bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pembinaan Wawasan Kebangsaan Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Bagi Guru di Madrasah Tsanawiyah Muhammadiyah Patikraja
Authors: Sadeli Elly Hasan , Fauzan Akhmad
Published: December 2021

Menumbuhkah wawasan kebangsaan memiliki peran yang sangat strategis dalam membangun idealisme yang melekat pada diri seseorang. Termasuk profesi guru, perlu penanaman pemahaman sebagai bangsa yang bersatu dalam realitas kebhinekaannya. Wawasan kebangsaan diharapkan dapat melahirkan satu sikap nasionalisme, seperti memiliki rasa bangga terhadap bangsanya, mampu menghargai orang lain (terutama para pahlawan), jujur, cerdas, percaya diri, peduli terhadap orang lain, memiliki motivasi yang tinggi dalam menuntut ilmu, memiliki disiplin dan komitmen yang tinggi terhadap kewajiban dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat, berbangsa dan bernegara. Oleh karena itu, kegiatan pengabdian ini merupakan salah satu usaha untuk membentuk, menanamkan dan membina wawasan kebangsaan bagi guru MTs Muhammadiyah Patikraja. Melalui pengabdian ini, diharapkan memiliki pengetahuan, pemahaman dan kesadaran akan pentingnya wawasan kebangsaan dalam kehidupan yang plural, guna diimplementasikan baik dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat berbangsa dan bernegara. Sehingga dapat diandalkan untuk mempertahankan keutuhan bangsa dan Negara Kesatuan Republik Indonesia (NKRI).
Penyuluhan Hukum Bahaya Bullying di Kalangan Remaja
Authors: Setiawati Setiawati
Published: December 2021

Masa remaja merupakan masa yang penuh dengan dinamika yang mana pada masa ini banyak terjadi perubahan dan perkembangan yang pesat. Pada masa ini merupakan masa transisi yang mempunyai banyak resiko yang terjadi, tingginya kenakalan dan kekerasan baik sebagai korban maupun sebagai pelaku tindak kekerasan.Peristiwa demi peristiwa tindak kekerasan (bullying) masih terus terjadi di beberapa wilayah.  Berdasarkan latar belakang tersebut, kami dari Tim Program Pengabdian Masyarakat (PKM) Universitas Pamulang (UNPAM) yang terpanggil untuk ikut serta berbagi pengetahuan kepada para remaja pulau Untung Jawa terkait bullying dengan mengadakan PKM dengan judul” Penyuluhan Hukum Bahaya Bullying di Kalangan Remaja”. Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilakukan dengan cara memberikan penyuluhan kepada remaja di Pulau Untung Jawa. Selain itu juga diadakan sesi Tanya jawab antara tim pengabdi dengan remaja di pulau untung Jawa agar mereka tau dan dapat membedakan lebih banyak lagi hal-hal yang disebut dengan candaan dan yang dikategorikan bullying, mengingat bullying tidak hanya secara fisik tetapi juga secara verbal.
Workshop Kurikulum 2013 Di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Daarusshofa Karang Tengah-Kota Tangerang
Authors: Nurlaili Lili
Published: December 2021

Kurikulum 2013 yang telah dilaksanakan di seluruh Indonesia masih banyak kendala dalam implementasinya di sekolah, termasuk di Madrasah Ibtidaiyah Daarushofa Karang Tengah-Kota Tangerang. Sekolah ini telah melaksanakan kurikulum 2013 semenjak tahun 2016, akan tetapi masih merasakan beberapa kendala dalam implementasinya. Tujuan pengabdian masyarakat di sekolah tersebut adalah memberikan pemahaman, pendalaman dan praktek membuat perangkat pembelajaran. Metode yang digunakan dalam workshop kurikulum 2013 yaitu ceramah bervariasi, tanya jawab, tayangan video pembelajaran, praktek menyusun silabus dan RPP serta praktek mengajar. Hasil pelaksanaan kegiatan yaitu seperangkat model pembelajaran, silabus, RPP dan penilaian. Kegiatan ini sangat bermanfaat, terutama bagi sekolah yang masih belum sempurna melaksanakan kurikulum 2013. Perlu dilakukan pendampingan menyeluruh pada sekolah tersebut dalam melaksanakan kurikulum 2013.
DEMOKRASI DALAM PANDANGAN YUSUF AL- QARADHAWI
Authors: Abdillah M. Alwin
Published: December 2021

The theme of democracy is one of the themes that is still interesting to discuss. Various works that deal with democracy have been produced - both by Islamic thinkers and Westerners. Since the arrival of the West to the Islamic world, and along with the progress of the West today, then something that comes from the West has always been an indicator of progress. For this claim so that many countries feel it is important to "follow" - whether directly or indirectly - all forms of progress that have been achieved by the West - including the theme of democracy.
KONSISTENSI KONSTITUSI INDONESIA DALAM PELAKSANAAN JUDICIAL REVIEW UNDANG-UNDANG
Authors: Jun Mawalidin
Published: December 2021

