bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipoprotein assembly and function in an evolutionary perspective
Authors: Van der Horst Dick J. , Rodenburg Kees W.
Published: June 2010

Circulatory fat transport in animals relies on members of the large lipid transfer protein (LLTP) superfamily, including mammalian apolipoprotein B (apoB) and insect apolipophorin II/I (apoLp-II/I). ApoB and apoLp-II/I, constituting the structural (non-exchangeable) basis for the assembly of various lipoproteins, acquire lipids through microsomal triglyceride-transfer protein, another LLTP family member, and bind them by means of amphipathic α-helical and β-sheet structural motifs. Comparative research reveals that LLTPs evolved from the earliest animals and highlights the structural adaptations in these lipid-binding proteins. Thus, in contrast to apoB, apoLp-II/I is cleaved post-translationally by a furin, resulting in the appearance of two non-exchangeable apolipoproteins in the single circulatory lipoprotein in insects, high-density lipophorin (HDLp). The remarkable structural similarities between mammalian and insect lipoproteins notwithstanding important functional differences relate to the mechanism of lipid delivery. Whereas in mammals, partial delipidation of apoB-containing lipoproteins eventually results in endocytic uptake of their remnants, mediated by members of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) family, and degradation in lysosomes, insect HDLp functions as a reusable lipid shuttle capable of alternate unloading and reloading of lipid. Also, during muscular efforts (flight activity), an HDLp-based lipoprotein shuttle provides for the transport of lipid for energy generation. Although a lipophorin receptor – a homolog of LDLR – was identified that mediates endocytic uptake of HDLp during specific developmental periods, the endocytosed lipoprotein appears to be recycled in a transferrin-like manner. These data highlight that the functional adaptations in the lipoprotein lipid carriers in mammals and insects also emerge with regard to the functioning of their cognate receptors.
Estrogen regulation of X-box binding protein-1 and its role in estrogen induced growth of breast and endometrial cancer cells
Authors: Sengupta Surojeet , Sharma Catherine G.N. , Jordan V. Craig
Published: June 2010

Background: X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), a transcription factor involved in unfolded protein response, is also an estrogen-regulated gene and strongly correlates with estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) expression in breast cancers. We investigated the functional role of XBP1 in estrogen responsive breast and endometrial cancer cells as its functions are not fully understood.

Materials and methods: ERα positive breast (MCF7) and endometrial (ECC1) cancer cells were used to study XBP1 gene regulation by 17-β-estradiol (E2) and to investigate the role of XBP1 in E2-mediated growth using short interfering RNA. Quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot were used to assess RNA and protein levels. Recruitment of ERα and other cofactors at the promoter and enhancer region of the XBP1 gene was investigated by chromatin immunoprecipitation. Estrogen responsive element (ERE)-mediated transcriptional activity was evaluated by a luciferase reporter assay.

Results: E2 induced the transcription of XBP1 in both MCF7 and ECC1 cells. E2-dependent recruitment of ERα, steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)-1 and SRC-3, and RNA polymerase II were observed at the promoter and/or enhancer region of the XBP1 gene. Depletion of XBP1 markedly inhibited the E2-induced growth in MCF7 and ECC1 cells. However, ERE-mediated transcription was not altered in XBP1-overexpressing or XBP1-depleted MCF7 cells.

Conclusion: Our results confirm E2-induced transcription of XBP1 and demonstrate the crucial role of XBP1 in E2-induced growth of ERα positive breast and endometrial cancer cells without modulating the classical ERE-mediated transcription by ER. This knowledge creates new opportunities for therapeutic interventions.
Effect of long-term topical application of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and oral estrogens on morphology, cell proliferation, procollagen A1 and androgen receptor levels in rat skin
Authors: Berger Louise , El-Alfy Mohamed , Martel Céline , Labrie Fernand
Published: June 2010

Background: After cessation of estrogen secretion by the ovaries at menopause, all estrogens and almost all androgens acting in the skin of postmenopausal women are synthesized locally from dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a prohormone of adrenal origin that progressively declines with age.

Objective: To better understand the effects of DHEA on the skin, ovariectomized (OVX) rats were treated for 9 months with local topical application of DHEA compared with oral conjugated equine estrogens.

Materials and methods: Morphological evaluation, immunohistochemistry for androgen receptor (AR) and Cdc47 proliferation marker, and in situ hybridization for procollagen A1 were performed on dorsal skin.

Results: Local topical DHEA application increased the thickness of the granular cell layer and total epidermis in OVX animals, whereas systemic estrogens had no significant effect. Although DHEA did not affect total dermal thickness, a 190% increase in dermal procollagen A1 mRNA was observed. Moreover, DHEA treatment decreased hypodermal thickness by 47% and increased skin muscle thickness by 58%. In the epidermis, DHEA induced a non-significant increase in cell proliferation, whereas AR labeling was increased in both the epidermis and dermis by DHEA.

