bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canopy Temperature Depression Sampling to Assess Grain Yield and Genotypic Differentiation in Winter Wheat
Authors: Balota Maria , Payne William A. , Evett Steven R. , Lazar Mark D.
Published: July 2007

Canopy temperature depression (CTD = air temperature [Ta] – canopy temperature [Tc]) has been used to estimate crop yield and to rank genotypes for tolerance to heat and drought, but when to measure CTD for breeding selection has seldom been addressed. Our objectives were to evaluate the suitability of CTD for the Texas High Plains environment and to determine optimal measurement times in relation to growth stage, time of day, and weather. Three years of CTD and weather data were used to assess regression models of grain yield in three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) lines. Under dryland agriculture, long‐term mean CTD at noon and yield were correlated in 2000 and 2001. The relation of short‐term CTD readings to grain yield was highly variable. Poor correlation was associated with days of low solar irradiance, high wind speed, and rain events. Genotype effects on CTD were detected for all hours of day and night. Genotype × hour interaction was insignificant at night, suggesting that nighttime measurements may provide more stable conditions for CTD comparison among genotypes. In general, tree regression assessed grain yield from short‐term CTD measurements better than linear regression and suggested that the best times to measure CTD were 0900, 1300, and 1800 h. Tree regression models provided a heuristic interpretation of crop water status under different scenarios of soil water availability.
Potential for Enhanced Nutrient Cycling through Coupling of Agricultural and Bioenergy Systems
Authors: Anex Robert P. , Lynd Lee R. , Laser Mark S. , Heggenstaller Andrew H. , Liebman Matt
Published: July 2007

Emerging markets for fuels and energy from crop biomass are creating new opportunities for redesigning agricultural systems for improved ecological function and energy‐use efficiency. Innovative bioconversion processes configured to recover key plant nutrients from biomass will allow recycling nutrients to crop fields, thereby closing nutrient cycles and reducing the energetic and economic costs of fertilization. Such advanced bioconversion matched with complementary biomass production may promote the development of highly productive agricultural–industrial systems that protect environmental quality. A generally representative example of nutrient recovery from an integrated biological and thermochemical conversion process designed to produce ethanol and synthetic fuels from switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.) indicates that approximately 111 kg ha−1 yr−1 of N can be recovered. This is equivalent to 78% of the N‐fertilizer input required. This example illustrates that N recovery and cycling could significantly improve the sustainability of biomass production as well as the overall energy balance of ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass. Demand for lignocellulosic biomass as an industrial feedstock may also allow the introduction of new crops and cropping systems. In addition to perennial grasses, double‐crop sequences and systems incorporating greater use of legumes, cover crops, and living mulch may be able to produce large amounts of biomass while improving resource use efficiency and reducing environmental impact.
Grain Yield and Yield Attributes of New Plant Type and Hybrid Rice
Authors: Yang Woonho , Peng Shaobing , Laza Rebecca C. , Visperas Romeo M. , Dionisio‐Sese Maribel L.
Published: July 2007

Development of new plant types (NPTs) and hybrids are two major approaches for improving the yield potential of irrigated rice (Oryza sativaL.). This study was conducted (i) to compare grain yield and yield attributes among three high‐yielding groups of rice, namely indica inbred, indica/indica F1hybrid, and second‐generation NPT, and (ii) to identify the morphophysiological traits responsible for the yield difference among the three groups. Fifteen genotypes, five from each of the three groups, were grown in the dry (DS) and wet seasons (WS) of 2003 and 2004 at the International Rice Research Institute, Philippines. On average, hybrids produced 11 to 14% greater grain yield than indica inbreds and NPTs in the DS. In the WS, the difference in grain yield was relatively small among the three groups. High grain yield of hybrids in the DS was the result of high number of spikelets per square meter due to a large number of spikelets per panicle and high harvest index rather than biomass production. The NPTs did not show yield advantage over the indica inbreds and demonstrated significantly lower yield than hybrids, mainly because of fewer spikelets per panicle and per square meter. Spikelet production efficiency per unit of N uptake and per unit of aboveground biomass at physiological maturity was generally higher in hybrids than indica inbreds or NPTs. Increasing harvest index and spikelet production efficiency by developing NPTs with more spikelets per panicle should be emphasized for improving the grain yield of NPTs.
Small‐Scale Bread‐Quality‐Test Performance Heritability in Bread Wheat: Influence of High Molecular Weight Glutenin Subunits and the 1BL.1RS Translocation
Authors: Nishio Z. , Takata K. , Ito M. , Tabiki T. , Ikeda T. M. , Fujita Y. , Maruyama‐Funatsuki W. , Iriki N. , Yamauchi H.
Published: July 2007

