bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correção de hérnia abdominal com tela envolta por tecido fibroso: estudo em ratos Wistar
Authors: Ricciardi Bruno Filippi , Chequim Luiz Henrique , Gama Ricardo Ribeiro , Hassegawa Leonardo
Published: August 2012

OBJETIVO: Verificar a eficácia e complicações da correção cirúrgica de hérnias incisionais por enxerto da tela de polipropileno envolta por tecido fibroso, em comparação com a tela de polipropileno. MÉTODOS: Foram utilizados 25 ratos Wistar machos e fêmeas, distribuídos em dois grupos: controle e experimento. O grupo experimento, com 15 animais, foi submetido ao implante da tela em seu tecido subcutâneo. Após 21 dias, a tela foi removida e serviu para correção de uma hérnia abdominal induzida. Os animais foram eutanasiados após 21 dias e submetidos à análise macroscópica, tensional e microscópica. O grupo controle, foi submetido ao reparo da hérnia abdominal com a tela de polipropileno. RESULTADOS: Observou-se diferença significativa em relação à análise macroscópica de aderências. O grupo controle obteve maior grau de aderências em relação ao experimento (p= 0,003). Não foi possível afirmar que houve diferença significativa em relação à análise de força tensional e microscopia. CONCLUSÃO: A tela de polipropileno envolta por tecido fibroso mostrou-se eficaz na correção das hérnias abdominais induzidas, com menor grau de aderências macroscópicas quando comparada à tela de polipropileno.
Use of novel materials for reinforced soil walls on weak soils
Authors: Jayasree Parameswaran K. , Ansar Musthafakunju
Published: August 2012

Reinforced soil walls are gaining considerable attention as retaining structures and providing a valuable alternative to traditional reinforced concrete walls. They present a good ratio between cost effectiveness and a low environmental impact. The present work deals with a numerical case study conducted to examine the feasibility of using novel reinforcing and facing materials in the construction of reinforced soil walls built on weak soils. The study was conducted in the Thiruvananthapuram city, Kerala, India. It was proposed to construct two-lane parallel bridges to the existing bridges across a canal at two locations in Thiruvananthapuram city where the subsoil conditions are very poor and the maximum height of the embankment could be up to 7 m including foundation near the abutments. Owing to the large costs of the conventional retaining wall structures, the possibility of providing other flexible forms of retaining structures is explored numerically in the present study.
Selective Removal of Some Polyhydric Phenols from Aqueous Solution by Ferric Antimonate
Authors: Rawat J.P. , Naseer Uzma , Andrabi S. Muzaffar Ali
Published: August 2012

Ferric antimonate, a cation‐exchanger, has been investigated as an adsorbent for the removal of phenol and polyhydric phenols from aqueous solution. It has been found that ferric antimonate in H+ form selectively adsorbs polyhydric phenols having hydroxyl groups on adjacent positions. While phenol, resorcinol, and quinol did not show any appreciable adsorption, catechol, pyrogallol, and gallic acid having hydroxyl groups on adjacent positions exhibited considerable adsorption on ferric antimonate. Batch equilibrium experiments were carried out to study the effect of contact time, initial concentration of phenolic compounds, and temperature on the adsorption of phenolic compounds on ferric antimonate. The equilibrium time was found to be 1.5 hours for gallic acid and pyrogallol and 2 hours for catechol and salicylic acid. The adsorption data of the phenols at temperatures of 30°, 40°, and 50 °C have been described by Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The best fit was obtained with the Langmuir model in the whole range of concentrations studied at all temperatures, indicating a monolayer adsorption onto a homogeneous adsorption surface. On the basis of the Langmuir isotherm, the maximum adsorption capacity of ferric antimonate for gallic acid, pyrogallol, catechol, and salicylic acid was found to be 3.915, 3.734, 2.397, and 2.758 mg/g, respectively at 30 °C. The maximum sorption capacity of ferric antimonate for the phenolic compounds studied is in the following order: gallic acid > pyrogallol > salicylic acid > catechol. The adsorption of phenolic compounds was found to decrease with an increase in temperature. Thermodynamic parameters like free energy, enthalpy, and entropy changes were calculated and discussed. The adsorption of polyhydric phenols on ferric antimonate is exothermic and spontaneous in nature.
Hydrodynamic Treatment of Wastewater Effluent Flocs for Improved Disinfection
Authors: Gibson J. , Droppo I.G. , Farnood R. , Mahendran B. , Seto P. , Liss S.N.
Published: August 2012

Hydrodynamic forces generated by an orifice plate under low pressure were examined as a means of disrupting flocs, in order to improve disinfection of treated wastewater effluents. Changes in cavitation conditions were found to have little impact on the extent of particle breakage in this experimental setup. The rate of strain (flow rate divided by the hole radius cubed), however, was found to be the best predictor of floc breakage. Floc breakage was not affected by changes in floc concentration, but was very sensitive to differences between flocs collected from different sources. Larger flocs (90 to 106 µm) were broken apart to a greater extent than smaller ones (53 to 63 µm). Hydrodynamic treatment decreased the viability of bacteria associated with large flocs, and also increased the ultraviolet dose response by up to one log unit (i.e., a factor of ten). Subjecting final effluent wastewaters to hydrodynamic treatment, therefore, provides a treatment strategy for conditions in which the presence of flocs limits the level of disinfection that can be achieved.
Analysis of the Syntrophic Anaerobic Digestion of Volatile Fatty Acids Using Enriched Cultures in a Fixed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Amani T. , Nosrati M. , Mousavi S.M. , Kermanshahi R.K.
Published: August 2012

