bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contributions of Parental Inbreds and Heterosis to Morphology and Yield of Single‐Cross Maize Hybrids in China
Authors: Li Yongxiang , Li Yu , Ma Xinglin , Liu Cheng , Liu Zhizhai , Tan Xianjie , Sun Baocheng , Shi Yunsu , Song Yanchun , Wang Tianyu , Smith Stephen
Published: December 2013

To measure the contributions of parental inbreds per se and heterosis to the genetic gain of single‐cross maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids, yield trials of 29 historically important hybrids used in China during 1964 through 2001 and their parental inbreds were conducted. Mean rate of genetic gain for single‐cross hybrids when measured across all locations was 55 kg ha−1 yr–1; heterosis contributed 37 kg ha−1 yr–1 (67%) of yield gain. Inbred yields at stressed locations were exceptionally poor and may have inflated measurements of heterosis. At unstressed locations, heterosis contributed 5 kg ha−1 yr–1 (8%) and 16 kg ha−1 yr–1 (39%) or 10 kg ha−1 yr–1 (19%) when locations were combined. For individual characteristics, the highest percent heterosis was for kernel weight per ear (58.6%), corresponding to and emphasizing the historic goal in China of increasing yield on an individual plant rather than on a unit area basis. There are opportunities to further improve the productivity of Chinese maize by increasing inbred parent yields, increasing tolerances to stresses associated with higher planting densities, and also increasing the contribution of heterosis through optimal assignation of inbreds into complementary heterotic groups.
Formation of Heterotic Groups and Understanding Genetic Effects in a Provitamin A Biofortified Maize Breeding Program
Authors: Suwarno Willy B. , Pixley Kevin V. , Palacios‐Rojas Natalia , Kaeppler Shawn M. , Babu Raman
Published: December 2013

Developing biofortified maize (Zea mays L.) cultivars is a viable approach to combating the widespread problem of vitamin A deficiency among people for whom maize is a staple food. To enhance CIMMYT's provitamin A maize breeding efforts, this study: (i) evaluated whether separation of experimental maize lines into groups based on maximizing their molecular‐marker‐based genetic distances (GD) resulted in heterosis for among‐group crosses, (ii) assessed genetic effects (general and specific combining ability, GCA and SCA) for grain yield and provitamin A concentrations in hybrids among 21 inbred lines representing the three proposed groups, and (iii) assessed the association between grain yield and provitamin A concentrations. The lines were crossed following a partial diallel design resulting in 156 hybrids that were evaluated at four environments with two replications of one‐row plots. The first plant in each plot was self‐pollinated to produce grain for provitamin A analysis. Significant but small yield advantage of among‐ versus within‐group crosses (0.47 Mg ha−1, P < 0.05) suggested that the groups identified by maximizing GD could be a practical starting point for further breeding work to develop useful heterotic groups. Furthermore, the GD‐proposed heterotic groups were improved by later revising some line assignments to groups using estimates of SCA effects. General combining ability effects were significant (P < 0.01) for all traits, whereas SCA effects were weak (P < 0.05) or not significant for provitamin A carotenoid concentrations, indicating that these were controlled primarily by additive gene action. Grain yield was not significantly correlated with provitamin A concentration, indicating that both traits could be improved simultaneously.
Generation Means Analysis of Elite Ex‐Plant Variety Protection Commercial Inbreds: A New Public Maize Genetics Resource
Authors: Hauck Andrew L. , Johnson G. Richard , Mikel Mark A. , Mahone Gregory S. , Morales A. Jason , Rocheford Torbert R. , Bohn Martin O.
Published: December 2013

Maize (Zea mays, L.) breeding research in the public sector involves identifying novel genes, alleles, and breeding procedures that have promising commercial applications, but this role is stymied due to limited access to commercial quality lines and hybrids. Use of lines recently released from Plant Variety Protection (PVP) may be a solution. Our overall goal was to investigate the extent and nature of the allelic diversity in elite maize germplasm at the molecular level and gain insight into how this allelic diversity relates to the performance of superior hybrids. The specific objectives were to (i) characterize the genetic composition of 12 selected elite inbreds, (ii) evaluate these inbreds and their 66 F1hybrids and segregating F1derived F2populations for an extensive number of leaf, tassel, and ear traits, including yield, and (iii) perform a statistical and quantitative genetic analysis to identify significant genetic variation thereof. Cluster analysis based on pedigree relationships and molecular markers indicated that the selected elite inbred parents are genetically diverse. Applying the Eberhart and Gardner general model we confirmed the presence of substantial additive, dominance, and epistatic variation in the elite germplasm selected and developed for this experiment. Experimental material derived from Ex‐PVP lines will be an important component of maize breeding research on increased productivity. In this research, hybrid mapping populations will prove to be invaluable for detection of nonadditive quantitative trait loci and association effects in yield related traits.
Cultivar Affects Field Emergence, Establishment Rate, and First‐Year Traffic Tolerance of Seeded Bermudagrasses in the Transition Zone
Authors: Deaton Michael T. , Williams David W.
Published: December 2013

