bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional characterization of naturally occurring NR3C2 gene mutations in Italian patients suffering from pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1
Authors: Balsamo Antonio , Cicognani Alessandro , Gennari Monia , Sippell Wolfgang G , Menabò Soara , Baronio Federico , Riepe Felix G
Published: February 2007

Objective: The renal form of pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 (PHA1) is a rare disease caused by mutations in the human mineralocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C2).

Design: Aim of the study was to analyze the NR3C2 gene in three Italian patients with clinical signs of renal PHA1 and to evaluate the distribution of the -2G > C, c.538A > G, and c.722C > T single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) pattern in the PHA1 patients and in 90 controls of the same ethnic origin.

Methods: Analysis of the NR3C2 gene sequence and of the polymorphic SNP markers. Functional characterization of the detected novel NR3C2 mutations utilizing aldosterone-binding assays and reporter gene transactivation assays.

Results: One novel nonsense (Y134X) and one novel frameshift (2125delA) mutation were detected. They exhibited no aldosterone binding and no transactivation abilities. No mutation was detected in the third patient. Haploinsufficiency of NR3C2 was ruled out by microsatellite analysis in this patient. The c.722T SNP was detected in 97% of alleles in the Italian population which is significantly different from the general German or US population.

Conclusions: Molecular analysis of the NR3C2 gene in PHA1 patients is warranted to detect novel mutations in order to clarify the underlying genetic cause, which may extend the insight into relevant functional regions of the hMR protein. The effect the different distribution of the c.722T SNP is not clear to date. Further studies are necessary to provide evidence as to a possible advantage of a less sensitive hMR in southern countries.
The usefulness of combined biochemical tests in the diagnosis of Cushing’s disease with negative pituitary magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Testa R M , Albiger N , Occhi G , Sanguin F , Scanarini M , Berlucchi S , Gardiman M P , Carollo C , Mantero F , Scaroni C
Published: February 2007

Objective: The etiological diagnosis of ACTH-dependent Cushing’s syndrome is often a problem. In fact, no endocrine or radiological examination can conclusively distinguish the ectopic from the pituitary source of disease. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of stimulation and suppression endocrine tests in the diagnostic and therapeutic approach of patients with Cushing’s disease (CD) and negative pituitary magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), considering their post-surgical outcome in comparison with patients with CD and positive MRI.

Patients and methods: We retrospectively analyzed 31 patients (25 women and 6 men, median age 40 ± 15 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of CD who underwent transsphenoidal pituitary surgery by the same neurosurgeon between 2001 and 2005. Preoperative endocrine assessment included corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), desmopressin (dDAVP), and overnight 8 mg dexamethasone suppression tests (8-DST) in all patients. Fifteen patients had a normal pituitary MRI and sixteen had a clearly evident pituitary microadenoma. Bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) was performed in patients with discordant biochemical results or with signs and symptoms highly suggestive of an ectopic source of ACTH. Post-surgical median follow-up was 38.4 ± 22.0 months.

Results: Among patients with negative MRI, 60% had concordant positive endocrine tests and underwent neurosurgery without other examinations. BIPSS was performed in three other patients prompted by discordant endocrine tests (negative dDAVP) and in two patients with clinical suspicion of ectopic disease. Among patients with positive MRI, 87% underwent neurosurgery without BIPSS that was performed in two patients because of negative concomitant response to dDAVP and CRH tests. A pituitary adenoma, confirmed by pathological examination, was found in 40 and 81% of patients with negative and positive MRI respectively (P<0.05), corticotroph hyperplasia resulted more frequent in the group with negative MRI. Remission rate was not different between patients with negative and positive MRI (73 and 75% respectively; P=0.61) and between patients with negative MRI who did not undergo BIPSS and patients with positive MRI (P=0.56). The recurrence rate was also similar between groups (P=0.64), but higher, although not statistically different (P=0.07) in patients with corticotroph hyperplasia at histology.

Conclusions: An accurate evaluation of presurgical endocrine tests results enabled us to reduce the number of BIPSS in patients with a negative MRI without any fallout on their post-surgical outcome. In the hands of an expert pituitary surgeon, the outcome after surgeryand the subsequent recurrence rate are much the same in patients with negative or positive MRI.
Plasma resistin levels correlate with determinants of the metabolic syndrome
Authors: Norata G D , Ongari M , Garlaschelli K , Raselli S , Grigore L , Catapano A L
Published: February 2007

Objective: The role of resistin in insulin sensitivity and obesity is controversial. Some authors suggest that increased serum resistin levels are associated with obesity, visceral fat, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and inflammation, while others failed to observe such correlations. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship of plasma resistin levels with markers of the metabolic syndrome and atherosclerosis in a large population-based study.

Design and patients: Plasma resistin levels were determined in 1090 subjects free of any medication selected from the PLIC study (designed to verify the presence of atherosclerotic lesions and progression intima-media thickness (IMT) in the common carotid artery in the general population) and related to the presence of obesity, metabolic syndrome, metabolic abnormalities, cardiovascular risk, and progression of IMT.

Results: Plasma resistin levels were highly positively correlated with triglycerides, waist circumference, waist/hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, and ApoAI/ApoB ratio, while they were inversely correlated with high density lipoprotein and ApoAI levels. This finding was gender specific (mainly in women). Plasma resistin levels were significantly higher in women with the metabolic syndrome compared with controls (4.90 (0.24) ng/ml vs 3.90 (0.11) ng/ml; P<0.01), while no difference was observed in obese subjects. Finally, plasma resistin levels were significantlycorrelated with cardiovascular risk calculated according to the Framingham algorithm (P<0.01).

