bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrophobicity, Solubility, and Emulsifying Properties of Enzyme‐Modified Rice Endosperm Protein
Authors: Paraman Ilankovan , Hettiarachchy N. S. , Schaefer Christian , Beck Markus I.
Published: August 2007

Rice endosperm protein was modified to enhance solubility and emulsifying properties by controlled enzymatic hydrolysis. The optimum degree of hydrolysis (DH) was determined for acid, neutral, and alkaline type proteases. Solubility and emulsifying properties of the hydrolysates were compared and correlated with DH and surface hydrophobicity. DH was positively associated with solubility of resulting protein hydrolysate regardless of the hydrolyzing enzyme, but enzyme specificity and DH interactively determined the emulsifying properties of the protein hydrolysate. The optimum DH was 6–10% for good emulsifying properties of rice protein, depending on enzyme specificity. High hydrophobic and sulfhydryl disulfide (SH‐SS) interactions contributed to protein insolubility even at high DH. The exposure of buried hydrophobic regions of protein that accompanied high‐temperature enzyme inactivation promoted aggregation and cross‐linking of partially hydrolyzed proteins, thus decreasing the solubility and emulsifying properties of the resulting hydrolysate. Due to the highly insoluble nature of rice protein, surface hydrophobicity was not a reliable indicator for predicting protein solubility and emulsifying properties. Solubility and molecular flexibility are the essential factors in achieving good emulsifying properties of rice endosperm protein isolates.
Effect of Lactic Acid Bacteria on Properties of Gluten‐Free Sourdoughs, Batters, and Quality and Ultrastructure of Gluten‐Free Bread
Authors: Moore M. M. , Juga B. , Schober T. J. , Arendt E. K.
Published: August 2007

The objective of this study was to test whether sourdough could improve quality and delay staling of gluten‐free (GF) bread. Three strains of lactic acid bacteria used were Lactobacillus plantarum 2115KW, L. plantarum FST 1.11, and L. sanfranciscensis TMW 1.52, and these were subsequently compared with nonacidified control and chemically acidified sourdoughs, batters, and GF breads. Bread characteristics such as pH, total titratable acidity, and crumb hardness (five‐day storage) were evaluated. Extrusion (texture analyzer) measurements showed that the sourdoughs became significantly softer during 24 hr of fermentation (P < 0.001). Both LP 2115KW and LP FST 1.11 strains grew better and produced more acid than LS 1.52. Confocal laser‐scanning microscopy also revealed a breakdown in the structure of the sourdoughs over time. Crumb hardness increased significantly for all breads (P < 0.05). After five days of storage, two strains yielded significantly softer bread than the nonacidified control (P < 0.05). This was in distinct contrast to the chemically acidified control that at day 5 was significantly firmer than all other breads (P < 0.05). It was concluded that sourdough improves the delay in staling of GF bread, although the positive effects were smaller than those found in wheat bread.
Effect of Die Dimensions on Extrusion Processing Parameters and Properties of DDGS‐Based Aquaculture Feeds
Authors: Chevanan Nehru , Muthukumarappan Kasiviswanathan , Rosentrater Kurt A. , Julson James L.
Published: August 2007

The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of die nozzle dimensions, barrel temperature profile, and moisture content on DDGS‐based extrudate properties and extruder processing parameters. An ingredient blend containing 40% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), along with soy flour, corn flour, fish meal, whey, mineral and vitamin mix, with a net protein content adjusted to 28% was extruded in a single‐screw laboratory extruder using seven different die nozzles. Increasing moisture content of the ingredient mix from 15 to 25% resulted in a 2.0, 16.0, 16.3, 22.9, 18.5, 32.5, and 63.7% decrease, respectively, in bulk density, water‐solubility index, sinking velocity, L*, b*, mass flow rate, and absolute pressure, as well as 11.6, 16.2, and 7% increases, respectively, in pellet durability, water‐absorption index, and a*. Increasing the temperature from 100 to 140°C resulted in 17.0, 5.9, 35.4, 50.6, 28.8, 33.9, and 33.9% decreases, respectively, in unit density, pellet durability, sinking velocity, absolute pressure, specific mechanical energy, torque, and apparent viscosity, but a 49.1 and 16.9% increase, respectively, in dough temperature and water‐absorption index. Increasing the L/D ratio of the die nozzle resulted in an increase in bulk density, L*, a*, and torque, but a decrease in unit density, pellet durability, water‐absorption index, sinking velocity, b*, mass flow rate, dough temperature, and apparent viscosity. As demonstrated in this study, the selection of an appropriate die geometry, in addition to the selection of suitable temperature and moisture content levels, are critical for producing DDGS‐based extrudates with optimum properties.
Susceptibility of Grapevine Pruning Wounds and Symptom Development in Response to Infection by Phaeoacremonium aleophilum and Phaeomoniella chlamydospora
Authors: Eskalen A. , Feliciano A. J. , Gubler W. D.
Published: August 2007

