bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biplots of Linear‐Bilinear Models for Studying Crossover Genotype × Environment Interaction
Authors: Crossa Jose , Cornelius Paul L. , Yan Weikai
Published: September 2018

Linear‐bilinear models, such as the Shifted Multiplicative Model (SHMM) and Sites Regression Model (SREG), have been used to develop clustering procedures for finding subsets of sites (or cultivars) without cultivar crossover interaction (non‐COI). Biplots of these models are useful for visual evaluation of cultivar responses across environments. The main purposes of this study were to investigate (i) SREG2and SHMM2biplots with the first multiplicative components constrained to be non‐COI SREG1and SHMM1solutions, (ii) how the biplots can be used for identifying subsets of sites and cultivars with different levels of COI and with non‐COI, and (iii) how these biplots compare with results obtained when clustering only sites or cultivars without cultivar rank change. Transformed and untransformed data from two multienvironment cultivar trials were used for illustration. Biplots from SHMM2and SREG2models graphically display the interaction variation due to low level COI or non‐COI (first multiplicative term) versus the interaction variation due to COI (second multiplicative term). The biplots obtained by means of the non‐COI first term constrained solution of the SREG2and SHMM2models have the same interpretability properties as the standard biplots obtained by means of the unconstrained solution. With the unconstrained and constrained solutions, it is possible to identify subsets of sites and cultivars with low level COI and non‐COI. Biplots based on unscaled or scaled data produced similar results. Groups of sites and cultivars with low level COI and non‐COI were similar to those found when only sites (or cultivars) were clustered into non‐COI groups using the SHMM and SREG clustering approach.
Agronomic Traits Affecting Resistance to White Mold in Common Bean
Authors: Kolkman Judith M. , Kelly James D.
Published: September 2018

Resistance to white mold [caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary] in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is complexly inherited, and highly influenced by environmental factors. The identification of agronomically desirable avoidance mechanisms in advanced or elite lines and segregating populations is essential. The objectives of this study were to determine the relationship between nine agronomic traits (growth habit, days to flower, canopy height and width, branching pattern, lodging, days to maturity, seed size, and yield) and resistance to white mold in the field, corresponding heritabilities of resistance and agronomic traits, and the effect of the agronomic traits on disease and seed yield. A group of elite lines, and two recombinant populations derived from crosses between two resistant navy bean cultivars, Bunsi and Huron, to a susceptible cultivar, Newport, were evaluated for disease severity index (DSI) and agronomic traits in multiple field seasons. Heritability estimates for DSI were moderate (0.47) in the Bunsi/Newport population and high (0.82) in the Huron/Newport population. All agronomic traits displayed moderate to high heritability estimates. The agronomic traits that associated significantly with DSI in the three populations differed greatly. The most important agronomic trait that reduced DSI and contributed to yield was indeterminate growth habit. Increased canopy height, width, and lodging were generally associated with an increase in DSI, whereas traits such as days to flower and maturity varied in relation to DSI and yield across environments and populations. The complexity of the relationship of agronomic traits to DSI and yield highlights the difficulties bean breeders face in selecting among elite lines and within segregating populations for resistance to white mold in the field.
Relative Performance of Soybean in End‐Trimmed and Plant‐to‐Length Plots
Authors: Meis S. J. , Schapaugh W. T. , Milliken G. A.
Published: September 2018

A common method to reduce or eliminate potential end‐row effects in yield trials is to remove a portion of the plants from the end of the row prior to harvest. Consistent evidence supporting or rejecting the need to end‐trim field plots is not available. This study was conducted to determine if plots planted to harvest length and not end‐trimmed could be substituted for end‐trimmed plots without affecting adversely the relative yield performance of entries in a trial. During 1997 and 1998, separate trials of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes in maturity groups III, IV, and V were evaluated in four‐row plots at three locations with three replications per location. In each trial, 20 entries were evaluated using three plot treatments: (i) a plot planted to a harvest length of 4.6 m, (ii) a 4.6 m plot end‐trimmed to a harvest length of 3.8 m during early vegetative development, and (iii) a 4.6‐m plot end‐trimmed to a harvest length of 3.8 m following maturity. Seed yield and row length were determined for each plot. Seed yields were significantly different among entries for all three trials. The interactions of plot treatment by entry within year and of plot treatment by entry by location within year were not significant for seed yield in all three trials. Plots planted to harvest length provided an unbiased estimate of the relative performance of yield in soybean.
Ear Damage of Sweet Corn Inbreds and Their Hybrids under Multiple Corn Borer Infestation
Authors: Velasco Pablo , Revilla Pedro , Butrón Ana , Ordás Bernardo , Ordás Amando , Malvar Rosa A.
Published: September 2018

