From owner-vectors@net.bio.net Thu Feb 04 22:00:00 1999 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: Jason Merrique Newsgroups: bionet.biology.vectors Subject: Viral Origins Date: 5 Feb 1999 15:43:13 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 19 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: vbmod@klab.agsci.colostate.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <79fvmh$9tc@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net I heard of a theory a while back that stated that Virusses could have first evolved as part of another species and then later developed as separate "self replicating"(?) entities (?). Is this theory based on any kind of substantial evidence? And if it is, which species might they have developed as part of? And is it possible that modern (multi cellular, higher) animals can have evolved to produce virusses (self propagating or otherwise? I use the phrases self replicating and self propagating definetly for want of a better word...... I must tell you that I'm an upper sixth A-level student (pre university) and am probably out of my depth here. I was just very intrigued by the theory, and wanted to find out more. So please don't ridicule me for my ignorance :] Any information would be brilliant, thanks in advanced :] From owner-vectors@net.bio.net Thu Feb 04 22:00:00 1999 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: Mark Myatt Newsgroups: bionet.biology.vectors Subject: Malaria vector behaviour (Thia / Kampuchea border) Date: 5 Feb 1999 15:43:35 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 12 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: vbmod@klab.agsci.colostate.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <79fvn7$9tu@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net I am looking for information / reference to vector behaviour / breeding site preference/ &c. on the Thai / Kampuchea (Cambodia) border. Any pointers gratefully received. Mark -- Mark Myatt From owner-vectors@net.bio.net Mon Feb 08 22:00:00 1999 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: Nolan Newton Newsgroups: bionet.biology.vectors Subject: malarial mosquito control in streams Date: 9 Feb 1999 04:46:29 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 59 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: vbmod@klab.agsci.colostate.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <79pan5$kgg@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net To all on the ELI wetlands list: I have received a query from someone who is looking for ways to make the Hong Kong Government's anti-malaria stream management program more stream-friendly. Details of the program are supplied below. My knowledge of malaria mosquito breeding habits is limited, so I can't advise on which parts of this program are unnecessary or need improvement. It sounds like a nightmare in terms of stream ecology, however. Some of the streams being worked over are, or were, among the most important in Hong Kong for freshwater fish, and also support protected amphibian and insect species. However, while the species are protected by law, there is at present no law protecting their habitat. I would be grateful for any guidance from the tropics and subtropics where malaria-control programs are active, especially any areas where such programs have to meet environmental standards. Regards, Mary Felley <<>> The anti-malaria programme (which is territory-wide) is aimed primarily at natural streams (as opposed to the anti-mosquito programme aimed at storm drains, stagnant water in urban areas, villages etc) since the malarial carrying mosquito is supposed to breed in clean streams. the programme is more intense in streams around the airport and for a 2km radius around the airport consists of: 1. Felling of trees on stream banks to increase natural light to kill the larvae (and improve access for RSD) 2. Stripping of all (and I mean all) natural vegetation from the stream banks and bed - exposing soil and increasing potential for erosion. This also stirs up a lot of sediment and crystal clear streams are now mud baths. This is done every week in all streams. 3. Removal of rocks (with crowbars) and thus stream pools to increase water flow (above 10cm/sec), again disrupting stream hydrology 4. Application of pesticides including ABATE (active ingredient Terrephos [0,0-(thiodi-4, t-phenylene)bis (0,0-dimethyl phosphorothiote)] presumably an organophosphate and supposedly safe (according to RSD) to fish but not sure about effects on other stream fauna. A fogging agent is also used (Fosigen?) and malaria oil which is supposedly organic but which smelt like a mineral oil to me. These pesticides are applied bi-weekly in areas where the stream is not flowing. I know you are all extremely busy but if any of you feel you could help give advice on how they could improve their control programme, whether it makes scientific sense (much of it seems quite arbitrary), whether there are better organic or natural methods of control, what are the effects of the pesticides being used etc, I would be very grateful. ____________________________________________________ Ecosystems Ltd. 2/F, Kingsun Computer Building Tel: (852)2553-0468 40 Shek Pai Wan Road Fax: (852)2552-9191 Aberdeen, HONG KONG Email: ecosys@hk.super.net <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> <> This is a shared office email account. Please prefix your subject line with the initials of the intended recipient. From owner-vectors@net.bio.net Wed Feb 10 22:00:00 1999 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: mhb Newsgroups: bionet.biology.vectors Subject: wetlands and floodplains Date: 11 Feb 1999 09:27:23 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 7 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: vbmod@klab.agsci.colostate.