bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Meta-Synthesis of Health-Related Self-Efficacy Instrumentation: Problems and Suggestions
Authors: Sheer Vivian C.
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose: Self-efficacy, a central construct in health interventions, has been measured in various contexts. The absence of any published meta-review of self-efficacy instrumentation led to the current meta-synthesis that reports and evaluates the instrumentation processes. Methods: A systematic search resulted in 39 self-efficacy instrumentation studies, which were evaluated for the aspects of conceptual bases, health contexts, operational definition, instrumentation procedures, reliability and scale length, and item content. Results: Primarily based in Bandura’s social cognitive theory, these studies reported self-efficacy instrumentation for developing new scales and modifying/validating measures for illness management, healthy behavior adoption/maintenance, disease/risk prevention, and aging management. Trait-like, specific-domain, and situation approaches were used for generating item content. Problems in some studies include non-efficacy items, a lack of systematic instrumentation procedures, item content too general for specific-domain self-efficacy, and measurement inefficiency. Conclusions: The piecemeal fashion of self-efficacy instrumentation has resulted in incomparable self-efficacy measures of similar domains of health functioning. A trans-domain framework, thus, is warranted. Suggestions are provided for solving other problems in self-efficacy instrumentation.
Postexamination Analysis of Objective Tests Using the Three-Parameter Item Response Theory
Authors: Tavakol Mohsen , Rahimi-Madiseh Mohammad , Dennick Reg
Published: April 2014

Background and Purpose: Although the importance of item response theory (IRT) has been emphasized in health and medical education, in practice, few psychometricians in nurse education have used these methods to create tests that discriminate well at any level of student ability. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the psychometric properties of a real objective test using three-parameter IRT. Methods: Three-parameter IRT was used to monitor and improve the quality of the test items. Results: Item parameter indices, item characteristic curves (ICCs), test information functions, and test characteristic curves reveal aberrant items which do not assess the construct being measured. Conclusions: The results of this study provide useful information for educators to improve the quality of assessment, teaching strategies, and curricula.
Hessian Fly (Mayetiola destructor [Say]) Resistance Identified on Chromosome 1AS in the Spring Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Cultivar ‘Louise’
Authors: Carter A. H. , Cambron S. E. , Ohm H. W. , Bosque‐Pérez N. A. , Kidwell K. K.
Published: April 2014

The Hessian fly (Mayetiola destructor [Say]) is a major yield‐limiting pest in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production systems. Resistant varieties provide the most effective control method. The objectives of this study were to identify the chromosomal location of and molecular markers associated with the Hessian fly resistance from the spring wheat cultivar ‘Louise’. One hundred eighty‐eight F5:6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a Louise (resistant) × ‘Penawawa’ (susceptible) cross were evaluated for resistance to Hessian fly biotype C and a mixed population originating from field collections in the Pacific Northwest (PNW). Eight to 15 plants per RIL were scored for resistance at Purdue University and the University of Idaho. Data were converted to percentages of susceptible plants within each RIL. Louise and Penawawa had averaged susceptibility values of 15 and 100%, respectively. The RIL population ranged from 0 to 100% susceptible. A genetic linkage map consisting of 320 simple sequence repeat and 8530 single nucleotide polymorphism DNA markers was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. One QTL, identified as QHf.wak‐1A, was significantly associated with Hessian fly resistance at an average LOD of 26.2 and accounted for 77% of the phenotypic variation. QHf.wak‐1A was localized to a 4.6‐cM region on chromosome 1AS, flanked by markers Xiwb70039 and Xcfd15. Marker, biotype screening, and allelism results indicate that this QTL is different from H9, H11, H5, and H3, but linked to H3 and H5. These data continue to clarify the relationship between Hessian fly genes on chromosome 1AS and would facilitate breeding efforts.
Quality Protein Maize Germplasm Characterized for Amino Acid Profiles and Endosperm Opacity
Authors: Mahan Adam L. , Murray Seth C. , Crosby Kevin , Scott M. Paul
Published: April 2014

Quality protein maize (QPM) is improved over normal (non‐QPM) maize in grain concentrations of the essential amino acids lysine and tryptophan. Quality protein maize has a long history as tropical adapted germplasm, but little effort has been made to incorporate temperate or sub‐tropical germplasm for temperate adaptation and interactions between different modifier loci in these backgrounds are poorly understood. A design‐II mating scheme including new temperate and subtropical lines produced 69 hybrids. Large hybrid genetic variation components resulted in substantial broad‐sense heritability H2 estimates, specifically tryptophan (0.46) and endosperm opacity (0.82). A microbial assay for amino acid estimation proved robust across diverse environments with minimal genotype × environment (G×E) effects. Endosperm opacity had no G×E effects across both Texas and Iowa locations demonstrating stability for this trait. Endosperm opacity primarily followed an additive, midparent trend, with a few hybrids deviating from the trend (36%) suggesting a complex nature of multiple modifier loci across diverse germplasm. The top QPM hybrid outperformed the top commercial hybrid by 35 and 30% for lysine and tryptophan as a proportion of grain, respectively. QPM line Tx832 was a parent of top hybrids for lysine and tryptophan, and the highest noncommercial hybrids for methionine. Minimal correlations with yield and other traits suggest that future breeding should result in QPM hybrids with increasingly competitive yields.
Genetic Diversity of the Canadian Dry Bean Varieties Released Since 1930: A Pedigree Analysis
Authors: Navabi A.
Published: April 2014