Conclusions: Although estrogens did not significantly modify any of the above-mentioned parameters, the androgenic action of DHEA induced significant changes in all skin layers, without any sign of toxicity or lack of tolerance to DHEA after a 9-month local application of 4% (80 mg/kg) DHEA on the skin.
Effect of trenbolone acetate plus estradiol on transcriptional regulation of metabolism pathways in bovine liver
Authors: Becker Christiane , Riedmaier Irmgard , Reiter Martina , Tichopad Ales , Pfaffl Michael W. , Meyer Heinrich H.D.
Published: June 2010

Background: The use of anabolic steroids is forbidden for food producing animals in the EU. Owing to the advantages of anabolics for production profitability, illegal application is appealing. Anabolics are known to influence gene expression of several tissues. We focused on the liver because of its important role in nutrient and hormone metabolism. The aim of the present study was to find differentially regulated metabolic pathways, which might be used as treatment biomarkers.

Material and methods: A total of 18 Nguni heifers were allocated equally to a control group and a treatment group and were implanted with Revalor H. Expression of 34 target genes was measured using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results: Upregulation of androgen receptor and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and downregulation of IGF-2, insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2, steroid hormone binding globulin, insulin receptor α, insulin receptor β, tyrosine aminotransferase, 17β-hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase 2,3-hydroxy-methylglutaryl-coenzym-A-synthase, cathepsin B, hepatocyte growth factor, steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, apolipoprotein 2 and tumor necrosis factor α was demonstrated.

Conclusion: Several biochemical pathways showed different regulations on mRNA level under the influence of trenbolone acetate plus estradiol. The inhibition of nutrient metabolism and protein breakdown seems to support growth processes. IGF-1 plays an important role in growth and development and thus the upregulation of IGF-1 could be responsible for the stimulation of growth in treated animals. The upregulation of IGF-1 could also be revealed as a possible risk factor for the generation of artherosclerotic plaques, which are known as long-term side effects following the use of anabolic steroids. Principal components analysis of RT-qPCR results showed that both groups arrange together and can be clearly separated. Therefore, these might be used as possible biomarkers in bovine liver.
The Palatine dwelling of the mater familias: houses as symbolic space in the Julio-Claudian period
Authors: Foubert Lien
Published: June 2010

The physical domus represented the status of imperial women and their position in society. Just like the male residence, the female residence was a lieu de mémoire. Activities taking place within the house were often evaluated along the lines of the ideal of female conduct. Livia′s actions on the Palatine Hill show that she was well aware of the symbolic power of her residence and of the importance of presenting herself as being in agreement with the traditional standards for female behaviour. The celebration of Diva Augusta on the Palatine and the preservation of (a part of) the Domus Augusti, first as the living space of the matres familias of the Julio-Claudian dynasty and later as an object of veneration, shows that the Palatine structure should not only be seen as the living space of emperors. The female component was just as present and played a role in the creation of lieux de mémoire.
The interaction of modified histones with the bromodomain testis-specific (BRDT) gene and its mRNA level in sperm of fertile donors and subfertile men
Authors: Steilmann Cornelia , Cavalcanti Márcia C O , Bartkuhn Marek , Pons-Kühnemann Jörn , Schuppe Hans-Christian , Weidner Wolfgang , Steger Klaus , Paradowska Agnieszka
Published: June 2010

As histone modifications have been suggested to be involved in the regulation of gene expression after fertilisation, the present study aimed to analyze the interaction between the bromodomain testis-specific (BRDT) gene and differentially modified histones in human spermatozoa. The BRDT transcript level was studied to identify possible correlations between epigenetic changes, mRNA level and subfertility associated with impaired sperm chromatin condensation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was performed with ejaculates from fertile and subfertile men using antibodies against specifically acetylated and methylated histone H3. Immunoprecipitated DNA was analysed by real-time quantitative PCR with primer pairs for BRDT. The BRDT mRNA level was screened by real-time RT-PCR. ChIP assay revealed co-localisation of acetylated and methylated histones within promoter and exon regions of the BRDT gene in fertile men. Interestingly, reduced binding of investigated modified histone modifications was observed in the BRDT promoter of subfertile patients. Different mRNA levels of BRDT have been detected in a group of infertile patients, as well as in fertile men. Enrichment of methylated histones within the BRDT promoter of fertile sperm suggests that this epigenetic mark may cause repression of BRDT after fertilisation, and may be changed in infertile patients. Our data suggest that reduced histone methylation in the promoter of BRDT may be associated with increased transcript levels in subfertile patients.
Comparison of Two Scoring Systems for Evaluation of Treatment Outcome in Patients with Complete Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate
Authors: Bartzela Theodosia , Leenarts Charlotte , Bronkhorst Ewald , Borstlap Wilfred , Katsaros Christos , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie
Published: June 2010

Objective

To compare two scoring systems: the Huddart/Bodenham system (HB system) and the Bauru-BCLP yardstick (BCLP yardstick), which classify treatment outcome in terms of dental arch relationships in patients with complete bilateral cleft lip and palate (CBCLP). The predictive value of these scoring systems for treatment outcome was also evaluated.

Design

Retrospective longitudinal study.

Patients

Dental arch relationships of 43 CBCLP patients were evaluated at 6, 9, and 12 years.

Setting

Treatment outcome in BCLP patients using two scoring systems.

Main Outcome Measures

For each age group, the HB scores were correlated with the BCLP yardstick scores using Spearman's correlation coefficient. The predictive value of the two scoring systems was evaluated by backward regression analysis.

Results

Intraobserver Kappa values for the BCLP yardstick scoring for the two observers were .506 and .627, respectively, and the interobserver reliability ranged from .427 and .581. The intraobserver reliability for the HB system ranged from .92 to .97 and the interobserver reliability from .88 to .96. The BCLP yardstick scores of 6 and 9 years together were predictors for the outcome at 12 years (explained variance 41.3%). Adding the incisor and lateral HB scores in the regression model increased the explained variance to 67%.

