bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strategies to Subdivide a Target Population of Environments: Results from the CIMMYT‐Led Maize Hybrid Testing Programs in Africa
Authors: Windhausen Vanessa S. , Wagener Silke , Magorokosho Cosmos , Makumbi Dan , Vivek Bindiganavile , Piepho Hans‐Peter , Melchinger Albrecht E. , Atlin Gary N. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTTo develop stable and high‐yielding maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids for a diverse target population of environments (TPE), breeders have to decide whether greater gains result from selection across the undivided TPE or within more homogeneous subregions. Currently, CIMMYT subdivides the TPE in eastern and southern Africa into climatic and geographic subregions. To study the extent of specific adaptation to these subregions and to determine whether selection within subregions results in greater gains than selection across the undivided TPE, yield data of 448 maize hybrids evaluated in 513 trials across 17 countries from 2001 to 2009 were used. The trials were grouped according to five subdivision systems into climate, altitude, geographic, country, and yield‐level subregions. For the first four subdivision systems, genotype × subregion interaction was low, suggesting broad adaptation of maize hybrids across eastern and southern Africa. In contrast, genotype × yield‐level interactions and moderate genotypic correlations between low‐ and high‐yielding subregions were observed. Therefore, hybrid means should be estimated by stratifying the TPE considering the yield‐level effect as fixed and appropriately weighting information from both subregions. This strategy was at least 10% better in terms of predicted gains than direct selection using only data from the low‐ or high‐yielding subregion and should facilitate the identification of hybrids that perform well in both subregions.
Molecular Characterization of Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight in U.S. Soft Red Winter Wheat Breeding Line VA00W‐38
Authors: Liu Shuyu , Christopher Mark D. , Griffey Carl A. , Hall Marla D. , Gundrum Patty G. , Brooks Wynse S. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTMany quantitative trait loci (QTL) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) conferring resistance to Fusarium head blight (FHB), caused by the Fusarium graminearium, have been mapped in diverse genetic sources. Use of nonadapted FHB resistant sources by breeding programs in the soft red winter (SRW) wheat region of the United States has not been very successful. Therefore, native sources of FHB resistance identified or validated in SRW wheat cultivars predominantly have been used. The breeding line VA00W‐38 has moderate FHB resistance and does not possess any previously identified exotic sources of resistance in its parentage. A set of 182 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were developed from the cross VA00W‐38 × Pioneer brand ‘26R46’ and tested in field scab nurseries and natural conditions in two environments for each of 2 yr. Eight consistent QTL were identified on chromosomes 1BL, 2A, 2DL, 5B, 6A, and 7A and explained 6.5 to 21.3% of phenotypic variation of traits associated with FHB resistance. Their logarithm of odds (LOD) scores ranged from 2.5 to 6.7. Favorable alleles to decrease FHB are from VA00W‐38 except one QTL on chromosome 7A. Major QTL on chromosomes 2DL, 6A, and 5B decreased FHB index (IND), Fusarium damaged kernels (FDK), and deoxynivalenol (DON), respectively. Tightly linked markers identified for these consistent QTL can be used to select for favorable alleles associated with FHB resistance in breeding populations after validation in diverse genetic backgrounds.
Diallel Analysis of Resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot and Fumonisin Contamination in Maize
Authors: Hung Hsiao‐Yi , Holland James B. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACTThe fungus Fusarium verticillioides infects maize (Zea mays L.) ears and kernels, resulting in Fusarium ear rot disease, reduced grain yields, and contamination of grain with the mycotoxin fumonisin. Hybrid maize breeding programs involve selection for both inbred and hybrid performance; the emphasis placed on inbred versus hybrid selection depends on heritability of and the genetic correlation between resistance in the different generations. The objectives of this study were to assess the importance of general combing ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) for resistance to Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination and to estimate the correlation between resistance measured in inbred and hybrid generations. We evaluated a diallel mating of 18 inbred lines from different heterotic groups with different levels of resistance. Hybrids had 27% less ear rot and 30% less fumonisin content than their inbred parents, demonstrating the importance of hybrid vigor to disease resistance. Both GCA and SCA were significant for yield and disease resistance, and inbred performance per se and corresponding GCA in hybrids were significantly correlated (r ≥ 0.78). Genetic variation for resistance was greater in inbred lines than among hybrids, however. These results suggest that the most efficient way to improve Fusarium ear rot and fumonisin contamination resistances in hybrids is to evaluate and select among inbred lines before using resources to create and evaluate hybrids.
Visuomotor Performance in KCNJ11-Related Neonatal Diabetes Is Impaired in Children With DEND-Associated Mutations and May Be Improved by Early Treatment With Sulfonylureas
Authors: Shah Reshma P. , Spruyt Karen , Kragie Brigette C. , Greeley Siri Atma W. , Msall Michael E. 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
To assess performance on an age-standardized neuromotor coordination task among sulfonylurea-treated KCNJ11-related neonatal diabetic patients.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Nineteen children carrying KCNJ11 mutations associated with isolated diabetes (R201H; n = 8), diabetes with neurodevelopmental impairment (V59M or V59A [V59M/A]; n = 8), or diabetes not consistently associated with neurodevelopmental disability (Y330C, E322K, or R201C; n = 3) were studied using the age-standardized Beery-Buktenica Developmental Test of Visual-Motor Integration (VMI).