Slow field emergence and establishment rates of some seeded bermudagrasses [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] contribute to extreme competition from weeds, sometimes leading to failure of stand establishment. Previous work has also indicated significant differences in tolerance to simulated athletic traffic among some bermudagrass cultivars. This study was conducted in 2010 and 2011 in Lexington, KY, to quantify field emergence rates, establishment rates, and tolerances to simulated traffic applied during the establishment year among seeded bermudagrass cultivars. Nineteen cultivars were evaluated representing all of the seeded bermudagrasses available for purchase from commercial retailers at the beginning of the study. The effect of cultivar was highly significant (P < 0.001) for days to field emergence, days to maximum cover, and traffic tolerance in both years. ‘Riviera’ was equivalent to or very nearly the slowest for field emergence in both years. ‘Casino Royale’ was the fastest or equivalent to the fastest for field emergence in both years. ‘Yukon’ was the slowest to reach maximum cover in both years. ‘Sovereign’ reached maximum cover quickest in 2010. Riviera and Sovereign were equivalent in reaching maximum cover in 2011. Riviera and Yukon ranked highest and lowest, respectively, in tolerance to simulated athletic traffic. We conclude that there are highly significant differences in how cultivars in the upper transition zone should be expected to perform regarding successful establishment and tolerance to simulated athletic traffic applied during the establishment year.
Characterization of Nebraska Isolates of Fusarium graminearum Causing Head Blight of Wheat
Authors: Hernandez Nopsa John F. , Wegulo Stephen N. , Panthi Anita , Hallen‐Adams Heather E. , Harris Steven D. , Baenziger P. Stephen
Published: December 2013

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a devastating disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and other small grain cereals. The disease is caused by several species of Fusarium. This study was conducted to identify the major species of Fusarium causing FHB in Nebraska and to characterize isolates of the species for perithecia and deoxynivalenol (DON) production and for aggressiveness (quantified as disease severity and area under the disease progress curve) on spikes of two winter wheat cultivars. Isolates of Fusarium spp. obtained from wheat spikes and grain collected from FHB‐affected winter wheat fields and grain elevators, respectively, in 2007 and 2008 were identified as Fusarium graminearum. The isolates varied widely in perithecia and DON production in vitro and in aggressiveness on wheat spikes of soft red winter wheat cultivars Coker 9835 (FHB susceptible) and VA04W‐433 (moderately resistant). Fusarium head blight severity for the three most aggressive F. graminearum isolates was higher in Coker 9835 than in VA04W‐433 during the first 7 d after inoculation (DAI) but was comparable in both cultivars from 10 to 21 DAI. Deoxynivalenol concentration and aggressiveness were positively and linearly related (R2 ≥ 0.60, P < 0.05). Isolates that produced higher concentrations of DON were more aggressive than those that produced lower concentrations of the toxin regardless of wheat cultivar.
Photosynthetic Responses in Annual Rye, Perennial Wheat, and Perennial Rye Subjected to Modest Source:Sink Ratio Changes
Authors: Jaikumar Nikhil S. , Snapp Sieglinde S. , Flore James A. , Loescher Wayne
Published: December 2013

Newly developed perennial cereals have been developed as alternatives to annual food crops. These provide novel contexts in which to study source vs. sink limitations of plant productivity. This is one of the first investigations of source:sink effects on photosynthesis, seed size, and regrowth in perennial cereal crops as well as in the commercially important annual rye (Secale cereale L.). Through experimental manipulations of field‐grown plants, we studied the effect of manipulations of source:sink ratio (25% decreases and 100% increases) on photosynthetic rate in perennial wheat [Triticum aestivum L. × Thinopyrum elongatum (Host) D. R. Dewey], perennial rye [S. cereale × Secale strictum (C. Presl) C. Presl subsp. strictum (syn. Secale montanum Guss.)], annual wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and annual rye. We measured carbohydrate pools, seed size, and regrowth as further indices of source vs. sink limitation. Perennial wheat showed sink limitation throughout. Annual and perennial rye appeared to be colimited. Low source:sink ratios in perennial wheat and rye were associated with up to 25% higher photosynthetic rates while high source:sink ratios led to up to 20% decreases. Seed size showed more stability under source:sink manipulation in perennials than in annuals while regrowth of perennials was not affected by source sink ratio, and all three species showed more stability of seed size in response to source:sink manipulation than annual wheat. Our results are consistent with perennial cereals operating below their maximum photosynthetic capacity, in contrast to annual wheat, and following a conservative reproductive strategy. By selecting for greater sink strength in perennial wheat, breeders may be able to achieve higher rates of photosynthesis and support higher yields in this new crop.
Genomic Selection in Forage Breeding: Accuracy and Methods
Authors: Simeão Resende Rosangela Maria , Casler Michael D. , de Resende Marcos Deon Vilela
Published: December 2013

The main benefits expected from genomic selection in forage grasses and legumes are to increase selection accuracy, reduce cycle time, and potentially reduce evaluation costs per genotype. Aiming at designing a training population and first generation of selection, deterministic equations were used to compare the gain and accuracy of six genomic selection methods implemented within the context of traditional experimental plot designs used in forage breeding. Combined use of both phenotypic and genotypic information was superior to other methods using low density markers (approximately three per cM) and for heritability lower than 0.6 but resulted in lower selection gain per year in relation to individual genomic selection using higher marker density. Initial accuracies were increased by a selection index method proposed as a procedure to improve long‐term rates of gain for advanced generations using genomic selection. Application of genomic selection methods to forage breeding is expected to be of greatest value under the following circumstances: (i) when phenotypic evaluation of individual plants is incapable of predicting performance under sward conditions, (ii) when it is difficult or impossible to apply meaningful selection pressure within families, or (iii) when time‐intensive phenotypic evaluations necessitate long cycle times, for example, 4 to 5 yr.
Silage Fermentation of PM‐ and AM‐Cut Alfalfa Wilted in Wide and Narrow Swaths
Authors: Tremblay Gaëtan F. , Morin Chantale , Bélanger Gilles , Bertrand Annick , Castonguay Yves , Berthiaume Robert , Allard Guy
Published: December 2013

