bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Virus recovery rates for wild‐type and live‐attenuated vaccine strains of African horse sickness virus serotype 7 in orally infected South African Culicoides species
Authors: VENTER G. J. , PAWESKA J. T.
Published: September 2010

Abstract.  Previously reported virus recovery rates from Culicoides (Avaritia) imicola Kieffer and Culicoides (Avaritia) bolitinos Meiswinkel (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) orally infected with vaccine strain of African horse sickness virus serotype 7 (AHSV‐7) were compared with results obtained from concurrently conducted oral infections with five recent AHSV‐7 isolates from naturally infected horses from various localities in South Africa. Culicoides were fed sheep bloods spiked with 107.6 TCID50/mL of a live‐attenuated vaccine strain AHSV‐7, and with five field isolates in which virus titre in the bloodmeals ranged from 107.1 to 108.2 TCID50/mL). After an extrinsic incubation of 10 days at 23.5°C, virus recovery rates were significantly higher in C. imicola (13.3%) and C. bolitinos (4.2%) infected with the live‐attenuated virus than in midges infected with any of the field isolates. The virus recovery rates for the latter groups ranged from 0% to 9.5% for C. imicola and from 0% to 1.5% for C. bolitinos. The C. imicola population at Onderstepoort was significantly more susceptible to infection with AHSV‐7 isolated at Onderstepoort than to the virus strains isolated from other localities. Results of this study suggest that tissue culture attenuation of AHSV‐7 does not reduce its ability to orally infect competent Culicoides species and may even lead to enhanced replication in the vector. Furthermore, oral susceptibility in a midge population appears to vary for geographically distinct isolates of AHSV‐7.
Upper gastrointestinal motility changes following spinal cord injury
Authors: Gondim F. A. A. , De Oliveira G. R. , Thomas F. P.
Published: September 2010

Abstract  Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with severe autonomic dysfunction in both the acute and chronic phases. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) motor dysfunction has been previously reported in humans and rats. Gastric emptying (GE) of a solid meal – as measured by the [13C]‐octanoic acid breath test – is delayed in the first 3 weeks after either spinal cord transection (SCT) or contusion (SCC) in rats. This is one of the main findings of a new paper by Qualls‐Creekmore et al. in the current issue of this journal. Previous studies in rats only reported impairment of GE, intestinal and GI transit of liquid after SCI, but the authors observed that the delay of the GE of solid was more prominent after SCT than SCC. Recovery of the delay of GE of solid occurred at 6 weeks after SCC, but not after SCT. However, gastric motility changes persisted despite the functional normalization of the GE in rats with SCC. Bowel dysfunction is a major physical and psychological burden for SCI patients. Collaborative efforts, like the development of international standards to evaluate autonomic function after SCI will likely clarify the mechanisms of dysfunction and lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Dynein–dynactin complex subunits are differentially localized in brain and spinal cord, with selective involvement in pathological features of neurodegenerative disease
Authors: Ateh D. D. , Hussain I. K. , Mustafa A. H. , Price K. M. , Gulati R. , Nickols C. D. , Bird M. M. , Greensmith L. , Hafezparast M. , Fisher E. M. C. , Baker C. S. , Martin J. E.
Published: September 2010

Aims: The dynein–dynactin complex, mostly recognized for axonal retrograde transport in neurones, has an ever growing list of essential subcellular functions. Here, the distribution of complex subunits in human central nervous system (CNS) has been assessed using immunohistochemistry in order to test the hypothesis that this may be altered in neurodegenerative disease. Methods: Three dynactin and two dynein subunits were immunolocalized in the CNS of human post mortem sections from motor neurone disease, Alzheimer's disease and patients with no neurological disease. Results: Unexpectedly, coordinated distribution of complex subunits was not evident, even in normal tissues. Complex subunits were differentially localized in brain and spinal cord, and localization of certain subunits, but not others, occurred in pathological structures of motor neurone and Alzheimer's diseases. Conclusions: These results suggest that dynein–dynactin complex subunits may have specific subcellular roles, and primary events that disturb the function of individual components may result in disequilibrium of subunit pools, with the possibility that availability for normal cytoplasmic functions becomes impaired, with consequent organelle and axonal transport misfunction.
Failure of nude (athymic) rats to become resistant to reinfection with the intestinal coccidian parasite Eimeria nieschulzi or the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis
Authors: ROSE M. ELAINE , OGILVIE BRIDGET M. , HESKETH PATRICIA , FESTING M. F. W.
Published: September 2010

Summary The course of each of three successive infections with Eimeria nieschulzi in nude (athymic) rats was the same as the primary infection in nu/+ animals, with the production of more oocysts. This indicates that resistance to reinfection with this parasite is mediated by T lymphocytes but that these cells do not control the duration of the life cycle, since oocyst production was not prolonged in the nu/nu rats.