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <79v3tr$7p4@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net Posted to bionet.biology.vectors May I request information and opinion from you about the likely consequences to health of re-establishing floods on the flood plains of African rivers. There is a real possibility that this will happen and so appropriate safeguards need to be included. Please forward as appropriate. Please respond via email. From owner-vectors@net.bio.net Wed Feb 17 22:00:00 1999 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: Caroline Newman Newsgroups: bionet.biology.vectors Subject: MSc Applied Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases Date: 18 Feb 1999 12:08:22 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 30 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: vbmod@klab.agsci.colostate.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <7ahrvm$cm8@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net MSc in the Applied Molecular Biology of Infectious Diseases London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine Applications are invited for entry to this course in September 1999. Minimal entry requirements are of a class 2:2 degree or equivalent training and experience. Partial scholarship support might be available for some applicants. The course provides a thorough understanding and practical experience of molecular biology for students who wish to use this approach in clinical diagnosis, epidemiological investigations, or laboratory research on infectious diseases. Background will be given for those who have limited previous theoretical and practical experience of molecular biology. There is an individually designed research project under the supervision of experienced post-doctoral scientists. A high proportion of students subsequently enter PhD programmes. For more information and an application form contact: The Deputy Registrar, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel Street, London WC1E 7HT. Telephone: +44 (0) 171 927 2239. Fax: +44 (0) 171 323 0638. Email: registry@lshtm.ac.uk Enquiries for course organiser: Email: m.miles@lshtm.ac.uk; Telephone: +44 (0) 171 927 2249/2639; Fax: +44 (0) 171 636 8739. M. A. Miles The School is an exempt charity dedicated to providing excellence in teaching, learning and research for the benefit of health worldwide, and is an equal opportunities employer From owner-vectors@net.bio.net Wed Feb 17 22:00:00 1999 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: Bruno Arca Newsgroups: bionet.biology.vectors Subject: Postdoctoral position in Rome - Institute of Parasitology Date: 18 Feb 1999 05:32:43 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 49 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: vbmod@klab.agsci.colostate.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <7ah4pr$24n@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net UNIVERSITY OF ROME, INSTITUTE OF PARASITOLOGY POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH FELLOW A postdoctoral position for a scientist from one of the EU-member states (excluding Italy) is available at the Institute of Parasitology of the University of Rome "La Sapienza" in the laboratory of Prof. Mario Coluzzi. The project involves molecular studies on the salivary gland-specific gene expression in the African malaria vector Anopheles gambiae. The main research tasks are: (i) the isolation and characterization of cDNAs encoding secreted proteins specifically expressed in the glands and (ii) the identification of the potential receptor(s) involved in salivary gland invasion by Plasmodium sporozoite (Arca' B. et al., PNAS USA 1999, vol. 96: 1516-1521). The project is part of a TMR research network on "Insect-parasite interactions: molecular aspects of infection and immunity in Diptera" (additional info can be found at WWW site http://konops.imbb.forth.gr/TMR/) The network includes the following partner laboratories: Fotis Kafatos (EMBL, Heidelberg), Mario Coluzzi (Inst. of Parasitology, Rome), Andrea Crisanti (Imperial College, London), Jules Hoffmann (CNRS, Strasbourg), Kitsos Louis (IMBB, Heraklion) and Robert Sinden (Imperial College, London). Candidates should have a PhD or equivalent experience and background in molecular biology. Experience in molecular entomology and/or biology of disease vectors would be an advantage. The position is available for 2 years starting any time from April 1999. Applications (including a CV and two letters of recommendation to be sent directly) should be sent to: Dr. Bruno Arca' Istituto di Parassitologia Universita' di Roma "La Sapienza" P.le Aldo Moro 5 - Box 6 Roma 62 00185 Roma (Italy) Tel +39-06-4991-4900 (4991-4898) Fax +39-06-4991-4644 E-mail b.Arca@Caspur.it From owner-vectors@net.bio.net Sat Feb 27 22:00:00 1999 Path: biosci!biosci!not-for-mail From: BIOSCI Administrator Newsgroups: bionet.biology.vectors Subject: BIOSCI/bionet miniFAQ & Fundraiser Date: 28 Feb 1999 06:31:07 -0800 Organization: BIOSCI International Newsgroups for Molecular Biology Lines: 234 Sender: daemon@net.bio.net Approved: vbmod@klab.agsci.colostate.edu Distribution: world Message-ID: <7bbjvb$62g@net.bio.net> NNTP-Posting-Host: net.bio.net (LAST REVISION: 30-JUL-95) This BIOSCI "miniFAQ" is designed to answer the questions that come up the *most frequently*. The main BIOSCI FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is accessible on the World Wide Web at URL http://www.bio.net/. If you can not find an answer to your question in this or other documentation, the BIOSCI technical support staff answers e-mail queries sent to biosci-help@net.bio.net We can only answer questions about the use of the newsgroups and mailing lists. We unfortunately do not have the staff to do Internet information searches or answer scientific questions. Please post those to the appropriate BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups. Contents: -------- 0) BIOSCI NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!! 