bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Salinity on Seashore Paspalum Cultivars at Different Mowing Heights
Authors: Shahba Mohamed A. , Alshammary Saad F. , Abbas Mohamed S. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of salinity on turf quality, clipping yield, root mass, canopy photosynthetic rate (Pn), total nonstructural carbohydrate content (TNC), shoot reducing sugar content (RSC), proline content, and K+/Na+ in shoots and roots of seashore paspalum (Paspalum vaginatum Swartz) cultivars (Salam, Excalibur, and Adalayd). These cultivars were evaluated at different mowing heights using a hydroponics system in the greenhouse. Salam achieved 11.9, 24.2, 36.5, and 55.7% more clipping yield than Adalayd at 0, 16, 32, and 44 dS m−1 salinity levels, respectively, under the highest mowing level. At the highest mowing height, the root mass of Salam, Excalibur, and Adalayd increased by 162.9, 170.0, and 204.0%, respectively, as salinity increased from 0 to 44 dS m−1. The values of Pn in Salam were the highest (16.66, 19.89, and 25.85 μmol CO2 M−2 S−1 at 25‐, 35‐, and 45‐mm mowing heights, respectively) at 44 dS m−1. The TNC decreased by 44.2, 29.2, and 25.5% in Salam while RSC increased by 49.3, 44.3, and 40.3% at 25‐, 35‐, and 45‐mm mowing heights, respectively, as salinity increased from 0 to 44 dS m−1. In Salam, as salinity levels increased from 0 to 44 dS m−1, proline content increased by 417.7, 429.5, and 438.7% at 25‐, 35‐, and 45‐mm mowing heights, respectively. Paspalum had its highest selectivity of K+/Na+ when maintained at 45‐mm mowing height. Salinity tolerance of seashore paspalum cultivars can be enhanced by increasing mowing height.
Quantitative Trait Loci for Seed Tocopherol Content in Sunflower
Authors: Del Moral Lidia , Fernández‐Martínez José M. , Velasco Leonardo , Pérez‐Vich Begoña 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTTocopherols are natural antioxidants with vitamin E activity. Sunflower seeds contain predominantly α‐tocopherol (>950 g kg−1 tocopherols), which is the tocopherol form exhibiting the highest vitamin E activity. The objective of this research was to study the genetic basis of total seed tocopherol content in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was conducted in two mapping populations derived from crosses between lines with increased (IAST‐413) and reduced (IAST‐522) tocopherol content and the conventional sunflower line HA‐89. Tocopherol content was measured in the F2 and the F3 generations. Linkage maps were constructed using simple sequence repeat and insertion‐deletion polymorphism markers. Seven and six QTL determining increased and reduced seed tocopherol content, respectively, were identified. Of these, a major QTL on linkage group (LG) 10 was responsible for more than half the explained phenotypic variation for increased tocopherol content in the IAST‐413 × HA‐89 population, whereas a major QTL on LG 11 was responsible for more than half the explained phenotypic variation for reduced seed tocopherol content in the IAST‐522 × HA‐89 population. Three QTLs on LG 2, 4, and 17 were found in both mapping populations at overlapping support intervals. A 2‐methyl‐6‐phytyl‐1,4‐benzoquinone/2‐methyl‐6‐solanyl‐1,4‐benzoquinonone methyltransferase (MT‐2) locus was found co‐locating with the QTL on LG 4. Quantitative trait loci information from this research will contribute to the development of marker‐assisted selection tools for total tocopherol content in sunflower seeds.