Conclusions

The BCLP yardstick and the HB system are reliable scoring systems for evaluation of dental arch relationships of CBCLP patients. The HB system categorizes treatment outcome into similar categories as the BCLP yardstick. In case a more sensitive measure of treatment outcome is needed, selectively both scoring systems should be used.
Long-Term Survival in Patients with Metastatic Melanoma Treated with DTIC or Temozolomide
Authors: Kim Christina , Lee Christopher W. , Kovacic Laurel , Shah Amil , Klasa Richard , Savage Kerry J.
Published: June 2010

Background.

Patients with metastatic melanoma typically have a poor outcome; however, a small proportion of patients achieve long-term survival (LTS). It is unclear how often LTS is related to sensitivity to chemotherapy.

Methods.

All patients with metastatic melanoma treated with either dacarbazine (DTIC) or temozolomide (TMZ) at the British Columbia Cancer Agency (BCCA) from January 1, 1988 to February 1, 2006 were identified through the BCCA pharmacy electronic database, which was then linked to the surveillance and outcomes unit to identify patients with LTS, defined as survival ≥18 months following chemotherapy.

Results.

In total, 397 patients were treated with either DTIC (n = 349) or TMZ (n = 48) and 43 patients (10.8%) were identified with LTS. Two additional patients with LTS were added prior to 1988 for a total of 45 patients. The 5-year overall and progression-free survival rates for patients with LTS were 33% and 16%, respectively. In total, 16% had a complete response (CR) to chemotherapy, which was the only factor identified that correlated with survival in the multivariate analysis. However, most patients with LTS had an incomplete response to chemotherapy.

Conclusions.

LTS occurs in select patients who achieve a CR to chemotherapy. However, this occurs in only a minority of patients and, in most cases, the longer survival is likely the result of indolent disease biology or host factors.
Climate warming and predation risk during herbivore ontogeny
Authors: Barton Brandon T.
Published: June 2010

Phenological effects of climate change are expected to differ among species, altering interactions within ecological communities. However, the nature and strength of these effects can vary during ontogeny, so the net community‐level effects will be the result of integration over an individual's lifetime. I resolved the mechanism driving the effects of warming and spider predation risk on a generalist grasshopper herbivore at each ontogenetic stage and quantified the treatment effects on a measure of reproductive fitness. Spiders caused nymphal grasshoppers to increase the proportion of herbs in their diet, thus having a positive indirect effect on grasses and a negative indirect effect on herbs. Warming strengthened the top‐down effect by affecting spiders and grasshoppers differently. In cooler, ambient conditions, grasshoppers and spiders had a high degree of spatial overlap within the plant canopy. Grasshopper position was unaffected by temperature, but spiders moved lower in the canopy in response to warming. This decreased the spatial overlap between predator and prey, allowing nymphal grasshoppers to increase daily feeding time. While spiders decreased grasshopper growth and reproductive fitness in ambient conditions, spiders had no effect on grasshopper fitness in warmed treatments. The study demonstrates the importance of considering the ontogeny of behavior when examining the effects of climate change on trophic interactions.
Effect of Flumazenil on Disturbance of Equilibrium Function Induced by Midazolam
Authors: Maeda S. , Miyawaki T. , Higuchi H. , Shimada M.
Published: June 2010

Benzodiazepines in intravenous sedation are useful, owing to their outstanding amnesic effect when used for oral surgery as well as dental treatments on patients with intellectual disability or dental phobia. However, compared with propofol, the effect of benzodiazepine lasts longer and may impede discharge, especially when it is administered orally because of fear of injections. Although flumazenil antagonizes the effects of benzodiazepine quickly, its effect on the equilibrium function (EF) has never been tested. Since EF is more objective than other tests, the purpose of this study is to assess the sedation level and EF using a computerized static posturographic platform. The collection of control values was followed by the injection of 0.075 mg/kg of midazolam. Thirty minutes later, 0.5 mg or 1.0 mg of flumazenil was administered, and the sedation level and EF were measured until 150 minutes after flumazenil administration. Flumazenil antagonized sedation, and there was no apparent resedation; however, it failed to antagonize the disturbance in EF. This finding may be due to differences in the difficulty of assessing the sedation level and performing the EF test, and a greater amount of flumazenil may effectively antagonize the disturbance in EF.
Understanding the Lived Experiences of Patients: Application of a Phenomenological Approach to Ethics
Authors: Greenfield Bruce H. , Jensen Gail M.
Published: June 2010

This perspective article provides a justification, with an overview, of the use of phenomenological inquiry and the interpretation into the everyday ethical concerns of patients with disabilities. Disability is explored as a transformative process that involves physical, cognitive, and moral changes. This perspective article discusses the advantages of phenomenology to supplement and enhance the principlist process of ethical decision making that guides much of contemporary medical practice, including physical therapy. A phenomenological approach provides a more contextual approach to ethical decision making through probing, uncovering, and interpreting the meanings of “stories” of patients. This approach, in turn, provides for a more coherent and genuine application of ethical principles within the “textured life-world” of patients and their evolving values as they grapple with disability to make ethical and clinical decisions. The article begins with an in-depth discussion of the current literature about the phenomenology of people with disability. This literature review is followed by a discussion of the traditional principlist approach to making ethical decisions, which, in turn, is followed by a discussion of phenomenology and its tools for use in clinical inquiry and interpretation of the experiences of patients with disabilities. A specific case is presented that illustrates specific tools of phenomenology to uncover the moral context of disability from the perspective of patients. The article concludes with a discussion of clinical, educational, and research implications of a phenomenological approach to ethics and clinical decision making.
Effect of Peanut Blanching Protocols on Bed and Seed Temperatures, Seed Moisture, and Blanchability1
Authors: Adelsberg G. D. , Sanders T. H.
Published: June 2010

