bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modulation and Source of Procalcitonin in Reduced Renal Function and Renal Replacement Therapy
Authors: Herget‐Rosenthal S. , Klein T. , Marggraf G. , Hirsch T. , Jakob H.‐G. , Philipp T. , Kribben A.
Published: January 2005

Serum procalcitonin (PCT), an accurate marker of severe infection, is moderately increased in chronic kidney disease (CKD), peritoneal dialysis (PD) and haemodialysis (HD). We studied the extent of PCT elevation and factors accounting for elevated PCT in CKD and dialysis, and whether peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) contribute to increased PCT. In 37 controls, 281 CKD, 31 PD, and 65 HD patients without infection, PCT was measured and correlated with CKD stage, PD, HD, C‐reactive protein (CRP), cardiovascular disease (CVD) and other clinical parameters. PCT release by PBMC from controls, advanced CKD, PD and HD patients (12 subjects each) was measured. PCT increased in parallel to the deterioration of CKD. Oliguria, advanced CKD, PD, HD, CVD and elevated CRP were independently associated with PCT elevation. PCT release from PBMC significantly increased in advanced CKD, PD and HD. PCT release from PBMC correlated closely with the corresponding serum PCT values (r = 0.76, P < 0.001). In the absence of infection, PCT may increase due to reduced renal elimination and increased synthesis, as due to PBMC. Furthermore, serum PCT could serve as a marker of low‐grade inflammation and CVD, which substantially increase mortality in CKD and dialysis.
Distinct Leucocyte Redistribution After Glucocorticoid Treatment Among Difficult‐to‐Treat Asthmatic Patients
Authors: Karagiannidis C. , Rückert B. , Hense G. , Willer G. , Menz G. , Blaser K. , Schmidt‐Weber C. B.
Published: January 2005

Difficult‐to‐treat asthma (DTA) represents a heterogeneous subgroup of asthma. Up to now, the lack of specific diagnosis not only complicates appropriate specification and control of asthma, but also makes targeted research difficult. The aim of this study is to categorize this heterogeneous group of DTA patients (n = 27; referring to the GINA guidelines) based on the distinct leucocyte redistribution (LR) after glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. Furthermore, the effect of adjuvant therapies was investigated for its impact on LR. The frequency of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD14+, CD19+ and NK cells was analysed in peripheral blood before and 3 h after systemic GC treatment, along with the markers of activation HLA‐DR and CD25. Within 3 h of GC administration, a significant average decrease of 16% in CD3+CD4+ (P ≤ 0.001) and a 12% increase in NK‐cell frequency (P ≤ 0.001) clearly distinguished two groups of patients: LR‐responsive and LR‐unresponsive patients. The CD3+CD8+ T‐cell number and activation marker remained unchanged. Patients who received adjuvant therapy, such as methotrexate or interferon‐α, because of poor clinical response to GC showed an LR similar to that showed by responsive patients. DTA patients comprise at least two immunologically distinct groups: patients showing an immediate decrease in CD3+CD4+ T cells and an increase in NK cells following GC administration and patients lacking an immediate change. Analysis of LR not only may allow the identification of immunologic steroid resistance, but also may be of value for immunologic determination of effective steroid doses.
Interleukin‐6 Infusion During Human Endotoxaemia Inhibits In Vitro Release of the Urokinase Receptor from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells
Authors: Ostrowski S. R. , Plomgaard P. , Fischer C. P. , Steensberg A. S. , Møller K. , Høyer‐Hansen G. , Pedersen B. K. , Ullum H.
Published: January 2005

Leucocyte expression of the urokinase receptor [urokinase‐type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR)] is regulated by inflammatory mediators. This study investigated the in vivo effect of endotoxin, interleukin (IL)‐6 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α on uPAR‐release in vivo and in vitro in humans. Healthy subjects received intravenous endotoxin injection [high‐dose, 2 ng/kg (n = 8) and low‐dose, 0.06 ng/kg (n = 7)], coadministration of 0.06 ng/kg endotoxin and 3 h recombinant human (rh)IL‐6 infusion (n = 7) or 3 h infusion of rhIL‐6 (n = 6), rhTNF‐α (n = 6) or NaCl (n = 5). Soluble uPAR (suPAR) was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in plasma and supernatants from unstimulated and phytohaemagglutinin and lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) cultures incubated for 24 h. The spontaneous and stimulated uPAR‐release from PBMC cultures was enhanced 5 h after low‐dose endotoxin (both P < 0.05), but coadministration of rhIL‐6 during low‐dose endotoxaemia abolished this enhanced uPAR release. High‐dose endotoxin increased plasma suPAR levels (P < 0.001) whereas low‐dose endotoxin, rhIL‐6 or TNF‐α did not influence uPAR release in vivo to such degree that a systemic effect on the plasma suPAR level was detectable. Even subclinical doses of endotoxin in vivo enhance the capacity of PBMC to release uPAR after incubation in vitro. The inhibitory effect of IL‐6 on endotoxin‐mediated uPAR‐release in vitro suggests that IL‐6 has anti‐inflammatory effects on endotoxin‐mediated inflammation.
Immunoglobulin Isotype Profile of Tissue Transglutaminase Autoantibodies is Correlated with the Clinical Presentation of Coeliac Disease
Authors: Schilling J. , Spiekerkoetter U. , Wohlrab U. , Wendel U. , Seissler J.
Published: January 2005