Modifying Genes for Palmitate and Stearate Concentration Impacts Selection for Low‐Phytate, Low‐Saturate Soybean Lines
Authors: Brace Ryan C. , Fehr Walter R. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTDevelopment of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cultivars with low phytate (LP) and low saturated fatty esters (LS) would add value to both the meal and the oil. One of the challenges in breeding for the two traits has been the lack of LP parents with <70 g kg−1 palmitate plus stearate (saturate) concentration. The LP line A38 developed at Iowa State University was the first line identified with a saturate concentration <70 g kg−1 in multiple environments. The objective of our study was to determine if the LS in A38 was due to breakage of linkages between the lpa1 and lpa2 alleles and genes for elevated saturates that interacted epistatically or to the accumulation of favorable modifying genes for LS concentration. Three populations were made by crossing A38 to three LS cultivars with normal phytate (NP). The F2 plants were genotyped for the Lpa and lpa alleles, harvested individually, and evaluated for fatty ester composition. The mean saturate concentrations of the LP individuals were significantly greater than NP individuals. The frequency of LP lines with a saturate concentration ≤70 g kg−1 was greater than previously reported in populations in which LP parents had a saturate concentration >70 g kg−1. The LS concentration of A38 was attributed to favorable modifying genes for LS concentration. Use of LP and NP parent lines with a saturate concentration <70 g kg−1 would improve the frequency of LP, LS progeny.
Genetic Variation among Inbred Lines and Testcrosses of Maize for Early Growth Parameters and Their Relationship to Final Dry Matter Yield
Authors: Strigens Alexander , Grieder Christoph , Haussmann Bettina I. G. , Melchinger Albrecht E. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTReduced early growth of maize (Zea mays L.) might impair subsequent biomass accumulation, and, therefore, final whole‐plant dry matter yield (DMY). Quantitative genetic studies on biomass growth rates and their relation to final DMY in large germplasm sets have been hampered so far by a lack of suitable phenotyping techniques. In this study, we took advantage of a recently developed nondestructive phenotyping platform to (i) determine early biomass and growth rates in a broad set of 285 dent inbred lines and their testcrosses with two flint testers grown at three locations in 2008 and 2009, based on nondestructive measurements of biomass between the four‐ and eight‐leaf stage; (ii) estimate variance components and heritability for these traits; (iii) investigate the association of early growth with final DMY and other agronomic traits; and (iv) calculate correlations between line per se performance (LP) and general combining ability (GCA) for these traits. We observed significant genetic variance and high heritabilities for early growth traits, though masking variance components were larger than for agronomic traits. Early growth traits showed weak (GCA) to moderate (LP) correlations with final DMY. Correlations between LP and GCA were only moderate for early growth traits, most probably due to masking effects of the testers. Since correlations among early growth traits were tight, the simple visual scoring of early vigor is sufficient in selection of promising testcrosses.
Genetic Yield Gains and Changes in Associated Traits of CIMMYT Spring Bread Wheat in a “Historic” Set Representing 30 Years of Breeding
Authors: Lopes M. S. , Reynolds M. P. , Manes Y. , Singh R. P. , Crossa J. , Braun H. J. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTThe genetic yield progress of 26 spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) advanced lines released by the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) in the period from 1977 to 2008 was evaluated in the selection environment in Mexico as well as at a set of target environments in Asia and Africa. In Mexico, grain yield progress was significantly linear and about 0.7% yr−1 and yield was associated with fewer days to heading, cooler canopy temperature at grain filling, and increased stay‐green and thousand kernel weight. These results suggested that changes in the former traits at least partially explain the yield progress. When genetic yield progress was measured in subsets of sites in Asia and Africa grouped into high, intermediate, and low yielding, the genetic yield progress was 0.9, 0.7, and 0.5% yr−1, respectively. We conclude that there is no evidence that genetic gains to increase yield have slowed down in wheat lines released by CIMMYT.
