Phospholipase Cε insufficiency causes ascending aortic aneurysm and dissection.

Phospholipase Cε (PLCε) is a phospholipase C isoform with a wide range of physiological functions. It has been implicated in aortic valve disorders, but its role in frequently associated aortic disease remains unclear. To determine the role of PLCε in thoracic aortic aneurysm and dissection (TAAD) we used PLCε-deficient mice, which develop aortic valve insufficiency and exhibit aortic dilation of the ascending thoracic aorta and arch without histopathological evidence of injury.

Recent evolutionary radiation and host plant specialization in the Xylella fastidiosa subspecies native to the United States.

The bacterial pathogen, Xylella fastidiosa, infects many plant species in the Americas, making it a good model for investigating the genetics of host adaptation. We used multilocus sequence typing (MLST) to identify isolates of the native U.S.

Variability Among Forecast Models for the Apple Sooty Blotch/Flyspeck Disease Complex.

Several disease forecast models have been developed to guide treatment of the sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) disease complex of apple. Generally, these empirical models are based on the accumulation of hours of leaf wetness (leaf wetness duration [LWD]) from a biofix at or near the phenological growth stage petal fall, when apple flower petals senesce and drop. The models recommend timing of the initial fungicide application targeting SBFS.

Diversity and biogeography of sooty blotch and flyspeck fungi on apple in the eastern and midwestern United States.

Sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS) fungi on apple fruit were sampled from nine orchards in four midwestern U.S. states during 2000 and 30 orchards in 10 eastern U.