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs) are key intermediates in anaerobic digestion. Enriched acetogenic and methanogenic cultures were used for the syntrophic anaerobic digestion of VFAs in a continuous fixed‐bed reactor at mesophilic conditions. The interactive effects of propionic (HPr), butyric (HBu), and acetic (HAc) acids were analyzed. Furthermore, hydraulic retention time (HRT) and methanogen‐to‐acetogen ratios (M/As) were investigated as the key microbiological and operating variables of VFA anaerobic degradations. Experiments were carried out based on central composite design (CCD) and results were analyzed using response surface methodology (RSM). Effluent concentrations of HPr, HBu, HAc, and biogas production rate (BPR) were directly measured as responses. The optimum conditions were found to be HPr = 1122.9 mg/L, HBu = 1792.4 mg/L, HAc = 1735.4 mg/L, HRT = 21 hours, and M/A = 2.4 (corresponding to the maximum VFA removal and BPR). The results of verification experiments and predicted values from fitted correlations were in close agreement at a 95% confidence interval.
Effect of Turbulence on the Disintegration Rate of Flushable Consumer Products
Authors: Karadagli Fatih , Rittmann Bruce E. , McAvoy Drew C. , Richardson John E.
Published: August 2012

A previously developed model for the physical disintegration of flushable consumer products is expanded by investigating the effects of turbulence on the rate of physical disintegration. Disintegration experiments were conducted with cardboard tampon applicators at 100, 150, and 200 rotations per minute, corresponding to Reynold's numbers of 25 900, 39 400, and 52 900, respectively, which were estimated by using computational fluid dynamics modeling. The experiments were simulated with the disintegration model to obtain best‐fit values of the kinetic and distribution parameters. Computed rate coefficients (ki) for all solid sizes (i.e., greater than 8, 4 to 8, 2 to 4, and 1 to 2 mm) increased strongly with Reynold's number or rotational speed. Thus, turbulence strongly affected the disintegration rate of flushable products, and the relationship of the ki values to Reynold's number can be included in mathematical representations of physical disintegration.
Efficacy of Epley maneuver in treatment of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal
Authors: Babac Snezana , Arsovic Nenad
Published: August 2012

Background/Aim. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is one of the most
frequent peripheral vestibular system disorders. The aim of this study was to
examine the efficacy of the Epley maneuver in treating benign paroxysmal
positional vertigo of the posterior semicircular canal (p- BPPV) and to
discover possible causes of failure. Methods. This prospective study included
75 patients. In all the cases medical history showed and the positioning
Dix-Hallpike test confirmed the diagnosis of p-BPPV. We also performed
clinical ENT examination, searching for spontaneous nystagmus,
vestibulospinal tests, caloric test, and audiometry. All the patients were
treated by the modified Epley canalith repositioning maneuver. The patients
were followed up at the intervals of seven and, fourteen days, and one, tree,
and six months and one year. The maneuver was repeated if vertigo and
nystagmus on control positioning test persisted. The transition from positive
into negative Dix Hallpike test after one or two Epley maneuver was
considered as success in treatment. Results. After the initial Epley maneuver
the recovery rate was 90.7%, and after the second 96%. In three (4%) patients
with secondary p-BPPV, symptoms did not cease even after the second
repositioning maneuver. The etiology of p-BPPV had a significant effect on
the maneuver?s success rate (p < 0.01), whereas duration of symptoms, age and
gender had no effect (p > 0.05). After a successful treatment 11 (14.66%)
patients had recurrent attack of BPPV during the first year. Conclusion. The
Epley maneuver is very successful repositioning procedure in treating p-
BPPV. The patients with idiopathic form p-BPPV showed higher success rate
with Epley maneuver than those with secondary p-BPPV.
Successful resuscitation from two cardiac arrests in a female patient with critical aortic stenosis, severe mitral regurgitation and coronary artery disease
Authors: Mijuskovic Dragan , Stamenkovic Dusica , Borovic Sasa , Karanikolas Menelaos
Published: August 2012

Introduction. The incidence of sudden cardiac death in patients with severe
symptomatic aortic stenosis is up to 34% and resuscitation is described as
highly unsuccessful. Case report. A 72-year-old female patient with severe
aortic stenosis combined with severe mitral regurgitation and three-vessel
coronary artery disease was successfully resuscitated following two
in-hospital cardiac arrests. The first cardiac arrest occurred immediately
after intraarterial injection of low osmolar iodinated agent during coronary
angiography. Angiography revealed 90% occlusion of the proximal left main
coronary artery and circumflex branch. The second arrest followed induction
of anesthesia. Following successful open-chest resuscitation, aortic valve
replacement, mitral valvuloplasty and three-vessel aortocoronary bypass were
performed. Postoperative pericardial tamponade required surgical revision.
The patient recovered completely. Conclusion. Decision to start resuscitation
may be justified in selected patients with critical aortic stenosis, even
though cardiopulmonary resuscitation in such cases is generally considered
futile.
Separation of sources and 3D inversion of gravity and magnetic data for the Thuringian Basin, Germany
Authors: Prutkin Ilya , Jentzsch Gerhard , Jahr Thomas
Published: August 2012

Separation of sources and 3D inversion of gravity and magnetic data for the Thuringian Basin, Germany