Small‐scale bread‐quality assays (grain protein content, SDS‐sedimentation volume [SDSS], and single‐kernel characterization system [SKCS] grain hardness) represent important tools in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) breeding. The influence of high‐molecular‐weight glutenin (HMWG) subunits and the 1BL.1RS translocation on small‐scale bread‐quality assays and their heritability was investigated for F3 and F4 lines of two wheat populations. Lines with HMWG subunits 5+10 at Glu‐D1 showed significantly greater SDSS volume and SKCS hardness than those with subunits 2+12 or 4+12. Lines with HMWG subunit 20 at Glu‐B1 had a significantly lower SDSS volume than those with HMWG subunits 7+8 or 7+9. F4 lines bearing the 1BL.1RS translocation had significantly greater protein content. The distribution of SDSS volumes suggested that most bore the undesirable HMWG subunits 2+12, 4+12 or 20, but could be selected against if the SDSS volume <6.0 mL. For SDSS volume, lines with HMWG subunits 5+10 had greater heritability in upward screening, whereas those with HMWG subunits 2+12 or 4+12 had greater heritability in downward screening. The above screening criterion provides an excellent tool for bread quality‐based wheat breeding, irrespective of hard × hard or hard × soft wheat crosses.
Analysis of Seed Zinc and Other Minerals in a Recombinant Inbred Population of Navy Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Gelin J. R. , Forster S. , Grafton K. F. , McClean P. E. , Rojas‐Cifuentes G. A.
Published: July 2007

Mineral deficiencies in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) negatively affect plant growth and development. Genetic differences in seed mineral concentrations have been detected among landraces and genotypes for trace elements such as Zn and Fe, and major elements such as P and Ca, and these differences have been exploited for the genetic improvement of the crop. The objectives of this study were (i) to develop and evaluate a navy bean recombinant inbred population segregating for seed Zn, (ii) to measure other micronutrients in the seeds such as Fe and the major elements P and Ca, and (iii) to identify associations between microsatellite markers and seed mineral content. Transgressive segregants were observed for seed Zn and variation was also found for Fe, P, and Ca. Bean microsatellites associated with Zn, P, and Ca were identified, but there was no association with Fe. Our molecular data identified a locus associated with seed Zn accumulation in bean located on linkage group 9. Further studies would help to find the exact location of the gene. As more information becomes available, breeders will be able to combine techniques of molecular genetics with conventional breeding methods through marker‐assisted selection to develop cultivars with higher seed Zn content.
Genetic Diversity among Sorghum Races and Working Groups Based on AFLPs and SSRs
Authors: Perumal Ramasamy , Krishnaramanujam Renganayaki , Menz Monica A. , Katilé Seriba , Dahlberg Jeff , Magill Clint W. , Rooney William L.
Published: July 2007

Forty‐six converted exotic sorghum lines representing all five races and nine intermediate races of sorghum were fingerprinted using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total of 453 scored AFLP and SSR loci were used to calculate genetic similarities between the lines. The dendrogram constructed using UPGMA grouped 31 lines into three major clusters with Jaccard coefficients greater than 0.75. The remaining 15 lines were grouped into four small sub‐clusters each with two lines and seven single accession nodes. Phenetic analysis using AFLP and SSR markers resulted in clusters corresponding to the kafir, guinea, caudatum and durra morphological groupings. Cluster and principal coordinate analyses indicate that the guinea, kafir and intermediate lines in this study are more closely related than phenotype would suggest. Likewise, caudatum and intermediates involving caudatum showed close genetic relationship with durra and durra intermediates. For the most part, morphological classification of race based on panicle traits was also reflected by similarity in DNA based polymorphisms. The molecular diversity of bicolor and associated intermediate races is not reflective of their common morphological classification, since this race and its intermediates are quite heterogenous.
Elevated Carbon Dioxide and Ozone Effects on Peanut: I. Gas‐Exchange, Biomass, and Leaf Chemistry
Authors: Booker Fitzgerald L. , Burkey Kent O. , Pursley Walter A. , Heagle Allen S.
Published: July 2007

The effects of elevated CO2 and ozone (O3) on net photosynthetic rate (A) and growth are generally antagonistic although plant responses are highly dependent on crop sensitivity to the individual gases and their concentrations. In this experiment, we evaluated the effects of various CO2 and O3 mixtures on leaf gas‐exchange, harvest biomass, and leaf chemistry in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), an O3–sensitive species, using open‐top field chambers. Treatments included ambient CO2 (about 375 μmol mol−1) and CO2 enrichment of approximately 173 and 355 μmol mol−1 in combination with charcoal‐filtered air (22 nmol O3 mol−1), nonfiltered air (46 nmol O3 mol−1), and nonfiltered air plus O3 (75 nmol O3 mol−1). Twice‐ambient CO2 in charcoal‐filtered air increased A by 23% while decreasing seasonal stomatal conductance (gs) by 42%. Harvest biomass was increased 12 to 15% by elevated CO2 In ambient CO2, nonfiltered air and added O3 lowered A by 21% and 48%, respectively, while added O3 reduced gs by 18%. Biomass was not significantly affected by nonfiltered air, but was 40% lower in the added O3 treatment. Elevated CO2 generally suppressed inhibitory effects of O3 on A and harvest biomass. Leaf starch concentration was increased by elevated CO2 and decreased by O3 Treatment effects on foliar N and total phenolic concentrations were minor. Increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations should attenuate detrimental effects of ambient O3 and promote growth in peanut but its effectiveness declines with increasing O3 concentrations.
Empirical Selection of Cultivated Oat in Response to Rising Atmospheric Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Ziska L. H. , Blumenthal D. M.
Published: July 2007

