bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paciente com paralisa cerebral coreoatetoide: evolução clínica pós-intervenção
Authors: Silvério Carolina Castelli , Henrique Cristiane Soares
Published: February 2010

OBJETIVO: verificar a eficácia da intervenção terapêutica na função de deglutição e na estabilidade clínica de crianças portadoras de paralisia cerebral (PC) coreoatetoide com disfagia orofaríngea. MÉTODOS: 11 crianças portadoras de PC do tipo coreoatetoide, com média de idade de três anos e três meses, que frequentaram terapia fonoaudiológica. Foram levantados os seguintes dados: escala de avaliação funcional da alimentação (Functional Oral Intake Scale - FOIS); grau de severidade da disfagia; broncopneumonias (BCP), hipersecretividade pulmonar e peso; consistência alimentar; sinais de penetração e/ou aspiração laringotraqueal. Os dados foram levantados no relatório de avaliação antes da intervenção terapêutica e no relatório final de evolução, no momento da alta. RESULTADOS: com relação à aplicação da escala FOIS, obteve-se que, tanto antes, quanto após a intervenção, a maioria dos pacientes encontrou-se no nível V da escala, com diminuição no segundo momento. Aumento dos pacientes nos níveis III e IV. Após intervenção terapêutica, houve diminuição de pacientes que ingeriam líquidos, aumento do uso do líquido espesso e do pastoso homogêneo. Houve diminuição da severidade da disfagia, redução dos episódios de BCP e de hipersecretividade pulmonar, aumento de peso e redução dos sinais de penetração e/ou aspiração laringotraqueal. CONCLUSÃO: a intervenção fonoaudiológica, dentro de uma equipe multidisciplinar em disfagia, em crianças portadoras de PC coreoatetoide promove deglutição mais segura e eficaz, com redução dos sinais sugestivos de penetração e/ou aspiração laringotraqueal, dos episódios de BCP e de hipersecretividade pulmonar, e aumento do peso.
Population dynamics of the migratory fish Prochilodus lineatus in a neotropical river: the relationships with river discharge, flood pulse, El Niño and fluvial megafan behaviour
Authors: Stassen Marinke J. M. , van de Ven Max W. P. M. , van der Heide Tjisse , Hiza Marco Antonio Guerrero , van der Velde Gerard , Smolders Alfons J. P.
Published: February 2010

The relative importance of flood pulse dynamics and megafan behaviour for the Sábalo (Prochilodus lineatus) catches in the neotropical Pilcomayo River is studied. The Sábalo catches can mainly be explained by decreased river discharges in the preceding years resulting in smaller inundated areas during rainy season floods and thereby in a decreased area of feeding grounds for the fishes. The decreased river discharges and the related decline of Sábalo catches in the 1990's can be linked to the 90-95 El Niño event. In 2007 the Sábalo catches were comparable to the catches before the "El Niño" event. The connectivity (continuity) between the main river and flood plain areas, which is influenced by sedimentation processes, is also of great importance and very probably plays a more important role since the late 1990's.
Impact and Clinical Management of Depression in Patients with Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Summers Kelly M. , Martin Kelly E. , Watson Kristin
Published: February 2010

The rates of major adverse coronary events, including recurrent ischemic events and death, in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have been shown to be significantly increased in patients with depression. In addition, health care costs are higher and health‐related quality of life is lower in depressed patients with CAD. Several pathophysiologic mechanisms have been proposed for the association of increased events seen in this population. Studies have focused on antidepressants (specifically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and mirtazapine), psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy), and a wide range of other nonpharmacologic interventions. Pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments are known to improve depressive symptoms in patients with CAD, but their effects on outcomes such as mortality and hospital admissions remain controversial. If treatment of depression is warranted, strategies should include sertraline or citalopram, with or without cognitive behavioral therapy, based on the known efficacy and safety of the drugs in this population. Nonpharmacologic therapy such as aerobic exercise has been shown to improve not only depression but also cardiovascular health. When selecting an appropriate antidepressant, clinicians should consider their patients' comorbid conditions and the potential for drug interactions, and treatment should be frequently monitored. Screening for depression in patients with cardiac disease should be instituted on a routine basis by using either case‐finding or symptom‐triggered approaches. Based on the high prevalence of depression and its known adverse effects in patients with CAD, future research is needed to help determine the role of antidepressants and nonpharmacologic strategies in improving outcomes in patients with both comorbidities.
Unfractionated Heparin Dosing for Venous Thromboembolism in Morbidly Obese Patients: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Myzienski April E. , Lutz Mark F. , Smythe Maureen A.
Published: February 2010

