bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Cheap and Efficient Single‐Grain Shatter Tester for Use in Rice Breeding
Authors: Lamo Jimmy , Tongoona Pangirayi , Okori Patrick , Derera John , Hendricks Roelof , Laing Mark 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTGrain shattering, also called grain shedding, is the relative ease with which rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed is dislodged from the pedicel at maturity. Several qualitative methods have been used to assess grain shattering and they tend to underestimate yield loss. Equipments available for quantitative assessment of grain shattering are mostly laboratory based. However, a recently developed prototype in Japan for fieldwork can be used, but the cost is prohibitive. An improved grain‐shattering tester that uses a hand‐held device has been developed and reported here. It is an improvement over the stationary laboratory device. It has the following modifications: a crocodile clip instead of a bench clamp and a helical spring for testing tensile material instead of tension gauge. The new device is affordable, handy for fieldwork, and effective for large experimental trials. This equipment was designed and developed at the University of KwaZulu‐Natal (UKZN) mechanical workshop (Pietmeritzburg, South Africa). Its efficiency was tested at the National Crops Resources Research Institute (NaCRRI) at Namulonge, Uganda. The efficiency was tested by first estimating yield loss in selected test plants using a method that involves shaking panicles. This finding was compared with the minimum force required to dislodge the grains using this new device and a high correspondence of R2 = 99.9% was found. This new equipment has therefore been recommended for field assessment of grain shattering.
Seed O2 Uptake and Germination of Cold‐Tolerant and Cold‐Intolerant Cultivars of Muskmelon
Authors: Edelstein Menahem , Welbaum Gregory E. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTMuskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is a warm‐season, frost‐sensitive crop that germinates poorly at low temperatures. The cold‐sensitive cultivar ‘Noy Yizre'el’ (NY) and the cold‐tolerant cultivar ‘Persia 202’ (P‐202) were compared at 15 and 25°C to determine how seed‐coat anatomy and O2 uptake affected low‐temperature germinability. A Clark‐type oxygen electrode was used to measure the O2 uptake of intact and decoated seeds through the gas phase. Scanning electron microscopy revealed pores on the surface and in the cross sections of seed coats of P‐202 but not NY. Both genotypes germinated at 25°C, but only intact P‐202 and decoated seeds of both genotypes germinated at 15°C. After 17 h of imbibition at 25°C, O2 uptake was 47% greater for intact seeds of P‐202 compared with those of NY. Removing the seed coat increased O2 uptake by 37 and 58% for P‐202 and NY, respectively, after 17 h of imbibition. At 15°C, the O2‐uptake rate of intact P‐202 seeds plateaued at a level 40% higher than that of NY after 80 h of imbibition. Removing the seed coat before imbibition at 15°C increased the O2 uptake of P‐202 and NY by 50 and 57%, respectively, compared with intact seeds. The seed coats of both cultivars restricted O2 uptake, but NY had a lower rate of uptake compared with P‐202 with or without the seed coat. The poor germination of NY at lower temperatures was related to lower O2 uptake by the embryo and to the restriction of O2 uptake by the seed coat.
Evaluation of USDA Soybean Germplasm Accessions for Resistance to Soybean Rust in the Southern United States
Authors: Walker D. R. , Boerma H. R. , Phillips D. V. , Schneider R. W. , Buckley J. B. , Shipe E. R. , Mueller J. D. , Weaver D. B. , Sikora E. J. , Moore S. H. , Hartman G. L. , Miles M. R. , Harris D. K. , Wright D. L. , Marois J. J. , Nelson R. L. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTSoybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] resistance to soybean rust (SBR) caused by Phakopsora pachyrhizi could reduce reliance on fungicides to manage this disease. The objective of this study was to identify soybean germplasm with resistance to field populations of P. pachyrhizi in the United States. Field evaluations of 576 accessions from the USDA Soybean Germplasm Collection for resistance to SBR were conducted at seven locations in the southern United States between 2006 and 2008. Accessions from maturity groups (MG) 000 to X and North American susceptible check cultivars from each MG except X were rated for disease severity in all year–location environments, and for disease incidence, fungal sporulation, lesion type, and/or uredinia density in certain environments. While none of the accessions was immune in all environments, 64 were resistant in two or more locations each year that they were tested. Some accessions appeared to be more resistant in certain environments than in others. Of the original four Rpp genes described in the literature, Rpp1 provided the highest level of resistance, and among the accessions with uncharacterized Rpp genes, PI 567104B had the highest overall resistance across environments. The plant introductions confirmed to be resistant in these evaluations should be useful sources of genes for resistance to North American populations of P. pachyrhizi
Metabolic Changes During Cold Acclimation and Deacclimation in Five Bermudagrass Varieties. I. Proline, Total Amino Acid, Protein, and Dehydrin Expression
Authors: Zhang Xunzhong , Wang Kehua , Ervin E.H. , Waltz C. , Murphy T. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTBermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) grown in the U.S. transition zone and other regions with a similar climate undergo cold acclimation in fall and deacclimation in spring. Physiological mechanisms of cold acclimation and deacclimation are not well documented or understood. This study investigated changes in quality, photochemical efficiency, N metabolite (proline, total amino acid [AA], and protein) content, and dehydrin expression during cold acclimation and deacclimation in five bermudagrass entries. One ecotype (GA‐851) and four cultivars (Patriot, Riviera, Tifway, and Princess‐77) were subjected to cold acclimation at 8/4°C (day/night; 10‐h photoperiod) for 28 d and then deacclimation at 10/5, 21/7, 23/8, and 26/14°C sequentially (11‐h photoperiod) for either 3 wk (standard deacclimation) or 1 wk (fast deacclimation treatment) at each temperature. In response to cold acclimation, turfgrass quality and photochemical efficiency declined, while proline, AA, protein, and abundance of 25 kDa dehydrin increased. Patriot and Riviera had higher levels of stolon proline, AA, protein, and abundance of 25 kDa dehydrin relative to Princess‐77 at the end of cold acclimation. Significant deacclimation occurred as temperature changed from 21/7 to 23/8°C. Patriot, GA‐851, and Tifway had greater turfgrass quality ratings and photochemical efficiency and also higher levels of N metabolites relative to Princess‐77 and Riviera during deacclimation. A similar response was observed with fast deacclimation treatment. The results suggest that selection and use of entries with higher levels of N metabolites during cold acclimation and deacclimation could improve bermudagrass persistence and spring green‐up in transition zone climates.
Metabolic Changes During Cold Acclimation and Deacclimation in Five Bermudagrass Varieties: II. Cytokinin and Abscisic Acid Metabolism
