bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yield and nutritive value of selected endive cultivars grown for spring and autumn harvest
Authors: Uklańska-Pusz Cecylia , Adamczewska-Sowińska Katarzyna 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
A field experiment was carried out in the years 2007-2009 at the Research Development Station of the Department of Horticulture at the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences. The experiment involved two botanical varieties of endive: var. latifolium (nine cultivars) and var. crispum (five cultivars). Endive was cultivated from transplants produced in a greenhouse in two terms, for spring and autumn harvesting. The harvest took place 90-100 days after the seeds were sown. In the course of harvesting, the total and marketable yields were determined, while biological value was assessed on the basis of analyses regarding the content of dry matter, vitamin C, chlorophyll and carotenoids, as well as the amounts of such elements as Mg, P, K, Ca and nitrates.
In vitro flowering of Petunia × atkinsiana D. Don
Authors: Kulpa Danuta , Nowak Natalia 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The aim of this study was an attempt to determine the influence of PGRs - auxins, cytokinins and gibberellic acid - on the flowering and morphogenesis of ‘Flash Red’ Petunia × atkinsiana D. Don in vitro. The best results at the propagation stage were obtained on an MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg dm-3 GA3. The petunia plants propagated under these conditions developed high main shoots and a large number of leaves and adventitious shoots. The plants with the best-developed root system were regenerated on an MS medium supplemented with 0.5 and 1.0 mg dm-3 IAA. Flowering initiation should be performed using an MS medium supplemented with 0.5 mg dm-3 KIN.
Growth and earliness of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis) as a function of time and weather conditions
Authors: Kalisz Andrzej 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The aim of the research, which was carried out in the years 2003-2005, was to assess the possibility of creating regression models for the earliness of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. chinensis, pak choy) plants cultivated under field conditions during the summer-autumn months. Four variables were chosen for developing the prediction model: the minimum, mean and maximum air temperatures and sunshine hours. After stepwise regression analysis, it was noted that crop earliness could be described as a function of mean air temperature and sunshine hours. For this model, the coefficient of determination R2 was equal to 0.962. Additional models based on various thermal indices - growing degree days (GDD), heliothermal units (HTU) and photothermal units (PTU) - were also constructed and taken into consideration. The linear regression equation that includes GDD could only simulate the earliness of the plants with a precision below 14%. The model built on the basis of PTU showed a better fit of the predicted data to the observed data (around 49%), while the last model, which incorporated HTU, was the most accurate (R2 was equal to 0.843). Models for the growth of pak choy plants in the field based on a time variable are also presented in this paper.
Isolate pathogenicity recognition of Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor. in different areas of Poland
Authors: Wesołowska Maria 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
The aim of the research conducted in 2007-2009 was the evaluation of the pathogenicity of eight Plasmodiophora brassicae Wor. isolates collected from clubroot-infested white cabbage growing in different areas of Poland. Breeding materials from white cabbage resistant and susceptible to P. brassicae were used for this purpose. Cabbage seeds were infected by submerging them into a spore suspension. The screening of plant clubroot resistance using a nine-degree scale based on root symptoms was carried out at the eight-week-old seedling stage and at harvest time on a field infected by P. brassicae spores - called the ‘death field’. Differences in the pathogenicity of the collected isolates were determined. Isolates from Szczecin, Ostromęczyn, Krojczyn and Maszkienice were defined as the most virulent. Plants of the ‘Kilaxy’ F1 white cabbage cultivar confirmed resistance to all isolates, while plants of the susceptible HTM line from the ‘Hitoma’ F1 white cabbage cultivar were characterised by the highest infestation level. The evaluation of adult plants in the field with high P. brassicae spore contamination confirmed seedling test results. Different susceptibility was observed between sub-lines from the ‘Oregon 123’ and ‘Badger Shipper’ cultivars with resistant genes. ‘Oregon 123’ sub-lines were less susceptible to applied isolates than ‘Badger Shipper’ sub-lines at both the seedling stage and during the field test. A double-stage plant screening to pathogen reaction caused the elimination of the most susceptible plants at the seedling stage. Plants with a certain resistance level were planted in the ‘death field’.
