bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance of extra-early maize cultivars based on GGE biplot and AMMI analysis
Authors: BADU-APRAKU B. , OYEKUNLE M. , OBENG-ANTWI K. , OSUMAN A. S. , ADO S. G. , COULIBAY N. , YALLOU C. G. , ABDULAI M. , BOAKYEWAA G. A. , DIDJEIRA A. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYMulti-environment trials (METs) in West Africa have demonstrated the existence of genotype×environment interactions (G×E), which complicate the selection of superior cultivars and the best testing sites for identifying superior and stable genotypes. Two powerful statistical tools available for MET analysis are the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI) and the genotype main effect+G×E (known as GGE) biplot. The objective of the present study was to compare their effectiveness in identifying maize mega-environments and stable and superior maize cultivars with good adaptation to West Africa. Twelve extra-early maturing maize cultivars were evaluated at 17 locations in four countries in West Africa from 2006 to 2009. The effects of genotype (G), environments (E) and G×E were significant (P<0 01) for grain yield. Differences between E accounted for 0 75 of the total variation in the sum of squares for grain yield, whereas the G effects accounted for 0 03 and G×E for 0 22. The GGE biplot explained 0 74 of total variations in the sum of squares for grain yield and revealed three mega-environments and seven cultivar groups. The AMMI graph explained 0 13 and revealed four groups each of environments and cultivars. The two procedures provided similar results in terms of stability and performance of the cultivars. Both methods identified the cultivars 2004 TZEE-W Pop STR C4 and TZEE-W Pop STR C4 as superior across environments. Cultivar 2004 TZEE-W Pop STR C4 was the most stable. The GGE biplot was more versatile and flexible, and provided a better understanding of G×E than the AMMI graph. It identified Zaria, Ilorin, Ikenne, Ejura, Kita, Babile, Ina and Angaredebou as the core testing sites of the three mega-environments for testing the Regional Uniform Variety Trials-extra-early.
Morphological and molecular evidence placesMaroninainto synonymy withProtoparmelia(Ascomycota:Lecanorales)
Authors: PAPONG K. , KANTVILAS G. , LUMBSCH H. T. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe phylogenetic placement of the genusMaroninawas studied, based chiefly on phenotypic characters such as thallus colour and anatomy, secondary chemistry, the anatomy of the excipulum and the ascus-type. DNA sequence data of mitochondrial and nuclear ribosomal loci from some of the species support the hypothesis thatMaroninais nested withinProtoparmelia. Hence,Maroninais reduced to synonymy withProtoparmelia. Comparison of genetic distances suggests that the two varieties withinM. orientalisshould be regarded as distinct species. Consequently, the new combinationsProtoparmelia australiensis(Hafellner & R. W. Rogers) Kantvilaset al., P. corallifera(Kantvilas & Papong) Kantvilaset al.,P. hesperia(Kantvilas & Elix) Kantvilaset al., P. multifera(Nyl.) Kantvilaset al., andP. orientalis(Kantvilas & Papong) Kantvilaset al. are proposed.
The checklist of parmelioid and similar lichens in Europe and some adjacent territories: additions and corrections
Authors: HAWKSWORTH David L. , DIVAKAR Pradeep K. , CRESPO Ana , AHTI Teuvo 
Published: October 2011

AbstractAdditions and corrections to the checklist published in 2008 are presented. Ten additional species are recognized: Allantoparmelia almquistii, Asahinea chrysantha, Hypogymnia bryophila, Hypotrachyna afrorevoluta, Melanelixia glabratula, Parmelia encryptata, Parmelina atricha, P. cryptotiliacea, Parmotrema cinereopruinata, and Punctelia rudecta. Myelochroa subaurulenta is deleted, and Xanthoparmelia perezdepazii is also noted as newly described from the Canary Islands. In addition, Cavernularia hultenii is now placed in Hypogymnia, the Canoparmelia crozalsiana group is included within Parmotrema, and Parmelinopsis is treated as a synonym of Hypotrachyna. The typification of the name Lichen quercinus is also corrected with the designation of the original figure as lectotype, and the new combination Hypotrachyna cryptochlora comb. nov. (syn. Parmelia cryptochlora) is made.
News and social media: Windows into community perspectives on disinvestment
Authors: Street Jackie M. , Hennessy Sophie E. , Watt Amber M. , Hiller Janet E. , Elshaug Adam G. 
Published: October 2011