A pedigree database of bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) varieties of different market classes released in Canada since 1930 was developed. The coefficient of parentage was estimated for all pair‐wise combinations of varieties, parental and (or) ancestral genotypes. A cluster analysis was employed to study the genetic diversity of dry bean in the Canadian gene pool. The pedigree‐based estimate of genetic diversity (1 − coefficient of parentage) for all dry bean varieties released between 1930 and 2010 was 0.93. This value was smaller for varieties within each evolutionary race, estimated at 0.89 for the varieties of race Durango (pinto, Great Northern, and small red beans), 0.83 for varieties of race Mesoamerica (navy and black), and 0.76 for varieties of race Nueva Granada (kidney and cranberry beans). The results indicated a narrow genetic diversity among the Canadian beans of Andean origin (kidney and cranberry beans), suggesting that the breeding efforts for these market classes would benefit from the introduction of new genetic diversity. Among the small‐seeded beans of race Mesoamerica, varieties ‘Ex‐Rico 23’ (syn. ICA Bunsi) and ‘Seafarer’, the medium‐sized beans of race Durango varieties ‘UI‐111’ and ‘NW‐63’, and the large‐seeded beans of race Nueva Granada varieties, ‘Montcalm’ and ‘California Dark Red Kidney’, were identified as the major progenitors of Canadian dry beans.
A Correlation Study of Caffeine Content with Theobromine Content, cSNPs, and Transcriptional Expression of Three Genes in Tea Plants
Authors: Li Jin , Wei Yan‐Li , Li Ye‐Yun , Pang Lei , Deng Wei‐Wei , Jiang Chang‐Jun
Published: April 2014

Caffeine is an important secondary metabolite of tea plants whose content is affected by multiple factors during its synthesis. In the present study, a series of experiments on different tea cultivars were performed to investigate the following factors that influence the ratio of caffeine content to theobromine content, coding single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (cSNPs), and expression levels of three key enzyme genes (TCS1, TIDH, and sAMS). The results revealed a significantly positive correlation with the caffeine and theobromine contents of different tea cultivars. There were 7, 8, and 7 cSNPs in the coding sequences of TCS1, TIDH, and sAMS, respectively. Among them, the TCS1 A995C, TIDH T573A, and sAMS C393T cSNP sites were significantly associated with the caffeine content. Gene expression was detected by the quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) method, and it suggested a significant association of TCS1 expression with caffeine content but not with theobromine content. TIDH and sAMS expression levels had no significant association with either caffeine or theobromine content. Therefore, it could be concluded from the study findings that the following three factors had a significant influence on the biosynthesis of caffeine in tea plants: the precursor theobromine content; SNPs in TCS1, TIDH, and sAMS in the coding region; and TCS1 expression level.
Recurrent Selection for Seedling Growth of Sweet Corn in Cool Temperatures
Authors: Viesselmann L. M. , De Vries B. , Dodson H. G. , Tracy W. F.
Published: April 2014

Early spring sweet corn producers would benefit from supersweet cultivars with improved seedling cold tolerance. We performed recurrent selection for improved seedling vigor and germination rates at cool temperatures in three sweet corn populations. The original populations were formed by crossing temperate sweet corn and High‐altitude Mexican germplasm. A sugary1 (su1) and a shrunken2 (sh2) population derived from Cacahuacintle Dulce germplasm were evaluated, as well as a sh2 population derived from ‘Maíz Dulce’. The most uniformly vigorous seedling lots were chosen by replicated visual selection and then intermated to form the next cycle. The direct effects of selection were measured through growth chamber germination tests at 10°C. The indirect effects of selection were assessed through replicated field trials. A positive significant linear response to selection for seedling length was present in the two sh2 populations (R2 = 0.92, P < 0.001; R2 = 0.94, P < 0.001). There was a 71% increase in seedling length over four cycles of selection in one sh2 population, and a 116% increase in the other. Significant linear decreases in the average number of dead kernels were observed in both sh2 populations (R2 = 0.91, P < 0.05; R2 = 0.89, P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in kernel carbohydrate composition in either of the sh2 populations. No linear changes were observed as a direct response to selection in the su1 population. While germination under field conditions improved for both of the sh2 populations, selection had a negative effect on several agronomic traits, including plant height, ear height, and ear weight, suggesting the possibility of inbreeding during recurrent selection.
Methiozolin Efficacy, Absorption, and Fate in Six Cool‐Season Grasses
Authors: Yu Jialin , McCullough Patrick E.
Published: April 2014

