bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Report of Brown Ring Patch Caused by Waitea circinata var. circinata on Poa annua in Virginia
Authors: Kammerer S. , Harmon P. F. , McDonald S. , Horvath B. 
Published: March 2009

Brown ring patch was first described as a disease of cool-season turfgrass on creeping bentgrass (Agrostis palustris) (4) in Japan and later reported in California on annual bluegrass (Poa annua) (2). Brown ring patch symptoms were observed beginning in December 2007 through spring 2008 on 6 of 18 putting greens on a golf course in Reston, VA. Symptoms included yellow rings and patches of blighted turfgrass on the mixed stands of creeping bentgrass (A. palustris) and primarily annual bluegrass (Poa annua). Chlorosis and blight occurred predominantly on P. annua. A turfgrass sample was received from a consultant in April 2008, and disease severity on affected greens was estimated to be 40%. After incubating for 2 days in a moist chamber, Rhizoctonia-like aerial mycelia were observed. The pathogen was isolated on water agar and potato dextrose agar amended with thiophanate-methyl (100 mg/L), rifampicin (100 mg/L), and ampicillin (500 mg/L) from P. annua plants that had been surface sterilized with 70% ethanol for 15 s. Colony and sclerotia morphology were consistent with Waitea circinata var. circinata as previously described (2,4). Hyphae were stained with aniline blue and multiple nuclei were observed per cell. The teleomorph was not observed on plant material or in culture. Amplified fragments of rDNA including internal transcribed spacers from the isolate were amplified in three bacterial clones and sequenced bidirectionally (GenBank Accession Nos. FJ154894, FJ154895, and FJ154896) using primers ITS1/ITS4 (2,4). The consensus sequences matched, with 99% homology and 99% sequence overlap, isolate TRGC1.1 of W. circinata var. circinata (GenBank Accession No. DQ900586) (2). Annual bluegrass was not available for use in performing Koch's postulates, but previous studies have shown that W. circinata var. circinata is pathogenic to roughstalk bluegrass (P. trivialis) (1,3). Pots of P. trivialis cv. Cypress that were 1 week postemergence were inoculated with seven wheat grains that had been autoclaved and then infested with the isolate. Plants were incubated at 25°C in a sealed plastic bag with a moist paper towel on the bottom. Hyphae grew from the grains and colonized the grass. Individual plants began to turn chlorotic within 3 days, and more than 80% of the turf in pots was dead after 1 week. Control pots were inoculated with autoclaved wheat seed and showed no disease symptoms after 1 week. Inoculations were repeated twice more with the same results. W. circinata var. circinata was reisolated from affected plants in all replications of the test. To our knowledge, this is the first report of brown ring patch in Virginia. Additional research is needed to assess the prevalence and importance of this disease on golf course putting greens in Virginia. References: (1) C. M. Chen et al. Plant Dis. 91:1687, 2007. (2) K. A. de la Cerda et al. Plant Dis. 91:791, 2007. (3) N. Flor et al. Plant Dis. 92:1586, 2008. (4) T. Toda et al. Plant Dis. 89:536, 2005.
First Report of Wheat streak mosaic virus on Wheat in New Zealand
Authors: Lebas B. S. M. , Ochoa-Corona F. M. , Alexander B. J. R. , Lister R. A. , Fletcher J. D. F. , Bithell S. L. , Burnip G. M. 
