bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting the Post-Fracturing Response of Oil Wells in a Tight Reservoir
Authors: Joo Jhiin , Wu Dongrui , Mendel Jerry M. , Bugacov Alejandro
Published: March 2009

This paper proposes a two-stage multi-system architecture for forecasting post-fracturing responses in a tight oil reservoir using historical fracturing data. The first stage predicts the 180-day cumulative liquid (oil + water) production directly, and the second stage uses differential correction to predict the prediction error resulting from the first stage. The final prediction is a combination of the two stages. 5-fold cross-validation is used in each stage, resulting in five forecasters for each stage. The average of the five predictions is taken as the output of the corresponding stage. Each of the five forecasters in each stage consists of three independent subsystems (Location, Completion and Fracturing), whose inputs are subsets of the well properties. The Location subsystem is constructed by a weighted average, whereas Completion and Fracturing are constructed by fuzzy logic systems. The parameters of the three subsystems are optimized simultaneously using simulated annealing. The final design achieved over 70% prediction accuracy for more than 96% of the testing wells. The main advantages of our approach are that 1) it does not require a large training dataset; 2) it can cope well with incomplete data entries and uncertainties; and, 3) the redundancy in the input parameters is used to improve accuracy.
Confirmation of Molecular Markers and Agronomic Traits Associated with Seed Phytate Content in Two Soybean RIL Populations
Authors: Scaboo A.M. , Pantalone V.R. , Walker D.R. , Boerma H.R. , West D.R. , Walker F.R. , Sams C.E.
Published: March 2009

The concentration of phytate is an important consideration when analyzing feed grain for livestock. Simple sequence repeat markers Satt237 and Satt561 were found to be linked to quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for phytate concentration in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] seed. Previous research also established a significant correlation between seed inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and seed phytate. The objectives of this study were to confirm these QTL in independent environments and populations, to compare the effectiveness of marker‐assisted selection with that of phenotypic selection for low phytate, and to evaluate agronomic traits associated with low phytate soybean. The low phytate soybean mutant CX1834‐1‐2 was crossed with the cultivar 5601T and line S97‐1688 to form two populations. The Satt237 marker was linked to a major QTL (R2 > 0.10) governing seed phytate, and Satt561 was linked to a minor QTL (R2 < 0.10) in both populations. These two confirmed QTL have been named cqPha‐001 and cqPha‐002. The phenotypic correlations were significant (P < 0.05) for plant height (r = 0.26), seed protein (r = −0.19), and seed oil (r = 0.17). Phenotypic selection was found to be more effective in lowering mean phytate levels and more cost efficient.
Inbred‐Progeny Selection Is Predicted to Be Inferior to Half‐Sib Selection for Three Maize Populations
Authors: Wardyn Brandon M. , Edwards Jode W. , Lamkey Kendall R.
Published: March 2009

Historically, inbred progeny selection has been promoted as an effective means of improving both inbred and outbred performance, and in some cases as being superior to other methods. Advances in theory and new estimates of genotypic covariance components have allowed us to make better predictions of gain from inbred progeny selection than previously available. We developed predicted gain equations using a full model, based on new theory and estimates, and a reduced model, which contained only the additive genetic variance in the numerator, for three maize (Zea mays L.) populations, BS13(S)C0, BSCB1(R)C13, and 3L Comp (HS‐S1)S1 Outbred progeny selection was superior to inbred progeny selection for plant height and grain yield when the response unit was the outbred population. Inbred progeny selection was superior for plant height in both populations and more effective for grain yield in BS13(S)C0 in inbred response units. Negative estimates of the covariance parameter D1 reduced predicted gain for inbred progeny selection in the full model in comparison to the reduced model when D1 was ignored.
A Southern Root‐Knot Nematode Resistance QTL Linked to the T‐Locus in Soybean
Authors: Shearin Zachary P. , Finnerty Steve L. , Wood E. Dale , Hussey Richard S. , Boerma H. Roger
Published: March 2009

Southern root‐knot nematode [RKI; Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid and White) Chitwood] is an important soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] pest. When RKI resistance was introgressed from the highly resistant, gray pubescent breeding line G93‐9009 into moderately resistant, tawny pubescent cultivars BoggsRR and BenningRR, higher than expected proportions of two advanced backcross populations had gray pubescence. Introgressing genes from unadapted breeding lines into cultivars may reduce seed yield or quality of the resulting lines. This study's objectives were to determine if (i) an RKI resistance quantitative trait locus (QTL) is linked to the T‐locus conditioning pubescence color in G93‐9009, and (ii) a yield or seed quality loss is associated with introgressing G93‐9009 RKI resistance QTL into BenningRR and BoggsRR. Tawny and gray pubescent F2:4 lines of BoggsRR(6) × G93‐9009 and BenningRR(5) × G93‐9009 were evaluated in greenhouse experiments for RKI resistance and in field experiments grown in four environments for seed yield and quality. Gray lines of both populations averaged 75% fewer RKI eggs per plant than tawny lines. There were no significant differences in seed yield. Differences in agronomic traits such as plant height, seed size, and oil and protein content were observed. These results suggest an RKI resistance QTL exists near the T‐locus and the potential to introgress resistance from G93‐9009 into other genetic backgrounds without a loss in yield or major impact on other agronomic traits.
Inheritance of Low Linolenic Acid Content in Zero‐Erucic Acid Ethiopian Mustard
Authors: Nabloussi Abdelghani , Fernández‐Martínez José M. , Velasco Leonardo
Published: March 2009

