bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Angiogenesis and Reduced Contraction in Thrombospondin-2–null Wounds Is Associated With Increased Levels of Matrix Metalloproteinases-2 and −9, and Soluble VEGF
Authors: MacLauchlan Susan , Skokos Eleni A. , Agah Azin , Zeng Jianmin , Tian Weiming , Davidson Jeffrey M. , Bornstein Paul , Kyriakides Themis R.
Published: November 2008

Thrombospondin-2 (TSP2) is an inhibitor of angiogenesis with pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects on endothelial cells. Mice deficient in this matricellular protein display improved recovery from ischemia and accelerated wound healing associated with alterations in angiogenesis and extracellular matrix remodeling. In this study, we probed the function of TSP2 by performing a detailed analysis of dermal wounds and wound-derived fibroblasts. Specifically, we analyzed incisional wounds by tensiometry and found no differences in strength recovery between wild-type and TSP2-null mice. In addition, analysis of full-thickness excisional wounds by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated 2′-deoxyuridine 5′-triphosphate nick-end labeling stain and MIB-5 immunohistochemistry revealed similar numbers of apoptotic and proliferating cells, respectively. In contrast, the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, TIMP-2, and soluble vascular endothelial growth factor were increased in wounds of TSP2-null mice. Evaluation of the ability of TSP2-null wound fibroblasts to contract collagen gels revealed that it was compromised, even though TSP2-null wounds displayed normal myofibroblast content. Therefore, we conclude that the lack of TSP2 leads to aberrant extracellular matrix remodeling, increased neovascularization, and reduced contraction due in part to elevated levels of MMP-2 and MMP-9. These observations provide in vivo supporting evidence for a newly proposed function of TSP2 as a modulator of extracellular matrix remodeling.
Distribution of Epithelial Cells and Their Relationship to Immunocompetent Cells in Rat Molars: A Confocal and Transmission Electron Microscope Study
Authors: Tadokoro Osamu , Kawahara Ichiro , Vandevska-Radunovic Vaska , Inoue Katsuhiro
Published: November 2008

This study sought to investigate the distribution of cytokeratin (CK)-immunopositive cells and their relationship to immunocompetent ED1- and OX6-immunopositive cells in rat periodontium by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. CK-immunopositive cells were generally distributed along the surface of the tooth root. They could also be found between root dentin and cementum, in the perivascular space, and close to or in the alveolar bone lacunae. ED1-immunopositive cells exhibited a compact shape with small processes and were widely distributed in the periodontium. Few sections demonstrated an intimate relationship between the CK- and ED1-immunopositive cells close to the cementum, in the perivascular space, and close to or in the alveolar bone. Numerous OX6-immunopositive cells with long branching processes were widely distributed in the periodontal ligament, surrounding and holding CK-immunopositive cells in the cell clusters, close to the cementum. Transmission electron microscopy revealed OX6-immunopositive cells that extended their cytoplasmic processes, which contained vesicles and occasionally lysosomes in between the epithelial cells. This study demonstrates the close relationship between the epithelial cells and the immunocompetent cells in a rat periodontium, indicating a functional interrelationship. It is possible that in a non-inflammatory periodontium, the epithelial cells act not independently, but through interaction with immunocompetent cells.
Activation of an Endogenous Suicide Response after Perturbation of rRNA Synthesis Leads to Neurodegeneration in Mice
Authors: Parlato Rosanna , Kreiner Grzegorz , Erdmann Gitta , Rieker Claus , Stotz Stefanie , Savenkova Ella , Berger Stefan , Grummt Ingrid , Schütz Günther
Published: November 2008

Transcription of rRNA genes is essential for maintaining nucleolar integrity, a hallmark for the healthy state and proliferation rate of a cell. Inhibition of rRNA synthesis leads to disintegration of the nucleolus, elevated levels of p53, and induction of cell suicide, identifying the nucleolus as a critical stress sensor. Whether deregulation of rRNA synthesis is causally involved in neurodegeneration by promoting cell death and/or by inhibiting cellular growth has however not been addressed. The transcription factor TIF-IA plays a central role in mammalian rRNA synthesis, regulating the transcriptional activity of RNA polymerase I. To investigate the consequences of nucleolar perturbation in the nervous system, we have chosen to specifically ablate the gene encoding the transcription factor TIF-IA in two different contexts: neural progenitors and hippocampal neurons. Here, we show that ablation of TIF-IA leads to impaired nucleolar activity and results in increased levels of the proapoptotic transcription factor p53 in both neural progenitors and hippocampal neurons but induces rapid apoptosis only in neural progenitors. Nondividing cells of the adult hippocampus are more refractory to loss of rRNA transcription and face a protracted degeneration. Our study provides an unexploited strategy to initiate neurodegeneration based on perturbation of nucleolar function and underscores a novel perspective to study the cellular and molecular changes involved in the neurodegenerative processes.
Quantitative analysis of ancient Chinese ceramic using k
0-instrumental neutron activation analysis
Authors: Wasim M. , Arif M. , Zaidi Jamshed Hussain , Fatima I.
Published: November 2008

