bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consolidation Patterns of Human Motor Memory
Authors: Criscimagna-Hemminger Sarah E. , Shadmehr Reza
Published: September 2008

Can memories be unlearned, or is unlearning a form of acquiring a new memory that competes with the old, effectively masking it? We considered motor memories that were acquired when people learned to use a novel tool. We trained people to reach with tool A and quantified recall in error-clamp trials, i.e., trials in which the memory was reactivated but error-dependent learning was minimized. We measured both the magnitude of the memory and its resistance to change. With passage of time between acquisition and reactivation (up to 24 h), memory of A slowly declined, but with reactivation remained resistant to change. After learning of tool A, brief exposure to tool B brought performance back to baseline, i.e., apparent extinction. Yet, for up to a few minutes after A+B training, output in error-clamp trials increased from baseline to match those who had trained only in A. This spontaneous recovery and convergence demonstrated that B did not produce any unlearning of A. Rather, it masked A with a new memory that was very fragile. We tracked the memory of B as a function of time and found that within minutes it was transformed from a fragile to a more stable state. Therefore, a sudden performance error in a well-learned motor task does not produce unlearning, but rather installs a competing but fragile memory that with passage of time acquires stability. Learning not only engages processes that adapt at multiple timescales, but once practice ends, the fast states are partially transformed into slower states.
Mitochondria Modulate Ca2+-Dependent Glutamate Release from Rat Cortical Astrocytes
Authors: Reyes Reno C. , Parpura Vladimir
Published: September 2008

Vesicular glutamate release from astrocytes depends on mobilization of free Ca2+from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), and extracellular space to elevate cytosolic Ca2+(Ca2+cyt). Although mitochondria in neurons, and other secretory cells, have been shown to sequester free Ca2+and have been implicated in the modulation of Ca2+-dependent transmitter release, the role of mitochondria in Ca2+-dependent glutamate release from astrocytes is not known. A pharmacological approach was taken to manipulate Ca2+accumulation in mitochondria and thereby affect Ca2+cytof solitary astrocytes in response to mechanical stimuli. Ca2+cytresponses and levels of glutamate release were measured optically in parallel experiments using a fluorescent Ca2+indicator and an enzyme-linked assay, respectively. It was observed that inhibiting mitochondrial Ca2+accumulation is correlated to increased Ca2+cytand glutamate release, whereas enhancing mitochondrial Ca2+accumulation is correlated to decreased Ca2+cytand glutamate release. These observations suggest that, in addition to the activity of ER and plasma membrane ion channels, mitochondria modulate Ca2+cytdynamics in astrocytes and play a role in Ca2+-dependent glutamate release from astrocytes.
On the dimension of the space of integrals for finite dimensional bialgebras
Authors: Dăscălescu Sorin
Published: September 2008

Starting from periodic monoids, we construct a family of finite dimensional bialgebras. We show that any such bialgebra has zero space of left integrals, while the dimension of the space of right integrals is ≧ 2.
A characterization of the centroid of a prime ring
Authors: Benkovič Dominik , Eremita Daniel , Vukman Joso
Published: September 2008

We characterize certain maps by their action on a fixed polynomial in noncommuting variables on algebras satisfying certaind-freeness condition. Consequently, a characterization of the centroid of a prime ring is obtained.
On measurability of algebraic sums of small sets
Authors: Kharazishvili Alexander , Kirtadze Aleks
Published: September 2008

It is shown that, under Martin’s Axiom, the algebraic sum of two universal measure zero subsets of the real line can be an absolutely nonmeasurable set. Some related questions concerning measurability of algebraic sums of small sets are also discussed.
The record and its label
Authors: Osborne Richard
Published: September 2008

The paper record label, invented by Eldridge Johnson in the early 1900s, affected the fortunes and status of the analogue disc. On the one hand, it transformed it into a marketable product. On the other, using Walter Benjamin’s term, it helped to restore ‘aura’ to this mass-produced good. The clearest outcome of labelling lies in the fact that the term ‘record label’ soon became a synonym for ‘record company’. The label helped to brand both record and company but in so doing it altered the nature of their relationship. This article traces the manufacturing company’s domination over all other contributors listed on the paper label. It also outlines the consequences and compromises that have resulted from making such bold claims over the contents of the disc. Beyond its merely informative tasks, the record label was first used to develop associations between the manufacturing company and its recorded output, a process that soon grew complicated. Later it was employed to highlight the difference between classical and popular music. It was then used to create further sub-divisions, such as those which arose in the US market between ‘popular’, ‘race’, and ‘hillbilly’ musics. Such divisions were crucial in fostering the practice of record collecting. The generic label was an essential guide to, and indicator of, the record collector’s hobby. Nevertheless, collectors soon went further than record companies had planned. In order to establish the authenticity of their discs, record collectors explored each aspect and alteration of the record label. A practice that helped to individualize each duplicated disc.
Untreated Patients in “CT Screening for Lung Cancer: Update 2007”
Authors: Bach Peter B.
Published: September 2008

The author expresses concerns regarding possible errors in a recent article published in The Oncologist by the International Early Lung Cancer Action Project group.
Aromatic Plant Oils as Fungicide for Organic Corn Production
Authors: Christian Erik J. , Goggi A. Susana
Published: September 2008