The author in the observation of research studies on the constitusional court in Indonesia runs on the basis of government regulations and the 1945 constitution. The constitutional court, which was established since 2003, has proven its usefulnes and role in safeguarding the constitution and state ideology. All efforts and Ijtihad carried out by MK are solely for the sake of upholding social justice for all Indonesian people. The birth of the Indonesian constitution began during the independence period complied by the preparatory body for Indonesia’s independence efforts (BPUPKI). The existence of the Constitutional Court in revising a law or other government regulation is a force for society to fight and seek justice for regulations. The Constitutional Court has reviewed the laws governing its authority dozens of times the Constitutional court’s decision has left pros and cons. Judicial Review of laws in Indonesia can be carried out by the supreme court and the Constitutional court, however, the theory and laws are different.
Lübnan’da Ortak Kimliğin Oluşumunda Sedir Devrimi’nin Rolü
Authors: Cüzdan Vecih , Koca Nazlı
Published: December 2021

The Lebanese lands, which hosted many different ethnic and religious identities under the Ottoman Empire's rule, could not bring together the plural and distinctive differences within it on common ground. The most crucial factor for the lack of common ground is the Mutasarrifate system established with the interference of France and other European states under the Ottoman rule in the country. The Mutasarrifate system's institutionalization and the building of administrative changes on this system in Lebanon's historical breaking moments brought the fragmented structure to the present day. As a result, this political system based on ethnic and religious differences prevented a Lebanese state citizen identity based on common rights and responsibilities. In the continuation and afterward of the demonstrations that started right after the assassination of former Prime Minister Rafiq Hariri in Lebanon in 2005, a broad social consensus ground could not be established. Considered as the reflection of color revolutions in the Middle East, the Cedar Revolution could not produce more democratic and inclusive results as claimed.
Characterization of Bacteriocins Produced by Food Bioprocessing Propionobacteria
Authors: Barefoot Susan , Juven Benjamin , Hughes Thomas , Lalazar Avraham , Bodine A.B. , Ittah Yitzhak , Glatz Bonita
Published: December 2021

Objectives were to further characterize activity spectra of dairy propionibacteria bacteriocins, jenseniin G and propionicin PLG-1, purify them, examine the role of cell walls in resistance, examine their interactions with cytoplasmic membrane, explain producer immunity, and clone the responsible genes. Inhibitory spectra of both bacteriocins were further characterized. Propionicin was most effective in controlling Gram-positive, rather than Gram-negative organisms; it controlled growth of sensitive cells both in a culture medium and a model food system. Jenseniin inhibited yogurt cultures and may help prevent yogurt over-acidification. Both were active against botulinal spores; jenseniin was sporostatic; propionicin was sporicidal. Jenseniin was produced in broth culture, was stable to pH and temperature extremes, and was purified. Its molecular mass (3649 Da) and partial amino acid composition (74%) were determined. A blocked jenseniin N-terminus prevented sequencing. Methods to produce propionicin in liquid culture were improved, and large scale culture protocols to yield high titers were developed. Methods to detect and quantify propionicin activity were optimized and standardized. Stability of partially purified propionicin was demonstrated and an improved purification scheme was developed. Purified propionicin had a 9328-Da molecular mass, contained 99 amino acids, and was significantly hydrophobic; ten N-terminal amino acids were identified. Propionicin and Jenseniin interacted with cytoplasmic membranes; resistance of insensitive species was cell wall-related. Propionicin and jenseniin acted similarly; their mode of action appeared to differ from nisin. Spontaneous jenseniin-resistant mutants were resistant to propionicin but nisin-sensitive. The basis for producer immunity was not resolved. Although bacteriocin genes were not cloned, a jenseniin producer DNA clone bank and three possible vectors for cloning genes in propionibacteria were constructed. In addition, transposon Tn916 was conjugatively transferred to the propionicin producer from chromosomal and plasmid locations at transfer frequencies high enough to permit use of Tn916 for insertional mutagenesis or targeting genes in propionibacteria. The results provide information about the bacteriocins that further supports their usefulness as adjuncts to increase food safety and/or quality.
Development and Application of a Molecular Genetic Map for Melon (Cucumis melo)
Authors: Perl-Treves Rafael , Kyle M. , Galun Esra
Published: December 2021

This project has generated a systematic survey of DNA polymorphism in Cucumis melo. An RFLP and RAPD survey of the major cultivar groups and botanical varieties of this species has been conducted, with the purpose of assessing the degree of molecular variation and phylogenetic relationships within the melon germplasm and, at the same time, develop sets of markets suitable for mapping the melon genome. Additional activities regarding variation in the melon germplasm in fruit traits and regeneration ability have been initiated as well. The necessary populations required for the development of a molecular map of the C. melo genome have been prepared. An F2 that segregated for 4 viral resistances, powdery mildew resitance and sex type has been derived from a PI 414723 x Topmark cross, and a RILs population has been prepared from it. We have confirmed the resistances in the population and have analyzed the genetic relationships between these resistances. Progress toward the construction of a molecular map of C. melo and the development of markers linked to those traits is described. We have so far screened the first few tens of markers in the F2 population, and many additional ones were screened in DNA bulks prepared from such population.
Drip Irrigation Management by TDR Monitoring of Soil Water and Solute Distribution
Authors: Dasberg Shmuel , Hopmans Jan W. , Schwankl Larry J. , Or Dani
Published: December 2021

