bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic Diversity and Differentiation of Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg Revealed by ISSR and SRAP Markers
Authors: Zou Meiling , Xia Zhiqiang , Lu Cheng , Wang Haiyan , Ji Jiamin , Wang Wenquan
Published: August 2012

Aquilaria sinensis (Lour.) Gilg, one of the most valuable medicinal plants endemic to China, has been largely destroyed and is presently listed as an endangered species in the China Plant Red Data Book: Rare and Endangered Plants. The number of individuals and population genetic diversity of this species have rarely been reported. A total of 567 polymorphic bands were found in 112 accessions of A. sinensis using inter‐simple sequence repeats and sequence‐related amplified polymorphism markers. All accessions from 11 locations were allocated into five geographical natural populations by cluster analysis. The genetic classification of accessions coincided with their geographic distribution, with some overlapping between neighboring regions. Principal coordinate analysis further showed three large‐scale geographic genetic zones of A. sinensis. Nei's genetic diversity had low values in the range 0.2014 to 0.1671 at the species level for A. sinensis. There were significant differences (P < 0.001) among (19.64% of the variance) and within populations (80.36% of the variance). Restricted gene flow (Nm = 1.8292) among populations may result from several factors, such as low seed dispersal and isolation of populations.
Leaf and Plant Water Use Efficiency in Cocksfoot and Tall Fescue Accessions under Differing Soil Water Availability
Authors: Gulías J. , Seddaiu G. , Cifre J. , Salis M. , Ledda L.
Published: August 2012

Water availability is one of the most important limiting factors in plant production worldwide. Such limitation is expected to increase in regions with a Mediterranean climate type during the next few decades. The objectives of this study were to evaluate plant water use efficiency (WUE) in contrasting accessions of two perennial grasses, Dactylis glomerata L. (cocksfoot) and Festuca arundinacea Schreb. [syn. Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) Darbysh.] (tall fescue), under two different water availability regimes and to study the relationship with instantaneous and intrinsic leaf WUE. Six accessions of D. glomerata and five accessions of F. arundinacea were grown under well irrigated and progressive drought conditions. Plant biomass, water consumption, and gas exchange parameters were measured to estimate the plant and leaf WUE. Few differences in biomass accumulation and gas exchange parameters were observed among the accessions within both species. Plant WUE and total plant biomass accumulation were positively correlated in both species and water treatment. The leaf WUE parameters did not show a consistent relationship with the plant WUE in either species. In contrast, the stomatal conductance decreased as the plant WUE increased in water‐limited D. glomerata, suggesting that stomatal conductance may be a good estimator of plant WUE under water deficit conditions.
Impact of Combining the Rag1 and Rag2 Alleles for Aphid Resistance on Agronomic and Seed Traits of Soybean
Authors: Brace Ryan C. , Fehr Walter R.
Published: August 2012

Damage to soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] by the soybean aphid (Aphis glycines Matsumura) has been of economic concern in the midwestern United States since 2000. Soybean lines with both the Rag1 and Rag2 alleles have had substantially reduced aphid development compared to lines with either of the two alleles individually. The objective of our study was to evaluate the impact of the two alleles on agronomic and seed traits of soybean by comparing 22 BC3F2:4 lines with the two alleles to their susceptible recurrent parent ‘IA3027’. The replicated experiment was grown under aphid‐free conditions at three Iowa environments during 2011. Although the mean yield of the backcross (BC) lines was significantly less than IA3027 by 147 g kg−1 (4.5%), 15 of the 22 BC lines (68%) were not significantly different than the recurrent parent. The mean of the BC lines was significantly different than the recurrent parent for maturity, plant height, lodging, oil concentration, and seed weight, but there were individual BC lines that were not significantly different from the recurrent parent for all of the traits. The results indicated that it should be possible to develop resistant cultivars with the Rag1 and Rag2 alleles that have comparable performance for agronomic and seed traits to those of susceptible cultivars.
Resistance to Race TTKSK of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici in Emmer Wheat
Authors: Olivera Pablo D. , Badebo Ayele , Xu Steven S. , Klindworth Daryl L. , Jin Yue
Published: August 2012

Race TTKSK (Ug99) of Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici is a serious threat to wheat production worldwide because of its wide virulence on many cultivars and rapid spread. Emmer wheat [Triticum turgidum L. subsp. dicoccon (Schrank) Thell.] is known to be a source of resistance to stem rust but has not been evaluated against race TTKSK. In attempts to identify and characterize stem rust resistance genes effective against race TTKSK at the seedling stage, we evaluated 359 accessions of emmer wheat with race TTKSK and other races with broad virulence. A high frequency (31.8%) of accessions were resistant to TTKSK at the seedling stage with low infection types ranging from 2= to 2+. Thirty‐seven accessions exhibited a resistant to moderately resistant response in Debre Zeit, Ethiopia, and St. Paul, MN, nurseries in 2010 and 2011. Studies were conducted to determine the inheritance of TTKSK resistance in five accessions at the seedling stage. Results from evaluating F2 and F2:3 generations revealed that resistance was conferred by single genes. One additional gene effective against race TTTTF was identified in the resistant parents. Results from this study indicated that emmer wheat is a source of resistance to race TTKSK and may contribute novel resistance genes. Since emmer wheat shares the same genome as durum [Triticum turgidum subsp. durum (Desf.) Husn.] wheat and is in cultivated form, resistance genes should be easily transferred to durum wheat by conventional breeding approaches.
Yield and Yield Components of Winter‐Type Safflower
Authors: Johnson R.C. , Petrie S.E. , Franchini María Clara , Evans Marc
Published: August 2012

