bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nematophagous Fungi Associated with Root Galls of Rice Caused by Meloidogyne graminicola and its Control by Arthrobotrys dactyloides and Dactylaria brochopaga
Authors: Singh K. P. , Jaiswal R. K. , Kumar N. , Kumar D. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractRoot galls of rice caused by Meloidogyne graminicola were examined for natural colonization by nematophagous fungi from four fields with different nematode infestations. Old galls from severely infested fields had a higher frequency of Monacrosporium eudermatum and Stylopaga hadra than young galls. The frequency of Arthrobotrys oligospora, Arthrobotrys dactyloides, Dactylaria brochopaga and Monacrosporium gephyropagum was lower. A greater proportion (%) of root galls were colonized by nematophagous fungi in those fields in which rice roots had a greater root gall index. This indicated that disease severity supported the colonization of galls by nematophagous fungi. In vitro predacity tests of four fungi showed that A. dactyloides was most effective in capturing and killing J2 of Mel. graminicola followed by D. brochopaga and Mon. eudermatum. Application of inocula of A. dactyloides and D. brochopaga in soil infested with Mel. graminicola, respectively, reduced the number of root galls by 86% and of females by 94%, and eggs and juveniles by 94%. The application of these fungi to soil increased plant growth: shoot length by 42.7% and 39.8%, root length by 45.5% and 48.9%, fresh weight of shoot by 59.9% and 56.7% and fresh weight of root by 20.3% and 25.1%, respectively, compared to these parameters for plants grown in nematode‐infested soil.
Molecular Characterization and Potential Insect Vector of a Phytoplasma Associated with Garden Beet Witches’ Broom in Yazd, Iran
Authors: Mirzaie A. , Esmailzadeh‐Hosseini S. A. , Jafari‐Nodoshan A. , Rahimian H. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn 2002, garden beet witches’ broom (GBWB) phytoplasma was detected for the first time in garden beet plants (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. esculenta) in Yazd, Iran. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphic (RFLP) analysis of PCR‐amplified phytoplasma 16S rDNA were employed for the detection and identification of the phytoplasma associated with garden beet. A phytoplasma belonging to subgroup 16SrII‐E, in the peanut witches’ broom group (16SrII), was detected in infected plants. Asymptomatic plant samples and the negative control yielded no amplification. The result of analysis of the nucleotide sequence of a 1428 bp fragment of 16S rDNA gene from GBWB phytoplasma (GenBank accession number DQ302722) was basically consistent with the classification based on RFLP analysis, in which GBWB phytoplasma clustered with phytoplasmas of the 16SrII‐E subgroup. A search for a natural phytoplasma vector was conducted in Yazd in 2004, in an area where garden beet crops had been affected since 2002. The associated phytoplasma was detected in one leafhopper species, Orosius albicinctus, commonly present in this region. The leafhopper O. albicinctus was used in transmission tests to determine its vector status for the phytoplasma associated with GBWB. Two of eight plants that had been fed on by O. albicinctus, showed mild symptoms of GBWB including stunting and reddening of midveins. A phytoplasma was detected in the two symptomatic test plants by PCR using universal primers and it was identified by RFLP as the GBWB phytoplasma. This finding suggests O. albicinctus is a vector of the GBWB phytoplasma.
A Comparison of Three Experimental Designs for the Field Assessment of Resistance to Rice Blast Disease (Pyricularia oryzae)
Authors: Katsantonis D. , Koutroubas S. D. , Ntanos D. A. , Lupotto E. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe reliability and the effectiveness of three field experimental designs for the assessment of varietal resistance to Pyricularia oryzae was studied for 2 years. Plants were arranged in the field using two sets of three designs: randomized compete block (RCB), adjacent control (AC) and honeycomb (HC). In the first set, plants were inoculated with the fungus and in the second one, plants were naturally infected. Four varieties were used, Maratelli (susceptible control), Roxani, Selenio and Senia (main varieties). Disease progress was recorded as leaf and neck blast. The number of plants of the main varieties required in each design was higher for RCB (90) and lower for AC and HC (30 and 32, respectively). Results showed that disease severity was significantly different in the varieties studied and it was consistent and not affected by the plant arrangement in the field. All experimental designs were reliable and effective for the assessment of leaf and neck blast under inoculation or natural infection. AC and HC designs had the advantage of requiring fewer plants over RCB one. This could be important in cases where seed availability is a limiting factor.