Zero‐erucic acid Ethiopian mustard (Brassica carinata A. Braun) seed oil has very high linolenic acid content (210 g kg−1), which confers low oxidative stability to the oil. The line AB4 with low linolenic acid content (<30 g kg−1) has been developed. The objective of this research was to study the inheritance of low linolenic acid content in AB4. Plants of AB4 were reciprocally crossed with plants of the line 25X‐1, with wild‐type linolenic acid content. A genetic study was conducted through the analysis of the fatty acid profile of F1, F2, and F3 seed generations. Low linolenic acid content in AB4 seeds was partially recessive and not subject to maternal nor to cytoplasmic effects. F2 seeds segregated following a 1:63 (<17:>23 g kg−1) ratio, which suggested segregation of alleles at three independent loci. The three‐gene model was confirmed in the analysis of linolenic acid content in F2:3 families. Nine out of 341 F2:3 families had stable low linolenic acid content, which fitted the 1:63 ratio observed in the F2 Additionally, 1:2:1 (<8:12–33:>35 g kg−1), 1:4:11 (<8:25 – 40:>43 g kg−1), and 1:6:57 (<7:27 – 43:>47 g kg−1) segregation ratios were identified in F2:3 families, which confirmed a genetic model of three independent loci with additive effects for low linolenic acid content in the Ethiopian mustard line AB4.
Evaluation of Dandelion as a Potential Forage Species in Mixed‐Species Swards
Authors: Assaf Taher A. , Isselstein Johannes
Published: March 2009

Recent research has indicated that increasing species diversity of the pastures might improve sward productivity and stability. The present experiment evaluates the effect of dandelion (Taraxacum officinaleWeber) as a potential pasture species on the performance of a perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenneL.)–white clover (Trifolium repensL.) mixture in terms of total herbage yield, weed infestation, and nitrogen (N) yield in a replacement‐series experiment over three harvest years. The three species were grown in monocultures and in all possible binary and three‐species mixtures under two N fertilization levels (0 and 200 kg N ha−1). Herbage yield and N yield of the three‐species mixture were not significantly different from the ryegrass–white clover mixture over the 3 yr. The contribution of dandelion to the total herbage yield increased over years, which improved yield stability. A competition analysis, performed by calculating relative yield and relative yield total, indicated that ryegrass had a competitive advantage over white clover in fertilized and unfertilized swards, but over dandelion only when the sward was fertilized. Nitrogen application reduced the nonsown species yield in all mixtures, except that of white clover–dandelion. Our results indicate that dandelion might have the potential of contributing to herbage yield, nutritive value, and resistance to invasions of ryegrass–white clover pastures.
AFLP Discrimination of Native North American and Cultivated Hop
Authors: Townsend M. Shaun , Henning John A.
Published: March 2009

Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) is cultivated for the female flowers, or “cones,” which traditionally have been used as a bittering and flavoring agent in beer. Hop breeding historically relied on relatively simple selection techniques within established breeding lines. Supplementing current breeding material with new genetic sources would enhance a hop breeder's ability to select for new traits. The objective of this research was to assess the genetic relationship of H. lupulus var. lupuloides and H. lupulus var. pubescens accessions with hop germplasm currently utilized by hop breeding programs. A total of 60 hop accessions representing both cultivated (n = 21) and native (n = 39) Humulus were evaluated using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) molecular markers. The four primer combinations used generated 296 scorable fragments of which 176 (59.5%) were polymorphic. Principal components analysis and hierarchal cluster analysis showed the native American accessions clustering separately from the cultivated germplasm. Within each of the two main groups, two smaller subgroups were evident with H. lupulus var. lupuloides and H. lupulus var. pubescens segregated into unique clusters. This research provides the first molecular genetic evidence of H. lupulus var. pubescens and H. lupulus var. lupuloides being two separate botanical varieties. Results from this research suggest incorporating the native American hop accessions studied in this experiment would enhance the genetic diversity within hop breeding programs.
Effect of Maturity on Seed Composition in the Early Soybean Production System as Measured on Near‐Isogenic Soybean Lines
Authors: Bellaloui Nacer , Smith James R. , Ray Jeffery D. , Gillen Anne M.
Published: March 2009

The effect of maturity (time to maturity) on seed composition in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] genotypes is not well understood because maturity is generally confounded with genotypic background. Therefore, the effects of maturity on seed composition were estimated in two sets of near isogenic soybean lines (‘Clark’ and ‘Harosoy’), where the maturity of each line within a set varied, but all had a common genotypic background. There was a positive linear relationship between protein concentration and maturity among isolines of the Clark set in 2004 (r2 = 0.75; P ≤ 0.001) and 2005 (r2 = 0.63; P ≤ 0.001). However, in Harosoy isolines there was no relationship between protein and maturity. There was a negative linear relationship between oil concentration and maturity for Clark (in 2004, r2 = 0.82, P ≤ 0.001; in 2005, r2 = 0.91, P ≤ 0.0001) and Harosoy (in 2004, r2 = 0.19, P ≤ 0.05; in 2005, r2 = 0.36, P ≤ 0.01). Maturity had greater effects on seed composition than maximum temperature. The results indicate that the relationship between seed composition and maturity was different between the Clark and Harosoy sets of isolines. However, the overall mean of protein and oil concentration was not different between genotypic backgrounds. This information will be useful for soybean breeding in developing new germplasm for seed composition.
Changes in Genetic Diversity of U.S. Flue‐Cured Tobacco Germplasm over Seven Decades of Cultivar Development
Authors: Moon H.S. , Nicholson J.S. , Heineman A. , Lion K. , van der Hoeven R. , Hayes A.J. , Lewis R.S.
Published: March 2009