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a minor yet widely grown oil seed crop adapted to semiarid regions. The development of winter adapted safflower, permitting fall planting, could substantially increase seed production. Our objective was to compare seed production of winter‐type and spring‐type safflower under fall and spring planting regimes. From 2006 to 2009 four winter‐type safflower germplasms and two spring cultivars were compared at Central Ferry, WA, Pullman, WA, and Pendleton, OR, in seven year–location combinations. For all years and locations the minimum average winter temperatures in December and January were always below freezing, with annual extremes ranging from ‐11 to ‐26°C. Extensive winter mortality of fall‐planted, spring‐type cultivars generally resulted in little or no seed production. For each year, seed production of fall‐planted, winter‐type germplasm was always higher than when spring planted (P < 0.05), averaging 310 g m‐2 or 66% more. That advantage was also observed at all locations within years except Pullman and Pendleton in 2009. Anthesis of fall‐planted germplasm averaged 16 d earlier than when spring planted. Increased production of fall‐planted winter‐type germplasm was most closely associated with increased seeds per square meter resulting from more capitula per square meter or seeds per capitulum. The results showed that fall‐planted winter‐type safflower has the potential to substantially increase seed production compared to spring types.
Markers for Quantitative Inheritance of Resistance to Foliar Thrips in Cowpea
Authors: Lucas Mitchell R. , Ehlers Jeffery D. , Roberts Philip A. , Close Timothy J.
Published: August 2012

Molecular assisted breeding is currently constrained by the lack of breeder‐friendly trait‐associated markers, especially among lesser studied crops. Recent advances in genomic technology are being applied to many important crop species, promoting the development of robust marker–trait associations. Regions of the cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] genome controlling the quantitative resistance to feeding by foliar thrips (Thrips tabaci and Frankliniella schultzei) were tagged by coupling phenotypic observations from two recombinant inbred line populations generated from domesticated parents. Three regions (Thr‐1, Thr‐2, and Thr‐3) explaining approximately 32, 24, and 9%, respectively, of the phenotypic variation were tagged with several expressed sequence tag (EST)‐derived single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and are presented here as haplotypes composed of multiple SNP markers. Regions within the soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genome that are syntenic to cowpea Thr‐1, Thr‐2, and Thr‐3 are also reported.
Variation of Responses to Water Stress Between ‘Tifton 85’ and ‘Tifway’ or ‘Coastal’ Bermudagrass
Authors: Husmoen Derek , Vietor D. M. , Rouquette F. M. , Cothren J. T.
Published: August 2012

Field observations revealed greater retention of green leaf area and growth of ‘Tifton 85’ compared to common and ‘Coastal’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.] under water stress. Our objective was to compare phenotypic and physiological responses to increased water stress between Tifton 85 and Coastal and between Tifton 85 and ‘Tifway’ bermudagrass under greenhouse conditions. Bermudagrass green leaf area, shoot and root dry weights, leaf CO2 exchange rate (CER), H2O exchange rate (WER), and conductance were measured under well‐watered and reduced watering in two experiments. Tifton 85 retained greater green leaf area than Tifway under water stress in Exp. 1. The CER, WER, and conductance were less for Tifton 85 than Tifway, but water stress over 8 d reduced each variable for Tifway only. In Exp. 2, soil water content and green leaf area declined more for Tifton 85 than for Coastal bermudagrass over 14 d after watering ended. Greater root dry weight below the 13‐cm depth indicated Tifton 85 depleted water content of the finite pot volumes more rapidly than Coastal under reduced watering. After 14 d without watering during Exp. 2, mean CER of green leaves was less than well‐watered pots for Tifton 85 but not for Coastal bermudagrass. Similar to phenotypic traits, leaf CER, WER, and conductance responses of Tifton 85 differed between experiments. These greenhouse experiments documented variation of responses to reduced soil water supply among bermudagrass and revealed the need to evaluate traits affecting water access and use for Tifton 85 and other bermudagrass under field conditions.
Genetic Yield Improvement in Soft Red Winter Wheat in the Eastern United States from 1919 to 2009
Authors: Green Andrew J. , Berger G. , Griffey C. A. , Pitman R. , Thomason W. , Balota M. , Ahmed A.
Published: August 2012

Periodic evaluation of breeding progress is necessary to assess genetic gains over time, and underlying traits responsible for yield gains can direct future breeding. This study was conducted to determine the rate and magnitude of yield progress in eastern soft red winter (SRW) wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars released from 1950 to 2009 relative to a historical cultivar Red May (1919). The effects of agronomic, morphological, and yield component traits on grain yield were studied in 50 widely grown historic and current cultivars in replicated yield trials at Warsaw, VA, in 2010 and 2011 and at Holland and Blacksburg, VA, in 2011. Genotype × environment interactions were significant (p ﹤ 0.01) for most traits. Linear regression models for yield were constructed for each environment, with r2 values ranging from 0.62 to 0.76 among environments. The traits flag leaf angle, kernel weight, spikes per square meter, lodging, flowering date, harvest index, normalized difference vegetative index (NDVI), and green leaf retention, respectively, explained the most yield variation in multiple environments. The rate of genetic yield improvement ranged from 0.56% yr−1 at Holland in 2011 to 1.4% yr−1 at Blacksburg in 2011. Traits that consistently increased in magnitude over time were spikes per square meter, erect flag leaf angle, harvest index, seeds per spike, seeds per spikelet, and yield. Traits that decreased over the time period studied were flowering date and plant height.
Molecular Characterization of a Spontaneous Waxy Starch Mutation in Cassava
Authors: Aiemnaka Pornsak , Wongkaew Arunee , Chanthaworn Jumnong , Nagashima Sathakupt Ken , Boonma Supawadee , Authapun Jetsada , Jenweerawat Sujin , Kongsila Pasajee , Kittipadakul Piya , Nakasathien Sutkhet , Sreewongchai Tanee , Wannarat Wannasiri , Vichukit Vichan , López‐Lavalle Luís Augusto Becerra , Ceballos Hernán , Rojanaridpiched Chareinsuk , Phumichai Chalermpol
Published: August 2012