IAEA-CU-2006-06 (ancient Chinese ceramic) has been analyzed by k
0-INAA and the results for 31 elements are reported. Measurement on Si was done via the (n,p) reaction. The results of 23 elements are within ±10% of the target values and for 2 elements data are reported as information values. The results produce lower relative deviation if compared with the mean reported concentration values submitted by the laboratories participating in the proficiency test. The analysis involves full peak efficiency calibration of the HPGe detector for all counting geometries and characterization of neutron flux at the irradiation channel by determining thermal to epithermal flux ratio and epithermal flux shape factor using Au and Zr flux monitors. The u-score is less than 1 for majority of the elements.
Recombination Load in a Chromosomal Inversion Polymorphism of Drosophila subobscura
Authors: Santos Mauro
Published: November 2008

Chromosomal inversions suppress recombination in heterokaryotypes and may help to maintain positive epistatic interactions among groups of alleles at loci contained in the inversion. Here I evaluate the protective effect of inversions on recombination when different chromosomal segments, or even the whole chromosome O of Drosophila subobscura, can be effectively prevented from undergoing recombination in several naturally occurring heterokaryotypes. The fitness of flies made homozygous for recombinant chromosomes was generally lower when compared to their nonrecombinant counterparts, thus suggesting that segregating gene arrangements in this species hold together favorable combinations of alleles that interact epistatically.
Hungarian validation of the Cardiac Module of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™
Authors: Berkes Andrea , Kiss Mariann , Kemény Csilla , Mogyorósy Gábor
Published: November 2008

A szerzők közleményükben beszámolnak a Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™ (PedsQL™) gyermekkori egészségfüggő életminőség-mérő kérdőív kardiológiai moduljának magyarországi validálási folyamatáról.
Háttér:
A PedsQL™ 2–18 éves korú gyermekek egészségfüggő életminőségének mérésére kifejlesztett, a jelenlegi szakmai elvárásoknak magas szinten megfelelő moduláris kérdőív. Magyarországon gyermekkardiológiai betegcsoportban még nem számoltak be egészségfüggő életminőség-mérésről.
Célkitűzés:
Gyermekkardiológiai betegek életminőségének mérésére alkalmas mérőmódszer adaptálása és tesztelése.
Módszer:
Validálási folyamat nemzetközi irányelveket követő szekvenciális eljárással. Előtanulmány 105, gyermekkardiológiai betegségben szenvedő gyermeken.
Eredmények:
Az általános teljes életminőség-indexet minden korosztályban a pszichés domének befolyásolták negatív irányba a gyermek- és szülőválaszok esetén egyaránt. A legmagasabb értékeket a szociális jellemzőkre vonatkozó doménnél kaptuk. A betegségspecifikus kérdőíven a szülők minden korosztály esetén, a gyermekek közül viszont csak az 5–7 éves korosztály számolt be kifejezett betegséget kísérő szorongásról. A kognitív és kommunikációs problémák a 8–18 éves gyermekek önértékelése szerint jelentősek. A gyermekek és szüleik véleményazonossága korfüggő, a különbség az életminőség pszichoszociális dimenzióiban kifejezettebb. A szívműtétnek nincs önmagában negatív hatása az életminőségre, az állandó gyógyszerszedés azonban rontja.
Következtetés:
További módszertani vizsgálatok szükségesek az adaptált PedsQL™ kardiológiai modul magyar verziójának pszichometriai teszteléséhez. A nemzetközi irányelveket követő adaptálási folyamat részletes ismertetése segítheti a „patient-reported outcome” (PRO) vizsgálatok hazánkban való elterjedését.
The role of family physicians in the recognition and screening of obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Torzsa Péter , Novák Márta , Mucsi István , Ádám Ágnes , Kalabay László
Published: November 2008

Az obstruktív alvási apnoe az alvás alatti leggyakoribb légzészavar, kiemelt fontosságú kórkép az alvászavarok körében. Az össznépességben gyakorisága 2–4%, és legfontosabb jellemzője a felső légutak alvás alatti ismétlődő részleges vagy teljes elzáródása, amelyet oxigéndeszaturáció és hirtelen ébredés követ. A klinikai kép megjelenése komplex. A kórkép gyanúját veti fel a hangos horkolás légzésszünetekkel, amelyhez túlzott nappali aluszékonyság társul, de gondolnunk kell erre a betegségre terápiarezisztens hypertonia, szívelégtelenség, szívritmuszavarok, stroke vagy depresszió, memóriazavar esetén is. Az obstruktív alvási apnoe felismerésében fontos szerepe van a családorvosnak, aki a vezető tünetek alapján és a Berlin-kérdőív segítségével könnyen azonosíthatja a nagy kockázatú betegeket. A kiszűrt betegeket további kivizsgálás és terápiabeállítás céljából alváslaboratóriumba kell irányítani poliszomnográfiás vizsgálatra.
Possible pathogenetic role of vascular, immunological and genetic factors in certain gastoenterological disorders
Authors: Papp Mária
Published: November 2008