Plant breeding methodologies have been applied to flue‐cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) for approximately seven decades. As has been observed in several other crops, stringent quality requirements have resulted in use of conservative breeding strategies in the development of new cultivars. The impact of breeding practices on genetic diversity within U.S. flue‐cured tobacco germplasm has not been investigated. In this study, we genotyped 117 tobacco cultivars from eight sequential time periods with 71 microsatellite primer pairs. A total of 294 alleles were scored. Only a fraction (48%) of alleles present in the initial germplasm pool was represented in cultivars released during the 1990s and 2000s. Only 13 and 18 alleles were detected in the 1990s and 2000s, respectively, which were undetected in the initial gene pool. The overall trend was one of gradual reduction in allelic counts at microsatellite loci, indicating a reduction in diversity over time at the gene level. Average genetic similarity was highest among cultivars of the 1990s and 2000s, reflecting a reduction in genetic diversity at the population level. This observed narrowing of the U.S. flue‐cured tobacco germplasm base in combination with low rates of genetic gain for yield in the last 20 years may point to a need for diversification of parental materials used in future breeding crosses. Reported genetic relationships among the group of genotyped cultivars may be valuable for future strategic germplasm choices.
Downward Mobility of 14C‐Labeled Simazine in a Bermudagrass System vs. a Fallow Soil System
Authors: Cummings H. D. , Weber J. B. , Yelverton F. H. , Leidy R. B.
Published: March 2009

Pesticides applied to bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) can be captured by the canopy, absorbed by the roots, or bound in the thatch layer, which reduces the amount available to leach compared with a fallow soil system where pesticides may be applied directly to soil. 14C‐Simazine was applied to dormant bermudagrass and fallow soil in lysimeters in a cold growth chamber (5°C) (cold‐fallow soil) and to actively growing bermudagrass and fallow soil in lysimeters in a greenhouse (25°C) (warm‐fallow soil) in April. Following clipping collection, lysimeters were irrigated with 5 cm of water every 3–4 d, and leachate was collected. After 25 d, lysimeters were divided into 2‐cm increments from 0 to 10 cm, then 5‐cm increments from 10 to 30 cm. Because of evapotranspiration, actively growing bermudagrass and warm‐fallow soil yielded significantly less leachate than dormant bermudagrass and cold‐fallow soil indicating less moisture is available for downward movement during summer. After the addition of 31 cm of irrigation, the greatest quantities of 14C‐simazine were in the 0‐ to 2‐cm increment for all treatments and decreased with depth. Although the greatest quantities of 14C‐simazine in leachate occurred in dormant bermudagrass, the reached factor was greatest for cold‐fallow soil (0.20), followed by dormant bermudagrass (0.17), warm‐fallow soil (0.16), and actively growing bermudagrass (0.14). Therefore, simazine is least mobile in bermudagrass during summer and most mobile in fallow soil in winter.
Three Cycles of Recurrent Selection for Altered Recombination Frequency in Maize
Authors: Li Dandan , Pfeiffer T.W.
Published: March 2009

The variability among progeny in a plant breeding population depends on the amount of recombination that occurs in meiosis preceding selection. The recombination arises either from the independent assortment of chromosomes or from crossing over during chromosome synapsis. Crossing over is not a constant value; it differs based on background genotype. This research determined the effectiveness of three cycles of recurrent selection for increased or decreased crossing over in Zea mays L. Testcrosses measured male recombination frequency on three chromosomes: 4, su1‐c2; 5, a2‐bt1‐pr1; and 9, sh1‐bz1‐wx1 Sixty plants from each of three populations (cycle 0 [C0], cycle 3 high recombination [C3HR], and cycle 3 low recombination [C3LR]) were evaluated. The mean recombination frequency changes between C0 and C3HR are significant at all chromosome regions (su1‐c2, +5%; a2‐pr1, +24%; sh1‐wx1, +8%). The mean recombination frequency changes between C0 and C3LR are significant at the chromosome 4 (su1‐c2,‐15%) and 5 (a2‐pr1,‐27%) linkage groups. The mean recombination frequency did not change significantly from C0 to C3LR at either of the chromosome 9 regions. Compared to the C0 population, the sum of the genetic distances at these chromosome regions increased 9.5% in the C3HR population and decreased 14.9% in the C3LR population. Selection for high or low recombination frequency successfully modified recombination frequency.
A Comparison of Two Cotton Cultivars Differing in Maturity for Within‐Canopy Fiber Property Variation
Authors: Bauer Philip J. , Foulk Jonn A. , Gamble Gary R. , Sadler E. John
Published: March 2009