Fresh to 10-month-old pruning wounds on grapevine cvs. Thompson Seedless and Cabernet Sauvignon were inoculated with Phaeoacremonium aleophilum or Phaeomoniella chlamydospora at approximately 1 × 106 spores/ml. Successful infection was determined by isolation of the pathogen from necrotic margins of cankers or from vascular discoloration assessed 4 months after each inoculation date. Disease incidence decreased as the length of time between pruning and inoculation increased; however, wounds remained susceptible for up to 4 months. Vascular discoloration was significantly less extensive in the noninoculated control than in inoculated spurs. Reduction of shoot length in both cultivars varied depending on pruning wound age at the time of inoculation. In a separate study, inoculation of fresh pruning wounds of Cabernet Sauvignon resulted in successful infection regardless of the time of pruning from February to December.
Improving the Cercospora Leaf Spot Management Model for Sugar Beet in Minnesota and North Dakota
Authors: Khan J. , del Río L. E. , Nelson R. , Khan M. F. R.
Published: August 2007

Management of Cercospora leaf spot, caused by Cercospora beticola, is necessary for the economic production of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris). The objectives of this study were to evaluate the impact of two relative humidity thresholds (87 and 90%) on the daily infection values (DIVs) used to determine when fungicide applications were required, to determine whether current Cercospora management recommendations for northern areas of Minnesota and North Dakota could be used by growers in the southern areas of these states, and to compare the utility of calendar-based fungicide applications with the Cercospora management model. Research was conducted in Breckenridge, MN and St. Thomas, ND in 2003 and 2004. Fungicide applications significantly (P = 0.05) reduced maximum disease severity (ymax) and area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) when compared with the nontreated control at both locations during 2003 and 2004. Fungicides applied according to DIVs calculated at RH ≥ 87% or RH > 90% gave similar results. The mandatory second fungicide application 14 days after the first application for southern areas did not significantly decrease disease severity or AUDPC, or improve root yield or recoverable sucrose compared with treatments without the mandatory application. This research illustrates that a DIV calculated at RH ≥ 87% would result in similar timing of fungicide applications compared with DIVs calculated at RH > 90%. The results further show that the recommendation of fungicide applications at initial symptom and subsequent applications based on DIV and disease severity should be used for both northern and southern growers. Finally, this research showed that fungicide applications based on the Cercospora management model provided similar, effective disease control with fewer fungicide applications compared with calendar-based applications.
Diaporthe eres (Phomopsis oblonga) as a Pathogen of Butternut (Juglans cinerea) in Connecticut
Authors: Anagnostakis S. L.
Published: August 2007

Butternut seedlings from North Carolina (S. Schlarbaum, University of Tennessee) were planted during the spring of 2005 in an open space at the edge of the Mattatuck State Forest in Plymouth, CT. There were mature butternuts with visible cankers that were at the forest edge and out of reach. In May 2006, some seedlings had died and many small, dark lesions were found on the twigs and stems of living seedlings. Stems with lesions were surface sterilized with 10% bleach, rinsed with sterile water, the epidermis peeled away, and slices of the wood were placed on the surface of 2% water agar plates. From these, we consistently isolated a Phomopsis sp. that grew well on potato dextrose agar (PDA) at 28°C and produced alpha and beta spores (average 8 × 2 μm and 25 × 1 μm, respectively). A mixture of six such isolates on autoclaved pieces of butternut stem supported by water agar produced perithecia after 6 months with ascospores that matched the description of Diaporthe eres (two-celled, slightly constricted at the septum, and averaged 12 × 3 μm). Two of our isolates of Diaporthe eres, both of which were weakly pathogenic and recovered from the lesions, were inoculated into cut, dormant stems of butternut ‘Buckley’ in the laboratory, This ascomycete was reported to be a pathogen of Juglans ailantifolia and J. regia var. orientes in Japan (1) but has not been reported on J. cinerea. There is a rather vague report of Diaporthe spiculosa on other species of Juglans and Phomopsis juglandina on twigs (with a question mark) of J. regia (with a question mark) in California (2). These were not reported by T. Kobayashi.

References: (1) T. Kobayashi. Bull. Gov. For. Exp. Stn. No. 226, 1970. (2) U.S. Dep. Agric. Index of Plant Diseases in the United States. Agric. Handb. No. 165, 1960.
First Report of Powdery Mildew Caused by Podosphaera fusca on Coreopsis lanceolata in Italy
Authors: Garibaldi A. , Bertetti D. , Gullino M. L.
Published: August 2007

Coreopsis lanceolata L. (Asteraceae) is an ornamental species grown in parks and gardens and very much appreciated for its long-lasting flowering period. During the summer and fall of 2006, severe outbreaks of a previously unknown powdery mildew were observed on plants in several gardens near Biella (northern Italy). Both surfaces of leaves of the affected plants were covered with dense white mycelia and conidia. As the disease progressed, infected leaves turned yellow and died. Mycelia and conidia also were observed on stems and flower calyxes. Conidia were hyaline, ellipsoid, borne in short chains (5 to 6 conidia per chain) and measured 33 × 20 (27 to 35 × 17 to 22) μm. Conidiophores, 68 × 11 (62 to 76 × 10 to 12) μm, showed the foot cell measuring 50 × 11 (38 to 58 × 10 to 12) μm, followed by one shorter cell measuring 18 × 12 (13 to 19 × 12 to 13) μm. Fibrosin bodies were present. Chasmothecia were spherical and amber with a diameter of 99 (93 to 105) μm. Each chasmothecium contained one ascus with eight ascospores. On the basis of its morphology, the causal agent was determined to be a Podosphaera sp. (1). The ITS region (internal transcribed spacer) of rDNA was amplified using primers ITS4/ITS6 and sequenced. BLASTn analysis (1) of the 531 bp obtained showed an E-value of 0.0 with Podosphaera fusca (3). The nucleotide sequence has been assigned GenBank Accession No. EF 442023. Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculations by gently pressing diseased leaves onto leaves of healthy C. lanceolata plants. Three plants were inoculated. Three noninoculated plants served as the control. Plants were maintained in a greenhouse at temperatures ranging from 20 to 28°C. Twelve days after inoculation, typical symptoms of powdery mildew developed on inoculated plants. Noninoculated plants did not show symptoms. The pathogenicity test was carried out twice. To our knowledge, this is the first report of powdery mildew on C. lanceolata in Italy. Species of Coreopsis were previously described as host to Erysiphe cichoracearum, Sphaerotheca macularis and Leveillula taurica and S. fusca (2,4). Voucher specimens are available at the AGROINNOVA Collection, University of Torino.