Simulations of the Greenland ice sheet 100 years into the future with the full Stokes model Elmer/Ice
Authors: Seddik Hakime , Greve Ralf , Zwinger Thomas , Gillet-Chaulet Fabien , Gagliardini Olivier 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIt is likely that climate change will have a significant impact on the mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet, contributing to future sea-level rise. Here we present the implementation of the full Stokes model Elmer/Ice for the Greenland ice sheet, which includes a mesh refinement technique in order to resolve fast-flowing ice streams and outlet glaciers. We discuss simulations 100 years into the future, forced by scenarios defined by the SeaRISE (Sea-level Response to Ice Sheet Evolution) community effort. For comparison, the same experiments are also run with the shallow-ice model SICOPOLIS (SImulation COde for POLythermal Ice Sheets). We find that Elmer/Ice is ~43% more sensitive (exhibits a larger loss of ice-sheet volume relative to the control run) than SICOPOLIS for the ice-dynamic scenario (doubled basal sliding), but ~61 % less sensitive for the direct global warming scenario (based on the A1 B moderate-emission scenario for greenhouse gases). The scenario with combined A1B global warming and doubled basal sliding forcing produces a Greenland contribution to sea-level rise of ~15cm for Elmer/Ice and ~12cm for SICOPOLIS over the next 100 years.
Psychometric Properties of a New Tool to Assess Task-Specific and Global Competency in Cataract Surgery
Authors: Rootman Dan B. , Lam Kay , Sit Marisa , Liu Eugene , Dubrowski Adam , Lam Wai-Ching 
Published: March 2012

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To establish and validate an assessment tool of cataract surgery performed by residents suitable for a competency-based curriculum.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
A three-component evaluation tool was created based on review of the literature and was refined using a modified Delphi technique. Faculty surgeons viewed two videos of cataract surgery, performed by a novice and an expert, and completed the evaluation tool. Results were analyzed for the psychometric properties.

RESULTS:

Evaluators concluded the scale had excellent face validity. Construct validity showed the scale to reliably distinguish (
P
< .001) between novice (30.3 ± 6.1) and experienced (48.3 ± 7.2) surgeons. Internal consistency of the scale was high, with Cronbach’s alpha equal to 0.981. Inter-rater reliability was high with an intraclass correlation coefficient equal to 0.811 (F(
df
) = 53.2 (25),
P
< .001).

CONCLUSION:
The tool has excellent face validity, content validity, and reliability. Its task-specific, global-index scale and quantitative data form make it a valuable tool to assess residents’ surgical skills.
The Role of SHIP in the Development and Activation of Mouse Mucosal and Connective Tissue Mast Cells
Authors: Ruschmann Jens , Antignano Frann , Lam Vivian , Snyder Kim , Kim Connie , Essak Martha , Zhang Angela , Lin Ann Hsu-An , Mali Raghuveer Singh , Kapur Reuben , Krystal Gerald 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Although SHIP is a well-established suppressor of IgE plus Ag-induced degranulation and cytokine production in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), little is known about its role in connective tissue (CTMCs) or mucosal (MMCs) mast cells. In this study, we compared SHIP’s role in the development as well as the IgE plus Ag and TLR-induced activation of CTMCs, MMCs, and BMMCs and found that SHIP delays the maturation of all three mast cell subsets and, surprisingly, that it is a positive regulator of IgE-induced BMMC survival. We also found that SHIP represses IgE plus Ag-induced degranulation of all three mast cell subsets and that TLR agonists do not trigger their degranulation, whether SHIP is present or not, nor do they enhance IgE plus Ag-induced degranulation. In terms of cytokine production, we found that in MMCs and BMMCs, which are poor producers of TLR-induced cytokines, SHIP is a potent negative regulator of IgE plus Ag-induced IL-6 and TNF-α production. Surprisingly, however, in splenic or peritoneal derived CTMCs, which are poor producers of IgE plus Ag-induced cytokines, SHIP is a potent positive regulator of TLR-induced cytokine production. Lastly, cell signaling and cytokine production studies with and without LY294002, wortmannin, and PI3Kα inhibitor-2, as well as with PI3K p85α−/− BMMCs and CTMCs, are consistent with SHIP positively regulating TLR-induced cytokine production via an adaptor-mediated pathway while negatively regulating IgE plus Ag-induced cytokine production by repressing the PI3K pathway.