Coeliac disease (CD) is characterized by the appearance of autoantibodies against tissue transglutaminase (tTG‐Ab). Immunoglobulin A (IgA) tTG‐Ab have been described as excellent diagnostic markers, but the Ig subclass distribution and the importance of isotype tTG‐Ab have not yet been established. In this study, using newly developed isotype‐ and subclass‐specific radioligand assays, we examined anti‐tTG IgA1, IgA2, IgG1, IgG4 and IgE antibodies in 30 symptomatic, untreated patients with CD and 22 subjects suspected to suffer from silent CD (sCD). Among 30 patients with CD, 27 (90.0%) were positive for IgA1 tTG‐Ab, whereas only 12 (40.0%) had autoantibodies of the IgA2 subclass (P < 0.001). IgG1, IgG4 and IgE tTG‐Ab were detected in 17 (56.6%), 0 and 3 (10.0%) individuals, respectively. IgA1 was also the predominant anti‐tTG subclass in patients with sCD (n = 20, 90.1%), followed by IgA2 antibodies (n = 7, 31.8%), IgG1 antibodies (n = 4, 18.2%), IgG4 antibodies (n = 1, 4.5%) and IgE antibodies (n = 1, 4.5%). The comparison between both groups revealed a significantly higher prevalence of IgG1 antibodies in patients with symptomatic CD (P < 0.01). In 10 of 11 subjects undergoing an intestinal biopsy, the diagnosis of an sCD was confirmed. In this subgroup, there was a positive association between the presence of IgA2 and IgG1 tTG‐Ab and severe (Marsh 2–3) mucosal abnormalities. In conclusion, patients with symptomatic and sCD predominantly have IgA1 tTG‐Ab. IgG1 tTG‐Ab are associated with symptomatic disease and, when present in patients with sCD, are correlated with a severe mucosal destruction. These data suggest that tTG‐Ab subclasses could reflect inflammatory events associated with epithelial destruction.
Influence on Spontaneous Tissue Inflammation by the Major Histocompatibility Complex Region in the Nonobese Diabetic Mouse
Authors: Lindqvist A.‐K. B. , Nakken B. , Sundler M. , Kjellén P. , Jonsson R. , Holmdahl R. , Skarstein K.
Published: January 2005

We investigated the role of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region in the specificity of autoimmunity by analysing specifically the development of sialadenitis, but also insulitis, nephritis and autoantibody production in autoimmune‐prone nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice where the MHC H2g7 haplotype had been exchanged for the H2q (NOD.Q) or H2p (NOD.P) haplotype. The exchange of H2 haplotype did not affect the frequency of sialadenitis because the H2q and H2p congenic NOD strains developed sialadenitis with the same incidence as NOD. However, the severity of sialadenitis varied among the strains, as NOD.Q > NOD > NOD.P. At 11–13 weeks of age, the NOD.Q (H2q) female mice developed more severe sialadenitis compared to NOD.P (H2p) (P = 0.038). At 20 weeks, the NOD (H2g7) female mice showed more severe sialadenitis than NOD.P (P = 0.049). This is in contrast to the development of insulitis in the present strains, because the incidence of insulitis was almost completely inhibited by the replacement of the H2g7 haplotype of NOD. The incidence of insulitis in NOD.Q was 11–22%, compared to 75% in NOD, which correlated well with lower titres of anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase (anti‐GAD) antibodies in NOD.Q compared to NOD (P = 0.009). However, the introduction of the H2q haplotype into the NOD strain instead directed the autoimmune response towards the production of lupus types of autoantibodies, because the incidence of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) in NOD.Q was 89% compared with 11% in NOD.P and 12% in NOD mice, which in turn correlated with a high incidence of nephritis in NOD.Q compared to NOD. Consequently, we show that different haplotypes of MHC are instrumental in directing the specificity of the spontaneous autoimmune inflammation.
Fireblight in the Po valley (Italy): the monitoring programmes of Emilia‐Romagna and Veneto regions1
Authors: Finelli F. , Contessi A. , Calzolari A. , Saccardi A. , Zecchin G. , Vettorazzo M.
Published: January 2005

Erwinia amylovora, causing fireblight, is a very important quarantine pest for Italy. Since the beginning of the 1980s, import of host plants from countries where the disease occurs has been limited and subjected to laboratory analyses. Fireblight was found for the first time in Puglia (southern Italy) in 1990. Following this finding, a national monitoring network was set up in order to find new cases as rapidly as possible. In 1994, the first outbreaks of fireblight were found in Emilia‐Romagna. In 1997, a severe epidemic spread throughout this region and the first cases were reported in the bordering regions Veneto and Lombardia. To face this new situation, additional specific local monitoring was set up. This article describes the operational and legislative measures taken in Emilia‐Romagna and Veneto to contain the disease in orchards, to allow marketing of healthy plants for planting and to regulate the movement of beehives.
Fireblight monitoring in Lithuania1
Authors: Baranauskaitė L.
Published: January 2005