In Mediterranean countries, the principal corn (Zea mays L.) pest is the pink stem borer (PSB) (Sesamia nonagrioides Lef.), followed in importance by the European corn borer (ECB) [Ostrinia nubilalis (Hübner)]. Our objective was to quantify injury by these pests in a set of inbreds that showed different levels of ear damage by the PSB in a previous study and in their hybrids. A diallel among seven sweet corn inbreds that varied for ear damage by PSB was evaluated in three environments under PSB and ECB infestations. The importance of general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for ear damage by corn borer was determined. Inbred parents were also tested under manual infestation conditions with both borers. There was variability for ear damage traits among sweet corn inbred lines, but none of them were completely resistant. General combining ability effects were significant for the general appearance of the ear, ears with damaged grain, and ears with damaged shanks under PSB infestation. Under PSB infestation, SCA was not significant for any trait. Most traits showed significant GCA effects under ECB infestation, although SCA effects were also important for some damage traits. The inbred EP61 could supply some favorable alleles because it showed negative and significant GCA effects for ear damage under infestation by both species. Inbreds EP59 and V7726 showed negative and significant GCA effects for ear damage by ECB. These inbreds could be included in a sweet corn synthetic population that would be improved to decrease ear damage by corn borers.
Spatial Distribution of Roots and Water Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) as Affected by Soil Structure
Authors: Amato Mariana , Ritchie Joe T.
Published: September 2018

The incomplete soil exploration by roots is a possible cause of reduced water uptake and the occurrence of strong gradients in water potential between root clusters and the bulk soil. Therefore, the hydraulic or root signal‐elicited behaviors of plants might correspond to a lower water content than that of the bulk soil. Evidence supporting this hypothesis is scarce and often circumstantial due to the lack of appropriate techniques. This work studies the relations of root clustering caused by localized soil compaction and the spatial patterns of water uptake in plants grown on stored water. Five soil structure treatments were compared in 100‐cm high containers: clay‐loam soil (C), sandy‐clay soil (S), sandy clay with large clay‐loam peds (S + LA), sandy clay with small clay‐loam peds (S + SA), and compacted clay‐loam soil (CC). Root length density (RLD) and volumetric water content (θv) (time‐domain reflectometry) were measured in bulk soil and across peds in 2‐cm increments. In the S treatment, plant growth was rapid initially, but green leaf area declined to zero when water was exhausted. Root length density was quite uniform in each layer. In the CC treatment, root density and water uptake were limited and leaf area remained stable throughout the experiment, suggesting that incomplete water extraction was a consequence rather than a cause of reduced plant growth. In the other treatments, when plants had lost all leaves, the water content of peds ranged from 0.23 cm3 cm−3 in the outer 2 cm, where roots were present, to more than 0.30 cm3 cm−3 in the center, scarcely penetrated by roots. Thus, there was incomplete water extraction in the C and S + LA, and to a lesser extent in S + SA treatments. This study shows that large gradients in soil water content occur in cases of root clustering caused by localized soil compaction. These gradients are associated with a reduction in water uptake.
Sensitivity of N2 Fixation Traits in Soybean Cultivar Jackson to Manganese
Authors: Vadez Vincent , Sinclair Thomas R.
Published: September 2018

There are large increases in leaf ureides, allantoin, and allantoic acid upon water deficit in N2 fixing soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], which are likely to trigger a feedback inhibition of nodule activity. The degradation of ureides in the leaves appears to be a major factor associated with N2 fixation tolerance to water deficit. Since one of the possible enzymes responsible for allantoic acid degradation depends on Mn as a cofactor, we investigated the possibility that the previously demonstrated N2 fixation tolerance to water deficit of the cultivar Jackson may result from a superior ability to accumulate Mn. Indeed, Jackson was found in field and greenhouse experiments to have higher leaf Mn concentrations than other genotypes over a range of Mn availability. Acetylene reduction activity after treating Jackson plants grown on hydroponic solutions with ureide did not vary, however, with leaf Mn concentration. This was in contrast to a soybean line with N2 fixation sensitive to water deficit in which acetylene reduction activity following ureide treatment was greater as the leaf Mn concentration increased. In addition, ureide degradation rates in Jackson leaf samples with differing Mn concentrations were insensitive to Mn concentration. These results indicate that ureide degradation likely did not involve Mn as a cofactor and that ureide degradation in Jackson is catalyzed by an enzyme not requiring Mn as a cofactor. It was concluded that the capacity to maintain a high leaf Mn concentration in Jackson under sufficient Mn availability was a trait with no causal relationship to N2 fixation tolerance of water deficit.
Spatial Variability of Soybean Quality Data as a Function of Field Topography
Authors: Kravchenko A. N. , Bullock D. G.
Published: September 2018

A growing demand for soybeans [Glycine max(L.) Merr.] with high protein and oil concentrations has raised interest in obtaining high quality soybeans using differential harvesting practice. Differential harvesting from the locations with soybeans with higher protein or oil concentrations would be beneficial for producers and for the public who would receive a higher quality product. However, sizes and locations of the areas with high protein or oil concentrations need to be determined prior to harvesting. In this study, we develop a procedure for calculating the size of the area for differential soybean harvesting based on the relationships between protein or oil concentrations and field topography. Range of significant spatial cross‐correlation between protein or oil concentrations and elevation as determined by the experimental cross‐correlogram is used to calculate effective correlation distance. The effective correlation distance is proposed as an estimate of the size of the area for potential differential harvesting. The effective correlation distance is calculated based on the experimental cross‐correlograms between protein or oil concentrations and elevation. Comparison of the experimental cross‐correlograms and elevation variograms has shown that the range of the significant spatial cross‐correlation between protein or oil concentrations and elevation and, hence, the effective correlation distance, are related to the changes in shape of the elevation variograms. Therefore, the effective correlation distance or the size of the area for differential soybean harvesting can be approximated based on the shape of the elevation variogram.
Sweetpotato Growth and Yield from Plug Transplants of Different Volumes, Planted Intact or Without Roots
Authors: Islam A. F. M. Saiful , Kubota Chieri , Takagaki Michiko , Kozai Toyoki
Published: September 2018

