bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of reference genes for quantitative real-time PCR during leaf and flower development in Petunia hybrida
Authors: Mallona Izaskun , Lischewski Sandra , Weiss Julia , Hause Bettina , Egea-Cortines Marcos 
Published: January 2010

Abstract

Background
Identification of genes with invariant levels of gene expression is a prerequisite for validating transcriptomic changes accompanying development. Ideally expression of these genes should be independent of the morphogenetic process or environmental condition tested as well as the methods used for RNA purification and analysis.

Results
In an effort to identify endogenous genes meeting these criteria nine reference genes (RG) were tested in two Petunia lines (Mitchell and V30). Growth conditions differed in Mitchell and V30, and different methods were used for RNA isolation and analysis. Four different software tools were employed to analyze the data. We merged the four outputs by means of a non-weighted unsupervised rank aggregation method. The genes identified as optimal for transcriptomic analysis of Mitchell and V30 were EF1α in Mitchell and CYP in V30, whereas the least suitable gene was GAPDH in both lines.

Conclusions
The least adequate gene turned out to be GAPDH indicating that it should be rejected as reference gene in Petunia. The absence of correspondence of the best-suited genes suggests that assessing reference gene stability is needed when performing normalization of data from transcriptomic analysis of flower and leaf development.
Risk factors associated with within-herd transmission of bovine leukemia virus on dairy farms in Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Sota , Tsutsui Toshiyuki , Yamamoto Takehisa , Hayama Yoko , Kameyama Ken-ichiro , Konishi Misako , Murakami Kenji 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundAlthough several attempts have been made to control enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) at the local level, a nationwide control program has not been implemented in Japan, except for passive surveillance. Effective control of EBL requires that the transmission routes of bovine leukemia virus (BLV) infection should be identified and intercepted based on scientific evidence. In this cross-sectional study, we examined the risk factors associated with within-herd transmission of BLV on infected dairy farms in Japan. Blood samples taken from 30 randomly selected adult cows at each of 139 dairy farms were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Information on herd management was collected using a structured questionnaire.ResultsInfected farms were defined as those with more than one ELISA-positive animal and accounted for 110 (79.1%) of the 139 farms in the study. Completed questionnaires obtained from 90 of these 110 farms were used for statistical analysis. Seroprevalence, which was defined as the proportions of animals that tested positive out of all animals tested on the farm, was 17.1%, 48.1%, and 68.5% for the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentiles, respectively. A mixed logistic regression analysis implicated a loose housing system, dehorning, and a large number of horseflies in summer as risk factors (coefficient = 0.71, 1.11, and 0.82; p = 0.03, < 0.01, and 0.01, respectively) and feeding of colostrum to newborn calves from their dams as a protective factor (coefficient = -1.11, p = 0.03) against within-farm transmission of BLV on infected farms.ConclusionControl of EBL in infected dairy farms in Japan will be improved by focusing particularly on these risk and protective factors.
Direct methods and refinement in electron and X-ray crystallography – diketopiperazine revisited
Authors: Dorset Douglas L. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractTexture diffraction data in pioneering Russian electron crystallographic studies inspired the invention of modern precession methods for collecting single crystal data. (Although oblique texture patterns contain overlapped reflections, the similarity to precession methods is a result of averaging intensities over an angular distribution of crystallites within the large area sampled by the incident electron beam.) Using texture diffraction amplitudes originally measured by Vainshtein, the crystal structure of diketopiperazine has been re-determined using automated direct methods (SIR97) and refined by block diagonal least squares. This determination was carried out in parallel with an equivalent direct methods study of a larger X-ray data set from the same material published by Degeilh and Marsh, followed by least squares refinement, reproducing the original results. After both refinements, the electron crystallographic bonding parameters for heavy atoms are found to be similar to derived X-ray crystallographic parameters. On the other hand, C–H and N–H distances are more accurately determined by electron crystallography than by X-ray crystallography since the light atom positions are more easily detected in ensuing maps. Surprisingly the least squares refinement against the electron diffraction data did not require a restraint on the magnitude of atomic incremental movement; moreover the atomic temperature factors could be refined, producing results that were more reasonable than expected from the very low overall B value found from a Wilson plot.
Climatic and Genotypic Effects for Grain Yield in Maize under Stress Conditions
Authors: Romay M. Cinta , Malvar Rosa A. , Campo Laura , Alvarez Angel , Moreno‐González Jesús , Ordás Amando , Revilla Pedro 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTClimate change is expected to affect agriculture. Yield stability across environments is a critical breeding goal when dealing with unstable climate and input reductions in farming systems. The objective of this study was to determine climatic and genetic factors contributing to genotype (G), environment (E), and genotype × environment (GE) variability for maize (Zea mays L.) grain yield under some stress conditions like drought, cold, and pest attack. A large sample of Spanish maize populations was evaluated along with checks at three diverse locations during 3 yr. Factorial regression was performed to obtain a biological explanation of the G, E, and GE interaction for yield. The commercial hybrids had more yield and stability than most populations; therefore, breeding programs focusing on yield have released hybrids with high yield and stability under stress conditions. The populations with a reasonable compromise between yield and stability were Andoain and Lira. The main genotypic covariate was kernel depth, followed by ear length, although other covariates were important for each location. The main climatic covariates for yield were related to days with mean temperature over 15°C and maximum temperature in September, but they were not consistent across locations. Therefore, if yield under stress conditions is a breeding goal, several climatic variables, especially those related to high temperatures, and genotypic traits such as kernel depth and ear length should be considered.