Lithuania has requested that its whole territory should be recognized by the EU as a protected zone for Erwinia amylovora. Fireblight monitoring was performed in 1998/2002 with the aim of detecting and identifying the bacterium, and of determining its distribution in the country. The study consisted of periodic surveys (at least twice a year) of nurseries, orchards, collective farms and host plants, growing individually or in small groups, as well as the surrounding zone within a radius of 250 m. Tests, under conditions of quality control, were applied to host plants with and without symptoms, using detection methods such as ELISA and immunofluorescence (with polyclonal antibodies), semi‐selective plating and pathogenicity.
Official survey, in 2002, for detection of Erwinia amylovora in a proposed protected zone in Jihomoravsky region (Czech Republic)1
Authors: Vahala O.
Published: January 2005

Inspectors of the Czech NPPO surveyed the occurrence of fireblight Erwinia amylovora in an area of Jihomoravsky region (South Moravia) proposed as an EU protected zone, including 16 designated buffer zones around nurseries. The disease was not detected in communes where fireblight hosts are grown (nurseries, variety testing stations, orchards) or in buffer zones around nurseries. In 902 communes where fireblight hosts are grown only in orchards or not at all, wild host plants were inspected at 2.629 observation points (2137 located by GARMIN GPS). In Vyškov district, suspected fireblight was confirmed at one observation point on Crataegus, growing by a railway in Rousínov commune and, in the course of a delimiting survey outside observation points, in four other communes (Drnovice, Habrovany, Komořany and Vyškov).
First outbreaks of fireblight in Slovenia1
Authors: Knapic V. , Potocnik A. , Skerlavaj V. , Brecl A.
Published: January 2005

Slovenia was recognized as free from Erwinia amylovora until 2001. A low incidence of the disease was reported in 2001 and 2002 in the north‐west uplands of the Gorenjska region. In 2001, only 3 trees in extensive orchards were found positive at one location out of 791 monitoring locations all over the country. In 2002, the same location in Naklo and a second one in a 1‐km radius were found positive, whilst 875 other monitoring locations were fireblight‐free. Despite strict phytosanitary measures implemented after discovery of the first focus, the bacterium spread in 2003 to the entire Gorenjska region, with further spread towards eastern and southern Slovenia. The NPPO registered 184 new foci by the end of the season in Gorenjska. Twenty‐three foci are scattered in other regions. Phytosanitary measures were applied in every focus. Spread of the bacterium was probably enabled by favourable weather conditions, the presence of the inoculum and intensive bee‐hive movement, resulting in flower infections. Since eradication has not been successful, it is concluded that E. amylovora is now present at low prevalence in Slovenia.
Fireblight situation in Bulgaria and measures undertaken by the NPPO1
Authors: Dimitrova E. , Andreev L.
Published: January 2005

Fireblight disease, caused by Erwinia amylovora was first detected in Bulgaria on quince in the region of Plovdiv in 1989. The disease was initially localized in that area but, during 1995/1997, due to favourable climate conditions, it became epidemic. Infected trees were grubbed out and destroyed. The main hosts are quince and pear (over 40% of affected trees), then apple, medlar and Cotoneaster. Containment measures undertaken by the Bulgarian NPPO are laid down in the Plant Protection Law, in Phytosanitary Regulation no. 1 for phytosanitary control, and in Phytosanitary Regulation no. 5 of 1996 (amended 1997) for containment of fireblight. Phytosanitary control is mainly focused on fruit‐tree nurseries and on the distribution of healthy plants for planting. In 2003, 41 protected zones and 29 protected sectors within infested areas have been established.
Results of the detection survey for fireblight in Slovakia1
Authors: Siviček P.
Published: January 2005

Erwinia amylovora did not occur in Slovakia until 2003, as confirmed by the results of detection surveys and numerous tests. On this basis, Slovakia was recognized as a pest‐free area for E. amylovora by the EU. In the first half of 2003, the Slovak NPPO confirmed the first occurrence of this bacterial disease, in the south‐eastern part of the country. This article describes the detection survey which was then undertaken and the measures that were taken with the aim of eradicating the disease.
Prohexadione‐Ca induces resistance to fireblight and other diseases1
Authors: Rademacher W.
Published: January 2005

Prohexadione‐Ca is primarily used for the control of shoot growth in pome and other fruit trees. During its development, treated apple and pear trees were found to be significantly less affected by fireblight (Erwinia amylovora) and other pathogens, although prohexadione‐Ca is inactive as a bactericide or fungicide. Prohexadione is a structural mimic of 2‐oxoglutaric acid, and the distinct dioxygenases involved in gibberellin biosynthesis that require this compound as a cosubstrate are blocked. As a result, less growth‐active gibberellins are formed and treated plants remain compact. 2‐Oxoglutaric acid‐dependent dioxygenases are also involved in flavonoid metabolism. In shoots of apples and pears, prohexadione‐Ca causes considerable changes in the formation of flavonoids and their phenolic precursors by inhibiting flavanone 3‐hydroxylase. Convincing evidence is available that prohexadione‐Ca triggers pathogen resistance primarily by inducing the formation of 3‐deoxyflavonoids, in particular luteoforol, with phytoalexin‐like properties. Morphoregulatory effects caused by prohexadione‐Ca are only of secondary relevance. The simultaneous control of excessive shoot growth and shoot infections by fireblight is seen as a major advantage of using prohexadione‐Ca in pome fruit trees.
Yeasts as antagonists against fireblight
Authors: Seibold A. , Fried A. , Kunz S. , Moltmann E. , Lange E. , Jelkmann W.
Published: January 2005