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) starch is traded in international markets more than starch from any other source. The starch industry requires cassava cultivars with novel starch characteristics for commercial exploitation. A natural source of waxy (amylose‐free) cassava starch, clone AM 206‐5, was identified at the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT). The granule‐bound starch synthase I (GBSSI) gene is related to the waxy starch trait. The objectives of this study were to introgress the waxy starch mutation into Thailand's cassava breeding populations, to analyze the inheritance of waxy starch in cassava, and to develop molecular markers for this trait. AM 206‐5 (wxwx) was crossed with several elite cultivars (WxWx) to transfer the wx allele. Unrelated “F1” (Wxwx) genotypes were crossed among themselves to produce a “F2” segregating population with negligible levels of inbreeding depression. The waxy starch phenotype was recovered in 25.7% of the 11,192 genotypes tested. This result provides further evidence that cassava is a functional diploid and that only one copy of GBSSI is present in cassava. A full‐length genomic DNA sequence of GBSSI was isolated and characterized from C8, a waxy starch “F2” clone derived from AM 206‐5. We exploited these sequence differences to develop two diagnostic single‐nucleotide‐amplified polymorphism (SNAP) markers to differentiate homozygous waxy (wxwx) from the heterozygous (Wxwx) and homozygous (WxWx) nonwaxy genotypes.
Athletic Field Paint Impacts Light Spectral Quality and Turfgrass Photosynthesis
Authors: Reynolds William Casey , Miller Grady L. , Rufty Thomas W.
Published: August 2012

Athletic field paints are applied to turf surfaces with little or no acute injury. However, field managers notice chronic declines in turfgrass health after repeated applications. This study examines athletic field paint impacts on spectral quality and associated turfgrass photosynthesis. Growth chamber experiments evaluated effects of red and white athletic field paint as well as one, two, three, and four repeated weekly applications on total canopy photosynthesis (TCP) of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Paint treatments were applied weekly for 6 wk with TCP recorded 24 h after each application using a gas exchange system. Spectroradiometry experiments evaluated reflection, absorption, and transmission of light at various wavelengths based on paint color, dilution, and thickness. Over a six week period all treatments reduced TCP based on color (P ≤ 0.0001) and dilution (P ≤ 0.0001). Red no‐dilution paint produced a 75% reduction in TCP over 6 wk while white 1:1 diluted paint only produced a 19% reduction. Spectroradiometry data suggests this is likely due to reductions in photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) with red paint absorbing 51% of incident PAR while transmitting and reflecting 6 and 43%, respectively. White paint transmitted 5% of PAR while reflecting 95%. Alterations in light spectral quality resulting from athletic field paint applications can impact PAR, which may result in reduced turfgrass health.
Growth and Physiological Recovery of Kentucky Bluegrass from Drought Stress as Affected by a Synthetic Cytokinin 6‐Benzylaminopurine
Authors: Hu Longxing , Wang Zhaolong , Huang Bingru
Published: August 2012

Cytokinins (CKs) influence plant adaptation to environmental stresses. The objectives of this study were to (i) examine effects of foliar application of a synthetic CK, 6‐benzylaminopurine (6‐BA), on postdrought recovery and (ii) determine physiological factors involved in postdrought recovery affected by CKs in a perennial grass species. Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) cultivars Midnight (drought tolerant) and Brilliant (drought sensitive) were subjected to drought by withholding irrigation for 15 d and were then rewatered for 10 d in growth chambers. Plants were treated with 25 μM 6‐BA at the time of rewatering. Applying 6‐BA significantly increased endogenous zeatin riboside and isopentenyl adenosine content and decreased abscisic acid (ABA) content in both cultivars previously exposed to drought stress. Foliar 6‐BA application enhanced physiological recovery of plants from drought stress, as demonstrated by the increased leaf relative water content and visual turf quality and decreased electrolyte leakage. The 6‐BA application also significantly improved photosynthetic recovery from drought, as manifested by the increase in net photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate, and stomatal conductance. Foliar application of 6‐BA promoted the production of new tillers. Postdrought recovery affected by 6‐BA application was more pronounced in Midnight than Brilliant, probably because the latter experiences a more sustained leaf water deficit. Our results suggested that CK‐enhanced postdrought recovery of Kentucky bluegrass, particularly in the drought‐tolerant cultivar, was associated with the alteration of CK:ABA balance and promotion of stomatal reopening, resumption of photosynthesis, and new tiller formation on rewatering.
Intake and Digestibility of Big Bluestem Hay and Baleage
Authors: Burns J. C. , Fisher D. S.
Published: August 2012