Authors: Zhang Xunzhong , Ervin E.H. , Waltz C. , Murphy T. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTBermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) grown in the U.S. transition zone and other regions with a similar climate undergo cold acclimation in fall and deacclimation in spring. Physiological mechanisms of cold acclimation and deacclimation associated with freezing tolerance and spring green‐up are not well documented. This study investigated changes in cytokinin (t‐zeatin riboside [t‐ZR]) and abscisic acid (ABA) during cold acclimation and deacclimation in five bermudagrass entries in growth chambers. One ecotype (GA‐851) and four cultivars (Patriot, Riviera, Tifway, and Princess‐77) were subjected to cold acclimation at 8/4°C (day/night) for 28 d and then deacclimation at 10/5, 21/7, 23/8, and 26/14°C for either 3 wk (standard deacclimation) or 1 wk (fast deacclimation treatment). Stolon t‐ZR content declined while ABA content increased during cold acclimation. Patriot and Riviera had higher levels of stolon ABA relative to Princess‐77 at the end of cold acclimation. During deacclimation, t‐ZR increased as the temperature increased to 26/14°C, while ABA declined as the temperature increased from 10/5 to 21/7°C. Patriot, GA‐851, and Tifway had higher levels of t‐ZR relative to Riviera and Princess‐77. Abscisic acid level during cold acclimation may be associated with freezing tolerance, while cytokinin level during deacclimation may be associated with rate of spring green‐up of bermudagrass. The results suggest that selection and use of entries with higher levels of ABA during cold acclimation and cytokinin during deacclimation could improve bermudagrass winter survival and spring green‐up in transition zone climates.
DNA Profiling of Seed Parents and a Topcross Tester and its Application for Yield Improvement in Timothy (Phleum pratense L.)
Authors: Tanaka Tsuneki , Tamaki Hiroyuki , Cai Hong‐Wei , Ashikaga Kazunori , Fujii Hiroki , Yamada Toshihiko 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTAssessment of genetic diversity based on DNA profiling contributes to the selection of superior parents for heterosis. The objective of this study was to investigate how closely the yields of timothy (Phleum pratense L.) topcross progenies are related to the genetic diversity between their seed parents and the pollen tester parent ‘Aurora’, and to predict their yield potentials from the index based on simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker polymorphisms. Genetic diversity among 67 genotypes, which consisted of 16 plants of timothy cultivar Aurora, the pollen parent for topcross testers, and 51 clones derived from breeding populations was evaluated based on 28 SSR markers carrying 408 alleles. Genetic distance (GD) was estimated for all possible pairs of genotypes and then the mean of the GD estimates between each clone and Aurora (GDA) was also assessed to find the relationship between GDA estimates and yields of topcross progenies derived from all crosses between each clone and Aurora. The GDA estimates of the clones ranged from 0.653 to 0.756, and a correlation coefficient between the GDA estimates and yields of their topcross progenies was 0.675 (p < 0.001). These results strongly suggest that GD would provide reliable information on the yields of the assumed topcross progeny lines and that it will help breeders to accelerate yield improvements for a practical breeding program of timothy.
Mapping QTL for Agronomic Traits on Wheat Chromosome 3A and a Comparison of Recombinant Inbred Chromosome Line Populations
Authors: Ali M. Liakat , Baenziger P. Stephen , Ajlouni Zakaria Al , Campbell B. Todd , Gill K. S. , Eskridge K. M. , Mujeeb‐Kazi A. , Dweikat Ismail 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTVariation for wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) grain yield and agronomic traits was used to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) in a ‘Cheyenne’ (CNN) × [CNN (‘Wichita’ 3A)] recombinant inbred chromosome line (RICL) population consisting of 223 CNN(RICLs3A) and 7 check cultivars that were evaluated in six environments in Nebraska during 2005–2007. A chromosome 3A linkage map spanning 106 cM was constructed using 32 microsatellite markers. Composite interval mapping detected 19 QTL for seven agronomic traits that individually accounted for 4.6 to 16.8% of the phenotypic variation. Three small genomic segments, spanning 3.4, 5.3, and 5.3 cM, contained most of the QTL. Two yield QTL were detected in two environments and in data pooled over environments. For grain volume weight, a QTL was detected in five of the six environments while a plant height QTL was detected in all environments. Wichita (WI) alleles contributed to the increased trait values for yield, spikes per square meter, and grain volume weight, while CNN contributed alleles to the increased 1000‐kernel weight, plant height, and anthesis date. Both CNN and WI contained alleles for increased number of kernels per spike. The 223 CNN(RICLs3A) set had greater power to detect QTL than the two smaller subsets—128 CNN(RICLs3A) developed using doubled haploids and 95 CNN(RICLs3A) developed using recombinant monosomic lines. Neither of the subsets performed consistently better than the other in detecting QTL.
Changes in Yield and Yield Components of Single‐Cross Maize Hybrids Released in China between 1964 and 2001
Authors: Wang Tianyu , Ma Xinglin , Li Yu , Bai Dapeng , Liu Cheng , Liu Zhizhai , Tan Xianjie , Shi Yunsu , Song Yanchun , Carlone Mario , Bubeck David , Bhardwaj Hans , Jones Elizabeth , Wright Kevin , Smith Stephen 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThe objectives of this study were to (i) measure genetic gain using a set of maize (Zea mays L.) single‐cross hybrids that were widely used in Chinese maize production from 1964 to 2001, (ii) determine if there were changes in morphological characteristics, and (iii) examine the germplasm backgrounds of these hybrids. Yield trials were conducted for 3 yr, using a split‐plot design. Each hybrid was planted at three different densities in four locations, two locations each representing summer and spring corn areas. Mean rates of genetic gain were 52 kg ha−1 yr−1 when measured at the spring locations, 69 kg ha−1 yr−1 when measured at the summer locations, and 60 kg ha−1 yr−1 when measured across all locations. There was no significant effect of planting density on genetic gain. Genetic gain has been largely contributed by increased yield per plant and this strategy was reflected in changes in ear and plant morphology. Analyses of pedigree backgrounds showed continuing dependence on U.S. germplasm backgrounds, notably C103, Oh43, Mo17, and Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic (BSSS).
Searls Prairie Clover (Dalea searlsiae) for Rangeland Revegetation: Phenotypic and Genetic Evaluations
Authors: Bhattarai Kishor , Bushman B. Shaun , Johnson Douglas A. , Carman John G. 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTFew North American legumes are available for use in rangeland revegetation in the western USA, but Searls prairie clover [Dalea searlsiae (A. Gray) Barneby] is one that holds promise. Commercial‐scale seed production of this species could address the issues of unreliable seed availability and high seed costs associated with its wildland seed collection. To evaluate its utility for revegetation, we collected Searls prairie clover at 20 locations across Utah and Nevada. Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) and morphological and phenotypic traits (measured in common‐garden plots) were used to clarify the role of evolutionary forces responsible for its genetic structure. Collections were evaluated for dry‐matter yield, inflorescence weight, number of inflorescences, plant height, foliage diameter, flowering date, acid‐detergent fiber, neutral‐detergent fiber, and crude protein at two common‐garden locations in northern Utah. Collections from southern Utah and eastern Nevada exhibited high phenotypic values, whereas collections from western Nevada and northwestern Utah had low phenotypic values. Collections from northwestern Utah were genetically differentiated from those of southern Utah and Nevada via AFLP markers. Strong isolation by distance between collections suggests that genetic drift and gene flow are important factors in determining population structure in Searls prairie clover.
High‐Throughput Sensing of Aerial Biomass and Above‐Ground Nitrogen Uptake in the Vegetative Stage of Well‐Watered and Drought Stressed Tropical Maize Hybrids
Authors: Winterhalter Loïc , Mistele Bodo , Jampatong Sansern , Schmidhalter Urs 
Published: February 2011