Published: March 2009

In August of 2005, seeds of wheat (Triticum aestivum) breeding line 6065.3 tested positive for Wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV; genus Tritimovirus) by a WSMV-specific reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assay (2). The sequence of the 200-bp amplicon (GenBank Accession No. FJ434246) was 99% identical with WSMV isolates from Turkey and the United States (GenBank Accession Nos. AF454455 and AF057533) and 96 to 97% identical to isolates from Australia (GenBank Accession Nos. DQ888801 to DQ888805 and DQ462279), which belong to the subclade D (1). As a result, an extensive survey of three cereal experimental trials and 105 commercial wheat crops grown on the South Island of New Zealand was conducted during the 2005–2006 summer to determine the distribution of WSMV. Wherever possible, only symptomatic plants were collected. Symptoms on wheat leaf samples ranged from very mild mosaic to symptomless. In total, 591 leaf samples suspected to be symptomatic were tested for WSMV by a double-antibody sandwich (DAS)-ELISA (DSMZ, Braunschweig, Germany). Of the 591 symptomatic samples, 81 tested positive. ELISA results were confirmed by RT-PCR with novel forward (WSMV-F1; 5′-TTGAGGATTTGGAGGAAGGT-3′) and reverse (WSMV-R1; 5′-GGATGTTGCCGAGTTGATTT-3′) primers designed to amplify a 391-nt fragment encoding a region of the P3 and CI proteins. Total RNA was extracted from the 81 ELISA-positive leaf samples using the Plant RNeasy Kit (Qiagen Inc., Chatsworth, CA). The expected size fragment was amplified from each of the 81 ELISA-positive samples. The positive samples represent 30 of 56 wheat cultivars (54%) collected from 28 of 108 sites (26%) sampled in the growing regions from mid-Canterbury to North Otago. These results suggest that WSMV is widespread in New Zealand both geographically and within cultivars. WSMV is transmitted by the wheat curl mite (Aceria tosichella) (3), which had not been detected in New Zealand despite repeated and targeted surveys. WSMV is of great economic importance in some countries, where the disease has been reported to cause total yield loss (3). Although WSMV is transmitted by seeds at low rates (0.1 to 0.2%) (4), it is the most likely explanation of the spread of the disease in New Zealand. References: (1) G. I. Dwyer et al. Plant Dis. 91:164, 2007. (2) R. French and N. L. Robertson. J. Virol. Methods 49:93, 1994. (3) R. French and D. C. Stenger. Descriptions of Plant Viruses. Online publication. No. 393, 2002. (4) R. A. C. Jones et al. Plant Dis. 89:1048, 2005.
First Report of Garlic virus B and Garlic virus D in Garlic in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Gieck S. L. , Hamm P. B. , David N. L. , Pappu H. R. 
Published: March 2009

With the recent report of several viruses infecting garlic (Allium sativum L.) grown in the Pacific Northwest (1–3), studies were initiated on cloves planted in the fall of 2006 to determine the presence of additional viruses infecting plants exhibiting mosaic and/or chlorotic leaves. Cloves from symptomatic plants of the cultivar ‘Early’ from two seed production fields in Benton County, WA and two seed production fields in Morrow County, OR were tested by two-step reverse transcription (RT)-PCR using primers specific to the coat protein (CP) of the allexiviruses (4), since garlic infected with this group had similar symptoms in Asia and South America (4). Of the 87 cloves tested, 84 were positive, and four representative samples of the RT-PCR amplicons from each location were cloned and sequenced. Sequence comparisons indicated that the cloves from both locations were infected with Garlic virus D (GarV-D), also known as Japanese garlic virus (JGV), since they shared 98% identity with known isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. L388922.1, AF519572.1, and AB010303.1). In addition, sequences of isolates from the Oregon cloves shared a 96% identity with a known isolate of Garlic virus B (GarV-B; GenBank Accession No. AF543829.1). Because no antiserum specific to these viruses was available, primers specific to the CP genes of GarV-D (JGV-F2/JGV-R2 5′-GCTCACTCRGATGTGTTAGC-3′ and 5′-CGCGTGGACATAAGTTGTTG-3′) and GarV-B (GVB-F1/GVB-R2 5′-GAGGAGAACTAACGCCACAC-3′ and 5′-ACGACCTAGCTTCCTACTTG-3′) were designed and the cloves were retested by RT-PCR using these virus-specific primers. With the GarV-D specific primers, 98 and 63% of the cloves were positive from Washington and Oregon, respectively, and 52% of the cloves from Oregon were positive using the GarV-B specific primers. None of the cloves tested from Washington were positive for GarV-B. The identity of the amplicons was verified by cloning and sequencing (GarV-D, GenBank Accession No. FJ643476; GarV-B, GenBank Accession No. FJ643475). Incidence of the two viruses differed between Oregon and Washington was likely due to the expansion of the seed lots in two different locations (California and Nevada) prior to planting in 2006. With such high infection rates, studies should be conducted to determine the impact of these viruses on yield when plants are singly infected as well as in combination with the other viruses known to infect garlic in this region. These and the other viruses (1) are likely to impact yield. To our knowledge, this is the first report of GarV-D (JGV) and GarV-B in garlic in the Pacific Northwest. References: (1) S. L. Gieck et al. Plant Dis. 91:461, 2007. (2) H. R. Pappu et al. Plant Dis. 89:205, 2005 (3) H. R. Pappu et al. Online publication. doi:10.1094/PHP-2008-0919-01-RS. Plant Health Progress, 2008. (4) T. Tsuneyoshi et al. Phytopathology 86:253, 1996.