Detection, Identification and Molecular Characterization of a Phytoplasma Associated with Arabian Jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) Witches’ Broom in Oman
Authors: Al‐Zadjali A. D. , Natsuaki T. , Okuda S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractArabian jasmine (Jasminum sambac L.) plants showing witches’ broom (WB) symptoms were found in two regions in the Sultanate of Oman. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA gene and the 16S–23S spacer region utilizing phytoplasma‐specific universal and designed primer pairs, and transmission electron microscopy of phytoplasma‐like structures in phloem elements confirmed phytoplasma infection in the symptomatic plants. PCR products primed with the P1/P7 primer pair were 1804 bp for jasmine witches’ broom (JasWB) and 1805 bp for alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) witches’ broom (AlfWB). Actual and putative restriction fragment length polymorphic analysis indicated that jasmine and AlfWB phytoplasmas were molecularly indistinguishable from each other and closely related to papaya yellow crinkle (PYC), as well as being distinct from lime WB (LWB) and Omani alfalfa WB (OmAlfWB) phytoplasmas. A sequence homology search of JasWB and AlfWB showed 99.8% similarity with PYC from New Zealand and 99.6% similarity with each other (JasWB/AlfWB). The jasmine and AlfWB phytoplasmas were also shown to be related to the peanut WB group (16SrII) of 16S rRNA groups based on a phylogenetic tree generated from phytoplasma strains primed with the P1/P7 primer pair and representing the 15 phytoplasma groups.
Cytopathology, Mode of Aphid Transmission and Search for the Casual Agent of Cotton Bunchy Top Disease
Authors: Ali A. , Reddall A. , Roberts J. , Wilson L. J. , Rezaian M. A. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe cytopathological effects of cotton bunchy top (CBT) disease and its mode of transmission by Aphis gossypii Glover (cotton aphid), were studied. CBT infection affected the leaf epidermal layer producing a loose, ruptured and rough surface morphology with many stomata closed and misshapen. Roots of CBT‐infected plants showed reduced growth, small knots and a dark brown appearance. A single aphid per plant was capable of transmitting CBT at 5%, whereas three aphids per plant transmitted CBT to 50% of the cotton seedlings and 20 aphids per plant transmitted the disease agent to 80% of the cotton seedlings. Aphis gossypii acquired CBT after a minimum acquisition access period of 5 min and transmitted the agent after a minimum inoculation access period of 1 h. Both alate and apterous aphids and nymph instars 2, 3 and 4 of A. gossypii transmitted CBT. This preliminary data suggest that A. gossypii transmits CBT in a semi‐persistent manner. Myzus persicae Sulz (green peach aphid) was unable to transmit CBT. A comprehensive attempt to isolate the CBT agent, using a range of virological techniques including double‐stranded RNA extraction, two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis for viroid, circular DNA test, nanovirus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), luteovirus PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, phytoplasma test, nucleoprotein purification and electron microscopy, was unsuccessful, raising the possibility that CBT may be caused by a unique new pathogen.
Effects of Light Quality on Induction of Tryptamine‐mediated Resistance in Lesion Mimic Mutant of Rice Infected with Magnaporthe grisea
Authors: Ueno M. , Imaoka A. , Kihara J. , Arase S. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe effective wavelength of light on Sekiguchi lesion formation, tryptamine accumulation, enzyme activities and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) generation involved in light‐induced resistance of rice (cv. Sekiguchi‐asahi) infected with Magnaporthe grisea was determined by using band‐pass filters (BPF). When the M. grisea‐inoculated leaves were irradiated by BPF‐filtered lights from daylight fluorescent lamps, Sekiguchi lesion development was enhanced by increasing the wavelength of visible light. The longer the radiation wavelength, the greater the tryptamine accumulation, the tryptophan decarboxylase and monoamine oxidase activities, and the H2O2 generation. By contrast, the longer the radiation wavelength of radiation, the greater the inhibition of catalase (CAT) activity. Among the visible lights, red light was the most effective for tryptamine pathway activation and CAT inhibition involved in light‐induced resistance.