The planting date for organic corn (Zea mays L.) is delayed in the spring to avoid cold and wet soils. Conventional farmers can use fungicide seed treatments to protect the emerging seedlings, but few organic fungicides are available. The objective of this research was to determine whether essential oils can be used as a contact fungicide seed treatment for organic corn. The essential oils of 18 plants were screened for their fungicidal properties against three common corn pathogens: Penicillium, Fusarium, and Pythium Five oils—cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume), clove (Eugenia caryophyllata Thunb.), oregano (Origanum minutiflorum O. Schwarz and P.H. Davis), savory (Satureja montana L.), and thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.)—completely controlled all three pathogens in vitro. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) for all pathogens was 800 μL L−1 and seedlings presented no phytotoxicity symptoms in the germination test at rates up to 64 μL kg−1 active ingredient (MIC × 20). Field emergence of inbred and hybrid seeds treated with the essential oils were significantly lower than seeds treated with the commercial fungicides Maxim XL {fludioxonil [4‐(2,2‐difluoro‐1,3‐benzodioxol‐4‐yl)‐1H‐pyrrole‐3‐carbonitrile] 21.4%; mefenoxam [(R)‐2‐[(2,6‐dimethylphenyl) methoxyacetylamino] propionic acid methyl ester] 8.4%}, which is a conventional fungicide; and Natural 2 (proprietary ingredients), which is an organic fungicide, but were not different from the organic fungicide Yield Shield (Bacillus pumilus GB34 0.28%) or an untreated control.
Divergent Recurrent Selection for Vegetative Phase Change and Effects on Agronomic Traits and Corn Borer Resistance
Authors: Riedeman E. S. , Chandler M. A. , Tracy W. F.
Published: September 2008

Vegetative phase change, or the transition from juvenile vegetative to adult vegetative tissues, is essential to the lifecycle of higher plants. In maize (Zea mays L.), juvenile and adult vegetative tissues have distinctly different traits that may confer differing amounts of resistance to disease and insect infestations. Vegetative phase change has been linked to resistance to insects and common rust (Puccinia sorghi Schwein.). Seven cycles of divergent recurrent selection for early and late phase change were evaluated to determine effects of selection on phase change, insect resistance, and agronomic traits. Last leaf with juvenile wax, a trait indicative of the timing of phase change, was the selected trait. Divergent recurrent selection was effective in creating populations that underwent vegetative phase change at distinctly different developmental stages. Last leaf with juvenile wax moved from leaf 8.70 in the original population to leaf 14.48 in the late direction and 6.04 in the early direction. First leaf with adult wax moved from leaf 6.36 in the original population to leaf 8.15 in the late direction and 5.28 in the early direction. Several agronomic traits were also significantly altered by selection including plant and ear height, leaf number, kernel row count, and days to silking. C7Late plants averaged four more leaves and were taller and later flowering than C7Early plants. European corn borer (Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner) feeding damage on the second leaf above the ear was significantly greater in the late phase change direction, and significantly correlated with last leaf with juvenile wax. Most ear traits and European corn borer stalk damage resistance were not altered in a consistent way by selection.
Testing for Variation in Animal Preference for Jesup Tall Fescue Hays with Wild‐Type, Novel, or No Fungal Endophyte
Authors: Fisher D. S. , Burns J. C.
Published: September 2008

Tall fescue [Schedonorus phoenix (Scop.) Holub.] is an important source of forage but often contains a fungal endophyte [Neotyphodium coenophialum (Morgan‐Jones and Gams) Glenn, Bacon, and Hanlin] that can produce alkaloids and decrease animal performance. Removing the endophyte can reduce agronomic performance and persistence. An improved cultivar (‘Jesup’) with a novel (nontoxic) endophyte (trademark “MaxQ”) has improved agronomic performance. Persistence may be related to agronomic traits and animal feeding preferences. We tested for variation in animal preference among two harvests by testing each of three hays made from Jesup tall fescue that varied in endophyte status (no endophyte, containing the novel endophyte, or containing a wild‐type endophyte that produces alkaloids associated with toxicosis). We tested for preference using goats (Capra hircus), sheep (Ovis aries), and cattle (Bos taurus). All possible pairs were tested using traditional analysis of variance as well as multidimensional scaling. Multidimensional scaling of the animal preferences indicated that two dimensions were being used to rank the hays. The first dimension for all three animal species was related to variation in forage nutritive value. The second dimension was not correlated with any of the measured variables. Endophyte status was not a factor in the preferences expressed by the three animal species. It appears that no effective feedback mechanism exists related to endophyte status.
Variation and Heritability Estimates of Common Carpetgrass
Authors: Greene Nicholas V. , Kenworthy Kevin E. , Quesenberry Kenneth H. , Unruh J. Bryan , Sartain Jerry B.
Published: September 2008