Conclusion: Plasma resistin levels are increased in presence of the metabolic syndrome and are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
What are the markers of aggressiveness in prolactinomas? Changes in cell biology, extracellular matrix components, angiogenesis and genetics
Authors: Gürlek Alper , Karavitaki Niki , Ansorge Olaf , Wass John A H
Published: February 2007

Prolactinoma is the most common pituitary tumour in adults. Macroprolactinomas, particularly in men, may occasionally exhibit a very aggressive clinical course as evidenced by progressive growth, invasion through bone into the sphenoid sinus, cavernous sinus, suprasellar region or the nasopharynx. Some may even progress to pituitary carcinoma with craniospinal or systemic metastases. Aggressive tumours have low cure rates despite appropriate medical and surgical treatment. The mechanisms underlying this aggressive biological behaviour have not yet been fully clarified. Recent immunohistochemical, molecular and genetic studies have provided some insight in this respect. Invasive prolactinomas may be associated with a high Ki-67/MIB-1 labelling index indicating increased cell proliferation, although this is not a universal finding. The AA polymorphism in the cyclin adenine (A)/guanine (G) gene is more frequently detected in invasive prolactinomas. Increased expression of the polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) and reduced expression of the E-cadherin/catenin complex implies a contribution of altered cell-to-cell adhesion and cellular migration. Extracellular matrix components (ECM), matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their inhibitors play important roles in the context of angiogenesis and invasion. The induction of fibroblast growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor via oestrogen-induced overexpression of novel genes (PTTG, hst and Edpm5) enhance cell growth, proliferation and angiogenesis contributing to invasiveness in prolactinomas. Although mutations in proto-oncogenes like Ras are uncommon, loss of tumour suppressor genes at loci 11q13, 13q12–14, 10q and 1p seem to be associated with invasiveness. Of the described mechanisms, only reduced E-cadherin/catenin expression and overexpression of hst gene seem to be relatively specific markers for prolactinoma invasiveness compared with other pituitary adenomas. Further research is needed to clarify the molecular mechanisms behind the aggressive course of some prolactinomas to predict those with a potentially poor clinical outcome, and to devise treatments that will eventually enable the cure of these challenging tumours.
Investigation of field outbreaks of Turkey haemorrhagic enteritis in Hungary
Authors: Palya V. , Nagy M. , Glávits R. , Ivanics Éva , Szalay D. , Dán Á. , Süveges T. , Markos B. , Harrach B.
Published: February 2007

Epidemiological, pathological, serological and virological investigations are reported on turkey haemorrhagic enteritis virus (THEV) infection in Hungarian turkey flocks. The pathogenesis of infection in experimentally infected turkeys and chickens, as well as the usefulness of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing method for epidemiological investigation and for the differentiation of vaccine and field strains of THEV was also studied. Since the first recognition of the disease in Hungary in the late 1970s, until recently the disease has been diagnosed sporadically in its mild form. In the last few years (2000–2005), however, the number of outbreaks and the severity of the disease increased (9–23 affected flocks/year). Most of the outbreaks occurred at the age of 6 to 8 weeks and was complicated with
Escherichia coli
infection. The antibody levels to THEV in turkey flocks gradually declined till 5–7 weeks of age, and then they increased sharply due to natural infection with THEV. The immune response to vaccination (at 5 weeks of age) showed no significant antibody level increase one week postvaccination, but four weeks later the antibody level reached high values and then remained at this high level. The agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test to detect turkey adenovirus A (TAdV-A) antigen and PCR methods for THEV-specific DNA gave similarly positive results if spleens with pathognomonic lesions were tested; however, PCR proved to be more sensitive in cases with less characteristic pathological lesions. Nucleotide sequence alignment of PCR products amplified from Hungarian field strains and the Domermuth vaccine strain and that of the published THEV hexon sequences in GenBank database revealed slight differences between the sequences.
Efficacy of some anticoccidial drugs for treating coccidial enteritis of the common carp caused by Goussia carpelli (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae)
Authors: Molnár K. , Ostoros Györgyi
Published: February 2007

In this study, nine anticoccidial drugs commonly used in poultry were tested for efficacy for the prevention and treatment of
Goussia carpelli
(Apicomplexa) infection in common carp (
Cyprinus carpio
L.). To establish experimental infection with
G. carpelli
, paratenic host oligochaetes of the genera
Tubifex
and
Limnodrilus
were infected with oocysts, and laboratory-cultured parasite-free common carp fingerlings were infected by feeding to them oligochaetes containing sporozoites. The anticoccidial drugs (amprolium, narasin, maduramicin, salinomycin Na, lasalocid Na, diclazuril, robenidine HCl, monensin Na and toltrazuril), mixed in the food of the fish in a dose of 200 mg/kg, were fed for 12 days. Common carp fingerlings fed diclazuril, lasalocid, robenidine HCl or maduramicin and killed on day 14 after exposure were free from infection, while other groups treated with amprolium, toltrazuril, monensin Na, narasin or salinomycin Na harboured oocysts in the mucus and epithelium of the gut.
Munkamemória és idegennyelv-elsajátítás: Az idegen beszédhangok hatása a verbális rövid távú emlékezetre
Authors: Kovács Gábor , Racsmány Mihály
Published: February 2007