Selective annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) control in cool‐season turfgrasses is difficult with postemergence herbicides currently available to practitioners. Methiozolin is a new isoxazoline herbicide that controls annual bluegrass in cool‐season turfgrasses but physiological effects attributed to selectivity have received limited investigation. Experiments were conducted to evaluate injury, absorption, translocation, and metabolism of methiozolin in six cool‐season grasses. The rate of methiozolin required for 50% injury (I50) to annual bluegrass and tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) measured 1.67 and 5.11 kg ha−1, respectively, but I50 values measured >6.72 kg ha−1 for creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera L.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), and red fescue (Festuca rubra L. var. rubra) at 4 wk after treatment (WAT). Annual bluegrass required 69 h to reach 50% foliar absorption of 14C‐methiozolin while other species required ≥90 h. At 96 h after treatment (HAT), all species retained ≥83% of foliar applied 14C‐methiozolin in the treated leaf while 7 to 13% and <5% was distributed to nontreated shoots and roots, respectively. Grasses had similar root absorption of 14C‐methiozolin and distributed <25% to shoots at 72 HAT. Metabolism in leaves was not detected at 3 or 7 d after treatment in any species. Extraction was poor (<30%) from multiple solvents evaluated in root metabolism experiments, and metabolites could not be quantified. Although differences in absorption were detected, no metabolism in shoots and poor root extraction suggest that differential target site binding or fate in roots probably contribute to methiozolin selectivity for annual bluegrass control in cool‐season grasses.
Comparative Growth and Development of Hexaploid and Tetraploid Reed Canarygrass
Authors: Johnson R.C. , Evans Marc
Published: April 2014

Reed canarygrass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) is a globally distributed forage grass potentially useful as a biofuel. It occurs at more northern latitudes as a tetraploid but also as a less‐studied hexaploid (revised to Phalaris caesia Nees) at equatorial to mid‐latitudes in Europe and Africa. In this study, growth and development of ploidy types were compared on six hexaploid and four tetraploid accessions at Pullman (PU) (cooler, wetter), and at Central Ferry (CF) (warmer, dryer), WA, locations. Six phenological, seven morphological, and seven production traits were measured in 2010 and 201l. Plant survival was near 100% for both ploidy types at both locations despite temperatures as low as −24°C. There were frequent interactions with year and location but hexaploid reproductive development averaged 5–8 d later than tetraploids. Ploidy groups had equal production at CF in 2010, averaging 513 g per plant, and at PU in 2011, averaging 1151 g per plant. But in 2010 at PU, tetraploids produced more than twice the dry wt. of hexaploids, and in 2011 at CF hexaploids produced 39% more than tetraploids (P <0.01). Using all traits and accessions, principal components 1 and 2, explaining 67% of the variation, strongly distinguished ploidy groups at PU both years, but CF groups in 2010 were somewhat more diffuse. Although high production for both ploidy groups occurred at PU in 2011, the higher production of hexaploids at CF in 2011 suggested a potential for expanded use in warmer, dryer climates.
Identification and Characterization of EST‐SSR Markers in Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis spp.)
Authors: Kuravadi Nagesh Aswathnarayana , Tiwari Pranita Bhatele , Tanwar Umesh Kumar , Tripathi Sangharsh Kumar , Dhugga Kanwarpal Singh , Gill Kulvinder Singh , Randhawa Gursharn Singh
Published: April 2014

Cluster bean, or guar, [Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub] is an important industrial crop. At present there are no marker resources or linkage maps available for this crop. Development of molecular markers is essential for accelerating genetic studies and breeding in guar. In the present study, mining of simple sequence repeat (SSR) sequences from 16,476 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of guar was done using the microsatellite (MISA) identification tool. A total of 907 SSR‐containing sequences were identified. Flanking primers were designed for SSR‐containing sequences. Primers were selected on the basis of Tm, guanine‐cytosine (GC) content, and product length. A total of 362 pairs of primers were designed, out of which 224 were synthesized and used for assessment of amplification and polymorphism in five accessions of three Cyamopsis species. Out of 224 primer pairs, 187, 184, and 121 resulted in the amplification of SSR‐containing sequences producing reliable and reproducible DNA bands in C. tetragonoloba, C. serrata, and C. senegalensis, respectively. The analysis of the DNA bands revealed that 44 SSR markers were monomorphic in all the five accessions. Four SSR markers showed polymorphism in all three tested varieties of C. tetragonoloba. Our study gives the preliminary information on types, distribution, and frequencies of various SSRs present in the EST database of guar. The results provide the first set of 187 SSR markers for the guar research community.
Simulated Genetically Modified Triticale: Adventitious Presence from Volunteers in Four Cropping Systems
Authors: Raatz Lisa L. , Yang Rong‐Cai , Eudes François , Hall Linda M.
Published: April 2014

Harvesting volunteer genetically modified (GM) crops is a likely source of adventitious presence (AP) that could preclude coexistence with conventional crops. Spring triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus) is proposed as a biofuel and, with genetic modifications, as a platform crop for bioindustrial products. We investigated seed production of simulated volunteer triticale in four western Canadian cropping systems: glyphosate‐resistant (GR) canola (Brassica napus L.); glufosinate‐resistant (GLUR) canola; field pea (Pisum sativum L.); and imidazolinone‐resistant (IR) wheat, in 2006 and 2007 at two locations, and quantified crop yield losses, triticale seed viability, and AP of triticale in harvested crops. Fecundity of volunteers in the absence of herbicides varied between locations, from 3506 to 9280 seeds m–2, and with crop: GLUR canola = GR canola < IR spring wheat < field pea. Herbicides applied preseeding (PRE) reduced triticale densities between 30 and 80%, and survivors produced between 178 and 2052 seeds m–2. Herbicides applied in‐crop (POST) were more effective and reduced triticale densities between 8 and > 99% and fecundity between <1 and 1231 seeds m–2. The combination of PRE and POST applications reduced fecundity below that of PRE or POST alone in 3 of 16 crop years. The AP was >1% of the crop (weight/weight) in 3 of 13 crop years when both PRE and POST herbicides were applied. Volunteer triticale is a probable source of AP in subsequent crops that may reduce acceptability in some GM sensitive markets.
Soybean Biomass and Nitrogen Accumulation Rates and Radiation Use Efficiency in a Maximum Yield Environment
Authors: Van Roekel Ryan J. , Purcell Larry C.
Published: April 2014