Single‐node leafy cuttings of sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam. cv. Beniazuma] plants can be used to produce low‐cost, pathogen‐free sweetpotato plug transplants. This study was conducted to determine the effects of plug volume and root removal on sweetpotato growth and yield after planting in the field. The yield and growth of sweetpotato plants from transplants with 4 to 6 unfolded leaves (about 0.14‐m shoot length) produced in 55‐ or 35‐mL multicell plug trays, then planted intact or without roots were compared with a control treatment of unrooted conventional cuttings (about 0.3‐m‐long terminal vine cutting with 7 to 8 unfolded leaves). The plug transplants were grown from single node leafy cuttings under artificial light. Intact plug transplants (35 or 55 mL) produced 39 to 40 Mg ha−1 of storage roots 128 d after planting in the field, 11 to 12 Mg ha−1 greater than the control treatment. After 128 d of field growth, plug transplants (35 mL, with roots) gave a percent harvest index of 79%, 7% greater than the control. The maximum length and diameter of storage roots were, respectively, 271 and 68 mm when plug transplants were used (35 mL, with roots), and were, respectively, 58 mm longer and 18 mm wider than the control. Overall, growth and yield from plug transplants were significantly higher than from conventional cuttings, regardless of the plug volume or root removal. Plug transplants with intact roots produced greater growth and yield regardless of plug volume than did plug transplants without roots.
Fate and Transport of Nitrogen Applied to Six Warm‐Season Turfgrasses
Authors: Bowman D. C. , Cherney C. T. , Rufty T. W.
Published: September 2018

A greenhouse study compared six warm season turfgrasses {common bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.], ‘Tifway’ hybrid bermudagrass (C. dactylon × transvaalensis), centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides (Munro) Hack.), ‘Raleigh’ St. Augustinegrass [Stenotaphrum secundatum (Walter) Kuntze], ‘Meyer’ zoysiagrass (Zoysia japonica Steud.), and ‘Emerald’ zoysiagrass (Z. japonica × tenuifolia)] for NO3‐N leaching and N use efficiency. Sod was established in sand‐filled columns and managed under worst‐case conditions to promote nitrate leaching. Ammonium nitrate was applied at 50 kg N ha−1 on seven dates, with the final application labeled with 15N. Leachate samples were collected and analyzed for NO3‐N and NH4‐N and clippings were analyzed for total N. Leaching losses were high following the first N application, ranging from 48 to 100% of the NO3‐N and 4 to 16% of the NH4‐N applied. Nitrate loss from subsequent applications was reduced substantially, while NH4 leaching was essentially eliminated. There were significant differences among species for leachate NO3‐N concentration and cumulative N leached, with St. Augustinegrass being the most effective and Meyer zoysiagrass the least effective at minimizing NO3 leaching. Nitrogen recovery by the turf ranged from 63% for Meyer zoysiagrass to 84% for hybrid bermudagrass. Root length density (RLD) varied significantly among species at depths >30 cm, and was negatively correlated with NO3 leaching loss. These results document differences between the warm season turfgrasses for NO3 leaching potential, possibly related to root distribution, and emphasize that species selection is an important factor in minimizing environmental impacts from turfgrass management.
UV‐B Biodosimetry in Turfgrass Canopies
Authors: Yuen G. Y. , Jochum C. C. , Giesler L. J. , Shulski M. D. , Walter‐Shea E. A. , Hubbard K. G. , Horst G. L.
Published: September 2018

Phylloplane microorganisms are affected by ultraviolet (UV) radiation penetrating into plant canopies, but data as to the relationships between microorganism activity and canopy UV levels is lacking. Current instrumentation and modeling systems are inadequate to analyze canopy radiation environments at scales relevant to microorganisms. A biological dosimeter system was developed for measuring UV‐B in turfgrass and other compact canopies. Cell suspensions of a DNA repair‐deficient strain of Escherichia coli (CSRO6) were enclosed in packets (0.2‐mL volume) of UV‐transmissible polyethylene. After the packets were exposed to sunlight, numbers of surviving bacteria were determined. The log percent survival was found to be linearly related to accumulative UV‐B dosage, as measured with a broad‐band UV‐B radiometer, but was not related to UV‐A dosage. In one experiment, the performance of the biodosimeter system was compared with that of a miniature UV‐B radiometer mounted in soil‐level tracks in eight plots of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) that varied in leaf area index (LAI). The two methods yielded similar mean transmittance values that decreased with increasing LAI, closely fitting Beer's law. A similar relationship was found in a second experiment, in which biodosimeter packets were placed at the base of undisturbed tall fescue canopies. The packets also revealed considerable variation in transmittance possibly because of localized shading and sun flecks in the natural canopies. In a third experiment, direct and diffuse UV‐B at different heights within a tall fescue canopy was measured by packets attached to narrow, flat wooden sticks simulating grass leaves. This method has potential as a tool to capture the variability in UV levels related to nonuniformity in canopy structure, depth in a canopy, and leaf orientation.
Estimation of Forage Intake by Ruminants on Pasture
Authors: Lippke Hagen
Published: September 2018