We propose a novel methodology for separation of potential field sources and its 3D inversion. New approaches are developed to separate sources: i) in depth using a succession of upward and downward continuation; ii) in the lateral direction by means of approximation with the field of 3D line segments; iii) according to density and magnetization contrast based on pseudo-gravity calculation. Our original inversion algorithms allow the recovery of unknown 3D geometry both for a restricted body of arbitrary shape and for a contact surface. For the first time, we apply our algorithms to joint inversion of gravity and magnetic data for a large area (the Thuringian Basin in central Germany). We separate in depth sources of both gravitational and magnetic anomalies for the whole territory of Thuringia and compare corresponding components. A 3D model of the main sources is presented based on approximation with 3D line segments and their further transforming into a restricted body or a contact surface with the same field.
Studies of crustal deformation due to hydrological loading on GPS height estimates
Authors: Rajner Marcin , Liwosz Tomasz
Published: August 2012

Studies of crustal deformation due to hydrological loading on GPS height estimates

The paper deals with large-scale crustal deformation due to hydrological surface loads and its influence on seasonal variation of GPS estimated heights. The research was concentrated on the area of Poland. The deformation caused by continental water storage has been computed on the basis of WaterGAP Hydrological Model data by applying convolution of water masses with appropriate Green's function. Obtained site displacements were compared with height changes estimated from GPS observations using the Precise Point Positioning (PPP) method. Long time series of the solutions for 4 stations were used for evaluation of surface loading phenomena. Good agreement both in amplitude and phase was found, however some discrepancies remain which are assigned to single point positioning technique deficiencies. Annual repeatability of water cycle and demanding procedure for computing site displacements for each site, allowed to develop a simple model for Poland which could be applied to remove (or highly reduce) seasonal hydrological signal from time series of GPS solutions.
The Relationship Between Geodiversity and Habitat Richness in Šumava National Park and Křivoklátsko PLA (Czech Republic): A Quantitative Analysis Approach
Authors: Jačková Kateřina , Romportl Dušan
Published: August 2012

The Relationship Between Geodiversity and Habitat Richness in Šumava National Park and Křivoklátsko PLA (Czech Republic): A Quantitative Analysis Approach

This paper focuses on the development of a quantitative method for evaluating the relationship between abiotic heterogeneity and habitat richness at the landscape level. The study took place in the Křivoklátsko protected landscape area and Šumava national park (Czech Republic). Our initial hypothesis was that habitat richness should be high in areas with high abiotic heterogeneity, and vice versa. GIS vector layers of habitat were used for the formulation of habitat richness. A geological layer, a digital terrain model and hydrographic layers were used to determine abiotic heterogeneity. The study areas were overlain by a grid square and habitat richness and abiotic heterogeneity were assessed in each study cell. The data obtained were used in a statistical model (multiple spatial linear regression, with maximum credibility). The results of the statistical model indicated a significant influence of abiotic heterogeneity on habitat richness.
Developmental Dynamics of Localities Severely Affected by Anthropogenic Activities on the Example of Doly Bílina
Authors: Drobilová Linda
Published: August 2012

Developmental Dynamics of Localities Severely Affected by Anthropogenic Activities on the Example of Doly Bílina

The paper focuses on the area of Doly Bílina in the Most district, on the landscape that has been severely affected by extraction of mineral resources for a long time and represents in terms of natural conditions one of the most damaged regions where no possibility of a return to original condition comes into consideration. By using appropriate remedial and recultivation measures, however, we can create a sort of "alternative" natural environment, which should be able to fulfil a greater part of all wood-producing and beneficial forest functions after a certain time, as did the original landscape system.
Causes and Impact of Privatization in Nepal: A Theoretical Review
Authors: Raut Nirmal Kumar
Published: August 2012

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/bj.v2i2.6619Banking Journal, Volume 2 (Issue 2) 1-22
Rhetorical Insurgents: Biopolitics and the Insurrectionary Rhetoric of McLuhan's Cool Media
Authors: Murray Stuart J.
Published: August 2012

Abstract:

This essay examines the subversive political potential of censored cartoons by the Guantánamo prisoner, Sami al-Hajj. In McLuhan's terms, these cartoons constitute cool media, which I read as a rhetorical response to biopolitical (Foucault) forms of governmental power. I conclude by reflecting on the ethical demands of such media.
A new criterion for the alarm point for compound muscle action potentials
Authors: Ito Zenya , Imagama Shiro , Sakai Yoshihito , Katayama Yoshito , Wakao Norimitsu , Ando Kei , Hirano Kenichi , Tauchi Ryoji , Muramoto Akio , Zahlawy Hany El , Matsuyama Yukihiro , Ishiguro Naoki
Published: August 2012

Object

The purpose of this study was to review the present criteria for the compound muscle action potential (CMAP) alert and for safe spinal surgery.

Methods

The authors conducted a retrospective study of 295 patients in whom spinal cord monitoring had been performed during spinal surgery. The waveforms observed during spinal surgery were divided into the following 4 grades: Grade 0, normal; Grade 1, amplitude decrease of 50% or more and latency delay of 10% or more; Grade 2, multiphase pattern; and Grade 3, loss of amplitude. Waveform grading, its relationship with postoperative motor deficit, and CMAP sensitivity and specificity were analyzed. Whenever any wave abnormality occurred, the surgeon was notified and the surgical procedures were temporarily suspended. If no improvements were seen, the surgery was terminated.