Variability for Freezing Tolerance among 42 Ecotypes of Green‐Type Annual Bluegrass
Authors: Dionne Julie , Rochefort Sophie , Huff David R. , Desjardins Yves , Bertrand Annick , Castonguay Yves 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTLimited information exists on the extent of genetic variability for freezing tolerance among perennial biotypes of annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) that evolved under golf greens management. We characterized the freezing tolerance of 42 ecotypes collected across the United States and in Québec using plants hardened to low temperatures during fall and winter. We subsequently analyzed cold‐induced biochemical changes in a subset of ecotypes with varied levels of tolerance. There was a large variability among ecotypes for freezing tolerance expressed as the lethal temperature for 50% of the plants (LT50) with values ranging from <−27.0 to −17.0°C. Variation was observed between ecotypes originating from the same region and even the same golf course. Ecotypes from Québec—better insulated from extreme subfreezing temperatures by reliable and abundant snow cover—developed less freezing tolerance than those evolving under milder winter climates. Significant differences in the concentrations of specific amino acids and carbohydrates were observed among ecotypes. Only fructans of high molecular weight, however, were significantly correlated with freezing tolerance and accounted for as much as 50% of the LT50 variance. A 26‐kDa polypeptide that markedly accumulated in cold acclimated crowns was more abundant in plants from Québec. Extensive genetic variability for freezing tolerance among perennial biotypes of annual bluegrass can thus be exploited to mitigate winter damage to golf greens.
Three Soybean Plant Introductions Possess Unique Resistance to Peanut Root‐Knot Nematode
Authors: Yates Jennifer L. , Hussey Richard S. , Finnerty Steven L. , Boerma H. Roger 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTPeanut root‐knot nematode [Meloidogyne arenaria (Neal) Chitwood or Ma] is an increasingly common pest in the southern United States where crops such as peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] are grown. Four soybean plant introductions (PIs) are highly resistant to the peanut root‐knot nematode. To determine if PI 594403, PI 594427C, and PI 594651B contain useful resistance genes from those previously characterized in PI 200538, populations developed from the PIs crossed to PI 200538 were tested for Ma response. Highly galled and highly resistant F2 plants were observed in each population. In two of the three populations, the highly galled F2 plants produced progeny that sustained significantly greater galling (P < 0.001) than those derived from highly resistant F2 plants. While the F2–derived progeny from the third population had more variability than was observed in the other crosses, progeny means of the lines were significantly different (P < 0.05). Individual F2–derived lines from highly galled or resistant F2 plants within all of the populations were significantly different from each other or from the parents. Thus, it is evident that these PIs likely contain unique resistance genes that, when combined with PI 200538–derived Ma resistance, could improve the level of Ma resistance in soybean cultivars.
Breeding Maize for a Bioeconomy: A Literature Survey Examining Harvest Index and Stover Yield and Their Relationship to Grain Yield
Authors: Lorenz A. J. , Gustafson T. J. , Coors J. G. , de Leon N. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThe use of maize (Zea mays L.) stover as a feedstock for cellulosic biofuels production will create demand for maize hybrids with greater stover yield. It is expected that grain yield will remain the most critical trait and continue to drive hybrid sales, requiring that any increases in stover yield be made without sacrificing grain yield potential. The objective of this review was to determine the relationship between grain yield, harvest index, and stover yield to illuminate the potential for increasing both grain and stover yield through breeding. In contrast to what has been observed in other crops, gains in maize grain yield over time in the U.S. Corn Belt have been accompanied by increases in stover yield. Where recurrent selection on grain yield has been most successful, stover yield also increased while harvest index has been relatively stable. The opposite situation has been observed in tropical germplasm, where gains in grain yield have been associated with increasing harvest index and relatively constant biomass yield. We expect that stover yield of Corn Belt hybrids will continue to increase along with grain yield, resulting in future hybrids capable of producing both more food and biofeedstock for energy production. If maize breeders pursue selection for increased stover yield, we found no evidence to suggest that breeding for stover yield will necessarily reduce rate of gain in grain yield.
Varietal Differences and Morphology of Cleistogamy in Soybean
Authors: Benitez Eduardo R. , Khan Nisar A. , Matsumura Hisakazu , Abe Jun , Takahashi Ryoji 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTCleistogamy, the production of open (chasmogamous, CH) and closed (cleistogamous, CL) floral forms by one species, is present in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. Soybean cultivars that originated from high latitudes generally have a strong tendency to produce CL flowers. The first objective of this study was to determine varietal differences in cleistogamy. The second objective was to observe morphological differences between CH and CL flowers. A total of 32 and 31 soybean cultivars (maturity groups 00 to II) were grown in fields at Tsukuba and Sapporo, Japan, respectively, in 2005. Flowers that were fertilized up to 5 d after anthesis were classified into either CH or CL. Frequency of CL flowers ranged from 0.0 to 100.0% in Tsukuba and 6.7 to 100.0% in Sapporo. Cultivars from Russia and Hokkaido generally had a high frequency of CL flowers, whereas those from the Tohoku region had a lower frequency. Average of mean temperatures for 1 wk before anthesis was negatively correlated with frequency of CL flowers. Growth chamber experiments were conducted using CL cv. Severnaya 4 and a CH cv. Toyosuzu under constant temperatures of 25°C to eliminate temperature effects. Frequency of CL flowers in Severnaya 4 and Toyosuzu was 33.7 and 92.8%, respectively, suggesting involvement of genetic factors. At the same developmental stage, CL flowers had shorter sepal, petal, and stamen than CH flowers. There was no distinct morphological change in floral organs between CH and CL flowers except for length of the organs.
Conserving and Enhancing Maize Genetic Resources as Global Public Goods–A Perspective from CIMMYT
Authors: Ortiz Rodomiro , Taba Suketoshi , Tovar Víctor H. Chávez , Mezzalama Mónica , Xu Yunbi , Yan Jianbing , Crouch Jonathan H. 
Published: January 2010