Intake is the most important component of performance by grazing ruminants. A number of techniques have been adopted to estimate intake because it is not practical to measure intake on pasture directly. These techniques all focus on measurement or estimation of fecal output and digestibility and almost all utilize external or internal markers. Variation in marker recovery has been a distinct disadvantage of these techniques. Alkane marker techniques have recently been developed that appear to greatly reduce this variation. Alkanes in plant cuticular wax are predominantly of odd carbon chain length in the range C25 to C37 The rates of recovery from the digestive tract of ruminants appear to be related to chain length, approaching 100% at about C31 Artificial and naturally occurring alkanes in the range C32 to C34 offer unparalleled precision for the estimation of forage digestibility and intake by ruminants on pasture. When rates of recovery of shorter chain length alkanes are known, the variation in alkane patterns among pasture species or plant components may be used to estimate the intake of various dietary components. Other components of plant waxes, for example, alkenes, may also be useful as markers for delineating the composition of grazed diets. Improved techniques for administering exogenous alkanes to grazing animals continue to increase the usefulness of this class of markers. Mathematical treatment of the excretion pattern of pulse‐dosed alkanes and other indigestible markers provides additional information concerning ruminal pool sizes and turnover rates that are helpful for interpreting the dynamics of forage intake and digestion.
Grazing Behavior of Ruminants and Daily Performance from Warm‐Season Grasses
Authors: Burns J. C. , Sollenberger L. E.
Published: September 2018

An estimate of the animal‐production potential of pastures can be assessed by knowing the daily dry matter (DM) intake of the grazing animal and the digestibility of the DM consumed. The objective of this paper is to examine the relationships between pasture canopy characteristics, ingestive behavior, and daily animal response from warm‐season pastures. Of daily DM intake and digestibility of the DM consumed, the former is the most variable and the most difficult to determine. One approach to estimating daily DM intake has been to use the components of ingestive behavior to determine a short‐term intake rate (g min−1), which can be scaled using grazing time (min d−1) to give a 24‐h DM intake (kg d−1). This approach has been used experimentally with some success, but has not found application in production settings. While aspects of ingestive behavior, including ingestive mastication, are common to all grazing ruminants, literature indicates that differences occur among ruminant species and that animals ingest different pasture species differently. This results in plant‐animal interactions. Frequently these dynamics are not clearly addressed for cool‐season and warm‐season pastures in literature reviews, which adds undue confusion to the general area. Ingestive behavior is discussed relative to animal‐ and pasture‐generated bounds which operate within paddocks and can greatly alter ingestive behavior estimates. Also presented are relationships between diet particle size, associated with ingestive mastication, and steer daily gains.
Stability and Yield of Cool‐Season Pasture Grass Species Grown at Five Irrigation Levels
Authors: Waldron Blair L. , Asay Kay H. , Jensen Kevin B.
Published: September 2018

The yield stability of cool‐season pasture grasses at different irrigation levels has not been well documented. Objectives were to evaluate selection of pasture grass species in environments where irrigation may be limited or unreliable. Dry matter yield was determined for eight grass species during 1996 through 1998 at five irrigation levels. Shukla's stability statistics were calculated and species selection based on mean‐yield versus Kang's yield‐stability indices were compared. Tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.), meadow brome (Bromus riparius Rehm.), and orchardgrass (Dactylis glomerata L.) had higher than average dry matter yield and were selected on a mean‐yield basis. On the basis of Shukla's statistics, meadow brome and orchardgrass did not contribute to the genotype × irrigation level interaction or the genotype × irrigation level × year interaction, respectively. Perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) also did not contribute to these genotype × environment interactions; however, Shukla's statistics suggested that the linear effect of irrigation was the underlying determinant of perennial ryegrass's apparent stability. Species selection based on yield‐stability indices were generally in close agreement to selection of species on a mean‐yield basis. One exception, Kang's Modified Rank Sum method, placed too much emphasis on stability resulting in selection of species with low forage yields. Tall fescue had superior forage yield at all irrigation levels and was always selected by yield‐stability indices. Orchardgrass and meadow brome were also selected by all yield‐stability indices. These results indicate that tall fescue, orchardgrass, and meadow brome are the species of choice where irrigation may be limited.
Change of Ryegrass Seedling Root Fluorescence Expression during Three Generations of Seed Increase
Authors: Floyd Donald J. , Barker Reed E.
Published: September 2018