What older people do: Time use and exploring the link between role participation and life satisfaction in people aged 65 years and over
Authors: McKenna Kryss , Broome Kieran , Liddle Jacki 
Published: March 2007

Objectives:  Data on time use and role participation can provide rich information that can help occupational therapists better understand older people's lives. This study aimed to (i) describe the time use and role participation of community‐dwelling people aged 65 years and older, (ii) analyse whether time use and role participation changed with increasing age, and (iii) determine if there is a link between maintenance of role participation and life satisfaction in older age. Methods:  Using a cross‐sectional design, interviews including the Activity Configuration, Role Checklist and Life Satisfaction Index‐Z were used to collect data on 195 participants (mean age 75 years, 58.5% female). Results:  Participants spent most of their time on sleep (8.4 h/day), solitary leisure (4.5 h/day), instrumental activities of daily living (3.1 h/day), social leisure (2.7 h/day) and basic activities of daily living (2.6 h/day). The most common roles were friend (96.4%), family member (95.4%) and home maintainer (87.2%). Participants aged 75 years and older spent significantly more time on solitary leisure and less time on paid work and transport compared to those aged 65–74 years. Role maintenance was significantly related to greater life satisfaction in participants aged 75–84 years. Conclusion:  Older people's occupations and roles are diverse, and increasing age does not appear to reduce occupational or role engagement. The value of roles is not always reflected in the amount of time devoted to them and facilitating continued participation in valued roles may be important for older people's life satisfaction.
d‐Alanyl ester depletion of teichoic acids in Lactobacillus reuteri 100‐23 results in impaired colonization of the mouse gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Walter Jens , Loach Diane M. , Alqumber Mohammed , Rockel Christoph , Hermann Corinna , Pfitzenmaier Markus , Tannock Gerald W. 
Published: March 2007

SummaryThe dlt operon of Gram‐positive bacteria encodes proteins required for the incorporation of d‐alanine esters into cell wall‐associated teichoic acids (TA). d‐Alanylation of TA has been shown to be important for acid tolerance, resistance to antimicrobial peptides, adhesion, biofilm formation, and virulence of a variety of pathogenic organisms. The aim of this study was to determine the importance of d‐alanylation for colonization of the gastrointestinal tract by Lactobacillus reuteri 100‐23. Insertional inactivation of the dltA gene resulted in complete depletion of d‐alanine substitution of lipoteichoic acids. The dlt mutant had similar growth characteristics as the wild type under standard in vitro conditions, but formed lower population sizes in the gastrointestinal tract of ex‐Lactobacillus‐free mice, and was almost eliminated from the habitat in competition experiments with the parental strain. In contrast to the wild type, the dlt mutant was unable to form a biofilm on the forestomach epithelium during gut colonization. Transmission electron microscope observations showed evidence of cell wall damage of mutant bacteria present in the forestomach. The dlt mutant had impaired growth under acidic culture conditions and increased susceptibility to the cationic peptide nisin relative to the wild type. Ex vivo adherence of the dlt mutant to the forestomach epithelium was not impaired. This study showed that d‐alanylation is an important cell function of L. reuteri that seems to protect this commensal organism against the hostile conditions prevailing in the murine forestomach.
Mass spectrometric characterization and physiological actions of VPNDWAHFRGSWamide, a novel B type allatostatin in the crab, Cancer borealis
Authors: Fu Qiang , Tang Lamont S. , Marder Eve , Li Lingjun 
Published: March 2007

AbstractThe neural networks in the crustacean stomatogastric ganglion are modulated by neuroactive substances released locally into the neuropil of the stomatogastric ganglion and by circulating hormones released by neuroendocrine structures including the pericardial organs. Using nanoscale liquid chromatography coupled to electrospray ionization quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, we have identified and sequenced a novel B type allatostatin (CbAST‐B1), VPNDWAHFRGSWamide, present in the pericardial organs of the crabs, Cancer borealis, and Cancer productus. We describe the physiological actions of CbAST‐B1 on the pyloric rhythm of the stomatogastric ganglion of the crab, Cancer borealis. CbAST‐B1 reduces the pyloric network frequency in a dose‐dependent manner. The effect of bath‐applied CbAST‐B1 depends on the preceding physiological state of the preparation. Surprisingly, despite marked amino‐acid sequence dissimilarity between the novel CbAST‐B1 and the A type allatostatin family of peptides (AST‐A), the physiological effects of CbAST‐B1 are similar to those of AST‐A.