Carpetgrass (Axonopus fissifolius Raddi) is a warm‐season perennial grass species that may warrant improvement for use as a turfgrass in the southeastern United States and lower latitudes. Limited information is available regarding the types and amounts of variation that exists for this species. Research objectives were to collect germplasm, to determine the variation for morphological and turfgrass performance characteristics, and to estimate heritability. Germplasm was derived from commercial seed and collection trips. Experiments were performed in both greenhouse and field conditions. The greenhouse study evaluated morphological traits, and the field study evaluated turfgrass performance characteristics. Differences in means were found to exist between genotypes for most traits. Heritability estimates were low to high, indicating the potential to alter stolon diameter, internode length, leaf length and width, spike number per inflorescence, inflorescence density, establishment, genetic color, density, and turf quality through conventional breeding. Differences in means and variances were found to exist between the two germplasm sources (seed‐derived and collected) for some traits. For morphological traits, the seed‐derived material exhibited greater variation than collected material. However, for turfgrass performance, traits of the collected genotypes were more variable than seed‐derived plants.
Genetic Analysis of an Induced Mutation Conferring Imidazolinone Resistance in Sunflower
Authors: Sala C. A. , Bulos M. , Echarte A. M.
Published: September 2008

Weeds negatively impact sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) yields and to date few mutants conferring herbicide tolerance have been developed. Our objectives were to identify, characterize, and determine the inheritance of herbicide resistance in a new imidazolinone‐resistant mutation‐derived sunflower line. This line was obtained through ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis of seeds and selection with imazapyr herbicide {2‐[(RS)‐4‐isopropyl‐4‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl]nicotinic acid} from an M2 population of nearly 600,000 plants. An M2:4 line homozygous for the trait was selected for genetic studies and was designated as CLHA‐PLUS. This mutant line possesses higher levels of tolerance to imazapyr and imazamox {2‐[(RS)‐4‐isopropyl‐4‐methyl‐5‐oxo‐2‐imidazolin‐2‐yl]‐5‐methoxymethylnicotinic acid} than that observed in sunflower lines carrying the already described gene Imr1 which traced back to wild populations. On the basis of analysis of F1, F2, and BC1F1 populations, it was concluded that resistance in CLHA‐PLUS is inherited as a single, partially dominant nuclear gene. An allelism test performed with two different herbicide application rates and a cosegregation test of resistance to a perfect simple sequence repeat marker for the AHASL1 gene of sunflower permitted us to conclude that the mutation present in CLHA‐PLUS is different from Imr1 and that both of them are allelic variants of the locus AHASL1
S1 Family Selection in Early‐Maturing Maize Populations in Striga‐Infested and Striga‐Free Environments
Authors: Badu‐Apraku B. , Fakorede M. A. B. , Lum A. Fontem
Published: September 2008

Striga and drought are major constraints to maize (Zea mays L.) production in the savannas of west and central Africa (WCA). A study was conducted in 2005 and 2006 in Nigeria to determine the level of resistance to Striga hermonthica for two early‐maturing maize populations, one white and one yellow, and to assess the progress made in improving each for grain yield and level of resistance after four cycles of S1 recurrent selection. Percentage yield gain per cycle of the yellow population when Striga infested was 13% with r2 = 82% and 5% with r2 = 97% in a Striga‐free environment. Corresponding values for the white population were 15% with r2 = 40% and 1% with r2 = 9% for the two Striga environments. For the two populations, therefore, realized gain in grain yield was higher under Striga‐infested than Striga‐free conditions. Yield gains in the advanced cycles of selection were accompanied by increased number of ears per plant in both populations. Striga damage at 10 wk after planting (WAP) and Striga emergence at 8 WAP decreased by about 5 and 4% cycle−1, respectively in the yellow population. For the white population, Striga damage decreased also by about 5 and 4% per cycle−1 at 8 and 10 WAP, respectively, while Striga emergence decreased by about 5% cycle−1 at 8 WAP. In conclusion, S1 recurrent selection was effective in improving grain yield and Striga resistance in the two early maize populations.
Conserving Alfalfa Wild Relatives: Is Past Introgression with Russian Varieties Evident Today?
Authors: Greene Stephanie L. , Kisha Theodore J. , Dzyubenko Nikolai I.
Published: September 2008

Central Asia, particularly Kazakhstan, supports a rich concentration of wild alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) relatives. Because tetraploid wild alfalfa freely crosses with domesticated alfalfa, they are important genetic resources. When identifying in situ populations to conserve, contamination of wild populations with domesticated alleles is an important consideration. We evaluated population structure and introgression between six wild populations of M. sativa nothossp. varia collected in northwestern Kazakhstan and five traditional Russian cultivars historically grown in the same region using two amplified fragment length polymorphism primer pairs and six simple sequence repeat loci. We found no difference between the Russian cultivars and wild populations for number of alleles or percentage polymorphic loci; however, gene diversity was less in the wild than in the cultivated populations. Cluster analysis and principle component analysis showed clear separation between wild and cultivated populations. Genetic differentiation among the cultivars was less than among the wild populations. Using a Bayesian approach, we found limited evidence of admixture among the wild and cultivated forms, although more admixture was evident in wild populations collected in less‐remote areas. On the basis of marker data, we concluded that three of the six wild populations stood out as candidates for in situ conservation given their uniqueness and lack of admixture with cultivated forms.
Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis of Endosperm Color and Carotenoid Content in Sorghum Grain
Authors: Fernandez Maria G. Salas , Hamblin Martha T. , Li Li , Rooney William L. , Tuinstra Mitchell R. , Kresovich Stephen
Published: September 2008