Medium commercial size, runner-type peanuts were heated in an air flow direction-controlled lab scale oven to simulate an industrial multizone dryer used in peanut blanching. Nine blanching protocols consisting of three heating times (30,45, and 60 min) factorially paired with three final oven set point temperatures (76.7, 87.8, and 98.9 C achieved from 32.2 C over six heating zones) were tested for effects on blanchability, moisture content, and temperature variation within individual seed and within the bed of peanuts. Temperature through the peanut bed varied as air flow (76.2 m/min) was reversed in alternating zones. Bed temperature variation during the heating process was highest in the 30-min protocols where the maximum difference between the top and bottom of the bed reached 17.6 C. Temperature variations decreased in the 45- and 60-min protocols; however, maximum differences as high as 8.1 C were consistently found. Bed temperature variation was related to air flow direction with higher temperatures in the peanuts nearest the air/heat source. Peanuts opposite the air flow direction did not reach the desired maximum temperature in the last zone of any protocol. Seed temperature variation was as much as 5 C between the seed surface and 3.14 mm into the seed. Seed moisture decreased from ca. 5.5% to a low of 2.94% in the 60 min/ 98.9 C protocol. Blanchability reached an upper limit of 71 to 75% in the 45- and 60-min protocols at 87.7 C and all of the protocols at 98.9 C. Blanchability was unrelated to magnitude of temperature variation in either seed or within the bed. Blanchability correlated positively with final oven set point temperature and negatively with final moisture content when moisture content was above 3.8%.
Impact of Row Spacing and Planting Date on the Canopy Environment, Abundance of Lesser Cornstalk Borer and Other Arthropods, and Incidence of Aflatoxigenic Fungi in Peanuts
Authors: Stewart S. D. , Boweri K. L. , Mack T. P. , Edwards J. H.
Published: June 2010

Three row spacings and two planting dates for peanuts, Arachis hypogaea L., were examined in 1993 and 1994 to determine the influence of the canopy environment on lesser cornstalk borer, Elasmopalpus lignosellus (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), other arthropods, and alflatoxigenic fungi. Climatically, 1993 and 1994 were disparate years. Decreasing row spacing increased relative leaf area and light interception by the canopy but, compared to difference between planting dates or years, had a relatively small impact on soil temperatures and relative humidity within the canopy. Late planting produced smaller plants, retarded canopy development, and reduced yield in both years, but especially in 1993 when it was hot and dry. The wide row spacing did not yield as well as twin and normal row spacings in either year. Lesser cornstalk borer damage and aflatoxin concentration were higher in the late planting than in the early planting of 1993, but were unaffected by row spacing. Fewer predatory arthropods were caught as row spacing decreased in both beat and pitfall samples, but planting date had variable effects. Prevailing climatic conditions and planting date appeared to be more important in influencing the canopy environment and pest densities than was row spacing.
Eficiency of the Blanching and Electronic Color Sorting Process for Reducing Aflatoxin in Raw Shelled Peanuts1
Authors: Whitaker T. B.
Published: June 2010

Raw shelled peanut lots produced in the United States are inspected for aflatoxin using a sampling plan designed by the Peanut Administrative Committee (PAC). The aflatoxin concentration of most peanut lots rejected by the PAC sampling plan is reduced by using a blanching process that removes the testa or seed coat from the seed and then removing damaged or discolored seeds from the lot using electronic color sorters. Comparing aflatoxin sample results on lots before and after the blanching process indicates that the two-step process is effective for reducing aflatoxin in contaminated lots. The average aflatoxin reduction among the 8911 lots blanched and color sorted over 5 crop yr (1990 to 1994) was 89.9%. The blanching process was equally efficient in reducing aflatoxin for all peanut market types and grades represented in the data base. The average total weight loss among all 8911 lots blanched over the 5 crop yr was 16.8%. Both the percentage aflatoxin reduction and the percentage total weight loss that resulted from blanching was related to the amount of aflatoxin in unblanched lots. As the aflatoxin concentration among unblanched lots decreased, the percentage aflatoxin reduction and the percentage total weight loss associated with the blanching process both decreased.
The Role of Maturation in Quality of Stackpole-Cured Peanuts1
Authors: Sanders T. H. , Vercellotti J. R. , Bett K. L. , Greene R. L.
Published: June 2010