Noradrenaline enhances the expression of the neuronal monocarboxylate transporter MCT2 by translational activation via stimulation of PI3K/Akt and the mTOR/S6K pathway
Authors: Chenal Julie , Pellerin Luc 
Published: March 2007

AbstractMonocarboxylate transporter 2 (MCT2) expression is up‐regulated by noradrenaline (NA) in cultured cortical neurons via a putative but undetermined translational mechanism. Western blot analysis showed that p44/p42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) was rapidly and strongly phosphorylated by NA treatment. NA also rapidly induced serine/threonine protein kinase from AKT virus (Akt) phosphorylation but to a lesser extent than p44/p42 MAPK. However, Akt activation persisted over a longer period. Similarly, NA induced a rapid and persistent phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a kinase implicated in the regulation of translation in the central nervous system. Consistent with activation of the mTOR/S6 kinase pathway, phosphorylation of the ribosomal S6 protein, a component of the translation machinery, could be observed upon treatment with NA. In parallel, it was found that the NA‐induced increase in MCT2 protein was almost completely blocked by LY294002 (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase inhibitor) as well as by rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor), while mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase and p38 MAPK inhibitors had much smaller effects. Taken together, these data reveal that NA induces an increase in neuronal MCT2 protein expression by a mechanism involving stimulation of phosphoinositide 3‐kinase/Akt and translational activation via the mTOR/S6 kinase pathway. Moreover, considering the role of NA in synaptic plasticity, alterations in MCT2 expression as described in this study might represent an adaptation to face energy demands associated with enhanced synaptic transmission.
High aspartate to alanine aminotransferase ratio is an indicator of cirrhosis and poor outcome in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Nyblom Helena , Nordlinder Hans , Olsson Rolf 
Published: March 2007

AbstractObjectives: A liver biopsy is performed mainly to stage primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). In viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and in primary biliary cirrhosis, the ratio of aspartate to alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT) has been proven to be an indicator of liver cirrhosis. We wanted to test whether or not an AST/ALT ratio ≥1 is an indicator of cirrhosis also in patients with PSC.Methods: A cohort of 154 patients diagnosed with PSC was studied retrospectively. Laboratory tests and the histological stage were scored.Results: The mean AST/ALT ratio in the cirrhotic patients at the time of the first (n=117) as well as the last (n=72) histological examination was higher (1.3±0.5 and 1.6±0.7, respectively) than in the non‐cirrhotic patients (0.7±0.4 and 1.0 ±0.4, respectively) (P<0.0001 and P=0.0002, respectively). An AST/ALT ratio ≥1 was a strong predictor for liver‐related death/orthotopic liver transplantation and liver‐related death, being associated with a double and an almost fourfold higher risk, respectively.Conclusion: An AST/ALT ratio ≥1 is significantly associated with the presence of cirrhosis and poor outcome in PSC. It may therefore be a valuable non‐invasive method for indicating cirrhosis in patients with PSC.