Nonstructural carbohydrate (NSC) concentration in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) increases by cutting in the afternoon (PM) and wilting in wide swaths but the impact of this greater concentration during silage fermentation is not well known. We determined if increased NSC concentration associated with PM‐cutting and wide swathing is maintained during fermentation and whether it affects conservation attributes of wilted alfalfa silages. The cutting time effect was measured in spring growth and summer regrowth of 2007 and 2008 (Experiment 1) while the combined effect of cutting time and swathing type was measured in spring growth and summer regrowth of 2008 (Experiment 2). Alfalfa was field wilted [≈390 g dry matter (DM) kg−1 fresh matter] and ensiled in mini‐silos. Differences in alfalfa NSC concentration at ensiling (10 to 36 g kg−1 DM) due to PM‐cutting combined or not with wide swaths were reduced during silage fermentation to between 0 and 15 g kg−1 DM mostly through a reduction in soluble carbohydrate concentration. When NSC concentration differences at ensiling were > 10 g kg−1 DM, silage conservation attributes were improved with lower pH (−0.2 to −0.4), greater concentrations of lactate (+8 to +20 g kg−1 DM), and lower concentrations of volatile fatty acids (−8 to −11 g kg−1 DM) and NH3–N (−6 to −11 g kg−1 total N). Improved silage conservation attributes along with a greater residual starch concentration from NSC‐enriched alfalfa has the potential to improve milk production.
An almost-parameter-free harmony search algorithm for groundwater pollution source identification
Authors: Jiang Simin , Zhang Yali , Wang Pei , Zheng Maohui
Published: December 2013

The spatiotemporal characterization of unknown sources of groundwater pollution is frequently encountered in environmental problems. This study adopts a simulation–optimization approach that combines a contaminant transport simulation model with a heuristic harmony search algorithm to identify unknown pollution sources. In the proposed methodology, an almost-parameter-free harmony search algorithm is developed. The performance of this methodology is evaluated on an illustrative groundwater pollution source identification problem, and the identified results indicate that the proposed almost-parameter-free harmony search algorithm-based optimization model can give satisfactory estimations, even when the irregular geometry, erroneous monitoring data, and prior information shortage of potential locations are considered.
The effect of direct addition of iron(III) on anaerobic digestion efficiency and odor causing compounds
Authors: Park Chang Min , Novak John T.
Published: December 2013

The role of iron addition to sewage sludge prior to anaerobic digestion was evaluated to determine the effect of iron on digestion performance and generation of odor-causing compounds. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and volatile organic sulfur compounds (VOSCs) were the odorous gases evaluated in this study. Samples were obtained from seven municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), and batch anaerobic digestion tests were conducted using primary and secondary sludges at 30 day solids retention time (SRT) under mesophilic conditions. Volatile solid removal (VSR) was highly predictable with background iron concentrations measured in the combined sludge. They were likely to increase as influent iron content increased. 1.25% w/w ferric chloride (FeCl3) was added to the anaerobic digester feed in order to simulate iron addition for sulfide control in full-scale WWTPs. The results showed that it had a positive impact on digestion performance with higher VSR and odor control with reduced H2S and TVOSCs in the headspace gas of dewatered biosolids considered in the tests. Ferric chloride is considered a beneficial additive as a strategy for an odor mitigation, not to mention more efficient digestion under anaerobic conditions.
Combination of microalgae cultivation with membrane processes for the treatment of municipal wastewater
Authors: Chen Lu , Wei Jiang , Wang Weiguo , Wang Cunwen
Published: December 2013

The treatment of wastewater by microalgae cultivation has attracted more and more attention. However, the way to harvest microalgae cells from the wastewater and the treatment of the large quantity of residual solution have become critical issues. In this work, a new approach for the treatment of municipal wastewater is presented. The combination of flocculation for removing mainly microalgae and thereafter membrane filtration for chemical oxygen demand (COD) and conductivity reduction of the residual solution after flocculation is discussed. The COD concentration of the wastewater decreased from 260 to 84 mg/L after flocculation by chitosan. Five ultrafiltration (UF) membranes and two nanofiltration (NF) membranes were used for filtration to find a suitable membrane for COD and conductivity reduction. Among the five UF membranes, GR82PE showed the best performance, whose permeate flux and COD retention at 4 bar were 189.66 L/(m2·h) and 43.03%, respectively. NF membranes showed higher COD and conductivity retentions than UF membranes. The COD retention of Desal5-DK reached 98.3% at 20 bar. Lastly, the flux recovery after the filtration test of each membrane is also discussed.
Study on Automatic North-Seeking Key Technologies of Maglev Gyroscope
Authors: Zhen Shi , Zhiqiang Yang , Zhe Zhang
Published: December 2013

First, this paper proposes a static north-seeking mode based on the meridian seeking torque of gyroscope. We
analyze the force situation and stability of the gyro magnetic suspension system in this mode and focus on the principle of
torque balance feedback control technology. Two-position rotary control technology has been designed based on the
sensitive state of the gyro rotor in four special north-seeking positions to reduce the impact of the systematic errors on the
single position north-seeking. Later, we use the north-seeking data to simulate the real-time north-seeking process.
Meanwhile, filter processing is used to improve the quality of the result. Finally, a comprehensive inspection is made to
test the key technologies of the maglev gyro through the practice of an underground project. And it proves that these
technologies have a favorable effect in practical applications.
Development of Ceramic Three-Dimensional Design System Based on Sketch
Authors: Busheng Li , Jingfang Hu
Published: December 2013