Big bluestem (Andropogon gerardi Vitman) has potential to be a source of preserved forage for the mid‐Atlantic Region. This 3‐yr study compares its preservation as hay, direct‐cut (DC) baleage, and wilted (WT) baleage when harvested in the late‐boot to heading stage. The DC baleage averaged 373 g kg−1 dry matter (DM) and WT averaged 536 g kg−1 DM. The DC baleage had a pH of 5.2 vs. 5.6 (P = 0.06) for the WT. Steer (Bos taurus) intakes of the DC and WT baleage were similar (1.72 kg per 100 kg body weight) and greater (P = 0.07) than intake of hay (1.52 kg per 100 kg body weight). Apparent total tract DM digestibility was greater (P = 0.03) for hay (545 g kg−1) than the similar (504 g kg−1) baleage treatments. Steers selected a diet with greater in vitro true DM disappearance (71 g kg−1) and not altered by preservation method. Rumination chews per day and chews per minute and total number of boluses per day were greater (P ≤ 0.10) for DC baleage, reflecting its greater (P = 0.07) DM intake. Big bluestem dried rapidly providing an advantage for conservation in humid regions. Forage cut by 0900 h reached 800 g kg−1 DM by 1700 h when tedded and by 1100 h the second day in narrow swath. Forage cut at 1700 h reached 800 g kg−1 DM by 1500 h the next day when tedded but not until 1100 h the third day in narrow swath. Big bluestem harvested at early heading is of moderate quality when preserved as hay or DC baleage and dries rapidly giving it a role in beef production systems in the humid mid‐Atlantic Region.
Integrating Empirical and Analytical Approaches to Investigate Genotype × Environment Interactions in Sugarcane
Authors: Ramburan Sanesh , Zhou Marvellous , Labuschagne Maryke
Published: August 2012

The causes of genotype × environment (G × E) interactions in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) are unclear. The objectives of this study were to (i) investigate the G × E interactions and site similarity in two selection programs in South Africa, (ii) identify factors responsible for G × E interactions, and (iii) illustrate the integrated use of crop models and climatic data to better understand G × E interactions. Data from eight series of trials were analyzed using variance components, genotype plus genotype × environment (GGE) biplots, and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI). Crop model simulations helped summarize environmental covariates before and after canopy closure. Environmental covariates and genotypic traits were correlated to AMMI scores and superimposed on biplots. The G × E interaction accounted for more variation than the main effect of genotype and the repeatable component of G × E was dominant across all series. Two sites were identified as redundant and were recommended for removal. Sites from one program were characterized by higher rainfall and lower water stress compared with sites from the other. The enriched AMMI2 biplots allowed for identification of factors that influenced genotypic traits and permitted biological interpretations and trait relations to be studied. This study has illustrated new approaches to integrate G × E studies with environmental data for comprehensive sugarcane G × E interpretations.
Genetics of Leaf Rust Resistance in the Winter Wheat Line CI13227
Authors: Kolmer J. A. , Lin M. , Bai G.
Published: August 2012

The winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) line CI13227 with slow rusting resistance to leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina Eriks., was crossed and backcrossed to ‘Thatcher’ (Tc) wheat. Backcross F2 families were tested for seedling resistance and segregated in a 1:1 ratio for families that segregated for resistance and families that were homozygous susceptible. The BC1F2 resistant seedlings were progeny tested for infection type (IT) as BC1F3 lines and compared for IT with near‐isogenic lines of Tc with alleles at the Lr3 locus. The BC1F3 lines and the Tc line with Lr3ka had nearly identical IT. The F2 progeny of a resistant BC1F3 plant and a Tc line with Lr3ka did not segregate for IT confirming that CI13227 had an allele at the Lr3 locus. The BC1F2 plants from families that were homozygous susceptible as seedlings were tested as adults for leaf rust IT. Resistant BC1F2 adult plants were selected and advanced to BC1F6 by single seed descent. A single BC1F6 plant was crossed with Tc, and the Tc*3/CI13227 population advanced to F6. The F6 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were tested for leaf rust resistance at two locations. Molecular mapping with Diversity Arrays Technology (DArT) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers detected a major locus for resistance on chromosome 1BL. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) marker specific for Lr46 also mapped in the 1BL region associated with resistance. Quantitative trait loci on 2DS, 2B, and 7BL for slow rusting resistance in CI13227 detected in previous experiments were not detected in this study. CI13227 has seedling resistance gene Lr3ka and likely has the adult plant resistance gene Lr46.
An Improved Wheat Microspore Culture Technique for the Production of Doubled Haploid Plants
Authors: Santra Meenakshi , Ankrah Nii , Santra Dipak K. , Kidwell Kimberlee K.
Published: August 2012

Microspore culture is used to generate completely homozygous plants in a single generation, thereby reducing cost and time required for the production of doubled haploid (DH) plants for breeding and genetic studies. Many factors are known to influence green plant recovery including composition of regeneration media, donor plant genotype, microspore developmental stage, and pretreatment conditions. The objectives of this study were to: (i) develop an improved regeneration medium for wheat microspore culture and (ii) determine the optimal pretreatment conditions and regeneration media combination for increasing green plant recovery rates. Four wheat cultivars, two pretreatment methods (0.4 M mannitol at 4°C and solution B containing 0.3 M mannitol with inorganic components at room temperature), and five regeneration media were tested. Green plant recovery rates from each treatment combination were analyzed using the Proc Logistic model in SAS. Regeneration medium fortified with ascorbic acid produced the highest number of green plants across the different pretreatment conditions, regeneration media, and cultivars tested. Pretreating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) spikes with 0.4 M mannitol at 4°C followed by embryoid induction and regeneration in a medium fortified with ascorbic acid resulted in the recovery of the highest number of green plants. This high‐efficiency method may prove useful for producing DH populations for wheat improvement efforts.
Genetic Mapping Analysis of Bread‐Making Quality Traits in Spring Wheat
Authors: Simons Kristin , Anderson James A. , Mergoum Mohamed , Faris Justin D. , Klindworth Daryl L. , Xu Steven S. , Sneller Clay , Ohm Jae‐Bom , Hareland Gary A. , Edwards Michael C. , Chao Shiaoman
Published: August 2012