Carbon dioxide is a principle resource for plant growth; as such, the ongoing increase in its concentration may allow breeders to begin selecting for optimal cultivars among current crop lines. Such a program may not be necessary, however, if breeders have, by empirical selection, already chosen the most responsive cultivars. To test this hypothesis, we examined the growth and vegetative characteristics of individual plants of cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.) from seven geographical locations to CO2 concentration ([CO2]) increases that corresponded roughly to the [CO2] from the 1920s, the current [CO2], and the [CO2] projected for the middle of this century (300, 400, and 500 μmol mol−1, respectively). In contrast to our predictions, newer lines were less responsive than older lines to rising [CO2] in terms of both leaf area and tiller number. A comparison of phenotypic variability indicated that for almost all measured parameters, older lines had a greater degree of intraspecific variability (i.e., newer lines were more uniform). As a consequence, a number of CO2‐sensitive lines among older cultivars were identified with respect to parameters such as vegetative biomass or tiller production. Our results suggest that for oat: (i) newer lines are not intrinsically more responsive to rising CO2 levels than older lines; and (ii) phenotypic homogenization among modern lines could hamper efforts to identify desirable characteristics associated with CO2 responsiveness.
SSR Mapping and Confirmation of Soybean QTL from PI 437654 Conditioning Resistance to Reniform Nematode
Authors: Ha Bo‐Keun , Robbins Robert T. , Han Feng , Hussey Richard S. , Soper John F. , Boerma H. Roger
Published: July 2007

Recently, reniform nematode (Rotylenchulus reniformis Linford and Oliveira) has been recognized to be a major problem on soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] in the southern USA. Planting reniform nematode–resistant soybean cultivars is the most cost effective control method. With restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, Pioneer Hi‐Bred International, Inc. had previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTL) on linkage group B1 (LG‐B1) and another on LG‐L associated with reniform nematode resistance in a cross between ‘BSR101’ and PI 437654. In this study, we refined the QTL locations and identified additional QTL conditioning resistance to reniform nematode in a population of 228 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross of BSR101 × PI 437654. A QTL (R2 = 21%) conditioning reniform reproductive index (RI) was found on LG‐L and was flanked by Sat_184 and Satt513. Two other QTL were identified, one on LG‐B1 (R2 = 16%) and the other on LG‐G (R2 = 8%). These two QTL acted in an epistatic manner with lines homozygous for PI 437654 alleles at both QTL providing the lowest reniform RI. The 31 RILs from BSR101 × PI 437654 that were homozygous for the PI 437654 alleles at Satt513, Satt359, and Sat_168 averaged 1077 reniform eggs and juveniles (RI = 0.63), while the 33 RILs homozygous for the BSR101 alleles averaged 10606 (RI = 6.24). By screening the RILs population of ‘Prichard’ × ‘Anand’ we confirmed that the QTL on LG‐G and‐B1 conditioned reniform RI.
Breeding System of the Aerial Flowers in an Amphicarpic Clover Species:Trifolium polymorphum
Authors: Real Daniel , Dalla Rizza Marco , Reyno Rafael , Quesenberry Kenneth H.
Published: July 2007

Two perennialTrifolium,T. polymorphumPoir. andT. argentinenseSpeg., are American clovers unique within the genus for being amphicarpic. There is no consensus in the literature regarding the breeding system of the aerial flowers ofT. polymorphum, therefore, the breeding system was studied. In 1997T. polymorphumwas collected in Uruguay and evaluated at INIA Tacuarembó. In 2001, 10 field patches were marked and in 2004, 20 plants per patch were characterized with simple sequence repeat markers. Patch J10 showed a particular molecular profile, therefore, 198 open‐pollinated progenies freely visited by honeybees were studied. In 2005, at the University of Florida, Gainesville, different hand‐pollination treatments were conducted within an accession from Paraguay.Trifolium polymorphumwas able to cross‐pollinate with all the known pollen donors molecularly marked that surrounded plants from patch J10 (30%), also with some nonmarked native ones from the vicinity (10%) as well as with itself (60%), when allowed to be visited by honeybees. However, when there are no pollinators, the selfing rate is minimal. The proposed classification for the breeding system is an allogamous, self‐compatible species that benefits from pollinators to set seed.
Selecting Common Bean with Genes of Different Evolutionary Origins for Resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli
Authors: Marquez Margarita Lema , Terán Henry , Singh Shree P.
Published: July 2007

Common bacterial blight (CBB) is an important seed‐borne disease of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). Low levels of resistance occur in the common and scarlet runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.), with higher levels available in the tepary bean (Phaseolus acutifolius A. Gray). Germplasm lines with CBB resistance separately from each of the three Phaseolus species and pyramided resistance are available. The objectives of this study were to: (i) determine the main and interaction effects of two isolates of Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli (Xcp), one from Colorado and one from Wisconsin, and their inoculum densities with CBB resistance from the three species separately and pyramided; and (ii) identify the most useful germplasm for breeding for resistance. Thirty‐one genotypes were evaluated at 14 and 21 d after inoculation (DAI) using two inoculum densities in 2005 and three in 2006 of each of the two Xcp isolates. Large differences in response to Colorado and Wisconsin Xcp isolates, densities, and evaluation time were observed. The resistance derived from the three species separately was not effective against the aggressive Wisconsin Xcp isolate at higher densities ≥108, especially at 21 DAI. Resistance pyramided with the tepary bean was the most effective. No crossover interactions were observed between the 31 common bean germplasm sources and the two Xcp isolates at any density and evaluation date. Use of only pyramided resistance for breeding is advised.
Shadow water: quantification and significance for water strained countries
Authors: Haddadin Munther J.
Published: July 2007

Shadow water, a term introduced to the water literature in this paper, is shown to be a crucial component of the supply side of the population–water resources equation in water-strained countries and helps keep this equation in a state of equilibrium.