Yeasts are potential antagonists of microorganisms in the phyllosphere. Due to their osmotolerance, they should also be able to colonize apple flowers. In field experiments, we applied yeast agents against fireblight at two different sites in the southern part of Germany. They showed efficiencies 0–20% below Plantomycin (streptomycin). Co‐culture experiments in liquid basal media with synthetic nectar resulted in suppression of Erwinia amylovora by yeast. This effect could not be confirmed with population studies of yeasts and E. amylovora in flower clusters. Field and laboratory experiments indicated that yeasts have antagonistic properties against fireblight but further research is needed to investigate this potential.
Détection moléculaire spécifique de la région vir du plasmide pTi d’Agrobacterium tumefaciens dans les sols et plants au Maroc
Authors: Benjama P.A. , El Gadda M. , El Boustani E. , El Modafar C. , Nesme X. , Cubero J.
Published: January 2005

Le meilleur moyen de contrôle du crown gall (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) est la prévention et donc la détection de la bactérie pathogène dans les sols prévus pour les pépinières. Pour cela nous avons essayé une approche moléculaire utilisant la PCR pour caractériser le plasmide pTi par le couple des amorces spécifiques F14/F44 dans les sols de diverses régions marocaines. Cette technique de détection représente un indicateur potentiel d’avertissement sur l’état d’infection des sols et plants par A. tumefaciens qui permet ainsi de déclencher la lutte biologique par le NoGall, produit commercial australien, hébergeant l’antagoniste K1026.
Official control of quarantine pests in the EPPO region
Authors: Smith I.M.
Published: January 2005

This explanatory document considers how the supplement on ‘official control’ of the Glossary of Phytosanitary Terms (ISPM no. 5) is implemented in the EPPO region, with particular reference to the use of the plant passport.
Low‐angle subgrain misorientations in deformed NaCl
Authors: PENNOCK G. M. , DRURY M. R.
Published: January 2005

The development of subgrain boundary misorientations with strain in NaCl polycrystals has been investigated. At low strains, a power law relationship exists between strain and average misorientations. The accuracy of this relationship is assessed in terms of material and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) processing parameters and is found to hold for a material of constant grain size deformed in compression, providing EBSD mapping and processing conditions were similar. Average misorientations are strongly influenced by grain orientation, suggesting that the misorientation–strain relationship may also be texture dependent in materials with high plastic anisotropy. A slight grain size dependency of the average misorientations was observed.
Estimation of dislocation densities in cold rolled Al‐Mg‐Cu‐Mn alloys by combination of yield strength data, EBSD and strength models
Authors: WANG S. C. , ZHU Z. , STARINK M. J.
Published: January 2005

Al‐Mg‐Cu‐Mn alloys have been developed for the packaging industry, in which large cold‐working deformations are normally applied that can produce high dislocation densities. In this study, we present a simplified model for the yield strength contributions and apply that to obtain the dislocation densities by determining the orientation factors, which can be obtained via the crystal information of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). One alloy subjected to three cold‐rolling reductions (10%, 40% and 90%) has been analysed by EBSD, and the density of dislocations are estimated using the strengthening model. This assessment suggests that dislocation densities by the Taylor model are roughly consistent but slightly lower than those determined by transmission electron microscopy.
Type‐II secretion pathway structural gene xpsE, xylanase‐ and cellulase secretion and virulence in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Sun Q. H. , Hu J. , Huang G. X. , Ge C. , Fang R. X. , He C. Z.
Published: January 2005

Rice bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae is one of the most important diseases in rice‐growing areas worldwide. Four virulence‐deficient mutants were identified from a transposon mutagenesis library of X. oryzae pv. oryzae. Sequence‐analysis revealed that the transposon of the four mutants inserted at different sites in the same ORF, which is homologous to the xpsE gene encoding a component of the type‐II secretion system in many bacterial pathogens. Extracellular enzymes, such as xylanase and cellulase, were not secreted to the extracellular space in the mutants. Analysis of the protein profile of the extracellular, periplasmic and intracellular fractions indicated that at least two secreted proteins accumulated in the periplasmic space in the mutants. After genetic complementation of these mutants with a functional xpsE gene, the xpsE gene could express normally and the pathogenicity of the mutants and their secretion of extracellular enzymes were restored. Western blot analysis with an anticellulase antiserum also showed that cellulase was secreted normally in the complemented strains. The results show that the type‐II secretion pathway structural gene xpsE is required for xylanase and cellulase secretion and full virulence in X. oryzae pv. oryzae.
Effect of soil inoculum level and environmental factors on potato powdery scab caused by Spongospora subterranea
Authors: Van De Graaf P. , Lees A. K. , Wale S. J. , Duncan J. M.
Published: January 2005

The effects of soil inoculum level and three environmental factors (soil type, soil moisture regime and temperature) on the incidence and severity of powdery scab caused by Spongospora subterranea were investigated in potato plants grown under controlled environmental conditions. Symptoms of powdery scab on tubers were assessed visually, after which DNA was extracted from tuber peelings and quantified in a real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay using primers and a TaqMan® probe specific to S. subterranea to establish tuber infection levels. Soil inoculum concentration of S. subterranea did not significantly affect the incidence and severity of either tuber infection or powdery scab symptoms at maturity. No significant differences in disease incidence and severity were found between sandy, loamy and clay soils, although the two lighter soils yielded more powdery scab than clay soil. Constant dampness of the soil resulted in significantly more disease than a fluctuating moisture regime. Infection and disease levels were high at all three temperatures tested (9, 12 and 17°C), but symptoms were most severe at 12°C. The percentage of plants with infected tubers did not increase after tuber initiation, although the amount of S. subterranea DNA detected in tubers and the severity of powdery scab symptoms increased in mature plants. Latent tuber infections were found to be common, especially under conditions suboptimal for disease development. This new information may be important for the prevention of powdery scab in potato‐growing areas around the world.
Morphological characterization of the interaction between Diplocarpon rosae and various rose species
Authors: Blechert O. , Debener T.
Published: January 2005