In this study we assess the genetic architecture of bread‐making quality traits in spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). A mapping population derived from BR34 and ‘Grandin’ was used to measure 20 end‐use quality traits including six kernel, seven milling and flour, four dough mixing strength, and three bread‐making traits. A total of 31 quantitative trait loci (QTL) significantly associated with all but two traits were identified. These QTL were clustered in five chromosomal regions, namely 1BS, 1DL, 4BL, 5BL, and 6AS, and explained a large proportion of trait variation with favorable alleles contributed by both parents. The 1DL cluster containing the high molecular weight glutenin gene, Glu‐D1, had a large genetic influence on dough mixing strength and bread‐making performance. Most of the QTL affecting kernel traits were clustered on 6AS. Inconsistency of QTL locations detected from different environments was observed for the flour and milling traits and was likely due to genotype × environment interaction (G × E) effects. Despite high heritabilities estimated for the 20 quality traits evaluated, no QTL were found for flour brightness and bake water absorption, suggesting that these traits may be controlled by QTL with small effects that could not be detected due to the small population size. Because of the complex inheritance of these traits, it will be necessary to validate these QTL in different spring wheat backgrounds evaluated in similar growth conditions as used in this study before the marker information can be used for breeding applications.
Modeling a holonic agent based solution by Petri nets
Authors: Pascal Carlos , Panescu Doru
Published: August 2012

One of the key design issues for distributed systems is to find proper
planning and coordination mechanisms when knowledge and decision capabilities
are spread along the system. This contribution refers holonic manufacturing
execution systems and highlights the way a proper modeling method - Petri
nets - makes evident certain problems that can appear when agents have to
simultaneously treat more goals. According to holonic organization the
planning phase is mainly dependent on finding an appropriate resource
allocation mechanism. The type of weakness is established by means of the
proposed Petri net models and further proved by simulation experiments. A
solution to make the holonic scheme avoid a failure in resource allocation is
mentioned, too.
Information resource management in an agent-based virtual organization-initial implementation
Authors: Ganzha Maria , Omelczuk Adam , Paprzycki Marcin , Wypysiak Mateusz
Published: August 2012

In this paper we describe an early stage prototype of a system for
information resource management in an agent-based virtual organization. We
focus our work on support for human resource adaptability (e.g. knowledge,
skills) as a tool for assisting project managers. In the proposed approach, a
virtual organization is functionalized in terms of roles played by agents,
while organization structure and information flow are represented in terms of
agent-agent and agent-human interactions. Finally, all resources (e.g.
workers, skills, training resources, etc.) are ontologically demarcated, and
information is semantically processed. Discussion of organizational needs is
followed by the outline of the system. Finally, basic capabilities of the
implemented prototype are illustrated.
GLP-1 Receptor Antagonist Exendin-(9-39) Elevates Fasting Blood Glucose Levels in Congenital Hyperinsulinism Owing to Inactivating Mutations in the ATP-Sensitive K+ Channel
Authors: Calabria Andrew C. , Li Changhong , Gallagher Paul R. , Stanley Charles A. , De León Diva D.
Published: August 2012

Infants with congenital hyperinsulinism owing to inactivating mutations in the KATP channel (KATPHI) who are unresponsive to medical therapy will require pancreatectomy to control the hypoglycemia. In preclinical studies, we showed that the GLP-1 receptor antagonist exendin-(9-39) suppresses insulin secretion and corrects fasting hypoglycemia in SUR-1−/− mice. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of exendin-(9-39) on fasting blood glucose in subjects with KATPHI. This was a randomized, open-label, two-period crossover pilot clinical study. Nine subjects with KATPHI received either exendin-(9-39) or vehicle on two different days. The primary outcome was blood glucose; secondary outcomes were insulin, glucagon, and GLP-1. In all subjects, mean nadir blood glucose and glucose area under the curve were significantly increased by exendin-(9-39). Insulin-to-glucose ratios were significantly lower during exendin-(9-39) infusion compared with vehicle. Fasting glucagon and intact GLP-1 were not affected by treatment. In addition, exendin-(9-39) significantly inhibited amino acid–stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic islets isolated from neonates with KATPHI. Our findings have two important implications: 1) GLP-1 and its receptor play a role in the regulation of fasting glycemia in KATPHI; and 2) the GLP-1 receptor may be a therapeutic target for the treatment of children with KATPHI.
The Influence of Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes on Periodontal Disease Progression
Authors: Demmer Ryan T. , Holtfreter Birte , Desvarieux Moïse , Jacobs David R. , Kerner Wolfgang , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Kocher Thomas
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE

To explore associations between diabetes etiology (type 1 diabetes mellitus [T1DM] vs. T2DM) and glycemic control in the prediction of 5-year periodontal status change.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

The Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) is a population-based stratified sample of German men and women. Healthy participants and those determined to have T2DM arose from the SHIP cohort, and T1DM participants were recruited from diabetes clinics in the catchment area that gave rise to SHIP. Dentate participants (n = 2,626; 53% women; 20–81 years of age) were included. Diabetes was determined via physician diagnosis and/or HbA1c ≥6.5% (uncontrolled diabetes >7.0%). Examiners blinded to diabetes status performed random half-mouth periodontal examinations, assessing probing depth (PD) and attachment loss (AL) (four sites/tooth) at baseline and follow-up. Participants were categorized into six groups as follows: 1) diabetes free (n = 2,280), 2) incident T2DM (n = 79), 3) controlled T2DM (n = 80), 4) uncontrolled T2DM (n = 72), 5) controlled T1DM (n = 43), and 6) uncontrolled T1DM (n = 72). In multivariable regressions, mean PD change (ΔMPD), mean AL change (ΔMAL), or incident tooth-loss values were regressed across the aforementioned diabetes categories.

RESULTS

Mean (SD) ΔMPD and ΔMAL values among all participants were −0.08 ± 0.5 mm and 0.08 ± 1.03 mm, respectively, and 34% lost one or more teeth. Relative to diabetes-free participants, those with uncontrolled T2DM experienced greater ΔMPD ± SE (P < 0.05), whereas participants with either uncontrolled T1DM or uncontrolled T2DM realized greater ΔMAL (P < 0.05). Uncontrolled T1DM and T2DM were both associated with an increased risk of future tooth loss (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes control, but not etiology, was associated with future tooth loss and accelerated AL progression.
Effects of Surface Treatments, Thermocycling, and Cyclic Loading on the Bond Strength of a Resin Cement Bonded to a Lithium Disilicate Glass Ceramic
Authors: Guarda GB , Correr AB , Gonçalves LS , Costa AR , Borges GA , Sinhoreti MAC , Correr-Sobrinho L
Published: August 2012

Objectives

The aim of this present study was to investigate the effect of two surface treatments, fatigue and thermocycling, on the microtensile bond strength of a newly introduced lithium disilicate glass ceramic (IPS e.max Press, Ivoclar Vivadent) and a dual-cured resin cement.

Methods

A total of 18 ceramic blocks (10 mm long × 7 mm wide × 3.0 mm thick) were fabricated and divided into six groups (n=3): groups 1, 2, and 3—air particle abraded for five seconds with 50-μm aluminum oxide particles; groups 4, 5, and 6—acid etched with 10% hydrofluoric acid for 20 seconds. A silane coupling agent was applied onto all specimens and allowed to dry for five seconds, and the ceramic blocks were bonded to a block of composite Tetric N-Ceram (Ivoclar Vivadent) with RelyX ARC (3M ESPE) resin cement and placed under a 500-g static load for two minutes. The cement excess was removed with a disposable microbrush, and four periods of light activation for 40 seconds each were performed at right angles using an LED curing unit (UltraLume LED 5, Ultradent) with a final 40 second light exposure from the top surface. All of the specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 24 hours. Groups 2 and 5 were submitted to 3,000 thermal cycles between 5°C and 55°C, and groups 3 and 6 were submitted to a fatigue test of 100,000 cycles at 2 Hz. Specimens were sectioned perpendicular to the bonding area to obtain beams with a cross-sectional area of 1 mm2 (30 beams per group) and submitted to a microtensile bond strength test in a testing machine (EZ Test) at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey post hoc test (p≤0.05).

Results

The microtensile bond strength values (MPa) were 26.9 ± 6.9, 22.2 ± 7.8, and 21.2 ± 9.1 for groups 1–3 and 35.0 ± 9.6, 24.3 ± 8.9, and 23.9 ± 6.3 for groups 4–6. For the control group, fatigue testing and thermocycling produced a predominance of adhesive failures. Fatigue and thermocycling significantly decreased the microtensile bond strength for both ceramic surface treatments when compared with the control groups. Etching with 10% hydrofluoric acid significantly increased the microtensile bond strength for the control group.
Effect of Delaying Toothbrushing During Bleaching on Enamel Surface Roughness: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Navimipour EJ , Mohammadi N , Mostafazadeh S , Ghojazadeh M , Oskoee PA
Published: August 2012

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of toothbrushing on enamel surface roughness at three different intervals after daily bleaching treatment. Eighty enamel slabs were initially evaluated for surface roughness and then randomly divided into four groups. The bleaching procedure was carried out for 21 days, six hours daily. In the control group (group 1), the specimens were not brushed after bleaching, but in groups 2–4, they were brushed with toothpaste immediately, one hour, or two hours after bleaching, respectively. Then the specimens were stored in artificial saliva. Enamel surface roughness was reevaluated at the end of the period. Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests showed statistically significant differences in the means of surface roughness values between the immediately brushed group and the three other groups (p<0.001). Daily toothbrushing immediately after bleaching increased enamel surface roughness; however, postponing the procedure for one or two hours after daily bleaching and exposing the specimens to artificial saliva during the study period resulted in enamel surface roughness comparable to that of the control group.
Wear Rates of Resin Composites
Authors: Barkmeier WW , Erickson RL , Latta MA , Wilwerding TM
Published: August 2012