References: (1) S. F. Altschul et al. Nucleic Acids Res. 25:3389, 1997. (2) U. Braun. A Monograph of the Erysiphaceae (Powdery Mildews). Cramer, Berlin, GDR, 1987. (3) U. Braun and S. Takamatsu. Schlechtendalia 4:1, 2000 (4) D. F. Farr et al. Fungi on Plants and Plant Products in the United States. The American Phytopathological Society. St Paul, MN, 1989.
First Report of Race 8 of Downy Mildew, Caused by Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae, of Spinach in the United States
Authors: Tomlinson A. N. , Correll J. C. , Koike S. T. , Kammeijer K.
Published: August 2007

Downy mildew, caused by Peronospora farinosa f. sp. spinaciae, is the most economically important disease of spinach (Spinacia oleracea) in the United States and the European Union. In the United States, 23,000 ha of spinach, with a crop value of approximately $170 million, were grown during 2005 (1; http://www.nass.usda.gov/index.asp ). Additionally, per capita, fresh-market spinach consumption has increased 214% in the past decade (1; http://www.nass.usda.gov/index.asp ). Increased demand for fresh-market spinach has led to changes in spinach production practices such as higher planting densities and year-round production. There are currently 10 described races (races 1 to 10) of P. farinosa f. sp. spinaciae. Race 8 was recovered from the Netherlands in 2004 (B. M. Irish, J. Correll, S. T. Koike, and T. Morelock. Plant Dis. [In press]), but has not been previously identified in the United States. In February 2007, several commercial fresh-market spinach fields in central Arizona were severely affected with downy mildew. Symptoms consisted of bright yellow leaf lesions ranging in size from 1 to 3 cm in diameter that supported dense purple sporulation of the pathogen on the corresponding abaxial leaf surface. Affected fields were primarily planted with spinach cv. Parrot, which is reported to be resistant to races 1 to 7 and 9. As much as 32 ha were affected and disease incidence reached as high as 25 to 30%. An isolate (PAR1) of the pathogen was obtained and used to inoculate a standard set of 10 differential spinach cultivars for race identification as previously described (B. M. Irish, J. Correll, S. T. Koike, and T. Morelock. Plant Dis. [In press]). Briefly, a spore suspension (1 × 105 sporangia per ml) was misted onto test plants; plants were then incubated in a dew chamber (20°C, 100% relative humidity) for 24 h and maintained in a greenhouse. Inoculation tests were conducted at least twice at each of two different locations (Arkansas and California), with each test including two replications of 15 plants per differential cultivar. The selective development of downy mildew on specific differentials indicated that the isolate was race 8 (B. M. Irish, J. Correll, S. T. Koike, and T. Morelock. Plant Dis. [In press]). To our knowledge, this is the first report of race 8 in the United States. Since there are a number of commercial spinach cultivars available with resistance to race 8, the economic impact of this race in the United States is expected to be low if resistant cultivars are grown (B. M. Irish, J. Correll, S. T. Koike, and T. Morelock. Plant Dis. [In press]).

Reference: (1) R. N. Acharya and I. Molina. NFAPP Newsl. Second Quarter, 2005.
Occurrence of Tomato spotted wilt virus in Stevia rebaudiana and Solanum tuberosum in Northern Greece
Authors: Chatzivassiliou E. K. , Peters D. , Lolas P.
Published: August 2007

Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae) was first reported in Greece during 1972 (3) and currently is widespread in the central and northern part of the country infecting several cultivated and wild plant species (1,2). In June 2006, virus-like symptoms similar to those caused by TSWV were observed on sweet honey leaf (Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni) Bertoni, [synonym Eupatorium rebaudianum Bertoni], family Asteraceae) plants in an experimental field in the prefecture of Kilkis and on potato (Solanum tuberosum, family Solanaceae) plants growing close to tobacco in the prefecture of Kozani in northern Greece. Diseased S. rebaudiana plants expressed chlorotic and necrotic rings and line patterns on systemically infected leaves and occasionally a general chlorosis or dwarfing of the plant. Potato plants expressed only necrotic rings or lesions and a mild plant dwarfing. Seven percent of the S. rebaudiana plants, but only 0.1% of the potato plants, were showing symptoms. TSWV was detected by ELISA using polyclonal antisera in all symptomatic plants of both species, but those plants tested negative for Potato Y virus (PVY), Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV), Alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), and Potato leafroll virus (PLRV); all viruses known to occur in these areas. Sap from symptomatic plants was used to mechanically inoculate Petunia × hybrida cv. Blue magic, Nicotiana tabacum cvs. Samsun NN and Basmas, N. benthamiana, N. glutinosa, N. rustica, Datura stramonium, and Physalis floridana. Sap from both S. rebaudiana and potato produced typical symptoms of TSWV on the diagnostic test plants; all Nicotiana species and cultivars, as well as D. stramonium and P. floridana, reacted with chlorotic and necrotic lesions on the inoculated leaves followed by systemic mosaic and mottling of the leaves. None of the isolates produced systemic infection on P. × hybrida. Adult thrips, identified as Thrips tabaci, were collected from infected plants of both hosts in the field and determined to be infected with TSWV by the petunia leaf disc method (4). Symptoms observed in the field on both hosts where reproduced in the laboratory after infestation of healthy plants with TSWV-infected individuals from a tobacco population of T. tabaci. To our knowledge, this is the first official report of a TSWV infection in S. rebaudiana. Potato is a known host for TSWV, however, to our knowledge, this is the first natural infection detected in Greece.

References: (1) E. K. Chatzivassiliou et al. Ann. Appl. Biol. 137:127, 2000. (2) E. K. Chatzivassiliou et al. Plant Dis. 85:40, 2001. (3) J. P. Tsakiridis and G. V. Gooding, Jr. Phytopathol. Mediterr. 11:42, 1972. (4) I. Wijkamp and D. Peters. Phytopathology 83:986,1993.
Characterization and Mapping of Oat Crown Rust Resistance Genes Using Three Assessment Methods
Authors: Jackson E. W. , Obert D. E. , Menz M. , Hu G. , Avant J. B. , Chong J. , Bonman J. M.
Published: August 2007

Resistance is the primary means of control for crown rust of oat (Avena sativa L.), caused by Puccinia coronata f. sp. avenae, and better knowledge of the genetics of resistance will enhance resistance breeding. Disease data were generated in the field and greenhouse for parents and recombinant inbred lines of the Ogle/TAM O-301 (OT) oat mapping population using (i) a new quantitative assay that employs quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (q-PCR) to estimate fungal growth in the host, (ii) digital image analysis, and (iii) visual ratings. The objectives of this study were to evaluate each assessment method's ability to map a major gene from cv. Ogle and potential quantitative trait loci (QTL) contributed by Ogle and TAM O-301. All three assessment methods identified the major gene in Ogle, which was mapped to linkage group OT6. The resolution produced by q-PCR, however, enabled more precise mapping of the major gene. Quantitative analysis indicated that 64% of the phenotypic variation was accounted for using q-PCR, whereas 41 and 52% were accounted for using visual and digital assessments, respectively. Data generated by q-PCR permitted identification of QTL on linkage groups OT32, accounting for 6% of the phenotypic variation, and OT2, accounting for 4% of the variation. QTL on both OT32 and OT2 were conferred by TAM O-301, one of which (OT2) was indiscernible using data from the visual and digital assessments. The new method of precisely phenotyping crown rust resistance provided a more accurate and thorough means of dissecting resistance in the OT mapping population. Similar methods could be developed and applied to other important cereal rust diseases.
Identification of Maize Kernel Endosperm Proteins Associated with Resistance to Aflatoxin Contamination by Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Chen Z.-Y. , Brown R. L. , Damann K. E. , Cleveland T. E.
Published: August 2007

Aflatoxins are carcinogens produced mainly by Aspergillus flavus during infection of susceptible crops such as maize (Zea mays). Previously, embryo proteins from maize genotypes resistant or susceptible to A. flavus infection were compared using proteomics, and resistance-associated proteins were identified. Here, we report the comparison of maize endosperm proteins from five resistant and five susceptible genotypes, and the identification of additional resistance-associated proteins using the same approach. Ten protein spots were upregulated twofold or higher in resistant lines compared with susceptible ones. Peptide sequencing of these proteins identified them as a globulin-2 protein, late embryogenesis abundant proteins (LEA3 and LEA14), a stress-related peroxiredoxin antioxidant (PER1), heat-shock proteins (HSP17.2), a cold-regulated protein (COR), and an antifungal trypsin-inhibitor protein (TI). The gene encoding one such upregulated protein, PER1, was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli. The overexpressed PER1 protein demonstrated peroxidase activity in vitro. In addition, per1 expression was significantly higher in the resistant genotype Mp420 than in the susceptible genotype B73 during the late stage of kernel development, and was significantly induced upon A. flavus infection, suggesting that it may play an important role in enhancing kernel stress tolerance and aflatoxin resistance. The significance of other identified proteins to host resistance and stress tolerance also is discussed.
Temporal Dynamics of Brown Rot in Different Apple Management Systems and Importance of Dropped Fruit for Disease Development
Authors: Holb I. J. , Scherm H.
Published: August 2007