The paper has analyzed and digested the related literatures from home and aboard, summarized techniques and
theoretical methods of the relevant prototype systems. Based on the understanding of the present situation of the domestic
and foreign sketches technology application basis, through the existing ceramics product design process and production
process flow of the detailed ceramic products of design process are in-depth analysis and decomposition is proposed based
on the sketch of the computer aided design ceramic technology, and on the basis of the development of the corresponding
ceramic design software.
The Influence of Symmetrical Feed:Fast Regimes on Oxytetracycline Uptake
and Otolith Score in Yellow Perch
Authors: Spengler Daniel E. , Schaeffer Travis W. , Schoenebeck Casey W. , Brown Michael L.
Published: December 2013

Periods of growth from symmetric feed:fast regimes (i.e., days fed followed by the same number of days
fasted) may increase the uptake of oxytetracycline (C22H24N2O9
.HCL[OTC]) compounds in fishes; however, little empirical
data exists. Therefore, we experimentally determined if such feeding regimes influenced the concentration of OTC incorporated
in muscle and skeletal (e.g., otoliths) tissues. Individually-reared female and batch-reared (male and female),
age-1 yellow perch Perca flavescens were subjected to one of four experimental feeding regimes: control (i.e., fed daily),
D2 (i.e., 2d feed, 2d deprivation), D6, or D12 symmetrical feed:fast regimes. Following several feeding cycles on these
feeding regimes, fish were submersed in a 600mg/L buffered OTC solution; otoliths and muscle tissue were excised and
processed to determine OTC uptake via mark quality and concentrations. Ranked otolith scores (mark quality) were significantly
lower for the D2 feeding regime than control, D6, and D12 scores for both individual and batch trials suggesting
that frequent food deprivation restricts osteogenesis, while daily or extended feeding periods contribute to osteogenesis. In
batch-reared fish, total OTC and 4-epioxytetracycline peak concentrations in muscle tissue did not significantly differ
among treatments but were significantly greater for smaller individuals within treatments suggesting that the OTC uptake
and elimination response is mechanistically related to higher gill ventilation volume and gastric ingestion rate of small
fish providing increased chemical assimilation and decreased clearing time following OTC immersions. Increased otolith
mark quality derived from such feeding protocols may be of particular interest to fisheries managers conducting stock
contribution assessments of yellow perch, but this induction strategy may apply to other species as well as therapies for
hatchery stocks.
Haplotype Classification Using Copy Number Variation and Principal
Components Analysis
Authors: Blighe Kevin
Published: December 2013

Elaborate downstream methods are required to analyze large microarray data-sets. At times, where the end goal
is to look for relationships between (or patterns within) different subgroups or even just individual samples, large data-sets
must first be filtered using statistical thresholds in order to reduce their overall volume. As an example, in anthropological
microarray studies, such ‘dimension reduction’ techniques are essential to elucidate any links between polymorphisms and
phenotypes for given populations. In such large data-sets, a subset can first be taken to represent the larger data-set. For
example, polling results taken during elections are used to infer the opinions of the population at large. However, what is
the best and easiest method of capturing a sub-set of variation in a data-set that can represent the overall portrait of
variation?

In this article, principal components analysis (PCA) is discussed in detail, including its history, the mathematics behind
the process, and in which ways it can be applied to modern large-scale biological datasets. New methods of analysis using
PCA are also suggested, with tentative results outlined.
Lebesgue-Stieltjes integral and young's inequality
Authors: Merkle Milan , Marinescu Dan , Merkle Monica , Monea Mihai , Stroe Marian
Published: December 2013

For non-decreasing real functions f and g; we consider the functional T(f,g;
I,J) = ?I f(x) dg(x) + ?J g(x) df(x); where I and J are intervals with J ? I.
In particular case with I = [a, t]; J = [a, s], a < s ? t and g(x) = x;
this reduces to the expression in classical Young's inequality. We survey
some properties of Lebesgue-Stieltjes integrals and present a simple proof
for change of variables. Further, we formulate a version of Young's
inequality with respect to arbitrary positive measure on real line and
discuss applications in probability and number theory.
Structural, thermal and surface characterization of thermoplastic polyurethanes based on poly(dimethylsiloxane)
Authors: Pergal Marija , Stefanovic Ivan , Godjevac Dejan , Antic Vesna , Milacic Vesna , Ostojic Sanja , Rogan Jelena , Djonlagic Jasna
Published: December 2013