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] physiological characterization in a maximum yield environment may identify yield‐optimization factors, lead to reassessment of fundamental crop model parameters, and provide guidance for management or breeding efforts. From 2011 to 2013, we characterized biomass and N accumulation rates, radiation use efficiency (RUE), and yield for four or five cultivars in a maximum‐yield contest field. Grain yield among cultivars ranged from 5290 to 7953 kg ha−1. The highest yields were observed in 2013, when biomass and N accumulation rates ranged from 45.6 to 64.3 g m−2 d−1 and 1.43 to 2.08 g N m−2 d−1, respectively, and when RUE values ranged from 1.46 to 1.89 g MJ−1. The observed crop growth characteristics in 2013 were near or above the maximum values previously reported in the literature. These empirical measurements provide collateral data documenting a soybean crop with grain yields approximately 6719 kg ha−1.
Association Mapping of Hagberg Falling Number in Hard White Spring Wheat
Authors: Zhang Junli , Chen Jianli , Bowman Brian C. , O'Brien Katherine , Marshall Juliet M. , Bonman J. Michael
Published: April 2014

Hagberg falling number (FN) is an important quality trait used for grain grading. The FN test can only be measured in the late stages of variety development when progeny are homogeneous and sufficient grain is available for testing. The FN is strongly influenced by environmental conditions during reproductive growth stages, including excess moisture, extreme temperature, and biotic and abiotic stresses. The objective of this study was to identify potential genomic regions that influence FN in a subset of 110 hard white spring (HWS) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) accessions from the National Small Grain Collection (NSGC) using genome‐wide association mapping. The FN tests were conducted using grain flour samples of these accessions grown in five environments. A total of 1740 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers were used to detect SNP–FN associations using both the general linear model (GLM) and the mixed linear model (MLM). Thirteen quantitative trait loci (QTL) located in nine chromosomal regions were identified in both GLM and MLM approaches. Pyramiding these QTL could explain up to 45% of the phenotypic variation of FN. The present study identified several potential markers for use in marker‐assisted selection for high FN lines in wheat breeding.
Combining Ability and Variability for Fiber Maturity among Diverse World Cotton Genotypes
Authors: Jernigan Kendra , Wayne Smith C. , Hequet Eric , Beyer Benjamin , Percy Richard
Published: April 2014

Increased U.S. export of cotton and global competition necessitates that plant breeders continue to improve fiber properties of upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum (L.). TAM B182–33 ELS (Extra‐Long Staple) (Smith, et al., 2009) germplasm line of upland cotton, and ‘Tamcot CAMD‐E’ (Bird, 1979), a short‐staple obsolete cultivar, were crossed with 12 cultivars from China, seven from northern Africa, 10 from southern Africa, and seven from the United States. Parents and 72 F1s were grown in College Station, TX, in a Line × Tester design during the summers of 2010 and 2011. Mature, unopened bolls were hand harvested, deburred and allowed to dry in limited light. Maturity ratio (MR) and ribbon width (RbWth) were determined on a Cottonscope at the Fiber and Biopolymer Research Institute (FBRI) in Lubbock, TX on the 38 parents and F1s, and general and specific combining abilities were determined. Genetic variation existed for MR and RbWth among the distinct germplasm pools utilized in this study. ‘Allen 333–61 CB 4027’ (northern Africa), ‘Phytogen 72’ (United States), ‘UK 64’ (southern Africa) and ‘Lintsing Sze Tze 4B’ (China) and their F1 progenies from crosses with TAM B182–33 ELS and Tamcot CAMD‐E had enhanced maturity characteristics, particularly high MR values, indicating that their fibers are more mature than that from some of the other cultivars. Data suggest that MR could be improved through breeding and use of the Cottonscope.
Spatial Arrangement of Forages Affects Grazing Behavior of Beef Heifers Continuously Stocked at Low Stocking Rate
Authors: Scaglia Guillermo , Boland Holly T.
Published: April 2014

