trap crop planted around the edge of the plot (spaced 1 m from main crop). Trichogramma spp. were recovered from stemborer eggs while Cotesia sesamiae and Cotesia flavipes were recovered from stemborer larvae, and Dentichasmias busseolae from pupae. Mean number …

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Genome 10k: A Proposal To Obtain Whole-Genome Sequence For 10000 Vertebrate Species, David Haussler, Stephen J. O'Brien, Oliver A. Ryder, F. Keith Barker, Michele Clamp, Andrew J. Crawford, Robert Hanner, Olivier Hanotte, Warren E. Johnson, Jimmy A. Mcguire, Webb Miller, Robert W. Murphy, William J. Murphy, Frederick H. Sheldon, Barry Sinervo, Byrappa Venkatesh, Edward O. Wiley, Fred W. Allendorf, George Amato, C. Scott Baker, Aaron Bauer, Albano Beja-Pereira, Eldredge Bermingham, Giacomo Bernardi, Cibele R. Bonvicino, Sydney Brenner, Terry Burke, Joel Cracraft, Mark Diekhans Nov 2009

Genome 10k: A Proposal To Obtain Whole-Genome Sequence For 10000 Vertebrate Species, David Haussler, Stephen J. O'Brien, Oliver A. Ryder, F. Keith Barker, Michele Clamp, Andrew J. Crawford, Robert Hanner, Olivier Hanotte, Warren E. Johnson, Jimmy A. Mcguire, Webb Miller, Robert W. Murphy, William J. Murphy, Frederick H. Sheldon, Barry Sinervo, Byrappa Venkatesh, Edward O. Wiley, Fred W. Allendorf, George Amato, C. Scott Baker, Aaron Bauer, Albano Beja-Pereira, Eldredge Bermingham, Giacomo Bernardi, Cibele R. Bonvicino, Sydney Brenner, Terry Burke, Joel Cracraft, Mark Diekhans

Biology Faculty Articles

The human genome project has been recently complemented by whole-genome assessment sequence of 32 mammals and 24 nonmammalian vertebrate species suitable for comparative genomic analyses. Here we anticipate a precipitous drop in costs and increase in sequencing efficiency, with concomitant development of improved annotation technology and, therefore, propose to create a collection of tissue and DNA specimens for 10000 vertebrate species specifically designated for whole-genome sequencing in the very near future. For this purpose, we, the Genome 10K Community of Scientists (G10KCOS), will assemble and allocate a biospecimen collection of some 16203 representative vertebrate species spanning evolutionary diversity across living …

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Proximity To A Forest Leads To Higher Honey Yield: Another Reason To Conserve, Susan O. Sande, Robin M. Crewe, Suresh K. Raina, Susan W. Nicolson, Ian Gordon Nov 2009

Proximity To A Forest Leads To Higher Honey Yield: Another Reason To Conserve, Susan O. Sande, Robin M. Crewe, Suresh K. Raina, Susan W. Nicolson, Ian Gordon

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Although tropical forest conservation is a top priority for human and environmental health, deforestation persists, mainly because of food and economic needs. No community will totally give up economic activities for the sake of ecological integrity, unless it is given alternative economic activities from which to draw its livelihood. Beekeeping in the forest buffer zone instead of traditional destructive honey-harvesting from forest trees is one such option at Arabuko Sokoke Forest (ASF) in Kenya. ASF is a dry coastal forest which is home to endangered and threatened fauna and is a hotspot considered a priority for conservation. In order to …

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