A coeliakia és a gyulladásos bélbetegségek (IBD) változatos klinikai megjelenését befolyásoló faktorok jelentős része ismeretlen. A haptoglobin (Hp) molekula három fő fenotípusa eltérő antioxidáns, scavenger és immunmoduláns tulajdonsággal rendelkezik. Nagyszámú coeliakiás és IBD-betegben vizsgáltuk aHp-polimorfizmus megoszlásátés a betegség klinikai megjelenésével való lehetséges kapcsolatát. A Hp-fenotípusokat szérumból nátrium-dodecil-szulfát poliakrilamid gélelektroforézis (SDS-PAGE) és immunblottal határoztuk meg, amely egyértelműen azonosítja a genotípust is. Coeliakiában a kontrollpopulációhoz képest a Hp2-1fenotípus előfordulása szignifikánsan gyakoribb volt, míg a Hp2-2ritkább. A Hp2-2esetén azonban a súlyos, malabszorpcióval jelentkező klinikai betegség kockázata magasabb volt, míg a silent betegségé jóval alacsonyabb. Crohn-betegekben (CD) a Hp2-1fenotípus esetén a gyulladásos betegségforma előfordulása szignifikánsan gyakoribb volt a másik két Hp-fenotípushoz viszonyítva, míg a stenotizáló formáé ritkább. Primer szklerotizáló cholangitisben a Hp1-1fenotípus nem fordult elő. A Hp szerepét az immunreakciókban betöltött modulálóhatásai és eltérő térszerkezete magyarázhatja. Amikrobiális és autoantigének elleni szerológiai válaszsegítséget jelenthet az IBD differenciáldiagnosztikájában, és összefüggést mutat a betegség fenotípusával. Nagyszámú IBD-betegben vizsgáltuk az anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae(ASCA) és külső membránporin elleni antitestek (anti-Omp) enzimmel kapcsolt immunoszorbens assay (ELISA), illetőleg az atípusos perinukleáris antineutrophil citoplazmatikus antitest (P-ANCA) (indirekt immunfluoreszcencia) előfordulási gyakoriságát és a betegség fenotípusával való lehetséges kapcsolatukat. A szerológiai markerek hasznosnak bizonyultak az IBD differenciáldiagnosztikájában. CD-ben az ASCA- és az anti-Omp-pozitivitás a vékonybél-érintettség és a nem gyulladásos betegségforma szempontjából logisztikus regressziós analízisben is független rizikófaktornak bizonyult, míg a műtéti kockázat tekintetében nem. A nem gyulladásos típusú vékonybél-CD és az antimikrobiális antitest pozitivitásainak száma, illetőleg az antitesttiterek között szintén pozitív korrelációt találtunk (szerológiai-dózis hatás). Továbbá ASCA és az anti-Omp-antitestek jelenléte kapcsolatot mutatott a nucleotid oligomerizációs domén (NOD2/CARD15) genotípussal, és előfordulási gyakoriságuk szignifikánsan nőtt a NOD2/CARD15 mutációk számának növekedésével, ami gén-dózis hatásra utal és alátámasztja a mikrobákkal szembeni megváltozott érzékelés szerepét a CD patogenezisében.
Minimal invasive interventions in the treatment of pancreas diseases
Authors: Winternitz Tamás
Published: November 2008

A pancreas betegségeinek kezelésében régóta alkalmazunk minimálisan invazív eljárásokat. A képalkotó eljárásokkal vezérelt módszereket több mint 20 éve használjuk, elsősorban pseudocysták kezelésére. A technika fejlődése megteremtette a laparoszkópos sebészeti módszerek széles körű alkalmazásának lehetőségét a pancreas sebészetében is. Napjainkban gyakorlatilag minden nyitott műtéti megoldásnak megjelent a laparoszkópos verziója is. Legújabban a képalkotó eljárások és a laparoszkópos módszerek kombinált alkalmazásának lehetünk tanúi. Napjainkban jelentek meg a NOTES-eljárások is. A szerző a közleményben az irodalmi adatok alapján összefoglalja a pancreas betegségeinek minimálisan invazív kezelési lehetőségeit.
The Liverpool sounds project
Authors: Laing Dave
Published: November 2008

Between 1991 and 1994, researchers at the Institute of Popular Music at the University of Liverpool carried out a research project on popular music in twentieth-century Liverpool. This article describes the principal methodologies employed, notably oral history interviews, and introduces excerpts from the published results of the research. These describe and analyse dance bands and dance halls in Liverpool, the country music scene and local Irish traditional music making.
Introduction to the special issue
Authors: Laing Dave
Published: November 2008

In 1988, the Institute of Popular Music (IPM) at the University of Liverpool was opened. It was the first specialist centre for popular music studies in Britain and one of the first in the world. This issue of Popular Music History is both a celebration of the twentieth anniversary of the IPM’s foundation and an exploration of its own history and research achievements.
‘Where do I begin the story?’
Authors: Strachan Robert
Published: November 2008

This article is concerned with three main areas. Firstly it examines how the rock biography might be active in the creation of a collective memory of popular culture. Secondly, it examines how the stylistic conventions and institutional pressures of publishing have a major effect upon what type of narrative is constructed within the rock biography. Thirdly, the article is concerned with how audiences and fan cultures engage with those common narratives. Using Robert Shelton’s 1986 biography of Bob Dylan, No Direction Home as an example, the article argues that the biographer’s project necessitates the construction of a biographical authority which is achieved through the use of certain techniques and tropes. It will further suggest that this biographical authority is by no means stable and is affected by the biography’s reception in a wider critical landscape.
Collections at the IPM
Authors: Strachan Robert
Published: November 2008

Since its launch in 1988 the IPM has built up a substantial collection of materials relating to popular music. The collection is composed of several contributory collections—from local, national and international donors—spanning a wide range of popular music genres and formats and almost the entire history of recorded sound. By far the largest element (in terms of numbers of items and physical space) is the collection of recorded sound which currently consists of some 70,000 items.
The origins and development of The Institute of Popular Music
Authors: Horn Dave
Published: November 2008

