bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wet‐Milling Characteristics of 10 Lines from Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Project Compared with Five Corn Belt Lines
Authors: Taboada‐Gaytan Oswaldo , Pollak Linda M. , Johnson Lawrence A. , Fox Steven R. 
Published: March 2009

ABSTRACTThe use of corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids with high grain yield and starch extractability has steadily increased in the processing industry. In light of widespread corn seed industry participation in the Germplasm Enhancement of Maize Project (GEM), which seeks to enhance exotic germplasm, future hybrids may contain more exotic sources in genetic backgrounds. It is necessary to establish and monitor physical, compositional, and milling characteristics of the new exotic breeding materials to determine the processing value. The present study was conducted to determine the wet‐milling characteristics of a set of GEM lines compared with typical Corn Belt lines. Ten GEM lines introgressed with exotic materials from Argentina, Chile, Cuba, Florida, and Uruguay and previously identified as having different starch yields, three commercial inbred lines, and two public inbred lines (B73 and Mo17) were analyzed using both near‐infrared transmittance (NIT) and a 100‐g wet‐milling procedure. There were statistical differences (P < 0.05) in the yield of wet‐milled fractions (starch, fiber, gluten, and germ). The GEM lines AR16035:S19‐227‐1‐B and CUBA117:S1520‐562‐1‐B had similar or better starch yield and starch recovery than B73 and the other adapted inbred lines, indicating that they may be useful in improving the proportion of extractable starch present in kernels of hybrids. Residual protein levels in the starch and gluten fractions were 0.26–0.32% and 38–45%, respectively. The starch yield of GEM lines from wet milling correlated positively with starch content from NIT and was negatively correlated with protein content of the corn kernels. Oil content in the germ varied from 50 to 60%. Our results indicate that incorporating GEM lines in a breeding program can maintain or even improve wet‐milling characteristics of Corn Belt materials if lines with appropriate traits are used.
A genome scan for quantitative trait loci affecting three ear traits in a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian resource population
Authors: Ma J. , Qi W. , Ren D. , Duan Y. , Qiao R. , Guo Y. , Yang Z. , Li L. , Milan D. , Ren J. , Huang L. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryChinese Erhualian pigs have larger and floppier ears compared with White Duroc pigs (small, half‐ or fully‐pricked ears). To identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for ear weight and area as well as erectness, a genome‐wide scan with 194 microsatellites was performed in a White Duroc × Chinese Erhualian resource population (>1000 F2 animals). Twenty‐three genome‐wide significant QTL and 12 suggestive QTL were identified. All QTL for ear erectness and size detected in two previous studies, bar two on SSC6 and 9, were confirmed here. The 1% genome‐wide significant QTL at 70 cM on SSC5 and at 58 cM on SSC7 have profound and pleiotropic effects on the three ear traits, with Erhualian alleles increasing weight and area but decreasing erectness. Notably, the 95% confidence interval of the QTL for weight and area on SSC7 spanned only 3 cM. New QTL reaching 1% genome‐wide significance were found on SSC8 (at 37 cM) for all three ear traits, on SSC4 and 16 for weight and area, and on SSCX for area. Unexpectedly, Erhualian alleles at these loci were associated with lighter and smaller or erect ear. Some new suggestive QTL were also found on other chromosome regions. Almost all the QTL for weight and area had essentially additive effects, while the QTL for erectness on SSC2, 5 and 7 showed not only additive effects but also partial dominance effects of Erhualian alleles. The two most significant QTL on SSC7 and SSC5 could be promising targets for fine mapping and identification of the causative mutations.