Vitamin A deficiency affects approximately 250 million people in semiarid regions of Africa and Asia, where sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench) is a major staple crop. Yellow endosperm sorghums contain carotenoids, some of which can be transformed by humans into vitamin A. Our objective was to study the genetic basis of variation in carotenoid levels in sorghum endosperm by mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with carotenoid content and endosperm color, as a putative predictor of carotenoid concentration. A recombinant inbred line population developed from a yellow (‘KS115’) by a white endosperm (‘Macia’) parental cross was evaluated in two locations in 2005. A genetic map was generated using 112 molecular markers including nine carotenoid candidate genes. Lutein, zeaxanthin, and β‐carotene were the major carotenoids identified. Several QTL were detected for each compound as well as for color and total carotenoids. Color was significantly correlated with the levels of all compounds, and color QTL co‐localized with carotenoid QTL. For β‐carotene (provitamin A), five QTL were localized on chromosomes 1, 2, and 10. One of them, on chromosome 2, was stable across both environments, had positive additive effects (1.179 and 1.379), explained large proportions of the phenotypic variance (11.6% and 15.15%), and was associated with a new phytoene synthase gene (Psy3). This first report of QTL for carotenoid content in sorghum grain provides a starting point for breeding high‐provitamin A sorghums.
The Identification and Mapping of a Tiller Angle QTL on Rice Chromosome 9
Authors: Chen Ping , Jiang Ling , Yu Chuanyuan , Zhang Wenwei , Wang Jiankang , Wan Jianmin
Published: September 2008

Tiller angle is an important component of plant architecture in rice even though little is known of its mode of inheritance. A quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis based on a set of recombinant inbred lines extracted from an indica × japonica cross identified a major effect locus (designated qTA‐9a) on chromosome 9, which was expressed in two independent environments. The qTA‐9a allele derived from the indica parent IR24 increased tiller angle. This QTL was validated in a set of chromosome segment substitution lines involving the same two parental lines. A high resolution genetic map was constructed from a large secondary F2 population and anchored to the genomic sequence of rice. The QTL was narrowed to a 65‐kb physical region, inclusive of eight putative genes. We have provided the basis for positional cloning of qTA‐9a and have developed markers for a major tiller angle QTL.
Leaf Gas Exchange Activity in Soybean as Related to Leaf Traits and Stem Growth Habit
Authors: Tanaka Y. , Shiraiwa T. , Nakajima A. , Sato J. , Nakazaki T.
Published: September 2008

Understanding the relationships between leaf photosynthetic activity and physiological and morphological traits of soybeans [Glycine max. (L.) Merr.] with different stem growth habits could be exploited for yield improvement. Leaf photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), leaf mass per unit area (LMA), and leaf nitrogen content per unit area (LNC) were measured for field‐grown progeny of a cross between an indeterminate type, ‘Stressland’, and a determinate type, ‘Tachinagaha’, soybean. The Pn of the uppermost fully expanded leaves of Stressland was 19% greater than Tachinagaha during the first 20 d after seed filling (growth stage R5) in 2005. Among 18 F3 lines, Pn at 14 d after R5 in 2005 varied from 22.1 to 34.2 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 and was more strongly and significantly correlated with gs (P < 0.01) than with LMA (P < 0.05) and LNC (P = 0.11). In 2006, Pn of eight selected F4 genotypes and the parents varied from 27.9 to 35.0 μmol CO2 m−2 s−1 Leaf gas exchange activity of the selected lines was represented by two attributes; the maximum of gs (gmax), and functional leaf lifespan (LL). Values of gmax were positively correlated with stomatal density (r = 0.91, P < 0.01), and LL was positively correlated with LMA (r = 0.89, P < 0.01). Some indeterminate types had very high gmax but exhibited shorter LL. Genetic improvement of maximum leaf photosynthesis appears possible by increasing stomatal density, and the Dt1 locus for stem habit has a positive effect on soybean leaf photosynthesis, both in its maximum and duration.
Second‐Generation Bt Cotton Field Trials in Burkina Faso: Analyzing the Potential Benefits to West African Farmers
Authors: Vitale Jeffrey , Glick Harvey , Greenplate John , Abdennadher Mourad , Traoré Oula
Published: September 2008

Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L) genetically modified to express protein(s) derived from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), and specifically toxic to caterpillar (Lepidoptera) pests, has been sold commercially since 1996. On the continent of Africa, only South Africa has approved the commercial use of Bt cotton. Recently, over three field seasons (2003–2005), second‐generation Bt cotton (Bollgard II, Monsanto Co., St. Louis, MO) was tested in confined field trials in the west African country of Burkina Faso. Observations of pest density, seed cotton yields, and the cost of insecticide sprays were evaluated in an economic model under a wide range of theoretical Bt technology cost premiums to determine the potential relative profitability of Bt cotton and conventional cotton. Results averaged over three seasons indicate a Bollgard II yield advantage of 15% under conditions of low to moderate lepidopteran pest pressure, while insecticide sprays were reduced by two‐thirds in the Bt cotton plots. According to the economic model, Bollgard II remained profitable to the grower throughout the range of theoretical technology premiums evaluated ($0–75 per hectare) and was represented by economic gains of $79 to 154 per hectare. Due mainly to the relatively low pest densities encountered at these research sites, the authors suggest that the model results presented may, in fact, underestimate the profitability of Bt cotton in Burkina Faso.
Identifying Winter Forage Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) Strains for the Central Great Plains
Authors: Lekgari Lekgari A. , Baenziger P. Stephen , Vogel Kenneth P. , Baltensperger David D.
Published: September 2008