Seedling root fluorescence (SRF) has been used since the early 1940s to discriminate Italian (annual) ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) from perennial ryegrass (L perenne L.). Generally, roots of Italian ryegrass fluoresce under ultraviolet light, while those of perennial ryegrass do not fluoresce, but the trait has readily introgressed from Italian to perennial. Breeders document fluorescence levels of new ryegrass cultivars before they enter seed certification programs. The objective of this study was to ascertain if there was genetic change for the expression of SRF during generations of seed multiplication. Four ryegrass populations, constructed to have low, medium, and high SRF levels, were increased independently for three generations in the field at each of three Oregon locations (Aurora, Corvallis, and Madras). The SRF was measured on the initial population parents, and for each generation cycle at each location. There were significant differences in SRF among locations within populations and for seed production generation within locations. One population initially at 11% SRF increased to 36% across the three generations of seed multiplication at Corvallis, but decreased to 8 and 2% at the other two locations. The other three populations responded differently, showing large population × location and population × generation interactions for SRF expression. Location of increase and the seed production generation must be examined and carefully considered when describing fluorescence levels of cultivars for seed certification purposes. The large amount of variation associated with environmental influences indicates SRF is not a reliable characteristic to describe and predict ryegrass cultivar genetic purity.
Production of a Biodegradable Plastic Polymer, Poly‐β‐Hydroxybutyrate, in Transgenic Alfalfa
Authors: Saruul Purev , Srienc Friedrich , Somers David A. , Samac Deborah A.
Published: September 2018

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is primarily used as a source of forage and animal feed. Improving the economic value of alfalfa could be achieved by developing new uses of this perennial crop. To investigate the potential of alfalfa as a source of industrial materials, we employed a genetic transformation approach to produce a biodegradable plastic, poly‐β‐hydroxybutyrate (PHB), in the leaves of alfalfa plants. Three genes from Ralstonia eutropha (formerly Alcaligenes eutrophus) encoding the enzymes for synthesis of PHB (phbA, phbB, phbC) and a copolymer of PHB and polyhydroxyvalerate (polyhydroxybutyrate‐co‐hydroxyvalerate, or PHB/V) (bktB, phbB, phbC) engineered for plastid targeting were introduced into alfalfa by Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. DNA and RNA blot analyses of transgenic plants indicated integration and expression of the PHB biosynthetic pathway genes. Polyhydroxybutyrate content in the leaves of transgenic plants ranged from ≈0.025 to 1.8 g kg−1 dry weight (DW). Agglomerations of PHB granules 0.2 to 0.4 μm in diameter, similar to bacterial PHB, were located in the chloroplasts of transgenic plants, demonstrating that phb gene products were targeted into the plastids of transgenic alfalfa. Transgenic plants exhibited growth similar to untransformed plants, suggesting that expression of PHB biosynthetic pathway genes at current levels and accumulation of product in the plastids had no deleterious effect on growth and fertility. F1 hybrid progeny, obtained from crosses of PHB transgenic plants with elite alfalfa germplasm, exhibited leaf PHB levels similar to the transgenic parental line, demonstrating that PHB production in alfalfa is a stable and dominantly inherited trait.
Construction and Characterization of a Deep‐Coverage Bacterial Artificial Chromosome Library for Maize
Authors: Tomkins J. P. , Davis G. , Main D. , Yim Y. , Duru N. , Musket T. , Goicoechea J. L. , Frisch D. A. , Coe E. H. , Wing R. A.
Published: September 2018

Modern cultivated maize (Zea mays L.)is one of the primary agronomic crops in the USA with an estimated genome size of 2500 megabases (Mb). To develop the resources for positional cloning and structural genomics in maize, we constructed a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) library for the inbred line B73 using the cloning enzyme Hind III. The library contains 247 680 clones (645 384‐well plates). A random sampling of 697 clones indicated an average insert size of 136 kilobase (kb) (range = 42 to 379 kb) and 0.4% empty vectors. Screening the colony filters for chloroplast DNA content indicated an exceptionally low 0.18% contamination with chloroplast DNA. Thus, the library provides 13.5 haploid genome equivalents allowing >99% probability of recovering any specific sequence of interest. High‐density filters were gridded robotically using a Genetix Q‐BOT (Hampshire, UK) in a 4 by 4 double‐spotted array on 22.5‐cm2 filters. Partial screening (6× coverage) of the library with 20 single copy probes identified an average 7.1 positive signals per probe, with a range of 3 to 15 positive signals per probe. To evaluate the utility of the library for sequence tagged connector (STC) analysis, 768 BAC clones were end sequenced in both forward and reverse directions giving a total of 1415 successful reads. End sequences were queried against SWISS‐PROT, Genbank NR, MIPS Arabidopsis, maize genomic sequence dbGSS, and maize cDNA database dbEST. Results in spreadsheet format from these searches is publicly available at the CUGI website (www.genome.clemson.edu/projects/stc/maize/ZMMBBb/).
SSR Variation in Important U.S. Maize Inbred Lines
Authors: Gethi James G. , Labate Joanne A. , Lamkey Kendall R. , Smith Margaret E. , Kresovich Stephen
Published: September 2018