Peanut curing studies utilizing stackpole curing led to the unique observation that extensive potential for post harvest maturation exists during slow curing. In the hull scrape maturity profile the percentage of black maturity class pods increased from 15 to 45% and 21 to 57% in ca. 30 d after stacks were prepared in 2 consecutive years. Simultaneously, the number of pods in less mature classes generally decreased. The weight percentage of black pods increased from 19 to 42% and 37 to 62% after 10 stack d in the 2 yr. A similar but less extensive maturity progression was observed in detached pods in a temperature-relative humidity-controlled environment where drying rate was faster than in stackpoles but much slower than in conventional practices. Because pod and seed sizes did not change during stackpole curing, maturation resulted in large increases in the percentage of mature peanuts (maturity distribution) in all commercial grade sizes. Moisture contents for orange and brown maturity classes related to cessation of color change in pods in both stackpoles and controlled environment treatments were about 29.0 and 22.5%, respectively. Occurrence of physiological seed maturation concurrently with hull color progressions was verified by the consistent oleic acid/linoleic acid ratio in medium grade-size peanuts within each maturity class over curing time.
Effects of Cold and Heat Stress on the Chemistry and Cell Structure of Peanut Seeds1
Authors: Singleton J. A. , Pattee H. E.
Published: June 2010

Frost damage and/or cold stress to crops in the United States runs more than $1 billion per year. In North Carolina during 1983, about 30,000 t of peanuts valued at $16 million were diverted from the edible market due to freeze damage. It is difficult to distinguish if a lot of peanut seed has been exposed to cold or heat stress because in both cases anaerobic respiration predominates. This research was undertaken to distinguish between cold and heat stresses at the cellular level on peanut seed by using dynamic headspace analysis, specific conductivity of the seed leachate, ion chromatography for cations and organic acids, ninhydrin detection for amino acids, and light microscopic techniques. Acetaldehyde, ethanol, and ethyl acetate are produced by both stress conditions. Two isomers of 2,3-butanediol and short-chain acids were identified from cold-stressed seed. These isomers were not found in heat-stressed peanut tissues and can be used to differentiate between the two environmental stresses. Specific conductivity of the leachate was higher from cold-stressed seed than from normal or heat-stressed seed, due to a higher efflux of potassium and acetic acid from the cells. Plasmolysis of the cold-stressed seed cells was consistently observed. Aleurone grains appeared to be larger, more dispersed, and tended to migrate towards the cell wall in the heat-treated samples, whereas the aleurone grains in the cold-stressed samples were smaller and more concentrated at the center of the cell. Irregular cell shape was common to both stresses.
A Diverging Belt Screen for Farmer Stock Peanuts1
Authors: Blankenship P. D. , Dowell F. E.
Published: June 2010

Separating farmer stock (FS) peanut materials into more than two diameters with conventional belt screens requires more than one screen with different spacings between belts. A new type of belt screen (diverging belt) was developed which separates materials into six sizes. The effects of varying the diverging belt screen operational parameters on separating farmer stock peanuts (cv. Florunner), loose shelled kernels (LSK), and foreign materials (FM) were evaluated with three replications. The operational parameters for two of the replicates were six consecutive positions along the deck length (30.5, 20.3, 50.8, 50.8, 50.8 cm and riding the entire deck length); six belt speeds (101.6, 111.8, 122.1, 132.3, 142.6, and 152.4 cm/sec); and six material feed rates (MatFR) (0.9, 1.8, 2.7, 3.6, 4.5, and 5.4 Mg/hr). Deck lengths and belt speeds were the same for the third replicate but MatFRs of 1.4, 2.7, 4.1, 5.4, 6.8, and 8.2 Mg/hr were used to evaluate performance of the screen at higher flow rates. Materials were collected into six compartments according to where they fell through the screen. The amount of materials falling through the screen deck varied directly with screen deck length, belt speed, and material feed rate. Screen deck length had the greatest effect on the amount of materials falling through. The diverging belt screen provides an alternative for multi-separation of FS peanut materials based on diameter.
Regeneration of Plants from Apical Meristem Tips and Nodal Segments of Arachis pintoi
Authors: Rey H. Y. , Mroginski L. A.
Published: June 2010

The in vitro regeneration potential of shoot apical tips (2 to 3 mm in length), meristems (0.3 to 0.5 mm in length), and nodal segments (4 to 7 mm long with an axillary bud) of diploid (2n = 2x = 20) and triploid (2n = 3x = 30) cytotypes of Arachis pintoi was evaluated. Explants were cultured on MS medium supplemented with different concentrations and combinations of naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and benzyladenine (BA). In one experiment the effect of gibberellic acid was tested. The cultures were done in liquid and solid media. Plant regeneration can be readily achieved from all explants in one step of 30 d culture on MS + 0.01 mg/L each of NAA and BA or two steps consisting of 1) shoots regeneration through culture of explants on MS + 0.01 mg/L each of NAA and BA, and 2) induction of rooting in regenerated shoots by reculture on MS + 0.01 mg/L NAA. The plantlets were successfully transferred to pots in a greenhouse.
A Note on the Accuracy and Variability of Grading and Marketing High Moisture Farmer Stock Peanuts
Authors: Lamb M. C. , Blankenship P. D. , Whitaker T. B. , Butts C. L.
Published: June 2010