RESULTS
Although R201H subjects tested in the normal range (median standard score = 107), children with V59M/A mutations had significantly lower than expected VMI standard scores (median = 49). The scores for all three groups were significantly different from each other (P = 0.0017). The age of sulfonylurea initiation was inversely correlated with VMI scores in the V59M/A group (P &lt; 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS
Neurodevelopmental disability in KCNJ11-related diabetes includes visuomotor problems that may be ameliorated by early sulfonylurea treatment. Comprehensive longitudinal assessment on larger samples will be imperative.
Low Hemoglobin A1c in Nondiabetic Adults
Authors: Aggarwal Vikas , Schneider Andrea L.C. , Selvin Elizabeth 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
To identify predictors of low hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) (&lt;5.0%) and to investigate the association of low HbA1c with cause-specific mortality and risk of liver disease hospitalization.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Prospective cohort study of 13,288 participants in the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study. Logistic regression was used to identify cross-sectional correlates of low HbA1c, and Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the association of low HbA1c with cause-specific mortality.

RESULTS
Compared with participants with HbA1c in the normal range (5.0 to &lt;5.7%), participants with low HbA1c were younger, less likely to smoke, had lower BMI, lower white cell count and fibrinogen levels, and lower prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and history of coronary heart disease. However, this group was more likely to have anemia and had a higher mean corpuscular volume. In adjusted Cox models with HbA1c of 5.0 to &lt;5.7% as the reference group, HbA1c &lt;5.0% was associated with a significantly increased risk of all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.32, 95% CI: 1.13–1.55) and of cancer death (1.47, 95% CI: 1.16–1.84). We also noted nonsignificant trends toward increased risk of death from cardiovascular causes (1.27, 95% CI: 0.93–1.75) and respiratory causes (1.42, 95% CI: 0.78–2.56). There was a J-shaped association between HbA1c and risk of liver disease hospitalization.

CONCLUSIONS
No single cause of death appeared to drive the association between low HbA1c and total mortality. These results add to evidence that low HbA1c values may be a generalized marker of mortality risk in the general population.
Cardiovascular Events After Bariatric Surgery in Obese Subjects With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Romeo Stefano , Maglio Cristina , Burza Maria Antonella , Pirazzi Carlo , Sjöholm Kajsa , Jacobson Peter , Svensson Per-Arne , Peltonen Markku , Sjöström Lars , Carlsson Lena M.S. 
Published: August 2012

OBJECTIVE
Obese individuals with type 2 diabetes have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The effect of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular events in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes remains to be determined. The Swedish Obese Subjects (SOS) study is a prospective, controlled intervention study that examines the effects of bariatric surgery on hard end points. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of bariatric surgery on cardiovascular events in the SOS study participants with type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
All SOS study participants with type 2 diabetes at baseline were included in the analyses (n = 345 in the surgery group and n = 262 in the control group). Mean follow-up was 13.3 years (interquartile range 10.2–16.4) for all cardiovascular events.