The interview discusses the first 20 years of the Institute of Popular Music (IPM) at the University of Liverpool. The foundation of the IPM is discussed in detail and related to the emerging academic field of popular music studies. The evolution of teaching popular music at the IPM is described from its beginnings as an adjunct to the classical music degree to the development of full courses at undergraduate and MA levels. The interview also considers the archiving role of the IPM and its role as a centre for research, especially relating to Liverpool’s music history and music industry.
Desenvolvimento vegetativo em diferentes hastes da planta de mandioca em função da época de plantio
Authors: Fagundes Lovane Klein , Streck Nereu Augusto , Lopes Sidnei José , Rosa Hamilton Telles da , Walter Lidiane , Zanon Alencar Junior
Published: November 2008

Estudos sobre o desenvolvimento vegetativo da mandioca cultivada nas condições subtropicais do Brasil são escassos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar o filocrono e o número final de folhas na haste principal e nas ramificações simpodiais de uma variedade de mandioca em diferentes épocas de plantio, em condições de clima subtropical. Um experimento de campo foi conduzido em Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), com quatro datas de plantio: 26/09/2006, 18/10/2006, 08/11/2006 e 28/11/2006. A variedade usada foi a FEPAGRO RS13, com caule do tipo simpodial tricotômico, no delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (datas de plantio) e quatro parcelas de 4,0 x 9,0m, com cinco fileiras e espaçamento 0,80 x 0,80m. Em seis plantas por parcela selecionadas aleatoriamente, foi feita a contagem semanal do número de folhas visíveis (NF) e do número final de folhas (NFF) da haste principal (HP) e das ramificações simpodiais de primeira (RS1) e de segunda (RS2) ordem. O filocrono (°C dia folha-1) foi estimado para HP, RS1 e RS2 pelo inverso do coeficiente angular da regressão linear entre NF e soma térmica acumulada, considerando a temperatura base de 14°C. O filocrono aumentou na seqüência HP<RS1RS1>RS2. Ambos filocrono e NFF variaram com a época de plantio, sendo o fotoperíodo uma possível causa da variação. Dentro das ramificações simpodiais RS1 e RS2, o filocrono e o NFF não são diferentes entre as hastes.
Molecular design for stabilizing a blue phase III and electro‐optical switching in the blue phase
Authors: Yoshizawa Atsushi
Published: November 2008

Abstract— The molecular design of a liquid crystal to stabilize a blue phase III (BPIII) is reviewed, and the electro‐optical switching with a response time on the order of 10−2 sec for BPIII exhibited by a novel chiral liquid crystal is reported. Binaphthyl derivatives and T‐shaped compounds are presented, and the structure‐property correlations of the chiral compounds are discussed. Two origins of the twisting power of the compounds, i.e., their inherent molecular chirality and the chirality‐induced twist conformation, play an important role in the appearance of the BPIII. Furthermore, BPIII was also induced in some binary mixtures of a host nematic liquid‐crystal possessing molecular biaxiality and a conventional chiral compound. The electro‐optical switching in the BPIII is attributed to an electric‐field‐induced phase transition between the BPIII and nematic (N) phases. BPIII is on the microscopically twisted nematic order, but is macroscopically isotropic. Therefore, the present technology can offer a pronounced black state in the BPIII without surface treatment and a homogeneous bright state in the induced N phase.
Use of self‐erase discharges for high‐speed and low‐voltage addressing of PDPs
Authors: Shimura Masakazu , Yamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Shiga Tomokazu , Mikoshiba Shigeo
Published: November 2008

Abstract— A technique called “self‐erase‐discharge addressing” has been incorporated with a address‐while‐display driving scheme, contiguous subfield, and erase addressing to obtain high‐speed and low‐voltage addressing of PDPs. The technique uses a relatively high X‐sustain pulse voltage VXsus, which produces a weak self‐erase discharge at its trailing edge. An application of a data pulse Vdata synchronous to a weak self‐erase discharge results in full erase discharge and eliminates all the wall charges. The technique assures a wider operating‐voltage margin since it provides identical amounts of priming charges as well as wall charges to all the horizontal scan lines just prior to addressing. The priming charges are generated by the weak self‐erase discharges, resulting in low Vdata of 30 V and a high addressing speed of 0.66 μsec for a Ne + 10% Xe PDP. VXsus = 245 V, and the voltage margins of Vdata and VXsus were 35 and 16 V, respectively. For a 30% Xe PDP, Vdata and VXsus were 30 and 335 V, respectively, with an addressing speed of 1.0 μsec. In order to obtain high dark‐room contrast, it is essential to use ramp reset pulses, with which erase addressing cannot be achieved. By adopting the write addressing only to the first subfield and the self‐erase‐discharge addressing to the subsequent subfields, a peak and background luminance in green of 3100 and 0.22 cd/m2, respectively, were obtained with a dark‐room contrast of 14,000:1. The number of subfields was 28, and the light emission duty was 83%. The number of ramp reset pulse drivers could be reduced to 12 by adopting the common reset pulse technique.
Ink‐jet‐printable phosphorescent organic light‐emitting‐diode devices
Authors: Sonoyama Takuya , Ito Masaki , Seki Shunichi , Miyashita Satoru , Xia Sean , Brooks Jason , Cheon Kwang‐Ohk , Kwong Raymond C. , Inbasekaran Michael , Brown Julie J.
Published: November 2008