Results

Compound muscle action potential wave changes occurred in 38.6% of cases. With Grade 1 or 2 changes, no paresis was detected. Postoperative motor deficits were seen in 8 patients, all with Grade 3 waveform changes. Among the 287 patients without postoperative motor deficits, CMAP changes were not seen in 181, with a specificity of 63%. The false-positive rate was 37% (106 of 287). However, when a Grade 2 change was set as the alarm point, sensitivity was 100% and specificity was 79.4%. The false-positive rate was 20% (59 of 295).

Conclusions

Neither the Grade 1 nor the Grade 2 groups included patients who demonstrated a motor deficit. All pareses occurred in cases showing a Grade 3 change. Therefore, the authors propose a Grade 2 change (multiphasic waveform) as a new alarm point. With the application of this criterion, the false-positive rate can be reduced to 20%.
Registration of ‘Caffey’ Rice
Authors: Blanche Sterling B. , Sha Xueyan , Harrell Dustin L. , Groth Donald E. , Bearb Karen F. , White Larry M. , Linscombe Steven D.
Published: August 2012

‘Caffey’ (Reg. No. CV‐138, PI 665059), a semidwarf, early maturing, medium‐grain rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivar, was developed by the Louisiana State University Agricultural Center at the Rice Research Station near Crowley, LA, and approved for release by the director of the Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station in 2010. It was developed using the pedigree method of selection from the cross ‘Bengal’ (PI 561735)//‘Mercury’ (PI 506428)/‘Rico 1’ (PI 502969)/3/Mercury/Rico 1//Bengal made at the Rice Research Station in 1999. Caffey originated as a bulk of a single progeny row, 0243350, in 2002. It was evaluated in the preliminary yield nursery in Crowley, LA, in the summer of 2005 with the experimental designation 05SP248 before being entered into the Cooperative Uniform Regional Rice Nurseries in 2007 with the designation RU0702162. Caffey had a rice grain yield of 8.8 t ha−1 compared with 8.5 t ha−1 for ‘Jupiter’ (PI 639742) and 8.6 t ha−1 for ‘Neptune’ (PI 655959) over 46 statewide and multistate yield trials. Caffey was 92 cm tall, compared with Jupiter at 93 cm and Neptune at 87 cm. Caffey reached 50% heading in 84 d, which was earlier than Jupiter and Neptune, which headed at 85 and 86 d. The leaves, lemma, and palea of Caffey are glabrous. The spikelet and apiculus are straw colored and the grain is nonaromatic.
Registration of ‘Chakkouf’ Lentil in Morocco
Authors: Idrissi Omar , Sakr Bouazza , Dahan Rachid , Houasli Chafika , Nsarellah Nasserlehaq , Udupa Sripada M. , Sarker Ashutosh
Published: August 2012

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris) is one of the oldest food legumes and is the third most important one in Morocco. It provides a valuable and balanced protein source in the human diet and plays an important role in cropping systems because of its ability to fix nitrogen. The productivity of the crop suffers because of numerous biotic and abiotic factors. High‐yielding cultivars with improved characteristics are needed to increase lentil production and profitability. ‘Chakkouf’ (Reg. No. CV‐34, PI 663991) lentil was developed using both modified pedigree and bulk methods by the Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique, Morocco in collaboration with the International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas. Tested as ILL 6001‐81, Chakkouf was approved for release in 2009 by the Office National de Sécurité Sanitaire des Produits Alimentaires, Morocco. Chakkouf is a selection from an advanced F6 line, FLIP 86‐15L, which was derived from a cross of ‘Precoz’ (ILL 4605; PI 515969) with ‘Laird’ (ILL 4349; PI 471916). Chakkouf is an early‐flowering (∼88 d), early‐maturing (∼139 d), and high‐yielding (∼40% over the local check variety ‘L24’) lentil cultivar with high zinc (62 mg kg−1) and iron (76.7 mg kg−1) in the seeds. Chakkouf showed good agronomic performance under drought conditions and wide adaptation for the Moroccan semiarid environments. Chakkouf showed field resistance for rust [caused by Uromyces viciae‐fabae (Pers.) J. Schröt] and Ascochyta blight (caused by Ascochyta fabae Speg. f. sp. lentis) during the years of evaluation in replicated yield trials in all experimental stations. Chakkouf offers the producer an economic advantage in cropping systems where it is planted as a rainfed crop in moisture‐deficient soils, usually in rotation with cereals.
Registration of ‘Red Ruby’ Wheat
Authors: Lewis Janet M. , Siler Lee , Ellis Donna , Souza Edward , Ng Perry K.W. , Dong Yanhong , Brown-Guedira Gina , Marshall David , Kolmer Jim , Jiang Guo-Liang , Ward Richard W.
Published: August 2012

‘Red Ruby’ (Reg. No. CV‐1072, PI 662035) soft red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the Michigan Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 2007 via an exclusive licensing agreement through Michigan State University Technologies. Red Ruby was selected from the cross Pioneer ‘2552’/Pioneer ‘2737W’ made in 1995. The original objective of the cross was the development of high‐yielding soft white winter wheats with good end‐use quality. Although soft white wheat is a very valuable commodity in Michigan, currently more soft red wheat is produced, and therefore there is also a high demand for improved soft red wheats. Red Ruby is a high‐yielding, F4–derived line with the original experimental number E1007R. A bulk breeding method was used to develop the cultivar, with bulk selections in early generations, followed by a headrow selection in the F5 and bulking again in later generations. In addition to standard yield‐test criteria, milling and baking performances also were considered for selection. Red Ruby was released because of its high yield, high test weight, and red grain color. Red Ruby is well adapted to Michigan.
Registration of ‘Jupiter’ Wheat
Authors: Lewis Janet M. , Siler Lee , Ellis Donna , Souza Edward , Ng Perry K.W. , Dong Yanhong , Jiang Guo-Liang , Ward Richard W.
Published: August 2012

