bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Prioritized Inventory of Crop Wild Relatives and Wild Harvested Plants of Italy
Authors: Landucci Flavia , Panella Lorenzo , Lucarini Domenico , Gigante Daniela , Donnini Domizia , Kell Shelagh , Maxted Nigel , Venanzoni Roberto , Negri Valeria 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to construct a solid basis for developing a crop wild relatives (CWR) and wild harvested plants (WHP) conservation strategy at the European and national levels. To this end we (i) worked out an annotated and synonymized Working Database of the Italian Vascular Plants, (ii) worked out a full CWR–WHP checklist for Italy, (iii) worked out a prioritized CWR and WHP inventory, (iv) identified native taxa with an ascertained utility for breeding, and (v) on the basis of a gap analysis case study on two Brassica taxa, outlined the first steps to be taken immediately to develop their in situ and ex situ conservation strategy. The Working Database of the Italian Vascular Plants includes a total of 11,710 taxa. Of those, 92.0% form the CWR–WHP checklist. On the basis of the importance of the related crops, their status, and their need of protection and/or monitoring, 1118 taxa were prioritized. Of these, 129 taxa deserve the highest priority in planning a conservation strategy, including 16 that currently have a practical use in breeding. The case study showed that little is still known about relic CWR populations and that not all of them are adequately protected in situ and ex situ. Since information on their abundance, location, distribution, ecological conditions, census, and current conservation is lacking, initiatives should be put into action immediately for developing a national and European conservation strategy.
Brazilian Spring Wheat Homogeneous Adaptation Regions can be Dissected in Major Megaenvironments
Authors: Munaro Lucas Berger , Benin Giovani , Marchioro Volmir Sérgio , de Assis Franco Francisco , Silva Raphael Rossi , da Silva Cristiano Lemes , Beche Eduardo 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study were to investigate the pattern of genotype environment interaction and identify megaenvironments (ME), essential test locations, and suitable genotypes for each ME. The genotype plus genotype by environment interaction (GGE) biplot and additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis (AMMI) were used to demonstrate the potential of using a graphical biplot to analyze the genotype by environment interaction (GEI) in data of multienvironment trials (MET). These trials of the Central Cooperative Agricultural Research (COODETEC) evaluated 36 advanced breeding lines and 27 check cultivars for 3 years (2008–2010) at 12 test locations. Yield data were analyzed using the genotype plus GGE and AMMI biplot methods. The test environments were classified into two ME (i.e. ME1: Castro, Guarapuava, Não‐Me‐Toque, Abelardo Luz, and Cachoeira do Sul; and ME2: Campo Mourão, Dourados, Palmital, Palotina, Ponta Porã, and Rolândia. In ME1, the locations Guarapuava, Cachoeira do Sul, and Abelardo Luz were classified as ideal, while in ME2, Ponta Porã, Dourados and Palotina were close to ideal. Guarapuava was the essential test location in ME1; however the identification of an essential test location in ME2 was unclear. Superior cultivars and advanced lines were identified in both ME that could be valuable for spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) improvement or cultivars released.
Genetic Mapping Using Genotyping‐by‐Sequencing in the Clonally Propagated Cassava
Authors: Rabbi Ismail , Hamblin Martha , Gedil Melaku , Kulakow Peter , Ferguson Morag , Ikpan Andrew S. , Ly Delphine , Jannink Jean‐Luc 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTCassava (Manihot esculenta L.) is one of the most important food crops in the tropics, but yields are far below their potential. The gene pool of cassava contains natural genetic diversity relevant to many important breeding goals, but breeding progress has been slow, partly because of insufficient genomic resources. As a first step toward implementing genomewide genetic studies that will facilitate rapid genetic gain through breeding, we genotyped‐by‐sequencing a set of 182 full‐sibs population of cassava that segregated in several traits: resistance to the cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and yield under CMD pressure; increased carotenoid content in storage roots; color of stem exterior and anthocyanin pigmentation in the petioles, inner root skin, and apical leaves. Employing a rare‐cutting restriction enzyme, PstI, in a genotyping‐by‐sequencing (GBS) library preparation, we obtained 2478 segregating single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which 1257 passed standard filtering for missing genotypes and deviation from expected genotypic frequencies. We mapped 772 SNPs across 19 linkage groups and anchored 313 unique scaffolds from the version 4.1 of the cassava genome assembly. Most of the studied morphological traits as well as resistance to CMD and root carotenoid content showed qualitative inheritance. As expected, quantitative trait loci analysis for these traits revealed single loci surrounded by small confidence intervals. Yield under CMD was associated with the CMD resistance locus. We show that GBS is a powerful genotyping tool that provides a sufficient number of markers for unraveling the genetic architecture of Mendelian traits in cassava in addition to the development of a robust genetic map that can help anchor unassembled genomic scaffolds.