Abstract— A novel method for the fabrication of ink‐jet‐printed organic light‐emitting‐diode devices is discussed. Unlike previously reported solution‐processed OLED devices, the emissive layer of OLED devices reported here does not contain polymeric materials. The emission of the ink‐jet‐printed P2OLED (IJ‐P2OLED) device is demonstrated for the first time. It shows good color and uniform emission although it uses small‐molecule solution. Ink‐jet‐printed green P2OLED devices possess a high luminous efficiency of 22 cd/A at 2000 cd/m2 and is based on phosphorescent emission. The latest solution‐processed phosphorescent OLED performance by spin‐coating is disclosed. The red P2OLED exhibits a projected LT50 of >53,000 hours with a luminous efficiency of 9 cd/A at 500 cd/m2. The green P2OLED shows a projected LT50 of >52,000 hours with a luminous efficiency of 35 cd/A at 1000 cd/m2. Also discussed is a newly developed sky‐blue P2OLED with a projected LT50 of >3000 hour and a luminous efficiency of 18 cd/A at 500 cd/m2.
Improved discharge time lag of address pulse in an ACPDP with auxiliary electrodes
Authors: Jang Cheol , Choi Kyung Cheol
Published: November 2008

Abstract— New driving waveforms are proposed for an ACPDP with an auxiliary electrode. Auxiliary pulses and a stepped scan pulse during the address period distinguish the proposed waveforms from conventional waveforms. The address discharge time lag in an ACPDP with auxiliary electrodes was improved by application of auxiliary pulses and a stepped scan pulse during the address period. The interaction between the auxiliary pulse and the stepped scan pulse generates priming particles directly prior to the address discharge, and these priming particles influence the address discharge. As a result, the firing voltage of the address pulse is lowered, and the minimum address voltage is lower than that of conventional driving waveforms. Experimental results confirm that the address discharge time lag of the proposed waveforms is 32% lower than that of conventional driving waveforms.
Fault‐tolerant display image‐data‐manipulation unit for system‐on‐panel
Authors: Lee Hyun‐Goo , You Jae‐Hee
Published: November 2008

Abstract—Bit‐partitioned and conventional shifts, as well as type transformations of multimedia data, are frequently used for display image‐processing systems. A data manipulation unit with fault‐recovery capability based on redundancies is proposed for system‐on‐panel with low processing technology yield. Utilizing data manipulations that are similar to normal shift operation, a proposed data‐manipulation unit is designed with a few additional paths added to the existing barrel shifter. The design methodologies are verified with FPGA and the performance is evaluated in terms of the advantages.
Construction of an Intraspecific Linkage Map and QTL Analysis for Earliness and Plant Height in Lentil
Authors: Tullu A. , Tar'an B. , Warkentin T. , Vandenberg A.
Published: November 2008

Earliness and plant height traits are key targets in lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus) breeding and are quantitatively controlled. Recombinant inbred lines (RILs) are useful in genetic mapping studies of quantitative traits. The objectives of this study are to develop a genetic map and identify genome regions associated with earliness and plant height using RILs derived from a cross between ‘Eston’ × PI320937. Number of days to flower and plant height at flowering were collected at two Saskatchewan locations, Saskatoon and Floral, in 2004. Two hundred and seven amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP), simple sequence repeat (SSRs), and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to genotype 94 RILs. The markers were ordered into 12 linkage groups (LGs) with a total length of 1868 cM. The average density of markers was 8.9 cM. The AFLP markers were distributed throughout the genome, whereas RAPD and SSR markers were located on LG4 to LG9 only. A resistance gene to anthracnose [caused by Colletotrichum truncatum (Schwein.) Andrus & W.D. Moore] and a quantitative trait locus (QTL) to ascochyta blight (caused by Ascochyta lentis Vassilievsky) were mapped previously on LG6. Quantitative trait loci affecting earliness and plant height were identified on LG1, LG2, LG4, LG5, LG9, and LG12 at Saskatoon and Floral evaluation locations and explained 37 to 46% and 31 to 40% of the total variation, respectively. Earliness QTLs that were consistently expressed at both locations were concentrated on LG4 and LG12, and markers flanking these QTL regions could be good candidates for marker‐assisted selection.
Two Cycles of Recurrent Selection Lead to Simultaneous Improvement in Black Spot Resistance and Stem Strength in Field Pea
Authors: Beeck C. P. , Wroth J. M. , Falk D. E. , Khan T. , Cowling W. A.
Published: November 2008

Susceptibility to black spot [caused by Mycosphaerella pinodes (Berk. and Blox.) Vestergr.] and weak stem strength in field pea (Pisum sativum L.) are major restrictions to yield, seed quality, and ease of harvest. Previous studies have established that additive genetic variance is present for both traits, and that stem strength is strongly associated with a field test of compressed stem thickness at the base of the stem. This study aimed to improve these two complex traits simultaneously by recurrent selection. Heritabilities and responses to selection for resistance to black spot and stem strength were evaluated during two cycles of recurrent selection after intercrossing diverse genotypes. Response to selection was indicated by a reduction of 10% in the mean black spot leaf disease in the F2 of cycle 2 compared with the F2 of cycle 1, when considered as a percentage of the mean of cycle 1 parents in the same trials. Likewise, there was a 15% increase in stem strength, based on the mean compressed stem thickness in the F2 of cycle 2 compared with the F2 of cycle 1. Broad sense heritability for resistance to black spot leaf disease was moderate (H = 0.63 ± 0.35 across cycles 1 and 2) and for compressed stem thickness was also moderate (H = 0.66 ± 0.34). Genetic gains were realized for both traits simultaneously in the first two cycles and were predicted to be rapid over the next five to six cycles based on a random mating quantitative genetics model.
QTLs Affecting α‐Tocotrienol, α‐Tocopherol, and Total Tocopherol Concentrations Detected in the Ogle/TAM O‐301 Oat Mapping Population
Authors: Jackson Eric W. , Wise Michael , Bonman J. Michael , Obert Don E. , Hu Gongshe , Peterson David M.
Published: November 2008