A kísérlet az idegen nyelvi beszédhangok hatását vizsgálja a rövid távú verbális emlékezeti teljesítményre. A fonológiai tár kapacitását és az emléknyomok pontosságát álszóteszt segítségével mértük, melynek során a vizsgálati személyeknek kizárólag anyanyelvi fonémákból álló, illetve idegen beszédhangokat is tartalmazó ingerszavakat kellett visszamondaniuk. A válaszok kiértékelésekor kiemelt szempont volt a különbözo produkciós tényezok - különösen az akcentus - kontrollálása. A két ingertípus felidézése között szignifikáns különbség mutatkozott, ami arra utal, hogy a nem anyanyelvi beszédhangok jelenléte nagymértékben nehezíti a rövid távú fonológiai reprezentációk megtartását, és ezen keresztül kihat az idegennyelv-elsajátítás teljes folyamatára. Vizsgálatunk egyben egy újszeru módszertani keretet is kínál a verbális munkamemória szókincs-elsajátításra gyakorolt hatásának elemzéséhez.
Könyvismertetések
Authors: Perjés István , Krajcsi Attila , Lukács Liza , Szamarasz Vera Zoé , Vajda Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2007

Jerome Bruner:
Az oktatás kultúrája(Perjés István)
Pléh
Csaba és Boross Ottilia
(szerk.):
Bevezetés a pszichológiába(Krajcsi Attila)
Forgács
Attila:
Az evés lélektana(Lukács
Liza)
Kövecses Zoltán:

A metafora. Gyakorlati bevezetés a kognitív metaforaelméletbe (Simon Eszter
- Szamarasz Vera Zoé)
Peter Fónagy - Mary Target:
Pszichoanalitikus
elméletek a fejlődési pszichopatológia tükrében(Vajda Zsuzsanna)
Akusztikus eseményhez kötött potenciálok életkorfüggő sajátosságai
Authors: Gaál Zsófia Anna , Csuhaj Roland , Czigler Balázs , Csikós Dóra , Molnár Márk
Published: February 2007

Tanulmányunkban
röviden ismertetjük az öregedés során bekövetkező idegrendszeri változásokat és
a megismerési folyamatok változását magyarázó elméleteket. Kísérletünk során
19-68 éves személyek (n = 65) kétféle (könnyebb és nehezebb) akusztikus oddball
helyzetben vettek részt. A személyeket öt korcsoportba osztottuk (I: 18-29 év,
II: 30-39 év, III: 40-49 év, IV: 50-59 év, V: 60-70 év). Célunk az eseményhez
kötött agyi potenciálok (EKP-k) életkorfüggő változásainak vizsgálata volt. Az
elektro­fizio­lógiai elvezetés mellett több pszichológiai tesztet is
felvettünk, melyekkel a személyek aktuális pszichológiai állapotát mértük fel.
Nem találtunk különbséget a korcsoportok között az oddball helyzetben mért
reakcióidőkben és a Watkins módszerével mért rövid távú emlékezetben. Csökkent
viszont az idősebbeknél a figyelmi teljesítmény, a Raven APM-en elért pontszám,
nőtt a perszeverációk száma a betűfluencia teszten, illetve a téves riasztások
száma az oddball helyzetben. Az életkorral az EKP-komponensek közül az N2b és a
P3b latenciája nőtt, az amplitúdókban nem találtunk különbséget. A P3b
latenciájának változását befolyásolta a feladat nehézsége is: míg a könnyebb
helyzetben lineárisan nőtt az életkorral, a nehezebb feladatban négyzetes
összefüggéssel volt leírható - az idősebbeknél gyorsuló ütemű volt a
latencianöve­ke­dés. Az egyes EKP-komponensek skalpeloszlásában különbség volt
a korcsoportok között. A P2 a fiataloknál parietális, az idősebbeknél frontális
dominanciával jelentkezett. Az N2b a fiataloknál frontálisan, az idősebbeknél
centrálisabban volt megfigyelhető. Az N1- és P3b-komponensek eloszlásában
viszont nem találtunk különbséget a korcsoportok között. Eredményeink alapján
arra következtethetünk, hogy míg a szenzoros-perceptuális rendszerek korai
folyamatai viszonylag érintetlenek maradnak, a kognitív működésekhez kapcsolódó
későbbi folyamatok nagyobb mértékben változnak meg az öregedés során. A
különbségeket okozó számos tényező közül fontosnak tűnik a feladat nehézsége.
Kevésbé összetett helyzetekben az öregedés hatásai észrevétlenek maradhatnak,
míg komplexebb feladatokban hatványozottan jelentkezhetnek.
Welding of Platinum Jewellery Alloys
Authors: Miller By Duncan , Vuso Katyusha , Park-Ross Penny , Lang Candy
Published: February 2007