Objectives:The aim of this study, in the context of disinvestment related health technology assessment, is to examine whether analysis of Web 2.0—commercial media output, blogs, and discussion forums—can provide an understanding of media framing, community perspectives, and the sociopolitical aspects of an entrenched technology.Methods: Thematic analysis of relevant data from fifty-nine media articles, thirty-nine discussion forums, thirteen blogs, and three Facebook pages relating to our case study: public funding for assisted reproductive technology services. Mainstream media and community-based social media responses were compared.Results:Media responses were narrow, primarily describing emotive individual narratives or the political nexus of interests. Community (including patient) responses were broader including discussion of opportunity cost and vested interests but mostly reflected the polar ends of the debate, diverging strongly for or against disinvestment from public funding.Conclusion:Web2.0 and media analysis offers an inexpensive method to capture media portrayal, divergent community responses both to that portrayal and independent of it, and insight into the sociopolitical aspects of an entrenched technology undergoing disinvestment debate.
Characterization of inverse-closed Beurling classes
Authors: Siddiqi Jamil A. , Ider Mostefa 
Published: October 2011

In [1], J. Bruna studied the Beurling classes EM(I) of infinitely differentiable functions f defined on an interval I such that for every positive ε, there exists a constant Cε > 0 with the property thatwhere M = {Mn} is a given sequence of positive numbers. With the hypothesis that the class EM(ℝ) is differentiable, he proved that it is inverse-closed (in the sense that if fεEM(ℝ) and if f is bounded away from zero on ℝ, then its inverse f-1 lies in EM(ℝ)) if and only if the associated sequence A = {An = (Mn/n!)1/n} is almost increasing (i.e. Am ≤ KAn for all m ≤ n, where K > 0 is a constant independent of m and n).
Continuity of the generalized kernel and range of semi-Fredholm operators
Authors: Searcóid M. Ó , West T. T. 
Published: October 2011

Let X denote a Banach space over the complex field ℂ and let B(X) be the Banach algebra of all bounded linear operators on X. If T ε B(X), we write n(T) = dim ker (T) and d(T) = codim T(X). Suppose that Y is a subspace invariant under T; then TY will denote the restriction of T to Y and Y the operator on X/Y defined byY: x/Y →(Tx)/Y
Zeros of expansions in orthogonal polynomials
Authors: Iserles A. , Saff E. B. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe theory of bi-orthogonal polynomials is exploited to investigate the location of zeros of truncated expansions in orthogonal polynomials. It turns out that, subject to additional conditions, these zeros can be confined to certain real intervals. Two general techniques are being used: the first depends on a theorem that links strict sign consistency of a generating function to loci of zeros and the second consists of re-expression of transformations from [3] in an orthogonal basis.
Linear functionals and Markov chains associated with Dirichlet processes
Authors: Feigin Paul D. , Tweedie Richard L. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBy investigating a Markov chain whose limiting distribution corresponds to that of the Dirichlet process we are able directly to ascertain conditions for the existence of linear functionals of that process. Together with earlier analyses we are able to characterize those functionals which are a.s. finite in terms of the parameter measure of the process. We also show that the appropriate Markov chain in the space of measures is only weakly convergent and not Harris ergodic.
The incidence of pertussis hospitalizations among Japanese infants: excess hospitalizations and complications?
Authors: TAKEUCHI M. , YASUNAGA H. , HORIGUCHI H. , MATSUDA S. 
Published: October 2011

SUMMARYWe examined pertussis hospitalizations among infants aged <1 year between 2006 and 2008 using the nationwide inpatient database in Japan. A total of 660 infants hospitalized for pertussis were identified. Peak incidence occurred at age 1 month and infants aged 0–2 months (too young for pertussis vaccination) and ⩾3 months (eligible for at least one dose of vaccination) accounted for 44·5% and 55·5% of hospitalizations, respectively. Complications related to pertussis were found in 165 (25·0%) cases, including one death; the age at admission did not differ significantly between patients with and those without complications (mean age 4·1 vs. 4·5 months, P=0·12). Seventeen patients required mechanical ventilation. Of the 17 cases, 14 infants were aged <3 months and three infants were aged ⩾3 months. Our findings highlight that the vaccination schedule against pertussis may often be delayed in Japan.
THE ORIGIN OF ORTHOGRAPHIC HU FOR /W/ IN NAHUATL
Authors: Canger Una 
Published: October 2011