Consumption of oat (Avena sativa L.) products has been credited with reducing the risk of various diseases. This may be due in part to tocopherol content. Studies have shown variation in α‐tocotrienol, α‐tocopherol, and total tocopherol levels among oat cultivars, however, the genetic basis of these traits is unknown. The objectives of this study were to examine the genetic mechanisms affecting tocopherol levels in the Ogle1040/TAM O‐301 population and to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) useful for improving tocopherol levels in oat. The population was grown in Aberdeen and Tetonia, ID, over 4 yr. Alpha‐tocotrienol, α‐tocopherol, and total tocopherol contents were measured in harvested seed. Mean levels of all three tocopherol measurements were higher from the irrigated Aberdeen location than from the nonirrigated Tetonia location. One major and four minor QTLs were detected, which accounted for a majority of the α‐tocotrienol variation across all locations, while six minor QTLs accounted for a majority of the α‐tocopherol variation. Only one QTL affecting total tocopherol was detected apart from QTLs affecting α‐tocotrienol and α‐tocopherol. Overall, we have identified markers linked to QTLs affecting α‐tocotrienol and α‐tocopherol. Since the highest level of both tocopherols in lines of the population were higher than from previously tested cultivars, these QTLs should be useful to increase specific tocopherol levels.
Genetic Improvement of Sorghum as a Biofuel Feedstock: I. QTL for Stem Sugar and Grain Nonstructural Carbohydrates
Authors: Murray Seth C. , Sharma Arun , Rooney William L. , Klein Patricia E. , Mullet John E. , Mitchell Sharon E. , Kresovich Stephen
Published: November 2008

Genetic improvement of sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] has traditionally focused on a single nonstructural carbohydrate, either grain starch or stem sugar. Sorghum starch and sugar may both be used as feedstocks for biofuel production. To investigate genetic tradeoffs between grain and stem sugar, a population derived from sweet sorghum cultivar Rio and grain sorghum ‘BTx623’ was evaluated for 27 traits related to grain and stem sugar yield and composition. Across three environments, a total of 129 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were identified. Tradeoffs identified between grain and stem sugar yield QTL colocalized with height and flowering time QTL. Most importantly, QTL were identified that increased yield and altered the composition of stem sugar and grain without pleiotropic effects. For example, a QTL on chromosome 3 that explained 25% of the genetic variance for stem sugar concentration did not colocalize with any grain QTL. These results suggest that total nonstructural carbohydrate yield could be increased by selecting for major QTL from both grain and sweet sorghum types. We conclude that altering grain and stem sugar genetic potential for yield traits should lead to greater feedstock improvement than altering composition traits.
Identification of QTL for Resistance to Sclerotinia Stem Rot in Soybean Plant Introduction 194639
Authors: Vuong T. D. , Diers B. W. , Hartman G. L.
Published: November 2008

Sclerotinia stem rot of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lib.) de Bary, is a difficult disease to manage, although some gains have been made through breeding for quantitative resistance. The objective of the present study was to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling partial resistance to Sclerotinia stem rot from the soybean plant introduction (PI) 194639. The resistance QTL were mapped in a population of 155 F4:5 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) developed from the hybridization of the partially resistant parent, PI 194639, to the susceptible cultivar Merit. The population was evaluated for Sclerotinia stem rot resistance using a cut stem inoculation technique and was genotyped with 134 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Broad‐sense heritability of lesion length (LL) after inoculation with the cut stem technique in the population was 0.57. Two putative QTL‐controlling LL were identified by composite interval mapping (CIM) and mapped to linkage groups (LGs) A2 and B2, with likelihood of odds scores of 5.6 and 3.5, respectively. The LG A2 QTL was linked to the marker Sat_138 and explained 12.1% of the phenotypic variation for LL. The LG B2 QTL was proximal to the marker Satt126 and explained 11.2% of the phenotypic variance. Two minor QTL also were mapped onto LGs K and L, explaining 5.5% of the total phenotypic variation. A multivariate model that included all significant QTL explained 27% of the observed phenotypic variation of LL. These results suggest that SSR markers associated with resistance QTL mapped in this study for Sclerotinia stem rot resistance may be useful for marker‐assisted breeding programs in soybean.
Drought Tolerance and Rooting Capacity of Kentucky Bluegrass Cultivars
Authors: Richardson Michael D. , Karcher Douglas E. , Hignight Kenneth , Rush Debra
Published: November 2008