A virtual environment is imagined in order to compute the water demand for the country under consideration, enabling the subject country to produce all the commodities it needs. The water demand is thus calculated in a virtual plane and is transformed to the real plane in the calculation process. The demand for each of the three purposes considered (municipal, industrial and agricultural) is determined. The blue water equivalent of green water, responsible for the support of rain-fed agriculture and range land, is calculated and added to the other agricultural water resources of blue and grey water.

The demand generated by the uses as determined in the virtual model is compared with the available supply. The gap between the supply of and the demand for production water (agricultural and industrial) is bridged by shadow water through commodity imports.
Performance assessment and monitoring of water infrastructure: an empirical case study of benchmarking in Uganda
Authors: Mugisha Silver
Published: July 2007

Performance monitoring and benchmarking are increasingly becoming vital performance drivers especially in utilities where strong tariff incentive applications are not readily applicable. In this paper, performance improvement initiatives in the National Water and Sewerage Corporation (NWSC), Uganda are presented, incorporating practical benchmarking and performance monitoring approaches. A detailed empirical study of the influence of commercial/customer orientation on technical efficiency is outlined using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA) benchmarking techniques. After a long spell of heavy engineering orientation in a water utility, a shift to significant commercial/customer orientation is positively associated with a reduction in technical inefficiency.
Toward effective governance of water services in Kenya
Authors: K'Akumu O. A.
Published: July 2007

Effective governance is regarded as essential for national water management frameworks. Many countries are therefore striving to institute effective governance in their water sector. Kenya is one country that has instituted such governance framework in the recent past. This article evaluates Kenya's water governance framework in the area of water services provision in line with the conventional principles of effective governance. The outcome of this evaluation is that the framework has strived to achieve a structure for effective governance but falls slightly short of it. Recommendations are therefore made to help fill the gap.
High Electron Mobility and Ambipolar Charge Transport in Binary Blends of Donor and Acceptor Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Babel A. , Zhu Y. , Cheng K.‐F. , Chen W.‐C. , Jenekhe S. A.
Published: August 2007

High electron mobility and ambipolar charge transport are observed in phase‐separated binary blends of n‐type poly(benzobisimidazobenzophenanthroline) (BBL) with p‐type polymer semiconductors, poly[(thiophene‐2,5‐diyl)‐alt‐(2,3‐diheptylquinoxaline‐5,8‐diyl)] (PTHQx) and poly(10‐hexylphenoxazine‐3,7‐diyl‐alt‐3‐hexyl‐2,5‐thiophene) (POT). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) show phase‐separated domains of 50–300 nm in the binary blend thin films. The TEM images and electron diffraction of BBL/PTHQx blends show the growth of single‐crystalline phases of PTHQx within the BBL matrix. A relatively high electron mobility (1.0 × 10–3 cm2 V–1 s–1) that is constant over a wide blend‐composition range is observed in the PTHQx blend field‐effect transistors (FETs). Ambipolar charge transport is observed in both blend systems at a very high concentration of the p‐type semiconductor (≥90 wt % PTHQx or ≥80 wt % POT). Ambipolar charge transport is exemplified by an electron mobility of 1.4 × 10–5 cm2 V–1 s–1 and a hole mobility of 1.0 × 10–4 cm2 V–1 s–1 observed in the 98 wt % PTHQx blend FETs. These results show that ambipolar charge transport and the associated carrier mobilities in blends of conjugated polymer semiconductors have a complex dependence on the blend composition and the phase‐separated morphology.
Quantitative Analysis of Current–Voltage Characteristics of Semiconducting Nanowires: Decoupling of Contact Effects
Authors: Zhang Z. , Yao K. , Liu Y. , Jin C. , Liang X. , Chen Q. , Peng L.‐M.
Published: August 2007

A metal‐semiconductor‐metal (M‐S‐M) model for quantitative analysis of current–voltage (I–V) characteristics of semiconducting nanowires is described and applied to fit experimental I–V curves of Bi2S3 nanowire transistors. The I–V characteristics of semiconducting nanowires are found to depend sensitively on the contacts, in particular on the Schottky barrier height and contact area, and the M‐S‐M model is shown to be able to reproduce all experimentally observed I–V characteristics using only few fitting variables. A procedure for decoupling contact effects from that of the intrinsic parameters of the semiconducting nanowires, such as conductivity, carrier mobility and doping concentration is proposed, demonstrated using experimental I–V curves obtained from Bi2S3 nanowires and compared with the field‐effect based method.
Influences of Connecting Unit Architecture on the Performance of Tandem Organic Light‐Emitting Devices
Authors: Chan M. Y. , Lai S. L. , Lau K. M. , Fung M. K. , Lee C. S. , Lee S. T.
Published: August 2007