Triticale (×Triticosecale Wittmack) is mainly used as a forage crop in the central Great Plains. A successful triticale cultivar should have high forage yield with good quality, and also high grain yield so the seed can be economically produced. The purpose of this study was to evaluate existing triticale cultivars and experimental strains for their relative value in the central Great Plains as an annual hay crop primarily for feeding to beef cattle. Two experiments (one for forage yield and one for grain yield) were planted at two locations (one representing the arid Great Plains and the second representing the or higher rainfall central Great Plains) for 2 yr. Twenty‐nine triticale cultivars and strains were evaluated for forage yield and quality, and grain yield. In both experiments, year effects were significant (P < 0.05) for all traits except grain yield; location effects were significant for forage yield, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber. There was no location × strain or year × location × strain interaction for all the quality traits indicating that triticale forage quality was stable across environments. Triticale strains differed significantly for forage yield, grain yield, NDF, acid detergent lignin, and relative feed value. However, forage of all strains had good feed quality. Three strains had high grain and forage yield, and very good relative feed value suggesting that triticale improvement for both grain and forage traits is possible.
Cotyledons in Upland Cotton: How Important Are They?
Authors: Verhalen Laval M. , Bayles Melanie B. , Greenhagen Bruce E.
Published: September 2008

Seedlings of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) are vulnerable to the partial or complete loss of their cotyledons due to an array of biotic and abiotic causes. These experiments were conducted in the field over a 4‐yr period to determine the effects of such losses in the early vegetative cotyledon growth stage on lint yield, selected lint yield components, and fiber traits. Loss of half a cotyledon apparently stimulated the cotton plant to overcompensate for lint yield by 4 to 6%. Overcompensation was not detected for the lint yield components or fiber traits. The plant compensated for the loss of up to one cotyledon in all traits except fiber strength in one year. Loss of one and one‐half cotyledons reduced lint yield (11–33%), picked lint percentage (up to 2.1%), pulled lint percentage (0.4%), micronaire (up to 0.2 units), and fiber elongation (up to 0.3%). Loss of both cotyledons reduced lint yield (81–100%), picked lint percentage (up to 4.6%), pulled lint percentage (4.7%), boll size (0.85 g boll−1), micronaire (up to 1.6 units), and fiber elongation (up to 1.4%). Fiber length and length uniformity were not affected at any level of cotyledon removal. Fiber strength exhibited significant differences among treatments in one experiment, but no trend. The elimination of both cotyledons when the first true leaf was about the size of a dime was considerably less harmful to the plant than when done earlier in the season.
SSR and AFLP Markers Reveal Low Genetic Diversity in the Biofuel Plant Jatropha curcas in China
Authors: Sun Qi‐Bao , Li Lin‐Feng , Li Yong , Wu Guo‐Jiang , Ge Xue‐Jun
Published: September 2008

Globally, Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) holds much promise for producing biodiesel; it is cultivated in many tropical countries. In the South China Botanical Garden, a germplasm collection of J. curcas has been assembled on the basis of geographic location. However, this collection has not been characterized using molecular techniques associated with germplasm management and utilization. In this study, the genetic relationships of 58 J. curcas accessions were assessed based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) analyses. Seventeen microsatellite markers were developed using the FIASCO (Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing repeats) protocol; only one SSR primer was polymorphic with two alleles. The seven AFLP primer combinations amplified 70 polymorphic loci in total, 14.3% of which were polymorphic. The clustering of genotypes based on the AFLP markers shows that the genetic diversity of J. curcas in Guizhou was notably different from the other samples.
Molecular Markers and Selection for Complex Traits in Plants: Learning from the Last 20 Years
Authors: Bernardo Rex
Published: September 2008

In the mid‐1980s, the development of abundant molecular markers, appropriate statistical procedures, and user‐friendly computer software that implemented these statistical procedures permitted the detection of molecular markers associated with quantitative trait loci (QTL) for complex traits. Marker‐assisted selection was then proposed as a means of exploiting markers linked to QTL to develop improved cultivars. But while thousands of marker‐trait associations have been reported for many traits in different plant species, far fewer examples of successfully exploiting mapped QTL have been reported in the literature. Key lessons learned from applying markers in plant breeding include the following: (i) the purpose of detecting QTL should be clearly defined before embarking on QTL mapping; (ii) procedures for marker‐based selection depend on the number of QTL; (iii) estimates of QTL effects for complex traits are often inconsistent; and (iv) gain per unit cost and time rather than gain per cycle should be considered. Future applications for complex traits will likely focus on predictive methodologies for marker‐based selection before phenotyping and for marker‐based selection without QTL mapping. These applications will take advantage of cheaper costs of genotyping than of phenotyping.
The Effect of Iron on Gluconic Acid Production by Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Anastassiadis Savas , Kamzolova Svetlana V. , Morgunov Igor G. , Rehm Hans-Jürgen
Published: September 2008