Epidemic development of brown rot, caused by Monilinia fructigena, was monitored in integrated and organic apple orchards at two locations in eastern Hungary between 2002 and 2005 on three cultivars with early, midseason, and late ripening periods. Disease incidence and severity measures were affected significantly (P < 0.05) by management system (organic versus integrated) and cultivar, but there was no significant management system–cultivar interaction. Epidemics started 2 to 4 weeks earlier in organic orchards and on the early cv. Prima compared with integrated orchards and the late cv. Mutsu. Disease intensity increased markedly in the final 3 to 5 weeks before harvest and was considerably lower in integrated than in organic orchards. Final brown rot incidence on fruit in the tree was correlated with incidence on dropped fruit on the orchard floor (r > 0.75, P < 0.05), whereby the lag period from the appearance of the first symptomatic fruit on the ground to the occurrence of the first symptomatic fruit in the tree ranged from 2 weeks to 2 months, depending on the cultivar. The inflection point of the disease progress curve was attained first by fruit on the ground, followed successively by fruit in the lower, middle, and upper thirds of the tree canopy. This may indicate that dropped fruit that became infected early provided a source of inoculum for subsequent epidemics by serving as a bridge between sporulation from overwintered fruit mummies in the spring and the first fruit with sporulating lesions in the tree in midsummer. Removal of dropped fruit from the orchard floor resulted in a significantly lower disease incidence on fruit in the tree on all cultivars; thus, drop-removal may be useful as a brown rot management practice in apple orchards.
Molecular Diagnostics for the Sigatoka Disease Complex of Banana
Authors: Arzanlou Mahdi , Abeln Edwin C. A. , Kema Gert H. J. , Waalwijk Cees , Carlier Jean , Vries Ineke de , Guzmán Mauricio , Crous Pedro W.
Published: August 2007

The Sigatoka disease complex of banana involves three related ascomycetous fungi, Mycosphaerella fijiensis, M. musicola, and M. eumusae. The exact distribution of these three species and their disease epidemiology remain unclear, because their symptoms and life cycles are rather similar. Disease diagnosis in the Mycosphaerella complex of banana is based on the presence of host symptoms and fungal fruiting structures, which hamper preventive management strategies. In the present study, we have developed rapid and robust species-specific molecular-based diagnostic tools for detection and quantification of M. fijiensis, M. musicola, and M. eumusae. Conventional species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) primers were developed based on the actin gene that detected DNA at as little as 100, 1, and 10 pg/μl from M. fijiensis, M. musicola, and M. eumusae, respectively. Furthermore, TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR assays were developed based on the β-tubulin gene and detected quantities of DNA as low as 1 pg/μl for each Mycosphaerella sp. from pure cultures and DNA at 1.6 pg/μl per milligram of dry leaf tissue for M. fijiensis that was validated using naturally infected banana leaves.
Selection for Pathogenicity to Strawberry in Populations of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides from Native Plants
Authors: MacKenzie S. J. , Seijo T. E. , Legard D. E. , Timmer L. W. , Peres N. A.
Published: August 2007

Colletotrichum gloeosporioides causes a serious crown rot of strawberry and some isolates from native plants are pathogenic to strawberry. C. gloeosporioides from lesions on wild grape and oak were sampled at two sites adjacent to commercial strawberry fields in Florida and two distant sites. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) marker data and restriction enzyme digests of amplified rDNA were used to determine whether isolates were from the same C. gloeosporioides subgroup that infects strawberry. There were 17 to 24 native host isolates from each site that clustered with a group of strawberry crown isolates based on RAPD markers. Among strawberry isolates, there were two rDNA genotypes identified by restriction enzyme analysis. Both genotypes were present among native host isolates sampled from all four sites. There was some evidence that the different rDNA genotypes differentiated two closely related subpopulations, although the proportion of pathogenic isolates from native hosts among the two different genotypes was not different. The incidence of isolates pathogenic to strawberry was greater at sites close to strawberry fields relative to sites distant from strawberry fields for isolates with a BstUI(−)/MspI(+) rDNA genotype (44 versus 13%), a BstUI(+)/MspI(−) genotype (57 versus 16%), or when both genotypes were analyzed together (46 versus 15%). Based on these results, it appears that the C. gloeosporioides subgroup that causes crown rot on strawberry is widely distributed in Florida and that selection for pathogenicity on strawberry occurs in the area where this host is grown in abundance.
Genetic Differentiation of Puccinia triticina Populations in Central Asia and the Caucasus
Authors: Kolmer J. A. , Ordoñez M. E.
Published: August 2007

Isolates of Puccinia triticina collected from common wheat in the Central Asia countries of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan and the Caucasus countries of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Armenia were tested for virulence to 20 isolines of Thatcher wheat with different leaf rust resistance genes and molecular genotype at 23 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci. After clone correction within each country, 99 isolates were analyzed for measures of population diversity, variation at single SSR loci, and for genetic differentiation of virulence phenotypes and SSR genotypes. Isolates from Central Asia and the Caucasus were also compared with 16 P. triticina isolates collected from common wheat in North America that were representative of the virulence and molecular variation in this region and two isolates collected from durum wheat in France and the United States. Populations from the Caucasus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan were not significantly (P > 0.05) differentiated for SSR variation with Fst and Rst statistics. Populations from the Caucasus, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan were significantly (P < 0.05) differentiated from the populations in South and North Kazakhstan for SSR variation. All populations from Central Asia and the Caucasus were significantly differentiated from the North American isolates and isolates from durum wheat for SSR variation and virulence phenotypes. There was a correlation between virulence phenotype and SSR genotype among individual isolates and at the population level. Mountain barriers may account for the differentiation of P. triticina geographic populations in Central Asia and the Caucasus.
A Crop Loss-Related Forecasting Model for Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Winter Oilseed Rape
Authors: Koch S. , Dunker S. , Kleinhenz B. , Röhrig M. , Tiedemann A. von
Published: August 2007