The FcRβ- and γ-ITAMs Play Crucial but Distinct Roles in the Full Activation of Mast Cells Induced by IgEκ and Protein L
Authors: Nunomura Satoshi , Kawakami Yuko , Kawakami Toshiaki , Ra Chisei 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Previous studies suggested that Protein L (PpL), the bacterial Ig-binding protein, activates mast cells. PpL presumably performs the activation by interacting with membrane-bound IgEκ, but the underlying mechanisms behind the process remain unclear. In the current study, we found that cell-surface FcεRI expression is a critical factor participant in PpL-mediated full activation of murine mast cells, which includes cytokine production, the degranulation response, and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) release, and that engagement of the FcεRI with IgEκ and PpL is enough to induce tyrosine phosphorylation of ITAM in the FcRβ- and γ-signaling subunits. Introduction of mutations in two canonical tyrosine residues (Y47F/Y58F) of the FcRγ–ITAM completely abolished the above-mentioned mast cell functions, with the exception of LTC4 release. Importantly, the FcRβ–ITAM acts as a signal transducer that is responsible for LTC4 release independently of the FcRγ–ITAM. Taken together, our results suggest crucial and distinct functions for the FcRβ- and γ-ITAMs in the FcεRI-dependent full activation of mast cells induced by IgEκ and PpL.
Short-term use of inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids is not associated with glaucoma progression on optical coherence tomography
Authors: Johnson Lenworth N. , Soni Chetan R. , Johnson Meredith A.J. , Madsen Richard W. 
Published: March 2012

Purpose To compare the changes in retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness and optic nerve cup/disc ratio on optical coherence tomography (OCT) between users and nonusers of inhaled and intranasal corticosteroids (ICS). Methods Retrospective study of participants with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect having 2 or more OCTs during a 6-year period. The rates of change in Stratus OCT fast RNFL thickness scan and fast optic disc scan data were compared between ICS users and nonuser controls using random coefficient models. Results A total of 170 participants met the inclusion criteria, of whom 42 (25%) were ICS users and 128 (75%) were controls. The mean duration of follow-up was 3.2 years. There were no significant differences in the mean rates of change in superior RNFL (−0.8874 µm/y ICS users; −0.8592 µm/y controls; p=0.943), nasal RNFL (−0.0529 µm/y ICS users; −0.3577 µm/y controls; p=0.419), inferior RNFL (0.2703 µm/y ICS users; −0.1910 µm/y controls; p=0.165), and temporal RNFL (−0.3618 µm/y ICS users; −0.3612 µm/y controls; p=0.998) between ICS users and controls. There were no significant differences in the mean rates of change in horizontal cup/disc ratio (−0.0047 µm/y ICS users; 0.0002 µm/y controls; p=0.212) and vertical cup/disc ratio (0.0013 µm/y ICS users; 0.0029 µm/y; p=0.717) between ICS users and controls. Conclusions We found no significant difference in the rates of RNFL or optic nerve cup/disc ratio progression among individuals with glaucoma or glaucoma suspect following short-term ICS use.