The present work investigates the influence of the n‐type layer in the connecting unit on the performance of tandem organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs). The n‐type layer is typically an organic electron‐transporting layer doped with reactive metals. By systematically varying the metal dopants and the electron‐transporting hosts, we have identified the important factors affecting the performance of the tandem OLEDs. Contrary to common belief, device characteristics were found to be insensitive to metal work functions, as supported by the ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy results that the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals of all metal‐doped n‐type layers studied here have similar energy levels. It suggests that the electron injection barriers from the connecting units are not sensitive to the metal dopant used. On the other hand, it was found that performance of the n‐type layers depends on their electrical conductivities which can be improved by using an electron‐transporting host with higher electron mobility. This effect is further modulated by the optical transparency of constituent organic layers. The efficiency of tandem OLEDs would decrease as the optical transmittance decreases.
Reduced intensity stem cell transplantation for treatment of class 3 Lucarelli severe thalassemia patients
Authors: Hongeng Suradej , Pakakasama Samart , Chuansumrit Ampaiwan , Sirachainan Nongnuch , Sura Thanyachai , Ungkanont Artit , Chuncharunee Suporn , Jootar Saengsuree , Issaragisil Surapol
Published: August 2007

Bone marrow transplantation is the only therapeutic option that can potentially eliminate thalassemic disease. Early results indicated that children in Class 3 Lucarelli had a much worse outcome because of high nonrejection mortality and high rejection rate. In the present study, reduced intensity stem cell transplantation (RIT) was performed in eight Class 3 Lucarelli patients conditioned by busulfan, fludarabine, and antilymphpcute globulin. One of the eight patients additionally received thiotepa, and total lymphoid irradiation (TLI), while one only received TLI. All patients received hydroxyurea 20 mg/kg/day daily ≥3 months before RIT. Peripheral blood stem cell (PBSCs) were given to a target number of CD34+ cells more than 5 × 106 cells/kg of recipient weight. Seven patients received T cell nondepleted PBSCs from matched siblings while one patient received purified CD34+ cells from two HLA antigen mismatched maternal PBSCs. The graft‐versus‐host disease (GvHD) prophylaxis included cyclosporine or tacrolimus and mycophenolate mofetil. Initially, an engraftment of donor cells was observed in all eight patients, but subsequently only six of eight patients had stable full donor engraftment. There were no deaths or Grade 3–4 acute GvHD in our patients. The present study lends support that the regimens described here produced minimal toxicity and resulted in stable full donor engraftment in the majority of the severe Class 3 Lucarelli thalassemia patients. Am. J. Hematol., 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mitochondrial DNA diversity and population differentiation in southern East Asia
Authors: Li Hui , Cai Xiaoyun , Winograd‐Cort Elizabeth R. , Wen Bo , Cheng Xu , Qin Zhendong , Liu Wenhong , Liu Yangfan , Pan Shangling , Qian Ji , Tan Chia‐Chen , Jin Li
Published: July 2007

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) polymorphism has been studied systematically in the Han, Tibeto–Buman, and Hmong–Mien ethnic families of southern East Asia. Only two families in this region, Daic and Austro–Asiatic, were still uninvestigated. Daic is a major ethnic family in South China and Southeast Asia and has a long history. To study mtDNA polymorphism within this family, all the Daic populations of China and some of Vietnam (774 individuals from 30 populations) were typed by HVS‐1 region sequencing and by PCR‐RFLP assays. The observed high Southern type frequencies (B, F, M7, R) confirmed Daic as a typical Southern group. mtDNAs of other populations (126 individuals from 14 populations) from Austro–Asiatic ethnic families neighboring the Daic were also typed. Networks of mtDNA haplogroups in South China were traced from these new data and those from the literature. Ethnic families share many haplogroups, indicating their common origin. However, the two largest families in South China, Daic, and Hmong‐Mien, polarized into several ethnic family specific haplogroups. Haplogroup ages were estimated in the networks of high‐frequency haplogroups (B, F, M7, R), and they were found to originate about 50,000 years ago. In contrast, ethnic family specific haplogroups all originated around 20,000 years ago. We therefore conclude that modern humans have lived in South China for a long time, inside‐ethnogenesis was a rather late event, and frequent inmixing was taking place throughout. MtDNA data of Daic, Austro‐Asiatic and other populations in South China has therefore proven pivotal for studying the human history of East Asia. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preparation of normal‐phase HPLC stationary phase based on monodisperse hydrophilic polymeric beads and their application
Authors: Gong Bolin , Ren Li , Yan Chao
Published: August 2007

The monodisperse, 5.0 μm hydrophilic macroporous poly(glycidymethacrylate‐co‐ethylenedimethacrylate) beads were first prepared based on monosized linear poly(glycidylmethacrylate) beads as seed by using a single‐step swelling and polymerization method. The seed beads prepared by dispersion polymerization exhibited good absorption of the monomer phase. The pore size distribution of the beads was evaluated by mercury instrusion method. The surface area was calculated from the BET isotherms of nitrogen adsorption and desorption. The beads were modified to be a normal‐phase liquid chromatographic (NPLC) stationary phase for high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in the following steps. First, the beads were completely hydrolyzed. Second, hydrolyzed particles were reacted with epichlorihydrin followed by another hydrolysis of the newly introduced epoxide groups. The retention properties of the NPLC stationary phase were easily modulated by changes in the composition of the mobile phase. The performance of theses beads was demonstrated with the separation of a variety of polar compounds. The satisfactory results were obtained. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
A novel method for porosity measurement of various surface layers of nanofibers mat using image analysis for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Ghasemi‐Mobarakeh L. , Semnani D. , Morshed M.
Published: July 2007