After the three infections with E. nieschulzi, the rats were exposed twice to the intestinal nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis, and the nu/nu were completely susceptible even to the second infection. Egg production by both infections in the nu/ nu animals was similar and continued at a high plateau level for 28 days before falling to a low level. It appears that the strain of N. brasiliensis used in this study is unable to sustain high egg production for more than 4 weeks in T cell deficient rats.
Adoptive transfer of immunity and suppression by cells and serum in early Mycobacterium lepraemurium infections of mice
Authors: ALEXANDER J.
Published: September 2010

Summary The ability of lymphocytes and serum from mice infected with 107Mycobacterium lepraemurium to adoptively transfer resistance to irradiated (600 rad 60Cobalt) syngeneic mice was studied. Two strains of mice were used: BALB/c mice, which are highly susceptible to moderate cutaneous infections with M. lepraemurium, and C57B1 mice, which are comparatively resistant. In both strains of mice recipients of nylon wool non‐adherent spleen cells, and thus T lymphocyte recipients, demonstrated increased resistance to subcutaneous infection with 107M. lepraemurium. Significantly increased susceptibility to infection was noted in the BALB/c recipients of nylon wool adherent spleen cells or serum. No suppressor activity could be demonstrated in the resistant C57B1 strain.
Lymphocyte, antibody and cytokine responses during concurrent infections between helminths that selectively promote T‐helper‐1 or T‐helper‐2 activity
Authors: HEŘMÁEK J. , GOYAL P.K. , WAKELIN D.
Published: September 2010

The injuence of Trichinella spiralis on infections with Trichuris murk was studied in non‐responder B10. BR mice. Mice infectedonly with T. muris were unable to expel parasites and had many adult worms 35 days later. Infection with 300 larvae of T. spiralis, given seven or 14 (but not 28) days after T. muris, enabled mice to expel up to 90% of T. muris; expulsion of T. spiralis was not altered. Concurrently infected mice produced less T. murisspecijic IgG2a antibody than mice infected with T. muris only, andshowed higher proliferative responses when spleen and mesenteric lymph node cells were cultured in vitro with T. murk antigens. When T. spiralis was present mucosal mast cells were generated in T. muris‐infected mice, whereas almost no mast cells were seen with only T. muris. Lymphocytes from doubly‐infected mice produced significantly more interleukin 4 and 5 (IL‐4, IL‐5) and significantly less interferon‐gamma (IFN‐y) when stimulated in vitro with Concanavalin A (Con‐A) than cells from mice infected with T. murk only. These data demonstrate that BI0.BR mice, which in single infections produce a Thl response to T. muris and develop no protective immunity, can mount a protective T‐helper‐2 (Th2) response and expel T. murk when concurrently infected with the ‘Th2 inducing’ nematode T. spiralis.
Immunologic activity of schistosomal and bacterial TLR2 ligands in Gabonese children
Authors: RETRA K. , VAN RIET E. , ADEGNIKA A. A. , EVERTS B. , VAN GEEST S. , KREMSNER P. G. , VAN HELLEMOND J. J. , VAN DER KLEIJ D. , TIELENS A. G. M. , YAZDANBAKHSH M.
Published: September 2010

Schistosomes carry lipid moieties that interact with the immune system. To understand the consequence of interactions in terms of polarizing the cytokine profiles, the effect of two Toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR2) activating schistosomal lipid fractions was studied on whole blood from Gabonese children living in a schistosomiasis endemic area. One fraction contained lysophosphatidylserine [monoacylglycerophosphoserine (lysoGPSer)] plus diacylphosphatidylserine [diacylglycerophosphoserine (GPSer)] while the other contained lysoGPSer and only a trace of GPSer. The effect of these schistosomal lipid fractions was compared with the known bacterial TLR2 ligands PAM3CSK4 and MALP‐2. PAM3CSK4 and MALP‐2 had preferential IL‐10‐activating capacities, while the fraction containing lysoGPSer plus GPSer had a strong TNF‐α‐inducing capacity. The fraction containing lysoGPSer was neutral with respect to pro‐ vs. anti‐inflammatory effects. When Th1 and Th2 cytokines were analysed, the schistosomal lipid fraction containing lysoGPSer plus GPSer showed a stronger Th2 response compared to PAM3CSK4, MALP‐2 and lysoGPSer alone. Therefore, the study indicates that not only TLR2 ligands derived from bacteria or from parasites can generate distinct cytokine profiles but also that the composition of lipid entities reaching the immune system can be important in leading to different immune outcomes. This information may be important for exploitation of immune modulatory molecules.
Emerging technologies and their applications in interactions between nutrition and immunity to gastrointestinal parasites in sheep
Authors: ATHANASIADOU S. , HUNTLEY J. F.
Published: September 2010

Despite the plethora of evidence on the consequences of host nutrition on their immune responses to gastrointestinal parasites, the identity of molecules and mechanisms that drive the manifestations of immunity under nutrient abundance are not yet known. This is partly due to limitations of the methodologies employed to date that have failed to give comprehensive answers. The great advancements in the technological front over the past few years have opened a window of opportunity to identify these effector molecules, to explore both the mechanisms and cellular pathways and to evaluate their importance in the immune response to parasites. The aim of this paper is to present some of the novel, high‐throughput technologies that are currently available in immunology and to explore their use in advancing our knowledge in interactions between nutrition and immunity to nematode parasites, with special reference to sheep. In the first part, we introduce the technologies and we discuss advantages and pitfalls of their use. We bring in successful examples of how their employment advanced knowledge and improved our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate immune responses to pathogens (both micro‐ and macroparasites). In the second part, we focus on the impact of nutrition on the immune response to parasites, and explore how these technologies can be used to advance our knowledge of immunonutritional interactions. We use as our starting point well‐established models that have been successfully used to investigate the consequences of nutrition on the manifestations of immunity to parasites, which we further consider in the context of the novel technologies. We conclude by emphasizing the great potential of the described methodologies in unravelling the complex interactions between nutrition and immunity, but we also recommend caution when interpreting the outcomes.
Trade‐offs and benefits: implications of promoting a strong immunity to gastrointestinal parasites in sheep
Authors: GREER A. W
Published: September 2010