Generation Means Analysis for Fiber Elongation in Upland Cotton
Authors: Ng E.‐H. , Smith C. W. , Hequet E. , Hague S. , Dever J. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTEach bale (218 kg) of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) produced in the United States is graded on the basis of several fiber quality traits, namely, strength, upper‐half mean length, micronaire, uniformity index, color, and trash content. To promote production of high‐quality cotton, producers are given monetary incentives to meet and exceed market standards. Quantitative inheritance of these quality traits have been the primary research focus of many cotton researchers worldwide in an effort to better understand the genetics governing these traits. Increased fiber bundle elongation (ability to stretch without breaking) has not been considered because of its weak but negative correlation with fiber bundle strength. However, current literature suggests that elongation, along with fiber strength, contributes to yarn tenacity. To better understand the genetics of fiber elongation, six distinctive upland families derived from four parental genotypes representative of elongation variation within modern cotton germplasm pools were analyzed using generation means analysis (GMA). Additive gene effects were predominant over dominance gene effects, and nonallelic gene interactions were minimal for elongation. The large numbers of effective factors identified suggests that parents used in the GMA are carrying different genetic materials or loci for elongation. Considerable gains in elongation may be achieved by selectively crossing some of these materials in a pure‐line breeding scheme while holding other important fiber traits constant.
Genetics, Breeding, and Marker‐Assisted Selection for Verticillium Wilt Resistance in Cotton
Authors: Zhang Jinfa , Fang Hui , Zhou Huiping , Sanogo Soum , Ma Zhiying 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTVerticillium wilt (VW), caused by the soil‐borne fungus Verticillium dahliae Kleb., is one of the most destructive diseases in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) production in the U.S. and worldwide. Development of VW‐resistant cultivars remains the only economic option for controlling the disease. The objective of this review was to summarize the progress in screening methods, resistance sources, and genetics, quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) and breeding for VW resistance in cotton. Even though Gossypium barbadense L. carries high levels of resistance, its resistance has not been transferred into commercial Upland cultivars. Many Acala cotton cultivars developed in New Mexico and California between the 1940s and the 1990s, and some commercial transgenic cultivars are tolerant or moderately resistant to VW. However, due to difficulties in achieving consistent and uniform inoculation and infection with V. dahliae, both qualitative and quantitative inheritance of VW resistance have been reported in numerous studies for resistant G. barbadense and Upland genotypes. Several QTL analyses have shown the existence of VW resistance QTLs on almost all the tetraploid cotton chromosomes; however, QTLs have most frequently been detected on c5, c7, c8, c11, c16, c17, c19, c21, c23, c24, and c26. This has led to MAS for progeny with favorable QTL alleles for VW resistance in several experiments. Phenotypic selection for VW resistance has been inefficient, while the effectiveness and efficiency of MAS remain to be validated. There is an urgent need for the development of better plant inoculation and screening methods, and for more molecular mapping studies to discern the genetic basis of VW resistance in cotton.