Improving uniformity in cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) fiber properties increases fiber processing performance. Our objective was to compare two cultivars differing in relative maturity for within‐canopy variability of fiber physical properties and fiber surface chemical constituents. The cultivars (DPL 555 BG/RR [mid‐full maturity] and PM 1218 BG/RR [early maturity]) were grown in plots on a Goldsboro loamy sand in 2004 and 2005. Fiber physical properties and extractable glucose and salts were determined on first (FP1) and second (FP2) reproductive branch position bolls. Whole‐crop yield and fiber properties were determined after machine harvest. The two cultivars did not differ for whole‐crop yield (2‐yr mean of 1040 kg ha−1) in either year. Averaged over all mainstem node positions, DPL 555 had fibers that were longer and finer than fiber of PM 1218 in both years. PM 1218 had higher fiber glucose and fiber extract conductivity than DPL 555 among FP1 bolls both years. First‐branch‐position bolls that developed early during a prolonged rain‐free period in 2005 had shorter fibers that were coarser than bolls that began developing near the end of the rain‐free period. The data suggest water‐deficit stress conditions during boll development affects fiber length of these two cultivars similarly, but water‐deficit stress effect on fiber secondary wall characteristics is genotype dependent.
Augmenting the Pearl Millet Core Collection for Enhancing Germplasm Utilization in Crop Improvement
Authors: Upadhyaya H. D. , Gowda C. L. L. , Reddy K. N. , Singh Sube
Published: March 2009

Developing a core collection that represents the diversity of entire collection is an efficient approach to enhance the use of germplasm in crop improvement. Core collections are dynamic and need to be revised when additional germplasm and information become available. In the present study, the pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] core collection, consisting of 1600 accessions selected from about 16,000 accessions characterized at the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics Genebank by 1998, was augmented by adding 501 accessions representing 4717 accessions assembled and characterized in the past 9 yr. The revised core consists 2094 accessions. (Five duplicate and two male sterile accessions were deleted from original core collection.) A comparison of mean data using Newman–Keuls test, variance using Levene's test, and distribution using χ2 test indicated that the variation in the entire collection of 20,766 accessions was preserved in the revised core collection. A few important phenotypic correlations that may be under coadapted gene complexes were preserved in the revised core collection. The Shannon–Weaver diversity index for different traits was similar in the revised core and entire collection. The revised core collection was observed to be more valuable than the original core as it has sources of resistance for important diseases such as downy mildew. The revised core collection could be a point of entry to the proper exploitation of pearl millet genetic resources for crop improvement.
PCR‐Based Markers Diagnostic for Spring and Winter Seasonal Growth Habit in Barley
Authors: Cockram James , Norris Carol , O'Sullivan Donal M.
Published: March 2009

Toward the ultimate goal of replacing field‐based evaluation of seasonal growth habit, we describe the design and validation of a multiplex polymerase chain reaction assay diagnostic for allelic status at the barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare L.) vernalization locus, VRN‐H1 By assaying for the presence of all known insertion–deletion polymorphisms thought to be responsible for the difference between spring and winter alleles, this assay directly tests for the presence of functional polymorphism at VRN‐H1 Four of the nine previously recognized VRN‐H1 haplotypes (including both winter alleles) give unique profiles using this assay. The remaining five spring haplotypes share a single profile, indicative of function‐altering deletions spanning, or adjacent to, the putative “vernalization critical” region of intron 1. When used in conjunction with a previously published PCR‐based assay diagnostic for alleles at VRN‐H2, it was possible to predict growth habit in all the 100 contemporary UK spring and winter lines analyzed in this study. This assay is likely to find application in instances when seasonal growth habit needs to be determined without the time and cost of phenotypic assessment and during marker‐assisted selection using conventional and multicross population analysis.
Analysis of Inbreeding Depression in Eight S1 Cassava Families
Authors: Rojas M. C. , Pérez J. C. , Ceballos H. , Baena D. , Morante N. , Calle F.
Published: March 2009

Inbreeding offers numerous advantages but also presents some problems for the genetic improvement of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz). One of the concerns is that inbreeding depression (ID) may be too drastic for (even partially) inbred materials to survive. A large experiment was conducted to quantify ID in cassava. S1 families from eight elite cultivars, each represented mostly by over 90 cloned genotypes, were produced and evaluated in a replicated trial at one location. The results from this evaluation allowed measurement of ID levels for key traits such as fresh root yield (63.9%), fresh foliage yield (37.9%), harvest index (26.5%), plant height (10.1%), and dry matter content in the roots (5.3%). Results also indicated (as expected) that ID, for a given trait, was not uniform among the eight families evaluated. For reasons provided in the article, the ID levels measured in this study may have been overestimated. Compared with the first experiences introducing inbreeding in temperate and tropical maize (Zea mays L.), we concluded that the use of homozygous progenitors in future cassava genetic enhancement is feasible. The average ID and frequency distributions within S1 families for different traits correlated well with the relative importance of nonadditive genetic effects controlling their inheritance as reported in the literature.
Genomewide Selection for Rapid Introgression of Exotic Germplasm in Maize
Authors: Bernardo Rex
Published: March 2009