Previous research has shown that the farmer stock grade, lot weight, and market value could be accurately determined at kernel moisture contents greater than 10.5% without negative impact on either the producer or purchaser. In the 1998 and 1999 crop years, 686 farmer stock lots consisting of runner, Virginia, and Spanish types were graded and weighed at high moisture content (HMC), cured, and graded and weighed at low moisture content (LMC). The results indicated that LMC grade, lot weight, and lot value could be accurately predicted from HMC grade, lot weight, and lot value for individual farmer stock lots. However, the research did not address variability between HMC and LMC grade, weight, and values. In crop year 2001, a study was conducted in Georgia on runner-type peanuts to address variability in HMC and LMC grade, weight, and values. As farmer stock lots entered the buying point each lot was graded and weighed six times at HMC. The prediction equations estimated from the 1998 and 1999 studies were applied to the HMC values to obtain predicted grades, lot weights, and lot values. The lot was cured and graded and weighed six times at LMC and compared to the six predicted grades, lot weights, and lots values. Thirty-two farmer stock lots were included in the study. There were no significant differences in mean grade, lot weight, or lot value between the predicted and actual LMC values. Sound mature kernels and sound splits (SMKSS) differed by 0.07%. Mean lot weight differed by 7.7 kg (0.13%). Mean lot value differed by $20.11 (0.53%). Variability between predicted and actual SMKSS, lot weight, and lot value was not significantly different.
Histochemical Localization of Amino Acids and Sugars in Peanut Cotyledons for Light Microscopy1
Authors: Young C. T. , Pattee H. E. , Schadel W. E. , Sanders T. H.
Published: June 2010

Light microscopy staining methods for amino acids and sugars were adapted for glutaraldehyde vapor-fixed, freeze dried, plastic embedded tissue of peanut cotyledons (Arachis hypogaea L.). These methods revealed the locale of amino acids and sugars, which are regarded as precursors of roasted peanut flavor compounds. Amino acids were localized in the protein bodies and cytoplasmic network by Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250, Orange G, and diacetylbenzene. Sugars were localized in the protein bodies and cytoplasmic network by Alcian Blue - PAS procedure and an adaptation of the Okamoto method for sugars. Localization of the amino acids and sugars provide further evidence to the importance of the protein bodies in the cotyledon in the production of roasted peanut flavor.
Genotype × Seeding Rate Interaction among TSWV-Resistant, Runner-Type Peanut Cultivars1
Authors: Branch W. D. , Baldwin J. A. , Culbreath A. K.
Published: June 2010

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) resistant, runner-type peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) cultivars are the most important defense to control spotted wilt disease in southeast U.S. peanut production. The objective of this 3-yr (1999–01) study was to evaluate six TSWV-resistant, runner-type cultivars (Southern Runner, Florida MDR 98, C-99R, ViruGard, Georgia Green, and Georgia-OIR) at three different seeding rates (3, 5, and 7 seed/30.5 cm) in single conventional row patterns for possible genotype (GE) × seeding rate (SR) interaction at the Univ. of Georgia, Coastal Plain Experiment Station. The combined split-plot analyses of variance resulted in highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) GE × SR interaction, which indicates that not all six runner-type cultivars performed the same at each of these three seeding rates. A good example was the TSWV-resistant, runner-type peanut cultivar Georgia Green. It performed subpar at the below normal or lowest seeding rate; whereas at the highest seeding rate, Georgia Green and Georgia-OIR produced the highest pod yields and dollar value returns per hectare among all of these runner-type cultivars. TSWV disease incidence was also significantly lower for the TSWV-resistant Georgia Green cultivar at each of the two higher seeding rates compared to the lowest seeding rate.
Greenhouse Testing of Transgenic Peanut for Resistance to Sclerotinia minor
Authors: Chenault K. D. , Payton M. E. , Melouk H. A.
Published: June 2010

Fungal diseases of peanut, such as Sclerotinia blight caused by Sclerotinia minor Jagger, are responsible for increased production costs and yield losses of up to 50% for peanut producers in the Southwest, North Carolina, and Virginia. A few cultivars with moderate disease resistance, such as Southwest Runner, have been developed through traditional breeding practices. An urgent need exists for developing peanut cultivars that are resistant to the broad spectrum of fungal pathogens that pose a recurring threat to peanut health. Transgenic peanut plant lines containing anti-fungal genes have been produced from somatic embryos of the susceptible cultivar Okrun and tested under greenhouse conditions for resistance to S. minor by inoculation with a mycelial plug. Disease symptoms of lesion length and vascular collapse were recorded for 30 transgenic peanut lines, non-transgenic Okrun, and Southwest Runner. The reaction of the majority of transgenic peanut lines to S. minor infection was indistinguishable from that of the susceptible cultivar Okrun. However, three transgenic lines had a significant increase in resistance to S. minor as compared to Okrun, and one line demonstrated levels of resistance comparable to the moderately resistant cultivar Southwest Runner.
Composition and Decomposition of Peanut Residues in Georgia
Authors: Balkcom K. S. , Wood C. W. , Adams J. F. , Wood B. H.
Published: June 2010