In this study, the synthesis, structure and physical properties of two series
of thermoplastic polyurethanes based on hydroxypropyl terminated
poly(dimethylsiloxane) (HP-PDMS) or hydroxyethoxy propyl terminated
poly(dimethylsiloxane) (EO-PDMS) as a soft segment, and
4,4?-methylenediphenyl diisocyanate and 1,4-butanediol as a hard segment were
investigated. Each series is composed of samples prepared with a different
soft segment. The polyurethanes were synthesized by two-step polyaddition in
solution. The effects of the type and content of PDMS segments on the
structure, thermal and surface properties of copolymers were studied by 1H
NMR, 13C NMR and two-dimensional NMR (HMBC and ROESY) spectroscopy, GPC, DSC,
TGA, WAXS, SEM, water contact angle and water absorption measurements.
Thermal properties investigated by DSC indicated that the presence of soft
PDMS segments lowers the glass transition and melting temperatures of the
hard phase as well as the degree of crystallinity. SEM analysis of copolymers
with a lower soft segment content confirmed the presence of spherulite
superstructures, which arise from the crystallization of the hard segments.
When compared with polyurethanes prepared from HP-PDMS, copolymers
synthesized from EO-PDMS with the same content of the soft segments have
higher degree of crystallinity, better thermal stability and less hydrophobic
surface. Our results show that the synthesized polyurethanes have good
thermal and surface properties, which could be further modified by changing
the type or content of the soft segments.
Microencapsulated fertilizers for plant nutrition improvement
Authors: Tolescu Ciprian , Fierascu Irina , Neamtu Constantin , Anton Iulia , Fierascu Claudiu
Published: December 2013

Given the need to reduce the impact of the use of chemical fertilizers on the
quality of food crop production, it is necessary to make fertilizer formulas,
with gradual and controlled release of the active substance achieved by
encapsulation, so that it can be almost completely metabolized by plants.
This paper is intended to test such fertilizer compositions with controlled
release, achieved by encapsulation in polymeric structures, by monitoring the
biological activity of the new products, using maize and sunflower crops as
target plants, crops with major impact in the agricultural sector. To achieve
this objective, we obtained solid microstructures, which allow, on one hand,
the incorporation of fertilizing composition, and, on the other hand, a
controlled release of the active components in a period of time chosen so
that an advanced absorption in the plants can take place. Based on the
findings presented, the tested fertilizers can ensure high quality
fertilization in terms of nutrient recovery in a greater extent, lower doses
and without reducing plant productivity and reduce chemical pollution of
soil.
Normal dimensions of the posterior pituitary bright spot on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Côté Martin , Salzman Karen L. , Sorour Mohammad , Couldwell William T.
Published: December 2013

Object

The normal pituitary bright spot seen on unenhanced T1-weighted MRI is thought to result from the T1-shortening effect of the vasopressin stored in the posterior pituitary. Individual variations in its size may be difficult to differentiate from pathological conditions resulting in either absence of the pituitary bright spot or in T1-hyperintense lesions of the sella. The objective of this paper was to define a range of normal dimensions of the pituitary bright spot and to illustrate some of the most commonly encountered pathologies that result in absence or enlargement of the pituitary bright spot.

Methods

The authors selected normal pituitary MRI studies from 106 patients with no pituitary abnormality. The size of each pituitary bright spot was measured in the longest axis and in the dimension perpendicular to this axis to describe the typical dimensions. The authors also present cases of patients with pituitary abnormalities to highlight the differences and potential overlap between normal and pathological pituitary imaging.

Results

All of the studies evaluated were found to have pituitary bright spots, and the mean dimensions were 4.8 mm in the long axis and 2.4 mm in the short axis. The dimension of the pituitary bright spot in the long axis decreased with patient age. The distribution of dimensions of the pituitary bright spot was normal, indicating that 99.7% of patients should have a pituitary bright spot measuring between 1.2 and 8.5 mm in its long axis and between 0.4 and 4.4 mm in its short axis, an interval corresponding to 3 standard deviations below and above the mean. In cases where the dimension of the pituitary bright spot is outside this range, pathological conditions should be considered.

Conclusions

The pituitary bright spot should always be demonstrated on T1-weighted MRI, and its dimensions should be within the identified normal range in most patients. Outside of this range, pathological conditions affecting the pituitary bright spot should be considered.
Cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell counts in infants with myelomeningoceles
Authors: Albright A. Leland , Ferson Susan S. , Okechi Humphrey
Published: December 2013

Object

The authors undertook this study to determine white blood cell (WBC) counts in CSF obtained from lateral ventricles and myelomeningoceles (MMCs) in infants in a developing country at the time of their initial presentation for medical evaluation.

Methods

CSF was aspirated from the lateral ventricles and from MMC sacs of 100 consecutive infants at Kijabe Hospital, Kijabe, Kenya. Peripheral blood WBC counts and CSF WBC counts were determined in the laboratory. CSF with WBC counts of 5 cells/mm3 or greater was cultured.

Results

The mean WBC count in ventricular CSF was 16 cells/mm3, with a median and mode of 0 cells/mm3. The mean WBC count of CSF in MMC sacs was 141 cells/mm3 (median 15 cells/mm3). No child had both a positive culture from ventricular CSF and a negative culture from MMC CSF. There was no correlation between age at presentation and WBC counts in the MMCs. Infants younger than 8 days old were as likely to have high WBC counts in CSF from their MMC sacs as were older children; 7 of 12 infants with 500 WBCs or more in CSF from their MMCs were younger than 8 days old. Only 5 of 58 CSF specimens from MMC sacs with 5 or more WBCs/mm3 had positive bacterial cultures, which may be a reflection of CSF specimen processing rather than of true culture negativity.