AbstractToday a standard has emerged in the English speaking world for writing the language of the Aztecs. According to this standard the phoneme /w/ is written <hu> in the position before a vowel, nahuatl, ahuacatl, ‘avocado.’ An alternative is to write /w/ with <u> (or <v>), a tradition which in the sixteenth century and onwards was common alongside of <hu>. I demonstrate that <hu> misrepresents the pronunciation of the language then and now, and in uncovering its origin, I suggest that Pedro de Gante was the prime promoter of <hu>.
“REAL-TIME” CLIMATE EVENTS IN THE BORGIA-GROUP CODICES: TESTING ASSUMPTIONS ABOUT THE CALENDAR
Authors: Woolley Chris , Milbrath Susan 
Published: October 2011

AbstractIn the past decade, a number of prominent scholars have attempted to use astronomical data to place the images on page 27 of theCodex Borgiain “real-time.” This method has yielded some interesting results, but all of these authors have assumed that theCodex Borgiawas produced in accordance with the Aztec calendar. Given the probable origin of theCodex Borgiain the area bordering the Mixtec and eastern Nahua cultural areas, this assumption needs to be tested. This article compares weather-related images that have associated dates on Borgia 27–28 with tree-ring data and estimated maize yields from the Puebla area. Our research for this paper seems to confirm the use of the Aztec calendar in theCodex Borgia. By analyzing depictions of weather phenomenon relating to maize production, we also offer a fresh analysis of this well-known document, specifically arguing that a major drought is shown in a 1 Rabbit year, whereas the year 1 Flint is linked with a period of dryness following heavy rains, a condition sometimes linked with locust swarms like those on Borgia 27.
TECHNOLOGIES OF TIME: CALENDRICS AND COMMONERS IN POSTCLASSIC MEXICO
Authors: Brumfiel Elizabeth M. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThis article explores how the 260-day divinatory calendar changed over the course of Mesoamerican history. I begin with a description of the day-count in an ethnographic context, twentieth-century highland Guatemala. I then examine the day-count as recorded in sixteenth-century historical documents from central Mexico. Ceramic motifs on Early-Middle Postclassic period pottery from Xaltocan, Mexico, guide an examination of the day-count in the eleventh through sixteenth centuries. This study concludes that despite its reputation as an exclusively elite institution, thetonalpohuallihas served commoner purposes for at least a millennium. Commoners were more knowledgeable and more active agents regarding cosmology than most Mesoamericanists have previously believed. This study concludes that comparative historical analysis, that is, the systematic search fordifferences, as well assimilarities, in the ethnographic, ethnohistorical, and archaeological records, enhances the contributions of ethnography and ethnohistory to Mesoamerican archaeology.
THE OBSIDIAN AND CERAMICS OF THE PUUC REGION: CHRONOLOGY, LITHIC PROCUREMENT, AND PRODUCTION AT XKIPCHE, YUCATAN, MEXICO
Authors: Braswell Geoffrey E. , Paap Iken , Glascock Michael D. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractArchaeologists working in the northern Maya lowlands have faced persistent problems in establishing chronological precision and accuracy. In particular, it has proven difficult to create multi-phase chronologies for the Late and Terminal Classic periods. Investigators at Xkipche, a small Puuc site southwest of Uxmal, have employed both seriation and the typological approach to ceramic chronology. The results of the ceramic seriation suggest great persistence from the second century untila.d.1100, a continuity that is not supported by the Type-Variety approach to chronology. This report begins by reviewing the ceramic data, and then turns to another archaeological material, obsidian. Procurement patterns and production technology are discussed for the 182 obsidian artifacts collected during the first five seasons of the Projekt Xkipche. These data are compared with similar information gleaned from other sites in the northern Maya lowlands. Results of this obsidian analysis conflict with the absolute chronology proposed for the Xkipche ceramic sequence. Finally, a compromise ceramic chronology is proposed, one that is consistent with both obsidian and architectural data. This proposed chronology divides the seemingly monolithic Cehpech ceramic complex into three phases: Early Cehpech (a.d.550–700); Late Cehpech (a.d.700–900/950); and, Terminal Cehpech/Sotuta (a.d.900/950–950/1000).
WHY THE HEAD? CRANIAL MODIFICATION AS PROTECTION AND ENSOULMENT AMONG THE MAYA
Authors: Duncan William N. , Hofling Charles Andrew 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecent attempts to study cranial modification have suggested that the practice was a part of embodiment and socialization among the Maya. Comparison of colonial and modern Maya childbirth and socialization practices supports these arguments. We suggest that the next question to be asked is: “Why was the head specifically targeted for modification among the Maya?” This paper argues that one of the motivations behind cranial modification among the Maya was to protect newborns from injury. We present evidence from colonial documents and ethnographic studies on midwifery showing that animating essences resided in the head and that newborns were particularly at risk for soul loss and injury from evil winds. Further we present data on metaphoric polysemy between the human body and houses to argue that newborn humans were much like newly constructed houses in their susceptibility and that both required ritual ensoulment. The construction of the house roof parallels cranial modification. This likely has parallels in Classic Maya times, with some temple dedications and the construction of vaulted roofs with capstones, and suggests that the need to guard against soul loss has pre-Columbian roots.
Influence of protein histidine phosphatase overexpression and down‐regulation on human umbilical‐vein endothelial cell viability
Authors: Seeger Anna , Rose Karsten , Ma Nien Tze , Kremmer Elisabeth , Klumpp Susanne , Krieglstein Josef 
Published: October 2011