Research in polymer nanofibers has undergone significant progress in the last decade. One of the main driving force for this progress is the increasing use of these polymer nanofibers for tissue engineering. Adequate porosity and surface area are widely recognized as important parameters in the design of scaffolds for tissue engineering and therefore measurement of porosity is very important. Previous methods such as mercury measurement, indirect method, the porosity measurement based on density of nanofibers do not measure the porosity of various surface layers. The goal of this study is measurement of porosity of various surface layers of scaffold. Image analysis was used for this purpose. SEM images of nanofibers mat were converted to binary images using different thresholds and porosity of scaffold was measured in various layers. On the basis of the results of our study, this method can be applied to porosity measurement of various surface layers of nanofibers mat. The results showed that porosity of various surface layers is related to the number of layers of nanofibers mat. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2007
Effect of molecular relaxation of acrylic elastomers on impact toughening of polybutylene terephthlate
Authors: Mekhilef Nafih , Hong Sheng , Davis Benjamin
Published: August 2007

In this study, we examined the performance of two core‐shell acrylic‐based impact modifiers (AIM) prepared by emulsion polymerization. The rubber core was prepared from ethyl hexyl acrylate (EHA) and n‐octyl acrylate (n‐OA). In such as process, the particle size and particle‐size distribution of the modifiers were precisely controlled, so that performance differences observed in polybutylene terephthlate (PBT), used as matrix resin, could only be interpreted in terms of the nature of the elastomeric component of the modifiers. When isolated, the rubber core of the modifiers showed identical glass transition temperatures (Tg) by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) despite the fact that they were made from two different acrylic monomers. Temperature‐frequency superposition principle inferred from the classical WLF equation showed that the rubber components exhibit the same Tg at all frequencies including at the time scale at which mechanical impact typically occurs. However, significant differences in low temperature impact performance measured at −30°C using notched Izod impact test according to ASTM D 256 were obtained even though their rubber components had identical Tg. Such differences were attributed to the dynamic relaxation behavior of the rubber components and identified as inherent properties of the elastomers due to the structure of the monomers' repeat units. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007
Synthesis of Bicyclic Alkene‐/Alkane‐Bridged Nisin Mimics by Ring‐Closing Metathesis and their Biochemical Evaluation as Lipid II Binders: toward the Design of Potential Novel Antibiotics
Authors: Ghalit Nourdin , Reichwein John F. , Hilbers Hans W. , Breukink Eefjan , Rijkers Dirk T. S. , Liskamp Rob M. J.
Published: August 2007

This report describes the design, synthesis, and biochemical evaluation of alkene‐ and alkane‐bridged AB(C)‐ring mimics of the lantibiotic nisin. Nisin belongs to a class of natural antimicrobial peptides, and has a unique mode of action: its AB(C)‐ring system binds to the pyrophosphate moiety of lipid II. This mode of action was the rationale for the design of smaller nisin‐derived peptides to obtain novel potential antibiotics. As a conformational constraint the thioether bridge was mimicked by an alkene‐ or alkane isostere. The peptides of the linear individual ring precursors were synthesized on solid support or in solution, and cyclized by ring‐closing metathesis in solution with overall yields of between 36 and 89 %. The individual alkene‐bridged macrocycles were assembled in solution by using carbodiimide‐based synthesis protocols for the corresponding AB(C)‐ring mimics. These compounds were tested for their binding affinity toward lipid II by evaluation of their potency to inhibit nisin‐induced carboxyfluorescein release from large unilamellar vesicles. It was found that these AB(C)‐ring mimics were not able to induce membrane leakage; however, they acted by inhibiting nisin‐induced carboxyfluorescein release; this indicates their affinity toward lipid II. These results imply that an alkene or alkane moiety is a suitable thioether bridge mimic.
Effect of Preload and Heart Rate on the Doppler and Tissue Doppler‐derived Myocardial Performance Index
Authors: Özdemir Kurtuluş , Balci Sibel , Duzenli Mehmet Akif , Can Ilknur , Yazici Mehmet , Aygul Nazif , Altunkeser Bulent Behlul , Altintepe Lutfullah , Turk Suleyman
Published: August 2007

Doppler‐derived myocardial performance index (MPI) has been described as a noninvasive measurement of LV function. Our aim was to investigate the effect of hemodialysis related volume reduction and heart rate changes on the Doppler‐derived LV MPI, and Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) derived left and right ventricular MPI.

Method:

The study group comprised 32 consecutive patients (mean age: 43 ± 18 yrs) undergoing hemodialysis. Patients underwent echocardiography before and immediately after hemodialysis session. Left and right ventricular MPI derived from conventional pulsed‐wave Doppler and DTI was calculated. The difference in MPI, heart rate and body weight was calculated before and after hemodialysis.