As freshwater resources for turfgrass irrigation become more limited, the development of drought‐tolerant turf cultivars will be of great value to turf managers. The objective of the following research was to evaluate the field drought tolerance of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars and compare their drought tolerance to rooting capacity. Fifty bluegrass entries were established in the field in Albany, OR and evaluated during drought stress (irrigation withheld) events in 2005 and 2006. Drought tolerance was measured, using digital image analysis, as the number of days until a cultivar reached 50% green tissue. In both years, there was a wide range of cultivar responses to drought, with some cultivars losing 50% green tissue 23 d after irrigation was withheld, while others maintained 50% green tissue up to 45 d after irrigation was withheld. Several cultivars, including Mallard, Moonlight, Prosperity, SR2284, Brilliant, and Diva, demonstrated significantly better drought tolerance than other cultivars. Twenty of the cultivars tested under field conditions were also screened for shoot and root growth in a greenhouse study. There was no correlation between shoot growth, root growth, or root:shoot ratios when compared to drought responses in the field. These results demonstrate that there is wide variability in drought tolerance of bluegrasses but factors other than rooting capacity appear to be responsible for those differences.
Gas Exchange and Transpiration Ratio in Sorghum
Authors: Balota Maria , Payne William A. , Rooney William , Rosenow Darrell
Published: November 2008

Decreased water availability and increased food demand worldwide require development of more water‐efficient crops. This study was conducted to examine preflower transpiration ratio (CO2 assimilation rate [A]/transpiration rate [E], A:E) in four inbred sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] lines and 12 of their F1 hybrids in terms of phenotypic and genetic variation, inheritance (i.e., additive and nonadditive genetic effects), and its relationship to water use efficiency (WUE) (i.e., the ratio of whole‐plant biomass to cumulative transpiration). Lines were selected with contrasting A and A:E in a field trial and then crossed in a full diallel pattern. All hybrids and lines were further analyzed for A, E, A:E, biomass, and WUE in a greenhouse. Variation among hybrids and lines was significant for all traits evaluated. In both environments, the most contrasting lines for A:E were Tx430 and Tx7078. Average A:E was 3.10 mmol CO2 mol−1 H2O for Tx430 and 2.91 for Tx7078. Both Tx430 and Tx7078 had highest A. Genetic effects resulting from general (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for A, E, and A:E were significant for all traits. Tx430 had positive and Tx7078 negative GCA effects on A:E. Tx430 hybrids had the highest A:E values, and Tx7078 hybrids the lowest. The A:E ratio was correlated with total biomass and WUE for all crosses. Data suggest that concomitant selection for high A:E and A at preflowering could result in improved WUE and biomass of mature sorghum.
Cloning and Characterization of a CAP Gene Expressed in Gossypium arboreum Fuzzless Mutant
Authors: Wang Sheng , Zhao Guo‐Hong , Jia Yin‐Hua , Du Xiong‐Ming
Published: November 2008

The adenylyl cyclase‐associated protein (CAP) was first identified in the budding yeast as a protein that functions in cytoskeletal organization and signal transduction. We isolated two CAP homologs from wild‐type cotton Gossypium arboreum L. (DPL971) and its natural fuzzless mutant (DPL972). Alignments of 3998‐bp genomic and 1425‐bp cDNA sequences revealed that the
cap
genes contain nine introns and an open reading frame (ORF) encoding a 471 amino acid protein. The predicted amino acid sequence shares high identity (∼70%) with Arabidopsis thaliana, Medicago truncatula, and Oryza sativa Expression profiles of the gene were studied from ovule, leaf, hypocotyl, and root tissues, through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and Northern blotting analysis. The results revealed that the gene was expressed in all tissues tested in wild‐type and fuzzless plants. The expression of GaCAP reached the highest level in both wild‐type and mutant fibers during 1 to 4 d postanthesis (DPA), then gradually declined in the mutant after 4 DPA. By comparing the predicted amino acid sequences, a polar substitution was observed at a conserved position between wild‐type and mutant. At this position, the conserved uncharged unpolar alanine (amino acid 44) of GaCAP was replaced by a polar threonine in GaCAPm. Therefore, our results suggest that GaCAP may play a functional role during early stages of cotton fiber development.
Evaluation of a Simple Method to Screen Soybean Genotypes for Salt Tolerance
Authors: Lee Jeong‐Dong , Smothers Scotty L. , Dunn David , Villagarcia Margarita , Shumway Calvin R. , Carter Thomas E. , Shannon J. Grover
Published: November 2008

Excessive salt can reduce soybean yield [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in grower fields. Salt‐tolerant cultivars are needed to prevent field yield losses where excess salt is a problem. Soybean genotypes have primarily been evaluated for reaction to salt in the greenhouse using a labor‐intensive and costly hydroponics method. A reliable, inexpensive method to screen soybean lines for salt tolerance would be useful in breeding programs. A simple, inexpensive method of exposing V2 to V3 plants growing in a sandy soil in plastic cone‐tainers (PC method) was compared to the hydroponics method to evaluate soybean genotypes for salt tolerance in the greenhouse. Fourteen soybean genotypes including checks ‘Hutcheson’ (sensitive), and ‘S‐100’ and ‘Forrest’ (tolerant) were exposed to 100 mM salt solution at the V2 to V3 growth stage. Genotypes responded similarly to the screening methods except leaf scorch, an indicator of salt damage, appeared up to 4 d sooner in the PC method. The PC method was highly correlated with the hydroponics method for leaf scorch score and chloride content in soybean leaves among the 14 genotypes evaluated. Exposure of roots at the V2 to V3 growth stage to salt solution using the PC method was less labor intensive, consumed less time, was less costly, and gave similar results compared with the hydroponics method. Thus, the PC method is an easy, reliable method to screen soybean genotypes for salt tolerance.
Positive Genetic Correlation between Forage Yield and Fiber of Smooth Bromegrass
Authors: Casler M. D. , Diaby M.
Published: November 2008