Blackspot, caused by Diplocarpon rosae, is the most severe and ubiquitous disease of garden roses, but information is lacking about genotype‐specific forms of resistance and susceptibility of the host. Macro‐ and microscopic analyses of 34 rose genotypes with a defined monoconidial culture black spot inoculum identified susceptible and resistant rose genotypes and further genotype‐specific subdivisions, indicating the presence of partial forms of resistance and different resistance mechanisms. In total, eight interaction types were characterized, five representing compatible (types 1–5) and three representing incompatible interactions (types 6–8). The incompatible interactions were characterized by the lack of any visible fungal structures beneath the cuticle (type 8), single‐cell necroses (type 7) or necroses of larger cell clusters (type 6), the latter two types with penetration hyphae and haustoria in epidermal cells.
Conservation biological control with the fungal pathogen Pandora neoaphidis: implications of aphid species, host plant and predator foraging
Authors: Ekesi S. , Shah P. A. , Clark S. J. , Pell J. K.
Published: January 2005

Abstract 1 Pandora neoaphidis is an important aphid‐specific fungal pathogen in temperate agroecosystems. Laboratory studies were carried out to obtain baseline data on factors that may affect its performance in conservation biological control.

2 Virulence of P. neoaphidis was assessed in dose–response bioassays against Microlophium carnosum on nettle, Uroleucon jaceae on knapweed, Acyrthosiphon pisum on bean and bird's‐foot trefoil Lotus corniculatus, and Metopolophium dirhodum on barley and Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus. The most susceptible aphid was A. pisum feeding on bean with an LD50 of 19 conidia per mm2, whereas U. jaceae had an LD50 of 104 conidia per mm2 and was least susceptible to infection.

3 The presence of foraging adult ladybirds, Coccinella septempunctata, increased transmission of P. neoaphidis from infected cadavers to apterae of M. carnosum, U. jacea, and A. pisum by 7–30% at the largest cadaver density tested. Adult coccinellids that had previously foraged on nettle, knapweed, bean or bird's‐foot trefoil transfered conidia to A. pisum on bean and induced infections in 2–13% of aphids.

4 Conidia of P. neoaphidis dispersed passively in the airstream from sporulating M. carnosum cadavers on nettle plants and initiated infections in A. pisum colonies feeding on bean (4–33%) or M. dirhodum on barley (3%) located within 1.0 m of the nettle source.

5 The results suggest that M. carnosum and A. pisum may be more useful as reservoirs for P. neoaphidis in noncrop and crop areas than U. jaceae or M. dirhodum, and infection and dispersal between habitats could be enhanced in the presence of coccinellids.
Genetic variation and origin of red turpentine beetle (Dendroctonus valensLeConte) introduced to the People's Republic of China
Authors: Cognato Anthony I. , Sun Jiang‐Hua , Anducho‐Reyes Miguel A. , Owen Donald R.
Published: January 2005

Abstract1 The red turpentine beetle,Dendroctonus valensLeConte, is a recent New World introduction to the People's Republic of China. An outbreak of these beetles has infested over 0.5 million hectares of pine forests.

2 Efforts are underway to suppress this outbreak using biological control measures. However, the wide distribution in the native range ofD. valenssuggests regional variation of the beetle's biology, predators, and parasitoids. Thus, knowledge of the origin of these beetles can help devise precise and effective control measures.

3 A portion of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene was sequenced for 218 individuals from 32 populations throughout the native range ofD. valensand in China.

4 Haplotype diversity was high. A total of 131 haplotypes were found and Jukes–Cantor corrected nucleotide difference ranged from 0 to 16%. Haplotype diversity ranged from 0.53 to 0.98 and unique haplotypes were found in most populations.

5 Parsimony and statistical parsimony analyses of these haplotypes support the hypothesis that the introduction ofD. valensto China was recent and originated from the Pacific North‐west of the U.S.A.

6 In addition, the high haplotype diversity also suggests a large or multiple introductions. However, based on the genetics of the beetle's reproductive behaviour, this diversity may also be explained by a limited number of individuals or introductions.
Spatial autocorrelation as a tool for identifying the geographical patterns of aphid annual abundance
Authors: Cocu Nadège , Harrington Richard , Hullé Maurice , Rounsevell Mark D. A.
Published: January 2005

Abstract 1 A spatial autocorrelation analysis was undertaken to investigate the spatial structure of annual abundance for the pest aphid Myzus persicae collected in suction traps distributed across north‐west Europe.

2 The analysis was applied at two different scales. The Moran index was used to estimate the degree of spatial autocorrelation at all sites within the study area (global level). The contributions of each site to the global index were identified by the use of a local indicator of spatial autocorrelation (LISA). A hierarchical cluster analysis was undertaken to highlight differences between groups of resulting correlograms.