ABSTRACTThe measurement of agronomical parameters of maize (Zea maysL.) indicating its biomass and nutritional status provides important information to understand its responses to the environment. The detection of significant differences among maize hybrids would be very useful in plant breeding programs screening for N uptake and drought tolerance. The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of high‐throughput sensing measurements to determine the aerial biomass and N uptake of tropical maize hybrids grown in well‐watered (control) and drought stress treatments. Experiments were conducted at the National Corn and Sorghum Research Center in Thailand in the years 2007 through 2009. High‐throughput canopy reflectance measurements using spectral indices from the literature and newly developed for this study were performed regularly along with biomass samplings until flowering. The relationship of the spectral indices with each of aerial biomass and N uptake had coefficients of determination of up to 0.8 and were also able to distinguish between drought stress levels. Through most sampling dates and stress levels, varieties were similarly classified in their amount of aerial biomass and N uptake by destructive and noncontacting measurements. Our results support the possibility of incorporating these methods in the development of high‐throughput phenotyping techniques that could prove to be potentially useful for future plant breeding.
Interaction of Onset and Duration of Diabetes on the Percent of GAD and IA-2 Antibody–Positive Subjects in the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium Database
Authors: Tridgell David M. , Spiekerman Charles , Wang Richard S. , Greenbaum Carla J. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
GAD antibodies (GADA) are more common in type 1 diabetic subjects diagnosed at an older age, whereas insulinoma-antigen 2 antibodies (IA-2A) are more common in subjects with younger onset. The prevalence of both antibodies decreases with longer duration of type 1 diabetes. We evaluated the interaction between age of diagnosis (onset) and duration of diabetes on the percentage of GADA- and IA-2A–positive subjects.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Data were used from 5,020 individuals with type 1 diabetes obtained from the Type 1 Diabetes Genetics Consortium dataset. The percentages of GADA- and IA-2A–positive subjects were modeled with duration as the continuous independent variable using a modified spline.

