bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Architecture Underlying Kernel Quality in Food‐Grade Maize
Authors: Lee E. A. , Young J.A. , Frégeau‐Reid J.A. , Good B.G. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTKernel quality of food‐grade maize (Zea mays L.) impacts the quality of the final product and is related to dry matter loss during the alkaline cooking process. Kernel size, density, and endosperm hardness are the main kernel characteristics that determine kernel quality. Insight into the genetics governing food‐grade kernel quality parameters and the influence of environment on them was gained through a series of genetic experiments. We initially characterized kernel quality in a breeding cross involving two white food‐grade maize inbred lines, SD79 and SD80. Two hundred forty F2:3–derived lines, the two parental inbred lines, and the F1 were grown in replicated trials at one location. Test weight, 50‐kernel weight, and percentage of thin kernels were measured and then compared with data collected from the Stenvert hardness test assay. Using these kernel quality parameters five high‐quality (H) and five low‐quality (L) lines were identified. The five H lines and five L lines were subsequently used in a H × H, L × L, and H × L mating scheme to examine the genetic effects governing the main kernel quality parameters (test weight, kernel size, and kernel weight). The 45 hybrids from the combination of the two partial diallels and the NC Design II mating scheme were grown in replicated trials at three locations. In general, the inheritance of test weight, kernel weight, and kernel size is influenced primarily by additive genetic effects.
Genetic Gains for Grain Yield in CIMMYT Spring Bread Wheat across International Environments
Authors: Sharma R. C. , Crossa J. , Velu G. , Huerta‐Espino J. , Vargas M. , Payne T. S. , Singh R. P. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTThe Global Wheat Program of the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) develops and distributes improved germplasm targeted toward various wheat growing regions of developing world. The objective of our study was to quantify the genetic yield gains in CIMMYT's spring bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in the Elite Spring Wheat Yield Trial (ESWYT) distributed over the past 15 yr (1995–2009) as determined by the performance of entries across 919 environments in 69 countries. To determine the annual genetic gains, differences in mean yields of the five highest yielding entries from mean trial yield and mean yield of the widely grown international check ‘Attila’ were regressed over 15 yr of ESWYT testing. Across locations in all countries, mean yields of the five highest yielding entries showed an annual gain of 27.8 kg ha−1 (0.65%) compared to Attila. Annual yield gains in mega‐environment 1 (ME1) (optimally irrigated), ME2 (high rainfall), Egypt, India, and Pakistan were 27.4 (0.55%), 21.4 (0.62%), 111.6 (1.13%), 32.5 (0.83%), and 18.5 kg ha−1 (0.5%), respectively. These results demonstrate continuous genetic yield gains in the elite spring bread wheat lines developed and distributed by CIMMYT and the positive outcomes achieved through breeding and the international exchange of elite spring wheat germplasm that have benefited national programs throughout the world.
Evolution and Domestication of Lima Bean in Mexico: Evidence from Ribosomal DNA
Authors: Serrano‐Serrano Martha L. , Andueza‐Noh Rubén H. , Martínez‐Castillo Jaime , Debouck Daniel G. , Chacón S María I. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTPhaseolus lunatus L., Lima bean, has been domesticated at least twice in the Americas, once in the Andean region and at another time in Mesoamerica; however, the domestication history of this crop in the latter region remains unclear. In this study, a phylogeographic analysis of DNA polymorphisms in the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA from a collection of wild and domesticated accessions was applied to establish where and how many times in Mesoamerica Lima bean was domesticated. The results showed evidence for two wild Mesoamerican gene pools with contrasting geographical distributions. While the MI gene pool occurs in central western Mexico, including the Pacific coastal range, the MII gene pool is widespread and occurs toward the Gulf of Mexico, the Yucatan peninsula, and Central and South America. In a cluster analysis, all Mesoamerican landraces clustered together with wild accessions from the MI gene pool (L haplotype) suggesting a unique domestication event in central western Mexico. The most likely domestication region is an area of the states of Nayarit–Jalisco or Guerrero–Oaxaca and not areas such as the Peninsula of Yucatan where the crop is currently widespread and diverse. A strong founder effect due to domestication was quantified and several recently diversified haplotypes were identified. A hypothesis about possible dispersal routes of the crop within Mesoamerica is proposed as well as an apparent late adoption of the crop into the milpa system.
Wilt‐Based Irrigation in Kentucky Bluegrass: Effects on Visual Quality and Irrigation Amounts Among Cultivars
Authors: Lewis Jason D. , Bremer Dale J. , Keeley Steven J. , Fry Jack D. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTA critical challenge facing the turf industry is increasingly limited water supplies. Identifying cultivars that use less water while maintaining acceptable quality may mitigate irrigation demands. Our objectives were to identify Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) (KBG) cultivars and phenotypic groups that maintained better visual quality with less water. Thirty bluegrass selections were evaluated in a 2‐yr field study under a rainout shelter near Manhattan, KS. Irrigation (2.5 cm) was applied when >50% of a plot exhibited visible wilt symptoms. Visual quality was rated daily. Average irrigation applications ranged widely from 23.3 cm (mean = 2.2 mm d−1) in Bedazzled to 44.9 cm (mean = 4.2 mm d−1) in Kenblue, and days to wilt between irrigations ranged from 6.4 d in Kenblue to 13.1 d in Cabernet. Visual quality averaged at or slightly below 6.0, defined as “minimally acceptable,” but this may be adequate when water conservation is a priority and some dormancy is tolerable; irrigation at <50% wilt is recommended for improved quality. Based on statistical range tests, 15 of the 30 cultivars were grouped as both receiving the least water and having the greatest visual quality. Overall, the Compact America and Mid‐Atlantic KBG groups exhibited the greatest days to wilt and received the least water. Results suggest that Compact America and Mid‐Atlantic phenotypes have the greatest potential for integrating reduced water inputs with maintenance of acceptable visual quality.
Information Fusion in Continuous Assurance
Authors: Perols Johan L. , Murthy Uday S. 
Published: June 2012