‘Jupiter’ (Reg. No. CV‐1076, PI 664079) soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by Michigan State University (MSU) AgBioResearch and released in 2010 via an exclusive licensing agreement through MSU Technologies. In addition to researchers at MSU, USDA‐ARS researchers at the Soft Wheat Quality Laboratory (Wooster, OH) conducted quality evaluations during Jupiter's development, deoxynivalenol testing was performed at the University of Minnesota, and molecular marker analyses were performed at the USDA‐ARS Regional Small Grains Genotyping Laboratory (Raleigh, NC). The objective of the cross was to create a high‐yielding soft white winter wheat cultivar adapted to Michigan and the surrounding region with good agronomic performance and acceptable quality. Soft white winter wheat is used in many wheat related industries and is a large portion of the wheat market in Michigan. Jupiter (experimental numbers E5011B and E5011) is an F5–derived line developed via pedigree breeding. Jupiter exhibits a stable and high level of performance including high yield and resistance to powdery mildew [caused by Blumeria graminis (DC.) E.O. Speer]. Jupiter is short and awnletted (i.e., lacks full‐length awns), two characteristics preferred by many Michigan farmers. Although Jupiter is susceptible to Fusarium head blight (caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe), it is not statistically different than ‘Caledonia’, a widely grown soft white winter wheat in Michigan.
Registration of High‐Breeding‐Value Male Hop Germplasm USDA 21089M
Authors: Henning John A. , Haunold Alfred
Published: August 2012

USDA 21089M (Reg. No. GP‐35, PI 558573) was released to the public 6 Dec. 2011. This germplasm has been utilized by the USDA‐ARS for hop (Humulus lupulus L. var. lupulus) varietal development for several decades. Nonagency interest in this germplasm was expressed and release of this material is considered beneficial for the U.S. public. USDA 21089M is a wild accession from Slovenia originally collected for its resistance to aphids. Its genetic background is unknown, although genetic fingerprinting studies show it to be unrelated to other well‐known European landraces. The unique characteristics of this germplasm are its demonstrated superior breeding value and good storage‐ability. USDA 21089M is used primarily as a male parent for aroma‐type hop germplasm. The release of USDA 21089M will provide both public and private breeders with new germplasm for varietal development.
Registration of Smooth Cordgrass Cultivars ‘LA11‐101’, ‘LA11‐102’, and ‘LA11‐103’
Authors: Knott Carrie A. , Materne Michael D. , Utomo Herry , Subudhi Prasanta K. , Baisakh Niranjan , Harrison Stephen A.
Published: August 2012

Smooth cordgrass (Spartina alternifloraLoisel.) is a perennial intertidal saline marsh grass used in restoration projects throughout the northern coast of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic coast of the United States to mitigate coastal erosion. Three vigorous, genetically distinct cultivars with high seed set and germination and rapid recovery after transplant were developed from seeds collected from natural populations throughout Louisiana: ‘LA11‐101’ (Reg. No. CV‐261, PI 664963), ‘LA11‐102’ (Reg. No. CV‐262, PI 664964), and ‘LA11‐103’ (Reg. No. CV‐263, PI 664965). LA11‐101, LA11‐102, and LA11‐103 are clonal cultivars that were tested in replicated field trials for 9 yr in 11 environments. LA11‐101, LA11‐102, and LA11‐103 recovered more quickly after transplant and produced more viable seeds than ‘Vermilion’, the only smooth cordgrass cultivar adapted to Louisiana environments. The average plant vigor, plant spread, and number of stems per plot were similar for LA11‐101, LA11‐102, LA11‐103 and Vermilion. The genetic diversity of LA11‐101, LA11‐102, LA11‐103 and Vermilion was determined using 30 loci, and the Jaccard similarity coefficients of all four ranged from 0.083 to 0.733. LA11‐101, LA11‐102, and LA11‐103 are vigorous, genetically distinct, smooth cordgrass cultivars with superior seed set, seed germination, and transplant recovery and are recommended for saline marsh restoration projects in the northern Gulf of Mexico.
Registration of ‘Brawl CL Plus’ Wheat
Authors: Haley Scott D. , Johnson Jerry J. , Westra Phillip H. , Peairs Frank B. , Stromberger John A. , Hudson Emily E. , Seifert Scott A. , Kottke Rebecca A. , Valdez Victoria A. , Rudolph Jeff B. , Bai Guihua , Chen Xianming , Bowden Robert L. , Jin Yue , Kolmer James A. , Chen Ming-Shun , Seabourn Bradford W.
Published: August 2012