Spatially separated pastures may reduce foraging costs and provide a better balance of nutrients. The objective was to evaluate the grazing behavior of stocker heifers grazing different spatially arranged pastures. Treatments (three replicates) were: (i) annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.; RG); (ii) mixed (MIX) sward of annual ryegrass and clover mix (berseem [Trifolium alexandrinum L.], white [T. repens L.], and red clover [T. pratense L.]); (iii) clover mix (CL) alone; and (iv) adjacent areas (ADJ) of annual ryegrass and clover mix. Crossbred beef heifers (n = 48; 224 ± 14 kg) were continuously stocked at 2.5 heifers ha−1. Visual and video recording observations and pedometers were used to study grazing behavior. Forage mass and nutritive value and body weight of heifers were determined every 15 d. Crude protein content of CL and ADJ was greater (P = 0.02) than RG. Concentration of water‐soluble carbohydrate (WSC) was greater in RG than on CL. Heifers spent more time (P < 0.05) walking on RG and MIX when compared to those on ADJ. Grazing time was greater for heifers on RG compared to CL. Annual ryegrass had a greater concentration of WSC in the afternoon (221 g kg−1 DM) than in the morning hours (129 g kg−1 DM) and was greater than the concentration in the CL (99 and 61 g kg−1 DM, respectively). The concentration of WSC may explain the increase in grazing preference of RG during the afternoon; however, the reduction in the proportion of berseem clover during the last 30 d may have affected heifers’ grazing behavior.
General Combining Ability Model for Genomewide Selection in a Biparental Cross
Authors: Jacobson Amy , Lian Lian , Zhong Shengqiang , Bernardo Rex
Published: April 2014

Genomewide selection within an A/B biparental cross is most advantageous if it could be effectively done before the cross is phenotyped. Our objectives were to determine if a general combining ability (GCA) model is useful for genomewide selection in an A/B cross, and to assess the influence of training population size (NGCA), number of crosses pooled into the training population (N×), linkage disequilibrium (r2), and heritability (h2) on the prediction accuracy with the GCA model. The GCA model involved pooling 4 to 38 maize crosses with A and B as one of the parents into the training population for an A/B cross, whereas the same background (SB) model involved pooling crosses between random inbreds. Across 30 A/B test populations, the mean response to selection (R) with the GCA model was 0.19 Mg ha–1 for testcross grain yield, –6 g kg–1 for moisture, and 0.38 kg hL–1 for test weight. These R values with the GCA model were 68 to 76% of the corresponding R values with phenotypic selection (PS). The R values with the SB model were only 15 to 28% of the R values with PS. Increasing the size of the training population with random crosses from the same heterotic group was less important than including crosses with A and B as one of the parents. Prediction accuracy was most highly correlated with and . Our results indicated that the GCA model is routinely effective for genomewide selection within A/B crosses, before phenotyping the progeny in the cross.
Resource Allocation for Selection of Seed Protein and Amino Acids in Soybean
Authors: Van Warrington Caleb , Abdel‐Haleem Hussein , Orf James H. , Killam Arthur S. , Bajjalieh Nick , Li Zenglu , Boerma H. Roger
Published: April 2014

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is the one of the world's leading sources of oil and high‐quality protein meal. An understanding of genotype × environment (G × E) interactions associated with crude protein (cp), and amino acids lysine (Lys), threonine (Thr), methionine (Met), and cysteine (Cys) would aid breeders in their selection efforts. The objectives of this study were to determine the impact of G × E interactions on protein and amino acid contents, to assess the optimum number of replications and environments necessary to provide a given level of discrimination among genotypes for crude protein and amino acids, and to evaluate the association of seed yield, maturity, and other agronomic traits with amino acid content. To meet these objectives, 140 F5–derived recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from a cross of ‘Benning’ × ‘Danbaekkong’ and were grown in five field environments across the southern United States. The effects of genotype and G × E interaction were significant for crude protein, Lys/cp, Thr/cp, Met/cp, Cys/cp, and Met + Cys/cp (P ≤ 0.001). The genotypic variance component for crude protein was seven times larger than the G × E variance component. These two components of variance were found to be of similar magnitude for Lys/cp and Cys/cp. The G × E component of variance was slightly higher than the genotypic component for Thr/cp, Met/cp, and Met + Cys/cp. It was determined that the combination of five replications and two environments used in the present study could detect a difference of 2.5% between two genotype means for Lys/cp and Thr/cp. An increased number of plots (environment and replication combinations) would be necessary to detect a 2.5% difference or less between two genotype means for crude protein, Met/cp, Cys/cp, and Met + Cys/cp. Significant correlations were detected between yield and crude protein (r = −0.50), Lys/cp (r = 0.49), and Thr/cp (r = 0.49). Associations of crude protein and amino acids with maturity, seed weight, plant height, and lodging were negligible.
Enhanced Stabilization of Digested Sludge During Long‐Term Storage in Anaerobic Lagoons
Authors: Lukicheva Irina , Pagilla Krishna , Tian Guanglong , Cox Albert , Granato Thomas
Published: April 2014