Emerging combination treatment strategies containing novel agents in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma
Authors: Lonial Sagar , Cavenagh Jamie 
Published: March 2009

SummaryTreatment strategies for multiple myeloma have changed substantially over the past 10 years following the introduction of bortezomib and the immunomodulatory drugs thalidomide and lenalidomide. In the front‐line setting, combination regimens incorporating these novel agents are demonstrating substantial activity, which is translating into improved outcomes compared with previous standards of care. Response rates and depth of response that were previously only seen with high‐dose therapy plus stem‐cell transplantation (HDT–SCT) can now be achieved with new induction regimens utilizing these novel agents. This has raised the need for trials that will determine the clinical benefit of early SCT in patients that have already achieved a high quality of response. Here, we review the improvements in response and outcome that are seen with these novel‐agent regimens, both as induction therapy prior to HDT–SCT and in non‐transplant patients, and highlight the latest data from key studies of various novel combinations, including regimens featuring bortezomib plus thalidomide or lenalidomide. We also review data on response and outcomes in patients with poor prognostic characteristics that indicate that the adverse impact typically seen with these factors may be overcome using novel‐agent therapy.
Lymphoid tissue inducer cells: architects of CD4 immune responses in mice and men
Authors: Kim M-Y , Kim K-S , McConnell F , Lane P 
Published: March 2009

SummaryIn this review, we summarize the current understanding of the multiple functions of the mouse lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells in: (i) the development of organized lymphoid tissue, (ii) the generation and maintenance of CD4-dependent immunity in adult lymphoid tissues; and (iii) the regulation of central tolerance in thymus. By contrast with mouse LTi cells, which have been well described, the human equivalent is only just beginning to be characterized. Human LTi-like cells expressing interleukin (IL)-22 have been identified recently and found to differentiate into natural killer (NK) cells. The relationship of LTi cells to NK cells is discussed in the light of several studies reporting a close relationship in the mouse between LTi cells and transcription factor retinoid-related orphan receptor γt-dependent IL-22 producing NK cells in the gut. We also outline our data suggesting that these cells are present in adult human lymphoid tissues.
Decrease in expression of beta‐tubulin and microtubule abundance in flight muscles during diapause in adults of Culex pipiens
Authors: Kim M. , Denlinger D. L. 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe cDNA encoding beta‐tubulin in the mosquito Culex pipiens has high similarity with the beta‐tubulins reported in other insects. In this study, we examine expression of this gene and microtubule abundance in relation to diapause and low temperature. While non‐diapausing mosquitoes express beta‐tubulin highly in their thoracic muscles, expression is quite low during adult diapause. The abundance of microtubules was also much lower in flight muscles of diapausing adults than in flight muscles from non‐diapausing individuals, as confirmed by laser confocal microscopy of tubulins stained using indirect immunofluorescence. Low temperatures decreased microtubule abundance in midguts of non‐diapausing mosquitoes, but microtubule abundance in diapausing mosquitoes was already low and remained unchanged by low temperature exposure. Overall, pixel intensity averages were higher in the flight muscles than in the midguts, and again low temperatures decreased microtubule abundance in the flight muscles of non‐diapausing females, while levels remained consistently low in diapausing females. These results clearly indicate that a decrease in microtubule abundance is evoked both by the programming of diapause and, in non‐diapausing females, by exposure to low temperatures. Quite possibly the reduced microtubule abundance in the flight muscles and reduced expression of beta‐tubulin are functionally correlated to the reduction in flight activity that is associated with low temperature and diapause.
The lectin KM+ induces corneal epithelial wound healing in rabbits
Authors: Chahud Fernando , Ramalho Leandra N. Z. , Ramalho Fernando S. , Haddad Antonio , Roque‐Barreira Maria C. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryNeutrophil influx is essential for corneal regeneration (Gan et al. 1999). KM+, a lectin from Artocarpus integrifolia, induces neutrophil migration (Santos‐de‐Oliveira et al. 1994). This study aims at investigating a possible effect of KM+ on corneal regeneration in rabbits. A 6.0‐mm diameter area of debridement was created on the cornea of both eyes by mechanical scraping. The experimental eyes received drops of KM+ (2.5 μg/ml) every 2 h. The control eyes received buffer. The epithelial wounded areas of the lectin‐treated and untreated eyes were stained with fluorescein, photographed and measured. The animals were killed 12 h (group 1, n = 5), 24 h (group 2, n = 10) and 48 h (group 3, n = 5) after the scraping. The corneas were analysed histologically (haematoxylin and eosin and immunostaining for proliferation cell nuclear antigen, p63, vascular endothelial growth factor, c‐Met and laminin). No significant differences were found at the epithelial gap between treated and control eyes in the group 1. However, the number of neutrophils in the wounded area was significantly higher in treated eyes in this group. Three control and seven treated eyes were healed completely and only rare neutrophils persisted in the corneal stroma in group 2. No morphological distinction was observed between treated and control eyes in group 3. In treated corneas of group 2, there was an increase in immunostaining of factors involved in corneal healing compared to controls. Thus, topical application of KM+ may facilitate corneal epithelial wound healing in rabbits by means of a mechanism that involves increased influx of neutrophils into the wounded area induced by the lectin.