1) Using the WWW to access the BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups. 2) What to do about "spams," i.e., junk mail, ads, etc. 3) Examples of subscribing and unsubscribing to the mailing lists. 4) The BIOSCI user address and research interest directory. 0) BIOSCI NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT!! ------------------------------ BIOSCI's government funding has been expended, and we are now operating solely from advertising revenue that we have raised from our Web site at http://www.bio.net/. We need just a few minutes of your time to help us serve you. You can do two important things which will take very little time for you individually and will immensely help us continue to help you. First, please use our WWW system at http://www.bio.net/ to access the archives. You can post or reply to messages via your Web browser as described in item #1 below. Your usage helps attract sponsors. If you contact any of our sponsors, please be sure to thank them for supporting BIOSCI. It is critical for them to get this feedback if they are to continue their sponsorship for the long term. Second, if you work for a company or organization that provides products or services of interest to the biology community, please pass this message on to your marketing or marketing communications department or other appropriate group. Please ask them to help support BIOSCI by sponsoring our Web site and explain the uses and benefits of the system to the biology community. If they are interested, they can then contact us for further information at our tech support address, biosci-help@net.bio.net. 1) Using the WWW to access the BIOSCI/bionet newsgroups. -------------------------------------------------------- As of 10 December 1995, all BIOSCI/bionet full newsgroups are accessible through the World Wide Web (WWW) at URL http://www.bio.net. One can read and reply publicly or privately to both recent postings and archived messages through one's Web browser if it is configured properly to send e-mail. Each newsgroup is equipped with its own WAIS index. The main BIOSCI home page also has access to the BIO-JOURNALS Table of Contents database WAIS index and the BIOSCI user address database described in another item further below. 2) What to do about "spams," i.e., junk mail, ads, etc. ------------------------------------------------------- BIOSCI is a set of parallel USENET newsgroups (the "bionet" groups), mailing lists, and a hypermail archive at URL http://www.bio.net/. The same postings are distributed on all media (except for a small number of mailing-list-only groups at net.bio.net). Unfortunately it is becoming a despicable practice on the Internet (by a few people out to make a fast buck) to do automated mass postings to thousands of newsgroups and mailing lists. These attempts to grab free advertising are refered to as "spams" in the usual, somewhat boneheaded, net terminology. USENET is more susceptible to this practice, and many spams originate on the USENET groups and then are passed on to the mailing lists. However, spammers also get lists of mailing addresses and hit these too, so neither medium is immune. What should you do personally if you get junk mail? --------------------------------------------------- Just delete it and move on without reading it further. Filing a protest is becoming increasingly useless because spammers are often disguising the addresses where the messages are sent from. Unless you really understand Internet mail systems, your attempt at protest by sending replies to the message will often end up being sent to the address of an innocent person that the spammer is victimizing. What can BIOSCI/bionet do to protect its newsgroups? ---------------------------------------------------- The only solution currently available is to moderate the newsgroup. If this newsgroup is already moderated, then you are in good shape. Moderation protects the USENET distribution from about 95% of the spams that are being sent to date and protects the mailing lists completely. Moderation means, however, that someone has to take the time to review each message before it goes out. We have set up software here that simply allows the moderator to forward to an address at net.bio.net messages that (s)he wishes to have distributed. This takes no more time than that needed to read the message and pass it on, say about 1 min. per message. Most newsgroups currently have a discussion leader who is responsible for their newsgroup. The discussions leaders and their e-mail addresses are listed in the BIOSCI Information Sheet which is available on the Web at http://www.bio.net/. If a newsgroup is being hit with too many junk