Elevation of CA 125 and CA 19–9 in patients with end-stage liver disease
Authors: Singhal Ashish , Lander Elaine , Karachristos Andreas , Daly Ellen , Dowling Phyllis , Patel Vishal , Maloo Manoj , Jain Ashokkumar 
Published: March 2012

Background The serum tumor markers CA 19–9 and CA 125 are the serologic markers used for the monitoring of biliopancreatic and ovarian cancer, respectively. They are reported to be elevated in a variety of nonneoplastic clinical situations, including end-stage liver disease (ESLD). However, their prevalence and degree of elevation in patients with ESLD remained unclear. Aim To examine the prevalence and degree of elevation of CA 19–9 and CA 125 in patients with ESLD and to determine their association with severity of liver disease. Methods Retrospective analysis of 161 patients with ESLD that were evaluated for liver transplantation at our institution between March 2009 and December 2010. The mean age was 55.15 ± 8.75 years and 107 (66.4%) of the patients were men. Serum CA 19–9 and CA 125 levels were determined during evaluation of their candidacy for liver transplantation. Results Eighty-three (51.5%) patients had elevated CA 125 and 44 (53%) of them had a serum concentration >5 times the upper limit of normal (ULN). Elevated CA 125 was associated with alcoholic liver disease, high Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, and presence of ascites. Similarly, 37 (23%) patients had elevated CA 19–9 and 8 (21.6%) of them had a serum concentration >5 times ULN. Elevation of CA 19–9 was associated with high MELD score. Conclusions CA 125 and CA 19–9 concentrations were elevated in 51.5% and 23% of patients with ESLD, respectively. Although the definite etiology remained unclear, their elevation was associated with the pathological conditions associated with advanced liver disease. Further studies are needed to clarify the underlying mechanism(s) responsible for their increased levels.
Murine Double Minute Clone 2 309T/G and 285G/C Promoter Single Nucleotide Polymorphism as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer: A Polish Experience
Authors: Piotrowski Piotr , Lianeri Margarita , Rubis Blazej , Knula Hanna , Rybczynska Maria , Grodecka-Gazdecka Sylwia , Jagodzinski Pawel P. 
Published: March 2012

Background Breast cancer is a multifactorial disease caused by complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. Recently, a functional polymorphism, MDM2 285G>C (rs117039649), has been discovered. This polymorphism antagonizes the effect of the 309T>G (rs2279744) polymorphism on the same gene, resulting in decreased MDM2 transcription. Methods The MDM2 285G>C and 309T>G polymorphisms were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) and sequencing analysis in women with breast cancer (n=468) and controls (n=550). Results The odds ratio (OR) for breast cancer patients with the MDM2 285C/C and 285G/C genotypes was 0.4768 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.2906–0.7824; p=0.0033, pcorr=0.0066). We also found a significantly lower frequency of the MDM2 285C allele in patients with breast cancer than in controls: the OR for the C allele in patients with breast cancer was 0.4930 (95% CI=0.3059–0.7947, p=0.0031, pcorr=0.0062). The p value of the chi-square test for the trend observed for the MDM2 285G>C polymorphism was statistically significant (ptrend=0.0036). The statistical power of this study amounted to 85% for the G/C or C/C genotypes and 85% for the C allele. However, we did not observe significant differences between the distribution of MDM2 309T>G genotypes and alleles in patients with breast cancer and healthy controls. Conclusion In a sample of the Polish population, we observed that the MDM2 285C gene variant may be a significant protective factor against breast cancer.
Cytokeratin-19 fragments, nucleosomes and neuron-specific enolase as early measures of chemotherapy response in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Alm El-Din Mohamed A. , Farouk Gihan , Nagy Hala , Elzaher Ayman Abd , El-Magd Gehan H. Abo 
Published: March 2012

Aim To investigate the reduction in the serum level of cytokeratin-19 fragments (CYFRA 21–1), nucleosomes and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) as early measures of the response to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods Forty-two consecutive patients with locally advanced NSCLC were included. All patients received platinum-based chemotherapy. Staging investigations and quantification of CYFRA 21–1, nucleosomes and NSE (using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ELISA) were performed before the start of treatment and after the second cycle of chemotherapy. According to the response to chemotherapy, patients were classified into 3 groups: (I) disease regression, (II) stable disease, and (III) progressive disease. The reduction in the levels of tumor markers was correlated with the response to chemotherapy. Results After the second cycle of chemotherapy, groups I and II had significantly decreased serum levels of CYFRA 21–1 (p<0.05). Similarly, the concentration of nucleosomes was significantly lower than the baseline levels in groups I (p=0.0008) and II (p=0.003). The reduction of both CYFRA 21–1 and nucleosome levels was not significant for patients in group III. In all groups the reduction of NSE levels in response to chemotherapy was not significant. As a marker of response to chemotherapy, CYFRA 21–1 showed the highest sensitivity (88.9%) and specificity (77.4%) compared with nucleosomes (77.8% and 58.1% respectively) and NSE (66.7% and 51.8% respectively). Conclusion The reduction in the serum level of CYFRA 21–1 and nucleosomes may be used for early identification of NSCLC patients with good response to chemotherapy.