Drip irrigation has the potential of high water use efficiency, but actual water measurement is difficult because of the limited wetted volume. Two long-term experiments in orchards in Israel and in California and several field crop studies supported by this project have demonstrated the feasibility of precise monitoring of soil water distribution for drip irrigation in spite of the limited soil wetting. Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) enables in situ measurement of soil water content of well defined small volumes. Several approaches were tried in monitoring the soil water balance in the field during drip irrigation. These also facilitated the estimation of water uptake: 1. The use of multilevel moisture probe TDR system. This approach proved to be of limited value because of the extremely small diameter of measurement. 2. The placement of 20 cm long TDR probes at predetermined distances from the drippers in citrus orchards. 3. Heavy instrumentation with neutron scattering access tubes and tensiometers of a single drip irrigated almond tree. 4. High resolution spatial and temporal measurements (0.1m x 0.1m grid) of water content by TDR in corn irrigated by surface and subsurface drip. The latter approach was accompanied by parametric modelling of water uptake intensity patterns by corn roots and superimposed with analytical solutions for water flow from point and line sources. All this lead to general and physically based suggestions for the placement of soil water sensors for scheduling drip irrigation.
Molecular Characterization and Function of Brucella Immunodominant Proteins
Authors: Banai Menachem , Splitter Gary
Published: December 2021

The BARD project was a continuation of a previous BARD funded research project. It was aimed at characterization of the 12kDa immunodominant protein and subsequently the cloning and expression of the gene in E. coli. Additional immunodominant proteins were sought among genomic B. abortus expression library clones using T-lymphocyte proliferation assay as a screening method. The 12kDa protein was identified as the L7/L12 ribosomal protein demonstrating in the first time the role a structural protein may play in the development of the host's immunity against the organism. The gene was cloned from B. abortus (USA) and B. melitensis (Israel) showing identity of the oligonucleotide sequence between the two species. Further subcloning allowed expression of the protein in E. coli. While the native protein was shown to have DTH antigenicity its recombinant analog lacked this activity. In contrast the two proteins elicited lymphocyte proliferation in experimental murine brucellosis. CD4+ cells of the Th1 subset predominantly responded to this protein demonstrating the development of protective immunity (g-IFN, and IL-2) in the host. Similar results were obtained with bovine Brucella primed lymphocytes. UvrA, GroE1 and GroEs were additional Brucella immunodominant proteins that demonstrated MHC class II antigenicity. The role cytotoxic cells are playing in the clearance of brucella cells was shown using knock out mice defective either in their CD4+ or CD8+ cells. CD4+ defective mice were able to clear brucella as fast as did normal mice. In contrast mice which were defective in their CD8+ cells could not clear the organisms effectively proving the importance of this subtype cell line in development of protective immunity. The understanding of the host's immune response and the expansion of the panel of Brucella immunodominant proteins opened new avenues in vaccine design. It is now feasible to selectively use immunodominant proteins either as subunit vaccine to fortify immunity of older animals or as diagnostic reagents for the serological survaillance.
Dually Functional Recombinant Baculovirus Expressing Both the Excitatory and Depressant Insect Selective Neurotoxins
Authors: Chejanovsky Nor , Hammock Bruce D. , Zlotkin Eliahu , Gurevitz Michael
Published: December 2021

The present project is aimed to improve the insecticidal potency of baculoviruses, to American and Israeli lepidopterous pests of Spodoptera and Heliothis species, by engineering recombinant baculoviruses expressing anti-insect toxins derived from scorpion venom. Through this study were isolated recombinant Autographa california M Nucleopolyhedroviruses (AcNPVs) which expressed alpha (LqhaIT), excitatory (AaIT, LqhIT1 and LqhIT3) and depressant (LqhIT2) anti-insect neurotoxins. Bioassays on Heliothis species (Helicoverpa armigera and Heliothis virescens) were employed to assess the potency of the viruses. The recombinant viruses possessed an enhanced speed of kill compared to wild type AcNPV. Recombinant AcNPVs expressing the depressant toxins emerged as appealing improved baculoviruses. Applied combinations of alpha, excitatory and depressant toxins enhanced their insecticidal activity against blowfly and lepidopterous larvae. Moreover, combined application of recombinant AcNPVs expressing LqhaIT and AaIT possessed increased insecticidal activity compared to single applications of them. A reduced growth rate of H. virescens larvae was obtained by comparing the larvae infected with recombinant AcNPV expressing AaIT under the control of the AcNPV early ie1 to the very late p10 promoters. Through this project improved protocols and methods were developed to purify and bioassay the anti-insect toxins and their correspondent recombinant baculoviruses. A novel highly potent anti-insect toxin Aa IT5 was isolated and characterized. Finally, the impact of use of recombinant baculoviruses, expressing anti-insect scorpion neurotoxins to non-target insects, was evaluated.
Role of the HSP70 Homologue from Chloroplasts in the Assembly of the Photosynthetic Apparatus
Authors: Nechushtai Rachel , Chitnis Parag
Published: December 2021