The goal of this work was to study changes in anaerobically stored digested sludge under different lengths of storage time to evaluate the quality of final product biosolids. The analyses of collected data suggest the organic matter degradation occurrence in the anaerobic environment of the lagoon approximately within the first year. After that, the degradation becomes very slow, which is likely caused by unfavorable environmental conditions. The performance of lagoon aging of digested sludge was also compared to the performance of lagoon aging of anaerobically digested and dewatered sludge. It was concluded that both of these processes result in biosolids of comparative quality and that the former provides more economical solution to biosolids handling by eliminating the need for mechanical dewatering.
The effect of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition on effective renal plasma flow in patients with diffuse renal parenchymal diseases and hypertension
Authors: Zeravica Radmila , Stosic Zoran , Ilincic Branislava , Crnobrnja Veljko , Jakovljevic Ana , Mijovic Romana
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors are commonly used to
treat various hypertensive conditions and in addition to lowering blood
pressure these drugs affect the local renal hemodynamic status, thereby
influencing the glomerular filtration rate and effective renal plasma flow.
The study was aimed at determining whether angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitors can produce significant changes in effective renal plasma flow in
patients with parenchymal renal disease and to assess whether the changes
depend on the pre-existing functional status of the kidney. Material and
Methods. The study included 80 subjects, 40 subjects with hypertension
associated with diffuse renal parenchymal disease and 40 subjects with
essential hypertension. All study subjects underwent the baseline effective
renal plasma flow measurement and the repeated effective renal plasma flow
measurement after administration of captopril. Effective renal plasma flow
was determined by 131 I-hippuran clearance in blood samples taken at 20 and
30 minutes. Results. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors caused
significant effective renal plasma flow changes in 55% of subjects with
diffuse renal parenchymal disease and in 75% of subjects with essential
hypertension. The effective renal plasma flow changes were more significant
in subjects with preserved renal function (normal baseline effective renal
plasma flow) compared to subjects with reduced baseline effective renal
plasma flow. Conclusion. The application of angiotensin converting enzyme
inhibitors in patients with diffuse renal parenchymal disease and in
individuals with essential hypertension may result in significant hemodynamic
changes in the kidney, accompanied by changes in effective renal plasma flow.
The extent of the changes caused by angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors
depends on the preexisting functional status of the kidney.
Voice therapy and assistive techniques in voice disorders caused by unilateral vocal cord pareses
Authors: Kasterovic Bojana , Veselinovic Mila , Mitrovic Slobodan
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Dysphonias due to primary neurogenic disorders are a group of
voice disorders that can be caused by both central and peripheral disorders
of the larynx innervation. There are numerous causes leading to paralysis of
superior and/or inferior laryngeal nerves, particularly of the inferior
laryngeal or recurrent nerve. Voice Therapy in Unilateral Vocal Cord Paresis.
Vocal therapy is an integral part of the conservative treatment. Specific
methods are applied to individual vocal problems, while the non-specific ones
are applied to a number of dysphonias. Non-specific methods are further
divided into integrated and focused vocal methods. Integrated methods treat
the voice and speech disorders as a unified entity of all quality and
segments of voice and speech. Focused non-specific methods treat the segments
and the quality of voice and speech individually. Assistive Techniques in
Voice Disorders Caused by Unilateral Vocal Cord Paresis. Digital compression
of the larynx by Seeman includes the treatment of voice with compression of
the thyroid cartilage, thus moving the paralyzed and healthy vocal cord
medially and upwards, and medially and downwards, respectively. This leads to
the proper occlusion of vocal cords because in these conditions the paralyzed
vocal cord is lower than the healthy one. According to the theoretical
assumption, when the head anc neck are rotated to one or the other side, the
anatomic relations in the neck are change and thus the vocal cords are
brought into contact with the resulting reduction of the gap between them and
the reduced air flow. Conclusion. Studies assessing the efficiency of
different methods of vocal therapy are scarce bearing in mind the importance
of vocal therapy and the fact that many patients refuse surgical treatment.
Research on the efficiency of assistive techniques in phoniatric
rehabilitation of patients with unilateral vocal cord paresis yields
conflicting results. However, assistive techniques are useful practical
methods in vocal rehabilitation of these patients.
Autologous blood transfusion in patients undergoing hip replacement surgery
Authors: Tesic Ivana , Sekulic Jovan , Arbutinov Vladimir , Popov Dragana , Velisavljev Dusan
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Autologous blood transfusion is a set of procedures done in
order to collect a patient?s blood and reinfuse it during or after a surgical
intervention. The aim is to meet the patient?s need for blood products
without allogeneic transfusion. By observing the hemoglobin and hematocrit
values during blood donation in the pre-operative and post-operative period
and by counting transfused blood units, the aim of this article was to detect
whether there was any difference between the patients receiving autologous
blood and those receiving only allogeneic blood. Material and Methods. This
prospective study was performed at the General Hospital ?Djordje Joanovic?
Zrenjanin from October 24th, 2011 to January 24th, 2013. The study included
60 patients who were divided into the experimental group of 30 patients who
had been transfused autologous blood and the control group of 30 patients who
had been transfused only allogeneic blood. Results. The average values of
hemoglobin and hematocrit in the first and the second donation were 148.9 g/l
and 44.2%, and 138.7 g/l and 40.8%, respectively. Oral iron preparation was
given to 12 patients for two weeks before the first donation. The level of
hemoglobin and hematocrit in both groups of patients had approximately the
same values in the pre-operative and post-operative period. In the
post-operative period, 2.53 units were transfused per patient in the
experimental group and 3.73 units were transfused per patient in the control
group. Conclusion. Administration of pre-operatively donated autogenous blood
reduces the number of transfused deplasmatised erythrocytes units in
comparison to the number of units transfused to the patients receiving only
allogeneic blood products. The pre-operative use of oral iron preparations
increases hemoglobin values significantly.
Verification of osteoporotic vertebral fractures caused by glucocorticoids
Authors: Jankovic Tanja , Zvekic-Svorcan Jelena , Boskovic Ksenija
Published: April 2014