3 Similarity between traps was shown to occur over large geographical distances, suggesting an impact of phenomena such as climatic gradients or land use types.

4 The presence of outliers and zones of similarity (hot‐spots) and of dissimilarity (cold‐spots) were identified indicating a strong impact of local effects.

5 Several groups of traps characterized by similarities in their local spatial structure (correlograms, value of Moran's Ii) also had similar values for land use variables (the area occupied by agricultural zones, forest and sea).

6 It is concluded that trap data can provide information about Myzus persicae that is representative of large geographical areas. Thus, trap data can be used to estimate the aerial abundance of this species, even if the suction traps are not regularly and densely distributed.
Quantification of consumption of corn pollen by the predator Coleomegilla maculata (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) during anthesis in an Illinois cornfield
Authors: Lundgren Jonathan G. , Huber Alison , Wiedenmann Robert N.
Published: January 2005

Abstract 1 Coleomegilla maculata DeGeer feeds on corn pollen in the field, but the degree to which this predator relies on corn pollen as part of its diet is not well understood. We quantified the amount of pollen consumed by C. maculata second, third and fourth instars and adults in the field.

2 Laboratory experiments were conducted to determine the digestion rate and duration of different stadia or stages using temperature regimens that reflected field conditions during anthesis. Coleomegilla maculata larvae and adults were collected from the field and the amount of pollen in their digestive tracts was determined gravimetrically. The rate of digestion, duration of each life stage and the field observations were used to estimate the amount of pollen consumed by second, third and fourth instars and adults.

3 Our models estimate that larvae consume 0.66, 1.67 and 3.30 mg of pollen during the second, third and fourth stadia, respectively. Adults consumed an estimated 13.15 mg during anthesis.

4 The relevance of our results to ecological risk assessment of transgenic insecticidal corn and predator life history strategies is discussed. The results presented here are a first attempt to quantify pollen consumption by a predator, and future areas of research are suggested.
Synthetic host volatiles increase efficacy of trap cropping for management of Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say)
Authors: Martel J. W. , Alford A. R. , Dickens J. C.
Published: January 2005

Abstract  1 The attractiveness of pitfall traps baited with a synthetic host volatile attractant to colonizing adult Colorado potato beetle, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Say) was evaluated in a field setting.

2 Significantly more postdiapause, colonizing adult L. decemlineata were captured in baited than unbaited pitfall traps.

3 The potential for this synthetic kairomone to enhance the efficacy of trap cropping as a management tool was evaluated by comparing conventionally managed plots with like‐sized plots bordered by either attractant‐treated trap crop or untreated trap crop.

4 More postdiapause, colonizing adults, egg masses and small larvae were present in attractant‐treated trap crops than in untreated trap crops.

5 There were no significant differences in egg mass and small larvae densities between plots bordered by attractant‐treated trap crops and conventionally managed plots, but there were significantly fewer large larvae and adult beetles in conventionally managed plots.

6 Plant canopy area of conventionally managed plots was significantly greater than in plots bordered by either type of trap crop.

7 Yields for conventionally managed plots and plots bordered by attractant‐treated trap crops did not differ, and less insecticide (44%) was applied to plots bordered by attractant‐treated trap crops.
Plant growth promotion abilities and microscale bacterial dynamics in the rhizosphere of Lupin analysed by phytate utilization ability
Authors: Unno Yusuke , Okubo Kenzo , Wasaki Jun , Shinano Takuro , Osaki Mitsuru
Published: January 2005

In the rhizosphere, phosphorus (P) levels are low because of P uptake into the roots. Rhizobacteria live on carbon (C) exuded from roots, and may contribute to plant nutrition by liberating P from organic compounds such as phytates. We isolated over 300 phytate (Na‐inositol hexa‐phosphate; Na‐IHP)‐utilizing bacterial strains from the rhizosheath and the rhizoplane of Lupinus albus (L.). Almost all of the isolates were classified as Burkholderia based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis. Rhizosheath isolates cultured with Na‐IHP as the only source of C and P showed lower P uptake at the same extracellular phytase activity than rhizoplane strains, suggesting that bacteria from the rhizosheath utilized phytate as a C source. Many isolates also utilized insoluble phytate (Al‐IHP and/or Fe‐IHP). In co‐culture with Lotus japonicus seedlings, some isolates promoted plant growth significantly.
Serial analysis of V6 ribosomal sequence tags (SARST‐V6): a method for efficient, high‐throughput analysis of microbial community composition
Authors: Kysela David T. , Palacios Carmen , Sogin Mitchell L.
Published: January 2005

Serial analysis of ribosomal sequence tags (SARST) is a novel technique for characterizing microbial community composition. The SARST method captures sequence information from concatemers of short 16S rDNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplicons from complex populations of DNA. Here, we describe a similar method, serial analysis of V6 ribosomal sequence tags (SARST‐V6), which targets the V6 hypervariable  region  of  bacterial  16S  rRNA  genes. The SARST‐V6 technique exploits internal primer sequences to generate compatible restriction digest overhangs, thereby improving upon the efficiency of SARST. Serial analysis of V6 ribosomal sequence tags of bacterial community composition in hydrothermal marine sediments from Guaymas Basin resembled results of cloning and sequencing of single, full‐length PCR products from ribosomal RNA genes of the same microbial community. Both methods identified the same major bacterial groups, but only SARST‐V6 recovered thermodesulfobacteria and γ‐proteobacteria sequences, while only full‐length PCR product cloning recovered candidate division OP11 se‐quences. There were differences in the relative frequencies of some phylotypes. The disparities reflect differences in the amplicon pool obtained during initial amplification that may result from different primer affinities or DNA degradation. These results demonstrate the utility of SARST‐V6 in collecting taxonomically informative data for high‐throughput analysis of microbial communities.
Bioreductive deposition of palladium (0) nanoparticles onShewanella oneidensiswith catalytic activity towards reductive dechlorination of polychlorinated biphenyls
Authors: Windt Wim De , Aelterman Peter , Verstraete Willy
Published: January 2005