‘Brawl CL Plus’ (Reg. No. CV‐1074, PI 664255) hard red winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was developed by the Colorado Agricultural Experiment Station and released in August 2011 through a marketing agreement with the Colorado Wheat Research Foundation. In addition to researchers at Colorado State University (CSU), USDA‐ARS researchers at Manhattan, KS, St. Paul, MN, and Pullman, WA participated in its development. Brawl CL Plus was selected from the cross Teal 11A/‘Above’//CO99314 made in 2003 at Fort Collins, CO. Teal 11A is a proprietary hard red spring wheat germplasm line from BASF Corporation that carries a mutant allele at the Als2 locus (B genome) conferring tolerance to imazamox [2‐(4,5‐dihydro‐4‐methyl‐4‐(1‐methylethyl)‐5‐oxo‐1h‐imidazol‐2‐yl)‐5‐(methoxymethyl)‐3‐pyridinecarboxylic acid] herbicide. Above (PI 631449) is a hard red winter wheat cultivar released by CSU in 2001 that carries a mutant allele at the Als1 locus (D genome) conferring tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides. CO99314 is an experimental line from CSU with the pedigree TX91V4931/‘Halt’ (PI 584505). Brawl CL Plus was selected as an F3:4 line in July 2006 and assigned experimental line number CO06052. Brawl CL Plus was released because it carries two mutations for enhanced tolerance to imazamox herbicide, is adapted under nonirrigated and irrigated production conditions in eastern Colorado, confers moderate resistance to stripe rust (caused by Puccinia striiformis Westend. f. sp. tritici Eriks.), and has good milling and bread‐baking quality attributes.
Registration of ‘NC‐Miller’ Soybean with High Yield and High Seed‐Oil Content
Authors: Burton J. W. , Miranda L. M. , Carter T. E. , Bowman D. T.
Published: August 2012

‘NC‐Miller’ (Reg. No. CV‐505, PI 665018) soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] was developed and released by the USDA‐ARS in 2011 as a high‐yielding and high‐oil late maturity group V, conventional cultivar. NC‐Miller is an F5 selection from the cross of cultivars ‘Santee’ and ‘Holladay’. In the North Carolina Official Variety Trials for late maturity group V (2007–2010), yields of NC‐Miller were either greater than or equivalent to those of other conventional cultivars. Also, in yield trials conducted by the USDA‐ARS soybean breeding program in North Carolina (2003–2008) and in the USDA Preliminary and Regional Tests (2008–2010), the mean yield of NC‐Miller was comparable with that of the check cultivars. NC‐Miller has higher seed‐oil concentration (216 g kg−1) in comparison with the check cultivars ‘AG 5606’ (205 g kg−1), ‘5601T’ (204 g kg−1) and ‘Osage’(197 g kg−1). It has a determinate growth habit, purple flowers, gray pubescence, and tan pod walls. It is resistant to Soybean mosaic virus and moderately resistant to sudden death syndrome [caused by Fusarium solani (Mart.) Sacc. f. sp. glycines]. NC‐Miller's attributes of high seed oil concentration and good yield provide an added value to soybean crushers.
Registration of ‘Corral’ Oat
Authors: Kolb Frederic L. , Smith Norman J. , Brucker Eric A. , Sorrells Mark E.
Published: August 2012

‘Corral’ spring oat (Avena sativa L.) (Reg. No. CV‐378, PI 660684) was developed by the University of Illinois Agricultural Experiment Station and released jointly in cooperation with Cornell University in 2010. Corral is a midseason‐maturity spring oat adapted to production in New York, Pennsylvania, and the northeastern United States. The yield of Corral in New York has been excellent. Corral ranked first in the New York Variety Trial four consecutive years, from 2007 to 2010. Corral was developed using a modified single‐seed descent method in combination with the bulk population method. Corral was evaluated as IL00‐7267 and was developed from an F6:7 plant row produced in 2002 at Urbana, IL. The pedigree of Corral is IL95‐4774/IL95‐8346. Corral was selected and released based on its excellent yield, good test weight, and tolerance to Barley yellow dwarf virus. Corral was evaluated in Illinois from 2004 to 2011 and was evaluated for 2 yr in the Uniform Midseason Oat Performance Nursery in 2005 and 2006, where Corral ranked fourth for yield in 2005 and eighteenth in 2006. Corral was further evaluated in New York in 2007–2010, and the decision to release Corral was based on the strength of its performance in New York.
Registration of ‘Hammock’ Centipedegrass
Authors: Scully B. T. , Nagata R. T. , Nuessly G. S. , Beiriger R. L. , Kenworthy K. E. , Unruh J. B.
Published: August 2012

‘Hammock’ (Reg. No. CV‐264, PI 652949) centipedegrass [Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack] was developed at the Everglades Research and Education Center, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Belle Glade, FL and initially approved for release in 2006. A plant patent was filed in 2008, and U.S. Patent PP20,812 was issued in 2010. Hammock was tested in Florida under the experimental designation of BA‐417 and also patented under this name. The purpose of this breeding program was to identify, select, and develop a centipedegrass that would be acceptable as a regional cultivar in the subtropical and tropical climates of Florida. This cultivar originated as an open‐pollinated progeny selected and identified as a unique and distinctly different vegetative phenotype growing in a planting of an unimproved population of centipedegrasses typically known throughout the southern U.S. turf industry as common centipedegrass. Hammock was selected for a more compact leaf structure with consistent canopy structure, uniformity, and quality and for its faster rate of crop establishment and ground coverage. Hammock produced leaves that were 13.9% shorter than Centennial and 22.2% shorter than the common centipedegrass standards. It also received significantly higher summer‐quality ratings, presented acceptable color ratings, and generally produced narrower leaves than the standard cultivars. Hammock established full ground coverage and closed canopy 1 mo earlier than the standard cultivars, but this was site dependent, and differences in seasonal patterns were evident.
Registration of ‘Rosetta’ Pink Bean
Authors: Kelly James D. , Varner Gregory V. , Cichy Karen A. , Wright Evan M.
Published: August 2012