Introduction. Long-term administration of glucocorticoids leads to rapid
osteoporosis, and vertebral fractures are one of its most common
complications. The methods used in identification are semi-quantitative ones,
based on visual assessment, and quantitative ones, which use morphometric
criteria. Case Report. A 79-year-old woman, who has suffered from polymyalgia
rheumatica since July 2012, was treated with prednisone at a daily dose of 20
mg. Radiography of thoracic and lumbar spine verified the reduction of body
height of T 12, L3 and L4 vertebrae. Densitometry findings showed a decrease
in bone density at the lumbar segment of the spine and femoral neck.
Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry device was used to perform vertebral
morphometry by applying Genant semi-quantitative method, which verified crush
fractures of the body of T4 and L3 vertebrae, while the L2 vertebra had a
biconcave shape. The spinal deformity index parameter was 8. An intense pain
developed in the back after 9 months of glucocorticoids administration. The
repeated radiographic findings of thoracic and lumbar spine and vertebral
morphometry, which had been done by dual-energy xray absorptiometry device,
revealed deterioration in the form of serial crush fractures, while fat
distribution index parameter increased to 15. Dual-energy x-ray
absorptiometry finding showed a decrease in T score at the femoral neck.
Conclusion. Longterm administration of glucocorticoids is accompanied by a
rapid loss of bone mass, and vertebral fractures are one of its most common
consequences. Therefore, its prevention, early diagnosis and treatment are
required. The combination of qualitative conventional radiography and
semi-quantitative dual-energy xray absorptiometry vertebral morphometry plays
an important role in identifying vertebral fractures.
The success of treatment of chronic hepatitis C in opiate addicts in Clinical center of Vojvodina
Authors: Odavic Milica , Preveden Tomislav
Published: April 2014

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis C is a disease with a high prevalence in the
population of intravenous drug users. Serious clinical course of the disease,
which can lead to cirrhosis of the liver with all its complications, has a
large epidemiological and clinical significance. This study was aimed at
assessing the success of antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis C in
intravenous drug users and defining indicators of successful treatment in
this population. Materials and Methods. This retrospective study included 316
patients treated with standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C, pegylated
interferon and ribavirin, at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Clinical
Center of Vojvodina in Novi Sad in the period from January 2007 to December
2012. The patients were divided into a group of intravenous drug users (n =
163) and a group of other modes of transmission of hepatitis C virus (n =
153). The indicators of successful treatment were measured in both groups.
Results. A total 51.57% of the subjects belonged to the group of intravenous
drug users. The therapy was successful in 87.15% of cases, while the success
was achieved in only 53.47% of cases in the group of patients infected
otherwise. The positive effect of therapy was associated with younger age,
shorter duration of infection, low levels of fibrosis and a higher percentage
of infected with hepatitis C virus genotypes 2 and 3. Conclusion. The
population of intravenous drug users can be effectively treated with the
standard therapy for chronic hepatitis C, even more successfully than the
population infected in some other way.
Sex Differences and the Interaction of Age and Sleep Issues in Neuropsychological Testing Performance across the Lifespan in an Add/Adhd Sample from the Years 1989 to 2009
Authors: Fisher Barbara C. , Garges Danielle M. , Yoon Sun Young Rosalia , Maguire Katie , Zipay Danielle , Gambino Maria
Published: April 2014

Chart review of population (9 to 80 years) neuropsychological test battery for ADHD diagnosis, questionnaires with multiple responders were evaluated in outpatient setting from 1989–2009. The focus was gender differences across age, diagnostic group (ADHD-Inattentive/ADHD plus), neuropsychological test performance, and reported sleep symptoms over the lifespan. Individuals were assigned to ADHD-I group or ADHD plus group (based upon secondary diagnosis of sleep, behavioral, emotional disturbance); ADHD not primary was excluded (brain insult, psychosis). Among these were 1,828 children (ages 9 to 14), adolescents (ages 15 to 17), and adults (ages 18 and above); 446 children (312 diagnosed ADHD-I), 218 adolescents (163 diagnosed ADHD-I), and 1,163 adults (877 ADHD-I). Sleep was problematic regardless of age, ADHD subtype, and gender. The type and number of sleep problems and fatigue were age dependent. ADHD subtype, gender, fatigue, age, and sleep (sleep onset, unrefreshing sleep, sleep maintenance) were significant variables affecting neuropsychological test performance (sequencing, cognitive flexibility, slow- and fast-paced input, divided attention, whole brain functioning). Findings suggest that ADHD involves numerous factors and symptoms beyond attention, such as sleep which interacts differently dependent upon age.
Ministering with a High Doctrine of the Trinity in a Liberal Church
Authors: Wyatt Peter
Published: April 2014

Abstract:

Evangelical renewal groups exist in varied form in several mainline Canadian churches. A conference recently held by one such group called on the author to address the theme of ministering with a high doctrine of the Trinity in a liberal church. This article is based on an oral address given at the conference and on further reflection on its themes. The author believes that understanding the complex nature and development of the doctrine of the Trinity is a crucial first step on the way to addressing more practical considerations. Attention is given to the New Testament witness and to the relationship between immanent and economic expressions of the doctrine. It is also important to understand that orthodox teaching about the Trinity is encumbered by “baggage” (both historical and contemporary) that may limit the openness of more liberal Christians to its significance. The article maintains that Christian spiritual experience is the basis of trinitarian faith and that the Trinity is integral to Christian faith and pastoral practice. Yoked with an open and respectful attitude to the convictions of others, ministering with the Trinity in a liberal Church can and should take a positive and confident shape.
The Multifaceted Roles of STAT3 Signaling in the Progression of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Bishop Jennifer , Thaper Daksh , Zoubeidi Amina
Published: April 2014