Historically important public inbred lines continue to play an important role in maize (Zea mays L.) improvement in many different breeding programs. Their continued use means they have undergone numerous seed increases in diverse programs since their original release. Our objective was to estimate the level of genetic diversity among and within inbred lines from different sources using SSR markers. We sampled six inbred lines (B73, CM105, Mo17, Oh43, W153R, and Wf9) obtained from 14 sources (breeding programs). The data were analyzed by analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), genetic diversity statistics, and genetic distance (Dice's coefficient). Of the total variation observed in gene frequency, 87.8% was found among inbred lines, 7.6% among sources within inbred lines, and 4.6% within sources. Genotypes of identically named inbred lines from eight different sources differed slightly on the basis of 44 SSR loci. The mean genetic similarity between sources of the same inbred was greater than 85%. It can be concluded that although more diversity exists among these six inbred lines than within them, a small but significant amount of variation exists among seed sources within inbreds. This variation may have arisen through differences in seed maintenance, since we found no evidence to suggest high mutation rates or extensive outcrossing. The small but statistically significant level of variation raises concerns in germplasm conservation, mapping studies, marker development, and long‐term recombinant inbred line development, especially when high resolution is desired.
Evaluation of Stay‐Green Sorghum Germplasm Lines at ICRISAT
Authors: Mahalakshmi Viswanathan , Bidinger Francis R.
Published: September 2018

Delaying leaf senescence is an effective strategy for increasing cereal production, particularly under water‐limited conditions. A set of 72 nonsenescent (stay green) genotypes of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] was evaluated for pattern of postflowering leaf senescence in replicated field experiments during the 1998‐1999 and 1999‐2000 post‐rainy seasons at the International Crops Research Institute for Semi‐Arid Tropics to identify superior sources of stay green. Individual leaves of three plants per plot were scored visually for leaf senescence at weekly intervals from flowering until harvest maturity. Leaf senescence patterns were determined by fitting logistic or linear functions to weekly percent green leaf area (% GLA), from which % GLA at 15, 30, and 45 d after flowering were estimated. On the basis of estimated % GLA at 15, 30, and 45 d after flowering in the two years, genotypes clustered into five groups. The clusters retained 74% of the total variation in % GLA, despite differences in the pattern of development of stress and subsequent leaf senescence pattern between the two years. Cluster 1 genotypes, which combined nonsenescence with drought escape, through early flowering, were superior to Cluster 2 genotypes, which were nonsenescent but late flowering, in the more severely stressed year when drought escape was important, but not in the milder stress year when escape was less of a factor. The experiment identified several (e.g., IS 22380, QL 27, QL 10, E36 ×R16 8/1) tropically adapted lines with stay‐green expression equivalent to those of the best temperate lines B 35 and KS 19.
Changes in selected biochemical parameters during subclinical and clinical ketosis in dairy cows
Authors: CHEN YUANYUAN , DONG ZHIHAO , LI RUIRUI , XU CHUANG
Published: September 2018

Negative energy balance (NEB) is a common pathological cause of ketosis. As the major organs of lipid metabolism, the liver and fat tissue take part in regulating lipid oxidative capacity and energy demands, which is also a key metabolic pathway that regulates NEB development during the perinatal period. Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) is a novel metabolic regulator involved in the control of fatty acid oxidation and lipid metabolism during a prolonged negative energy balance. Our study determined a correlation between serum FGF21 and β-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) levels in dairy cows with ketosis. We used sixty cows with low milk yield, abnormal glucose metabolism, and ketosis. Serum FGF21 and BHBA levels were measured using commercial kits. Serum FGF21 increased with increasing BHBA levels up to 1.6 mmol/L. At BHBA levels > 1.6 mmol/L, FGF21 decreased. Serum FGF21 levels were positively associated with BHBA levels, particularly in dairy cows with subclinical ketosis (r = 0.647, P < 0.01). At BHBA levels between 1.2 mmol/L and 1.6 mmol/L, FGF21 was more closely correlated with BHBA than with other metabolic parameters. At BHBA levels > 1.6 mmol/L, the association between FGF21 and BHBA was not significant. In conclusion, our results show that FGF21 was closely related with SK in cows. FGF21 may be a promising regulator in the prevention of subclinical ketosis.
Identification and antimicrobial susceptibility of microbial agents of otitis externa in dogs
Authors: DEMIRBILEK SERPIL KAHYA , YILMAZ ÖZGE
Published: September 2018

In this study, a total of 277 unmedicated dogs with otitis externa were used. Overall, 413 agents were isolated from 277 ear swab samples; 52.7% of the cases were mono-infections (146 cases), and 37.1% of the cases were poly-infections (103 cases). In 10.1% (28) of the cases, neither bacteria nor yeasts were isolated. Coagulase-positive Staphylococcus spp. were the most frequently isolated bacteria and were found in 90 (21.8%) of the samples. Fifty-eight samples, (14%) were positive for Staphylococcus aureus, 51 (12.3%) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 27 (6.5%) for Proteus mirabilis, 27 (6.5%) for Malassezia pachydermatis, 21 (5%) for Corynebacterium spp., 21 (5%) for β-haemolytic Streptococcus spp., 15 (3.6%) for Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, 12 (2.9%) for Proteus spp., 12 (2.9%) for Escherichia coli, 9 (2.1%) for Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, 7 (1.6%) for Trichophyton mentagrophytes, 5 (1.2%) for Staphylococcus auricularis, and 46 (11.1%) for different bacteria and yeasts. A total of 14 different bacteria and yeasts were isolated and identified. Kirby-Bauer antibiotic susceptibility testing was carried out for 10 different antibiotics. The bacterial isolates were found to be resistant to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid (45%), gentamycin (28%), ampicillin/cloxacillin (69%), tobramycin (28%), amikacin (23%), enrofloxacin (47%), chloramphenicol (58%), doxycycline (65%), lincomycin/spectinomycin (58%) and polymyxin B (62%). In conclusion, it is important to test the antimicrobial sensitivity of aetiological agents of otitis externa before treatment so as to prevent the development of antibiotic resistance in bacteria and yeasts.
Hemicellulose from Plant Biomass in Medical and Pharmaceutical Application: A Critical Review
Authors: Liu Xinxin , Lin Qixuan , Yan Yuhuan , Peng Feng , Sun Runcang , Ren Junli
Published: September 2018