The search for sustainable control regimes for gastrointestinal nematode parasites in grazing livestock has resulted in strategies that include assisting sheep to promote a strong immune response. However, the immune response imposes a substantial nutritional cost to the animal which, when nutrient supply is limited, is likely to result in the diversion of nutrients away from productive function to immunological tissues. Therefore, this review examines the potential trade‐offs between immune function and productivity that may arise in young grazing sheep. It is hoped that future manipulations intended to promote a strong immunity to gastrointestinal parasites in sheep may be able to minimize these trade‐offs to ensure that the productivity of the host is not compromised.
Roles of amyloplasts and water deficit in root tropisms
Authors: PONCE GEORGINA , RASGADO FÁTIMA A. , CASSAB GLADYS I.
Published: September 2010

Directed growth of roots in relation to a moisture gradient is called hydrotropism. The no hydrotropic response (nhr1) mutant of Arabidopsis lacks a hydrotropic response, and shows a stronger gravitropic response than that of wild type (wt) in a medium with an osmotic gradient. Local application of abscisic acid (ABA) to seeds or root tips of nhr1 increased root downward growth, indicating the critical role of ABA in tropisms. Wt roots germinated and treated with ABA in this system were strongly gravitropic, even though they had almost no starch amyloplasts in the root‐cap columella cells. Hydrotropically stimulated nhr1 roots, with or without ABA, maintained starch in the amyloplasts, as opposed to those of wt. Hence, the near‐absence (wt) or abundant presence (nhr1) of starch granules does not influence the extent of downward gravitropism of the roots in an osmotic gradient medium. Starch degradation in the wt might help the root sustain osmotic stress and carry out hydrotropism, instead of reducing gravity responsiveness. nhr1 roots might be hydrotropically inactive because they maintain this starch reserve in the columella cells, sustaining both their turgor and growth, and in effect minimizing the need for hydrotropism and at least partially disabling its mechanism. We conclude that ABA and water stress are critical regulators of root tropic responses.
A heat‐activated MAP kinase (HAMK) as a mediator of heat shock response in tobacco cells
Authors: SURI SARABJEET S. , DHINDSA RAJINDER S.
Published: September 2010

A heat‐activated MAP kinase (HAMK), immunologically related to the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) super‐family of protein kinases, has been identified in BY2 cells of tobacco. The activation of HAMK at 37 °C was transient and detected within 2 min and reached a maximum level within 5 min. Ca2+ chelators and channel blockers, and the known inhibitors of MEK, a MAP kinase kinase, prevented the heat activation of HAMK. This suggests that HAMK activation is part of a heat‐triggered MAP kinase cascade that requires Ca2+ influx. The heat shock protein HSP70 accumulated at 37 °C, but not when HAMK activation was prevented with the inhibitors of MEK or with Ca2+ chelators or channel blockers. As previously shown for heat activation of HAMK, heat‐induced accumulation of HSP70 requires membrane fluidization and reorganization of cytoskeleton. We concluded that heat‐triggered HAMK cascade might play an essential role in the launching of heat shock response and hsp gene expression in tobacco cells.
Nitric oxide‐induced phosphatidic acid accumulation: a role for phospholipases C and D in stomatal closure
Authors: DISTÉFANO AYELEN M. , GARCÍA‐MATA CARLOS , LAMATTINA LORENZO , LAXALT ANA M.
Published: September 2010

Stomatal closure is regulated by a complex network of signalling events involving numerous intermediates, among them nitric oxide (NO). Little is known about the signalling events occurring downstream of NO. Previous studies have shown that NO modulates cytosolic calcium concentration and the activation of plasma membrane ion channels. Here we provide evidence that supports the involvement of the lipid second messenger phosphatidic acid (PA) in NO signalling during stomatal closure. PA levels in Vicia faba epidermal peels increased upon NO treatment to maximum levels within 30 min, subsequently decreasing to control levels at 60 min. PA can be generated via phospholipase D (PLD) or via phospholipase C (PLC) in concerted action with diacylglycerol kinase (DGK). Our results showed that NO‐induced PA is produced via the activation of both pathways. NO‐induced stomatal closure was blocked either when PLC or PLD activity was inhibited. We have shown that PLC‐ and PLD‐derived PA represents a downstream component of NO signalling cascade during stomatal closure.
Limitations in the exploitation of N‐phenylcarbamates and N‐phenylformamidoximes to control benzimidazole‐resistant Venturia nashicola on Japanese pear
Authors: ISHII H. , VAN RAAK M. , INOUE I. , TOMIKAWA A.
Published: September 2010