‘Rosetta’ pink bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. No. CV‐301, PI 665011), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2012 as an upright, short vine, midseason, disease‐resistant bean cultivar. Rosetta was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 4 yr of field trials, Rosetta yielded 2800 kg ha−1, flowered in 43 d, and matured in 95 d. Plants averaged 54 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.8 and seed size of 36 g 100 seed−1. Rosetta has resistance to lodging, and its high pod placement within the plant structure makes it suitable for direct harvest under narrow‐row production systems. The upright architecture also contributes to avoidance of white mold [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary], a disease aggravated by narrow‐row production systems. Rosetta does not exhibit the stem breakage problem inherent with the ‘Sedona’ pink cultivar. Rosetta has a bright pink seed that retains its color in storage and meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the pink bean seed class.
Registration of ‘Snowdon’ White Kidney Bean
Authors: Kelly James D. , Varner Gregory V. , Cichy Karen A. , Wright Evan M.
Published: August 2012

‘Snowdon’ (Reg. No. CV‐303, PI 665013) white kidney bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch was released in 2012 as an early‐ to midseason, disease‐resistant, bush bean cultivar. Snowdon was developed with the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 4‐yr of field trials, Snowdon yielded 3159 kg ha−1, flowered in 36 d, and matured in 94 d on average. Plants averaged 51 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.4 and seed size of 65 g 100 seed−1. Snowdon combines high yield potential with early‐ to midseason maturity in white kidney seed type. Snowdon has outyielded ‘Beluga’ by 17% across 4 yr and matured 6 d earlier. It is well adapted to the irrigated production systems on coarse‐textured soils where kidney beans are typically grown in Michigan and the Upper Midwest. Snowdon possesses resistance to specific races of rust, virus, and anthracnose. Seed size of Snowdon (0.65 g) is larger and whiter than seed produced by Beluga (0.54 g). Seed of Snowdon meets industry standards for packaging and canning quality in the white kidney bean seed class.
Registration of ‘UA222’ Cotton Cultivar
Authors: Bourland Fred M. , Jones Don C.
Published: August 2012

‘UA222’ (Reg. No. CV‐130, PI 664929) is a conventional cultivar of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) that was released by the Arkansas Agricultural Experiment Station in November 2011. UA222 was released as part of an ongoing effort to develop improved genotypes having enhanced yield, yield components, earliness, host‐plant resistance, and fiber properties. Lint yields of UA222 were 10 and 13% greater than those of DP393 and SG105, respectively, at four Arkansas locations over 4 yr. These enhanced lint yields were related to greater lint per seed rather than to more seed per area. Lint yields of UA222 in tests outside of Arkansas indicate that it is widely adapted. UA222 displays high resistance to bacterial blight [caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. malvacearum (Smith) Dye] and is the same as DP 393 in its response to other diseases and to tarnished plant bugs [Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois)]. UA222 exhibited greater fiber length, length uniformity, and elongation and lower micronaire than DP393 and SG105. These fiber qualities are positively related to better spinning performance. UA222 displays an unusual combination of high‐yield, high fiber quality, and host‐plant resistance traits.
Endometrial Serous Carcinoma: Its Molecular Characteristics and Histology-Specific Treatment Strategies
Authors: Nakayama Kentaro , Nakayama Naomi , Ishikawa Masako , Miyazaki Kohji
Published: August 2012

Endometrial cancer is the fourth most common malignancy in women, with most cases being classified as early stage endometrioid tumors that carry a favorable prognosis. The endometrial serous histological subtype (ESC), however, while only accounting for 10% of all endometrial cancers is responsible for a disproportionate number of deaths. Unlike the estrogen-dependent, well differentiated endometrioid tumors, which are commonly associated with a younger age of onset, ESCs are estrogen-independent and tend to present at an advanced stage and in older women. Treatment for ESC entails aggressive surgery and multimodal adjuvant therapy. In this review, we describe the clinical behavior, molecular aspects, and treatment strategies for ESC.
Potential and Evolution of Compressed Air Energy Storage: Energy and Exergy Analyses
Authors: Kim Young-Min , Lee Jang-Hee , Kim Seok-Joon , Favrat Daniel
Published: August 2012

Energy storage systems are increasingly gaining importance with regard to their role in achieving load levelling, especially for matching intermittent sources of renewable energy with customer demand, as well as for storing excess nuclear or thermal power during the daily cycle. Compressed air energy storage (CAES), with its high reliability, economic feasibility, and low environmental impact, is a promising method for large-scale energy storage. Although there are only two large-scale CAES plants in existence, recently, a number of CAES projects have been initiated around the world, and some innovative concepts of CAES have been proposed. Existing CAES plants have some disadvantages such as energy loss due to dissipation of heat of compression, use of fossil fuels, and dependence on geological formations. This paper reviews the main drawbacks of the existing CAES systems and presents some innovative concepts of CAES, such as adiabatic CAES, isothermal CAES, micro-CAES combined with air-cycle heating and cooling, and constant-pressure CAES combined with pumped hydro storage that can address such problems and widen the scope of CAES applications, by energy and exergy analyses. These analyses greatly help us to understand the characteristics of each CAES system and compare different CAES systems.
Effects of Smoking and Genotype on the PSR Index of Periodontal Disease in Adults Aged 18–49
Authors: Polk Deborah E. , Wang Xiaojing , Feingold Eleanor , Shaffer John R. , Weeks Daniel E. , Weyant Robert J. , Crout Richard J. , McNeil Daniel W. , Marazita Mary L.
Published: August 2012