Unfractionated heparin infusion therapy is often administered using a weight‐based dosing strategy for the treatment of venous thromboembolism. In the last several decades, the prevalence of obesity in the United States has increased significantly. The applicability of weight‐based heparin dosing recommendations in the obese and morbidly obese population is uncertain, as limited data are available. We describe a 388‐kg man who was started on an intravenous infusion of heparin according to hospital protocol for suspected pulmonary embolism. The patient was given a 5000‐unit heparin bolus followed by an initial heparin infusion rate of 1500 units/hour, the maximum initial rate specified in the protocol. After additional infusion rate adjustments, a therapeutic activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) was reached 55 hours later with a heparin infusion rate of 3650 units/hour. Due to concerns of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia, heparin therapy was discontinued, and fondaparinux 5 mg/day was started. However, heparin therapy was restarted 4 days later for persistent, refractory hypoxemia and recurrent concerns of possible pulmonary embolism. During this second course, a therapeutic aPTT was achieved with a heparin infusion rate of 3550 units/hour. The patient developed bloody pulmonary secretions (with a therapeutic aPTT), necessitating the discontinuation of the heparin infusion. The patient later died after developing pulseless electrical activity. Standard weight‐based heparin dosing protocols that specify maximum doses for initial bolus and infusion rates can result in significant delays in time to achieve therapeutic anticoagulation in the obese and morbidly obese patient. Despite limited data on heparin dosing in obesity, we recommend the use of a dosing weight to determine initial heparin dosing when treating venous thromboembolism in morbidly obese patients. It is reasonable to consider one of the following formulas: dosing weight = ideal body weight (IBW) + 0.3(actual body weight [ABW] — IBW), or dosing weight = IBW + 0.4(ABW — IBW).
An Oral Appliance with Velar Extension for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Infants with Pierre Robin Sequence
Authors: Bacher Margit , Sautermeister Judit , Urschitz Michael S. , Buchenau Wolfgang , Arand Joerg , Poets Christian F.
Published: February 2010

Objective

A new oral appliance to treat obstructive sleep apnea in infants with Pierre Robin sequence has recently been shown to be superior to a sham procedure. We now investigate safety and long-term effects of this appliance on obstructive sleep apnea in infants with Pierre Robin sequence.

Design

Case series with repetitive follow-up examinations.

Setting

Tertiary neonatal intensive care unit at the University Children's Hospital Tuebingen, Germany.

Patients

Fifteen infants (11 girls and four boys; median age, 5 days) with Pierre Robin sequence and obstructive sleep apnea (i.e., mixed-obstructive-apnea index > 3).

Intervention

A custom-made intraoral appliance with velar extension was used continuously in situ from admission until 3 months after hospital discharge.

Main Outcome Measure

The mixed-obstructive-apnea index was determined prior to the intervention at admission, at discharge, and 3 months later using polygraphic sleep studies. The geometric mean of the mixed-obstructive-apnea index and its 95% confidence interval were calculated.

Results

Compared with admission (mean, 17.2; 95% confidence interval, 11.1–26.7), there was a significant decrease in the mixed-obstructive-apnea index to discharge (mean, 3.8; 95% confidence interval, 2.2–6.6) and 3 months later (mean, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.7–2.2; p value < .001). No severe adverse events occurred.

Conclusions

This oral appliance was safe and appears to treat obstructive sleep apnea effectively in infants with Pierre Robin sequence.
Narratives of the Struggling Reader
Authors: Vlach Saba , Burcie Judy
Published: February 2010

Struggling readers need to be taught at their instruction level. But often, separating them from their classmates reinforces their feelings of inadequacy. This article will explain the importance of developing a sense of agency in struggling learners and outline some strategies teachers can incorporate to help make this happen within the classroom.

يحتاج القراء المواجهون صعوبة في القراءة إلى أن يتعلموا على مستواهم التعليمي. ومع ذلك وكثيراً من الأحيان انفصالهم من زملاءهم في غرفة الصف يعزز أحاسيسهم بالنقص. لذا تصف هذه المقالة أهمية تطور وعي الفاعلية في الدارسين المواجهين صعوبة في الدراسة وتحدد بعض الإستراتيجيات قد يدمجها المعلمون لمساعدة تنفيذها في غرفة الصف.

有阅读困难的学生需要得到适合他们能力水平的教学。可是，教师常常把这些学生与其他同学分开，因而加深了他们力有不逮的感觉。本文阐释培养原动力意识这个教学目标对有学习困难的学生的重要性，并概述教师可以在教室内采用的一些教学策略，以实现这个教学目标。

Il faut enseigner aux lecteurs qui ont des difficultés au niveau qui leur convient. Mais souvent, en les séparant de leurs camarades de classe, on renforce leur sentiment d'inaptitude. Cet article explique l'importance de développer le sens de l'action chez les lecteurs en difficulté et présente des stratégies que les enseignants puissent adopter pour que ceci se produise en classe.

Обучение детей, испытывающих трудности с чтением, должно соответствовать их уровню и возможностям. Однако, отделяя их от одноклассников, мы зачастую усугубляем их комплексы. В статье разъясняется, как важно развивать у таких учеников чувство принадлежности, общности с классом. Предлагаются некоторые стратегии, которые позволят проблемным детям нагнать одноклассников на обычных уроках, не меняя среду обучения.