The major goal of the proposed research was to study the role of a 70-kDa heat shock cognate protein from chloroplasts (ct-HSP70) in the assembly of chlorophyll-protein complexes. The latters are mostly important in allowing photosynthesis to occur. Photosynthesis is at the heart of crop productivity and the knowledge of the biogenesis of the photosynthetic apparatus is essential to manipulate the efficiency of photosynthesis. The characterization of the function of the ct-HSP70 was planned to be studied in vitro by assaying its capability to physically interact with the thylakoid proteins and to assist their assembly into thylakoid membranes. We planned to identify regions in the light-harvesting complex protein (LHCP) that interact with the ct-HSP70 and characterize the interaction between them. We also intended to isolate cDNA clones encoding ct-HSP70, sequence them, express one of them in E. coli and use the purified protein for functional assays. The research in this BARD proposal aimed at providing insights and aid in understanding the mechanism by which plants may respond to the heat stress. Since plants often experience increased temperatures.
Membrane Processing of Citrus Extracts: Effects on Pectinesterase Activity and Cloud Stability
Authors: Wicker Louise , Shomer Ilan , Merin Uzi
Published: December 2021

The U.S. team studied the role of cations and pH on thermolabile (TL-PE) and thermostable (TS-PE), permeation in ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, affinity to ion exchange membranes, mechanism of cation and pH activation, and effect on PE stability. An optimum pH and cation concentration exists for activity and UF permeation, which is specific for each cation type. Incomplete release of PE from a pectin complex resulted in low PE binding to cationic and anionic membranes. Incubation of PE at low pH increases the surface hydrophobicity, especially TL-PE, but the secondary structure of TL-PE is not greatly affected. The Israeli team showed that stable cloud colloidal constituents flocculate following the conversion of soluble to insoluble biopolymers. First, formation of pectic acid by pectinesterase activity is followed by the formation of calcium pectate gel. This process initiates a myriad of poorly defined reactions that result in juice clarification. Second, protein coagulation by heat resulted in flocculation of proteinacous bound cloud constituents, particularly after enzymatic pectin degradation. Pectinesterase activity is proposed to be an indirect cause for clarification; whereas binding of cloud constituents is the primary event in clarification by pectate gel and coagulated proteins. Understanding the mechanism of interaction of protein and pectic polymers is key to understanding cloud instability. Based on the above, it was hypothesized that the structure of pectin-protein coagulates plays a key role in cloud instability.
Role of Phosphorylation in Fungal Spore Germination
Authors: Dickman Martin B. , Yarden Oded
Published: December 2021

Spore germination is a common and fundamental event in fungal development and in many instances an essential phase of fungal infection and dissemination. Spore germination is also critical for hyperparasites to function as biocontrol agents as well as in fermentation proceses. Our common objective is to understand the mechanisms which regulated spore germination and identify factors involved in pathogenicity related prepenetration development. Our approach is to exploit the overall similarity among filamentous fungi using both a plant pathogen (Colletotricum trifolii) and a model system that is genetically sophisticated (Neurospora crassa). The simulataneous use of two organisms has the advantage of the available tools in Neurospora to rapidly advance the functional analysis of genes involved in spore germination and development of an economically important fungal phytopathogen. Towards this we have isolated a protein kinase gene from C. trifolii (TB3) that is maximally expressed during the first hour of conidial germination and prior to any visible gene tube formation. Based on sequence similarities with other organisms, this gene is likely to be involved in the proliferative response in the fungus. In addition, TB3 was able to functionally complement a N. crassa mutant (COT-1). Pharmacological studies indicated the importance of calmodulin in both germination and appressorium differentiation. Using an antisense vector from N. crassa, direct inhibition of calmodulin results in prevention of differentiation as well as pathogenicity. Both cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA) and protein kinase C (PKC) like genes have been cloned from C. trifolii. Biochemical inhibition of PKA prevents germination; biochemical inhibitors of PKC prevents appressorium differentiation. In order to analyze reversible phosphorylation as a regulatory mechanism, some ser.thr dephosphorylative events have also been analyzed. Type 2A and Type 2B (calcineurin) phosphatases have been identified and structurally and functionally analyzed in N. crassa during this project. Both phosphatases are essential for hyphal growth and maintenance of proper hyphal architecture. In addition, a first novel-type (PPT/PP5-like) ser/thr phosphatase has been identified in a filamentous fungus. The highly collaborative project has improved our understanding of a fundamental process in fungi, and has identified targets which can be used to develop new approaches for control of fungal plant pathogens as well as improve the performance of beneficial fungi in the field and in industry. In addition, the feasibility of molecular technology transfer in comparative mycology has been demonstrated.
Nuclear Import of the Tomato Yellow Curl Leaf Virus in Tomato Plants
Authors: Citovsky Vitaly , Gafni Yedidya
Published: December 2021