Mitochondrial DNA diversity and origins of South and Central American goats
Authors: Amills M. , Ramírez O. , Tomàs A. , Badaoui B. , Marmi J. , Acosta J. , Sànchez A. , Capote J. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryWe have analysed the genetic diversity of South and Central American (SCA) goats by partially sequencing the mitochondrial control region of 93 individuals with a wide geographical distribution. Nucleotide and haplotype diversities reached values of 0.020 ± 0.00081 and 0.963 ± 0.0012 respectively. We have also observed a rather weak phylogeographic structure, with almost 69% of genetic variation included in the within‐breed variance component. The topology of a median‐joining network analysis including 286 European, Iberian, Atlantic and SCA mitochondrial sequences was very complex, with most of the haplotypes forming part of independent small clusters. SCA sequences showed a scattered distribution throughout the network, and clustering with Spanish and Portuguese sequences occurred only occasionally, not allowing the distinguishing of a clear Iberian signature. Conversely, we found a prominent cluster including Canarian, Chilean, Argentinian and Bolivian mitochondrial haplotypes. This result was independently confirmed by constructing a Bayesian phylogenetic tree (posterior probability of 0.97). Sharing of mitochondrial haplotypes by SCA and Canarian goats suggests that goat populations from the Atlantic archipelagos, where Spanish and Portuguese ships en route to the New World used to stow food and supplies, participated in the foundation of SCA caprine breeds.
Monophyletic origin of domestic bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus) and its evolutionary relationship with the extant wild camel (Camelus bactrianus ferus)
Authors: Ji R. , Cui P. , Ding F. , Geng J. , Gao H. , Zhang H. , Yu J. , Hu S. , Meng H. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe evolutionary relationship between the domestic bactrian camel and the extant wild two‐humped camel and the factual origin of the domestic bactrian camel remain elusive. We determined the sequence of mitochondrial cytb gene from 21 camel samples, including 18 domestic camels (three Camelus bactrianus xinjiang, three Camelus bactrianus sunite, three Camelus bactrianus alashan, three Camelus bactrianus red, three Camelus bactrianus brown and three Camelus bactrianus normal) and three wild camels (Camelus bactrianus ferus). Our phylogenetic analyses revealed that the extant wild two‐humped camel may not share a common ancestor with the domestic bactrian camel and they are not the same subspecies at least in their maternal origins. Molecular clock analysis based on complete mitochondrial genome sequences indicated that the sub‐speciation of the two lineages had begun in the early Pleistocene, about 0.7 million years ago. According to the archaeological dating of the earliest known two‐humped camel domestication (5000–6000 years ago), we could conclude that the extant wild camel is a separate lineage but not the direct progenitor of the domestic bactrian camel. Further phylogenetic analysis suggested that the bactrian camel appeared monophyletic in evolutionary origin and that the domestic bactrian camel could originate from a single wild population. The data presented here show how conservation strategies should be implemented to protect the critically endangered wild camel, as it is the last extant form of the wild tribe Camelina.
Molecular structure in peripheral dog breeds: Portuguese native breeds as a case study
Authors: Pires A. E. , Amorim I. R. , Ginja C. , Gomes M. , Godinho I. , Simões F. , Oom M. , Petrucci‐Fonseca F. , Matos J. , Bruford M. W. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryGenetic variability in purebred dogs is known to be highly structured, with differences among breeds accounting for ∼30% of the genetic variation. However, analysis of the genetic structure in non‐cosmopolitan breeds and local populations is still limited. Nine Portuguese native dog breeds, and other peripheral dog populations (five) with regional affinities, were characterized using 16 microsatellites and 225 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers, and the pattern of genetic differentiation was investigated. Although the level of breed differentiation detected is below that of other dog breeds, there is in most cases a correlation between breed affiliation and molecular structure. AFLP markers and Bayesian clustering methods allowed an average of 73.1% of individuals to be correctly assigned to source populations, providing robust genotypic assessment of breed affiliation. A geographical genetic structure was also detected, which suggests a limited influence of African dogs on the Iberian breeds. The sampling effect on the estimation of population structure was evaluated and there was a 2.2% decrease in genetic differentiation among breeds when working animals were included. Genetic diversity of stray dogs was also assessed and there is no evidence that they pose a threat to the preservation of the gene pool of native dog breeds.