ABSTRACTWe extend continuous assurance research by proposing a novel continuous assurance architecture grounded in information fusion research. Existing continuous assurance architectures focus primarily on methods of monitoring assurance clients' systems to detect anomalous activities and have not addressed the question of how to process the detected anomalies. Consequently, actual implementations of these systems typically detect a large number of anomalies, with the resulting information overload leading to suboptimal decision making due to human information processing limitations. The proposed architecture addresses these issues by performing anomaly detection, aggregation, and evaluation. Within the proposed architecture, artifacts developed in prior continuous assurance, ontology, and artificial intelligence research are used to perform the detection, aggregation, and evaluation information fusion tasks. The architecture contributes to the academic continuous assurance literature and has implications for practitioners involved in the development of more robust and useful continuous assurance systems.
Time-Dependent Impact of Diabetes on Mortality in Patients With Stroke
Authors: Icks Andrea , Claessen Heiner , Morbach Stephan , Glaeske Gerd , Hoffmann Falk 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE
To estimate the impact of diabetes on mortality in patients after first stroke event.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Using claims data from a nationwide statutory health insurance fund (Gmünder ErsatzKasse), we assessed all deaths in a cohort of 5,757 patients with a first stroke between 2005 and 2007 (69.3% male, mean age 68.1 years, 32.2% with diabetes) up to 2009. By use of Cox regression, we estimated time-dependent hazard ratios (HRs) to compare patients with and without diabetes stratified by sex.

RESULTS
The cumulative 5-year mortality was 40.0 and 54.2% in diabetic men and women, and 32.3 and 38.1% in their nondiabetic counterparts, respectively. In males, mortality was significantly lower in diabetic compared with nondiabetic patients in the first 30 days (multiple-adjusted HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.53–0.84]). After approximately a quarter of a year, the diabetes risk increased, yielding crossed survival curves. Later on, mortality risk tended to be similar in diabetic and nondiabetic men (1–2 years: 1.42 [1.09–1.85]; 3–5 years: 1.00 [0.67–1.41]; time dependency of diabetes, P = 0.008). In women, the pattern was similar; however, time dependency was not statistically significant (P = 0.89). Increasing age, hemorrhagic stroke, renal failure (only in men), levels of care dependency, and number of prescribed medications were significantly associated with mortality.