Lectores con dificultades tienen que recibir isntrucción a su nivel. A menudo, sin embargo, separarlos de sus compañeros de clase los hace sentirse ineptos. Este artículo explica la importancia de desarrollar un sentido de valimineto en estudiantes con problemas y hace un resumen de estrategias que los maestros pueden incorporar en sus clases para fomentar tal sentido.
Community dynamics of Pleistocene coral reefs during alternative climatic regimes
Authors: Tager Danika , Webster Jody M. , Potts Donald C. , Renema Willem , Braga Juan C. , Pandolfi John M.
Published: February 2010

Reef ecosystems built during successive periods of Pleistocene sea level rise have shown remarkable persistence in coral community structure, but little is known of the ecological characteristics of reef communities during periods of low sea stands or sea level falls. We sampled the relative species abundance of coral, benthic foraminifera, and calcareous red algae communities from eight submerged coral reefs in the Huon Gulf, Papua New Guinea, which formed during successive sea level fall and lowstand periods over the past ∼416 kyr. We found that dissimilarity in coral species composition increased significantly with increasing time between reef‐building events. However, neither coral diversity nor the taxonomic composition of benthic foraminifera and calcareous red algae assemblages varied significantly over time. The taxonomic composition of coral communities from lowstand reefs was significantly different from that of highstand reefs previously reported from the nearby Huon Peninsula. We interpret the community composition and temporal dynamics of lowstand reefs as a result of shifting energy regimes in the Huon Gulf, and differences between low and highstand reefs as a result of differences in the interaction between biotic and environmental factors between the Huon Gulf and Huon Peninsula. Regardless of the exact processes driving these trends, our study represents the first glimpse into the ecological dynamics of coral reefs during low sea level stands when climatic conditions for reef growth were much different and less optimal than during previously studied highstand periods.
Using GPS data to evaluate the accuracy of state–space methods for correction of Argos satellite telemetry error
Authors: Patterson Toby A. , McConnell Bernie J. , Fedak Mike A. , Bravington Mark V. , Hindell Mark A.
Published: February 2010

Recent studies have applied state–space models to satellite telemetry data in order to remove noise from raw location estimates and infer the true tracks of animals. However, while the resulting tracks may appear plausible, it is difficult to determine the accuracy of the estimated positions, especially for position estimates interpolated to times between satellite locations. In this study, we use data from two gray seals (Halichoerus grypus) carrying tags that transmitted Fastloc GPS positions via Argos satellites. This combination of Service Argos data and highly accurate GPS data allowed examination of the accuracy of state–space position estimates and their uncertainty derived from satellite telemetry data. After applying a speed filter to remove aberrant satellite telemetry locations, we fit a continuous‐time Kalman filter to estimate the parameters of a random walk, used Kalman smoothing to infer positions at the times of the GPS measurements, and then compared the filtered telemetry estimates with the actual GPS measurements. We investigated the effect of varying maximum speed thresholds in the speed‐filtering algorithm on the root mean‐square error (RMSE) estimates and used minimum RMSE as a criterion to guide the final choice of speed threshold. The optimal speed thresholds differed between the two animals (1.1 m/s and 2.5 m/s) and retained 50% and 65% of the data for each seal. However, using a speed filter of 1.1 m/s resulted in very similar RMSE for both animals. For the two seals, the RMSE of the Kalman‐filtered estimates of location were 5.9 and 12.76 km, respectively, and 75% of the modeled positions had errors less than 6.25 km and 11.7 km for each seal. Confidence interval coverage was close to correct at typical levels (80–95%), although it tended to be overly generous at smaller sizes. The reliability of uncertainty estimates was also affected by the chosen speed threshold. The combination of speed and Kalman filtering allows for effective calculation of location and also indicates the limits of accuracy when correcting service Argos locations and linking satellite telemetry data to spatial covariate and habitat data.
Sublethal predators and their injured prey: linking aquatic predators and severe limb abnormalities in amphibians
Authors: Bowerman Jay , Johnson Pieter T. J. , Bowerman Tracy
Published: February 2010

While many predators completely consume their prey, others feed only on blood or tissue without killing the prey, sometimes causing ecologically significant levels of injury. We investigated the importance of sublethal predator attacks in driving an emerging issue of conservation importance: missing‐limb deformities in amphibians. We combined long‐term field data and manipulative experiments to evaluate the role of sublethal predation in causing abnormalities in two regions of central Oregon, USA. Since 1988, western toads (Bufo boreas) in Lake Aspen have exhibited abnormalities dominated by partially missing limbs and digits at annual frequencies from <1% to 35%. On Broken Top volcano, we found comparable types and frequencies of abnormalities in Cascades frogs (Rana cascadae). Field sampling and observational data implicated two aquatic predators in these abnormality phenomena: introduced sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) at Lake Aspen and corduliid dragonfly larvae (Somatochlora albicincta) at Broken Top. In experiments, these predators produced limb abnormalities identical to those observed in the respective regions. At Lake Aspen, in situ predator exclosures effectively eliminated abnormalities in toads, while comparisons among years with low and high stickleback abundance and between wetlands with and without sticklebacks reinforced the link between fish and amphibian abnormalities. Neither trematode parasite infection nor pesticide contamination could explain observed abnormalities. Our results suggest that predators are an important explanation for missing‐limb abnormalities and highlight the ecological significance of sublethal predation in nature.
Global patterns in predator–prey size relationships reveal size dependency of trophic transfer efficiency
Authors: Barnes Carolyn , Maxwell David , Reuman Daniel C. , Jennings Simon
Published: February 2010