Voluntary intake potential of a forage crop is generally considered to be the most important feed characteristic regulating animal performance. Efforts to develop forage crops with reduced bulk volume, measured by neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, have been associated with reduced plant fitness. The objective of this study was to evaluate a second cycle of divergent selection for NDF in four smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss.) pedigrees and to determine if concomitant selection for spaced‐plant vigor could counteract the loss in forage yield associated with selection for low NDF. In both high and low directions of Cycle‐2, populations were created with and without concomitant selection for plant vigor. Selection responses for NDF and forage yield were linear through both cycles of selection in both directions. Although responses were not uniform across the four pedigrees, changes in NDF were reflected in changes in forage yield on all levels evaluated: selection direction (high vs. low NDF), individual cycles, and vigor selections. Although combined selection for low NDF and high vigor improved forage yield in the low‐NDF direction for one of four pedigrees, it did not alter the strong positive relationship between NDF and forage yield across all populations and cycles. The genetic correlation between NDF and forage yield appears to be physiological in origin, caused largely by overlapping genic specificities (i.e., pleiotropy).
The Ecology of the Vaginal Flora at First Prenatal Visit is Associated with Preterm Delivery and Low Birth Weight
Authors: Donders Gilbert G.G. , Spitz Bernard , Vereecken Annie , Bulck Ben Van , Cornelis Ann , Dekeersmaeker Alfons , Klerckx Patrick , Londers Lieven , Caudron Jos
Published: November 2008

Objectives:

Can assessment of vaginal microbial flora at first prenatal visit predict the outcome of pregnancy?

Material and Methods:

Pap smears and vaginal cultures were taken from 222 pregnant women at their first prenatal visit.
Lactobacillary grades (LBG I-III) on Pap smears were used as a basis for the scoring. Points were added or subtracted according
to the morphotypes of the lactobacilli, the presence of abnormal cellular morphology, increased vaginal leukocytosis,
visible pathogens or red blood cells, or the finding of cytolysis of epithelial cells. The total score, reflecting the
health of the vaginal microflora, was termed "Vaginal Ecology Score (VECO score)" and compared with pregnancy outcome.

Results:

A strong correlation was found between the vaginal eco-score (VECO) at first prenatal visit and the birth weight
(r2 0.85, p = 0.003), and between the VECO score and the number of days before term delivery took place (r 0.57, p =
0.048). This association persisted after multivariate analysis. After standardization for positive vaginal culture, a VECO
score of 4 or more at first visit was associated with lower birth weight, earlier delivery and smaller fetal head circumference,
but not with histological chorioamnionitis. Chorioamnionitis, on the other hand, was found more often in the group
with positive vaginal cultures at first prenatal visit.

Discussion:

Vaginal micro-ecology can be scored at the first antenatal visit to predict delivery before 40 weeks and lowered
birth weight, even in the absence of overt or detectable infectious disease. To assess prematurity below 37 weeks,
larger studies are needed. This assessment of the vaginal ecology could also easily be applied on fresh wet mounts or
gram stained specimens of vaginal fluid.
Modelling Turbulence Effect in Formation of Zonal Winds
Authors: Heinloo J. , Toompuu A.
Published: November 2008

A turbulence-affected mechanism of formation of zonal winds in the Earth’s troposphere is discussed from the perspective of the theory of rotationally anisotropic turbulence (the RAT theory). The turbulence effect is explained as an action of the turbulence rotational viscosity introduced within the RAT theory to characterize the shear in relative rotation (determined as the difference between the average angular velocity of eddy rotation and the vorticity of the average velocity field). The effect manifests in the form of an additive correction to the wind velocity predicted by the geostrophic approach. It is shown that the accounted turbulence effect decreases the westerlies’ velocity predicted by the geostrophic approach at lower latitudes and can be used to explain the formation of easterlies (trade winds) in the equatorial zone without any necessity of assigning the geopotential a local minimum, at the Equator which is required to explain the trade winds within the purely geostrophic approach.
Integrated Process and Control System Model for Product Quality Control - Application to a Polypropylene Plant
Authors: Balasko Balazs , Nemeth Sandor , Nagy Gabor , Abonyi Janos
Published: November 2008

In the near future of chemical industry, communication between design, manufacturing, marketing and management should be centered on modeling and simulation, which could integrate the whole product and process development chains, process units and subdivisions of the company. Solutions to this topic often set aside one or more components from product, process and control models, hence, as a novel know-how, an information system methodology was developed. Its structure integrates models of these components with a process data warehouse where integration includes information, location, application and time integrity. It supports complex engineering tasks related to analysis of system performance, process optimization, operator training systems (OTS), decision support systems (DSS), reverse engineering or software sensors (soft-sensors). The case study in this article presents the application of the proposed methodology for product quality soft-sensor application by on-line melt index prediction of an operating polymerization technology.
The Dynamics of Liquid Cooling in Half-Coil Jackets
Authors: Subramanian Jayakumar Natesan , Mjalli Farouq S.
Published: November 2008

The heat transfer cooling of a hot liquid in a stirred vessel has been studied experimentally with coolant flowing through a half-coil around the vessel. Correlations have been developed for the heat transfer coefficient of the half coil jacket. A mathematical model for the half coil jacket liquid temperature dynamics and its analytical solution is used to find the shell side temperature profile as a function of time. It is found that the model predictions are in satisfactory agreement with the experimental data and that the developed correlation is superior to previously published correlations for similar systems.