Carbohydrate and Lipid Dynamics in Wheat Crown Tissue in Response to Mild Freeze–Thaw Treatments
Authors: Skinner D. Z. , Bellinger B. S. , Hansen J. C. , Kennedy A. C. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTFreezing tolerance resulting from cold hardening is critical to survival of fall‐seeded winter wheat. Exposure of winter wheat plants to cycles of freeze–thaw at temperatures just below, and just above freezing results in incremental improvements of freezing tolerance. Changes in the concentrations of carbohydrates in the cellular fluids of wheat crowns, and of lipids extracted from wheat crown tissue, were quantified following exposure to 24 h freeze(s) at –3°C, with or without a following thaw of 24 h at 3°C. Concentrations of simple sugars, and sucrose and related carbohydrates, increased in the first 24 h of exposure to –3°C, and continued to increase whether the plants were then exposed to a further 24 h at –3°C or were exposed to 3°C for 24 h. The concentration of fructans decreased during the first 24 h of exposure to –3°C, and continued to decrease if the plants were exposed to 3°C for 24 h, but increased if the plants were exposed to a continuous –3°C for 48 h. The frequencies of occurrences of numerous lipid species changed with each 24 h temperature treatment, some consistent with the behavior of lipid signaling molecules. Carbohydrates and lipids in wheat crowns are actively restructured at subzero temperatures as the plants acquire greater freezing tolerance. Identifying plant lines especially able to effect this restructuring may enable the development of plant lines with improved freezing tolerance.
White Clover Inclusion within a Bermudagrass Lawn: Effects of Supplemental Nitrogen on Botanical Composition and Nitrogen Cycling
Authors: McCurdy James D. , McElroy J. Scott , Guertal Elizabeth A. , Wood C. Wesley 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTWhite clover (Trifolium repens L.) inclusion is a proposed means of increasing the sustainability of low‐maintenance turfgrass scenarios due to its ability to biologically fix N and transfer it to associated grasses. Little is known about white clover N contribution to maintained warm‐season turfgrass swards. A 3‐yr study was conducted to evaluate the effects of white clover inclusion within a hybrid bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × C. transvaalensis Burtt Davy] lawn. Supplemental N (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 g N m−2) was applied monthly, from April to August, to test the effects of supplemental N on biomass composition, N fixation, and N transfer. Mixed grass plus clover swards yielded higher clipping biomass than grass‐alone swards, which was evidence of enhanced bermudagrass growth due to biological N fixation. Likewise, grass biomass of mixed swards was increased relative to that of grass‐alone swards at supplemental N rates ≤10 g N m−2 yr−1 but was decreased at higher supplemental N rates. Nitrogen fixation was estimated to be 6.6 g m−2 yr−1 during the 3‐yr study, with an apparent increase in fixation as years progressed. Results indicate that N fixation was suppressed at the lower and upper extremes of supplemental N rates. Nitrogen transfer to the associated bermudagrass sward was estimated to be 24% during the latter 2 yr of the study. These results offer evidence of white clover utility when included within maintained warm‐season turfgrass scenarios.
The Effects of GM Technology on Maize Yield
Authors: Chavas Jean‐Paul , Shi Guanming , Lauer Joseph 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIn the United States, maize (Zea mays L.) farmers have adopted genetic‐modification technology rapidly since its first commercialization in 1996. By 2012, 88% of U.S. maize is planted with genetically modified (GM) hybrids. Our objective in the paper is to present an empirical analysis of the determinants of U.S. maize yield using experimental maize production data, with a focus on the interaction effects of GM technology, management, and risk. Genetic‐modification technology had a stronger impact on the lower end of maize yield distribution within a trial thereby reducing exposure to downside risk. A strong interaction exists between GM technology and crop rotations: GM reduces the adverse effects of maize–maize rotation on yield. As such, GM technology is found to be a substitute for crop rotation. Genetic‐modification technology increases the yield gains associated with higher planting density. This indicates that GM technology offers good prospects for future improvements in maize productivity.
Ridge Preservation for Implant Therapy: a Review of the Literature
Authors: Tomlin Elizabeth M , Nelson Shelby J , Rossmann Jeffrey A 
Published: May 2014

Healing of the extraction socket after tooth removal involves retention of the blood clot followed by a sequence of events that lead to changes in the alveolar process in a three dimensional fashion. This normal healing event results in a minimal loss of vertical height (around 1 mm), but a substantial loss of width in the buccal-lingual plane (4-6 mm). During the first three months following extraction that loss has been shown to be significant and may result in both a hard tissue and soft tissue deformity affecting the ability to restore the site with acceptable esthetics. Procedures that reduce the resorptive process have been shown to be predictable and potentially capable of eliminating secondary surgery for site preparation when implant therapy is planned. The key element is prior planning by the dental therapist to act at the time of extraction to prevent the collapse of the ridge due to the loss of the alveolus.Several techniques have been employed as ridge preservation procedures involving the use of bone grafts, barrier membranes and biologics to provide a better restorative outcome. This review will explore the evidence behind each technique and their efficacy in accomplishing site preparation. The literature does not identify a single technique as superior to others; however, all accepted therapeutic procedures for ridge preservation have been shown to be more effective than blood clot alone in randomized controlled studies.