RESULTS
Within the first 5 years from diagnosis, 19.4% of individuals (median age 13 years) had neither GADA nor IA-2A, and by 6 to 13 years after diagnosis (median age 18 years), 31.7% were antibody-negative. There was no significant interaction between onset of disease and duration of diabetes for IA-2A (P = 0.30). The interaction was significant for GADA (P = 0.0002), resulting from differences in subjects diagnosed at or older than age 14. For these individuals, there was no apparent effect of duration of disease on the percentage of GADA-positive subjects within the first 5 years of diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS
Onset and duration of diabetes both have an important effect on antibody status. The interaction of onset and duration on GADA positivity, but not on IA-2A, suggests differences in biology. These data provide a context for clinicians to interpret results of autoantibody testing in clinical practice.
The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome and Determination of the Optimal Waist Circumference Cutoff Points in a Rural South African Community
Authors: Motala Ayesha A. , Esterhuizen Tonya , Pirie Fraser J. , Omar Mahomed A.K. 
Published: February 2011

OBJECTIVE
To determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and to define optimal ethnic-specific waist-circumference cutoff points in a rural South African black community.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional survey conducted by random-cluster sampling of adults aged &gt;15 years. Participants had demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical measurements taken, including a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test. Metabolic syndrome was defined using the 2009 Joint Interim Statement (JIS) definition.