RESULTS
Bariatric surgery was associated with a reduced myocardial infarction incidence (38 events among the 345 subjects in the surgery group vs. 43 events among the 262 subjects in the control group; log-rank P = 0.017; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.56 [95% CI 0.34–0.93]; P = 0.025). No effect of bariatric surgery was observed on stroke incidence (34 events among the 345 subjects in the surgery group vs. 24 events among the 262 subjects in the control group; log-rank P = 0.852; adjusted HR 0.73 [0.41–1.30]; P = 0.29). The effect of surgery in reducing myocardial infarction incidence was stronger in individuals with higher serum total cholesterol and triglycerides at baseline (interaction P value = 0.02 for both traits). BMI (interaction P value = 0.12) was not related to the surgery outcome.

CONCLUSIONS
Bariatric surgery reduces the incidence of myocardial infarction in obese individuals with type 2 diabetes. Preoperative BMI should be integrated with metabolic parameters to maximize the benefits of bariatric surgery.
Clinical Evaluation of Ceramic Inlays and Onlays Fabricated With Two Systems: Five-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Santos MJ , Mondelli RFL , Navarro MF , Francischone CE , Rubo JH , Santos GC 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARYThis study evaluated the five-year clinical performance of ceramic inlays and onlays made with two systems: sintered Duceram (Dentsply-Degussa) and pressable IPS Empress (Ivoclar Vivadent). Eighty-six restorations were placed by a single operator in 35 patients with a median age of 33 years. The restorations were cemented with dual-cured resin cement (Variolink II, Ivoclar Vivadent) and Syntac Classic adhesive under rubber dam. The evaluations were conducted by two independent investigators at baseline, and at one, two, three, and five years using the modified United States Public Health Service (USPHS) criteria. At the five-year recall, 26 patients were evaluated (74.28%), totalling 62 (72.09%) restorations. Four IPS restorations were fractured, two restorations presented secondary caries (one from IPS and one from Duceram), and two restorations showed unacceptable defects at the restoration margin and needed replacement (one restoration from each ceramic system). A general success rate of 87% was recorded. The Fisher exact test revealed no significant difference between Duceram and IPS Empress ceramic systems for all aspects evaluated at different recall appointments (p&gt;0.05). The McNemar chi-square test showed significant differences in relation to marginal discoloration, marginal integrity, and surface texture between the baseline and five-year recall for both systems (p&lt;0.001), with an increased percentage of Bravo scores. However, few Charlie or Delta scores were attributed to these restorations. In conclusion, these two types of ceramic materials demonstrated acceptable clinical performance after five years.
Noncarious Cervical Lesions Restored with Three Different Tooth-Colored Materials: Two-Year Results
Authors: Stojanac IL , Premovic MT , Ramic BD , Drobac MR , Stojsin IM , Petrovic LM 
Published: August 2012

SUMMARY

Introduction:
The aim of this two-year prospective clinical study was to evaluate and compare the clinical performance of three different adhesive esthetic materials in noncarious cervical lesions.

Material and Methods:
A total of 90 restorations (30 per material) were placed in 30 patients who ranged in age between 18 and 50 years and of both genders, by a single operator with no previous preparation. The restoration of noncarious cervical lesions was done with either a microfilled composite (Esthet.X/Dentsply/De Trey, Konstanz, Germany, and Prime&Bond NT/Dentsply/De Trey), a nanohybrid composite (TetricEvoCeram/Vivadent, Schaan, Liechtenstein, and AdheSE/Vivadent), or a compomer (Dyract eXtra/Dentsply/De Trey and Xeno III Dentsply/De Trey). All restorations were evaluated by independent examiners using a modified US Public Health Service criteria at baseline and after 12 and 24 months for six clinical categories. Data were analyzed statistically by Pearson's chi-square or the Fisher's exact test at 5% significance level (p&lt;0.05).