Studies have found both genetic and environmental influences on chronic periodontitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships among previously identified genetic variants, smoking status, and two periodontal disease-related phenotypes (PSR1 and PSR2) in 625 Caucasian adults (aged 18–49 years). The PSR Index was used to classify participants as affected or unaffected under the PSR1 and PSR2 phenotype definitions. Using logistic regression, we found that the form of the relationship varied by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): For rs10457525 and rs12630931, the effects of smoking and genotype on risk were additive; whereas for rs10457526 and rs733048, smoking was not independently associated with affected status once genotype was taken into consideration. In contrast, smoking moderated the relationships of rs3870371 and rs733048 with affected status such that former and never smokers with select genotypes were at increased genetic risk. Thus, for several groups, knowledge of genotype may refine the risk prediction over that which can be determined by knowledge of smoking status alone. Future studies should replicate these findings. These findings provide the foundation for the exploration of novel pathways by which periodontitis may occur.
Molecular Mechanisms of Aging and Immune System Regulation in Drosophila
Authors: Eleftherianos Ioannis , Castillo Julio Cesar
Published: August 2012

Aging is a complex process that involves the accumulation of deleterious changes resulting in overall decline in several vital functions, leading to the progressive deterioration in physiological condition of the organism and eventually causing disease and death. The immune system is the most important host-defense mechanism in humans and is also highly conserved in insects. Extensive research in vertebrates has concluded that aging of the immune function results in increased susceptibility to infectious disease and chronic inflammation. Over the years, interest has grown in studying the molecular interaction between aging and the immune response to pathogenic infections. The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster is an excellent model system for dissecting the genetic and genomic basis of important biological processes, such as aging and the innate immune system, and deciphering parallel mechanisms in vertebrate animals. Here, we review the recent advances in the identification of key players modulating the relationship between molecular aging networks and immune signal transduction pathways in the fly. Understanding the details of the molecular events involved in aging and immune system regulation will potentially lead to the development of strategies for decreasing the impact of age-related diseases, thus improving human health and life span.
Conformational Solvation Studies of LIGNOLs with Molecular Dynamics and Conductor-Like Screening Model
Authors: Sandberg Thomas , Eklund Patrik , Hotokka Matti
Published: August 2012

Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed on sterically hindered -conidendrin-based chiral 1,4-diols (LIGNOLs) from the naturally occurring lignan hydroxymatairesinol (HMR) using the GROMACS software. The aim of this study was to explore the conformational behaviour of the LIGNOLs in aqueous solution adopting the TIP4P model. The topologies of the LIGNOLs were constructed manually and they were modeled with the OPLS-AA force field implemented in GROMACS. The four most relevant torsional angles in the LIGNOLs were properly analyzed during the simulations. The determining property for the conformation preferred in aqueous solution was found to be the lowest energy in gas phase. The solvation effects on the LIGNOLs were also studied by quantum chemical calculations applying the COnductor-like Screening MOdel (COSMO). The hydration studies of the MD simulations showed that several of these LIGNOLs, produced from a renewable source, have a great potential of acting as chiral catalysts.
Combined Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) Loss and Fatty Acid Synthase (FAS) Overexpression Worsens the Prognosis of Chinese Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Xuehua , Qin Xia , Fei Maogui , Hou Wenmin , Greshock Joel , Bachman Kurtis E. , Wooster Richard , Kang Jiuhong , Qin Crystal Ying
Published: August 2012

We aimed to investigate the expression pattern of phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), to evaluate the relationship between PTEN expression and clinicopathological characteristics, including fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression, and to determine the correlations of PTEN and FAS expression with survival in Chinese patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The expression patterns of PTEN and FAS were determined using tissue microarrays and immunohistochemistry. The expression of PTEN was compared with the clinicopathological characteristics of HCC, including FAS expression. Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to calculate the clinical sensitivity and specificity of PTEN expression. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed to evaluate the correlations of PTEN loss and FAS overexpression with overall survival. We found that the loss of PTEN expression occurred predominantly in the cytoplasm, while FAS was mainly localized to the cytoplasm. Cytoplasmic and total PTEN expression levels were significantly decreased in HCC compared with adjacent non-neoplastic tissue (both, p < 0.0001). Decreased cytoplasmic and total PTEN expression showed significant clinical sensitivity and specificity for HCC (both, p < 0.0001). Downregulation of PTEN in HCC relative to non-neoplastic tissue was significantly correlated with histological grade (p = 0.043 for histological grades I–II versus grade III). Loss of total PTEN was significantly correlated with FAS overexpression (p = 0.014). Loss of PTEN was also associated with poor prognosis of patients with poorly differentiated HCC (p = 0.049). Moreover, loss of PTEN combined with FAS overexpression was associated with significantly worse prognosis compared with other HCC cases (p = 0.011). Our data indicate that PTEN may serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic marker of HCC. Upregulating PTEN expression and inhibiting FAS expression may offer a novel therapeutic approach for HCC.