RESULTS
Of 947 subjects (758 women) studied, the age-adjusted prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 22.1%, with a higher prevalence in women (25.0%) than in men (10.5%). Peak prevalence was in the oldest age-group (≥65 years) in women (44.2%) and in the 45- to 54-year age-group in men (25.0%). The optimal waist circumference cutoff point to predict the presence of at least two other components of the metabolic syndrome was 86 cm for men and 92 cm for women. The crude prevalence of metabolic syndrome was higher with the JIS definition (26.5%) than with the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) (23.3%) or the modified Third Report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (ATPIII) (18.5%) criteria; there was very good agreement with the IDF definition (κ = 0.90 [95% CI 0.87–0.94]) and good concordance with ATPIII criteria (0.77 [0.72–0.82]).

CONCLUSIONS
There is a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome, especially in women, suggesting that this community, unlike other rural communities in Africa, already has entered the epidemic of metabolic syndrome. Waist circumference cutoff points differ from those currently recommended for Africans.
On the extent of star countable spaces
Authors: Alas Ofelia , Junqueira Lucia , Mill Jan , Tkachuk Vladimir , Wilson Richard 
Published: February 2011

Abstract
For a topological property P, we say that a space X is star Pif for every open cover Uof the space X there exists Y ⊂ X such that St(Y,U) = X and Y has P. We consider star countable and star Lindelöf spaces establishing, among other things, that there exists first countable pseudocompact spaces which are not star Lindelöf. We also describe some classes of spaces in which star countability is equivalent to countable extent and show that a star countable space with a dense σ-compact subspace can have arbitrary extent. It is proved that for any ω
1-monolithic compact space X, if C
p(X)is star countable then it is Lindelöf.
Neurovascular structures adjacent to the lumbar intervertebral discs: an anatomical study of their morphometry and relationships
Authors: Arslan Mehmet , Cömert Ayhan , Açar Halil İbrahim , Özdemir Mevci , Elhan Alaittin , Tekdemir İbrahim , Tubbs R. Shane , Attar Ayhan , Uğur Hasan Çağlar 
Published: February 2011

Object
Although infrequent, injury to adjacent neurovascular structures during posterior approaches to lumbar intervertebral discs can occur. A detailed anatomical knowledge of relationships may decrease surgical complications.

Methods
Ten formalin-fixed male cadavers were used for this study. Posterior exposure of the lumbar thecal sac, nerve roots, pedicles, and intervertebral discs was performed. To identify retroperitoneal structures at risk during posterior lumbar discectomy, a transabdominal retroperitoneal approach was performed, and observations were made. The distances between the posterior and anterior edges of the lumbar intervertebral discs were measured, and the relationships between the disc space, pedicle, and nerve root were evaluated.

Results
For right and left sides, the mean distance from the inferior pedicle to the disc gradually increased from L1–2 to L4–5 (range 2.7–3.8 mm and 2.9–4.5 mm for right and left side, respectively) and slightly decreased at L5–S1. For right and left sides, the mean distance from the superior pedicle to the disc was more or less the same for all disc spaces (range 9.3–11.6 mm and 8.2–10.5 mm for right and left, respectively). The right and left mean disc-to-root distance for the L3–4 to L5–S1 levels ranged from 8.3 to 22.1 mm and 7.2 to 20.6 mm, respectively. The root origin gradually increased from L-1 to L-5. The right and left nerve root–to-disc angle gradually decreased from L-3 to S-1 (range 105°–110.6° and 99°–108°). Disc heights gradually increased from L1–2 to L5–S1 (range 11.3–17.4 mm). The mean distance between the anterior and posterior borders of the intervertebral discs ranged from 39 to 46 mm for all levels.

Conclusions
To avoid neighboring neurovascular structures, instrumentation should not be inserted into the lumbar disc spaces more than 3 cm from their posterior edge. Accurate anatomical knowledge of the relationships of intervertebral discs to nerve roots is needed for spine surgeons.