AbstractPHP (protein histidine phosphatase) is expressed by mammalian tissues, particularly in blood vessel walls. We investigated whether PHP plays a significant role in endothelial cells. By Western blot and immunofluorescence analysis PHP was found in HUVEC (human umbilical‐vein endothelial cells). Overexpression of PHP by the use of a plasmid vector, pIRES2‐AcGFP1‐PHP, induced apoptosis in HUVEC. To exclude the possibility that increased cellular protein alone unspecifically caused cell damage, the inactive H53A mutant of PHP was also overexpressed as a control; it did not lead to apoptosis. Down‐regulation of PHP by the RNAi (RNA interference) technique did not affect cell viability. In conclusion, HUVEC are damaged by overexpression, but not down‐regulation, of PHP, suggesting a pronounced impact of the enzyme on the cells when its activity is increased.
Cytoskeletal reorganization mediates fluid shear stress‐induced ERK5 activation in osteoblastic cells
Authors: Li Peng , Ma Yan‐chao , Shen Hai‐li , Han Hua , Wang Jing , Cheng Hui‐juan , Wang Cui‐fang , Xia Ya‐yi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractMechanotransduction is a complicated process, of which mechanosensation is the first step. Previous studies have shown that the cytoskeleton plays a crucial role in mechanosensation and the mediation of intracellular signal transduction. However, the mechanism of mechanotransduction in the bone remains elusive. Here, we investigated the potential involvement of a novel MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase) member, ERK5 (extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase 5), in the response of osteoblastic cells to FSS (fluid shear stress). Our results demonstrated that ERK5 was rapidly phosphorylated in pre‐osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells upon FSS, and the integrity and reorganization of the cytoskeleton were critical in this process, in which the cytoskeleton‐dependent activation of FAK (focal adhesion kinase) may be involved in the activation of ERK5 induced by FSS. Moreover, we found that cytoskeletal disruption led to significant down‐regulation of ERK5 phosphorylation, but had no effect on ERK5 nuclear localization. Furthermore, the cytoskeleton rapidly reorganized in response to FSS, but long‐time fluid load, even at a physiological level, led to cytoskeletal disruption, suggesting that other pathways may be involved in long‐term mechanotransduction. Taken together, our data provide new insight into the mechanisms of mechanosensation by highlighting the link between ERK5 activation and cytoskeletal reorganization in osteoblasts undergoing FSS.
Hepatogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells in a rat model of thioacetamide‐induced liver cirrhosis
Authors: Hwang Shin , Hong Hea‐Nam , Kim Hee‐Sung , Park Se‐Ra , Won You‐Jin , Choi Sang‐Tae , Choi Dongho , Lee Sung‐Gyu 
Published: October 2011

AbstractImplantation of bone‐marrow‐derived MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells) has emerged as a potential treatment modality for liver failure, but in vivo differentiation of MSCs into functioning hepatocytes and its therapeutic effects have not yet been determined. We investigated MSC differentiation process in a rat model of TAA (thioacetamide)‐induced liver cirrhosis. Male Sprague—Dawley rats were administered 0.04% TAA‐containing water for 8 weeks, MSCs were injected into the spleen for transsplenic migration into the liver, and liver tissues were examined over 3 weeks. Ingestion of TAA for 8 weeks induced micronodular liver cirrhosis in 93% of rats. Injected MSCs were diffusely engrafted in the liver parenchyma, differentiated into CK19 (cytokeratin 19)‐ and thy1‐positive oval cells and later into albumin‐producing hepatocyte‐like cells. MSC engraftment rate per slice was measured as 1.0–1.6%. MSC injection resulted in apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells and resultant resolution of fibrosis, but did not cause apoptosis of hepatocytes. Injection of MSCs treated with HGF (hepatocyte growth factor) in vitro for 2 weeks, which became CD90‐negative and CK18‐positive, resulted in chronological advancement of hepatogenic cellular differentiation by 2 weeks and decrease in anti‐fibrotic activity. Early differentiation of MSCs to progenitor oval cells and hepatocytes results in various therapeutic effects, including repair of damaged hepatocytes, intracellular glycogen restoration and resolution of fibrosis. Thus, these results support that the in vivo hepatogenic differentiation of MSCs is related to the beneficial effects of MSCs rather than the differentiated hepatocytes themselves.
Fibronectin promotes proplatelet formation in the human megakaryocytic cell line UT‐7/TPO
Authors: Kawaguchi Tatsuya , Hatano Ryo , Yamaguchi Kyoji , Nawa Katsuhiko , Hashimoto Ryuji , Yokota Hiroshi 
Published: October 2011