Gene expression studies in cultured dendritic cells: new indicators for the discrimination of skin sensitizers and irritants in vitro
Authors: Szameit S. , Vierlinger K. , Farmer L. , Tuschl H. , Noehammer C. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryBackground
The replacement of animal tests for the detection of the sensitizing potential of chemicals is of great importance due to current legislation. One promising approach for the development of an in vitro assay is the exposure of immature dendritic cells (iDCs) to contact sensitizers and irritants, followed by an analysis of the maturation status of the cells.Objective
The aim of this study was to further investigate the performance of our previously developed targeted microarray, the immune toxicity chip. In addition, we aimed to identify new marker genes for the discrimination of allergens and irritants using whole‐genome microarrays.Methods
Monocyte‐derived iDCs were exposed to contact sensitizers and irritants in concentrations resulting in 10–20% cytotoxicity, as determined by dose–response curves. Changes in gene expression were analysed using the immune toxicity chip and a commercially available whole‐genome microarray.Results
Using the immune toxicity chip, we could identify a panel of marker genes suitable to discriminate strong allergens and irritants. Analysis with the whole‐genome array revealed additional genes that are differentially expressed after allergen exposure, but not after irritant exposure. Hierarchical clustering of these genes showed distinct groups representing the different chemicals.Conclusion
Here we show that our test system based on an immune‐specific microarray is suitable for the discrimination of strong allergens and irritants. Genes detected as differentially expressed with the whole‐genome array and previously not connected to the maturation process of DCs might be suitable candidate genes for the identification of weaker sensitizers.
Simvastatin increases osteoblasts and osteogenic proteins in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Ho M.‐L. , Chen Y.‐H. , Liao H.‐J. , Chen C.‐H. , Hung S.‐H. , Lee M.‐J. , Fu Y.‐C. , Wang Y.‐H. , Wang G.‐J. , Chang J.‐K. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  Previous reports have indicated that statins could prevent bone loss in ovariectomized (OVX) rats and increase the expressions of osteogenic genes in cultured osteoblasts. In this study, we hypothesized that simvastatin might increase osteoblast number and protein expressions of osteogenic markers localized in bones in concomitance with the prevention of bone loss in OVX rats.Materials and methods  Fifty‐four 3‐month‐old OVX and sham‐operated (SHAM) female Sprague–Dawley rats were used. Simvastatin (10–20 mg kg−1 day−1) was administrated orally for 6 weeks. Trabecular volume, osteoblast number and osteogenic proteins including BMP2, collagen type I and osteocalcin on bone sections obtained from lumbar vertebral body, distal femur and proximal tibia were measured.Results  The results showed that SHAM rats had significantly less trabecular bone volume and osteoblast number than that of OVX rats 6 weeks after operation. Oral simvastatin treatment (10–20 mg kg−1 day−1) increased bone volume and osteoblast number in the distal femurs, proximal tibiae and vertebrae of OVX rats. Furthermore, the osteoblastic cells with immuno‐stained BMP2, collagen type I and osteocalcin in vertebral bones were significantly increased by simvastatin treatment (20 mg kg−1 day−1) in OVX rats.Conclusions  This study demonstrates that simvastatin enhances the production of osteogenic proteins in bone and this effect may contribute to the prevention of bone loss in OVX rats.
Predictors of inotropic and chronotropic effects of N G‐monomethyl‐l‐arginine
Authors: Brillante D. G. , O’Sullivan A. J. , Johnstone M. T. , Howes L. G. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground  The haemodynamic effects of intravenous infusion of the non‐selective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) l‐omega monomethyl arginine (l‐NMMA) have previously been characterized in humans. Its effect of reducing cardiac index (CI) is an important reason for the increase in mortality in patients with septic shock receiving l‐NMMA in a pivotal outcome trial for this indication. The mechanism for the reduction in CI however, is uncertain.Methods  In this study, we investigated the haemodynamic and arterial stiffness response to a bolus intravenous infusion of l‐NMMA (3 mg kg−1 over 5 min) in 26 healthy human volunteers to clarify the likely cause of l‐NMMA induced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects. Digital photoplethysmography (MicroMedical Pulse Trace) was used to derive two measures of arterial stiffness: stiffness index, a measure of large arterial stiffness, and reflection index (RI), a measure of small‐ to medium‐sized arterial stiffness. Haemodynamic measurements of systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI), stroke index and CI were made using a bioimpedance monitor (BioZ Cardiodynamics).Results  We found that changes in CI during l‐NMMA are closely related to changes in RI and SVRI.Conclusion  The negative inotropic effect of l‐NMMA may be a result of an increase in coronary vascular resistance and a resultant decrease in myocardial perfusion. The reduction in CI may also result from a direct reduction of the normal positive inotropic effect of NO by l‐NMMA which is closely correlated with its effects on SVRI.