ABSTRACTThe growing demands for food, feed, and bioenergy worldwide will require a 2% per annum increase in global maize (Zea mays L.) production. Maize is one of the most important staple food crops across the developing world as well as being an important feed crop for global livestock production and the emerging biofuel industry. Maize genotypes can range from 0.5 to 5 m standing height at flowering, mature in 60 to 330 d from planting, produce 1 to 4 ears per plant, 10 to 1800 kernels per ear and yield from 0.5 to 23.5 Mg of grain per hectare. Even greater genetic diversity is present in related species yet surprisingly little of the maize‐related biodiversity is present in the current elite breeding pools. Improved methods and tools for germplasm conservation, characterization, and data sharing, as well as for population improvement, gene pool enhancement, and genomics‐aided breeding are urgently needed if increases in maize productivity, particularly in the developing world, are to keep pace with predicted increases in demand. Progress in the private sector, particularly with the development of temperate maize cultivars, is far beyond that of the public sector, particularly regarding tropical maize cultivar development. This article provides an overview of progress at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) with national partners across the developing world. Particular emphasis is given to issues related to the continued development of elite maize breeding material as global public goods, especially regarding the introgression of new variations from genetic resources and the legal and phytosanitary issues related to international exchange of maize germplasm.
Hydroxyproline Levels in Young Adults Undergoing Muscular Stretching and Neural Mobilization
Authors: da Rocha Mafra Olivia , da Silva Elirez , Giani Tania , Neves Carlos , Lopes Rauena , Dantas Estélio 
Published: January 2010