New processes have been previously described for the continuous and discontinuous production of gluconic
acid by Aureobasidium pullulans (de bary) Arnaud. Little is known about the regulatory mechanisms of gluconic acid
production by A. pullulans. The response of growth and gluconic acid metabolism to a variable profile of iron concentrations
was studied with A. pullulans in batch and chemostat cultures. A surprisingly high optimum N-dependent iron ion
concentration in the feed medium, in the range between 0.5 mM and 3.0 mM Fe (optimum 1-2 mM), was found to be particular
requirement for economically profitable continuous production of gluconic acid with 3 g/l NH4Cl. Increased iron
concentration promoted growth on defined glucose medium. 223.3 g/l gluconic acid were continuously produced at a formation
rate of the generic product (Rj) of 16.8 g/(l*h) and a specific gluconic acid productivity (mp) of 2.5 g/(g*h) at 13 h
residence time (RT) with 1mM iron, compared with 182 g/l reached at 0.1 mM. The product selectivity (product yield
based on glucose) increased continuously by raising iron concentration following a saturation curve, reaching a maximum
of about 98% (mol/mol) at 2 mM Fe and 76.2% conversion, compared with only 84.3% determined at 0.1 mM. The process
is not obligatory growth limiting or growth related and residual nitrogen was found in all of continuous experiments,
e.g. 197 mg/l of nitrogen at 0.1 mM and 201 mg/l at 2 mM of iron.
Characterization of a High Efficiency Pilot Plant Wet Scrubber with Internals for Fly Ash Removal
Authors: Biswas A. , Rajmohan B. , Mohanty C.R. , Meikap B.C.
Published: September 2008

Removal of fly ash using wet scrubbers is widely used in the small and medium scale industries. Among the
wet scrubbing methods, spray column falls into the simplest type category for its simple construction and various advantages.
A novel pilot plant wet scrubber has been conceived, designed and fabricated. This paper distinctly focuses on the
detailed design and fabrication of the ejector, which has been used to prepare fly ash-air mixture in the laboratory. A detail
experimental investigation has been carried out to characterize the system. Studies indicate very encouraging result.
The size analysis of the fly ash sample along with efficiency of fly ash removal in the wet scrubber has critically been examined.
It has been found that the present system yielded mentionable high efficiency for the scrubbing of fly ash. In most
of the cases, the efficiency lies between 70.% and 90.%. The maximum efficiency obtained is above 90 %.
The Foundation of Toxicology’s Dose x Time = Constant Paradigm in Physics
Authors: Rozman Karl K.
Published: September 2008

The relationship dose x time = constant [mg · hr] has been reported in many toxicological experiments during
the past 100 years. It was handled as a curiosity until Rozman and Doull pointed out that it can be found in every experiment
that is conducted under equilibrium conditions which is called steady state in pharmacology and toxicology. This
manuscript suggests that this relationship is consistent with the most basic laws of physics.
Proteolytic Activities of Oral Bacteria on ProMMP-9 and the Effect of Synthetic Proteinase Inhibitors
Authors: Jie Bao Guang , Kari Kirsti , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo , Meurman Jukka H.
Published: September 2008

Tissue reactions to bacteria lead to proinflammatory reactions involving matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). Synthetic protease inhibitors may offer new possibilities to regulate bacterial proteases. We investigated proteolytic activities of certain periodontal bacteria, their effects on the latent proMMP-9, and the effects of synthetic MMP inhibitors and a serine protease inhibitor Pefabloc. The strains studied werePorphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia, Peptostreptoccus micros, Prevotella nigrescens, Fusobacterium nucleatum,and5 Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitansserotypes. Their gelatinolytic activities and the effects of certain synthetic MMP inhibitors and Pefabloc were analyzed by zymography. Bacterial effects on proMMP-9 conversion were investigated by Western immunoblot. All investigated periodontal bacteria produced gelatinolytic cell-bound and extracellular proteinases which could fragment latent proMMP-9, suggesting co-operative processing cascades in oral tissue remodeling. A. actinomycetemcomitans produced the weakest gelatinolytic activity. Synthetic proteinase inhibitors exhibited slight but clear reductive effects on the bacterial proteolytic activities. We conclude that targeted anti-proteolytic treatment modalities against bacterial-host proteolytic cascades can be developed.
Perioperative D-Dimer Levels in Patients with Musculoskeletal Tumors
Authors: Morii Takeshi , Mochizuki Kazuo , Kotera Masazumi , Imakiire Naoaki , Moriwaki Takahiro , Satomi Kazuhiko
Published: September 2008

Background:

D-dimer (DD) levels have been reported as a sensitive but non-specific indicator for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Few reports have examined perioperative DD levels in musculoskeletal tumor.

Materials/Methods:

Subjects comprised 77 patients who had undergone oncological resection of musculoskeletal tumor. DD levels were assessed preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 7. Multidetector-row computed tomography (MD-CT) was performed to detect DVT/PE for cases with DD level >10.0 µg/ml.