The efficacy of N‐phenylcarbamates and N‐phenylformamidoximes against benzimidazole‐resistant strains of Venturia nashicola was tested experimentally in Japanese pear orchards. Both compounds gave effective control when applied in an orchard where highly benzimidazole‐resistant strains were predominant. However, unsatisfactory control was observed in an orchard where the fungal population was dominated by fungal strains with intermediate or weak benzimidazole resistance. Strains resistant to N‐phenylcarbamates and N‐phenylformamidoximes were widely distributed in Japanese pear orchards, suggesting that effective use of these compounds to control benzimidazole‐resistant strains of V. nashicola would not be practicable. Increased sensitivity to N‐phenylformamidoximes in highly benzimidazole‐resistant isolates was shown to be controlled by a single chromosomal gene, but progenies that were highly resistant to both a benzimidazole fungicide and a N‐phenylformamidoximes appeared in crosses between parents resistant to each fungicide alone. Similar strains were also found in pear orchards, and this‘double resistance’was shown to be heritable.
The role of seed‐borne Aspergillus niger in transmission of black mould of onion
Authors: HAYDEN N. J. , MAUDE R. B.
Published: September 2010

The incidence of Aspergillus niger (black mould) was found to be high on seed produced in hot (desert) climates. The fungus was transmitted from contaminated seeds to the cotyledons and first true leaves of seedling onions grown under controlled conditions. Seedlings grown from contaminated seeds had longer roots but shorter shoots than those grown from healthy seeds. Seed treatment with either benomyl plusthiramat the rate of 2.5 + 2.5 g active ingredient/kg seed or in hot water (15 min immersion at 60°C) eliminated the fungus in a naturally infected seed stock, untreated seed of which gave 30% infected seedlings.
Characteristics and pathogenicity of Pythium spp. associated with damping‐off of sugar beet in Ireland
Authors: O'SULLIVAN E. , KAVANAGH J. A.
Published: September 2010

Five hundred and eight Pythium isolates were obtained from diseased sugar‐beet seedlings in the field from beet field soils in Ireland. Pythium sylvaticum and P. intermedium were the dominant species, together representing 86% of isolates, and P. salpingophorum, P. ultimum, P. mamillatum, P. oligandrum and Pythium‘group HS’were the other species identified. The cultural characteristics of these species corresponded generally with previous descriptions, with the exception of P. sylvaticum and P. mamillatum, which varied in some respects. In glasshouse pathogenicity tests, P. sylvaticum, P. intermedium, P. salpingophorum, P. ultimum, P. mamillatum and one unidentified Pythium isolate caused pre‐emergence and early post‐emergence damping‐off of sugar‐beet seedlings. Isolates off. oligandrum and Pythium‘group HS’were weakly pathogenic or not pathogenic to beet seedlings.
Production and viability of sclerotia from fungicide‐resistant and fungicide‐sensitive isolates of Botrytis cinerea, B. elliptica and B, tulipae
Authors: HSIANG T. , CHASTAGNER G. A.
Published: September 2010

Production of sclerotia by isolates of three Botrytis spp. differing in resistance to benzimidazole and dicarboximide fungicides was compared in vitro. Sensitive isolates of B. cinerea and B. tulipae produced fewer sclerotia than benzimidazole‐resistant isolates, but there were no differences in the size of sclerotia within each species. For B. elliptica, sclerotia of dicarboximide‐resistant isolates were larger and less numerous than those of sensitive isolates. Sclerotia from fungicide‐resistant and ‐sensitive isolates of B. elliptica. B. tulipae and B. cinerea were produced in vitro, placed in nylon bags, set in loam soil at soil depths of 0, 10 and 20 cm, and recovered periodically after 1‐18 months. Sclerotial viability declined during the 18 months, and was lowest at the soil surface for sclerotia of B. cinerea and B. tulipae. For B. elliptica, sclerotial viability of fungicide‐sensitive isolates was reduced to 50% after 18 months, compared to 21 % for dicarboximide‐resistant isolates, when averaged over all depths. Sensitive isolates of B. tulipae maintained a trend of higher viability than benzimidazole‐resistant ones, and fungicide‐sensitive isolates showed greater viability at 18 months (49%) than did benzimidazole‐resistant ones (27%). No differences in sclerotial viability were apparent between the fungicide‐resistant and ‐sensitive isolates of B. cinerea, with an average viability of 77% after 18 months. After 18 months of field exposure, all isolates retained their original fungicide‐resistance groupings, indicating the persistence of fungicide resistance in sclerotia.
Resistance to thiabendazole in isolates of Polyscytalum pustulans (skin spot) and Fusarium solani var. coeruleum (dry rot) in Scotland
Authors: CARNEGIE S. F. , CAMERON A. M.
Published: September 2010

Between 1988 and 1991, isolates of Polyscytalum pustulans were obtained from potato tubers grown in Scotland and tested for sensitivity to thiabendazole (TBZ) on agar. Sensitive isolates did not grow at 1 mg TBZ/1, whereas growth of resistant isolates was unaffected at 1 mg and reduced by 10–30% at 10 mg/1. Resistant isolates were present on all classes of seed potatoes, and were also recovered from the air of stores during grading. Isolates from a stock of seed tubers from Northern Ireland were resistant. All 44 isolates of Fusarium solani var. coeruleum collected in 1991 were sensitive to TBZ.
Histological responses in Hordeum chilense to brown and yellow rust fungi
Authors: RUBIALES D. , NIKS R. E.
Published: September 2010