Tradeoffs in Biomass and Nutrient Allocation in Prairies and Corn Managed for Bioenergy Production
Authors: Jarchow Meghann E. , Liebman Matt 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTPrairie vegetation has the potential to serve as a bioenergy feedstock with favorable environmental impacts but generally yields less than corn (Zea mays L.). To more fully assess the potential of prairie vegetation to serve as a biofuel feedstock, more needs to be understood about prairie responses to different management strategies, including fertilization. We hypothesized that (i) N fertilization would increase prairie productivity and nutrient content and (ii) fertilized prairie would produce similar amounts of total biomass as corn but would allocate more biomass and nutrients to roots. Our hypotheses were tested in a field experiment using prairie species representing different functional groups—C3 grasses, C4 grasses, legumes, and multifunctional group mixtures—grown with and without N fertilizer as well as fertilized corn. Fertilized and unfertilized C4 prairie grasses produced as much total biomass as corn but allocated up to 65% of their biomass belowground compared to 3% for corn. Corn yields decreased over the 3‐yr period of the study whereas yields of fertilized C4 grasses and multifunctional group mixtures were stable, and yields of unfertilized C4 grasses and mixtures increased and became equal to their fertilized counterparts. Calculated annual costs for replacing nutrients removed in the harvested portions of corn and fertilized and unfertilized C4 grasses were US$403, $137, and $40 ha−1, respectively. Results of this experiment show tradeoffs among corn and prairie systems with respect to harvested biomass, root production, and nutrient exports, emphasizing the need for a multifaceted approach to fully evaluate bioenergy feedstock production systems.
Mapping and Validation of Fiber Strength Quantitative Trait Loci on Chromosome 24 in Upland Cotton
Authors: Kumar Pawan , Singh Rippy , Lubbers Edward L. , Shen Xinlian , Paterson Andrew H. , Campbell B. Todd , Jones Donald C. , Chee Peng W. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTA major fiber strength quantitative trait locus (QTL) has been identified on chromosome 24 in the Chinese germplasm line ‘Suyuan 7235’; however, the effects of this QTL have not been tested in different genetic backgrounds. In this study, we confirmed the effects of this QTL by crossing Suyuan 7235 with two U.S. germplasm lines with different fiber strength. This QTL was consistently expressed over generations and years in both populations. The Suyuan 7235 allele explained up to 40% of the total phenotypic variation and accounted for an increase of up to 22.8 kN m kg−1. The effects on fiber strength appear to be greater in Suyuan 7235 × ‘Sealand 883’ (Pop‐883) than in Suyuan 7235 × ‘Sealand 542’ (Pop‐542) despite the Sealand 883 parent having stronger fiber than the Sealand 542 parent. Deoxyribonucleic acid fingerprinting on a collection of elite cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) lines indicated that this QTL is not present in a survey of elite U.S. public germplasm. These results indicate that this fiber strength QTL could significantly improve the economic value of Upland cottons in the United States. The identification of 27 novel markers tightly linked in this region adds additional tools to allow this QTL to be more efficiently deployed in breeding cultivars with improved fiber strength.
MlNCD1: A Novel Aegilops tauschii‐Derived Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene Identified in Common Wheat
Authors: Maxwell J. J. , Lyerly J. H. , Srnic G. , Murphy J. P. , Cowger C. , Parks R. , Marshall D. , Brown‐Guedira G. , Miranda L. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTPowdery mildew is a major fungal disease in wheat, especially in cool maritime climates. A novel Aegilops tauschii Coss.‐derived wheat powdery mildew resistance gene present in the germplasm line NC96BGTD1 was genetically characterized as a monogenic trait in field trials using F2– and F4–derived lines from a NC96BGTD1 × ‘Saluda’ cross. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were used to map and tag the resistance gene present in NC96BGTD1. Two dominant SSR markers flanking the resistance gene were identified. Xgwm635 mapped 5.5 and 8.3 cM distal to the resistance gene in the F2 and F4 generations, respectively. Xgpw328 mapped 16.2 cM proximal to the resistance gene in the F2 and 13.6 cM proximal to the resistance gene in the F4 generation. These SSR markers were previously mapped to the short arm of chromosome 7D and their positions were confirmed using Chinese Spring aneuploid and deletion stocks. Significant segregation distortion was observed in the F4 generation with markers distal to the resistance gene showing a preference for the A. tauschii alleles while markers proximal to the resistance gene showed less significant preference for Saluda alleles. Only the adult plant resistance gene Pm38 has been mapped to the short arm of chromosome 7D but to a more proximal position than the gene in NC96BGTD1. The resistance gene described herein should be temporarily designated MlNCD1.