The serum D‐xylose test as a useful tool to identify malabsorption in rats with antigen specific gut inflammatory reaction
Authors: Antunes Danielle Mota Fontes , Da Costa Janilda Pacheco , Campos Sylvia Maria Nicolau , Paschoal Patrícia Olaya , Garrido Valéria , Siqueira Munique , Teixeira Gerlinde Agate Platais Brasil , Cardoso Gilberto Perez 
Published: March 2009

SummaryThe inappropriate immune response to foods, such as peanut, wheat and milk may be the basis in the pathogenesis of enteropathies like coeliac and Crohn disease, which present small intestinal malabsorption. A number of recent studies have utilized d‐xylose absorption as an investigative tool to study small intestinal function in a variety of clinical settings. Thus, the aim of this experimental study was to evaluate the intestinal absorption of d‐xylose in an antigen‐specific gut inflammatory reaction rat model. Animals of the experimental group were inoculated with peanut protein extract before their exposure to a challenge diet containing exclusively peanut seeds to induce the gut inflammatory reaction caused by peanut allergy. Our results show that systemic inoculation with peanut protein extract renders significantly higher antibody titres (5.085 ± 0.126 units) (P < 0.0001) than control rats (0.905 ± 0.053 units) and that the antibody titres correlate positively to an inflammatory alteration of the gut morphology (P < 0.0001). Animals pertaining to the experimental group showed an intestinal absorption of d‐xylose lower than control rats (P < 0.0001). We also observed that d‐xylose absorption correlates negatively with IgG titres and positively with morphometric parameters (Pearson correlation). In conclusion, the use of serum d‐xylose test was useful to identify the presence of small intestinal malabsorption in our antigen specific gut inflammatory reaction rat model.
Effects of individual quality, reproductive success and environmental variability on survival of a long‐lived seabird
Authors: Lescroël Amélie , Dugger Katie M. , Ballard Grant , Ainley David G. 
Published: March 2009

Summary

Heterogeneity in individual quality (i.e. individuals having different performance levels that are consistent throughout life) can drive the demography of iteroparous species, but quality in the context of environmental variability has rarely been evaluated.
We investigated the demographic responses of a long‐lived seabird, the Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae), to contrasting environmental conditions as a function of reproductive success, breeding quality (BQ) and experience. A continuous index of BQ (BQI) was developed to reflect an individual's ability, relative to others, to produce viable offspring.
First, we assessed the relative importance of costs of reproduction vs. heterogeneity in quality by comparing survival and reproductive probabilities among deferred, successful and unsuccessful breeders under ‘demanding’ conditions using multistate capture–mark–recapture modelling. Then, we quantified the influence of BQI on adult survival among experienced breeders vs. the whole study population under both ‘normal’ and ‘demanding’ conditions.
Higher survival rates were exhibited by successful (74–76%) compared to unsuccessful breeders (64%); the former also more frequently reproduced successfully at year t + 1.
From 1997 to 2006, adult survival ranged from 64–79%, with BQI accounting for 91% of variability in the entire study population, but only 17% in experienced breeders. The weakened relationship between BQI and survival in experienced breeders supports the theory that selection during the first reproductive event accounts for a more homogeneous pool of experienced breeders.