Predator–prey body size relationships influence food chain length, trophic structure, transfer efficiency, interaction strength, and the bioaccumulation of contaminants. Improved quantification of these relationships and their response to the environment is needed to parameterize food web models and describe food web structure and function. A compiled data set comprising 29 582 records of individual prey eaten at 21 locations by individual predators that spanned 10 orders of magnitude in mass and lived in marine environments ranging from the poles to the tropics was used to investigate the influence of predator size and environment on predator and prey size relationships. Linear mixed effects models demonstrated that predator–prey mass ratios (PPMR) increased with predator mass. The amount of the increase varied among locations and predator species and individuals but was not significantly influenced by temperature, latitude, depth, or primary production. Increases in PPMR with predator mass implied nonlinear relationships between log body mass and trophic level and reductions in transfer efficiency with increasing body size. The results suggest that very general rules determine dominant trends in PPMR in diverse marine ecosystems, leading to the ubiquity of size‐based trophic structuring and the consistency of observed relationships between the relative abundance of individuals and their body size.
Density‐dependent prophylactic immunity reconsidered in the light of host group living and social behavior
Authors: Elliot Simon L. , Hart Adam G.
Published: February 2010

According to the density‐dependent hypothesis (DDP), hosts living at high densities suffer greater risk of disease and so invest more in immunity. Although there is much empirical support for this, especially from invertebrate systems, there are many exceptions, notably in social insects. We propose that (A) density is not always the most appropriate population parameter to use when considering the risks associated with disease and (B) behavioral defenses should be given a greater emphasis in considerations of a host's repertoire of immune defenses. We propose a complementary framework stressing the connectivity between and within populations as a starting point and emphasizing the costs represented by disease above the risk of disease per se. We consider the components of immune defense and propose that behaviors may represent lower‐cost defenses than their physiological counterparts. As group‐living and particularly social animals will have a greater behavioral repertoire, we conclude that with group living comes a greater capacity for behavioral immune defense, most particularly for social insects. This may escape our notice if we consider physiological parameters alone.
Nutrition and interference competition have interactive effects on the behavior and performance of Argentine ants
Authors: Kay Adam D. , Zumbusch Taylor , Heinen Justa L. , Marsh Tom C. , Holway David A.
Published: February 2010

Food availability often influences competitive outcomes through effects on consumer growth. Although it has received less attention, food availability may also affect competition through nutritional effects on behavior. One hypothesis linking nutrition and competition in ants posits that increased access to carbohydrates favors greater investment in worker traits that underlie behavioral dominance. We tested this hypothesis by varying dietary protein : carbohydrate (P:C) ratios and levels of interspecific interference for Argentine ants (Linepithema humile), a widespread invasive species. As predicted, colonies facing interference increased patrolling more when reared on low P:C diets; this result is the first demonstration of an interactive effect of nutrition and interference on ant colonies. Several results suggest that this dietary effect on patrolling was due primarily to changes in colony size rather than worker behavior. Colonies on lower P:C diets had lower worker mortality and larger final colony sizes. Diet had little effect on per capita patrolling, and worker behavior in performance assays depended more on previous exposure to interference than on diet. Our findings indicate that dietary P:C ratios can influence Argentine ant performance in a competitive environment and suggest a mechanism by which monopolization of carbohydrate‐rich resources can help invasive ants displace native ant competitors.
Successful Use of Real Time Dynamic Flow Modelling to Control a Very Challenging Managed Pressure Drilling Operation in the North Sea
Authors: Bjørkevoll Knut Steinar , Hovland Svein , Aas Ingvill Barr , Vollen Elin
Published: February 2010

An advanced dynamic flow and temperature model was used to optimize and control MPD operations in real time on the Gullfaks field in the North Sea. The well to be drilled only had a 7 bar window between the pore and fracture pressure according to prognosis. However, drilling objectives were eventually fulfilled aided by very accurate downhole pressure control. This paper addresses the model specific challenges, analyzes the differences between model calculations and downhole pressure data, and discusses how to bring hydraulic modelling further in accordance with future operational needs.

Challenges related to how to tune the system efficiently and accurately, data quality issues, displacement operations, etc., are described and enlightened by downhole memory data made available when the string was back on surface. Ideas on how to build a more robust and easy to use system without sacrificing the advantages of having a high fidelity model in the real time loop are discussed.

The experience and ideas described contribute to the development of a very accurate and reliable MPD system, which is capable of automatic pressure control during the whole sequence of drilling, tripping, circulation, displacements etc. An important goal for the future will be to reduce the offshore crew dedicated to the modelling function to a minimum, with the provision of onshore support during operations.
Broad‐Spectrum Arthropod Resistance in Hybrids between High‐ and Low‐Acylsugar Tomato Lines
Authors: Maluf Wilson Roberto , Maciel Gabriel Mascarenhas , Gomes Luiz Antonio Augusto , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Gonçalves Luciano Donizete , da Silva Ernani Clarete , Knapp Markus
Published: February 2010