CONCLUSIONS
We found a time-dependent mortality risk of diabetes after first stroke in men. Possible explanations may be type of stroke or earlier and more intensive treatment of risk factors in diabetic patients.
Reducing the Glycemic Index or Carbohydrate Content of Mixed Meals Reduces Postprandial Glycemia and Insulinemia Over the Entire Day but Does Not Affect Satiety
Authors: Liu Ann G. , Most Marlene M. , Brashear Meghan M. , Johnson William D. , Cefalu William T. , Greenway Frank L. 
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE
We evaluated the effects of mixed meals differing in glycemic index (GI) and carbohydrate content on postprandial serum glucose and insulin response, hunger, and satiety over the course of a 12-h day.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
In this randomized crossover trial, 26 overweight or obese adults received four diets in random order (high GI, high carbohydrate [HGI-HC]; high GI, low carbohydrate [HGI-LC]; low GI, high carbohydrate [LGI-HC]; and low GI, low carbohydrate [LGI-LC]). All meals were prepared by a metabolic kitchen. Participants received breakfast, lunch, and dinner over the course of a 12-h day. Primary outcomes were postprandial serum glucose and insulin quantified as area under the curve. Hunger, fullness, and satiety were assessed by visual analog scale.

RESULTS
The HGI-LC, LGI-HC, and LGI-LC diets significantly reduced glucose and insulin area under the curve compared with the HGI-HC diet (P &lt; 0.001 for all comparisons). There were no significant differences in ratings of hunger, fullness, or satiety between the different dietary treatments.

CONCLUSIONS
Reducing the GI or carbohydrate content of mixed meals reduces postprandial glycemia and insulinemia, and these changes can be sustained over the course of an entire day. However, there were no differences in subjective hunger and satiety ratings between the diets. These results demonstrate that maintaining a low GI or glycemic load diet is an effective method of controlling serum glucose and insulin levels.
Germany and the Arab Spring: Foreign Policy between New Activism and Old Habits
Authors: Ratka Edmund 
Published: June 2012

In the midst of the European Union’s (EU) unprecedented crisis and arapidly changing international environment, Germany is redefining itsplace in Europe and in the world. Long-cherished certainties such as astaunch commitment to European integration and to its Western allies ingeneral seem being called into question. Critics like the former ChancellorHelmut Kohl or the historian Heinrich August Winkler deplore a missingcompass and “politics without a project.”1 Against this background, thisarticle analyses the German policy toward an issue that forcefully markedthe year 2011 and continues to transform North Africa and the MiddleEast—the so-called “Arab Spring”.
Incidence of Retained Placenta in Relation with Breed, Age, Parity and Body Condition Score of Dairy cows
Authors: Islam MH , Sarder MJU , Rahman M , Kader MA , Islam MA 
Published: June 2012

Retained placenta is an economically important reproductive disorder which occurs at the end of the reproductive cycle and has repercussions on the next. The study was conducted a total 1205 dairy cows from 9 upazila and 4 Metro Thana of Rajshahi during the period from July 2010 to June 2011. To evaluate the incidence of retained placenta in relation to breed, age, parity and body condition score of dairy cows. A questionnaire was prepared including information viz. name and address of farmer, breed, age; parity and body condition score for achievement of the study. The overall prevalence of retained placenta was 13.4%. The influencing factors including breed, age, parity, body condition score had significant effect (P<0.05) on retained placenta. The highest prevalence was 10.7%, 4.5%, 5.6% and 7.1% observed in cross-breed, > 3 years age, 1st parity and fair body condition group of cows, respectively. From this study, it might be concluded that local breed, ? 3 years but less than 5 years age group, 3rd parity had least risk for retained placenta. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i1.10878 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(1): 15-20
Evaluation of Real Time PCR for the diagnosis of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis and comparison with AFB Microscopy among Bangladeshi population
Authors: Chowdhury MR , Bari SMN , Islam KS , Rakibuzzaman AGM , Afrin S 
Published: June 2012