The relatively recent application of laser welding and spot welding to platinum has supplemented the traditional joining techniques of conventional welding and brazing with a gas torch. Several recent publications (–) have promoted the use of laser welding, because of the superior strength of the joins compared with that of joins by conventional welding and brazing. In this paper we compare welds in three different platinum alloys, produced with three different welding techniques: conventional welding, laser welding and spot welding. The welds joining cold-rolled bars were performed by jewellers operating in their own workshops. The extents of the heat affected zones and consequent decrease in hardness were assessed in our laboratory. Laser and spot welding produced very narrow heat affected zones, with correspondingly narrow regions of diminished hardness, while the conventional welding resulted in samples being annealed and softened for their full lengths. Complete joining was difficult to achieve by laser and particularly spot welding, which could be problematic in joining thicker sections. With this knowledge, jewellers can design appropriately to take advantage of the novel joining techniques.
Performance of Upland Rice Fitted into Lowland Rice–Vegetable/Cowpea Sequence in Rainfed Inland Valley
Authors: Adigbo S. O. , Okeleye K. A. , Adigbo V. B.
Published: February 2007

The inland valleys (IVs) have the potential of growing three crops in sequence within a year without supplemental irrigation. Considerable opportunity exists for growing the third crop between main crop and dry season cropping. This is a niche that has not been exploited. Field experiments were conducted at the University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria in 2000–2003 to determine the growth and yield performance of upland rice (Oryza sativa L.) in lowland rice–upland rice–fallow, lowland rice–upland rice–cowpea [Vigna unguculata (L.) Walp], and lowland rice–upland rice–vegetable sequences in an IV. Lowland rice–upland rice–fallow, lowland rice–upland rice–cowpea, lowland rice–upland rice–okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.), lowland rice–upland rice–amaranth (Amaranth cruentus), lowland rice–fallow–fallow, lowland rice–fallow–cowpea, lowland rice–fallow–okra, and lowland rice–fallow–amaranth sequences, which ran concurrently constituted a cropping cycle. The first, second, and third crops in all the cropping cycles were planted in May, October and January, respectively. The grain yields of preceding lowland rice in the various sequences with or without upland rice were similar. The preceding lowland rice variety BW 311‐9 enhanced the height and grain yield performance of upland rice. The grain yields of the two upland rice varieties in the existing niche were similar in the three‐crop sequence but substantially lower than the obtainable yield in an upland ecology. Upland rice crop could be grown in between the lowland rice and vegetable/cowpea without reducing the yields of lowland rice and vegetable. Inclusion of upland rice in the sequence decreased the overall benefit/cost ratio of triple cropping. Thus, two‐crop sequence, which is currently being practiced by the traditional farmers, should be adhered to, until a suitable crop or technology is identified.
Cotton Roots, Earthworms, and Infiltration Characteristics in Sod–Peanut–Cotton Cropping Systems
Authors: Katsvairo Tawainga W. , Wright David L. , Marois James J. , Hartzog Dallas L. , Balkcom Kris B. , Wiatrak Pawel P. , Rich Jimmy R.
Published: February 2007

Diverse cropping systems offer many advantages to farmers. We evaluated root growth, soil water infiltration, and earthworm population densities in a conventional peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)/cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) rotation using conservation tillage (CT), and a peanut/cotton/bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Fluegge) farming system. The rotations were initiated in 2000 in Quincy, FL, and in 2001 in Headland, AL, in both cases on a Dothan sandy loam (fine, loamy siliceous, thermic Plinthic Kandiudults). In 2003, a year with more uniform rainfall, cotton in the sod‐based rotation had larger average crown root diameter per plant (22.6 vs. 16.3 mm), root area (87.2 vs. 57.4 cm2), root length (640 vs. 460 cm), and root biomass (18.59 vs. 10.45 g) as compared with cotton in the peanut/cotton rotation. Water infiltration rates were higher in both cotton and peanut after bahiagrass compared with the conventional peanut/cotton rotation in 2003. Earthworm population densities were greater in the sod rotation compared with the traditional peanut/cotton cropping system. Water infiltration was positively correlated to earthworm population densities. Despite the improvements in soil quality, cotton yield in the sod rotation was the same as the traditional cropping systems. Cotton developed excessive vegetative growth in the bahiagrass system at the expense of lint yield. Further research is needed to determine the N rate for the sod‐based rotation in comparison with the conventional cotton/peanut rotation.
Concentrate Supplementation Effects on the Performance of Early Weaned Calves Grazing Tifton 85 Bermudagrass
Authors: Vendramini J. M. B. , Sollenberger L. E. , Dubeux J. C. B. , Interrante S. M. , Stewart R. L. , Arthington J. D.
Published: February 2007

Early weaning of calves (Bos sp.) may increase pregnancy rates of primiparous beef cows; however, there is little information on nutritional management of the calf. The objective of this study was to evaluate calf responses to dietary supplement level [10, 15, and 20 g kg−1 of calf body weight (BW)] when ‘Tifton 85’ bermudagrass (Cynodon sp.) was the summer component of a pasture‐based system for raising early weaned calves. Supplement contained 146 and 700 g kg−1 of crude protein (CP) and total digestible nutrients (TDN), respectively. Soils were Adamsville and Sparr sands. Pastures were rotationally stocked using a 7‐d grazing and 14‐d rest period. A variable stocking rate was used to maintain similar herbage allowances across treatments. There were no differences among treatments in pregraze herbage mass, herbage accumulation rate, or herbage CP and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) concentrations. Average daily gain (ADG, 0.52–0.65 kg), stocking rate [SR, 11.1–13.7 animal units (AU) ha−1], and liveweight gain (LWG, 1080–1550 kg ha−1) increased linearly, but grazing time decreased linearly from 193 to 147 min d−1 as supplementation increased from 10 to 20 g kg−1 Income (the value of calf gain − purchase cost of concentrate ha−1) was greater for the 15 g kg−1. BW treatment than the average of the 10 and 20 g kg−1 treatments. Gains of 0.65 kg d−1 were achieved when early weaned calves were fed concentrate at 15 g kg−1. BW while grazing Tifton 85 pastures that were managed to provide high nutritive value forage.
Accumulation and Translocation of Nitrogen in Spring Cereal Cultivars Differing in Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Muurinen S. , Kleemola J. , Peltonen‐Sainio P.
Published: February 2007