Sclerotinia stem rot (SSR) is an increasing threat to winter oilseed rape (OSR) in Germany and other European countries due to the growing area of OSR cultivation. A forecasting model was developed to provide decision support for the fungicide spray against SSR at flowering. Four weather variables—air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and sunshine duration—were used to calculate the microclimate in the plant canopy. From data reinvestigated in a climate chamber study, 7 to 11°C and 80 to 86% relative humidity (RH) were established as minimum conditions for stem infection with ascospores and expressed as an index to discriminate infection hours (Inh). Disease incidence (DI) significantly correlated with Inh occurring post-growth stage (GS) 58 (late bud stage) (r2 = 0.42, P ≤ 0.001). Using the sum of Inh from continuous infection periods exceeding 23 h significantly improved correlation with DI (r2 = 0.82; P ≤ 0.001). A parallel GS model calculates the developmental stages of OSR based on temperature in the canopy and starts the model calculation at GS 58. The novel forecasting system, SkleroPro, consists of a two-tiered approach, the first providing a regional assessment of the disease risk, which is assumed when 23 Inh have accumulated after the crop has passed GS 58. The second tier provides a field-site-specific, economy-based recommendation. Based on costs of spray, expected yield, and price of rapeseed, the number of Inh corresponding to DI at the economic damage threshold (Inhi) is calculated. A decision to spray is proposed when Inh ≥ Inhi. Historical field data (1994 to 2004) were used to assess the impact of agronomic factors on SSR incidence. A 2-year crop rotation enhanced disease risk and, therefore, lowered the infection threshold in the model by a factor of 0.8, whereas in 4-year rotations, the threshold was elevated by a factor 1.3. Number of plants per square meter, nitrogen fertilization, and soil management did not have significant effects on DI. In an evaluation of SkleroPro with 76 historical (1994 to 2004) and 32 actual field experiments conducted in 2005, the percentage of economically correct decisions was 70 and 81%, respectively. Compared with the common practice of routine sprays, this corresponded to savings in fungicides of 39 and 81% and to increases in net return for the grower of 23 and 45 €/ha, respectively. This study demonstrates that, particularly in areas with abundant inoculum, the level of SSR in OSR can be predicted from conditions of stem infection during late bud or flowering with sufficient accuracy, and does not require simulation of apothecial development and ascospore dispersal. SkleroPro is the first crop-loss-related forecasting model for a Sclerotinia disease, with the potential of being widely used in agricultural practice, accessible through the Internet. Its concept, components, and implementation may be useful in developing forecasting systems for Sclerotinia diseases in other crops or climates.
NF-κB activity in distinct neural subtypes of the rat hippocampus: Influence of time and GABA antagonism in acute slice preparations
Authors: Sheridan Graham K. , Pickering Mark , Twomey Clare , Moynagh Paul N. , O’Connor John J. , Murphy Keith J.
Published: August 2007

Hippocampal memory-associated synaptic plasticity is driven by a cascade of transcription and new protein synthesis. In vitro electrophysiological studies on acute hippocampal slices have elucidated much of what we know about this molecular cascade. Curiously, these slices require a period of “equilibration” for the recovery of electrophysiological properties such as LTP, implying ongoing time-dependent molecular events necessary for full expression of plasticity. Using standard immunofluorescence combined with confocal imaging and a novel data analysis approach, we implicate the transcription factor NF-κB in this plasticity-related molecular adaptation during equilibration. Marked differences in basal NF-κB activity in distinct cell types of the hippocampus were observed, with the amount of active NF-κB increasing throughout the 2-h equilibration period in all cell types. Moreover, distinct hippocampal neuronal subfields exhibit very different responses to the GABAA receptor blocker picrotoxin, the presence of which is required to achieve LTP in the dentate gyrus. These findings have implications for the use of acute hippocampal slices to study the effects of compounds that signal through NF-κB on synaptic plasticity. Further investigation into the cellular processes that occur during this molecular adaptation may increase our understanding of plasticity-related events common to both LTP and memory formation.
Incremental Organizational Change in a Transforming Society: Managing Turbulence in Hungary in the 1990s
Authors: Czaban Laszlo , Whitley Richard
Published: August 2007

The rapid liberalization of the former state socialist economies of Eastern Europe coupled with privatization were thought by many in the early 1990s likely to generate effective capitalist firms quite quickly. However, the radical institutional transformation and collapse of Soviet markets resulted in considerable uncertainty for most companies which, together with high sunk costs and lack of resources, inhibited organizational restructuring and strategic change. Despite high levels of foreign ownership and control by the mid‐1990s, many Hungarian companies continued to produce much the same kinds of products for mostly the same customers with inputs from mostly the same suppliers as in 1990. While most had reduced employment substantially, and many had disposed of ancillary organizational units, the bulk of the companies considered here had not greatly altered their work systems and overall organizational structures. In the few enterprises where the production process had been extensively reorganized by 1996, this was funded and directed by foreign firms who had taken them over. These foreign firm‐controlled companies also tended to have new top managers from outside the enterprise. They additionally introduced new products more often than Hungarian firms, albeit within rather narrow product lines that usually dominated the domestic market. Overall, most of the enterprises studied were still doing much the same set of activities in the mid‐1990s, though with fewer staff, as at the start of the decade, and privatization per se had not led to major shifts in enterprise structure and strategy, nor did it seem likely to do so in the foreseeable future.
Selection and Training for Integrated Manufacturing: The Moderating Effects of Job Characteristics
Authors: Snell Scott A. , Lepak David P. , Dean, Jr. James W. , Youndt Mark A.
Published: August 2007