The histological reaction of 16 Hordeum chilense accessions to Puccinia recondila, P. hordei and P striiformis was investigated. It is not possible to generalize about the reaction of H. chilense to these rust fungi. Several lines showed a susceptible infection type to a brown rust harvested on H. juhatum. One of these lines had an intermediate infection type to the wheat brown rust fungus. The H. chilense reaction to the yellow rust fungi ranged from susceptible to resistant. The lines differed in their response to the rust fungi, as expressed by the level of early abortion of sporelings, and the frequency of plant‐cell necrosis associated with the infection sites. All the lines caused complete early abortion associated with infrequent necrosis of the rye brown rust fungus. The responses were to some extent rust non‐specific. The differences in response between the lines may reflect differences in general defence mechanisms.
Serological relationships of geminivirus isolates from Gramineae in Australia
Authors: PINNER M. S. , MARKHAM P. G. , RYBICKI E. P. , GREBER R. S.
Published: September 2010

Three distinct viruses, named chloris striate mosaic virus (CSMV), paspalum striate mosaic virus (PaSMV) and digitaria didactyla striate mosaic virus (DDSMV), have been identified among the five Gramineae‐infecting geminiviruses from Australia using polyclonal antisera. An isolate from Microlaena was confirmed as a strain of CSMV, and an isolate from Bromus catharticus was identified as PaSMV‐BC. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) detected relationships between all but one of the viruses tested, the exception being miscanthus streak virus (MiSV) from Japan. The Australian viruses proved to be distantly related to similar viruses from Africa, digitaria streak virus (DSV) from Vanuatu, and wheat dwarf virus (WDV) from Europe. Three distinct groups of viruses from Africa, Australia and Europe were distinguished by phylogenetic analysis.
Localized resistance against virus infection by leaf extract of Celosia cristata
Authors: BARANWAL V. K. , VERMA H. N.
Published: September 2010

Preinoculation treatment with Celosia cristata leaf extract prevented lesion production by sunnhemp rosette virus, tobacco mosaic virus and potato virus X in several local lesion hosts, but not in Chenopodium amaranticolar. The extract inhibited lesion formation only in treated areas, and did not act on the virus directly, but only via the host. The persistence of inhibitory activity in test hosts for up to 6 days indicates that the site of virus attachment is blocked semipermanently.
The development of an assay for resistance to Phytophthora cambivora in almond rootstocks using shoots excised from tissue cultures
Authors: SCOTT E. S. , WICKS T. J. , LEE T. C.
Published: September 2010

The pathogenicity of Phytophthora cambivora to Mission almond seedlings was confirmed by twig inoculation in situ. An excised twig assay using four isolates of P. cambivora showed almond cvs Mission and Chellaston to be susceptible, whereas peach cv. Nemaguard, which is commonly used as a rootstock for almond, was resistant. P. cambivora isolates 179 and 108, the most and least aggressive, respectively, were selected for further studies. The excised twig assay was modified for screening micropropagated shoots in vitro for response to P. cambivora. Defoliated shoots were placed upright in agar medium colonized with the fungus, and development of necrosis was assessed over a period of 2‐3 days. Shoots of Chellaston developed extensive necrosis and those of Nemaguard developed little necrosis, whereas shoots of hybrid selections from peach x almond crosses were generally intermediate in response. This method permits rapid and efficient screening of large amounts of material, and would be a useful adjunct to conventional almond breeding programmes.
Morphometric variation in the Geoica utricularia (Homoptera: Aphididae) species group on Pistacia (Anacardiaceae), with descriptions of new species and a key to emigrant alatae
Authors: BROWN PAUL A. , BLACKMAN ROGER L.
Published: September 2010

Abstract. Variation within and between samples of emigrant alatae from galls on identified Pistacia species was studied using bivariate and multivariate techniques. The Geoica utricularia complex seems to include at least five taxa, including two newly identified; G.utricularia Passerini sensu stricto, on Pistacia terebinthus; G.muticae Mordvilko, on P.mutica; G.rungsi Davatchi & Remaudière, on P.atlantica; G.harpazi sp.n., also on P.atlantica; and G. wertheimae sp.n. on P. palaestina. The emigrant alatae of the two new species are described, together with apterous exules reared from them, and a key is provided to emigrant alatae of all eight Geoica species now known to induce galls on Pistacia. The taxonomic status of anholocyclic, grass‐feeding populations in the Geoica utricularia group is discussed.
Phylogenetic systematics of the subfamily Polyphaginae, with the assignment of Cryptocercus Scudder, 1862 to this taxon (Blattaria, Blaberoidea, Poiyphagidae)
Authors: URA373CNRS PHILIPPE GRANDCOLAS
Published: September 2010

Abstract. The subfamily Polyphaginae is assessed using phylogenetic methodology, which has resulted in a revised concept of this taxon which includes the Homoeogamiidae, Mononychoblattidae and Cryptocercidae. A redescription of the subfamily is offered, and synapomorphic characters are provided to support the monophyly of both the Polyphaginae and the family Poiyphagidae. A phylogenetic hypothesis of relationships of polyphagine genera is proposed, based on fifty morphological characters polarized in reference to six outgroups (one tree, CI = 0.79, RI = 0.87). The Polyphaginae now includes the following sixteen genera: Anisogamia, Arenivaga, Cryptocercus, Eremoblatta, Ergaula, Eucorydia, Eupolyphaga, Hemelytroblatta, Heterogamisca, Heterogamodes, Homoeogamia, Leiopteroblatta, Mononychoblatta, Nymphytria, Polyphaga and Therea. Three genera are removed from the Polyphaginae: Austropolyphaga, Miroblatta and Polyphagoides. One new generic synonymy is proposed: Psam‐moblatta as a synonym of Hemelytroblatta. The subgenus Heterogamisca is elevated to generic status. The genus Nymphytria is removed from synonymy with Mononychoblatta, and restored to generic rank. The subfamily Polyphaginae in its present sense has a large ecological range, including deserts of North America and the Old World, and tropical and temperate biomes such as dry and rain forests of Africa and Asia, but excluding Australia.
A phylogenetic study of the ‘bombycoid complex’ (Lepidoptera) using five protein‐coding nuclear genes, with comments on the problem of macrolepidopteran phylogeny
Authors: REGIER JEROME C. , COOK CHRISTOPHER P. , MITTER CHARLES , HUSSEY APRIL
Published: September 2010