The length of time needed for prebreeding in adapted × exotic maize (Zea mays L.) crosses has deterred breeders from exploiting exotic germplasm. My objective in this study was to determine, by simulation, the usefulness of genomewide selection for the rapid improvement of an adapted × exotic cross. I simulated F2, BC1, and BC2 populations from an adapted × exotic maize cross. The adapted inbred had the favorable allele at LAdapted = 50 quantitative trait loci (QTL), whereas the exotic inbred had the favorable allele at LExotic = 50, 25, 10, or 5 QTL. The joint effects of 512 markers were fitted by best linear unbiased prediction. For LExotic ≤ 25, the maximum responses (in units of the testcross genetic standard deviation) to multiple cycles of genomewide selection ranged from 0.38 to 3.81. Responses increased as heritability increased and as the number of testcrosses that were phenotyped in Cycle 0 increased from 144 to 288. Overall, the results indicated that a useful strategy for the rapid improvement of an adapted × exotic cross involves 7 to 8 cycles of genomewide selection starting in the F2 rather than in a backcross population, even when the number of favorable alleles is substantially larger in the adapted parent than in the exotic parent. Assuming three generations can be grown per year in a greenhouse or year‐round nursery, this procedure would require only 3 yr beyond the time required to develop and phenotype the Cycle 0 testcrosses.
Water Deficit Alters Canopy Structure but not Photosynthesis during the Regrowth of Alfalfa
Authors: Pembleton Keith G. , Rawnsley Richard P. , Donaghy Daniel J. , Volenec Jeffrey J.
Published: March 2009

Growth of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) following the correction of a water deficit will depend in part on the characteristics of the canopy grown during the water deficit. The current study was undertaken to determine the extent to which canopy structure and photosynthetic capacity are affected in alfalfa plants regrowing following defoliation while exposed to a water deficit. The effects of five levels of water application (100, 75, 50, 25, and 0% of the replacement water requirement) during the regrowth of two alfalfa cultivars with contrasting levels of fall dormancy was investigated in a controlled environment. Mass per shoot and shoots per plant were both significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by water applications 75% or less of the replacement water requirement. Dry matter accumulation was reduced in proportion to the level of the water deficit the plants were exposed to. The rate of CO2 assimilation and maximum efficiency of photosystem II were unaffected (P > 0.05) by water deficits except for the unwatered plants on which leaf senescence occurred. The only inhibition in the plants' capacity for photosynthesis from a water deficit was reduced leaf area. Shoot density and reduced overall canopy photosynthesis were the only canopy characteristics that were altered by water deficit in a way that could continue to inhibit plant growth following the correction of the water deficit.
Physiological Responses of Annual Bluegrass and Creeping Bentgrass to Contrasted Levels of O2 and CO2 at Low Temperatures
Authors: Castonguay Yves , Thibault Guillaume , Rochette Philippe , Bertrand Annick , Rochefort Sophie , Dionne Julie
Published: March 2009

Ice encasement and impermeable winter protective covers can induce anaerobic conditions on golf greens. We assessed plant survival and biochemical changes of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) and creeping bentgrass [Agrostis stoloniferous L. var. palustris (Huds.)] exposed to combinations of O2 and CO2 concentrations at low temperatures (1°C or −2°C). Results indicate that lack of O2 (anoxia) rather than high CO2 is the source of plant damage. However, combination of low O2 and high CO2 induced more severe damage than low O2 alone. Annual bluegrass was found to be more sensitive to anoxia than creeping bentgrass, and subfreezing temperature delayed anoxia‐induced damage. Sucrose was depleted more rapidly under low O2 than under normal conditions. Fructan reserves were similarly mobilized in all treatments except for a more pronounced decline in annual bluegrass maintained under high CO2 at 1°C. A marked accumulation of asparagine at 1°C under normal atmospheric conditions did not occur under anoxia. Reversely, concentrations of alanine and tyrosine increased under low O2. Proline accumulation in plants incubated at −2°C was higher under low than under high CO2 treatments. We observed a relationship between the presence of volatile fatty acids and plant damage under low O2. Our study illustrates the complex interaction between O2 and CO2 that have both synergistic and independent effect on plant damage under anoxia at low temperatures.
Estimating the Price Effects of Non-Tariff Barriers
Authors: Dean Judith M , Signoret José E , Feinberg Robert M. , Ludema Rodney D. , Ferrantino Michael J
Published: March 2009

As multilateral negotiations focus more on reductions and removal of non-tariff barriers (NTBs), the importance of quantifying the impact of these barriers has increased. Recent studies have derived ad valorem equivalents for NTBs for a large number of countries and/or products, but the derivation has been indirect, due to either lack of price data or NTB incidence measures. This paper uses city level retail price data to directly estimate the average impact of core NTBs on prices of 47 consumer products, grouped into four separate sectors, for more than 60 countries in 2001. The analysis uses both government self-reported data and a new database of private sector complaint data to assess NTB incidence. A differentiated products model is used to capture imperfect substitutability between products. With city level price dataincluding both inter- and intra-country price differencesa more precise distinction can be made between the impact of NTBs and the impact of local distribution costs in raising price. The model is estimated using an instrumental variables approach to incorporate the endogeneity of NTBs. Results suggest that core NTBs are still highly restrictive in many countries and for many traded goods. While NTBs appear to be complements to tariffs, in some sectors the presence of a tariff reduces the price impact of the NTB. Results also suggest that in some sectors, the restrictiveness of NTBs is highly correlated with country income.
Full employment as a possible objective for EU policy, I: A perspective from the point of view of the monetary circuit
Authors: Cingolani Massimo
Published: March 2009