This study examined the conditions under which aspects of integrated manufacturing (e.g. advanced manufacturing technology, total quality management, just‐in‐time inventory control) lead to selection and/or training for technical and problem‐solving skills of employees. Results from our study of 74 plants showed main effects of advanced manufacturing technology and total quality management on training for technical and problem‐solving skills, but no main effects on selection. In addition, employee job characteristics were studied to examine the degree to which they might moderate the effects of integrated manufacturing. Several interaction effects were found as they related to staffing and training practices. In general, staffing was used less in response to integrated manufacturing when employees’ jobs involved high levels of task uncertainty and interdependence. In contrast, the effects on training remained steady or increased under conditions of task uncertainty. Based on this, we conclude that staffing and training are emphasized under different circumstances and, therefore, should not be simply viewed as substitutes for one another in responding to the demands of integrated manufacturing. Our results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications.
Does progressive stage transition mean getting better? A test of the Transtheoretical Model in alcoholism recovery
Authors: Callaghan Russell C. , Taylor Lawren , Cunningham John A.
Published: August 2007

Aims  To test two central assumptions of stage movement in the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) vis‐à‐vis alcoholism recovery: (assumption 1) individuals making a forward transition to the action‐oriented stages (i.e. preparation/action) will manifest relatively greater drinking improvements than their counterparts remaining in the pre‐action stages (i.e. pre‐contemplation, contemplation); and (assumption 2) individuals remaining in the pre‐action stages across time will not demonstrate clinically relevant improvement in drinking outcomes.

Design and setting  Secondary data analyses of data from Project MATCH, a large multi‐site alcoholism treatment‐matching study.

Measurements  At baseline and 3 months post‐treatment, the following variables were measured: stage‐of‐change (based on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment measure and the most recent stage assignment algorithm), drinks per drinking day (DDD) and percentage days abstinent (PDA).

Findings  Six of the eight tests of assumptions 1 and 2 failed to support the basic tenets of the TTM. Our study demonstrated that individuals making a progressive stage transition to the action‐oriented stages (i.e. preparation/action) do not necessarily manifest greater improvements in drinking‐related behavior than individuals remaining in the pre‐action stages (i.e. pre‐contemplation, contemplation), and that individuals remaining in the pre‐action stages over time actually do manifest statistically significant and clinically important improvements in drinking‐related behavior.

Conclusions  Our findings challenge not only the criterion validity associated with stage movement in the TTM account of alcoholism recovery, but also recent TTM‐based substance abuse treatment approaches which systematically promote forward stage transition as a primary clinical goal and marker of therapeutic success.
Levo‐alpha‐acetylmethadol (LAAM) versus methadone maintenance: 1‐year treatment retention, outcomes and status
Authors: Anglin M. Douglas , Conner Bradley T. , Annon Jeffery , Longshore Douglas
Published: August 2007

Aims  To compare levo‐alpha‐acetylmethadol (LAAM) and methadone maintenance (MM) on treatment retention, drug use during treatment and at follow‐up, and abstinence.

Design  A two‐group experimental design with patients assigned randomly (2 : 1) to receive fully subsidized LAAM or MM for 52 weeks.

Setting  A community clinic providing maintenance treatment in Los Angeles, California.

Participants  A total of 315 treatment‐seeking patients willing to be assigned randomly to treatment condition; 289 (91.7%) were interviewed at 52 weeks.

Intervention  LAAM or MM, plus ancillary services available to all patients. Medication dose varied according to clinical judgement.

Measurements  Treatment retention and status at 52‐week follow‐up, weekly clinical urinalysis, self‐reported drug use and research urinalysis on samples collected at follow‐up.

Findings  LAAM participants were more likely to complete the planned 52 weeks (57.4%) than MM participants (46.2%) and were less likely to be discharged for arrest/incarceration. LAAM produced fewer during treatment clinic opiate‐positive samples (M = 48.8) than MM (M = 62.3). Further, 24.4% on LAAM compared to 11.8% on MM were able to sustain at least 12 weeks of abstinence during the last 24 weeks of treatment. Opiate use at follow‐up was lowest (50.9%) among LAAM participants in maintenance treatment. No adverse events, cardiological or otherwise, were observed with LAAM administration.

Conclusions  LAAM is an effective medication for the treatment of opiate dependence in community clinics with numerous behavioral and clinical advantages. LAAM is more effective than MM in promoting retention and extended reduction in and abstinence from opiate use while in treatment.
Effects of home access and availability of alcohol on young adolescents' alcohol use
Authors: Komro Kelli A. , Maldonado‐Molina Mildred M. , Tobler Amy L. , Bonds Jennifer R. , Muller Keith E.
Published: August 2007

Aims  The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of parental provision of alcohol and home alcohol accessibility on the trajectories of young adolescent alcohol use and intentions.