Abstract This study had two aims. First, we tested the monophyly of and relationships within the ‘bombycoid complex’, an assembly of approximately 5300 species postulated by Minet to represent 12 families in three superfamilies, by sequencing five protein‐coding nuclear gene regions (CAD, DDC, enolase, period, wingless; approximately 6750 bp total) in 66 representatives of most of the subfamilies and tribes. Second, we sought initial evidence on the utility of these genes for estimating relationships among Macrolepidoptera more broadly (11 superfamilies total), by adding representatives of eight families from four other superfamilies, and by assessing the phylogenetic information content of the individual genes and partitions thereof. Analysis of the combined data by likelihood and parsimony upholds monophyly for the bombycoid complex and for Bombycoidea sensu stricto (includes Anthelidae, see below), but with weak bootstrap support. Minet’s assignment of Phiditiinae to Bombycoidea rather than to Noctuoidea is strongly upheld, but Anthelidae, placed in Lasiocampoidea by Minet, group securely within Bombycoidea sensu stricto. Within the latter, the basal split segregates a strongly supported ‘BALE’ group [Apatelodinae + (Eupterotidae + (Brahmaeidae + Lemoniidae))]. The remaining families form a consistently but weakly supported clade, within which the basal split segregates the very strongly supported ‘CAPOPEM’ group [Carthaeidae, Anthelidae, Phiditiinae, (Prismostictini + (Endromidae + (Oberthueriini + Mirinidae)))]. The remaining bombycoids are grouped, very weakly, as Sphingidae + (Bombycinae + Saturniidae). All multiply‐sampled families are strongly recovered, in both outgroups and ingroups, except that Bombycidae sensu Minet are rendered decisively polyphyletic. All genes make important contributions to the combined data results, and there is little strong conflict among genes or between synonymous and nonsynonymous change, although two instances of inter‐gene conflict were notable, one in Lasiocampidae and one in Mimallonidae. Overall, about 75% of nodes are strongly supported (i.e. bootstrap value ≥80%). Superfamilies are recovered, but not always strongly, whereas relationships among superfamilies are recovered only weakly and inconsistently; even within the reasonably well‐sampled Bombycoidea sensu stricto, a (to us) surprising number of interfamily relationships remain uncertain. Thus, it seems clear that substantially more genes, plus additional taxon sampling in most superfamilies, will be required to resolve macrolepidopteran phylogeny.
Survival of Small Firms: Guerrilla Warfare
Authors: Fershtman Chaim
Published: September 2010

Duopolistic interaction between a small firm and a large established firm is considered and compared to guerrilla warfare, The paper investigates a “hit and run” equilibrium in which the small firm enters the market, stays there for several periods, exits, stays out for several periods, and then reenters. Occasionally there may be a price war (or retaliation), but the small firm may also exit voluntarily, thereby avoiding possible confrontation. The amount of time that the small firm stays in the market and the timing of the price wars do not follow any predictable pattern, which is part of the mixed strategies that both firms play in equilibrium.
Vertical Foreclosure, Technological Choice, and Entry on the Intermediate Market
Authors: Avenel Eric , Barlet Corinne
Published: September 2010

This paper analyzes the profitability of vertical integration for an upstream monopoly facing a potential competitor. We show that it depends on the technology used by the firm when it integrates. We distinguish two types of technologies: standard technologies, used by nonintegrated firms, and nonstandard technologies, reserved for integrated firms and implying the complete foreclosure of nonintegrated firms. Vertical integration with the adoption of a nonstandard technology dominates vertical integration with the adoption of a standard technology and is profitable, as long as the degree of competition in the downstream industry is sufficiently low.
VOC emissions of Grey poplar leaves as affected by salt stress and different N sources
Authors: Teuber M. , Zimmer I. , Kreuzwieser J. , Ache P. , Polle A. , Rennenberg H. , Schnitzler J.‐P.
Published: September 2010