Hydroxyproline Levels in Young Adults Undergoing Muscular Stretching and Neural MobilizationThis study aimed to assess the acute effect of stretching and neural mobilization on urinary hydroxyproline (HP) levels in young adults. The sample, composed of physical therapy students from Teresina (PI), was divided into three groups: a neural mobilization group (NMG; n=15; age=22±3 years; BMI=24.75±3.09); a static stretching group (SSG; n=15; age=23±4 years; BMI: 25±4.33) and a control group (CG; n=15; age: 24±4 years; BMI: 23.91±3.09). The NMG underwent neural mobilization of the sciatic nerve while engaged in hip flexion with knee extension in a direct, oscillatory and strenuous manner for 60 seconds. The SSG performed passive static stretching, which consisted of the maintenance of a high amplitude posture, without exceeding the limits of the movement, for a period of tension ranging from four to six seconds. Urinary HP was evaluated at the baseline and 24 hours after the intervention using the colorimetric method. Repeated measures ANOVA showed significant intragroup increases in the NMG (Δ7.38 mg/24h; p=0.0001) and the SSG (Δ=3.47 mg/24h; p=0.002) and inter-group increases in the NMG (Δ%=118.89%) when compared to the SSG (Δ%=60.32%; p=0.006) and the CG (Δ%=-0.91%; p=0.0001). These results indicate that the NMG worked with tension beyond the ordinary amplitude arches of articular movement, thus causing a restructuring of collagen.
Urinary Activities of Proximal Tubule Enzymes in Neonates Treated with Gentamicin
Authors: Davidović-Plavšić Biljana , Vujić Tatjana , Uletilović Snežana , Predojević-Samardžić Jelica , Malčić Dragana , Saničanin Živko 
Published: January 2010

Urinary Activities of Proximal Tubule Enzymes in Neonates Treated with GentamicinIn order to determine the nephrotoxicity of gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, activity of the enzymes dominantly localized in proximal tubules, i.e. alanine aminopeptidase (AAP), γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) and N-acetylβ-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) was examined. Determinations were performed in 12-h urine samples of 30 neonates i.v. receiving gentamicin against Gram negative infections in daily doses of 5.0 mg/kg body mass for 10 consecutive days. The activities of the same enzymes were measured in 12-h urine samples of 30 examinées of the control group. The groups consisted of neonates of both sexes. The pretreatment period lasted for 5 days. On day 8 of gentamicin application, statistically significant differences in the activity of AAP and GGT expressed in U/mmol creatinine between the gentamicin-receiving and control group (p<0.01) were found. No significant differences in NAG activity of the gentamicin-treated group in comparison with the control were recorded during the 10-day gentamicin therapy. It can be concluded that 10-day treatment of neonates with usually prescribed gentamicin doses results in mild nephrotoxic changes close to the end of the therapy accompanied by increased activity of both urinary AAP and GGT, known as very sensitive indicators of nephrotoxicity. During the same treatment period no changes in NAG activity were observed, meaning that the antibiotic causes no severe injuries to proximal tubule cells at the level of cellular organelles.
The Change of Ghrelin Levels in Intestinal Parasitic Infections
Authors: Erensoy Ahmet , Aydin Suleyman , Kelestimur Neslihan , Kirbag Sevda , Kuk Salih 
Published: January 2010