Legumes typically mineralize rapidly and can contribute to nitrogen (N) requirements of succeeding crops, but limited information exists on the mineralizable N content of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) residue. The objective of this study was to determine net N mineralization from two types of peanut residue for two soil types. Aboveground peanut residue (cv. Georgia Green) was collected 1 d prior to digging (PRE) and immediately after peanut threshing (POST). Leaf and stem residues were mixed and analyzed for carbon (C), N, lignin, and cellulose. Peanut residue equivalent to 4.5 Mg/ha was applied to a Greenville fine sandy loam (fine, kaolinitic, thermic Rhodic Kandiudults) and a Tifton loamy sand (fine-loamy, kaolinitic, thermic Plinthic Kandiudult) and aerobically incubated for 98 d in the dark at 25 C to determine C and N mineralization. Each soil was incubated simultaneously, with and without residue. PRE harvest residue had lower C, lignin, and cellulose concen-trations, but higher N concentrations than POST harvest residue. Differences in residue quality corresponded to differences in cumulative C mineralized and C turnover for the Tifton soil, but did not result in differences for cumulative N mineralized or relative N mineralized within either soil type. These data indicate that peanut residue will not supply significant amounts of N to a subsequent crop for these two soil types.
Interaction of Flumioxazin with Dimethenamid or Metolachlor in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)1
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Besler B. A. , Dotray P. A. , Johnson W. C. , Prostko E. R.
Published: June 2010

Field studies were conducted in various peanut growing regions of Texas and Georgia to study peanut response to flumioxazin alone or in combination with dimethenamid or metolachlor. In south Texas during 1997, flumioxazin plus metolachlor resulted in greater than 45% peanut stunt, while flumioxazin plus dimethenamid caused ≤20% peanut stunt. This stunting was attributed to cool, wet growing conditions. Peanut yields in flumioxazin plus metolachlor-treated plots were reduced 58% from peanut in the non-treated check. In 1999 and 2000, flumioxazin plus dimethenamid or metolachlor resulted in 15% or greater peanut stunt, but stunting was not constant across weather conditions or locations. In west Texas and Georgia no peanut stunting with flumioxazin was noted. At the Levelland, TX location, flumioxazin at 0.07 kg/ha plus metolachlor at 1.1 kg/ha reduced peanut yield 32% when compared with the non-treated check; while at the Pearsall, TX location, metolachlor or dimethenamid at 1.1 kg/ha, flumioxazin at 0.07 kg/ha plus dimethenamid at 1.5 kg/ha, and flumioxazin at 0.1 kg/ha plus dimethenamid at 1.1 kg/ha reduced peanut yield 24 to 48% when compared with the non-treated check. No yield reduction was noted in Georgia.
Control of Weeds in Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Using Flumioxazin1
Authors: Grichar W. J. , Besler B. A. , Brewer K. D.
Published: June 2010

Flumioxazin in combination with ethalfluralin provided early-season control of eclipta, pitted morningglory, and Texas panicum. Metolachlor plus flumioxazin failed to adequately control pitted morningglory (less than 80%), while flumioxazin did not control yellow nutsedge. Eclipta control with flumioxazin plus dimethenamid, imazethapyr, or metolachlor combinations were at least 99%. When flumioxazin was used in combination with dimethenamid, imazethapyr, or metolachlor, late-season yellow nutsedge control was greater than 70%. Late-season eclipta control was greater than 80% with flumioxazin alone, dimethenamid plus flumioxazin applied preemergence (PRE), ethalfluralin applied preplant incorporated (PPI) followed by (fb) flumioxazin at 0.07 kg/ha applied PRE, imazethapyr plus flumioxazin at 0.09 kg/ha applied PRE, metolachlor plus flumioxazin combinations applied PRE, or ethalfluralin applied PPI fb imazapic applied postemergence (POST). Late-season pitted morningglory control was less than 65% for all herbicide programs. Flumioxazin alone controlled no greater than 25% pitted morningglory, while ethalfluralin plus flumioxazin combinations controlled less than 48%. Late-season, flumioxazin alone controlled less than 70% Texas panicum, while ethalfluralin alone provided 84% control. All ethalfluralin plus flumioxazin combinations controlled 70 to 83% Texas panicum, while imazethapyr or metolachlor plus flumioxazin combinations controlled less than 70%. Yellow nutsedge control was greater than 70% with imazethapyr or metolachlor plus flumioxazin combinations.
Evaluation of the Peanut Southern Corn Rootworm Advisory
Authors: Herbert D. A. , Malone S. , Brandenburg R. L. , Royals B. M.
Published: June 2010

The southern corn rootworm, Diabrotica undecimpunctata howardi Barber, is an annual soil insect pest of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) in Virginia, North Carolina, Texas, and other peanut growing states. Larvae feed on developing pods causing direct yield loss and indirect damage by allowing entry of secondary pathogens. Because southern corn rootworm is a soil pest, scouting is difficult and producers make preventive treatments without knowledge of actual pest abundance. A predictive index for southern corn rootworm injury was evaluated using 392 field case studies conducted in Virginia and North Carolina from 1997 to 2001. Factors influencing the index score (soil texture, soil drainage class, planting date, cultivar resistance, and field history of rootworm damage), and point assignments for predicting low, moderate, and high-risk fields were analyzed. The goal of this project was to determine which combination of factors provided the highest percentage of correct risk predictions. The best index combination used all five factors to determine the total point score, with 70 or more points indicating a high-risk field, 55 to 65 points a moderate-risk field, and less than or equal to 50 points a low-risk field. Growers who use the index eliminate a preventive insecticide treatment in low-risk and some moderate-risk fields. The index correctly predicted the level of pod damage in 45% (177 of 392) of the field case studies. Insecticide was correctly recommended in 46 fields. Thirty-three percent (131 of 392) of the fields were correctly identified as not needing treatment. There were 209 cases where there was an overestimation of pod damage with predictions of either a high or moderate level when only a low level occurred. In these cases, an insecticide treatment would have been recommended and an average of 6.1 and 2.6% pod damage, respectively, would have been prevented. Conversely, there were very few fields that should have been treated but were not treated (6 of 392). Overall, use of the index would have protected fields from pod damage and potential loss 98.5% of the time.
An Allotetraploid Model for the Inheritance of Wine Testa Color in Peanut1
Authors: Pittman R. N. , Kirby J. S. , Banks D. J.
Published: June 2010