Microbial reduction of soluble Pd(II) by cells ofShewanella oneidensisMR‐1 and of an autoaggregating mutant (COAG) resulted in precipitation of palladium Pd(0) nanoparticles on the cell wall and inside the periplasmic space (bioPd). As a result of biosorption and subsequent bioreduction of Pd(II) with H2, formate, lactate, pyruvate or ethanol as electron donors, recoveries higher than 90% of Pd associated with biomass could be obtained. The bioPd(0) nanoparticles thus obtained had the ability to reductively dehalogenate polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners in aqueous and sediment matrices. Bioreduction was observed in assays with concentrations up to 1000 mg Pd(II) l−1with depletion of soluble Pd(II) of 77.4% and higher. More than 90% decrease of PCB 21 (2,3,4‐chloro biphenyl) coupled to formation of its dechlorination products PCB 5 (2,3‐chloro biphenyl) and PCB 1 (2‐chloro biphenyl) was obtained at a concentration of 1 mg l−1within 5 h at 28°C. Bioreductive precipitation of bioPd byS. oneidensiscells mixed with sediment samples contaminated with a mixture of PCB congeners, resulted in dechlorination of both highly and lightly chlorinated PCB congeners adsorbed to the contaminated sediment matrix within 48 h at 28°C. Fifty milligrams per litre of bioPd resulted in a catalytic activity that was comparable to 500 mg l−1commercial Pd(0) powder. The high reactivity of 50 mg l−1bioPd in the soil suspension was reflected in the reduction of the sum of seven most toxic PCBs to 27% of their initial concentration.
Detecting active methanogenic populations on rice roots using stable isotope probing
Authors: Lu Yahai , Lueders Tillmann , Friedrich Michael W. , Conrad Ralf
Published: January 2005

Methane is formed on rice roots mainly by CO2 reduction. The present study aimed to identify the active methanogenic populations responsible for this process. Soil‐free rice roots were incubated anaerobically under an atmosphere of H2/13CO2 or N2/13CO2 with phosphate or carbonate (marble) as buffer medium. Nucleic acids were extracted and fractionated by caesium trifluoroacetate equilibrium density gradient centrifugation after 16‐day incubation. Community analyses were performed for gradient fractions using terminal restriction fragment polymorphism analysis (T‐RFLP) and sequencing of the 16S rRNA genes. In addition, rRNA was extracted and analysed at different time points to trace the community change during the 16‐day incubation. The Methanosarcinaceae and the yet‐uncultured archaeal lineage Rice Cluster‐I (RC‐I) were predominant in the root incubations when carbonate buffer and N2 headspace were used. The analysis of [13C]DNA showed that the relative 16S rRNA gene abundance of RC‐I increased whereas that of the Methanosarcinaceae decreased with increasing DNA buoyant density, indicating that members of RC‐I were more active than the Methanosarcinaceae. However, an unexpected finding was that RC‐I was suppressed in the presence of high H2 concentrations (80%, v/v), which during the early incubation period caused a lower CH4 production compared with that with N2 in the headspace. Eventually, however, CH4 production increased, probably because of the activity of Methanosarcinaceae, which became prevalent. Phosphate buffer appeared to inhibit the activity of the Methanosarcinaceae, resulting in lower CH4 production as compared with carbonate buffer. Under these conditions, Methanobacteriaceae were the prevalent methanogens. Our study suggests that the active methanogenic populations on rice roots change in correspondence to the presence of H2 (80%, v/v) and the type of buffer used in the system.
Succession of bacterial community structure and diversity in a paddy soil oxygen gradient
Authors: Noll Matthias , Matthies Diethart , Frenzel Peter , Derakshani Manigee , Liesack Werner
Published: January 2005