AbstractWe investigated PPF (proplatelet formation) in the human megakaryocytic cell line UT‐7/TPO in vitro and signal transduction pathways responsible for PPF. The megakaryocytic cell lines are useful for studying megakaryocyte biology, although PPF is induced only in the presence of phorbol ester. TPO (thrombopoietin) stimulates megakaryocyte proliferation and differentiation; however, no PPF occurred in the megakaryocytic cell lines, even after the addition of TPO. Therefore, factors other than TPO may play an important role in the process of PPF. As PPF occurs in the bone marrow in vivo, we noted extracellular matrix proteins and found that soluble FN (fibronectin) induced potent PPF in UT‐7/TPO without phorbol ester. A Western blot analysis showed that the expression of integrins was not increased by FN treatment. Anti‐β1 antibody and the RGD (arginine‐glycine‐aspartate) peptide inhibited FN‐induced PPF. This result indicates that the signal originated from integrin β1, which is essential to inducing PPF in UT‐7/TPO. Results of the experiments using several inhibitors suggest that activation of the MEK [MAPK (mitogen‐activated protein kinase)/ERK (extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase) kinase]–ERK and PI3K (phosphoinositide 3‐kinase) pathways are necessary for PPF. The phosphorylation of ERK gradually increased for 2 h after the addition of soluble FN, which suggests that activation of ERK is essential for the initial induction of FN‐induced PPF in UT‐7/TPO. UT‐7/TPO is a useful cell line that enables us to study the signals of PPF without effects of chemical compounds.
Darbepoetin enhances endothelium-dependent vasomotor function in patients with stable coronary artery disease only after preceding ischaemia/reperfusion
Authors: Tilling Lindsey , Hunt Joanne , Donald Ann , Clapp Brian , Chowienczyk Phil 
Published: October 2011

Vasoprotective effects of erythropoietin in animal models are mediated by endothelium-derived NO and/or mobilization of EPCs (endothelial progenitor cells) and may be enhanced by ischaemia: whether they are present in humans is unknown. We examined whether the erythropoietin analogue darbepoetin improves FMD (flow-mediated dilatation), a measure of endothelium-derived NO, and whether this is influenced by preceding I/R (ischaemia/reperfusion). A total of 36 patients (50–75 years) with stable coronary artery disease were randomized to receive a single dose of darbepoetin (300 μg) or saline placebo. FMD was measured at the brachial artery using high-resolution ultrasound. CD133+/CD34+/VEGFR2+ (vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2) circulating EPCs were enumerated by flow cytometry. Measurements were made immediately before darbepoetin/placebo and at 24 h, 72 h and 7 days. At 24 h, FMD was repeated after 20 min of I/R of the upper limb. A further group of 11 patients was studied according to the same protocol, all receiving darbepoetin, with omission of forearm I/R at 24 h. Immunoreactive erythropoietin peaked at 24 h and remained elevated at approximately 50-fold of baseline at 72 h. FMD did not differ significantly between groups at 24 h (before I/R). At 72 h (48 h after I/R), FMD was greater (by 2.3±0.5% in the darbepoetin compared with the placebo group, a 66% increase over baseline; P&lt;0.001) and greater than FMD at the same time point without preceding I/R (P&lt;0.01). Increases in CD133+/CD34+/VEGFR2+ cells after darbepoetin did not differ according to the presence or absence of preceding I/R. Preceding I/R is required for darbepoetin to enhance endothelial function, possibly by increasing expression of the erythropoietin receptor and by a mechanism likely to involve Akt/NO rather than circulating EPCs.