The Change of Ghrelin Levels in Intestinal Parasitic InfectionsThe aim of this work was to examine the relationship between active (acylated ghrelin) and inactive (desacylated ghrelin) ghrelin in the serum and other serum parameters in intestinal parasitic infections and healthy controls. Conventional microscopic methods (saline and iodine solutions, trichrome stain) were used to identify intestinal parasites in stool samples of 29 subjects attending Firat University Hospital. Serum parameters were assessed in a single measurement of serum from 29 parasite subjects, and in 18 healthy controls. Serum acylated ghrelin and desacylated ghrelin levels were measured using a commercial radioimmunoassay (RIA) kit. Paraoxonase and arylesterase were measured by using a spectrophotometer at 405 nm and 270 nm, respectively. Serum concentrations of acylated ghrelin and desacylated ghrelin were more markedly decreased in helminth bearing patients than the control group. Glucose, cholesterol and triglyceride levels were higher in intestinal parasitic infections than in controls. Furthermore, there were no correlations between ghrelin levels and BMI. These results indicate that low ghrelin and PON1/AE level may be important for appetite monitoring in intestinal parasitic infections.
Histopathology and cholinergic assessment of Pterocarya fraxinifolia on chicken embryo
Authors: Sadighara Parisa , Ashrafihelan Javad , Barin Abbas , Esfahani Tahreh 
Published: January 2010

Histopathology and cholinergic assessment ofPterocarya fraxinifoliaon chicken embryoThere are no reports of toxicological studies ofPterocarya fraxinifolia.The leaves are used for fishing, which also an anesthetic agent. Currently, many drugs utilized in anesthesia practice are modified cholinergic transmission and acetylcholine esterase inhibitors; these are parts of anaesthetic pharmacy. Therefore, cholinergic assessment was surveyed in chicken embryo, whichPterocarya fraxinifoliaextractes were injected in 0.1, 1 and 10 mg concentration at day 4 of incubation. Serum and brain cholinesterase were analyzed on day 20 of incubation. The signs were not due to the changes of cholinesterase activity. In histopathology examination, massive necrosis was observed in the spinal cord. Other tissues such as heart, kidneys, skeletal bones and muscles, trachea and lungs, digestive system and endocrine glands were completely developed. This data suggests that the spinal cord is a target organ of the bioactive component of this plant.
The Effect of Tranexamic Acid on Reducing Blood Loss in Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty Under Epidural Anesthesia
Authors: Kazemi Seyyed Morteza , Mosaffa Faramarz , Eajazi Alireza , Kaffashi Mohammad , Besheli Laleh Daftari , Bigdeli Mohammad Reza , Zanganeh Ramin Farhang 
Published: January 2010

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is associated with high intraoperative and postoperative blood loss. Antifibrinolytic drugs have been used to minimize the potential risks of bleeding and blood transfusion. Studies on the effect of tranexamic acid on decreasing blood loss in THA have revealed interesting results, but most have focused on cemented THA. Yet its benefits in THA, especially in cementless THA, have not been proved.We conducted a prospective double-blind randomized controlled study on 64 patients who were candidates for cementless THA under epidural anesthesia between 2006 and 2008. Patients were randomly assigned into study and control groups. Patients in both groups were well matched regarding preoperative characteristics. Five minutes preoperatively 32 patients of the study and control groups received 15 mg/kg tranexamic acid or normal saline intravenously respectively. Our findings showed a significantly smaller decrease in 6- and 24-hour postoperative hemoglobin levels, less intraoperative and postoperative bleeding, and less need for allogenic blood transfusion in the tranexamic acid group. Our results also revealed a higher mean of 6- and 24-hour hematocrit level and shorter hospital stay in the tranexamic acid group compared to the control group, which were not statistically meaningful. In our study no thromboembolic event was seen; except 1 patient in the control group. Our study showed that administering tranexamic acid before the start of cementless THA under epidural anesthesia can reduce intraoperative and postoperative bleeding as well as need for blood transfusion.