Results:

Doppler‐derived LV MPI, and right ventricular MPI obtained by DTI were increased (p = 0.05) but the LV MPI obtained by DTI was unchanged after hemodialysis. There is a significant positive correlation between the Doppler‐derived LV MPI difference and volume reduction (r = 0.38, p = 0.032). The heart rate difference was correlated with Doppler‐derived LV MPI difference, and DTI derived right ventricular MPI difference (r = 0.38, p = 0.034; r = 0.48, p = 0.006, respectively). Whereas, DTI derived LV MPI difference was not correlated with heart rate difference. By the multivariate analysis, there was no correlation between Doppler‐derived LV MPI difference with heart rate difference, and volume reduction. Right ventricular MPI difference correlated with heart rate difference (r = 0.41, p = 0.021) but not with volume reduction. Doppler‐derived MPI is partially influenced by preload and heart rate changes. However, DTI derived LV MPI is not influenced by preload and heart rate changes. Copyright © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
MyD88 protects from lethal encephalitis during infection with vesicular stomatitis virus
Authors: Lang Karl S. , Navarini Alexander A. , Recher Mike , Lang Philipp A. , Heikenwalder Mathias , Stecher Barbara , Bergthaler Andreas , Odermatt Bernhard , Akira Shizuo , Honda Kenya , Hengartner Hans , Zinkernagel Rolf M.
Published: August 2007

MyD88 is a key adaptor molecule in innate resistance, engaged in most Toll‐like receptor, as well as IL‐1 and IL‐18, signalling. Here, we analyzed the role of MyD88 in innate resistance during infection with vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) using myd88–/– mice. We found an increased susceptibility to VSV in myd88–/– mice, which was not explained by reduced type I IFN or neutralizing antibody responses. Susceptibility of myd88–/– mice correlated with impaired recruitment of immune cells to the site of infection. In the absence of MyD88 signalling, VSV rapidly spread to the spinal cord and brain causing lethal encephalitis.
Influence of the soil–structure interaction on the fundamental period of buildings
Authors: Khalil Louay , Sadek Marwan , Shahrour Isam
Published: August 2007

This paper includes an investigation of the influence of the soil–structure interaction (SSI) on the fundamental period of buildings. The behaviour of both the soil and the structure is assumed to be elastic. The soil‐foundation system is modelled using translational and rotational discrete springs. Analysis is first conducted for one‐storey buildings. It shows that the influence of the SSI on the fundamental frequency of building depends on the soil–structure relative rigidity Kss. Analysis is then extended for multi‐storey buildings. It allows the generalization of the soil–structure relative rigidity
Ks to such complex structures. Charts are proposed for taking into account the influence of the SSI in the calculation of the fundamental frequency of a wide range of buildings. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial and temporal variations in soil erosion and deposition due to land‐levelling in a semi‐arid area of Basilicata (Southern Italy)
Authors: Capolongo D. , Pennetta L. , Piccarreta M. , Fallacara G. , Boenzi F.
Published: July 2007

This paper examines the changes from 1955 to 2002 in soil erosion and deposition due to changes in land‐use patterns in the semi‐arid territory of Craco, which is characterized by landsliding and badland erosion. The area underwent continuous degradation during the last century due not only to its lithological vulnerability but also to the anthropic pressure favoured by the introduction of Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) measures, which has led to the reclamation of scrub lands and badlands for durum wheat cultivation. Our analysis integrates the Unit Stream Power Erosion Deposition (USPED) model with a geographic information system (GIS) to quantify erosion risk and predict deposition patterns. Soil data, land use inventory, digital elevation data and climatic atlases were used as resource data sets to generate USPED factor values. The obtained results correlate well with field measured erosion data by other researchers. In the investigated 47 years, stable areas decreased by about 280 ha (3·8% of the total surface area), largely attributable to the increase of the low and moderate erosion intensity without significant change in sedimentation. Results from this study have implications related to understanding the geomorphic response of sites that were abandoned following remodelling due to the application of the F measure of Regulation CEE 2078/92. The average annual erosion rates estimated for abandoned and remodelled sites are respectively 15·99 and 10·64 t ha−1, meaning that the total amount of erosion in 20 years could be estimated at around 100 t ha−1. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spending to save? State health expenditure and infant mortality in India
Authors: Bhalotra Sonia
Published: August 2007

There are severe inequalities in health in the world, poor health being concentrated amongst poor people in poor countries. Poor countries spend a much smaller share of national income on health expenditure than do richer countries. What potential lies in political or growth processes that raise this share? This depends upon how effective government health spending in developing countries is. Existing research presents little evidence of an impact on childhood mortality. Using specifications similar to those in the existing literature, this paper finds a similar result for India, which is that state health spending saves no lives. However, upon allowing lagged effects, controlling in a flexible way for trended unobservables and restricting the sample to rural households, a significant effect of health expenditure on infant mortality emerges, the long run elasticity being about −0.24. There are striking differences in the impact by social group. Slicing the data by gender, birth order, religion, maternal and paternal education and maternal age at birth, I find the weakest effects in the most vulnerable groups (with the exception of a large effect for scheduled tribes). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oxidative and electrophilic stress induces multidrug resistance–associated protein transporters via the nuclear factor-E2–related factor-2 transcriptional pathway
Authors: Maher Jonathan M. , Dieter Matthew Z. , Aleksunes Lauren M. , Slitt Angela L. , Guo Grace , Tanaka Yuji , Scheffer George L. , Chan Jefferson Y. , Manautou Jose E. , Chen Ying , Dalton Timothy P. , Yamamoto Masayuki , Klaassen Curtis D.
Published: August 2007