In two recent contributions Alain Parguez and Jean-Gabriel Bliek argued in favor of assigning a full employment objective to European economic policies and their coordination (Bliek and Parguez (2007) and Parguez (2007b)). Their argument is based on the approach of the monetary circuit, whose treatment of full employment is the object of this article. The approach is presented here as emblematic of ?out of equilibrium? models, i.e. models where the equilibrium conditions of pure competition are not fulfilled. A forthcoming contribution will show how the description of economic reality suggested by the circuit can help interpreting recent macroeconomic developments in the US, Canada, Japan and the EU and will discuss some empirical studies confirming its relevance for policy analysis.
Evaluation of the income convergence hypothesis in ten new members of the European union: A panel unit root approach
Authors: Ranjpour Reza , Zahra Takanlou
Published: March 2009

In this paper, different tests of unit root in panel data are implemented for studying real economic convergence and catching-up in ten new members of European Union (EU) toward average EU per capita income and average of ancient members. We used the "EuroStat" quarterly real per capita output data on the period 1995 - 2005. The results support existence of absolute convergence and catching-up processes in sample countries towards EU standards. .
Electoral rules, forms of government, and political budget cycles in transition countries
Authors: Klasnja Marko
Published: March 2009

Recent studies have suggested the existence of 'election-year economics' in fiscal policy in transition countries. This study asks whether such electoral cycles in aggregate measures (overall expenditures, revenues and balance) and spending composition (broad vs. targeted outlays) differ among countries with different political systems. This question is motivated by a sharp division between majoritarian presidential systems in Central Asia and Eastern Europe, and proportional-parliamentary systems in the Baltic's, Central and Southeastern Europe. Further, in the absence of context-sensitive theories, the paper asks whether observed outcomes in the transition process conform to the theoretical priors developed for conditions in stable democracies. Finally, the paper attempts to normatively establish whether either of the alternative combinations yields more optimal policy outcomes. The results suggest that the differences indeed exist, primarily on the revenue side and in the composition of expenditures. These results differ markedly from those for stable democracies, especially in the case of composition of spending. Normatively, presidential yields sub optimal outcomes in comparison to parliamentarians, likely due to inefficient system of constitutionally intended checks and balances. .
Decomposition of external capital inflows and outflows in the small open transition economy: The case analysis of the Slovak Republic
Authors: Mirdala Rajmund
Published: March 2009

The main objective of the proceeding is to perform a logical decomposition of the structure of external capital inflows and outflows in the Slovak republic in order to analyze the main trends in the external financial integration and its development through the period of 1994-2006. In order to fulfill our objective we observe the changes in the structure of external financial assets and liabilities in order to provide the explanation of main trends in the external capital portfolio of the Slovak republic. Finally, we explore the implications of the accumulated stock of external capital for future trade and current account balances. .
Monetary integration issues in Latin America: A multivariate assessment
Authors: Allegret Jean-Pierre , Sand-Zantman Alain
Published: March 2009

This paper assesses the monetary consequences of the Latin-American integration process. Over the period 1991-2007, we analyze a sample of five Latin-American countries focusing on the feasibility of a monetary union between L.A. economies. To this end, we study the issue of business cycle synchronization with the occurrence of common shocks. First, we assess the international disturbances influence on the domestic business cycles. Second, we analyze the impact of the adoption of different exchange rate regimes on the countries' responses to shocks. .
Choice of the exchange policies in the developments countries: Study of the competitiveness of Tunisia
Authors: Benahji Sfaxi
Published: March 2009

After the collapse of the Breton Woods system, the increased fluctuations of the exchange rates pushed the developing countries to adopt exchange rate policies to avoid rocking of the balance of payments. Since 1973, Tunisia adopted fixed or intermediary exchange rate policies to support or ameliorate her competitiveness and later to balance her current account. By calculating the real effective exchange rate misalignment, we showed that this country did not achieve her goals and that amelioration of competitiveness occurred only as from the moment when she softened her exchange policies. A policy of floating exchange rate is recommended for Tunisia specially why this country is more and more open. .
Financial reforms in the MENA region, a comparative approach: The case of Tunisia, Algeria, morocco and Egypt
Authors: Alouani Ahmed
Published: March 2009

The financial reform is one of the most important reforms prescribed by the Washington Consensus. With its internal and external components, it occurs in the final stages of the process of economic liberalization. In this work, and after listing, briefly, the causes of financial liberalization, we are going to study in a second section financial development and bank performance in four countries of the MENA region: Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco and Egypt. In this context, we will explore some criteria for determining if the banking sector is performing as the level of intermediation margins, the state of the banking service, and so on. The third section will be subject to an assessment of financial liberalization since the start of reforms to the present day, while focusing on the impact of liberalization on the investment, savings, capital entry, and so on. Our conclusion will be in the form of recommendations aimed at showing that overall reforms, significant progress have been made in recent years but much remains to be done.
Trade liberalization in the south east Europe: Effects and controversial issues
Authors: Pjerotic Ljiljana
Published: March 2009