Tomato yellow leaf curl geminivirus (TYLCV) is a major pathogen of cultivated tomato, causing up to 100% crop loss in many parts of the world. In Israel the disease is well known and has an economic significance. In recent years viral symptoms were found in countries of the "New World" and since 1997, in Florida. Surprisingly, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of TYLCV interaction with the host plant cells. This proposal was aimed at expanding our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which TYLCV enters the host cell nucleus. The main objective was to elucidate the TYLCV protein(s) involved in transport of the viral genomic DNA into the host cell nucleus. This goal was best served by collaboration between our laboratories one of which (V.C.) was already investigating the nuclear import of the T-DNA ofAgrobacterium tumefaciens, and the other (Y.G.) was studying the effect of TYLCV capsid protein (CP) in transgenic plants, hypothesizing its involvement in the viral nuclear entry. Three years of our collaborative work have provided signifcant data that strongly support our original hypothesis of the involvement of TYLCtr CP in viral nuclear import. Furthermore, our results have laid a foundation to study fundamental, but as yet practically unresolved, questions about the role ofthe host cell factors in the nuclear import of geminiviruses within their host plant. As a result, this research may lead to development of new approaches for plant protection based on control of TYLCV import to the host plant cell nucleus.
Degradation of Abnormal Proteins in Chloroplasts of Higher Plants
Authors: Adam Zach , Pichersky Eran
Published: December 2021

In this study we attempted to get a better understanding of processes involved in the degradation of abnormal proteins i chloroplasts. To achieve this goal, we used a number of complementary approaches. We first characterized the expression of the two subunits of Clp protease. We demonstrated that both of them were expressed in chloroplasts in a constitutive fashion, but the expression of the regulatory subunit ClpC was enhanced by light. We generated a mutant the lumenal protein OEE33 which was targeted to the stroma in in vitro experiments. In the wrong compartment it was found unstable, and characterization of its degradation revealed that it was degraded by a soluble, ATP-dependent serine protease, which are also the characteristics of Clp protease. In search of other homologues of bacterial proteases, we found that chloroplasts contain a homologue of the FtsH protease. It is an ATP-dependent metallo-protease, bound to the stromal side of the thylakoid membrane, whose expression is dependent on light. The gene encodig this protease was cloned and characterized. In attempt to generate Arabidopsis mutant plants impaired in their capability to degrade abnormal chloroplast proteins, we fused the gene for mistargeted OEE33 to the streptomycin-detoxifying gene. This chimeric gene was introduced into Arabodipsis plants, to generate transformed plants. This transformants plants were sensitive to streptomycin due to the rapid turn-over of the chimeric protein. Seeds from these plants were then chemically mutagenised, and seedlings were selected for their capability to grow on streptomycin. The ability of these mutant transformants to grow on streptomycin is presumably due to stabilization of the chimeric protein. These plants will allow us in the future to identify the effected genes, which are likely to be involved in the protein degradation process.
Hormonal and Pheromonal Regulation of Reproduction in the Bumble Bee Bombus terrestris
Authors: Hefetz Abraham , Robinson Gene
Published: December 2021

Bombus terrestris constitute important pollinators of greenhouse crops. In Israel the species utilized is, whose colonies are reared commercially. This is a primitively social species with a particular colony development. It encompasses two social phases: a eusocial phase in which the queen dominates reproduction, and a competition phase in which workers compete with the queen for the parentage of males. These workers are distinguished by accelerated ovarian development, high production of JH, and elevated levels of dopamine in the brain. Queen-worker conflict is also manifested in overt aggression among all members of the nest. High aggression is correlated with dominance status of the bees and is also correlated with octopamine levels in the brain. After verifying that JH III is the only JH produced by the bees and validating the assay for its measurements (RCA & RIA), we used JH as an indicator of worker reproduction. Queens taken from colonies both before and after the competition phase were equally effective in inhibiting worker reproduction. Moreover, there is only a narrow window, around the competition point, in which workers may have the opportunity to initiate reproduction. Before that point they are inhibited by the dominant queen, while after that point both the queen and those workers with accelerated ovarian development exert strong inhibition on worker nest mates. Thus, "queen dominance deterioration" is not the primary cause in eliciting the queen-worker conflict. Queens convey their presence by means of a chemical signal that is extractable in organic solvent and that is normally spread on the cuticle. Total body extract and body washes, applied on dead virgin queens, were able to inhibit the release of JHin vitro in queenless workers. However, none of the prominent exocrine gland investigated mimicked this function. It is possible that the source of the putative pheromone is an unknown gland, or that it emanates from an assembly of glands. Chemical analyses of the prominent glands revealed a plethora of compounds the function of which should be further investigated. Understanding the social behavior of B. terrestris paves the way to facilitate colony manipulation and to adjust the colonies for specific pollination requirements.
Pathogenic Streptococcus in Tilapia: Rapid Diagnosis, Epidemiology and Pathophysiology
Authors: Bercovier Herve , Frelier Paul
Published: December 2021