postings, please contact the discussion leader for that group and see if there is interest in moderating the group. Please do not assume that by simply posting a complaint to the newsgroup itself, anyone on the BIOSCI staff will act on your complaint. With close to 100 newsgroups to run, the BIOSCI staff has to rely on the discussion leaders of each newsgroup to report problems directly to us at biosci-help@net.bio.net. We will moderate any of our newsgroups if the discussion leader tells us that the readership of the group wishes to do so and if a moderator is willing to do the work. For most BIOSCI/bionet groups, this entails only a few minutes of work each day. Moderating a newsgroup will resolve probably 95% of the junk postings on the USENET distribution. Unfortunately there are easy ways for determined spammers to override the moderation mechanism on USENET, but we can protect our e-mail subscribers from unwanted postings if the newsgroup is moderated. You can also access our newsgroups over the WWW at URL http://www.bio.net. While this Web interface will not stop spammers from trying to post to the groups, this will give you yet another way, besides using USENET news, to keep the junk out of your personal mail files. For those of you with local USENET news systems, the Web interface will also give you faster access to new newsgroups and recent postings. 3) Examples of subscribing and unsubscribing to the mailing lists. ------------------------------------------------------------------ PLEASE NOTE: The BIOSCI management does NOT act on subscription/unsubscription requests that are posted improperly to the newsgroups and mailing lists. People who do this only bother everyone on the lists to no avail. Please be sure to follow the proper procedures below. Gory details are in the BIOSCI Information sheets on the Web at http://www.bio.net. Below we give an example utilizing the METHODS-AND-REAGENTS list at both of our two BIOSCI sites: Users in the Americas and Pacific Rim countries who use the BIOSCI ------------------------------------------------------------------ node at computer net.bio.net: ---------------------------- A) Determine the "listname" which is the <=8 character mail address ^^^^^^^^^^^^^ for the group. These can be found in the BIOSCI Info. Sheet. For the METHODS-AND-REAGENTS group the mailing address is methods@net.bio.net. The listname is the portion of the address to the left of the @ sign, i.e., "methods". The listname is used with the "subscribe" and "unsubscribe" commands illustrated below. B) Mail all commands in the body of a mail message addressed to biosci-server@net.bio.net. Do NOT send commands to the newsgroup posting addresses! Leave the Subject: line blank, any text on it will be ignored. C) In the body of your message put one or more of the following commands with an "end" command on the last line, e.g., subscribe methods unsubscribe methods end Do NOT put your e-mail address or other text on these lines. The server only allows you to cancel your subscription if the address on your mail header matches the address on our mailing list. Please ask for help at biosci-help@net.bio.net if your address has changed, e.g., if you know you are on the list but the server tells you that you are not a member. Users in Europe, Africa, and Central Asia who use the BIOSCI node at -------------------------------------------------------------------- computer daresbury.ac.uk (also known as dl.ac.uk): ------------------------------------------------- To subscribe and unsubscribe to/from the BIOSCI lists, you need to specify the full USENET newsgroup name with "bionet-news." prepended. The USENET newsgroup names are listed in the BIOSCI Information sheet on the Web at http://www.bio.net/. For the METHODS-AND-REAGENTS list the USENET newsgroup name is bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts, thus the appropriate commands are sub bionet-news.bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts unsub bionet-news.bionet.molbio.methds-reagnts These commands are included in a message addressed to mxt@dl.ac.uk, NOT to the newsgroup mailing addresses. As usual, include the text in the body of the message as text on the Subject: line is ignored. To unsubscribe from all the lists at the UK node, use unsub bionet-news Please note that if the address in the list is different than the one in your mail message header, you will not be able to unsubscribe by this method. If you have problems, please mail biosci@daresbury.ac.uk. 4) The BIOSCI user address and research interest directory. ----------------------------------------------------------- Please take this opportunity to add your name, address, and research interest information to the BIOSCI User Address Database if you have not already done so. You can fill out the address form directly through our Web page at URL http://www.bio.net/adrform.html. The address database is reindexed nightly for WWW access (the URL is http://www.bio.net/). If you are not directly on the Internet but can reach it by e-mail, please use our waismail server to access the user directory. waismail use is described above. You can also request a user address form by e-mail from biosci-help@net.bio.net. Please check your database entry from time-to-time to see if your address information is still up-to-date. Because of our limited personnel resources, we ask that you resubmit a *complete* form to revise your entry; we only replace complete entries and do not have resources to edit old forms.