Tuberculosis is a global public health issue and a disease burden in Africa and Asia. Bangladesh is one of the high burden countries in Southeast Asian region. Mycobacterium tuberculosis the causative agent of tuberculosis, is a devastating bacterium because it spreads person to person, acquired multiple antibiotic resistance and most importantly has the limitation in rapid diagnosis, specially in case of extrapulmonary infection. Here we showed Real-Time PCR assay with the primers targeting IS6110 is a better method than conventional AFB microscopy for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. For the comparative study 99 extrapulmonary specimens from 9 different parts of the body were collected from suspected patients. Among those only 10 samples were positive, where 50% them were scanty positive in AFB microscopy, on the other hand 33 samples were positive in RealTime PCR assay. All samples positive in AFB microscopy were also positive in Real-Time PCR assay with an additional 23 positive. Higher percentage of positive results were found in Real-Time PCR analysis in all the samples except Percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) fluid and Pus. The sharp differences in the result indicate the effectiveness and of the Real-Time PCR assay over the conventional AFB microscopy. High precision and accuracy make it better choice as a diagnostic method for the diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/ijns.v2i1.10880 International Journal of Natural Sciences (2012), 2(1): 26-32
Plant Regeneration through Somatic Embryogenesis from Leaf Sheath Derived Callus of Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) var. Isd -16
Authors: Roy Mohashweta , Hossain M. , Biswas A. , Biswas M. K. , Islam R. 
Published: June 2012

Leaf sheath explants of an indigenous variety Isd-16 of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) produced light yellow friable callus after culturing on to MS with 2,4-D (2 - 4 mg/l) and NAA (3 - 5 mg/l) singly. Callus formation was the maximum on MS + 3 mg/l 2,4-D. Callus underwent embryogenesis producing huge number of somatic embryos when subcultured on MS with 15 - 30 mg/l L-proline, 3 mg/l 2,4-D + 5 - 10% coconut water (v/v) and 3 mg/l 2,4-D + 10% CW (v/v) + 300 - 500 mg/l CH. L-proline significantly enhanced somatic embryo-genesis and 25 mg/l L-proline in MS was the best culture medium formulation. Most of the somatic embryos germinated and developed plantlets after 1 - 2 weeks of incubation in proline-supplimented medium. On the other hand, maturation and germination of embryos were achieved on half-strength MS with or without 0.25 - 1.0 mg/l L-proline, and 5% coconut water (v/v). Somatic embryos derived plantlets were then successfully transferred to natural condition through successive phages of acclimation. Key words: Plant regeneration, Leaf sheath, Somatic embryogenesis, Sugarcane D. O. I. 10.3329/ptcb.v21i2.10237 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 21(2): 143-149, 2011 (December)
Introduction. Héritages et reconfigurations conceptuelles de l'analyse du discours « à la française » : perte ou profit ?
Authors: Dufour Françoise , Rosier Laurence 
Published: June 2012

Cette contribution revient sur l’histoire de l’analyse du discours dite « à la française » selon son identité « géographique », sur sa pratique épistémologique comme trait constitutif, sur l’évolution de ses alliances disciplinaires et de ses mentors théoriques ainsi que sur l’emblématique quête des bons outils, pierre angulaire d’une théorie aux préoccupations pédagogiques et sociétales importantes. Elle observe les modes de réappropriation et de reconfiguration de l’héritage disciplinaire par la jeune recherche se revendiquant aujourd’hui de l’analyse du discours. L’usage hybridé des notions clés de l’analyse du discours avec d’autres notions connexes sur des terrains nouveaux témoigne de la priorité accordée à la quête de l'opérativité d’analyse qui a pour contrepartie le délaissement de la vocation émancipatrice de l’analyse du discours telle que l'avaient pensé ses pionniers.
Early Morbidity and Mortality Associated With Elderly Odontoid Fractures
Authors: France John C. , Powell Eddie N. , Emery Sanford E. , Jones Dina L. 
Published: June 2012

Odontoid fracture treatment is well documented, but challenges remain in treating these fractures in elderly patients. Issues include identifying the optimal treatment for bony union, determining the stability of a nonunion, and understanding the long-term consequences of nonunion. In elderly patients, the focus tends to shift to morbidity and mortality.
This retrospective review describes the early morbidity and mortality in the authors’ elderly odontoid fracture population. The authors reviewed the medical records, radiographs, and death certificates of 37 patients aged 65 years or older who were diagnosed with type 2 odontoid fractures between 1994 and 2004. Average follow-up was 28.7±32.5 weeks (range, 0–133 weeks). More than three-fourths of the patients were injured in a fall. All of the odontoid fractures were type 2. The 3 most common co-morbidities were hypertension, heart disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. The majority of patients were treated nonoperatively with a collar or halo. Six patients experienced 1 procedure-related complication. Overall, 18 (48.6%) of 37 patients experienced complications, including 3 (8.15%) deaths.
In elderly patients with odontoid fractures, one should be prepared for a hospital course complicated by medical issues; early mortality rates are significant. These issues appear to exist regardless of the fracture treatment chosen; one must anticipate respiratory, swallowing, balance, and cardiac problems. Management strategies should be individualized to the patients; operative and nonoperative treatments remain viable options.
Keratoconus Onset After Age 50
Authors: Tenkman Lawrence R. , Price Marianne O. , Price Francis W. 
Published: June 2012

PURPOSE:
To describe the sudden clinical manifestations of keratoconus in a 51-year-old woman.