Since northern European agricultural practices are likely to go toward systems with lower inputs of N fertilizers, it is desirable to develop cultivars with increased yield potential associated with higher nitrogen use efficiency (NUE). This study determined the extent of variation in NUE‐related parameters, specifying the primary traits contributing to the difference in nitrogen remobilization efficiency (NRE) on four spring cereal crops, two‐ and six‐row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), oat (Avena sativa L.), and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). Field experiments were conducted in Finland during 2001, 2002, and 2003 under two N regimes (0 and 90 kg N ha−1). Wheat had relatively high N content at maturity even though NUE was low, whereas oat and barley had higher NUE. A comparison of nitrogen harvest index (NHI) and NRE revealed that both were low for wheat, linking this with high N uptake after anthesis, suggesting that in wheat the proportion of the assimilated N used immediately in the developing grain is greater than in barley and oat. There was no strong N translocation from vegetative parts of the main shoots in wheat, which exhibited higher competition for N between vegetative and reproductive organs. Plant breeders could use these findings to their advantage in breeding spring cereal crops that not only produce high yield but also efficiently use available N in northern growing conditions.
Coastal Bermudagrass, Bahiagrass, and Native Range Simulation at Diverse Sites in Texas
Authors: Kiniry J. R. , Burson B. L. , Evers G. W. , Williams J. R. , Sanchez H. , Wade C. , Featherston J. W. , Greenwade J.
Published: February 2007

Effective comparisons of natural grasslands and improved pasture require a robust model for plant growth, soil water balance, runoff, soil erosion, and climatic impacts. Our first objective was to develop plant parameters in the field that enabled the ALMANAC model to simulate growth of coastal bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]. Pensacola bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flügge var saurae Parodi), and some common native, warm‐season grasses. Parameters included leaf area, light interception, biomass growth, and nitrogen concentration. The maximum leaf area index values of coastal bermudagrass and bahiagrass were near 2.2. Those for native grasses other than switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) were much less. Mean values for light extinction coefficient ranged from 0.7 to 2.1. Radiation use efficiency values for four of the five measured grass species were between 1.0 and 2.0 g MJ−1. Grass [N] values showed similar patterns of seasonal change among species. Our second objective was to use these grass parameters to simulate biomass production of coastal bermudagrass, bahiagrass, and some native grasses on representative soils in several counties in a number of regions of Texas. Counties and soils that were simulated represented a diversity of sites in Texas where improved grasses and native grasses are grown. The ALMANAC model reasonably simulated biomass means and SDs for native grasses, coastal bermudagrass, and bahiagrass. The model is a realistic tool to simulate effects of soil type and weather on native and improved grass productivity on such diverse sites.
Reconsidering Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems in North America
Authors: Russelle Michael P. , Entz Martin H. , Franzluebbers Alan J.
Published: February 2007

Although integrated crop–livestock systems have been employed globally for millennia, in the past century, farmers in North America have tended toward increased specialization. There is renewed interest in reintegrating crops and livestock because of concerns about natural resource degradation, the profitability and stability of farm income, long‐term sustainability, and increasing regulation of concentrated animal feeding operations. Integrated crop–livestock systems could foster diverse cropping systems, including the use of perennial and legume forages, which could be grown in selected areas of the landscape to achieve multiple environmental benefits. Integrated systems inherently would utilize animal manure, which enhances soil tilth, fertility, and C sequestration. Integration of crops and livestock could occur within a farm or among farms. Both scales of integration rely on farmers' knowledge, motivation, and resources. Despite the numerous benefits that could accrue if farms moved toward on‐farm or among‐farm integration of crops and livestock, the complexity of such systems could constrain adoption. However, farmers should expect that adoption of integrated crop–livestock systems would enhance both profitability and environmental sustainability of their farms and communities. The combination of system complexity and potential for public benefit justify the establishment of a new national or international research initiative to overcome constraints and move North American agriculture toward greater profitability and sustainability.
Integrated Irrigated Crop–Livestock Systems in Dry Climates
Authors: Allen V. G. , Baker M. T. , Segarra E. , Brown C. P.
Published: February 2007