Multidrug resistance–associated proteins (Mrps) are adenosine triphosphate–dependent transporters that efflux chemicals out of cells. In the liver, Mrp2 transports bilirubin-glucuronide, glutathione (GSH), and drug conjugates into bile, whereas Mrp3 and Mrp4 efflux these entities into blood. The purpose of this study was to determine whether oxidative conditions (that is, the disruption of hepatic GSH synthesis) or the administration of nuclear factor-E2–related factor-2 (Nrf2) activators (oltipraz and butylated hydroxyanisole) can induce hepatic Mrp transporters and whether that induction is through the Nrf2 transcriptional pathway. Livers from hepatocyte-specificglutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit–null mice had increased nuclear Nrf2 levels, marked gene and protein induction of the Nrf2 target gene NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, as well as Mrp2, Mrp3, and Mrp4 expression. The treatment of wild-type andNrf2-null mice with oltipraz and butylated hydroxyanisole demonstrated that the induction of Mrp2, Mrp3, and Mrp4 is Nrf2-dependent. In Hepa1c1c7 cells treated with the Nrf2 activatortert-butyl hydroquinone, chromatin immunoprecipitation with Nrf2 antibodies revealed the binding of Nrf2 to antioxidant response elements in the promoter regions of mouse Mrp2 [−185 base pairs (bp)], Mrp3 (−9919 bp), and Mrp4 (−3767 bp).

Conclusion:

The activation of the Nrf2 regulatory pathway stimulates the coordinated induction of hepatic Mrps.
Outcomes of donor evaluation in adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation
Authors: Trotter James F. , Wisniewski Karen A. , Terrault Norah A. , Everhart James E. , Kinkhabwala Milan , Weinrieb Robert M. , Fair Jeffrey H. , Fisher Robert A. , Koffron Alan J. , Saab Sammy , Merion Robert M.
Published: August 2007

The purpose of donor evaluation for adult-to-adult living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) is to discover medical conditions that could increase the donor postoperative risk of complications and to determine whether the donor can yield a suitable graft for the recipient. We report the outcomes of LDLT donor candidates evaluated in a large multicenter study of LDLT. The records of all donor candidates and their respective recipients between 1998 and 2003 were reviewed as part of the Adult-to-Adult Living Donor Liver Transplantation Cohort Study (A2ALL). The outcomes of the evaluation were recorded along with demographic data on the donors and recipients. Of the 1011 donor candidates evaluated, 405 (40%) were accepted for donation. The donor characteristics associated with acceptance (

P

< 0.05) were younger age, lower body mass index, and biological or spousal relationship to the recipient. Recipient characteristics associated with donor acceptance were younger age, lower Model for End-stage Liver Disease score, and shorter time from listing to first donor evaluation. Other predictors of donor acceptance included earlier year of evaluation and transplant center.

Conclusion:

Both donor and recipient features appear to affect acceptance for LDLT. These findings may aid the donor evaluation process and allow an objective assessment of the likelihood of donor candidate acceptance.
Features and distribution of CD8 T cells with human leukocyte antigen class I–specific receptor expression in chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Bonorino Paula , Leroy Vincent , Dufeu-Duchesne Tania , Tongiani-Dashan Stefania , Sturm Nathalie , Pernollet Martine , Vivier Eric , Zarski Jean-Pierre , Marche Patrice N. , Jouvin-Marche Evelyne
Published: August 2007

CD8+ T cells represent a sizable component of the liver inflammatory infiltrate in chronic hepatitis C and are thought to contribute to immune-mediated tissue injury. Because chronic stimulation may promote the expression by CD8+ T cells of distinct human leukocyte antigen class I–specific natural killer cell receptors (NKRs) susceptible to both inhibiting effector functions and promoting cell survival, we examined the distribution and characteristics of CD8+ T cells with such receptors in chronic hepatitis C patients. NKR CD8+ T cells were detectable in liver and peripheral blood from hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected patients but were not major subsets. However, the frequency of NKG2A+ CD8+ in the liver and in a lesser extent in the peripheral blood was positively correlated to histological activity in HCV-infected patients. No such correlation was found with KIR+ T cells in liver in HCV-infected patients and with the both NKR CD8+ T cells in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients. Circulating CD8+ T cells expressing KIRs exhibited phenotypic features of memory T cells with exacerbated expression of the senescence marker CD57 in patients. NKG2A+CD8+ T cells were committed T cells that appeared less differentiated than KIR+CD8+ T cells. In HCV-infected patients, their content in perforin was low and similar to that observed in NKG2A−CD8+ T cells; this scenario was not observed in healthy subjects and HBV-infected patients. Both NKG2A and KIRs could inhibit the response of HCV-specific CD8+ T cells ex vivo.

Conclusion:

These results support the concept that an accumulation in the liver parenchyma of NKR+CD8+ T cells that have functional alterations could be responsible for liver lesions. They provide novel insights into the complexity of liver-infiltrating CD8+ T cells in chronic hepatitis C and reveal that distinct subsets of antigen-experienced CD8+ T cells are differentially sensitive to the pervasive influence of HCV