Detoxification of Implant Surfaces Affected by Peri-Implant Disease: An Overview of Non-surgical Methods
Authors: Valderrama Pilar , Blansett Jonathan A , Gonzalez Mayra G , Cantu Myrna G , Wilson Thomas G 
Published: May 2014

Objective:The aim of this review is to summarize the findings of studies that have evaluated non-surgical approaches for detoxification of implant body surfacesin vitroandin vivo, and to evaluate clinical trials on the use of these methodologies for treating peri-implant disease.Materials and methods:A literature search was conducted using MEDLINE (Pubmed) from 1966 to 2013.In vitroandin vivostudies as well as clinical trials on non-surgical therapy were evaluated. The outcome variables were the ability of the therapeutic method to eliminate the biofilm and endotoxins from the implant surface, the changes in clinical parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment levels, bleeding on probing; radiographic bone fill and histological re-osseointegration.Results:From 134 articles found 35 were analyzed. The findings, advantages and disadvantages of using lasers as well as mechanical and chemical methods are discussed. Most of thein vivoand human studies used combination therapies which makes determining the efficacy of one specific method difficult. Most human studies are case series with short term longitudinal analysis without survival or failure reports.Conclusion:Complete elimination of the biofilms is difficult to achieve using these approaches. All therapies induce changes of the chemical and physical properties of the implant surface. Re-osseointegration may be difficult to achieve if not impossible without surgical access to ensure thorough debridement of the defect and detoxification of the implant surface. Combination protocols for non-surgical treatment of peri-implantitis in humans have shown some positive clinical results but long-term evaluation to evaluate the validity and reliability of the techniques is needed.
Effects of L-amino Acids on Human Peripheral Neutrophil Granulocyte Activation
Authors: Sipka Sándor , Keresztes Tamás , Kovács Ildikó , Sipka Jr Sándor , Baráth Sándor , Szegedi Gyula , Zeher Margit , Bruckner Geza 
Published: May 2014

Objective:
The objective was to investigate the early (20 minutes) effects of 21 L-amino acids on the activation of human neutrophils and to determine in healthy individuals the effects of a meal on the 1) number and relative luminescence unit (RLU) of peripheral neutrophils, 2) serum glutamate and glucose levels and 3) mTOR signaling network.

Methods:
The RLU of neutrophils stimulated by Ca2+ ionophor (CaI) and phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) following amino acid supplementation (3 x 10-4 M) or after consuming a meal was determined. L-glutamate was measured by HPLC.

Results:
All amino acids resulted in significant inhibitions of neutrophil RLU, except for arginine, which stimulated neutrophils. The ratios of amino acid induced inhibition were significantly higher in the cells stimulated by PMA than by CaI. The consumption of a meal resulted in a significant serum glutamate elevation compared to baseline (2.3 versus 0.9 x10-4 M) 90 minutes after ingestion of the meal. It was independent of the body mass index and returned near fasting levels after 150 minutes. The number of neutrophils was significantly elevated 90 minutes after the meal but the PMA induced RLU was significantly decreased.

Conclusion:
Our ex vivoand in vivoresults suggest that the L-amino acids, independent of their metabolic significance, may continuosly and quickly modify the activity of human peripheral neutrophils, and also the outcome of various immunologic reactions. The activation of the mTORC1 complex likely involves a transient impairment in the function of mTORC2 complex in these processes.