Three elite tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L., syn. Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) breeding lines (TOM‐687, TOM‐688, TOM‐689) with high foliar acylsugar (AS) contents were obtained, and used along with two low‐AS lines (TOM‐690, TOM‐684) in hybrid combinations, to obtain six hybrids between one low‐AS line × one high‐AS line (= hybrids with intermediate AS levels), one hybrid between two high‐AS lines (= high‐AS hybrid), and one hybrid between two low‐AS lines (= low‐AS hybrid). These genotypes were tested for resistance to three different tomato pests (spider mites [Tetranychus urticae Koch], silverleaf whitefly [Bemisia argentifolii Bellows & Perring], and the South American tomato pinworm [Tuta absoluta (Meyrick)]) along with hybrid TEX‐154 (low‐AS) and/or Solanum pennellii Correll ‘LA‐716’ (high‐AS wild accession). In all three instances, high‐AS genotypes showed higher levels of pest resistance than low‐AS genotypes. Hybrids with intermediate AS levels showed resistances that were just as high as those of high‐AS genotypes for Bemisia argentifolii and Tuta absoluta, and nearly as good as those for Tetranychus urticae. Acylsugars were confirmed as being a major component of the high levels of pest resistances found in S. pennellii—a component that was successfully introgressed into elite tomato breeding lines. Acylsugar‐mediated pest resistance is effective against a broad spectrum of tomato pests. Because high‐AS breeding lines are scarce, the deployment of hybrids between high‐AS line × low‐AS line would be a quick, viable alternative to obtain commercial pest‐resistant hybrids.
Toward a Cost‐Effective Fingerprinting Methodology to Distinguish Maize Open‐Pollinated Varieties
Authors: Warburton Marilyn L. , Setimela Peter , Franco Jorge , Cordova Hugo , Pixley Kevin , Bänziger Marianne , Dreisigacker Susanne , Bedoya Claudia , MacRobert John
Published: February 2010

In Africa, many smallholder farmers grow open‐pollinated maize (Zea mays L.) varieties (OPVs), which allow seed recycling and outyield traditional unimproved landraces. Seeds of productive OPVs are provided to farmers, often by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) that help farmers access improved seeds, particularly following disasters in which original seed is lost. However, NGOs often rely on local seed suppliers to provide seed, and in some years the seeds provided to the farmers are suspected not to be of the promised variety. Here we present methodology to prove within a high level of confidence if two samples of seeds are the same genetic population or not, despite the difficulties involved in fingerprinting heterologous populations. In addition to heterogeneity within populations, difficulties can include sampling errors, differences in the fields or years in which the seeds were multiplied, and seed mixing. Despite these confounding sources of variation, we show the possibility to conclusively differentiate each of the populations used in this work. This methodology will allow breeders, seed companies, government agencies, and NGOs to ensure the purity and identity of high‐yielding, locally adapted OPVs reach farmers so they can generate the highest yields possible in their fields.
North American Study on Essential Derivation in Maize: II. Selection and Evaluation of a Panel of Simple Sequence Repeat Loci
Authors: Kahler Alex L. , Kahler Jonathan L. , Thompson Steven A. , Ferriss Ronald S. , Jones Elizabeth S. , Nelson Barry K. , Mikel Mark A. , Smith Stephen
Published: February 2010

Plant variety protection laws based on the 1991 revision of the Union Internationale pour la Protection des Obtentions Vegetales (UPOV) include the concept of an essentially derived variety (EDV). It is widely accepted that molecular markers can provide data to help determine EDV status. We screened publicly available simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci using a set of inbred lines, including those that have been widely used or are of historic importance to maize (Zea mays L.) breeding in the United States. As a result of that screening process we hereby publish a set of 285 SSRs that have been validated by the American Seed Trade Association (ASTA) for use in variety identification and for assistance in determining EDV status in U.S. maize. One hundred and fifty SSRs constitute the ASTA Core Set 1; additional data, if required, can be obtained by using the additional 135 SSRs. We also report on comparisons of abilities of the ASTA‐designated SSRs to discriminate among and show associations among inbred lines compared with results obtained from another (partially overlapping) set of SSRs selected by the French Association of Maize Breeders (SEPROMA). There was a high correlation (R2 = 0.79) for pairwise distances among a subset of 30 U.S. inbreds for SSR data obtained using the ASTA protocols compared with those obtained using the SEPROMA protocols. Consequently, there are now two published sets of protocols and procedures that can be used to assist in variety identification and in the determination of essential derivation in maize depending on circumstances and available resources.
Yield Response of Soybean to Partial and Total Defoliation during the Seed‐Filling Period
Authors: Board J. E. , Kumudini S. , Omielan J. , Prior E. , Kahlon C. S.
Published: February 2010

Understanding how defoliation affects soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] yield during the seed‐filling period will aid in making management recommendations for control of stresses that reduce yield through defoliation. Because previous research has studied defoliation effects at only one or two specific stages of seed filling, our objective was to gain a greater understanding of the mechanisms for yield reduction with defoliation at weekly intervals across the seed‐filling period. Defoliations were conducted from the bottom of the canopy upward to mimic the progress of soybean rust. Two experiments, one in Kentucky (38° N lat) and the other in Louisiana (30° N lat), were conducted in randomized complete block designs in split‐split plot arrangements with four replications. Main plots were two cultivars, split plots were defoliation timings at weekly intervals during seed filling, and split‐split plots were defoliation levels of 0, 33, 66, and 100% leaf removal. Data were obtained on yield and several growth dynamic and yield component factors. Defoliation‐induced yield losses corresponded more closely with percentage of light interception reductions than percentage of leaf area reductions. During the R5 to R6 period, defoliation levels sufficient to reduce light interception by 18 to 23% were required to cause yield loss. Yield losses from total defoliation were greatest at early seed filling (78%) but gradually diminished as seed filling progressed. Each 0.1 delay in developmental stage resulted in a 5% decline in yield loss.
Mapping Quantitative Trait Loci for Partial Resistance to Phytophthora sojae in a Soybean Interspecific Cross
Authors: Tucker D. M. , Saghai Maroof M. A. , Mideros S. , Skoneczka J. A. , Nabati D. A. , Buss G. R. , Hoeschele I. , Tyler B.M. , St. Martin S. K. , Dorrance A. E.
Published: February 2010