No significant effect of environmental covariates on survival was evident, suggesting that what appeared to be demanding conditions were within the range that could be buffered by this species.
For the first time in seabirds, a quadratic relationship between adult survival and BQI showed that adult survival is shaped by both heterogeneity in quality and reproductive costs. Our study confirms that population demographic patterns are affected by factors at the individuals’ level (e.g., individual quality) that are obscured at population‐scale levels.
Origin of the Gangdise (Transhimalaya) Permian arc in southern Tibet: Stratigraphic and volcanic geochemical constraints
Authors: Geng Quan‐Ru , Sun Zhi‐Ming , Pan Gui‐Tang , Zhu Di‐Cheng , Wang Li‐Quan 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe well‐studied Mesozoic and Cenozoic volcanic rocks of the Gangdise Terrane, southern Tibet, are widely interpreted to have resulted from subduction of the Neotethys; however, Late Paleozoic volcanic rocks and their tectonic setting remain poorly studied. Based on new geological data, we carried out stratigraphical and geochemical analyses of Permian volcano‐stratigraphic sequences within an east–west‐trending, fault‐bounded zone of uplift in the central Gangdise Terrane. Sedimentary rocks in this area consist of platform carbonates and terrigenous clastic rocks that represent widespread shallow‐marine sedimentary basins developed around northern Gondwana. A regression or tectonic uplift event is recorded in Permian sedimentary rocks that show the local development of fluvial environments. The sedimentary succession contains evidence of two volcanic stages: a period of basaltic extrusions and younger explosive felsic magmatism. The first volcanic stage is Early and Middle Permian in age. Tholeiitic basaltic lavas are exposed around Maizhokunggar (Tangjia) and Lhunzhub in central Gangdise. The Lower Permian basalts are relatively enriched in MgO (4.58–12.19%), whereas the Middle Permian basalts are characterized by high Al2O3 contents (11.75–21.22%). Rocks of both ages are enriched in large‐ion lithophile elements (LILE) and light rare earth elements (LREE), and show pronounced negative Nb and Ta anomalies. Total REE contents and light (LREE)/heavy (HREE) ratios increased from the Early to Middle Permian. Observed variations in initial Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopes (87Sr/86Sri = 0.7013–0.7066, 207Pb/204Pbi = 15.53–15.63, and 208Pb/204Pbi = 38.04–38.64 for a given 206Pb/204Pbi; εNd = +0.69 to −11.55) can be explained by crustal interaction with mantle sources, as is characteristic of metasomatism by slab‐derived fluids or assimilation and fractional crystallization (AFC) processes during magmatic evolution. The observed geochemical signatures, coupled with stratigraphic constraints, support the hypothesis that an initial arc formed during the Permian due to southward subduction of the Paleotethys, predating the well‐known Mesozoic arc preserved in the Gangdise Terrane.
Intravitreal triamcinolone for persistent cystoid macular oedema in eyes with quiescent uveitis
Authors: Maca Saskia M , Abela‐Formanek Claudette , Kiss Christopher G , Sacu Stefan G , Benesch Thomas , Barisani‐Asenbauer Talin 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  To determine the outcome following injections of triamcinolone acetate (IVTA) in the treatment of persistent cystoid macular oedema (CMO) in quiescent, non‐infectious uveitis.Methods:  Retrospective analysis of patients with inactive uveitis requiring/not requiring immunosuppressive therapy who received IVTA because of chronic CMO refractory to previous systemic steroids. Number of IVTA (re‐)treatments, distance visual acuity, near visual acuity, mean foveal thickness, intraocular pressure, duration of CMO, type of uveitis and systemic therapy were assessed previous to and 1, 4, 12 weeks following each IVTA treatment.Results:  Between March 2003 and May 2006, 24 eyes of 18 patients received between one and three IVTA injections. A resolution of chronic CMO was observed in 7/24 eyes (29.2%, 5 eyes after single injection of IVTA, 1 eye each after two and three injections of IVTA), a significant increase in distance visual acuity in 9/24 eyes (37.5%; 5 eyes with resolution of CMO, 4 eyes despite persistent CMO) and in near visual acuity in 13/24 eyes (54.6%; 6 eyes with resolution of CMO, 7 eyes despite persistent CMO).Conclusions:  IVTA might be considered as a treatment for patients with chronic CMO when persistent despite previous systemic steroid therapy. Even patients without sustained resolution of CMO after IVTA might benefit in terms of transiently increasing visual acuity, but progression of cataract and rise in intraocular pressure limit repeatability.