The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)3 governs essential functions of epithelial and hematopoietic cells that are often dysregulated in cancer. While the role for STAT3 in promoting the progression of many solid and hematopoietic malignancies is well established, this review will focus on the importance of STAT3 in prostate cancer progression to the incurable metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Indeed, STAT3 integrates different signaling pathways involved in the reactivation of androgen receptor pathway, stem like cells and the epithelial to mesenchymal transition that drive progression to mCRPC. As equally important, STAT3 regulates interactions between tumor cells and the microenvironment as well as immune cell activation. This makes it a major factor in facilitating prostate cancer escape from detection of the immune response, promoting an immunosuppressive environment that allows growth and metastasis. Based on the multifaceted nature of STAT3 signaling in the progression to mCRPC, the promise of STAT3 as a therapeutic target to prevent prostate cancer progression and the variety of STAT3 inhibitors used in cancer therapies is discussed.
Effects of the November 2012 Flood Event on the Mobilization of Hg from the Mount Amiata Mining District to the Sediments of the Paglia River Basin
Authors: Pattelli Giulia , Rimondi Valentina , Benvenuti Marco , Chiarantini Laura , Colica Antonella , Costagliola Pilario , Benedetto Francesco , Lattanzi Pierfranco , Paolieri Mario , Rinaldi Massimo
Published: April 2014

The Mount Amiata mining district (southern Tuscany, Italy) was, for decades, one of the world’s largest mercury (Hg) producing regions, where mining activity lasted until the 1980s. The Paglia River drains the eastern part of the district and is also the main western tributary of the Tiber River. Recent studies show that, still today, high total Hg contents severely affect the downstream ecosystems of these rivers. In November 2012, a major flood event occurred in the Paglia River basin, which drastically changed the river morphology and, possibly, the Hg concentrations. In the present work, stream sediment was sampled before and after the flood to evaluate possible changes in sediment total Hg concentrations as a consequence of this event. The comparison between pre- and post-flood Hg concentrations shows that Hg content increased up to an order of magnitude after the flood, suggesting that this event triggered Hg mobilization in the basin rather than its dilution.
Surface Soil Water Content Estimation from Thermal Remote Sensing based on the Temporal Variation of Land Surface Temperature
Authors: Zhang Dianjun , Tang Ronglin , Zhao Wei , Tang Bohui , Wu Hua , Shao Kun , Li Zhao-Liang
Published: April 2014

Soil water content (SWC) is a crucial variable in the thermal infrared research and is the major control for land surface hydrological processes at the watershed scale. Estimating the surface SWC from remotely sensed data using the triangle method proposed by Price has been demonstrated in previous studies. In this study, a new soil moisture index (Temperature Rising Rate Vegetation Dryness Index—TRRVDI) is proposed based on a triangle constructed using the mid-morning land surface temperature (LST) rising rate and the vegetation index to estimate the regional SWC. The temperature at the dry edge of the triangle is determined by the surface energy balance principle. The temperature at the wet edge is assumed to be equal to the air temperature. The mid-morning land surface temperature rising rate is calculated using Meteosat Second Generation—Spinning Enhanced Visible and Infrared Imager (MSG-SEVIRI) LST products over 4 cloud-free days (day of year: 206, 211, 212, 242) in 2007. The developed TRRVDI is validated by in situ measurements from 19 meteorological stations in Spain. The results indicate that the coefficient of determination (R2) between the TRRVDI derived using the theoretical limiting edges and the in situ SWC measurements is greater than that derived using the observed limiting edges. The R2 values are 0.46 and 0.32; respectively (p < 0.05). Additionally, the TRRVDI is much better than the soil moisture index that was developed using one-time LST and fractional vegetation cover (FVC) with the theoretically determined limiting edges.
Rhodotorula Mucilaginosa, a Quorum Quenching Yeast Exhibiting Lactonase Activity Isolated from a Tropical Shoreline
Authors: Ghani Norshazliza , Sulaiman Joanita , Ismail Zahidah , Chan Xin-Yue , Yin Wai-Fong , Chan Kok-Gan
Published: April 2014

Two microbial isolates from a Malaysian shoreline were found to be capable of degrading N-acylhomoserine lactones. Both Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry and 18S rDNA phylogenetic analyses confirmed that these isolates are Rhodotorula mucilaginosa. Quorum quenching activities were detected by a series of bioassays and rapid resolution liquid chromatography analysis. The isolates were able to degrade various quorum sensing molecules namely N-hexanoyl-L-homoserine lactone (C6-HSL), N-(3-oxo-hexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C6-HSL) and N-(3-hydroxyhexanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3-hydroxy-C6-HSL). Using a relactonisation assay to verify the quorum quenching mechanism, it is confirmed that Rh. mucilaginosa degrades the quorum sensing molecules via lactonase activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first documentation of the fact that Rh. mucilaginosa has activity against a broad range of AHLs namely C6-HSL, 3-oxo-C6-HSL and 3-hydroxy-C6-HSL.