A laboratory study was conducted to examine the wear of resin composite materials using a generalized wear simulation model. Ten specimens each of five resin composites (Esthet•X [EX], Filtek Supreme Plus [SP], Filtek Z250 [Z2], Tetric EvoCeram [EC], and Z100 Restorative [Z1]) were subjected to wear challenges of 100,000, 400,000, 800,000, and 1,200,000 cycles. The materials were placed in cylinder-shaped stainless-steel fixtures, and wear was generated using a flat stainless-steel antagonist in a slurry of polymethylmethacrylate beads. Wear (mean facet depth [μm] and volume loss [mm3]) was determined using a noncontact profilometer (Proscan 2000) with Proscan and ProForm software. Statistical analysis of the laboratory data using analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc test showed a significant difference (p<0.05) for mean wear facet depth and volume loss for both the number of cycles and resin composite material. Linear regression analysis was used to develop predictive wear rates and volume loss rates. Linear wear was demonstrated with correlation coefficients (R2) ranging from 0.914 to 0.995. Mean wear values (mean facet depth [μm]) and standard deviations (SD) for 1200K cycles were as follows: Z1 13.9 (2.0), Z2 26.7 (2.7), SP 30.1 (4.1), EC 31.8 (2.3), and EX 67.5 (8.2). Volume loss (mm3) and SDs for 1200K cycles were as follows: Z1 0.248 (0.036), Z2 0.477 (0.044), SP 0.541 (0.072), EC 0.584 (0.037), and EX 1.162 (0.139). The wear rate (μm) and volume loss rate (mm3) per 100,000 cycles for the five resin composites were as follows: wear rate Z1 0.58, EC 1.27, Z2 1.49, SP 1.62, and EX 4.35, and volume loss rate Z1 0.009, EC 0.024, Z2 0.028, SP 0.029, and EX 0.075. The generalized wear model appears to be an excellent method for measuring relative wear of resin composite materials.
Coexistence and population genetic structure of the whooper swan Cygnus cygnus and mute swan Cygnus olor in Lithuania and Latvia
Authors: Butkauskas Dalius , Švažas Saulius , Tubelytė Vaida , Morkūnas Julius , Sruoga Aniolas , Boiko Dmitrijs , Paulauskas Algimantas , Stanevičius Vitas , Baublys Vykintas
Published: August 2012

Two closely related swan species, the mute swan Cygnus olor and the whooper swan Cygnus cygnus, were formerly allopatric throughout their breeding ranges, but during the last decades a sympatric distribution has become characteristic of these species in the Baltic Sea region. The whooper swan has gradually replaced the mute swan in many suitable habitats in Lithuania and Latvia. Marked differences in the genetic population structure of both species may partially explain the dominance of the whooper swan, as genetic population divergence can be a major factor affecting inter-specific competition. A homogenous genetic population structure was defined for mute swans breeding in Lithuania, Latvia, Poland and Belarus. Breeding mute swans in this region are mostly of naturalised origin. A diverse population genetic structure characterizes whooper swans breeding in Lithuania and Latvia.
Biotechnological methods of in vitro propagation in willows (Salix spp.)
Authors: Skálová Dagmar , Navrátilová Božena , Richterová Lenka , Knit Michal , Sochor Michal , Vašut Radim
Published: August 2012

Many populations of high-mountainous relic dioecious willows in Central Europe only consist of female individuals and are thus limited in their reproductive potential. We completed micropropagation experiments with shoot apexes and nodal segments of common and endangered willow (Salix) species, which can help to reintroduce autochthonous genotypes to their natural sites. Until recently, cultivation of green young shoot apexes of S. alba and S. lapponum showed the highest percentage of regeneration. We successfully applied the two-times-sterilisation due to high contamination of natural explants. The OK medium was the most efficient culture medium. In vitro propagation of willows with unisexual catkins, anther and ovule cultures were tested and optimised. Isolated anthers were cultivated on selected media and then microcallus and calluses of S. caprea and calluses of S. viminalis were formed on the A medium. Among various tested and optimised media for the ovule culture, the CP medium was the most efficient one. In this case, only the microcalluses of S. viminalis were observed. We developed biotechnological procedures that can be useful in conserving fragmented populations of high-mountainous willows.
Mite communities (Acari, Mesostigmata) associated with Ips typographus (Coleoptera, Scolytidae) in managed and natural Norway spruce stands in Central Europe
Authors: Gwiazdowicz Dariusz , Kamczyc Jacek , Teodorowicz Ewa , Błoszyk Jerzy
Published: August 2012

Previous studies have suggested that forest management practices can influence bark beetle populations as well as those of some associated insects. However, the impact on bark beetle-associated mites, which occur in bark beetle galleries in large numbers, have not yet been studied. The objective of this study was to compare mesostigmatid mite communities associated with the Norway spruce pest Ips typographus in managed and natural forest stands separated by spruce-free belt. The study sites were located in Białowieża National Park (NE Poland) as well as in the Izery Mountains (Szklarska Poręba Forest District — SW Poland), which were destroyed in 1981–1987 by an ecological disaster. In total, 30 Borregard pipe traps containing the commercial attractant Ipsodor W (Chemipan, Poland) were set up at each study site and collected in August 2010. In total, 7214 bark beetles and 1804 mites were collected which were classified into 16 species. We observed differences in the total abundance of mites as well as the total number of recorded mite species. The communities were quite similar, and were generally dominated by populations of Trichouropoda polytricha, Dendrolaelaps quadrisetus and Uroobovella ipidis. The Shannon and Evenness indexes as well as the mean number of mites per sample were not significantly different between forests.
Decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue (RBBR) and Poly R-478 dyes by Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930
Authors: Korniłłowicz-Kowalska Teresa , Rybczyńska Kamila
Published: August 2012