METHODS:
The patient had stable annual refractions for several years with 0.50 diopters (D) astigmatism in each eye and later developed 2.00 and 6.00 D of astigmatism in the right and left eyes, respectively.

RESULTS:
Topography and tomography showed definite keratoconus in the left eye and possible keratoconus in the right eye. The patient had no known family history of keratoconus and no known connective tissue disease other than fibromyalgia. She wore soft contacts for 20 years and had allergies, but did not rub her eyes. The patient was treated with corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL).

CONCLUSIONS:
Although rare, ectatic changes can occur later in life without prior surgery or trauma. The patient has shown early signs of improvement with CXL despite her age.
Human Antitumor CD8+ T Cells Producing Th1 Polycytokines Show Superior Antigen Sensitivity and Tumor Recognition
Authors: Wilde Susanne , Sommermeyer Daniel , Leisegang Matthias , Frankenberger Bernhard , Mosetter Barbara , Uckert Wolfgang , Schendel Dolores J. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Adoptive transfer of T cells expressing transgenic TCR with antitumor specificity provides a hopeful new therapy for patients with advanced cancer. To fulfill a large need for TCR with high affinity and specificity for various tumor entities, we sought to identify parameters for rapid selection of CTL clones with suitable characteristics. Twelve CTL clones displaying different Ag sensitivities for the same peptide-MHC epitope of the melanoma-associated Ag tyrosinase were analyzed in detail. Better MHC-multimer binding and slower multimer release are thought to reflect stronger TCR–peptide-MHC interactions; thus, these parameters would seem well suited to identify higher avidity CTL. However, large disparities were found comparing CTL multimer binding with peptide sensitivity. In contrast, CD8+ CTL with superior Ag sensitivity mediated good tumor cytotoxicity and also secreted the triple combination of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α, representing a Th1 pattern often missing in lower avidity CTL. Furthermore, recipient lymphocytes were imbued with high Ag sensitivity, superior tumor recognition, as well as capacity for Th1 polycytokine secretion after transduction with the TCR of a high-avidity CTL. Thus, Th1 polycytokine secretion served as a suitable parameter to rapidly demark cytotoxic CD8+ T cell clones for further TCR evaluation.
Identification, Cloning, and Functional Characterization of the IL-1 Receptor Antagonist in the Chicken Reveal Important Differences between the Chicken and Mammals
Authors: Gibson Mark S. , Fife Mark , Bird Steve , Salmon Nigel , Kaiser Pete 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The human IL-1 family contains 11 genes encoded at three separate loci. Nine, including IL-1R antagonist (IL-1RN), are present at a single locus on chromosome 2, whereas IL-18 and IL-33 lie on chromosomes 11 and 9, respectively. There are currently only two known orthologs in the chicken, IL-1β and IL-18, which are encoded on chromosomes 22 and 24, respectively. Two novel chicken IL-1 family sequences were identified from expressed sequence tag libraries, representing secretory and intracellular (icIL-1RN) structural variants of the IL-1RN gene, as seen in mammals. Two further putative splice variants (SVs) of both chicken IL-1RN (chIL-1RN) structural variants were also isolated. Alternative splicing of human icIL-1RN gives three different transcripts; there are no known SVs for human secretory IL-1RN. The chicken icIL-1RN SVs differ from those found in human icIL-1RN in terms of the rearrangements involved. In mammals, IL-1RN inhibits IL-1 activity by physically occupying the IL-1 type I receptor. Both full-length structural variants of chIL-1RN exhibited biological activity similar to their mammalian orthologs in a macrophage cell line bioassay. The four SVs, however, were not biologically active. The chicken IL-1 family is more fragmented in the genome than those of mammals, particularly in that the large multigene locus seen in mammals is absent. This suggests differential evolution of the family since the divergence of birds and mammals from a common ancestor, and makes determination of the full repertoire of chicken IL-1 family members more challenging.