Within the project "Pathogenic Streptococcus in Tilapia", gram positive cocci pathogens of fish in Israel and in the United States were characterized. We showed that Streptococcus shiloi, the name for an agent causing septicemic infection in fish, is a junior synonym of Streptococcus iniae and that Enterococcus seriolicida is a junior synonym of Lactococcus garvieae, a causative agent of septicemia and meningo-encephalitis in fish. Molecular epidemiology studies on these two pathogens, based on 16S rDNA sequences and ribotyping showed that although each country had specific clones, S. iniae originated probably from the U.S. and L. garvieae from Japan. PCR assays were developed for both pathogens and applied to clinical samples. S. agalactiael S. difficile was also recognized for the first time in the U.S. in tilapia. Our histopathological studies explained the noted paradox (abundant in vitro growth often accompanied by scant to small numbers of organisms within the meninges in histologic sections of brain) in diagnostic of fish streptococcus. The greatest concentration of cocci were consistently observed within macrophages infiltrating the extrameningeal fibroadipose tissue surrounding the brain within the calvarium. These results also suggests that the primary route of meningeal infection may be extension from the extrameningeal connective tissue rather than meningeal vascular emigration of cocci-containing macrophages. Our work has resulted in a cognizance of streptococcus as fish pathogen which goes beyond the pathology observed in tilapia and is already extended to many aquaculture fish species in Israel and in the United States. Finally, our data suggest that vaccines (bivalent or trivalent) could be developed to prevent most of the damages caused by streptococcus in aquaculture.
Discovery and Use of Genes and Gene Combinations Coding for Proteins Useful in Biological Control
Authors: Harman Gary E. , Chet Ilan
Published: December 2021

The objectives of the research in this proposal were to (A) identify synergy among proteins that provide enhanced activity over single proteins for control of plant pathogenic fungi, (B) clone and characterize genetic sequences coding for proteins with ability to control pathogenic fungi, (C) produce transgenic organisms with enhanced biocontrol ability using genes and gene combinations and determine their efficiency in protecting plants against plant pathogenic fungi. A related objective was to produce disease-resistant plants. Fungal cell wall degrading enzymes from any source are strongly synergistic with any membrane active compound and, further, different classes of cell wall degrading enzymes are also strongly synergistic. We have cloned and sequenced a number of genes from bacterial and fungal sources including five that are structurally unrelated. We have prepared transgenic fungi that are deficient in production of enzymes and useful in mechanistic studies. Others are hyperproducers of specific enzymes that permit us, for the first time, to produce enzymes from T. harzianum in sufficient quantity to conduct tests of their potential use in commercial agriculture. Finally, genes from these studies have been inserted into several species of crop plants were they produce a high level of resistance to several plant pathogenic fungi.
The Prediction of Daily Intake in Grazing Cattle Using Methodologies, Models and Experiments that Integrate Pasture Structure and Ingestive Behavior
Authors: Ungar Eugene D. , Demment Montague W. , Peiper Uri M. , Laca Emilio A. , Gutman Mario
Published: December 2021

This project addressed the prediction of daily intake in grazing cattle using methodologies, models and experiments that integrate pasture structure and ingestive behavior. The broad objective was to develop concepts of optimal foraging that predicted ingestive behavior and instantaneous intake rate in single and multi-patch environments and extend them to the greater scales of time and space required to predict daily intake. Specific objectives included: to determine how sward structure affects the shape of patch depletion curves, to determine if the basic components of ingestive behavior of animals in groups differs from animals alone, and to evaluate and modify our existing models of foraging behavior and heterogeneity to incorporate larger scales of time and space. Patch depletion was found to be predominantly by horizon, with a significant decline in bite weight during horizon depletion. This decline derives from bite overlap, and is more pronounced on taller swards. These results were successfully predicted by a simple bite placement simulator. At greater spatial scales, patch selection was aimed at maximizing daily digestible intake, with the between patch search pattern being non-random. The processes of selecting a feeding station and foraging at a feeding station are fundamentally different. The marginal value theorem may not be the most appropriate paradigm for predicting residence time at a feeding station. Basic components of ingestive behavior were unaffected by the presence of other animals. Our results contribute to animal production systems by improving our understanding of the foraging process, by identifying the key sward parameters that determine intake rate and by improving existing conceptual and quantitative models of foraging behavior across spatial and temporal scales.
Two Predator Model Systems for the Biological Control of Diaspidid Scale Insects
Authors: Houck Marilyn , Gerson Uri , Luck Robert
Published: December 2021