Comparison of the corneal endothelial protective effects of Healon‐D and Viscoat
Authors: Peck Carolee M Cutler , Joos Zachary P , Zaugg Brian E , Abdel‐Aziz Salwa , Stringham Jack D , Werner Liliana , Mamalis Nick , Olson Randall J 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The use of dispersive ophthalmic viscosurgical devices (OVDs) has been shown to provide significant protection against air bubble damage to the corneal endothelium when compared with cohesive OVDs. We compared the corneal endothelial protective effects of a new dispersive OVD, Healon‐D, with Viscoat.Methods:  Healon‐D and Viscoat were used in a randomized and masked fashion in the anterior chamber of 40 rabbit eyes during a procedure where ultrasound at 70% continuous energy was delivered for 2 min. Two millilitres of air bubbles were injected into the anterior chamber during the first minute of the procedure on each eye. Corneas were then stained with trypan blue and alizarin red and evaluated via light microscopy for endothelial injury. Both denuding of the endothelial layer, as well as damage to endothelial cells were quantified by using the Evaluation of Posterior Capsule Opacification digital imaging system.Results:  The denuded area for eyes treated with Healon‐D and Viscoat were not significantly different (medians of 0.004167and 0.003333, respectively, P = 0.8908). There was no significant difference in the area of endothelial cell damaged (medians of 0.02183 and 0.01433, respectively, P = 0.4565). When the denuded and damaged areas were calculated together, there was also no difference in the total injured area (medians of 0.05817 and 0.05821, respectively, P = 0.5740).Conclusion:  The new dispersive OVD Healon‐D is equally as effective as Viscoat in protecting the corneal endothelial layer from denuding and damage from air bubbles during anterior segment surgery.
Two different doses of caudal neostigmine co‐administered with levobupivacaine produces analgesia in children
Authors: KARAASLAN KAZIM , GULCU NEBAHAT , OZTURK HAYRETTIN , SARPKAYA ALI , COLAK CEMIL , KOCOGLU HASAN 
Published: March 2009

SummaryBackground: This study was aimed to evaluate the analgesic efficacy, duration of analgesia, and side effects of two different doses of caudal neostigmine used with levobupivacaine in children.Methods: Sixty boys, between 5 months and 5 years, undergoing genito‐urinary surgery were allocated randomly to one of three groups (n = 20 each). Group I patients received caudal 0.25% levobupivacaine (1 ml·kg−1) alone. Groups II and III patients received neostigmine (2 and 4 μg·kg−1respectively) together with levobupivacaine used in the same dose as Group I. Pain scores were assessed using Children’s and Infant’s Postoperative Pain Scale (CHIPPS) at 15th (t1) min after arrival to postanesthetic care unit, and 1st (t2), 2nd (t3), 3rd (t4), 4th (t5), 8th (t6), 16th (t7), and 24th (t8) hour postoperatively. Duration of analgesia, amount of additional analgesic (paracetamol), score of motor blockade and complications were recorded for 24 h postoperatively, and compared between groups.Results: CHIPPS scores were higher during t2, t3, t6, t7and t8periods, duration of analgesia was shorter, and total analgesic consumption was higher in Group I compare to neostigmine groups (P < 0.05). Duration of postoperative analgesia and total analgesic consumption were similar in Groups II and III (P > 0.05). Adverse effects were not different between three groups.Conclusions: Caudal neostigmine in doses of 2 and 4 μg·kg−1with levobupivacaine extends the duration of analgesia without increasing the incidence of adverse effects, and 2 μg·kg−1seems to be the optimal dose, as higher dose has no further advantages.