Arid and semiarid landscapes are often fragile and, thus, vulnerable to both natural weather extremes and human activities. Climate change and increasing demands for food to meet needs of a growing global population will place greater stress on these environments. Cropping and livestock systems have generally succeeded in these regions to the extent that the environment could be altered through water development and irrigation. Water sources for irrigation, including surface and groundwater, are declining in quality and quantity. Improvements in irrigation use efficiency now exceed 95% but often have led to increased water use, instead of water savings, as more systems have been installed. Also, as groundwater becomes scarce, more energy is required to extract water from greater depths. Increasing demands for alternative water uses and depletion of historic water sources make many irrigated systems in dry climates nonsustainable. The Texas High Plains exemplifies these challenges, where agriculture depends heavily on irrigation at nonsustainable rates of water extraction from the Ogallala aquifer. Today, agriculture uses about 95% of total water withdrawn from the aquifer. Crop rotations and integrating crop and livestock systems could reduce irrigation water use and diversify income compared with a monoculture. This region was historically a grazing land ecosystem offering opportunities for pastoral systems and benefits from diversification. Long‐term comparisons of two irrigated systems [a cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) monoculture and an integrated cotton–forage–beef cattle system] in the Texas High Plains have demonstrated water savings of about 25% achieved through integration, while remaining economically viable and diversifying income sources. Additional benefits included reduced soil erosion, lower chemical inputs including a 40% reduction in N fertilizer, improved soil microbial and enzymatic activities, enhanced C sequestration, and greater rainfall infiltration than the monoculture system. Greater annual crop yields can shift short‐term profitability to the monoculture system, but long‐term sustainability is likely to depend on environmental benefits and water savings achieved by integrated systems. Challenges include existing large investments in local infrastructure focused on monoculture systems, producer adoption of alternative strategies, enhanced knowledge and management skill required, and a need for more research. Dryland agriculture will increase with remaining water diverted to other uses including livestock, municipalities, manufacturing, and energy generation. Technological advances can increase water savings but can also decrease system resilience with dependence on nonsustainable external buffers. Regional resource and economic stability will likely depend more on internal resilience of appropriately integrated plant and animal agricultural systems.
Developing ORYZA 1N for Medium‐ and Long‐Duration Rice:Variety Selection under Nonwaterstress Conditions
Authors: Swain Dillip Kumar , Herath Srikantha , Bhaskar Burla Chandra , Krishnan Prameela , Rao Kurkuri Srinivasa , Nayak Sangram Keshari , Dash Rabindra Nath
Published: February 2007

There is a need to increase the rice production in nonwaterstressed rice‐growing areas during the wet season in Asia by the use of a suitable combination of a medium‐ or long‐duration variety and appropriate nutrient management strategy. The crop growth simulation model ORYZA 1N was used for variety selection and N optimization in nonwaterstress conditions. Selection was made from 12 released rice varieties of 115 to 150 d duration. The model was calibrated using input data from field experiments that were conducted during the wet season (June–November) of 2001 at the Central Rice Research Institute, Cuttack, India. In the medium‐duration varieties (115–130 d), there was good agreement between simulated and observed leaf area index, biomass, and grain yield. The simulated biomass of long‐duration varieties (135–150 d) showed large deviation from observed biomass at flowering. In the wet season of 2000, the model accurately predicted the grain yield, biomass, and leaf area index of medium‐ and long‐duration varieties. When the ORYZA 1N model was used to simulate the effect of planting dates on rice yield, it predicted the decline in yield with late planting. It was recommended that farmers consider planting new variety Ranjit in the favorable lowlands that do not have water stress during the wet season and should apply 80 kg N ha−1 in four equal splits at transplanting, active tillering, panicle initiation, and flowering. Technology verification trials of this practice conducted during the wet season of 2002 produced 5.51 Mg ha−1 of rice, compared with 4.36 Mg ha−1 grown with the conventional practices of area farmers.
Impacts of Day Versus Night Temperatures on Spring Wheat Yields:A Comparison of Empirical and CERES Model Predictions in Three Locations
Authors: Lobell David B. , Ortiz‐Monasterio J. Ivan
Published: February 2007

Trends in recent temperature observations and model projections of the future are characterized by greater warming of daily minimum (tmin) relative to maximum (tmax) temperatures. To aid understanding of how tmin and tmax differentially affect crop yields, we analyzed variations of regional spring wheat yields and temperatures for three irrigated sites in western North America that were characterized by low correlations between tmin and tmax. The crop model CERES‐Wheat v3.5 was evaluated in each site and used to project future response to temperature changes. Tmin and tmax exhibited distinct historical correlations with yields, with CERES successfully capturing the observed relationships in each region. In the Yaqui Valley of Mexico, historical yields were strongly correlated with tmin but not tmax. However, CERES projections of response to increased tmin or tmax (holding other variables constant) were similar (∼6% °C−1), indicating that the apparent historical importance of tmin mainly results from covariation between temperatures and solar radiation and not greater direct effects of tmin on yields. In the San Luis‐Mexicali Valley of Mexico and in the Imperial Valley of California, the opposite was observed: historical yield correlations with tmin and tmax were similar, but projected responses to tmax were roughly three times larger than tmin. The latter is explained by opposing effects of tmin and tmax on grain filling rates in CERES, with higher tmin increasing harvest indices. This model mechanism was not clearly supported by historical data and remains an area of uncertainty for projecting yield responses to climate change.
Intra‐Cultivar Variation for Seed Weight and Other Agronomic Traits within Three Elite Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Fasoula Vasilia A. , Boerma H. Roger
Published: February 2007