Stem hydraulics mediates leaf water status, carbon gain, nutrient use efficiencies and plant growth rates across dipterocarp species
Authors: Zhang Jiao‐Lin , Cao Kun‐Fang 
Published: March 2009

SummaryStem vascular system strongly influences structure and functioning of leaves, life‐history, and distribution of plants. Xylem structure and hydraulic conductivity of branches, leaf functional traits, and growth rates in 17 dipterocarp species in a mature plantation stand were examined to explore the functional relationships between these traits.Maximum hydraulic conductivity on the bases of both sapwood and leaf area (kL) were positively correlated with midday leaf water potential in the rainy season, stomatal conductance, area‐based maximum photosynthetic rate, photosynthetic N (PNUE) and P use efficiencies (PPUE), and mean height and diameter growth rates. Moreover,kLwas positively correlated with mesophyll thickness and mass‐based maximum photosynthetic rate. These results revealed the mechanistic linkage between stem hydraulics and leaf photosynthesis through nutrient use efficiency and mesophyll development of leaves.A detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) using 37 traits showed that the traits related to stem hydraulics and leaf carbon gain were loaded on the first axis whereas traits related to light harvesting were loaded on the second axis, indicating that light harvesting is a distinct ecological axis for tropical canopy plants. The DCA also revealed a trade‐off between photosynthetic water use efficiency and hydraulic conductivity along with PNUE and PPUE.The congeneric species were scattered fairly close together on the DCA diagram, indicating that the linkages between stem hydraulics, leaf functional traits, and plant growth rates are phylogenetically conserved.These results suggest that stem hydraulics mediates leaf water status, carbon gain, nutrient use efficiencies, and growth rates across the dipterocarp species. The wide variation in functional traits and growth rates among these dipterocarp species along with the trade‐offs mentioned above provide a possible explanation for their co‐existence in tropical forest communities.
Utilization of semi‐natural grassland through integrated generation of solid fuel and biogas from biomass. I. Effects of hydrothermal conditioning and mechanical dehydration on mass flows of organic and mineral plant compounds, and nutrient balances
Authors: Wachendorf M. , Richter F. , Fricke T. , Graß R. , Neff R. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe use of semi‐natural grasslands for the production of renewable energy through conventional conversion techniques faces major limitations because of chemical and physical properties of the biomass. A new conversion procedure was developed which separates the biomass, as silage, into a liquid phase for biogas production and into a solid fraction to be used as fuel. Separation (mechanical dehydration) is carried out with a screw press after mashing with water (hydrothermal conditioning). The effect of hydrothermal conditioning at different temperatures (5, 60 and 80°C) and mechanical dehydration on mass flows of plant compounds into the press fluid was investigated for five grassland pastures typical of mountain areas of Germany. Results show that 0·18 of the crude fibre was transferred into the fluid, whereas more digestible organic compounds, such as crude protein and nitrogen‐free extract, showed mass flows of 0·40 and 0·31 respectively. While 0·52–0·89 of potassium (K), magnesium (Mg) and chloride (Cl), which are detrimental for the combustion of the press cake, were transferred into the press fluid, more than 0·50 of calcium, which has positive combustion properties, remained in the press cake. Significantly (P < 0·05) higher mass flows were detected at conditioning temperatures of 60°C (K and Mg) and 80°C (crude fibre and nitrogen‐free extract) compared with the 5°C treatment. Because of the separation of solids and liquids, high proportions of P (0·61–0·74) and K (0·64–0·85) but only 0·32–0·45 of nitrogen exported from the grassland would be recycled with an application of the digestates from the anaerobic digestion of the press liquid.