Hemisarcoptes (Acari: Hamisarcoptidae) is a parasite of scale insects (Diaspididae), tenacious pests of vascular plants. Hemisarcoptes also has a stenoxenic phoretic (dispersal) relationship with Chilocorus (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Chilocorus feeds on diaspidids, transports mites as they feed, and has been applied to the control of scales, with limited success. U.S.-Israeli cooperation focused on this mite-beetle interaction so that a two-component system could be applied to the control of scale insects effectively. Life history patterns of Hemisarcoptes were investigated in response to host plant type and physical parameters. Field and lab data indicated that mites attack all host stages of scales tested, but preferred adult females. Scale species and host plant species influenced the bionomics of Hemisarcoptes. Beetle diet also influenced survival of phoretic mites. Mites use a ventral sucker plate to extract material from Chilocorus, that is essential for development. Seven alkaloids were found in the hemolymph of Chilocorus and three were characterized. Examination of the subelytral surface of Chilocorus indicated that microsetae play a role in the number and distribution of mites a beetle transports. While Hemisarcoptes can be innoculatd into agroecosystems using various indigenous or imported Chilocorus species, the following are preferred: C. bipustulatus, C. cacti, C. distigma, C. fraternus, C. orbus, and C. tristis.
Targeting of an Expressed Insect Selective Neurotoxin by its Recombinant Baculovirus: Pharmacokinetic and Pharmacodynamic Aspects
Authors: Zlotkin Eliahu , Kamita Shizuo G. , Chejanovsky Nor , Maeda S.
Published: December 2021

Objectives: 1) Clarification of the mode of potentiation of an expressed insect selective neurotoxin (AaIT) by its recombinant baculovirus. 2) In vitro formation and/or modification of neuroactive polypeptides for the design of new improved recombinant baculoviruses. Results: 1) A combined utilization of bioassays, LM-cytochemistry, the highly resolutive EM immunogold and electrical recording from the CNS of baculovirus and AaIT - expressing – recombinant baculovirus infected larvae it has been shown that the recombinant virus potentiates the effect of the toxin. Potentiation is achieved through its continuous expression in the infected tracheal epithelia thus providing a: a) Local supply of freshly produced toxin in the vicinity of its traget sites; b) Translocation of the expressed toxin to the insect CNS. The latter exposes the recombinant toxin to new, critical, target sites which are inaccessible through the natural route of scorpion envenomation. 2) Subjecting a recombinant AaIT toxin to a newly designed system of random mutagenesis results in large numbers of new AaIT genes with amino acid substitutions. The new or modified toxin genes were inserted into a linear BmNPV expressed in silkworm cell culture and assayed on blowfly and silkworm larvae. Thus a system for mass formation and screening of neuroactive agents was developed. Contribution to agriculture: 1) Demonstration of the insecticidal mechanism, capacity and utility of the combination of neuroactive polypeptides and recombinant pathogens. 2) Development of a simple in vitro system for the formation and selection of new neuroactive polypeptides.
Metabolism of Auxins during Fruit Development and Ripening
Authors: Cohen Jerry D. , Epstein Ephraim
Published: December 2021

We had proposed to look at several aspects of auxin metabolism in fruit tissues: 1) IAA biosynthesis from tryptophan and IAA biosynthesis via the non-tryptophan pathway; 2) changes in the capacity to form conjugates and catabolites of auxin at different times during fruit development and; 3) the effects of modifying auxin metabolism in fruit tissues. The latter work focused primarily on the maize iaglu gene, with initial studies also using a bacterial gene for hydrolysis of IAA-aspartate. These metabolic and molecular studies were necessary to define potential benefits of auxin metabolism modification and will direct future efforts for crop improvement by genetic methods. An in vitro system was developed for the production of tomato fruit in culture starting from immature flowers in order to ascertain the effect of auxin modification on fruit ripening. IAA supplied to the fruit culture media prior to breaker stage resulted in an increase in the time period between breaker and red-ripe stages from 7 days without additional IAA to 12 days when 10-5 M IAA was added. These results suggest that significant changes in the ripening period could be obtained by alteration of auxin relationships in tomato fruit. We generated transgenic tomato plants that express either the maize iaglu gene or reduced levels of the gene that encodes the enzyme IAA-glucose synthetase. A modified shuttle vector pBI 121 expressing the maize iaglu gene in both sense and antisense orientations under a 35S promoter was used for the study. The sense plants showed total lack of root initiation and development. The antisense transgenic plants, on the other hand, had unusually well developed root systems at early stages in development. Analysis showed that the amount and activity of the endogenous 75 kDa IAGLU protein was reduced in these plants and consequently these plants had reduced levels of IAA-glucose and lower overall esterified IAA.
Elicitation of Preformed Antifungal Compounds by Non-Pathogenic Fungus Mutants and their Use for the Prevention of Postharvest Decay in Avocado Fruits
Authors: Prusky Dov , Keen Noel T. , Freeman Stanley
Published: December 2021