Phytophthora root and stem rot of soybean, caused by Phytophthora sojae Kaufmann & Gerdemann, is a serious limitation to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production in the USA. Partial resistance or field resistance to P. sojae in soybean is effective against multiple races of the pathogen and is a form of incomplete resistance. An interspecific recombinant inbred line (RIL) population consisting of 298 individuals derived from the cross of V71–370 by PI407162 was inoculated with the P. sojae isolate C2S1 using the slant board technique in three separate experiments (designated as 2005, 2006a, and 2006b). In each replication, seven day old seedlings from each RIL were inoculated and lesion lengths were recorded 7 d later to assess partial resistance with three replications for the 2005 and 2006a experiments and one replication for the 2006b screening. Interval mapping located a lesion length QTL on each of the molecular linkage groups (MLGs)–J (chrom. 16),‐I (chrom. 20) and–G (chrom. 18) in all three experiments. The lesion length QTL on MLG‐J accounted for 32, 42, and 22% of the phenotypic variation in the 2005, 2006a and 2006b experiments, respectively. Mapped QTL locations in the current study provide breeders with new sources of P. sojae resistance and suggest that new sources may be identified in soybean germplasm.
Improving the Wheat Genetic Diversity for End‐Use Grain Quality by Chromatin Introgression from the Wheat Wild Relative Dasypyrum villosum
Authors: Vaccino Patrizia , Banfi Riccardo , Corbellini Maria , De Pace Ciro
Published: February 2010

Most wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding programs rely on gene transfer from the wild and cultivated secondary gene pool (GP‐2) for trait enhancement, but none has been successful in improving end‐use grain quality using gene transfer from the wild GP‐2. In this paper, the efficacy of prolamin subunits encoded by genes of Dasypyrum villosum (L.) Candargy (Dv) for the improvement of wheat end‐use grain quality has been assessed by small‐ and large‐scale analyses on wheat introgression lines (ILs) derived from Triticum aestivum cv. Chinese Spring × Dv hybridization. Prolamin genes from Dv and wheat are coexpressed in the ILs and differentially affect bread‐making quality. The ascertained effects correlate weakly with the size of the introgressed Dv chromatin and are not confounded by the cryptic variation of the genetic background. Dasypyrum villosum chromatin, including genes at the Glu‐V1 locus, significantly improves wheat bread‐making quality, and chromatin from the short arm of chromosome 6V also improves protein and micronutrient content. These positive effects allow breeders to consider Dv as an important source of genes for grain quality improvement in wheat, also in conjunction with the introgression of Dv chromatin into wheat for enhancing expression of other traits such as disease resistance.
Population Structure and Linkage Disequilibrium in U.S. Barley Germplasm: Implications for Association Mapping
Authors: Hamblin Martha T. , Close Timothy J. , Bhat Prasanna R. , Chao Shiaoman , Kling Jennifer G. , Abraham K. Joseph , Blake Tom , Brooks Wynse S. , Cooper Blake , Griffey Carl A. , Hayes Patrick M. , Hole David J. , Horsley Richard D. , Obert Donald E. , Smith Kevin P. , Ullrich Steven E. , Muehlbauer Gary J. , Jannink Jean‐Luc
Published: February 2010

Previous studies have shown that there is considerable population structure in cultivated barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), with the strongest structure corresponding to differences in row number and growth habit. U.S. barley breeding programs include six‐row and two‐row types and winter and spring types in all combinations. To facilitate mapping of complex traits in breeding germplasm, 1816 barley lines from 10 U.S. breeding programs were scored with 1536 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping assays. The number of SNPs segregating within breeding programs varied from 854 to 1398. Model‐based analysis of population structure showed the expected clustering by row type and growth habit; however, there was additional structure, some of which corresponded to the breeding programs. The model that fit the data best had seven populations: three two‐row spring, two six‐row spring, and two six‐row winter. Average linkage disequilibrium (LD) within populations decayed over a distance of 20 to 30 cM, but some populations showed long‐range LD suggestive of admixture. Genetic distance (allele‐sharing) between populations varied from 0.11 (six‐row spring vs. six‐row spring) to 0.45 (two‐row spring vs. six‐row spring). Analyses of pairwise LD revealed that the phase of allelic associations was not well correlated between populations, particularly when their allele‐sharing distance was >0.2. These results suggest that pooling divergent barley populations for purposes of association mapping may be inadvisable.
Development of Heterotic Groups in Triticale
Authors: Fischer S. , Maurer H. P. , Würschum T. , Möhring J. , Piepho H.‐P. , Schön C. C. , Thiemt E.‐M. , Dhillon B. S. , Weissmann E. A. , Melchinger A. E. , Reif J. C.
Published: February 2010