Temporal Effects of Bisphenol A on Dopaminergic Neurons: An Experiment on Adult Rats
Authors: Ishido Masami , Masuo Yoshinori 
Published: May 2014

The vulnerability of developing brains to environmental chemicals has been reported. Here, we examined the
temporal effects of bisphenol A on dopaminergic neurons. Exposure of 5-day-old rats to bisphenol A caused hyperactivity
in juveniles, after which spontaneous motor activity leveled off at 8 weeks of age, when apoptotic cell death was still
observed along with the loss of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity. Accumulation of α-synuclein, a pathological
marker of neurodegeneration, was also detectable in the substantia nigra, but not in the cerebral cortex. In adult rats, acute
toxicity following microinjection of bisphenol A (20 μg) caused degeneration of dopaminergic neurons, similar to that
following administration of 6-hydroxydopamine (15 μg). Chronic exposure of adult rats to bisphenol A (3 mg/kg/day for
28 days) caused neurodegeneration in the substantia nigra. However, behavioral effects were not seen after either acute or
chronic exposure of adult rats to bisphenol A.
Thus, the sensitivity of the central nervous system to bisphenol A was shown to be different at different life stages,
confirming the greater vulnerability of the developing central nervous system.
Podocytes Regulate Neutrophil Recruitment by Glomerular Endothelial Cells via IL-6–Mediated Crosstalk
Authors: Kuravi Sahithi J. , McGettrick Helen M. , Satchell Simon C. , Saleem Moin A. , Harper Lorraine , Williams Julie M. , Rainger George Ed , Savage Caroline O. S. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Stromal cells actively modulate the inflammatory process, in part by influencing the ability of neighboring endothelial cells to support the recruitment of circulating leukocytes. We hypothesized that podocytes influence the ability of glomerular endothelial cells (GEnCs) to recruit neutrophils during inflammation. To address this, human podocytes and human GEnCs were cultured on opposite sides of porous inserts and then treated with or without increasing concentrations of TNF-α prior to addition of neutrophils. The presence of podocytes significantly reduced neutrophil recruitment to GEnCs by up to 50% when cultures were treated with high-dose TNF-α (100 U/ml), when compared with GEnC monocultures. Importantly, this phenomenon was dependent on paracrine actions of soluble IL-6, predominantly released by podocytes. A similar response was absent when HUVECs were cocultured with podocytes, indicating a tissue-specific phenomenon. Suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 elicited the immunosuppressive actions of IL-6 in a process that disrupted the presentation of chemokines on GEnCs by altering the expression of the duffy Ag receptor for chemokines. Interestingly, suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 knockdown in GEnCs upregulated duffy Ag receptor for chemokines and CXCL5 expression, thereby restoring the neutrophil recruitment. In summary, these studies reveal that podocytes can negatively regulate neutrophil recruitment to inflamed GEnCs by modulating IL-6 signaling, identifying a potential novel anti-inflammatory role of IL-6 in renal glomeruli.
Nuclear Role of WASp in Gene Transcription Is Uncoupled from Its ARP2/3-Dependent Cytoplasmic Role in Actin Polymerization
Authors: Sadhukhan Sanjoy , Sarkar Koustav , Taylor Matthew , Candotti Fabio , Vyas Yatin M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract
Defects in Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp) underlie development of WAS, an X-linked immunodeficiency and autoimmunity disorder of childhood. Nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs) of the WASp family generate F-actin in the cytosol via the VCA (verprolin-homology, cofilin-homology, and acidic) domain and support RNA polymerase II–dependent transcription in the nucleus. Whether nuclear-WASp requires the integration of its actin-related protein (ARP)2/3-dependent cytoplasmic function to reprogram gene transcription, however, remains unresolved. Using the model of human TH cell differentiation, we find that WASp has a functional nuclear localizing and nuclear exit sequences, and accordingly, its effects on transcription are controlled mainly at the level of its nuclear entry and exit via the nuclear pore. Human WASp does not use its VCA-dependent, ARP2/3-driven, cytoplasmic effector mechanisms to support histone H3K4 methyltransferase activity in the nucleus of TH1-skewed cells. Accordingly, an isolated deficiency of nuclear-WASp is sufficient to impair the transcriptional reprogramming of TBX21 and IFNG promoters in TH1-skewed cells, whereas an isolated deficiency of cytosolic-WASp does not impair this process. In contrast, nuclear presence of WASp in TH2-skewed cells is small, and its loss does not impair transcriptional reprogramming of GATA3 and IL4 promoters. Our study unveils an ARP2/3:VCA-independent function of nuclear-WASp in TH1 gene activation that is uncoupled from its cytoplasmic role in actin polymerization.