Efficient Computation of Ridge‐Regression Best Linear Unbiased Prediction in Genomic Selection in Plant Breeding
Authors: Piepho H. P. , Ogutu J. O. , Schulz‐Streeck T. , Estaghvirou B. , Gordillo A. , Technow F. 
Published: April 2012

ABSTRACTComputational efficiency of procedures for genomic selection is an important issue when cross‐validation is used for model selection and evaluation. Moreover, limited computational resources may be a bottleneck when processing large datasets. This paper reviews several options for computing ridge‐regression best linear unbiased prediction (RR‐BLUP) in genomic selection and compares their computational efficiencies when using a mixed model package. Attention is also given to the problem of singular genetic variance‐covariance. Annotated code is provided for implementing and evaluating the methods using the MIXED procedure of SAS. It is concluded that a recently proposed method based on a spectral decomposition of the variance‐covariance matrix of the data is preferable compared to established methods because of its superior computational efficiency and applicability also for singular genetic variance‐covariance.
Preparation and Properties of EPDM/NBR/Organoclay Nanocomposites
Authors: Ersali M. , Fazeli N. , Naderi Gh. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
In this research work, three different types of nano-composites based on EPDM/NBR blend (70/30 wt.%) have been prepared: one type including Cloisite 20A in EPDM phase, the other one containing Cloisite 30B in NBR phase and the third type consisting of Cloisite 20A in EPDM and Cloisite 30B in NBR phases simultaneously (called EN-xAB). XRD and TEM techniques showed intercalated or exfoliated structures for all types of nano-composites. According to SEM results, the most roughness of the surface was observed at EN-xAB nano-composites. Cure characteristics of the samples showed that the lowest scorch and cure time and highest crosslink density was devoted to EN-xAB samples. Comparison of mechanical properties of the nano-composites showed that the best properties were found in the samples consisted of both types of organo-clays simultaneously.
Improving the Processability of Water-soluble Films Based on Filled Thermoplastic Polyvinyl Alcohol
Authors: Shi B. , Wideman G. , Wang J. H. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Melt extrusion of polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) is desirable over commonly practiced solution film casting due to reduced energy input, environmental footprint, and processing cost, however, melt extrusion processing of plasticized polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) presents a significant processing challenge due to inherent adhension issues of extruded PVOH film to the surface of equipment. This paper reports a method using inorganic fillers such as CaCO3 and talc to facilitate the plasticized PVOH processing for blown films.
Parameters are also identified for additional process studies to optimize the mechanical properties of blown films. It was found that the preferred inorganic filler is CaCO3 for the PVOH stickiness reduction. The filled PVOH films were found to have delayed or reduced water solubility. It takes about 7 to 10 minutes for the filled PVOH films to dissolve in water whereas the neat PVOH films are soluble in water instantly. The delayed water solubility may be desirable for certain specialty applications such as packaging of pesticides during shipping and storage. With improved processability by incorporating filler, the melt extrusion produced PVOH film should cost less than the solution-cast PVOH films.
Molecular Orientation Behavior of Isotactic Polypropylene Films under Uniaxial and Biaxial Deformation at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Yoshida S. , Sawada T. , Kawamura T. , Nitta K. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
In-situ molecular orientation behavior of isotactic polypropylene films prepared by quenching at 0°C was investigated under uniaxial and biaxial extension at elevated temperatures. Both the retardation value of film and the stress were simultaneously measured during stretching. The stress required to deform films depended on the stretching temperature, but the retardation was nearly independent of temperature.