Results:

Mean preoperative DD level was 0.84 µg/ml. Significant elevation of postoperative DD levels was confirmed. DD levels were significantly changed by various clinical conditions, such as malignancy, age and prosthetic reconstruction. In 4 of 5 cases with postoperative DD levels >10.0 µg/ml, DVT/PE was detected.

Conclusion:

Activation of the coagulation system by surgery and heterogeneity of DD levels under various clinical conditions in musculoskeletal tumor patients were suggested.
Fatal Fast-Evolution of Nasopharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in an HIV Patient with EBV and HPV (-16 AND -33) in Blood Serum
Authors: Sirera Guillem , Videla Sebastià , Romeu Joan , Cañadas MariPaz , Fernández Maria-Teresa , Balo Susana , Cirauqui Beatriz , Darwich Laila , Rey-Joly Celestino , Clotet Bonaventura
Published: September 2008

Our case illustrates the first report of an HIV-infected patient with a nasopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma with viremia by one Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and seropositivity by two high risk oncogenic human papilloma viruses (HPV)-types (HPV-16 and HPV-33), previous to his death. This patient presented a fatal fast-evolution.
"Contagious Love": A Qualitative Study of the Couple Relationships of Ten AIDS Carriers
Authors: Hadas Doron , Noa Teichner , Adi Grey , Yehudit Goldstein
Published: September 2008

The qualitative study in this article portrays the couple relationship among AIDS carriers, based on Sternberg's triangular love theory (involving domains of intimacy, passion and commitment). The central study hypothesis is that certain components of the Sternberg model will be more significant than others among the AIDS carrier population. The study was conducted on ten AIDS carriers aged 21-37 who had experienced a couple relationship. Six men and four women participated; most of them were in a romantic couple relationship of homosexual orientation.

The interviewees answered a questionnaire that included the three domains-- intimacy, passion and commitment--in the personal interview technique. The interview focused on interviewee's attitude towards his/her relationship with a partner, as he/she understood it. The findings of the study focus on relevant content that was gathered from the interviews and these portray a limited view of couple patterns in the world of AIDS carriers. The study reveals two major findings regarding the carrier's desires: On the one hand, the carrier describes a powerful need for a stable, permanent relationship--from the diagnosis of AIDS and throughout the subsequent years. On the other hand, the carrier also expresses powerful sexual desires that are not necessarily limited to a permanent partner. Thus passion is the dominant among the three domains.

The intimacy domain is mainly affected by disclosure of the disease and the joint coping that follows.

The findings are discussed in the context of the romantic internalized model theory and Sternberg's triangular love theory.
Computational Fluid Dynamics Study on the Decomposition of Ammonia in a Selective Porous Membrane
Authors: Sideridis Athanasios , Koutsonikolas Dimitrios , Missirlis Dimitrios , Topis Savas , Kaldis Sotiris , Skodras George , Sakellaropoulos George
Published: September 2008

The development of alternative technologies for the removal of gas pollutants is an important aspect for the environmental friendliness of energy production. During coal gasification, N2 contained in coal is converted to NH3 and, as much as 50% of the ammonia in the fuel gas can be converted to nitrogen oxides (??x). At these conditions, decomposition seems to be the only applicable solution for the removal of NH3. The application of a high temperature catalytic membrane reactor process appears to offer an efficient and cost effective method of removing the NH3 from coal gasification gas streams.The present work examines the operation of such a selective membrane, used for the decomposition of NH3, under a 2-D axissymetric CFD approach where the flow field, the chemical reactions and the selective porous membrane behavior are being modeled and computed. The main target of this effort was to obtain a more detailed view of the flow field and to investigate the decomposition of ammonia in comparison with a simpler 1-D modeling approach and, thus, to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
On Lithuanian Geopolitical Identity: National Elites and International Intellectual Exchanges
Authors: Trilupaityte Skaidra
Published: September 2008

The article analyzes how the interpretation of 'universal' geopolitical ideas, especially those related to images of US power, depend on national as well as publishing and rhetorical interests. More specifically, by using Lithuanian examples, the historical circumstances of the reception of geopolitical ideas in Central and Eastern European countries are considered. It is suggested that different expectations with regards to certain geopolitical ideas often leads to misunderstanding or unreflective acceptance of new intellectual fashions. One can also reasonably doubt the straight transmission to Lithuania of the division between the intellectual traditions of the right and the left (in the way these traditions are manifested in Western Europe or the US). Nevertheless, accelerated public intellectuals' relations with different contexts created by globalization (access of the Internet, translations, academic journeys, international conferences, seminars) help to escalate these tendencies. In this, the success of post-Soviet cultural elites in establishing their forms of geopolitical identities depends on their ability to critically evaluate those different contexts.
Rules and Accounting: Vagueness in Conceptual Frameworks
Authors: Penno Mark C.
Published: September 2008

SYNOPSIS: Rules are fundamental to financial reporting, tax regulation, and auditing processes, and therefore the limitations of rule-based structures are of primary interest to accountants. All rule systems are plagued by the problem of vagueness, which implies that some very important decisions cannot be objectively described as “right” or “wrong,” and must be based on an authority’s judgment. This problem becomes most acute when accounting faces rapid technological changes, financial engineering, creative tax planning, or changes in the way that business is done. If the environment were static, explicit rules could eventually be developed for each category and consulted when making classifications. In contrast, dynamic environments present new problems characterized by vagueness. In this paper, I will review several definitions of vagueness, and show how they are tied to a conceptual framework. In particular, I will discuss the potential roles of verifiability, relevance, and consistency under any feasible (vague) conceptual accounting framework.
Dentoskeletal and Soft Tissue Effects of Mini-Implants in Class II division 1 Patients
Authors: Upadhyay Madhur , Yadav Sumit , Nagaraj K. , Nanda Ravindra
Published: September 2008

Objective: To examine the skeletal, dental, and soft tissue treatment effects of retraction of maxillary anterior teeth with mini-implant anchorage in nongrowing Class II division 1 female patients.