C. gloeosporioides attacks unripe avocado fruits in the orchard. Germinated spores produce appressoria that germinate and breach the cuticle, but the resultant subcuticular hyphae become quiescent and do not develop further until fruit is harvested and ripens. Resistance of unripe avocado to attach by C. gloeosporioides is correlated with the presence of fungitoxic concentrations of the preformed antifungal compound, 1-acetoxy-2-hydroxy-4-oxoheneicosa-12, 15 diene in the pericarp of unripe fruits. The objective of this proposal was to study the signal transduction process by which elicitors induce resistance in avocado. It was found that abiotic elicitors, infection of avocado fruit with C. gloeosporioides or treatment of avocado cell suspension with cell-wall elicitor induced a significant production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Ripe and unripe fruit tissue differ with regard to the ROS production. The unripe, resistant fruit are physiologically able to react and to produce high levels of ROS and increased activity of H+ATPase that can enhance the phenylpropanoid pathway ad regulate the levels of the antifungal compound-diene, inhibit fungal development, resulting in its quiescence. Interestingly, it was also found that growth regulators like cytokinin could do activation of the mechanism of resistance. Postharvest treatments of cytokinins strongly activated the phenylpropanoid pathway and induce resistance. We have developed non-pathogenic strains of C. gloeosporioides by Random Enzyme Mediated Integration and selected a hygromycin resistance, non-pathogenic strain Cg-142 out of 3500 transformants. This non-pathogenic isolate activates H+ATPase and induces resistance against Colletotrichum attack. As a basis for studying the importance of PL in pathogenicity, we have carried out heterologous expression of pel from C. gloeosporioides in the non-pathogenic C. magna and determine the significant increase in pathogenicity of the non-pathogenic strain. Based on these results we can state that pectate lyase is an important pathogenicity factor of C. gloeosporioides and found that fungal pathogenicity is affected not by pel but by PL secretion. Our results suggest that PH regulates the secretion of pectate lyase, and support its importance as a pathogenicity factor during the attack of avocado fruit by C. gloeosporioides . This implicates that if these findings are of universal importance in fungi, control of disease development could be done by regulation of secretion of pathogenicity factors.
Developing Nutritional-Management Protocols which Prevent Tibial Dyschondroplasia
Authors: Leach Roland M. , Gay Carol V. , Pines Mark , Hurwitz Shmuel
Published: December 2021

The objectives of this proposal were (1) to develop early age short-term restrict feeding protocols which eliminate the incidence of TD without compromising market weight performance and (2) monitor the components of the PTH/PTHrP cascade in conjunction with the development of the protocols in Objective 1. In this investigation it was established that changes in gene expression associated with TD occur as early as 13 days of age. This means that management strategies for the control of this disease must be established during the initial two weeks of rearing. In order to determine a focus for these management strategies, attempts were made to identify the metabolic defect responsible for tibial dyschondroplasia. Therefore, the parathyroid hormone/parathyrod related peptide (PTH/PTHrP) cascade of events was investigated. This emphasis was based on the fact that many nutritional factors that influence TD could be operating through this system. Secondly, the receptor for these peptides acts as the gatekeeper of chondrocyte differentiation. Examination of many aspects of this cascade led to the conclusion that TD is not the direct result of perturbation of this PTH/PTHrP receptor but is likely to develop from an interruption of a pathway downstream from this receptor.
Study of the Basis for Toxicity and Specificity of Bacillus thuringiensis d-Endotoxins
Authors: Shai Yechiel , Aronson Arthur , Zilberstein Aviah , Sneh Baruch
Published: December 2021

The report contains three parts which summarizes the three years achievements of the three participating research groups; The Weizmann group, Tel-Aviv group and Purdue group. The firs part describes the achievements obtained by Shai's group toward the elucidation of the mechanism of membrane insertion and the structural organization of the pores formed by the Cry3A and Cry1Ac B. thuringiensis d-endotoxins. For that purpose Shai's group synthesized, fluorescently labeled and structurally and functionally characterized peptides corresponding to the seven helices that compose the pore-forming domain of Cry3A toxin, including mutants peptides and the hairpin a4G-a5 of both Cry3A and Cry 1Ac toxins composed of a4, a5 and the loop connecting a4-a5. Among the synthesized peptides were three mutated a4 helices based on site directed mutagenesis done at Aronson's group that decreased or increased Cry 1Ac toxicity. The results of these studies are consistent with a situation in which only helices a4 anda5 insert into the membrane as a helical hairpin in an antiparallel manner, while the other helices lie on the membrane surface like ribs of an umbrella (the "umbrella model"). In order to test this model Shai's group synthesized the helical hairpin a4<-->a5 of both Cry3A and Cry 1 Ac toxins, as well. Initial functional and structural studies showed direct correlation between the properties of the mutated helices and the mutated Cry1Ac. Based on Shai's findings that a4 is the second helix besides a5 that insert into the membrane, Aronson and colleagues performed extensive mutation on this helix in the CrylAc toxin, as well as in the loop connecting helices 4 and 5, and helix 3 (part two of the report). In addition, Aronson performed studies on the effect of mutations or type of insect which influence the oligomerization either the Cry 1Ab or Cry 1Ac toxins with vesicles prepared from BBMV. In the third part of the report Zilberstein's and Sneh's groups describe their studies on the three domains of Cry 1C, Cry 1E and crylAc and their interaction with the epithelial membrane of the larval midgut. In these studies they cloned all three domains and combinations of two domains, as well as cloning of the pore forming domain alone and studying its interaction with BBMV. In addition they investigated binding of Cry1E toxin and Cry1E domains to BBMV prepared from resistant (R) or sensitive larvae. Finally they initiated expression of the loop a4G<-->a5 Cry3A in E. coli to be compared with the synthetic one done by Shai's group as a basis to develop a system to express all possible pairs for structural and functional studies by Shai's group (together with Y. Shai).