Heterotic groups are an essential prerequisite for efficient hybrid breeding. The present study in winter triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) was performed to (i) evaluate the magnitude of heterosis, (ii) investigate the efficiency of the prediction of hybrid performance based on midparent value or general combining ability (GCA) effects, and (iii) identify two heterotic groups by employing principle coordinate analysis and an enumeration algorithm for maximizing F1 performance, midparent heterosis, and σGCA2/σSCA2 ratio for grain yield. Twenty‐one inbred lines and their 210 diallel crosses were field‐evaluated for grain yield at five agroecologically diverse locations in Germany. On average, the hybrids yielded 8.6% higher than the midparent performance, and the maximum superiority was 12.4%. Hybrid performance was predicted more reliably with GCA effects rather than with midparent performance. An enumeration algorithm based on optimum allocation of parents to heterotic groups, improved all three criteria. F1 performance, midparent heterosis, and σGCA2/σSCA2 ratio increased by about 3, 24, and 70%, respectively, as compared with the base situation of having no heterotic groups. These improvements substantiate the potential advantages, when heterotic groups are developed in hybrid breeding.
Genetic Differentiation of Winter Wheat Populations Following Exposure to Two Management Systems in Early Inbreeding Generations
Authors: Thapa Rima , Carver Brett F. , Horn Gerald W. , Goad Carla L.
Published: February 2010

Producers in the southern Great Plains usually dedicate fields of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to a grain‐only (GO) management system or one that incorporates grazing preceding grain harvest (dual‐purpose or DP system). We hypothesized that a grazing system may be applied as a selection tool during the early inbreeding generations to shift gene frequencies in favor of improved grazing tolerance and grain yielding ability. Grain yield and other key traits were compared among F5 bulk progenies of 24 populations exposed in the F2 to F4 generations to either system, including a Base set of F3 progenies and three cultivars. From GO and DP experiments conducted for 3 yr near Marshall, OK, the grain yield loss from GO to DP systems was 11% for ‘2174’ and ‘Custer’ and 24% for ‘Jagger’. Yields of DP selections exceeded the GO selections when tested in the DP system (220 kg ha−1 differential, P < 0.01) and in the GO system (80 kg ha−1, P = 0.01), with neutral effects on grain volume weight and protein concentration. Vegetative growth habit of DP and GO selections were visibly differentiated. When targeting a DP management system, derivation of bulk populations for line selection should utilize the DP system as a selection environment during the early inbreeding generations. This approach should not carry a universal yield penalty for GO environments when the breeding target includes both DP and GO systems.
Genomewide Selection with Minimal Crossing in Self‐Pollinated Crops
Authors: Bernardo Rex
Published: February 2010

Genomewide selection in plants has focused on cross‐pollinated species, such as maize (Zea mays L.), in which selected plants can be easily crossed to obtain a large number of seeds for the next cycle of selection. Here I describe and present simulation results for a genomewide selection procedure that requires minimal crossing in self‐pollinated crops. This procedure, referred to as GWSSelf, involves producing only a few F1 seeds from crosses among the selected progenies in Cycle 0, allowing the F1 seeds to naturally self‐pollinate to produce F2 seeds, conducting marker‐based selection among the resulting F2 plants, and repeating this select‐recombine‐self procedure in a year‐round nursery or greenhouse. With barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) as a model species, I found from simulation experiments that selection responses with GWSSelf were 81 to 87% of the responses obtained if genomewide selection procedures appropriate for maize were used. These lower responses can be compensated for by more stringent selection.
Genetic Variation in Potential Kernel Size Affects Kernel Growth and Yield of Sorghum
Authors: Yang Zongjian , van Oosterom Erik J. , Jordan David R. , Doherty Alastair , Hammer Graeme L.
Published: February 2010

Large‐seededness can increase grain yield in sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] if larger kernel size more than compensates for the associated reduction in kernel number. The aim of this research was to investigate kernel filling characteristics associated with the high kernel weight of KS115 germplasm and consider implications for grain yield improvement. Germplasm with a twofold range in potential kernel size was grown in two field experiments. In both experiments, a large‐seeded hybrid based on KS115 yielded significantly more grain than a normal‐seeded hybrid with the same female parent. Genotypic differences in final kernel weight were associated with both an increased rate and extended duration of kernel filling. A high kernel filling rate was associated with a high rate of increase in kernel water content and kernel volume, which resulted in large maximum water content and volume per kernel. The long kernel filling duration of KS115‐based germplasm was associated with an extended duration of the period of rapid water uptake into the kernel following the onset of rapid dry mass accumulation in the grains. For this particular germplasm, this was likely due to the presence of large ovaries before fertilization. Because of a trade‐off between potential kernel weight and number, prolonged duration, rather than an increased rate of kernel filling, appeared to be the main mechanism through which large‐seededness of KS115 could increase grain yield.
Measuring the Welfare Effects of Country of Origin Rules: A Suggested Methodology
Authors: Pelzman Joseph , Shoham Amir
Published: February 2010

The United States and the European Union have generated dozens of bilateral Regional Trading Agreements (RTA) across the globe. All of these trading arrangements have detailed agreements on rules of origin (ROOs). Those rules are required in order to ensure that the perceived benefits of the Free Trade Agreements (FTA) are not subverted or deflected. These rules have their greatest impact on a firm's cost structure when applied to the trade of intermediate goods. Determination of the origin of final goods becomes more complicated where imported intermediates are used and the WTO 'substantial transformation' rules are implemented.