Materials and Methods: Twenty-three patients (overjet ≥7 mm) were selected on the basis of predefined selection criteria. Treatment mechanics consisted of retraction of anterior teeth by placing mini-implants in the interdental bone between the roots of the maxillary first molar and second premolar. A force of 150 g was applied, bilaterally. Treatment effects were analyzed by taking lateral cephalograms and study casts at T1 (before initiation of retraction) and at T2 (after complete space closure).

Results: The upper anterior teeth showed significant retraction (5.18 ± 2.74 mm) and intrusion (1.32 ± 1.08 mm). The upper first molar also showed some distal movement and intrusion, but this was not significant (P > .05). The upper and lower lips were retracted by 2.41 mm and 2.73 mm, respectively, and the convexity angle reduced by over 2° (P < .001).

Conclusion: Mini-implants provided absolute anchorage to bring about significant dental and soft tissue changes in moderate to severe Class II division 1 patients and can be considered as possible alternatives to orthognathic surgery in select cases. (Angle Orthod. 2009:79; )
Masticatory Function and Maturation of the Jaw-Opening Reflex
Authors: Changsiripun Chidsanu , Yabushita Tadachika , Soma Kunimichi
Published: September 2008

Objective: To test the null hypothesis that alteration in masticatory function due to liquid-diet feeding during growth does not affect jaw-opening reflex (JOR) maturation.

Materials and Methods: Soon after weaning, 70 female Wistar rats were divided into two equal groups and fed either solid (control group) or liquid (experimental group) diets. At 5, 9, and 13 weeks, the rats were anesthetized and the JOR was recorded in the anterior belly of the digastric muscles as evoked by a low-intensity electrical stimulation of the left inferior alveolar nerve.

Results: There were similar tendencies at each recording age. Peak-to-peak amplitude of the JOR was significantly smaller, and the latency was significantly longer in the experimental group, although the duration was not significantly different between the two groups.

Conclusions: These data suggest that long-term masticatory functional change due to liquid-diet feeding during growth may impede the learning for JOR maturation, and thus may affect the masticatory performance in the adult.
Orthognathic Treatment with Autotransplantation of Impacted Maxillary Third Molar
Authors: Kitahara Toru , Nakasima Akihiko , Shiratsuchi Yuji
Published: September 2008

This article presents orthognathic treatment in successful collaboration with autotransplantation of the maxillary third molar. The case report describes a 24-year-old man with severe mandibular protrusion and severe crowding in both dentitions. Overbite was 0 mm, overjet, −15 mm. Maxillary second molars and mandibular third molars were extracted, and presurgical multibracket treatment was begun. Maxillary third molars were impacted completely at 18 months in terms of presurgical tooth alignment. Autotransplantation of the teeth was achieved to substitute for extracted maxillary second molars. At 6 months after autotransplantation, the maxilla was advanced 4 mm on both sides through a Le Fort I procedure; left and right sides of the mandible were set back 15 and 18 mm, respectively, via sagittal split ramus osteotomy to improve mandibular protrusion. The total treatment period lasted 37 months. Autotransplantation treatment is an effective modality for tooth replacement when a donor tooth is available. Fully impacted maxillary third molars are potentially reliable candidates for autotransplantation.
Lip Morphological Changes in Orthodontic Treatment
Authors: Islam Rafiqul , Kitahara Toru , Naher Lutfun , Hara Atsushi , Nakasima Akihiko
Published: September 2008

Objective: To evaluate the morphological changes in the lips and to determine the degree of improvement in the smile after orthodontic treatment for Class II division 1 malocclusion.

Materials and Methods: The sample subjects were divided into two groups: a group that consisted of 20 adult female patients with Angle Class II division 1 malocclusion and a control group that consisted of 28 adult female volunteers with normal occlusion. Frontal photographs were taken before and after orthodontic treatment, and 35 landmarks were placed on each tracing made from the photograph. Thereafter, landmarks were digitized into an x- and y-coordinate system with the subnasal point as the origin. The comparisons between pretreatment and posttreatment at rest and on smiling, and the comparisons between Class II division 1 and control group were made using Student's t-test.

Results: Both the upper and lower lips in the smile of patients in the Class II division 1 pretreatment group were positioned downward, and the upward movement of the upper lip and mouth corners was smaller in comparison with the control group. These characteristics of the Class II smile improved after orthodontic treatment, but the differences with the control group remained unchanged immediately after treatment.

Conclusion: The soft tissue morphology shows a relative improvement after orthodontic treatment.