Report on Disaster Medical Operations with Acupuncture/Massage Therapy after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Takayama Shin , Kamiya Tetsuharu , Watanabe Masashi , Hirano Atsushi , Matsuda Ayane , Monma Yasutake , Numata Takehiro , Kusuyama Hiroko , Yaegashi Nobuo 
Published: April 2012

The Great East Japan Earthquake inflicted immense damage over a wide area of eastern Japan with the consequent tsunami. Department of Traditional Asian Medicine, Tohoku University, started providing medical assistance to the disaster-stricken regions mainly employing traditional Asian therapies. We visited seven evacuation centers in Miyagi and Fukushima Prefecture and provided acupuncture/massage therapy. While massage therapy was performed manually, filiform needles and press tack needles were used to administer acupuncture. In total, 553 people were treated (mean age, 54.0 years; 206 men, 347 women). Assessment by interview showed that the most common complaint was shoulder/back stiffness. The rate of therapy satisfaction was 92.3%. Many people answered that they experienced not only physical but also psychological relief. At the time of the disaster, acupuncture/massage therapy, which has both mental and physical soothing effects, may be a therapeutic approach that can be effectively used in combination with Western medical practices.
Measuring Customers Loyalty of Islamic Banking in Bahawalpur Region
Authors: Hassan M. Taimoor , Ahmed Bilal , Ahmed Saleem , Habib Umair , Riaz Saim , Maqbool Nadeem , Anwar Abia 
Published: April 2012

Purpose: The basic purpose of measuring the customer’s loyalty in Islamic banking in Bahawalpur region is their long term commitment.Design/methodology/approach: This research has been conducted utilizing the actual data with the help of a questionnaire based on the literature extensively written on Islamic banking services, to develop a viable model to explore the attributes which lead towards the customer loyalty in utilizing the financial services of Islamic banks in Bahawalpur region. A new dimension is added by conducting research on customer’s loyalty in Islamic banking in Bahawalpur region, taking sample of 125 respondents from 20 banks operating in Islamic banking services of this region.Findings: Factors abstracted from the customers loyalty are, customers satisfaction, switching cost, customers perception, success philosophy and trust and commitment. It is found that these factors significantly affect the customer’s loyalty in Islamic banking and are greatly associated with the customer’s loyalty.Research limitations/ implication: Only available material is studied in spite of all the material and research is implicated in Bahawalpur region only. The sample size is small to only 125 respondents but the results are implicated on overall customer’s loyalty in Islamic banking.Practical implications: Pakistani banks are needed to take initiative in creating awareness about Islamic banking and providing more effective services.Originality/ value: This is one of the very first researches on customers loyalty in Islamic banking conducted in Bahawalpur region and could be very useful for countries adopting Islamic banking.Key words: Customers loyalty, Islamic banking.
Factors Affecting Nursing Student’s Satisfaction with E- Learning Experience in King Khalid University, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Ali Wafaa Gameel Mohamed 
Published: April 2012

Background; the use of information technology and the internet as teaching and learning tool is rapidly expanding into today’s learning environments. Education institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) are preparing students for a rapidly changing information and technology driven world. The KSA needs graduates who are ready for the workplace and who have a high level of knowledge and confidence in the use of technology to help them in their lifelong learning. Since e- learning is conducted using the Internet and World Wide Web, the learning environment becomes more complicated. Students’ initial perceived satisfaction with technology-based e- learning will determine whether they will use the system continually. So this study aimed to assess perceived e-learner satisfaction and investigate the preceding factors influence on nursing students’ satisfaction with e-learning experience in King Khalid University. Subjects: A convenience sample of 135 female nursing students affiliated to University Center for Female Studies, King Khalid University was enrolled in this study. Tool: data were collected by using three tools. The first was concerned with collecting data related to sample characteristics, the second concerned with identifying the factors that may affect the e–learner satisfaction with e–learning. The third concerned with measuring the learner satisfaction with e–learning. Results; revealed that 61.5% of participant students were unsatisfied with their e-learning experience and learner attitude towards computer, learners’ computer anxiety, e-learning course flexibility, e- learning course quality, technology quality, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, diversity in assessment, and learner perceived interaction with others were the critical factors affecting learners’ perceived satisfaction. Recommendation &implications: Helping students build their confidence in using computers will make e- learning more enjoyable. Also course content should be relevant, logically organized, easy to use, carefully designed, and presented sparingly. The results show institutions how to improve learner satisfaction and further strengthen their e- learning implementation. Key words: E-learning, E- learner Satisfaction, Factors Affecting E- learner Satisfaction.