Despite its importance, exploitation of intra‐cultivar variation has been very limited due to the belief that elite cultivars are highly homogeneous. The main objective of this study was to investigate the presence of exploitable intra‐cultivar variation for seed weight, maturity, and other agronomic traits within elite soybean cultivars released for their superior productivity and resistance to various diseases. Single‐plant progeny lines, selected at very low plant density from within these cultivars, were evaluated for seed weight, maturity, plant height, lodging, and seed yield in row‐plot replicated randomized complete block designs across years. For seed weight, the magnitude of intra‐cultivar variation across years between the largest‐ and the smallest‐seeded lines averaged 36 mg seed−1 for Benning, 22 mg seed−1 for Cook, and 45 mg seed−1 for Haskell. For maturity, the magnitude of intra‐cultivar variation was 5 d in Benning, 4 d in Cook, and 7 d in Haskell. Furthermore, we discovered intra‐cultivar variation for plant height within Cook and Haskell, and for lodging within Haskell. This study is the first one to report evidence of significant intra‐cultivar variation for seed weight, maturity, plant height, and lodging within soybean cultivars. The results suggest that cultivars may not be permanent records with nonexistent variation but genetic material that can be upgraded to maintain uniformity in the long term and further improve desirable agronomic or seed‐trait characteristics.
Combining Ability of Waterlogging Tolerance in Barley
Authors: Zhou M. X. , Li H. B. , Mendham N. J.
Published: February 2007

Waterlogging tolerance is one of the major objectives in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) breeding programs. To make the selection more efficient, an understanding of the genetic behavior of waterlogging tolerance in barley is needed. For this purpose, a 6 by 6 half diallel analysis was conducted in barley from crosses of three waterlogging tolerant Chinese cultivars and three susceptible Australian or Japanese cultivars. The waterlogging treatment was imposed starting from the three‐leaf stage. The percentage of yellow leaf was recorded after waterlogging treatment. The diallel analysis was conducted according to Griffing. Three Chinese cultivars showed significantly higher general combining ability (GCA) for waterlogging tolerance while the variance of specific combining ability (SCA) was not significant, indicating that the tolerance was mainly controlled by additive effects. High heritability (h2B = h2N = 0.73) of waterlogging tolerance indicated that selection in early generations could be very efficient. When selections are made in a segregating population, the most effective selection strategy is to discard the plants with severe leaf chlorosis.
A Comparison of Hydroponics, Soil, and Root Staining Methods for Evaluation of Aluminum Tolerance in Medicago truncatula (Barrel Medic) Germplasm
Authors: Narasimhamoorthy B. , Blancaflor E. B. , Bouton J. H. , Payton M. E. , Sledge M. K.
Published: February 2007

Aluminum toxicity and soil acidity are major constraints in alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa) production in the world. Despite intense research efforts, neither an effective screening procedure nor an Al‐tolerant alfalfa germplasm is available. This dictates the need for identifying a new source of Al‐tolerant genes in the closely related species M. truncatula (barrel medic). Our objectives were to compare three Al tolerance screening methods: (i) a seedling‐based hydroponics method, (ii) a soil‐based plant method, and (iii) an Al‐stressed seedling‐based lumogallion root staining method in 32 M. truncatula accessions. The soil system compared the genotypes for dry root and shoot weights in unlimed soil and for relative weights. The lumogallion root staining of Al‐stressed seedlings compared the genotypes for fluorescence intensity of Al‐bound lumogallion within the root tips. In the hydroponics system, the genotypes were compared for root elongation and relative growth. The three methods were different from each other, with altered rankings for genotypes across the methods. The soil assay demonstrated a higher capacity for discriminating Al response among genotypes with a higher reproducibility. Most of the genotypes that were Al‐tolerant in soil were also Al‐tolerant using the hydroponics and root staining methods. The results suggested that a combination of soil‐based and hydroponics screening might be essential to identify Al‐tolerant genotypes possessing multiple Al tolerance mechanisms.
Changes in Spectral Characteristics of Rice Canopy Infested with Brown Planthopper and Leaffolder
Authors: Yang Chwen-Ming , Cheng Ching-Huan , Chen Rong-Kuen
Published: February 2007

Potted experiments of rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants were conducted to produce various scales of brown planthopper [Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), Homoptera:Delphacidae] and leaffolder [Cnaphalocrosis medinalis Guenee (Lep., Pyralidae)] infestations, respectively, for canopy hyperspectral reflectance measurements, and then to identify spectral characteristics (SCs) associated with insect infestations leading to the establishment of spectral models for severity assessment. By linear correlation intensity analysis, correlation coefficients (r) along the spectral domain of 350 to 2400 nm were determined and narrow bands related to infestation severity were selected as SCs. The reflectance at green light (490–560 nm) maximum (RGREEN), red light (640–740 nm) minimum (RRED), and near‐infrared (740–1300 nm) peak (RNIR) were also considered. For canopies infested with brown planthopper, r value at 426 nm was the highest (r = 0.878**). Among the calculated spectral indices using two SCs, the determination coefficient of RNIR/RRED ratio was the highest (R2 = 0.922, P < 0.001). For leaffolder infested canopies, the most negative r value located at 757 nm (r = −0.613*) in active tillering stage but shifted to 445 nm (r = −0.928**) in heading stage. The index RNIR − RRED in the active tillering increased R2 value to 0.422 (P < 0.001), while no increase in R2 was found in the examined SIs in heading stage. Models with more than two SCs yielded from multiple linear regression analysis exhibited a further improvement for discriminating infestation severity.
Increased rate of major birth malformations in infants with neonatal “asymmetric crying face”: A hospital‐based cohort study
Authors: Dubnov‐Raz Gal , Merlob Paul , Geva‐Dayan Karen , Blumenthal Danith , Finkelstein Yaron
Published: January 2007