Results:
Results showed that most of the restorations were clinically satisfactory after 12 and 24 months, with no statistically significant differences among the three groups for all evaluated criteria.

Conclusion:
Treatment of noncarious cervical lesions using composite and compomer materials, combined with the appropriate adhesive systems and properly implemented restorative procedures, gives satisfactory results after a two-year evaluation period.
Aeromonas salmonicida infected fish transfer disease to healthy fish via water
Authors: Skrodenytė-Arbačiauskienė Vesta , Kazlauskienė Nijolė , Vosylienė Milda , Virbickas Tomas 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Experimental studies of infection transmission via water from infected to healthy fish were conducted. The dark-brown bacterial colonies typical for Aeromonas salmonicida on tryptone soya agar (TSA) have been isolated and counted (from 3.0±0.6×102 to 3.5±0.5×105 c.f.u. g−1) from the internal organs of naturally infected (NI) and experimentally infected (EI) perch and sea trout. No significant differences in dark-brown bacterial counts were detected between EI perch and EI sea trout. The assessment and comparison of the alterations of the biological parameters of EI European perch and sea trout with bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida with naturally infected perch were conducted. No mortality was recorded in groups of EI perch and sea trout. Whereas, the mortality of NI perch (collected from the main sites of outbreak of disease) was observed from the second day of the experiments. Changes in morphophysiological parameters of EI perch and sea trout were similar. Different alterations in blood cell parameters of EI fish were observed, and the most noticeable was the decrease (P≤0.01) in white blood cell count (WBC) of EI perch and sea trout. Based on these results it can be deduced that there is infection transmission of bacterium A. salmonicida from European perch via water to other fish species.
Mammalian androgen stimulates photosynthesis in drought-stressed soybean
Authors: Janeczko Anna , Kocurek Maciej , Marcińska Izabela 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The aim of the present studies was to assess the possibility of compensating the negative effects of drought stress on gaseous exchange and efficiency of photosystem II in soybean seedlings by application of the androgen — androstenedione. Androstenedione (0.25 mg dm−3) was applied via presowing seed soaking (12 h). Control seeds were untreated with steroid. Plants were cultured in pots. On the 12th day of growth, the plants were watered for the last time. Drought symptoms occurred during the next 10 days. On the 22nd day of growth, leaf gaseous exchange and PSII measurements were taken. Afterwards the plants were watered. Two days later measurements were taken again. Androstenedione improved the intensity of leaf net photosynthesis. The effect of androstenedione was manifested during the rehydration of plants that have undergone a period of drought. An increase in net photosynthesis intensity was accompanied by higher transpiration. Possible mechanisms of androstenedione action — effect on aquaporin functionality and membrane stability — are discussed. The significance of ethanol and DMSO (solvents of steroid) in experiments on the physiological activity of androstenedione is also considered.
Analysis of fungal diversity in Orchis tridentata Scopoli
Authors: Pecoraro Lorenzo , Girlanda Mariangela , Kull Tiiu , Perini Claudia , Perotto Silvia 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
We have assessed the identities of fungi associated with Orchis tridentata, an endangered orchid species growing in open woodland and poor grassland of Central and Southern Europe. Fungal diversity in ten O. tridentata adult individuals collected in two protected areas of Central Italy was analysed by means of morphological and molecular methods. Sequencing of the cloned ITS fungal inserts corresponding to the dominant PCR products obtained from amplification of total root DNA with ITS1F and ITS4 primers revealed a variety of fungal species occurring in O. tridentata roots. Among them, members of the basidiomycete families Ceratobasidiaceae, Tulasnellaceae and Hymenogastraceae were recovered, together with ascomycetes belonging to Leptodontidium and Terfezia. The implications of these results in the understanding of O. tridentata biology and for the conservation of this threatened orchid species are discussed.
“Lost sugars” — reality of their biological and medical applications