Background:

Due to the non-toxicity, abundance and biodegradability, recently more and more attention has been focused on the exploration of hemicellulose as the potential substrate for the production of liquid fuels and other value-added chemicals and materials in different fields. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the promising application of nature hemicellulose and its derivative products including its degradation products, its new derivatives and hemicellulosebased medical biodegradable materials in the medical and pharmaceutical field, especially for inmmune regulation, bacteria inhibition, drug release, anti-caries, scaffold materials and anti-tumor.

Methods:

We searched the related papers about the medical and pharmaceutical application of hemicellulose and its derivative products, and summarized their preparation methods, properties and use effects.

Results:

Two hundred and twenty-seven papers were included in this review. Forty-seven papers introduced the extraction and application in immune regulation of nature hemicellulose, such as xylan, mannan, xyloglucan (XG) and β-glucan. Seventy-seven papers mentioned the preparation and application of degradation products of hemicellulose for adjusting intestinal function, maintaining blood glucose levels, enhancing the immunity and alleviating human fatigue fields such as xylooligosaccharides, xylitol, xylose, arabinose, etc. The preparation of hemicellulose derivatives were described in thirty-two papers such as hemicellulose esters, hemicellulose ethers and their effects on anticoagulants, adsorption of creatinine, the addition of immune cells and the inhibition of harmful bacteria. Finally, the preparations of hemicellulose-based materials such as hydrogels and membrane for the field of drug release, cell immobilization, cancer therapy and wound dressings were presented using fifty-five papers.

Conclusion:

The structure of hemicellulose-based products has the significant impact on properties and the use effect for the immunity, and treating various diseases of human. However, some efforts should be made to explore and improve the properties of hemicellulose-based products and design the new materials to broaden hemicellulose applications.
Plant-Derived Products as Antibacterial and Antifungal Agents in Human Health Care
Authors: Kokoska Ladislav , Kloucek Pavel , Leuner Olga , Novy Pavel
Published: September 2018

:

A number of papers reporting antimicrobial properties of extracts, essential oils, resins and various classes of compounds isolated from higher plants have been published in recent years; however, a comprehensive analysis of plant-derived antimicrobial agents currently applied in practice for the improvement of human health is still lacking. This review summarizes data on clinical efficacy, antimicrobial effects and the chemistry of commercially available antibacterial and antifungal agents of plant origin currently used in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal, oral, respiratory, skin, and urinary infections. As a result of an analysis of the literature, more than 40 plant-derived over-the-counter pharmaceuticals, dietary supplements, cosmetics, herbal medicines, and functional foods containing complex mixtures (e.g. Glycyrrhiza glabra extract, Melaleuca alternifolia essential oil, and Pistacia lentiscus resin), pure compounds (e.g. benzoic acid, berberine, eucalyptol, salicylic acid and thymol) as well as their derivatives and complexes (e.g. bismuth subsalicylate and zinc pyrithione) have been identified. The effectiveness of many of these products is illustrated by results of clinical trials and supported by data on there in vitro antimicrobial activity. A broad spectrum of various commercial products currently available on the market and their welldocumented clinical efficacy suggests that plants are prospective sources for the identification of new types of antimicrobial agents in future. Innovative approaches and methodologies for effective proof-of-concept research and the development of new types of plant-derived products effective against recently emerging problems related to human microbial diseases (e.g. antimicrobial resistance) are also proposed in this review.
The Healing Effects of Spices in Chronic Diseases
Authors: Bukvicki Danka , Gottardi Davide , Prasad Sahdeo , Novakovic Miroslav , Marin Petar D. , Tyagi Amit Kumar
Published: September 2018

Spices are not only just herbs used in culinary for improving the taste of dishes,
they are also sources of a numerous bioactive compounds significantly beneficial for health.
They have been used since ancient times because of their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory
and carminative properties. Several scientific studies have suggested their protective role
against chronic diseases. In fact, their active compounds may help in arthritis, neurodegenerative
disorders (Alzheimer’s, Parkinson, Huntington’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,
etc.), diabetes, sore muscles, gastrointestinal problems and many more. In the present study,
possible roles of spices and their active components, in chronic diseases (cancer, arthritis,
cardiovascular diseases, etc.) along with their mechanism of action have been reviewed.
Targeting Long Non-Coding RNAs in Nervous System Cancers: New Insights in Prognosis, Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Malissovas Nikos , Ninou Elpinickie , Michail Artemis , Politis Panagiotis K.
Published: September 2018

:

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) constitute one of the most broad and diverse
classes of cellular transcripts, playing key roles as regulatory molecules in many biological
processes. Although the biology of lncRNAs is a new and emerging field of research, several
studies have already shown that alterations in the expression of lncRNAs are associated with
the development and progression of cancer in different organs and tissues, including central
and peripheral nervous system. In this review, we summarize the oncogenic and tumor suppressive
roles of lncRNAs in malignant tumors of the nervous system, such as glioma and
neuroblastoma, focusing on their functional interactions with DNA, other RNA and protein
molecules. We further discuss the potential use of lncRNAs as biomarkers for diagnosis,
prognosis and tumor treatment. Gaining insight into the functional association between nervous
system malignancies and lncRNAs could offer new perspectives to the development of
promising therapeutic tools against cancer.
The Close Interplay of Nitro-Oxidative Stress, Advanced Glycation end Products and Inflammation in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Moura Fabiana Andréa , Goulart Marília Oliveira Fonseca , Campos Samara Bonfim Gomes , da Paz Martins Amylly Sanuelly
Published: September 2018

Background:

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) exhibits no defined aetiology. However, factors such as genetic and nitro-oxidative stress are associated with chronic inflammation and IBD progression to Colorectal Cancer (CRC). The present review discusses the association of nitro-oxidative stress, inflammation and Advanced Glycation End products (AGE) and their corresponding receptor (RAGE) in IBD and examines the connection between these factors and nuclear factors, such as Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-κB), factorerythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2), and p53 Mutant (p53M).

Methods:

We searched the PubMed, ScienceDirect and Web of Science databases using a combination of the following terms: IBD, CRC, oxidative stress, inflammation, NF-κB, Nrf2, p53M, AGE and RAGE.

Results:

Oxidative stress and inflammation activated two cellular pathways, the nuclear expression of pro-inflammatory, pro-oxidant and pro-oncogenic genes based on NF-κB and p53M, which is associated with NF-κB activation, Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage and the expression of pro-oncogenic genes. Nrf2 stimulates the nuclear expression of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems and anti-inflammatory genes, and is inhibited by chronic oxidative stress, NF-κB and p53M. AGE/RAGE are involved in inflammation progression because RAGE polymorphisms and increased RAGE levels are found in IBD patients. Alterations of these pathways in combination with oxidative damage are responsible for IBD symptoms and the progression to CRC.

Conclusion:

IBD is an inflammatory and nitro-oxidative stress-based bowel disease. Achieving a molecular understanding of the biochemical events and their complicated interactions will impact basic and applied research, animal models, and clinical trials.
Lipids as Biomarkers of Cancer and Bacterial Infections
Authors: Larrouy-Maumus Gerald
Published: September 2018

Lipids are ubiquitous molecules, known to play important roles in various cellular processes. Alterations to the lipidome can therefore be used as a read-out of the signs of disease, highlighting the importance to consider lipids as biomarkers in addition of nucleic acid and proteins. Lipids are among the primary structural and functional constituents of biological tissues, especially cell membranes. Along with membrane formation, lipids play also a crucial role in cell signalling, inflammation and energy storage. It was shown recently that lipid metabolism disorders play an important role in carcinogenesis and development. As well, the role of lipids in disease is particularly relevant for bacterial infections, during which several lipid bacterial virulence factors are recognized by the human innate immune response, such as lipopolysaccharide in Gram-negative bacteria, lipoteichoic acid in Gram-positive bacteria, and lipoglycans in mycobacteria. Compared to nucleic acids and proteins, a complete analysis of the lipidome, which is the comprehensive characterization of different lipid families, is usually very challenging due to the heterogeneity of lipid classes and their intrinsic physicoproperties caused by variations in the constituents of each class. Understanding the chemical diversity of lipids is therefore crucial to understanding their biological relevance and, as a consequence, their use as potential biomarkers for non-infectious and infectious diseases. This mini-review exposes the current knowledge and limitations of the use of lipids as biomarkers of the top global killers which are cancer and bacterial infections.
Tumor Vasculature Targeted TNFα Therapy: Reversion of Microenvironment Anergy and Enhancement of the Anti-tumor Efficiency
Authors: Balza Enrica , Carnemolla Barbara , Orecchia Paola , Rubartelli Anna , Poggi Alessandro , Mortara Lorenzo
Published: September 2018

Tumor cells and tumor-associated stromal cells such as immune, endothelial and mesenchimal cells create a Tumor Microenvironment (TME) which allows tumor cell promotion, growth and dissemination while dampening the anti-tumor immune response. Efficient anti-tumor interventions have to keep into consideration the complexity of the TME and take advantage of immunotherapy and chemotherapy combined approaches. Thus, the aim of tumor therapy is to directly hit tumor cells and reverse endothelial and immune cell anergy. Selective targeting of tumor vasculature using TNFα-associated peptides or antibody fragments in association with chemotherapeutic agents, has been shown to exert a potent stimulatory effect on endothelial cells as well as on innate and adaptive immune responses. These drug combinations reducing the dose of single agents employed have led to minimize the associated side effects. In this review, we will analyze different TNFα-mediated tumor vesseltargeted therapies in both humans and tumor mouse models, with emphasis on the role played by the cross-talk between natural killer and dendritic cells and on the ability of TNFα to trigger tumor vessel activation and normalization. The improvement of the TNFα-based therapy with anti-angiogenic immunomodulatory drugs that may convert the TME from immunosuppressive to immunostimulant, will be discussed as well.