An anamorphic Bjerkandera adusta CCBAS 930 strain isolated from soil was found to decolorize two anthraquinonic dyes: Remazol Brilliant Blue R and Poly R-478. The reduction in the level of phenolic compounds in liquid B. adusta cultures containing RBBR and Poly R-478 was correlated with decolorization of studied dyes, which suggested their biodegradation. It was shown that this process was coupled with induction of secondary metabolism (idiophase) and peak peroxidase activity in culture medium, and the appearance of aerial mycelium. Decolorization of dyes depended on the presence of glucose (cometabolism).
Chemical traits and antimicrobial activity of endemic Teucrium arduini L. from Mt Biokovo (Croatia)
Authors: Kremer Dario , Müller Ivna , Dunkić Valerija , Vitali Dubravka , Stabentheiner Edith , Oberländer Andreas , Bezić Nada , Kosalec Ivan
Published: August 2012

Chemical composition of the essential oil (analysed by GC-FID and GC-MS), the content of macroelements and trace elements (analysed by ICP-AES), and antimicrobial activities were investigated in Teucrium arduini L. from Mt Biokovo (Croatia). Additionally, a study on the types and distribution of glandular trichomes which produce essential oils was investigated. The oil was characterized by a high concentration of sesquiterpene hydrocarbons (68.5%) of which β-caryophyllene (32.9%) and germacrene D (16.4%) being the major compounds. Among the macroelements, the content of calcium was the highest (9772 mg/kg), while the content of sodium was the smallest (117.74 mg/kg). Among the micronutrients, the most represented element was iron (72.07 mg/kg). The content of each investigated toxic metal (As, Hg, Pb, Cd and Cr) was below permissible levels. The essential oils showed antimicrobial activity against bacterial species tested, with MIC values ranging from 6.25 mg/mL to 37.50 mg/mL. Fungal species were susceptible with MIC values from 7.81 mg/mL and 25.00 mg/mL.
Dependence between Cu concentration in the liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles of canine females
Authors: Skibniewska Ewa , Skibniewski Michał , Kosla Tadeusz
Published: August 2012

The aim of the investigations was the determination of the Cu contents in the liver, kidneys and skeletal muscles of canine females. Material for research was collected post mortem from 45 animals aged 1 to 18 years coming from the Warsaw area. The effect of the health state, age and life conditions on the distribution of copper in the investigated organs was estimated. That element was determined using the method of inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). In the liver, the average Cu contents amounted to 24.04 mg kg−1 wet weight, in kidneys to 2.90 mg kg−1 wet weight and in muscles to 0.94 mg kg−1 wet weight. The highest values of copper content in particular tissues and organs were noted in the group of animals with neoplastic changes. In respect to the animal age the highest mean values of the copper content were noted in the oldest animals. They amounted to 30.97 mg kg−1 in the liver, 3.34 mg kg−1 in kidneys and 1.18 mg kg−1 wet weight in muscles. Considering life conditions of the dogs it was observed that the higher mean values in all the investigated organs occurred in dogs coming from the urban areas.
rDNA ITS sequences of Uncinaria spp. from Tsushima leopard cat (Prionailurus bengalensis euptilura)
Authors: Shimono Y. , Taharaguchi S. , Taira K. , Miyoshi N. , Yasuda N.
Published: August 2012

Uncinaria spp. parasites were collected from two Tsushima leopard cats found on Tsushima Island, Nagasaki prefecture, Japan. One Uncinaria sp. was observed in the large intestines, and the other was observed in the small intestines. The nematode found in the large intestines was determined to be Uncinaria felidis by morphological identification. The other Uncinaria sp. found in the small intestines was morphologically different from U. felidis in the short-length of prevulvar flap. After isolation of genomic DNA of these worms, a second internal transcribed spacer (ITS2) of ribosomal DNA was amplified and sequenced using PCR techniques. The ITS2 region of U. felidis had 222 nucleotide sequences in length. The alignments of ITS2 sequence for Uncinaria felidis and Uncinaria sp. showed one nucleotide (0.45 %) replacement. These differrences may be regarded as intraspecific variation.
Regression of alveolar echinococcosis after chronic viral hepatitis C treatment with pegylated interferon alpha 2a
Authors: Dražilová S. , Kinčeková J. , Beňa Ľ. , Zachar M. , Švajdler M. , Königová A. , Janičko M. , Jarčuška P.
Published: August 2012

We present a case of 53 years old patient with transplanted kidney, chronic hepatitis C and alveolar echinococcosis who was treated with pegylated interferon α which resulted in regression and calcification of Echinococcus multilocularis loculi. Patient had been diagnosed with chronic hepatitis C two years after kidney transplantation. Hepatitis was left untreated because of immunosuppressive treatment and satisfactory graft function. Nine years after transplantation the patient was diagnosed with alveolar echinococcosis and treated with mebendazole 2 × 200 mg daily for 6 months. Cessation of temporary treatment resulted in echinococcosis progression with appearance of secondary loculi and a small ascites after which mebendazole was restarted. Ten years after transplantation, kidney graft failure occurred and the patient was started on hemodialysis in conjunction with pegylated-interferon alpha 2a for treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C. Complete early viral response was observed 3 months after therapy initiation while a follow-up CT scan after 4 months did not document any changes in the number or size of E. multilocularis loculi. A completed course of antiviral therapy resulted in sustained viral response while a subsequent second follow-up CT scan 6 months after cessation of antiviral therapy documented regression and calcification of main E. multilocularis loculi along with resolution of secondary loculi and ascites.