Cultivation‐independent techniques were applied to assess the succession and phylogenetic composition of bacterial communities in a vertical oxygen gradient in flooded, unplanted paddy soil microcosms. Microsensor measurements showed that within 6 h of flooding, oxygen was depleted from 200 µM at the floodwater‐soil interface to undetectable amounts at a depth of approximately 2 mm and below. The gradient was quite stable over time, although the oxygen depletion was less pronounced 84 days than 6 h after flooding. Community fingerprint patterns were obtained by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) analysis from the oxic, transition, and anoxic zones of triplicate soil microcosms at 0, 1 and 6 h, and 1, 2, 7, 21, 30, 42, 84, and 168 days after flooding. Correspondence analyses revealed that T‐RFLP patterns obtained using either community DNA or RNA were affected by time and oxygen zone, and that there was a significant interaction between the effects of time and oxygen zone. The temporal dynamics of bacterial populations were resolved more clearly using RNA than using DNA. At the RNA level, successional community dynamics were most pronounced from 1 h to 2 days and less pronounced from 2 to 21 days after flooding, for both oxic and anoxic zones. No effect of time or oxygen zone on the community dynamics was observed from 21 to 168 days after flooding. Dominant early successional populations were identified by cloning and comparative sequence analysis of environmental 16S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes as members of the Betaproteobacteria  (oxic  zone)  and  the  clostridial  cluster I (anoxic zone). Dominant late successional populations belonged to the Verrucomicrobia and Nitrospira (detected mainly in the oxic zone), and to the Myxococcales (detected mainly in the anoxic zone). In conclusion, the bacterial community developed through successional stages, leading at the RNA level to almost stable community patterns within 21 days after flooding. This principal finding, in combination with the phylogenetic identity of early‐ and late‐appearing populations, suggests that the community dynamics can be explained by the principles of r‐ and K‐selection.
Diversity and vertical distribution of cultured and uncultured Deltaproteobacteria in an intertidal mud flat of the Wadden Sea
Authors: Mußmann Marc , Ishii Kousuke , Rabus Ralf , Amann Rudolf
Published: January 2005

The diversity and distribution of Deltaproteobacteria in an intertidal mud flat of the German Wadden Sea was characterized by molecular biological techniques and cultivation. A 16S rRNA gene library generated with general primers (303 clones) suggested that sulfate‐reducing bacteria (SRB) related to Desulfobulbaceae and Desulfosarcina were abundant. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with probes targeting these groups was used to characterize their vertical distribution. The combination of FISH with catalysed reporter deposition (CARD–FISH) significantly enhanced the detection of selected subgroups of Deltaproteobacteria, particularly in deeper sediment layers. Up to 11% of all cells were assigned to SRB. Organisms related to Desulfosarcina and Desulfobulbaceae were the dominant SRB in the surface sediments. Two abundant subpopulations of Desulfosarcina‐related bacteria were identified by FISH. The SRB community differed between the sampling site and a sandy intertidal flat chosen as a reference. Enrichments and MPN cultures inoculated with surface sediment were monitored by FISH. Nine strains of Deltaproteobacteria were isolated. Four strains were related to Desulfobulbaceae, such as Desulfobacterium catecholicum and Desulfocapsa spp. A subgroup including clone sequences and strains related to D. catecholicum could be detected in situ by a specific FISH probe. The first physiological experiments suggested specific functional roles for the isolates. Two strains utilized environmentally relevant compounds in coastal areas such as catechol and nitrate. One strain related to Desulfocapsa spp. disproportionated thiosulfate and might thus contribute to the sulfur isotope fractionation at the study site. A Fe(III)‐reducing strain was obtained that affiliated with the Pelobacter–Desulphuromonas group. This group accounted for up to 6% of total cell numbers and even exceeded SRB numbers in upper sediment layers. These bacteria might substantially contribute to carbon mineralization via dissimilatory reduction of, e.g. Fe(III).
Molecular characterization of cyanobacterial diversity in a shallow eutrophic lake
Authors: Zwart Gabriel , Kamst‐van Agterveld Miranda P. , Van Der Werff‐Staverman Irene , Hagen Ferry , Hoogveld Hans L. , Gons Herman J.
Published: January 2005

We have studied the diversity of pelagic cyanobacteria in Lake Loosdrecht, the Netherlands, through recovery and analysis of small subunit ribosomal RNA gene sequences from lake samples and cyanobacterial isolates. We used an adapted protocol for specific amplification of cyanobacterial rDNA for denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis. This protocol enabled direct comparison of cyanobacterial community profiles with overall bacterial profiles. The theoretical amplification specificity of the primers was supported by sequence analysis of DNA from excised DGGE bands. Sequences recovered from these bands, in addition to sequences obtained by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and cloning from lake DNA as well as from cyanobacterial isolates from the lake, revealed a diverse consortium of  cyanobacteria,  among  which are  representatives  of the genera Aphanizomenon, Planktothrix, Microcystis and Synechococcus. One numerically important and persistent cyanobacterium in the lake, Prochlorothrix hollandica, appeared to co‐occur with an unknown but related species. However, the lake is dominated by filamentous species that originally have been termed ‘Oscillatoria limnetica‐like’. We show that this is a group of several related cyanobacteria, co‐occurring in the lake, which belong to the Limnothrix/Pseudanabaena group. The available variation among the coexisting strains of this group can explain the persistent dominance of the group under severe viral pressure.
COMPETITION, VARIETY AND THE GEOGRAPHY OF TECHNOLOGY EVOLUTION
Authors: ESSLETZBICHLER JÜRGEN , RIGBY DAVID
Published: January 2005

Change in evolutionary economics proceeds through the creative destruction of variety in firm characteristics. Firm routines, relational assets and the institutional environments in which firms operate shape the creation and destruction of variety. Despite the centrality of the concept of variety in evolutionary economics, analysis of the extent and the persistence of firm heterogeneity is rare. Notwithstanding the theoretical pronouncements of economic geographers who champion the difference that space makes, empirical investigation of firm variety over space is even rarer still. This paper attempts to remedy some of these empirical shortcomings exploring the spatial evolution of variety in techniques of production within three US manufacturing industries. The results suggest that technological variety exists and persists over time and that geography explains a significant portion of this variation.