Included in the regional cooperation of SEE countries, trade liberalization is considered the most important factor of a sustainable economic growth which should contribute to the mutual trade among SEE countries, growth of the foreign direct investments, further production specialization and export structure change. Countries of the region have accepted liberalization as one of the conditions of the Stabilization and Association Process (SAP), hoping, each of them individually, that in that way they would improve proper position. Creating a free trade area will contribute to a further increase of intra-regional trade flows, but it shouldn't be expected that the relative importance of mutual exchange will prevail the importance which EU has for the SEE countries, except Moldova. Paper is divided into five sections. After the introduction, the trade liberalization process in the SEE region is explained in the second part (section 2). The third section analyses actual intra-regional trade flows and SEE countries trade relations with the EU (section 3). Some controversial issues raised in recent debates on trade liberalization in SEE are also discussed (section 4). The main conclusions are given at the end (section 5). .
Effects of acyl donor type, catalyst type, and reaction conditions on the activity and selectivity of Friedel-Crafts acylation
Authors: Wolfson Adi , Madhusudhan Rao , Shapira-Tchelet Ayelet , Landau Miron
Published: March 2009

Acylation of anisole and 3-methylanisole was performed with several acylating reagents (acetylation by AcCl and Ac2O and bromoacetylation by BrAcCl and (BrAc)2O) over different solid acid catalysts. The reaction conditions were optimized with respect to the acylation reagent, overall yield, solid acid catalyst, and the products selectivities. While acylation of anisole with acetyl chloride or acetic anhydride resulted in its full conversion to para-substituted acetophenone, the use of bromoacetyl bromide or bromoacetic anhydride yielded also the ortho-substituted product. Acylation of 3-methylanisole also yielded both para- and ortho-substitutions, and the products distribution was affected by the reaction conditions and catalyst type. It was found that while more acidic catalysts (caesium salt of heteropolyacid and zeolites) were the most active towards anisole acylation, the most active catalysts for the acylation of 3-methylanisole were ion-exchange catalysts. Employing HY-740 zeolite resulted in the highest ortho-selectivity in the acylation of anisole with bromoacetyl bromide and bromoacetic anhydride and in the acylation of 3-methylanisole with acetic anhydride.
Interaction Between TRPC1/TRPC4 Assembly and STIM1 Contributes to Store-Operated Ca2+ Entry in Mesangial Cells
Authors: Sours-Brothers Sherry , Ding Min , Graham Sarabeth , Ma Rong
Published: March 2009

Although Orai1 protein was recently identified as the component of CRAC channels in hematopoietic cells, store-operated channels (SOC) in other cell types may have a different molecular entity. Also, the activation mechanism of SOC remains unclear, in general. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that TRPC1 and TRPC4 proteins were functional subunits of SOC in glomerular mesangial cells (MCs) and that STIM1 was required for the channel activation through interaction with the TRPC proteins. In cultured human MCs, cell-attached patch clamp and fura-2 fluorescence measurements showed that single knockdown of either TRPC1 or TRPC4 significantly attenuated thapsigargin-induced membrane currents and Ca2+ entry as well as Ang II–induced channel activity. Double knockdown of both TRPCs resulted in a comparable inhibition on store-operated Ca2+ entry with single knockdown of either TRPC. Consistent with our previous report, co-immunoprecipitation showed a physical interaction between TRPC1 and TRPC4. Furthermore, we found that knockdown of STIM1 using RNAi significantly reduced the thapsigargin-stimulated membrane currents. Co-immunoprecipitation showed that STIM1 interacted with TRPC4, but not TRPC1. In addition, simultaneous inhibition of STIM1 and TRPC1 resulted in a comparable effect on SOC with single inhibition of either one of them. Taken together, we conclude that in glomerular mesangial cells, the TRPC1/TRPC4 complexes constitute the functional subunits of SOC and that the interaction between STIM1 and TRPC4 may be the mechanism for the activation of the channels.
Increased CYP4B1 mRNA Is Associated with the Inhibition of Dextran Sulfate Sodium–Induced Colitis by Caffeic Acid in Mice
Authors: Ye Zhong , Liu Zhiping , Henderson Abigail , Lee Kwangwon , Hostetter Jesse , Wannemuehler Michael , Hendrich Suzanne
Published: March 2009