Conclusions

CSF from ventricular fluid of infants presenting with MMCs infrequently has high WBC counts, so infrequently that it does not need to be evaluated routinely. CSF in MMC sacs often has high WBC counts that suggest the presence of bacterial infection. In developing countries where culture reliability is questionable, intravenous administration of antibiotics before MMC closure for infants with high MMC WBC counts may diminish postoperative meningitis/ventriculitis.
A l'aube du nationalisme camerounais : la curieuse figure de Vincent Ganty
Authors: Owona Adalbert
Published: December 2013

Si la personnalité douteuse de V. Ganty empêche de le placer parmi les prophètes du nationalisme camerounais, l'étude de son action permet d'appréhender le malaise douala au Cameroun entre 1919 et 1939, les diverses données qui ont caractérisé, à leur début, l'idéologie des nationalismes africains, le rôle des influences antillaises dans les mouvements de revendication anti-coloniales.
L'implantation coloniale en de la prise de possession à la grande insurrection, 1853-1878
Authors: Dousset-Leenhardt Roselène
Published: December 2013

En Nouvelle Calédonie, après 25 ans d'occupation, éclata en 1878 une insurrection d'une ampleur et d'une gravité exceptionnelles. Sans doute y avait-il eu auparavant de multiples révoltes et actes de résistance mais qui avaient gardé un caractère limité. Et, depuis quelques années, un calme relatif régnait, si bien que les Français pouvaient penser qu'ils avaient définitivement assuré leur domination. Comme le dirent les contemporains, la grande insurrection de 1878 éclata « comme un coup de tonnerre dans un ciel serein ». On s'interrogea alors sur ses causes et sa signification sans parvenir à apporter des réponses vraiment satisfaisantes. Une analyse socio-historique du processus de colonisation permet seule de comprendre ce qui s'est passé et comment, dans cette petite île du Pacifique aux antipodes de la France, la « colonialité » a engendré la « rébellité ».
L'abolition de l'esclavage par la IIe République et ses effets en Louisiane (1848-1858)
Authors: Jennings Lawrence C.
Published: December 2013

Cette étude consiste en une analyse des répercussions de l'article 8 du décret du 27 avril 1848 abolissant l'esclavage dans les colonies et possessions françaises. L'article 8 menaçait les citoyens français résidant en pays étrangers esclavagistes, et eux-mêmes possesseurs d'esclaves, de la perte de leur nationalité s'ils ne se désaisissaient pas de leurs esclaves dans un délai de trois ans. Les personnes les plus affectées par la clause 8 furent les cinq à six mille citoyens français qui possédaient des esclaves en Louisiane, état esclavagiste du sud de l'Union américaine. Les républicains de 1848 qui avaient inséré cette clause en raison de leurs ardemment abolitionnistes tenaient instamment à la faire respecter. De fait, ils espéraient même qu'en contraignant des Français résidant en Louisiane à libérer leurs esclaves, ils donnèrent ainsi un exemple qui pourrait éventuellement encourager l'abolition dans le sud de l'Union américaine. Les citoyens français possesseurs d'esclaves en Louisiane plaidèrent éloquemment contre la mise en vigueur de la clause 8 et ne cessèrent pas de réclamer son abrogation. Pour divers motifs le gouvernement français s'était montré plus accessible à leurs requêtes dans les années 1850. Si bien qu'en 1851 l'article 8 fut amendé par l'octroi aux Français à l'étranger d'un délai de dix ans, au lieu de trois, pour se défaire de leurs esclaves. L'année 1858 devait voir le passage d'un nouvel amendement de l'article 8 qui devenait de ce fait pratiquement inapplicable. Les Français en Louisiane continuèrent donc à posséder des esclaves comme auparavant jusqu'à ce que l'esclavage fût aboli dans le sud de l'Union américaine en conséquence de la Guerre de Sécession.
Un centenaire oublié, Eugène-Abdon Mage (1837-1869)
Authors: Saint-Martin Yves J.
Published: December 2013

A l'occasion du centième anniversaire de la mort d'Eugène-Abdon Mage (1837-1869), on a cherché à retracer la carrière de cet officier de marine et explorateur français, dont on connaissait surtout le voyage au Soudan occidental (1863-1866). Grâce aux Archives de la Marine, il a été possible de suivre Mage depuis son enfance parisienne et l'École navale où il entra à l'âge de treize ans. Du Pacifique à la Baltique, de Nouméa au golfe de Finlande, il participa à diverses expéditions navales (1853-1855). A dix-huit ans, enseigne de vaisseau, il est affecté à la station des Côtes occidentales d'Afrique, sert sur divers avisos (1856), puis, à la colonie du Sénégal, prend part à plusieurs opérations amphibies où il se bat courageusement et fait preuve d'initiative (Campagne du Sine ; prise de Guémou, Haut-Sénégal, 1859). Faidherbe le distingue et lui confie une exploration aux confins du Sahara mauritanien, dans la région subdésertique du Tagant (1859-1860). Il s'en tire avec honneur et procède ensuite à la reconnaissance hydrographique du Sénégal, des chutes du Félou à celles de Gouïna (1860). Plus tard, il opérera en Casamance, visitant et sondant divers marigots (1862). En 1863, Faidherbe le charge de relancer, avec El Hadj Omar ou son successeur, des contacts diplomatiques amorcés et interrompus en 1860. Accompagné du docteur Louis Quintin, Mage relie le Sénégal au Niger et devient, à Ségou, l'hôte du fils et successeur d'El Hadj Omar, Ahmadou. Après vingt-six mois de séjour parfois pénible, il en rapportera un traité d'amitié et de commerce, et de précieuses observations et cartes, consignées dans sa correspondance (encore inédite) et dans son livre Voyage dans le Soudan occidental, 1863-1866, publié chez Hachette en 1868. Cette œuvre a beaucoup contribué à une meilleure appréciation des possibilités économiques et humaines d'un Soudan que l'auteur montre alors dévasté par les guerres entre Toucouleur et Bambara. De retour en France (1866), Mage reçut diverses affectations ; il s'apprêtait à une grande exploration du Niger quand le naufrage de la corvette Gorgone, qu'il commandait, interrompit sa carrière (19 décembre 1869) ; il avait trente-deux ans.
Les plantations allemandes du mont Cameroun (1885-1914)
Authors: Michel Marc
Published: December 2013