Wine-colored peanut seeds originate as mutants and appear later as segregates in farmer's fields. Off-color seeds are unwanted by shellers and manufacturers. The inheritance of wine testa is complex and among the least understood of the basic testa colors. The objective of this study was to determine the inheritance of wine testa color. True breeding genotypes for tan and wine testa color were crossed and progenies analyzed for testa color. A new genetic model is presented to explain the inheritance of the wine-colored seed trait. A tetragenic model, based on a 207:49 (tan to wine) F2 segregation pattern, best described the data and assumes two sets of paired genes representing two genomes. At least one pair of homozygous recessive alleles in each set is necessary for expression of the wine-colored trait. Using parents in peanut breeding programs that are homozygous dominant at all four loci will help reduce the rate at which wine-colored seeds appear in farmer's fields.
Variability Among Aflatoxin Test Results on Runner Peanuts Harvested From Small Field Plots1
Authors: Whitaker T. B. , Dorner J. W. , Giesbrecht F. G. , Slate A. B.
Published: June 2010

An experiment was conducted to determine the variability associated with aflatoxin contamination of peanuts from plants grown in specified row lengths. Runner peanuts (cv. Georgia Green) were planted in 10, 76.2 m rows (20 seed/m) and grown using standard production practices. Plants were exposed to natural late-season drought conditions making the peanuts susceptible to preharvest aflatoxin contamination. Plants were mechanically dug, inverted, and separated into 500 plots of 1.5 m single rows. Peanuts from each numerically identified plot were harvested with a mechanical picker, dried to 8% kernel moisture (wet basis), shelled, and analyzed for aflatoxin by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The average kernel mass and weighted average aflatoxin concentration for all plots was 131 g and 2278 ng/g, respectively. The kernel mass varied among the 500 plots from a low of 4 g to a maximum of 283 g. The aflatoxin concentration among the 500 plots varied from a low of 0 ng/g to a maximum of 32,142 ng/g. The standard deviation among the 500 plot aflatoxin values was 4061. The standard deviation among sample concentrations for this field study was very similar to previous studies that measured the standard deviation among sample concentrations taken from bulk farmers' stock lots. Increasing plot length decreased the standard deviation among plot aflatoxin values as predicted by statistical theory. For example, increasing plot row length by a factor of four, or from 1.5 to 6 m, decreased the standard deviation by a factor of two, or from 4061 to 2031. A regression equation was developed to predict the effect of plot row length on the variability among aflatoxin plot values. This information is useful for designing field plot experiments to test various strategies for reducing or preventing preharvest aflatoxin contamination.
Combined Effects of Biological Control Formulations, Cultivars, and Fungicides on Preharvest Colonization and Aflatoxin Contamination of Peanuts by Aspergillus Species
Authors: Dorner J. W.
Published: June 2010

A 3-yr field study was conducted to determine the effect of biological control formulations of nontoxigenic strains of Aspergillus flavus and A. parasiticus, peanut cultivars, and fungicides on preharvest aflatoxin contamination of peanuts. Formulation treatments consisted of (a) no biocontrol treatment, (b) the fungi cultured on rice via solid-state fermentation, (c) conidia of the fungi coated onto the surface of rice, and (d) conidia coated onto the surface of wheat (year one) or hulled barley (years two and three). Experiments consisted of factorial combinations of the four formulation treatments, two peanut cultivars (Florunner or Georgia Green), and two fungicide treatments (chlorothalonil or combinations of chlorothalonil and tebuconazole). Florunner and Georgia Green peanuts were each planted in 32 individual plots consisting of six rows 15.2 m in length. Biological control formulations, consisting of a mixture of nontoxigenic strains of A. flavus (NRRL 21882) and A. parasiticus (NRRL 21369), were applied to the same plots in each of the 3 yr at a rate of 56 kg/ha. Foliar applications of fungicides were made as recommended for control of leaf spot, with one treatment being full-season applications of chlorothalonil, and the other being two applications of chlorothalonil followed by four applications of tebuconazole and remaining applications of chlorothalonil. Only in year two of the study was late-season drought sufficient to produce preharvest aflatoxin contamination. All biocontrol formulation treatments produced significant reductions in aflatoxin compared with untreated controls, averaging 81%. There was also a significant cultivar effect on aflatoxin with Georgia Green averaging 119 μg/kg compared with 402 μg/kg for Florunner. No differences were observed between the two fungicide treatments, and there was no interaction among the three factors. Analysis of soil for populations of A. flavus and A. parasiticus throughout the study showed that all formulations, except the conidia-coated wheat in the first year, were effective in delivering competitive levels of the nontoxigenic strains. In the third year, which did not result in significant aflatoxin contamination, analysis of peanuts for fungal colonization showed no significant differences among biocontrol treatments (including control) for total amounts of A. flavus and A. parasiticus in peanuts. However, the incidence of toxigenic isolates in peanuts was significantly reduced by all three biocontrol formulations.