Authors: Talafová Klaudia , Nahálka Jozef 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The glycan chains attached to cell surfaces or to single proteins are highly dynamic structures with various functions. The glycan chains of mammals and of some microorganisms often terminate in sialic acids or α-1,3-galactose. Although these two sugars are completely distinct, there are several similarities in their biological and medical importance. First, one type of sialic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid, and the galactose bound by an α-1,3-linkage to LacNAc, that forms an α-gal epitope, were both eliminated in human evolution, resulting in the production of antibodies to these sugars. Both of these evolutionary events have consequences connected with the consumption of foods of mammalian origin, causing medical complications of varying severity. In terms of ageing, sialic acids prevent the clearance of glycoproteins and circulating blood cells, whereas cryptic α-gal epitopes on senescent red blood cells contribute to their removal from circulation. The efficiency of therapeutic proteins can be increased by sialylation. Another common feature is the connection with microorganisms since sialic acids and α-gal epitopes serve as receptors on host cells and can also be expressed on the surfaces of some microorganisms. Whereas, the sialylation of IgG antibodies may help to treat inflammation, the expression of the α-gal epitope on microbial antigens increases the immunogenicity of the corresponding vaccines. Finally, sialic acids and the α-gal epitope have applications in cancer immunotherapy. N-glycolylneuraminic acid is a powerful target for cancer immunotherapy, and the α-gal epitope increases the efficiency of cancer vaccines. The final section of this article contains a brief overview of the methods for oligosaccharide chain synthesis and the characteristics of sialyltransferases and α-1,3-galactosyltransferase.
Endozoochorous dispersal of alien and native plants by two palearctic avian frugivores with special emphasis on invasive giant goldenrod Solidago gigantea
Authors: Czarnecka Joanna , Orłowski Grzegorz , Karg Jerzy 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
The role of frugivorous birds in dispersal of the seeds of fleshy-fruited plants is well understood, but other groups of birds like granivores and omnivores can also act as vectors, especially in the process of non-standard dispersal. In this study we examined the role of two widely distributed birds (the Eurasian Blackbird, Turdus merula, and the Black Redstart, Phoenicurus ochruros) in seed dispersal. We analyzed the content of 279 droppings of the Black Redstart collected between July and October and 85 droppings of the Eurasian Blackbird collected during January. In total we found 366 seeds, representing 11 plant taxa, in the faecal samples; 93% of the seeds belonged to fleshy-fruited species. The most numerous were two native taxa, Sambucus racemosa/nigra, in summer and autumn, Crataegus monogyna in winter, and one alien species Morus alba, which is dispersed in summer. We also found seeds of four dry-fruited species; the most interesting of which was the presence of anemochorous seeds of Solidago gigantea (a highly invasive alien species). The seeds were found only in droppings of the Eurasian Blackbird. Considering the obtained results the need for further studies on bird-plant interactions should be a priority.
Vi antigen of Salmonella enetrica serovar Typhi — biosynthesis, regulation and its use as vaccine candidate
Authors: Kaur Jasmine , Jain Swatantra 
Published: August 2012

Abstract
Vi capsular polysaccharide (Vi antigen) was first identified as the virulence antigen of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi (S. Typhi), the causative agent of typhoid fever in humans. The presence of Vi antigen differentiates S. Typhi from other serovars of Salmonella. Vi antigen is a linear polymer consisting of α-1,4-linked-N-acetyl-galactosaminuronate, whose expression is controlled by three chromosomal loci, namely viaA, viaB and ompB. Both viaA and viaB region are present on Salmonella Pathogenicity Island-7, a large, mosaic, genetic island. The viaA region encodes a positive regulator and the viaB locus is composed of 11 genes designated tviA-tviE (for Vi biosyhthesis), vexA-vexE (for Vi antigen export) and ORF 11. Vi polysaccharide is synthesized from UDP-N-acetyl glucosamine in a series of steps requiring TviB, TviC, and TviE, and regulation of Vi polysaccharide synthesis is controlled by two regulatory systems, rscB-rscC (viaA locus) and ompR-envZ (ompB locus), which respond to changes in osmolarity. This antigen is highly immunogenic and has been used for the formulation of one of the currently available vaccines against typhoid. Despite advancement in the area of vaccinology, its pace of progress needs to be accelerated and effective control programmes will be needed for proper disease management.