Bien que les possibilités agricoles de la région du Mont aient été remarquées très tôt et que les sociétés Woëermann et Jantzen-Thôrmaleen y aient acquis des terres dès 1885, l'essor des grandes plantations ne commença pas avant 1897. Diverses raisons se conjuguèrent alors pour l'encourager : l'influence du modèle portugais, l'action de personnalités locales comme Puttkamer et Zintgraff, l'intérêt de milieux d'affaires allemands, détourné vers le Cameroun, enfin l'aval des techniciens. En 1914, les sociétés du Mont Cameroun contrôlaient plus de 90.000 ha et en cultivaient 18.000, chiffres peu éloignés de ceux d'aujourd'hui. Trois « grands », la West Afrikanische Pflanzung Victoria, la West Afrikanische Pflanzung Bibundi et la C. W. Afrikaus (Woërmann) possédaient plus des deux tiers des terres et les mêmes noms se retrouvent dans la plupart des conseils d'administrations. Une monopolisation du sol, longtemps tolérée par l'Administration, s'effectua. Mais les sociétés se heurtèrent à la Mission de Bâle qui réussit, non sans difficultés, à obtenir la création de « Réserves ». Surtout, les sociétés rencontrèrent un grave problème de main-d'œuvre, la population locale étant insuffisante. On eut recours à l'engagement de « volontaires » (Bamiléké) et à l'utilisation de travailleurs « forcés » (Boulou). Les abus du recrutement et du travail furent dénoncés par les commerçants, concurrents des planteurs ; en 1914, le Cameroun était doté d'une législation du travail très en avance sur les autres colonies de l'ouest africain. Le bilan semble positif. Les cultures de cacao, d'arbres à caoutchouc et de palmiers à huile arrivent à leur période de pleine production en 1914. Les bilans publiés font apparaître de larges dividendes. Cependant certaines difficultés techniques (erreurs culturales) ou de conjoncture (effondrement des cours du caoutchouc) font déjà apparaître la nécessité de reconversions. Au total, ce type de mise en valeur, car on peut parler de mise en valeur à la différence des sociétés concessionnaires, paraît coûteux ; ses aspects les moins rentables ont d'ailleurs été pris en charge par l'État dans son jardin de Victoria. Les résultats obtenus ailleurs par l'agriculture indigène (Gold Coast) et le choix économique des années 1910, expliquent le recul relatif de l'agriculture capitaliste au Cameroun.
Comment reconstituer la société batéké de la fin du XIXe siècle
Authors: Vansina Jan
Published: December 2013

Le mode de vie des Tio (Batéké orientaux) vers la fin du xixe siècle peut être décrit grâce à un ensemble de sources écrites et orales. Parmi les premières une attention particulière fut portée aux vocabulaires d'époque qui ont conservé le souvenir de mainte observation négligée dans les rapports, lettres, mémoires, récits de voyages. Les documents oraux complètent très heureusement les écrits pourvu que l'on puisse reconstituer une chronologie assez exacte datant les événements ou les descriptions du passé donnés par les informateurs. Cela s'est avéré possible. Il s'est avéré aussi que l'échantillonage pour trouver les informateurs les plus qualifiés a présupposé une étude sérieuse des structures sociales actuelle. La combinaison des sources permet de décrire cette société de 1880 à 1892 avec une précision suffisante pour l'application des techniques analytiques de l'anthropologie sociale aux faits recouverts.
Angevins de modeste condition établis à Saint-Domingue (Correspondance Labry, 1752-1778)
Authors: Frostin Charles
Published: December 2013

Au XVIIIe siècle, l'Anjou entretenait des liens étroits avec la « partie française de Saint-Domingue ». La noblesse et la haute bourgeoisie angevines y investissaient volontiers en « habitations ». A côté de ces riches propriétaires, souvent absentéistes, il y avait aussi de nombreux Angevins de modeste condition vivant dans la colonie. Leurs lettres, aux humbles préoccupations, sont du plus haut intérêt. C'est le cas de la correspondance Labry, échelonnée entre 1752 et 1778 (Arch. départ, de Maine-et-Loire, E 2973 à 2975). Des quatre fils de la veuve Labry, teinturière à Angers, l'aîné, Auguste, resta dans cette ville pour exercer le métier de feudiste ; les trois autres, Christophe, Pierre et Jean-Thomas, partirent en Amérique. Christophe Labry s'établit, en 1754, comme chirurgien, aux Cayes, port du Sud de Saint-Domingue. En 1766, il mourait, laissant sa veuve dans l'embarras ; mais, quelques années plus tard, celle-ci, prénommée Marie Madeleine, se remariait à un riche des Cayes, du nom de Legendre. Pierre Labry, tour à tour commis à bord d'un navire, économe sur une plantation et patron d'une petite barque, mourait, en 1769, misérable et couvert de dettes. Jean- Thomas Labry, plus avisé, sut, après avoir tenu un petit commerce aux Cayes, assurer son avenir en épousant une veuve riche et âgée. De l'union de Christophe et de Marie Madeleine était née, en 1758, une fille, Marie, qui, vers 1764, fut envoyée à Angers, chez son oncle Auguste, pour y faire son éducation. En 1774, sa mère, remariée au boulanger Legendre, la faisait revenir à Saint-Domingue. La correspondance Labry se compose principalement des lettres de Christophe, de sa veuve Marie Madeleine et de leur fille Marie. Les multiples moyens employés pour réussir dans la colonie, l'envoi des enfants en métropole pour leur éducation, l'ampleur des dettes coloniales, la vie d'un riche boulanger à Saint-Domingue, sont parmi les sujets les plus fréquemment évoqués dans cette correspondance.
Les voyageurs français et les relations entre la France et l'Abyssinie de 1835 à 1870 (suite et fin)
Authors: Malecot Georges
Published: December 2013