Determining the age of Qatari Jabal Jassasiyah Petroglyphs
Authors: Hassiba Raid , Cieslinski Gerald Benjamin , Chance Brandon , Abdulla Al-Naimi Faisal , Pilant Michael , Rowe Marvin W. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe petroglyph site in Jabal Jassasiyah Qatar is located approximately 60 km northeast of the capital city of Doha and has over 900 different types of petroglyphs. The most commonly found petroglyphs are cupules, which are almost always arranged in geometric patterns. A number of petroglyphs of boats are also found, usually seen from above, with a few seen in profile. As there is little evidence of what age to assign to these petroglyphs, samples of the calcium oxalate containing layers covering the petroglyphs were sent for radiocarbon dating to determine the minimum age they were created. The minimum ages of nine samples taken for analysis were found to be very short, the oldest minimum age being only 235 years BP (before present). No evidence was found for the petroglyphs dating back a few millennia as was previously postulated. Due to the lack of chronological data for Qatar’s archaeological past, the study data cannot completely rule out the petroglyphs dating back to ancient times.
Synthesis and characterization of PMMA‐cellulose nanocomposites by in situ polymerization technique
Authors: Sain Sunanda , Ray Dipa , Mukhopadhyay Anirudhha , Sengupta Suparna , Kar Tanusree , Ennis Christopher J. , Rahman Pattanathu K. S. M. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCellulose nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared from jute fiber by acid hydrolysis followed by high‐speed homogenization. The CNPs were used as fillers in the production of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites by in situ suspension polymerization technique. The suspension polymerization of MMA was carried out in the presence of CNPs, which were dispersed in water medium and in situ PMMA/cellulose nanocomposite granules were formed. PMMA polymer, without any filler, was also prepared by similar suspension polymerization technique. PMMA and PMMA/cellulose nanocomposite films were prepared by solution casting method. Viscosity average molecular weights of neat PMMA and the PMMA extracted from PMMA/cellulose nanocomposite granules were determined by viscometric method and average molecular mass of PMMA extracted from PMMA/cellulose nanocomposites was found to be reduced than that of neat PMMA. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was performed to find out any chemical interaction between polymer matrix and the CNPs. X‐ray diffraction study and differential scanning calorimetry were done to investigate the structures of the nanocomposite films and the glass transition temperature was found to be lower in the nanocomposite than that in the virgin polymer. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were done to examine the morphology of the films. Such an in situ suspension polymerization technique for the preparation of PMMA/cellulose nanocomposites can be very useful to prepare tailor‐made materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Semi‐dynamic traffic assignment model with mode and route choices under stochastic travel times
Authors: Nakayama Sho‐ichiro , Takayama Jun‐ichi , Nakai Junya , Nagao Kazuki 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYTransportation network conditions vary significantly during the course of a day. In many urban areas, public transit and (private) automobiles constitute the actual forms of transportation that use such networks. Public transportation by rail is more reliable than by automobiles or buses; therefore, ordinary static and deterministic traffic assignment models with combined mode and route choices may not be suitable to assess a transportation network that includes public railways. Moreover, within‐day dynamics and reliability need to be incorporated in such a model. In this paper, we use a semi‐dynamic traffic assignment model that considers within‐day dynamics by improving the static traffic assignment model. In addition, stochastic travel times are incorporated into the model. Thus, we propose a semi‐dynamic traffic assignment model with mode choice between public transit and automobiles, route choice with stochastic travel times, and an accompanying computing algorithm. This model enables us to assess within‐day dynamics of transportation networks and travel time reliability of public railways. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.