Asymmetric crying face (ACF) is a minor anomaly found in 3–8 per 1,000 births, which may be associated with other anomalies. Previous studies on this topic included small groups of selected subjects, resulting in large variations in findings. The aim of this study was to examine the characteristics and associated anomalies of newborn infants with ACF compared with the general population of newborn infants. The study included newborn infants delivered between 1993 and 2003 at the Department of Neonatology of Rabin Medical Center, Israel. Charts of all newborns diagnosed with ACF were reviewed for obstetric and neonatal details, then compared with non‐ACF newborns. ACF was diagnosed in 258 of 67,289 newborns (0.38%), with left‐side predominance (77%). Major malformations were found in 7% of ACF infants, 3.5‐fold higher than in the total Israeli population. Mild anomalies were present in 15% of the ACF group, and deformations in 4.6%. There was a higher rate of forceps deliveries in the ACF group (RR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.37–5.42). ACF was more prevalent among females, and the male:female ratio was lower in the ACF group (0.86 vs. 1.06, P = 0.05). The rate of low‐birth‐weight infants was 3.9% among ACF infants and 9.6% in the control group (RR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.23–0.76). No significant between‐group difference was found for rates of primiparity, macrosomia, prematurity, postmaturity, or size‐for‐gestational‐age. Thus, ACF is associated with a high rate of major malformations. This should prompt clinicians to seek for additional birth defects in ACF infants. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Clinical hypochondroplasia in a family caused by a heterozygous double mutation in FGFR3 encoding GLY380LYS
Authors: Santos Heloísa G. , Almeida Maria , Fernandes Helena , Wilkie Andrew
Published: January 2007

In classical achondroplasia (Ach), a glycine residue is replaced by an arginine at codon 380 in exon 10 of the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3). Here we report on a mother and daughter with hypochondroplasia (Hch) caused by a new heterozygous double mutation (1138_1139GG > AA) at the same codon 380, but encoding a lysine instead of the usual arginine. Previous functional assays of these codon 380 amino acid substitutions demonstrated a lesser activation of receptor signaling by lysine compared to arginine [Webster and Donoghue, 1996; EMBO J 15:520–527]. This could explain the milder phenotype observed in our patients. Several other rare double mutations were previously described in both FGFR2 and FGFR3 and interpreted as resulting from positive selection of spermatogonial cells owing to gain‐of‐function in the encoded protein [Goriely et al., 2005; Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 102:6051–6056]. The present case contributes additional support for this hypothesis. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Skin changes in oculo‐dento‐digital dysplasia are correlated with C‐terminal truncations of connexin 43
Authors: Vreeburg M. , de Zwart‐Storm E.A. , Schouten M.I. , Nellen R.G.L. , Marcus‐Soekarman D. , Devies M. , van Geel M. , van Steensel M.A.M.
Published: January 2007

Oculo‐dento‐digital dysplasia (ODDD, OMIM no.164210) is a pleiotropic disorder caused by mutations in the GJA1 gene that codes for the gap junction protein connexin 43. While the gene is highly expressed in skin, ODDD is usually not associated with skin symptoms. We recently described a family with ODDD and palmoplantar keratoderma. Interestingly, mutation carriers had a novel dinucleotide deletion in the GJA1 gene that resulted in truncation of part of the C‐terminus. We speculated, that truncation of the C‐terminus may be uniquely associated with skin disease in ODDD. Here, we describe a patient with ODDD and palmar hyperkeratosis caused by a novel dinucleotide deletion that truncates most of the connexin 43 C‐terminus. Thus, our findings support the notion that such mutations are associated with the occurrence of skin symptoms in ODDD and provide the first evidence for the existence of a genotype–phenotype correlation. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurodevelopmental deficits in Pierson (microcoria‐congenital nephrosis) syndrome
Authors: Wühl Elke , Kogan Jillene , Zurowska Aleksandra , Matejas Verena , Vandevoorde Rene G. , Aigner Thomas , Wendler Olaf , Lesniewska Iga , Bouvier Raymonde , Reis André , Weis Joachim , Cochat Pierre , Zenker Martin
Published: January 2007

Pierson syndrome is an autosomal recessive disorder comprising congenital nephrotic syndrome with diffuse mesangial sclerosis and distinct eye abnormalities with microcoria reported as the most prominent clinical feature. LAMB2 mutations leading to lack of laminin β2 were identified as the molecular cause underlying Pierson syndrome. Although LAMB2 is known to be expressed in the neuromuscular system, and defects of the neuromuscular junctions had been found in laminin β2‐deficient mice, no consistent neurological phenotype has been described clinically in murine or human laminin β2‐deficiency before. This is likely due to the early lethality from renal failure. Here we provide a detailed description of neurological manifestations and development in four patients affected by Pierson syndrome, who survived until the age of 1.3–4.8 years owing to renal replacement therapy. Severe muscular hypotonia, psychomotor retardation, and blindness were present in three patients harboring truncating mutations on both LAMB2 alleles. These symptoms were not attributable to complications of chronic renal failure, thus representing a primary feature of the genetic disorder. Alterations in skeletal muscle tissue from one case were compatible with a chronic denervating process. One affected girl, however, exhibited a milder course of renal disease, normal development, and preserved vision, presumably owing to some residual LAMB2 function. Our findings indicate that severe neurodevelopmental deficits have to be considered as part of Pierson syndrome, at least in the presence of biallelic functional null mutations (complete lack of laminin β2). This is an important issue in the counseling of parents of an affected newborn or infant. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.