Nitrogen nutrition and salt stress experiments were performed in a greenhouse with hydroponic‐cultured, salt‐sensitive Grey poplar (Populus x canescens) plants to study the combined influence of different N sources (either 1 mm NO3− or NH4+) and salt (up to 75 mm NaCl) on leaf gas exchange, isoprene biosynthesis and VOC emissions. Net assimilation and transpiration proved to be highly sensitive to salt stress and were reduced by approximately 90% at leaf sodium concentrations higher than 1,800 μg Na g dry weight (dw)−1. In contrast, emissions of isoprene and oxygenated VOC (i.e. acetaldehyde, formaldehyde and acetone) were unaffected. There was no significant effect of combinations of salt stress and N source, and neither NO3− or NH4+ influenced the salt stress response in the Grey poplar leaves. Also, transcript levels of 1‐deoxy‐d‐xylulose 5‐phosphate reductoisomerase (PcDXR) and isoprene synthase (PcISPS) did not respond to the different N sources and only responded slightly to salt application, although isoprene synthase (PcISPS) activity was negatively affected at least in one of two experiments, despite high isoprene emission rates. A significant salt effect was the strong reduction of leaf dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMADP) content, probably due to restricted availability of photosynthates for DMADP biosynthesis. Further consequences of reduced photosynthetic gas exchange and maintaining VOC emissions are a very high C loss, up to 50%, from VOC emissions related to net CO2 uptake and a strong increase in leaf internal isoprene concentrations, with maximum mean values up to 6.6 μl·l−1. Why poplar leaves maintain VOC biosynthesis and emission under salt stress conditions, despite impaired photosynthetic CO2 fixation, is discussed.
Seasonal and Diurnal Patterns of Behavior Exhibited by Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound
Authors: Miller Lance J. , Solangi Moby , Kuczaj II Stan A.
Published: September 2010

Many of the threats to bottlenose dolphins are anthropogenic factors including overfishing, high‐speed boats, chemical runoff, and noise pollution. Having a thorough understanding of the behavior and behavioral patterns of these animals can help with conservation plans to protect this species. This study examined the behavioral states and behavioral events of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the Mississippi Sound. The behavioral states exhibited by dolphins within the Sound were found to vary by both season and time of day. Dolphins socialized more during the spring and spent more time feeding in the fall. Feeding was highest early in the morning and decreased throughout the day, while socializing occurred at low levels in the morning and increased in the early afternoon. Two distinct forms of social behavior and multiple feeding strategies were exhibited by dolphins within the Sound. Results suggest that certain percussive behavioral events may be used to communicate motivation during transitional behavioral states. These results demonstrate the need for a more complete understanding of dolphin behavior that will facilitate the conservation of this species.
Proximity‐dependent Response to Variably Complex Mating Signals in Túngara Frogs (Physalaemus pustulosus)
Authors: Akre Karin L. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: September 2010

The plasticity of animal behavior allows individuals to maximize fitness in a wide range of contexts. Both production of and preference for mating signals are context‐dependent according to internal factors such as hormonal state, and external factors such as predation risk. In many species, male‐to‐female proximity also defines an important context for mating communication. Males often possess short‐distance courtship signals, and females often exhibit distance‐related variation in signal response. Such variation in response may occur when a signal’s relevance changes with male‐to‐female distance, but it may also result from perceptual constraints that are unrelated to fitness. Túngara frogs produce variably complex advertisement calls, and sexual selection theory predicts that females should prefer calls of greater complexity. Preference tests, however, have not demonstrated consistent trends for preference between calls of variable complexity. We tested whether proximity to males influences female response to variable signal complexity and found that both preference and memory for signal complexity are proximity‐dependent.
Mate Quality and Novelty Influence Post‐Copulatory Female Choice in Decorated Crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus
Authors: Gershman Susan N. , Sakaluk Scott K.
Published: September 2010

Females of many taxa prefer to mate with novel males rather than previous mates, but also favor males that have traits indicative of higher genetic quality or compatibility. However, it may not be possible for females to simultaneously choose males that are both novel and of high quality, and the female response to this dilemma has not previously been examined. In this paper, we ask whether female decorated crickets, Gryllodes sigillatus, exert their choice for novel males via post‐copulatory choice (sperm ampulla removal) and whether male genetic background (variation in male quality) affects this decision. We found that after matings with inbred males, females removed the ampullae of familiar mates sooner than those of novel males, whereas after matings with outbred males, there was no difference in the ampulla‐retention times of familiar mates and novel partners. This suggests that when male do not vary in quality, females prefer novel partners. However, when males vary in quality, female preferences for male traits are more important than preferences for novel partners.
The Deterioration of Eating and Cooking Quality Caused by High Temperature During Grain Filling in Early‐Season indica Rice Cultivars
Authors: Zhong L. J. , Cheng F. M. , Wen X. , Sun Z. X. , Zhang G. P.
Published: September 2010

The effect of temperature during grain filling on eating and cooking quality of early‐season indica rice was investigated by using four cultivars with different amylose content. Starting from flowering stage until maturity, the plants of all cultivars were subjected to two temperature treatments, referred as optimum (mean daily air temperature, 22 °C) and high (32 °C) temperature regimes. The results showed that the effect of high temperature on apparent amylose content and gel consistency in milled rice was cultivar‐dependent. Under high temperature, amylose content increased for cv. Jiayu353 and remained little changed for cv. Guangluai4, which had intrinsically higher amylose content, and decreased for cv. Zhefu49 and cv. Jiazao935, which had lower amylose content. By contrast, high temperature reduced or kept stable gel consistency values for cultivars with higher amylose content and increased gel consistency values for those with lower amylose content. Moreover, high temperature significantly increased the gelatinization temperature of all cultivars. Pasting profiles and X‐ray diffraction pattern of rice were also affected by temperature. The results suggest that high temperature during grain filling change the component and crystalline structure of starch and result in deterioration of eating and cooking quality for early‐season indica rice.
Effect of Water Stress on the Yield of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) Genotypes in the Delmarva Region of the United States
Authors: Dadson R. B. , Hashem F. M. , Javaid I. , Joshi J. , Allen A. L. , Devine T. E.
Published: September 2010