Susceptibility to inflammatory bowel diseases depends upon interactions between the genetics of the individual and induction of chronic mucosal inflammation. We hypothesized that administration of dietary phenolics, caffeic acid and rutin, would suppress upregulation of inflammatory markers and intestinal damage in a mouse model of colitis. Colitis was induced in C3H/ HeOuJ mice (8 weeks old, 6 male/6 female per treatment) with 1.25% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) for 6 d in their drinking water. Rutin (1.0 mmol (524 mg)/kg in diet), caffeic acid (1.0 mmol (179 mg)/kg in diet), and hypoxoside extract (15 mg/d, an anticolitic phenolic control) were fed to the mice for 7 d before and during DSS treatment, as well as without DSS treatment. Body weight loss was prevented by rutin and caffeic acid during DSS treatment. Colon lengths in mice fed caffeic acid and hypoxoside during DSS treatment were similar to DSS-negative control. Food intake was improved and myeloperoxidase (MPO) was decreased with each phenolic treatment in DSS-treated mice compared with DSS treatment alone. Colonic mRNA expression of IL-17 and iNOS were inhibited when IL-4 was increased by each phenolic treatment combined with DSS, whereas CYP4B1 mRNA was increased only by caffeic acid in DSS-treated mice, compared with DSS treatment alone. Colonic and cecal histopathology scores of DSS-treated mice were significantly more severe ( P < 0.01) than in mice fed caffeic acid before and during DSS treatment, based on mucosal height, necrosis, edema, erosion, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Although both rutin and caffeic acid suppressed the expression of selected inflammatory markers, only caffeic acid protected against DSS-induced colitis, in association with normalization of CYP4B1 expression. The inhibition of DSS-induced colitic pathology by caffeic acid was mediated by mechanisms in addition to anti-inflammatory effects that deserve further study.
A Preliminary Step towards Evaluating the Impact of Megan's Law: A Trend Analysis of Sexual Offenses in New Jersey from 1985 to 2005
Authors: Veysey Bonita M. , Zgoba Kristen , Dalessandro Melissa
Published: March 2009

This study examines the trend of sexual offense rates reported by law enforcement agencies in the 21 counties of New Jersey from 1985 through 2005. New Jersey was chosen because it was the birthplace of Megan's Law. This study is one component of a larger National Institute of Justice-funded study designed to evaluate the effectiveness of Megan's Law. In this preliminary step we attempt to fill in missing information concerning the pattern of sexual offense rates in New Jersey, while comparing them to drug offense rates and non-sexually based offending rates over the 21-year time frame. This study focuses on four questions: (1) What is the pattern of sexual offense rates in New Jersey for the 10 years prior to the passage of Megan's Law and the 10 years after? (2) How do these rates compare to the rates of drug offenses and non-sexually based offending in New Jersey for the same period? (3) Are there pattern differences across the 21 New Jersey counties? (4) Are there significant change points in the pattern of sexual offense rates at the state or county level that coincide with the implementation of Megan's Law? Results indicate that New Jersey experienced a consistently downward trend in sexual offense rates, with a significant change point in 1994. In the majority of counties, sexual offense rates were higher prior to 1994 (the year Megan's Law was passed) and were lowest after 1995. While sexual offense rates have rebounded somewhat, they are far lower than in the 1980s and early 1990s.
The Utility of an Internal Benchmarking Strategy in Racial Profiling Surveillance
Authors: Withrow Brian L. , Dailey Jeffery D. , Jackson Henry
Published: March 2009

Estimating the racial and ethnic proportions within the driving population at risk of being stopped by the police is the most serious methodological threat to the viability of racial profiling research. Most strategies are externally based on the residential population, field observations of drivers, and, more recently, accident records. Using data collected in 2001 by the Wichita (Kansas) Police Department, the authors construct an internal benchmark and are able to identify the officers (at the individual level) that are actually stopping substantially higher proportions of racial minorities when compared to their similarly situated peers. Recommendations for developing an internal benchmarking strategy are included.
Comparison of the National Violent Death Reporting System and Supplementary Homicide Report: Potential Benefits of Integration
Authors: Shields Ryan T. , Ward Brian W.
Published: March 2009

This paper introduces researchers and practitioners to a new data source called the National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS), which has the potential to be linked to the Supplementary Homicide Report (SHR). Using data from Maryland, we examine limitations of the SHR cited by past research and how integration of the SHR with the NVDRS can simultaneously enhance both the SHR and NVDRS. Although some limitations remain, it appears that the integration of the SHR with the NVDRS has potential benefits that can more accurately inform both homicide research and local policy.
Solid‐Supported Reagents for Synthesis of Nucleoside Monothiophosphates, Dithiodiphosphates, and Trithiotriphosphates
Authors: Ahmadibeni Yousef , Parang Keykavous
Published: March 2009

This unit describes procedures for the selective synthesis of nucleoside monothiophosphates, dithiodiphosphates, and trithiotriphosphates from solid‐supported phosphitylating reagents. Rigid and sterically hindered polymer‐bound 1,3,2‐oxathiaphospholane is reacted selectively with the 5′‐hydroxyl group of nucleosides in the presence of 1H‐tetrazole. Sulfurization in the presence of Beaucage's reagent (3H‐1,2‐benzodithiole‐3‐one 1,1‐dioxide) followed by ring‐opening with 3‐hydroxypropionitrile and basic cleavage in the presence of 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) through the elimination of polymer‐bound ethylene episulfide afford nucleoside monothiophosphates. Furthermore, reaction of polymer‐bound diphosphitylating and triphosphitylating reagents, prepared from polymer‐bound benzyl alcohol, with unprotected nucleosides, sulfurization with Beaucage's reagent, and acidic cleavage using trifluoroacetic acid cocktail produce nucleoside dithiodiphosphates and trithiotriphosphates in moderate yields. Curr. Protoc. Nucleic Acid Chem. 36:13.9.1‐13.9.16. © 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.