There is relatively little literature on the impact of these rules of origin on trade. (Cadot et al., 2006; Duttagupta and Panagariya, 2002; and Falvey and Reed, 1998, 2002). The existing literature hypothesizes that these rules can easily be used to restrict or suppress trade between countries, or to divert trade away from more efficient suppliers to less efficient ones. The empirical evidence to support the trade distortions is based on the number and complexity of the rules of origin. In order to determine the degree to which the post-RTA trade flows are indeed affected by ROO requires a micro-based review of increased transaction costs, rather than the number of rules.

The intent of this paper is to suggest a formal methodology, which relies on the literature about tariff-equivalents, to evaluate rules of origin requirements. The suggested approach, applied at the 5-digit HS level will provide a more robust evaluation of ROOs. The suggested methodology could also be used to investigate the oft-asserted hypothesis that with time and reduced tariff barriers, the costs associated with ROOs will diminish.
The Obama Administration and Latin America: A "New Partnership for the Americas"
Authors: Moncarz Raul
Published: February 2010

Every new U.S. administration brings renewed hope and vigor to the World regarding unrealized dreams and aspirations as well as unfinished and not realized agendas. The U.S. has not neglected Latin America, even according to some the region has probably benefited from U.S. involvement in the Middle East and Afghanistan.

A New Partnership for the Americas is the name that the Obama group used during the election campaign. The common thread is a preference to develop cooperation through converging national interests as articulated by the U.S. and Latin American Caribbean governments.

The U.S. and Cuban government officials are talking for the first time in years raising hopes for a thaw in long-icy relations. President Obama has granted Cuban-Americans the right to travel freely to Cuba and to send remittances there, and to give U.S. telecommunications companies the right to pursue business there represents a first step in trying for better relations.

If the new Obama administration thought that a change in the rhetoric and tone would make the likes of Castro, Chavez and others see things the U.S. way, a new lesson was learned in that sometimes countries disagree simply because their goals are mutually exclusive.

A year after Barack Obama became U.S. president, pledging "a new beginning" in relations with Cuba and wining praise from Fidel Castro, bitter rhetoric is once more flying between the two states.

At the outset it has to be recognized that the U.S. government actually understands what is happening in Latin America. The U.S. policy is highly sophisticated and often seems more drastic on its understanding of what is happening than some or most of its critics.

Looking at some people's history of the hemisphere it is remarkable and transformative that for the first time in many years, the U.S. does not seem to care much what happens in Latin America. In an interconnected world, power does not need to be a zero sum game, and nations need not fear the success of another. Cultivating spheres of cooperation--not competing spheres of influence--will lead to progress in the Caribbean and Latin America. Engagement meaning expanded cooperation with and the need to broaden policy efforts with the group of leftists rules countries such as Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Uruguay, Peru and Venezuela beyond the previous administration focus on regional economic integration through competitive liberalization.
Evaluating President Obama's Trade Policies in 2009
Authors: Eckes Alfred E.
Published: February 2010

Despite his promise of "change," President Obama's trade policies during his first year took a backseat to other administration priorities. There were few notable achievements, as Obama deferred action on Bush-era bilateral agreements and chose not to push forward on multilateral negotiations. However, in trade administration there were victories in WTO dispute-resolution cases and some evidence of greater determination to enforce U.S. trade remedy laws.
Recession, R&D Spending, and the Current Account: Bad News, Bad News, and a Little Encouragement
Authors: Gretz Richard T. , Highfill Jannett
Published: February 2010

Coming out of the global recession, it has been suggested that certain United States’ trading partners that have relied on exchange rates policy should switch to the industrial policy, particularly, government subsidies for private sector research and development. The present paper argues that the recession itself is sufficient bad news. The prospect of our trading partners instigating an R&D subsidy game in the interests of an export-led growth strategy is even more sobering—especially if the U.S. fails to respond with its own R&D subsidy program. Whatever your view of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, one could make the case that the U.S. economy would have been better served investing in new technologies leading to new factories producing innovative products rather than simply paving a road to, at best, business as usual.
Acute and Sub Chronic Oral Toxicity of Sida rhomboidea.Roxb Leaf Extract
Authors: Thounaojam Menaka C , Jadeja Ravirajsinh N , Patel Dipak K , Devkar Ranjitsinh V , Ramachandran A V
Published: February 2010

Acute and sub chronic oral administration of Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) aqueous leaf extract did not register any adverse behavioral alterations or significant toxic manifestations. However, significant decrement in food intake and body weight gain along with higher plasma AST and ALT levels were recorded with a dose of 3000 mg/kg body weight. It is inferred that SR extract is non-toxic, therefore, safe for consumption.