Design  Data were part of a longitudinal study of alcohol use among multi‐ethnic urban young adolescents who were assigned randomly to the control group of a prevention trial.

Setting  Data were collected from a cohort of youth, and their parents, who attended public schools in Chicago, Illinois (2002–2005).

Participants  The sample comprised the 1388 students, and their parents, who had been assigned randomly to the control group and were present and completed surveys at baseline, in the beginning of 6th grade (age 12). The sample was primarily low‐income, and African American and Hispanic.

Measurements  Students completed self‐report questionnaires when in the 6th, 7th and 8th grades (age 12–14 years; response rates 91–96%). Parents of the 6th grade students also completed questionnaires (70% response rate).

Findings  Student report, at age 12, of parental provision of alcohol and home alcohol availability, and parental report of providing alcohol to their child and the accessibility of alcohol in the home, were associated with significant increases in the trajectories of young adolescent alcohol use and intentions from ages 12–14 years. Student report of receiving alcohol from their parent or taking it from home during their last drinking occasion were the most robust predictors of increases in alcohol use and intentions over time.

Conclusions  Results indicate that it is risky for parents to allow children to drink during early adolescence. When these findings are considered together with the risks associated with early onset of alcohol use, it is clear that parents can play an important role in prevention.
Molecular breeding of a novel herbicide‐tolerant rice by gene targeting
Authors: Endo Masaki , Osakabe Keishi , Ono Kazuko , Handa Hirokazu , Shimizu Tsutomu , Toki Seiichi
Published: August 2007

We have previously reported the production of a rice cell line tolerant to the acetolactate synthase (ALS)‐inhibiting herbicide bispyribac (BS), and demonstrated that the BS‐tolerant phenotype was due to a double mutation in the rice ALS gene. We further indicated that while changing either of the two amino acids (W548 L or S627I) individually resulted in a BS‐tolerant phenotype, conversion of both amino acids simultaneously conferred increased tolerance to BS. As the BS‐tolerant cell line had lost the ability to regenerate during two years of tissue culture selection, we attempted to introduce these two point mutations into the rice ALS gene via gene targeting (GT). Using our highly efficient Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation system in rice, we were able to regenerate 66 independent GT rice plants from 1500 calli. Furthermore, two‐thirds of these plants harbored the two point mutations exclusively, without any insertion of foreign DNA such as border sequences of T‐DNA. The GT plants obtained in the present study are therefore equivalent to non‐GM herbicide‐tolerant rice plants generated by conventional breeding approaches that depend on spontaneous mutations. Surprisingly, GT rice homozygous for the modified ALS locus showed hyper‐tolerance to BS when compared to BS‐tolerant plants produced by a conventional transgenic system; ALS enzymatic activity in plants homozygous for the mutated ALS gene was inhibited only by extremely high concentrations of BS. These results indicate that our GT method has successfully created novel herbicide‐tolerant rice plants that are superior to those produced by conventional mutation breeding protocols or transgenic technology.
Interaction between Epicoccum purpurascens and xylophagous basidiomycetes on wood blocks
Authors: Mielnichuk N. , Lopez S. E.
Published: August 2007

Epicoccum purpurascens, a component of the bark micromycota, was evaluated as a potential biocontrol agent for three decay‐causing hymenomycetes frequently found in Buenos Aires city trees, Ganoderma platense, Inonotus rickii and Rigidoporus ulmarius. Treatments consisted of dual cultures of E. purpurascens and xylophagous fungi on box elder (Acer negundo) wood blocks. Two inoculation sequences were tested: (i) the biocontrol agent as the first microorganism inoculated followed by the pathogen; and (ii) the xylophagous fungus as the first microorganism inoculated followed by the biocontrol agent. After 3 months of incubation, percentage dry weight loss was calculated. When E. purpurascens was allowed to colonize wood blocks before the introduction of the xylophagous fungus, dry weight loss was significantly reduced in all instances. However, as a secondary colonizer, E. purpurascens mildly reduced the weight loss caused by G. platense, had no effect on degradation by I. rickii and increased wood weight loss by R. ulmarius.
Detection of Diplodia pinea in asymptomatic pine shoots and its relation to the Normalized Insolation index
Authors: Maresi G. , Luchi N. , Pinzani P. , Pazzagli M. , Capretti P.
Published: August 2007

Diplodia pinea (syn. Sphaeropsis sapinea), a common pathogenic fungus, causes considerable damage in Italy, particularly to pine stands in which trees are subjected to environmental stress. The occurrence of D. pinea in symptomless Pinus nigra shoots was investigated and related to the amount of radiation received by the trees growing on a site in a year, expressed as the Normalized Insolation index (NIi). Twenty‐seven pines were selected from nine locations in Trentino (northern Italy). For each pine the incidence of the fungus in apparently healthy shoots was determined by both culturing on an agar medium and application of real‐time PCR. The incidence of D. pinea determined by culturing samples taken from asymptomatic trees was 59% (16 of 27 trees), compared with 85% found using real‐time PCR (23 of 27 trees). Detection of the pathogen in healthy pine tissue was positively correlated (p < 0.05) with the NIi values, using both detection methods.