Drought is an important yield‐reducing factor for corn and soya bean which are the two major crops in the Delaware, Maryland and Virginia (Delmarva) region of the United States. Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is primarily grown in drier regions of the world where it is one of the most drought‐resistant food legumes. Field experiments were conducted in which 10 genetically diverse cowpea genotypes were evaluated for adaptability to the Delmarva area. The cowpea genotypes were grown in rain‐out shelters under non‐water‐stressed and water‐stressed conditions. The results showed that under non‐water‐stressed conditions cowpea genotypes California Blackeye 5, Champion and Mississippi Silver gave higher seed yields, while genotypes White Acre, Six Week Browneye and Texas Cream 8 provided lower seed yields. Genotypes California Blackeye 5 and Champion gave comparatively better seed yields under water‐stressed conditions. California Blackeye 5 was the highest seed‐yielding genotype under both water‐stressed and non‐water‐stressed conditions. The highest biological yield under non‐water‐stressed conditions was given by genotypes Two Crop Brown, White Acre and Elite, whereas under the water‐stressed condition genotypes Texas Cream 8, California Blackeye 5, and Mississippi Silver gave higher biological yield. Genotypes Quickpick Pinkeye and Elite were identified as early maturing genotypes. The harvest index (HI) varied significantly among genotypes, with Texas Cream 8 having the lowest HI. Cowpea genotypes which gave higher seed yield under water‐stressed conditions could play an important role in sustaining crop production in the Delmarva region.
The Exploitation of Crop Allelopathy in Sustainable Agricultural Production
Authors: Khanh T. D. , Chung M. I. , Xuan T. D. , Tawata S.
Published: September 2010

Crop allelopathy may be useful to minimize serious problems in the present agricultural production such as environmental pollution, unsafe products, human health concerns, depletion of crop diversity, soil sickness and reduction of crop productivity. Several crops including alfalfa, buckwheat, maize, rice, rye, sorghum, sunflower, wheat, etc. are affected either by their own toxicity or phytotoxin exudates when their residues decompose in the soil, that show strong suppression on weed emergences. Allelopathic crops when used as cover crop, mulch, smother crops, green manures, or grown in rotational sequences are helpful in reducing noxious weeds and plant pathogen, improve soil quality and crop yield. Those crop plants, particularly the legumes, incorporated at 1–2 tons ha−1 (alfalfa, buckwheat, rice by‐products), which can give weed reduction and increase of rice yield by 70 and 20 %, respectively, are suggested for use as natural herbicides. Allelochemicals from allelopathic crops may aid in the development of biological herbicides and pesticides. Cultivating a system with allelopathic crops plays an important role in the establishment of sustainable agriculture. The introduction of allelopathic traits from accessions with strong allelopathic potential to the target crops will enhance the efficacy of crop allelopathy in future agricultural production.
Acute immobilization stress in prone position in susceptible Pietrain and resistant Duroc pigs. I: comparison of protein degradation in Duroc and Pietrain pigs' skeletal muscle and liver
Authors: Rosochacki S. J. , Połoszynowicz J. , Piekarzewska A. B.
Published: September 2010

The experiment was conducted to determine the relationship between lysosomal proteinase activities in skeletal muscle and liver of stressed pigs. Six‐month‐old Duroc (D) and Pietrain (P) pigs were randomly assigned to either control (group I) or stressed groups (5 min of stress, group II; 15 min of stress, group III; 30 min of stress, group IV; 60 min of stress, group V). At slaughter, the longissimus dorsi muscle and the liver were taken. The tissues were analysed for cathepsin D, acid autolytic activities without and with pepstatin (inhibitor of cathepsin D) and leupeptin (inhibitor of cysteine proteinases). Both tissues were also analysed for RNA, DNA and protein content. The acute immobilization stress in the prone position caused changes in longissimus dorsi muscle in DNA (26% decrease in D and 35% increase in P pigs), functional cell size, protein/103DNA (FCS) (34% increase in D and 25% decrease in P pigs), increase in acid autolytic activity (AAA) (by 48.3%), pepstatin insensitive acid autolytic activity (PIA) (by 111.8%), leupeptin insensitive acid autolytic activity (LIA) (by 35.8%) in D, but in P pigs by 13.5%, 16.6% and 54%, respectively. The interaction between strain of pigs and stress was also observed, mostly in DNA and AAA's. In the liver, RNA was decreased by 10% in D and by 12.3% in P pigs, DNA by 13% and 24% in D and P pigs, FCS was increased by 13.2% in D and by 22.7% in P pigs; the activity of cathepsin D (CatD) and pepstatin sensitive cathepsin D (PSCatD) increased after 15 min of stress by 9.2% and 9.3% and LIA by 13.7% in D pigs but in P pigs the maximal increase was after 15 min of stress in AAA by 10.3%, in PIA by 13.6% and in LIA by 3.2%. The experiment showed that the proteinase activities in the two different strains of pigs were different. The highest changes were in AAA's in the longissimus dorsi muscle and in CatD and PSCatD in the liver. There was more CatD in the longissimus dorsi muscle and liver of D than P pigs. Although it should be taken with caution, this suggests that other proteinases may be also responsible for the catabolism of proteins.