Though Ethiopia was known since ancient times, her contacts with the outside world had not been regular. It is only from 1830 onwards that relations with Europe increased.
Gabriel Hanotaux. Le personnage et ses idées sur l'expansion coloniale
Authors: Grupp Peter
Published: December 2013

A l'origine de l'engagement colonial de Gabriel Hanotaux on trouve un élément irrationnel. Comme réaction à la défaite de 1870 il souhaite un relèvement de la France. Au contact de Ferry et de Brazza, il s'intéresse aux questions coloniales. Là il voit un terrain où la vitalité française peut se manifester. Son expérience au Quai d'Orsay et ses études sur Richelieu l'amènent à l'idée de l'équilibre politique et cela renforce ses opinions sur la nécessité d'une politique d'expansion. A ces trois arguments s'ajoute l'idée d'un nationalisme humanitaire. La France, plus civilisée que les autres pays, a la mission et le devoir de leur apporter sa civilisation. Sous ce point de vue, les colonies ne sont plus comme au début un moyen mais une fin en soi. La France colonise pour le salut des colonies. De cette idée, au départ aussi irrationnelle que les autres, Hanotaux essayera au cours des années de faire une théorie cohérente et rationnelle, basée sur des preuves historiques. Son objectif essentiel est toujours une assimilation complète des colonies ; comme moyen pour y parvenir il préconise le régime du protectorat. Son attitude générale peut être caractérisée comme patriarcale et son originalité réside dans le fait d'avoir récusé, à l'encontre de la grande majorité de ses contemporains, toute argumentation économique pour justifier l'expansion coloniale.
Le commerce des armes à Djibouti de 1888 à 1914
Authors: Picquart Agnès
Published: December 2013

Destinées aux Bédouins traditionnellement armés, tant en Afrique qu'en Arabie, surtout quand s'ajoutait à cet esprit naturellement et nécessairement belliqueux des rivalités endémiques entre tribus, à la protection des agglomérations de la brousse et de la mer, où règne une insécurité constante, les armes et les munitions transitant par Djibouti entre 1888 (date de la véritable naissance de la ville) et 1914 (année qui marque le renversement de la conjoncture politique générale dans la mer Rouge) servaient également de contrepartie au trafic de chair humaine encore vivace en ces contrées. L'anarchie non moins endémique, liée à la nature même du gouvernement et de l'organisation politico-économique, qui sévissait en Ethiopie et en Arabie, entrait, elle aussi, pour une large part dans la consommation de matériel de guerre réalisée en ces contrées, et ouvrait la porte à l'impérialisme européen. Celui-ci s'effectuait ensuite soit par la conquête militaire, soit par la corruption des chefs indigènes au moyen d'armes, et il se doublait d'une nécessaire pacification parfois difficile. Déclassées, le plus souvent, remaniées à Liège, mais n'excluant pas toutefois un matériel neuf et récent, les armes provenaient essentiellement de France et, dans une moindre mesure, de Belgique, d'Allemagne, d'Angleterre, voire même parfois d'Extrême-Orient. Elles étaient mises en vente sur place par des chefs militaires, des diplomates, des commerçants officiels et déclarés, autant que par des contrebandiers ou des particuliers, selon des normes législatives fondées principalement sur la convention de Bruxelles de 1890 et les différents traités qui régissaient les relations économiques des puis sances européennes avec l'Arabie et l'Éthiopie, la côte Somalie étant acquise totalement aux premières par voie de protectorat ou de colonisation. Dans son aspect évolutif et dynamique, le commerce des armes à Djibouti subit un accroissement continu, entrecoupé certes de légères régressions, marqué par un toile général, lancé par l'ensemble des nations concernées par le phénomène. De là une série de dispositions visant à entraver sa pour éviter des conséquences regrettables. Révisions des traités internationaux, arrêts de transit provisoires, actions de police maritime, arrêtés, concertations, démarches diplomatiques : les chiffres accusent implacablement sinon une progression du mal, du moins l'impossibilité d'un retour en arrière. Outre l'inefficacité foncière de certaines lois, au double point de vue législatif et pratique, toutes ces mesures n'étaient en fait qu'un rideau mouvant de jeux diplomatiques masquant des intérêts puissants : d'une part l'impérialisme européen, d'autre part les impératifs économiques (marchés pour l'industrie d'armement) : le fondement de la prospérité de Djibouti en constitue le meilleur des exemples. A noter enfin l'importance quantitative et l'extension géographique de la diffusion du matériel issu de Djibouti, et la rationalisation de sa commercialisation traits spécifiques de la période considérée.