Impact of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease on chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Bondini Silvia , Kallman Jillian , Wheeler Angela , Prakash Shivaani , Gramlich Terry , Jondle Daniel M. , Younossi Zobair M. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractBackground: The impact of superimposed non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is well established in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CH‐C), but the impact in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CH‐B) is less clear.Aim: This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of NAFLD in patients with CH‐B and the association with viral and host factors, particularly in patients with metabolic syndrome (MS).Design: Data from patients with CH‐B was obtained from our databases. Patients with excessive alcohol use were excluded. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotyping by INNO‐LIPA was available for some patients. The presence of MS was defined according to the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). All biopsies were read by two hepatopathologists using Metavir, modified histologic activity index (MHAI), as well as a NAFLD pathologic protocol. Patients were classified as (1) those without NAFLD; (2) those with simple hepatic steatosis; (3) and those with superimposed non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Factors associated with superimposed NAFLD, its subtypes, and hepatic fibrosis were also analysed.Results: Subjects included 153 HBV patients [66% male, age 50.5±27.5 years, body mass index 24.7±3.7 kg/m2, waist 83.2±10.9 cm; 8.5% Caucasian, 67% Asian, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 63.2±88.2 IU/l, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 98.6±164.6 IU/l, glucose 111.6±50.5 mg/dl, HBV–DNA 1.8 × 108±1.9 × 106 copies/ml, 7% with MS, 13% with diabetes, 20% with arterial hypertension and 8.5% with dyslipidaemia]. Liver biopsy was available for 64 subjects [19% had superimposed NAFLD, 13% had superimposed NASH, 86% had some degree of fibrosis, and 39% had advanced fibrosis (Ishak >3)]. Patients with HBV and superimposed NASH were significantly older (55 vs. 42 years, P=0.008), more likely to have hypertension (63% vs. 15%, P=0.006) and dyslipidaemia (50% vs. 8%, P=0.006), and had a larger waist circumference (92 vs. 83 cm, P=0.03). The presence of fibrosis was associated with higher waist circumference (84 vs. 80 cm, P=0.03), higher HBV‐DNA (1.9 × 108 vs. 5 × 106 copies/ml, P=0.005), and elevated ALT >40 IU/l (73.6% vs. 33.3%, P=0.02).Conclusions: The components of MS (obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidaemia) are associated with the presence of NASH in patients with CH‐B. The presence of hepatic fibrosis seems to be associated with known host and viral factors as well as the presence of abdominal obesity.
Strategic Outsourcing Decisions for Manufacturers that Produce Partially Substitutable Products in a Quantity‐Setting Duopoly Situation*
Authors: Xiao Tiaojun , Xia Yusen , Zhang G. Peter 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThis article examines production and outsourcing decisions for two manufacturers that produce partially substitutable products and play a strategic game with quantity competition. When both manufacturers outsource key components to the same upstream supplier, their products become more substitutable due to the increased commonality of the products. In addition, outsourcing may create better consumer perception about the product if the manufacturers choose reputable suppliers with better brand or quality. We explicitly model the substitutability change and the brand/quality effect and provide conditions under which the manufacturers should outsource the components to a supplier. We present the subgame perfect Nash equilibriums for the situation in which there is only one supplier and the case in which two suppliers compete with each other in the upstream supply chain. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the findings.
The FAIRSERV Model: Consumer Reactions to Services Based on a Multidimensional Evaluation of Service Fairness
Authors: Carr Christopher L. 
Published: March 2007

ABSTRACTThe current dominant conceptualization of consumer reactions to services is the SERVQUAL model. This article proposes the FAIRSERV model as an alternative or additional conceptualization of consumer reactions to services. FAIRSERV involves seeing service evaluation through the lens of organizational fairness (justice) theory applied to the relationship between the service consumer and the service provider. FAIRSERV is premised on the claim that, especially in relational service contexts, consumers are interested in service fairness as well as service quality (service favorableness) as represented by SERVQUAL. Service fairness or justice is a multidimensional construct based on equity theory. In this article, the FAIRSERV model is tested with the SERVQUAL model in the context of information system services. The two models are used to predict service satisfaction and repatronage intention. The FAIRSERV model appears to add a significant new set of predictors of service satisfaction and repatronage intention that should be considered in the future by service providers.
Risk Management: The Unifying Framework for Business Scholarship and Pedagogy
Authors: Garven James R. 
Published: March 2007

AbstractIn this article, I provide a brief critical assessment of the intellectual history of risk management and insurance (RMI) as an academic discipline. Although the level of rigor and overall quality of RMI scholarship and pedagogy continue to improve, RMI remains too narrowly focused upon risk management issues specifically affecting insurance markets and institutions. Since risk management is of fundamental importance to virtually all areas of business scholarship and pedagogy, we must seek ways to more broadly apply risk management concepts.