bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Variation and the Effectiveness of Early‐Generation Selection for Soft Winter Wheat Quality and Gluten Strength
Authors: Knott Carrie A. , Van Sanford David A. , Souza Edward J. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTSelection for milling and baking quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) head‐rows could increase the efficiency of most soft winter wheat (SWW) breeding programs. We evaluated whole grain‐wheat meal (WM) assays for their ability to select lines with acceptable SWW quality and high gluten strength in early‐generations and estimated heritability of SWW quality and gluten strength. One hundred fourteen lines from a cross of strong and weak gluten parents was assessed over three location‐years. Flour quality and gluten strength were measured using flour and WM measures. Correlations between WM assays on head‐rows and flour‐based assays conducted on replicated trials from two locations were significant (P < 0.05). Wheat meal sedimentation volume (WM‐SED) was correlated with flour lactic acid solvent retention capacity (SRC; r = 0.37). Wheat meal sodium carbonate SRC (WM‐SRC) was correlated with flour sucrose (r = 0.37), flour sodium carbonate (r = 0.46) and flour water (r = 0.47) SRC and negatively correlated with wire‐cut cookie diameter (r = −0.33) and flour yield (r = −0.40). Soft winter wheat quality and gluten strength improved when selections were based on WM‐SRC and WM‐SED, respectively. Early‐generation selection for SWW quality and gluten strength using WM tests should increase the frequency of SWW selections with desirable quality characteristics in replicated yield trials.
Characterization, Genetic Variation, and Combining Ability of Maize Traits Relevant to the Production of Cellulosic Ethanol
Authors: Lorenz A. J. , Coors J. G. , de Leon N. , Wolfrum E. J. , Hames B. R. , Sluiter A. D. , Weimer P. J. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTMaize (Zea mays L.) stover has been identified as an important feedstock for the production of cellulosic ethanol. Our objectives were to measure hybrid effect and combining ability patterns of traits related to cellulosic ethanol production, determine if germplasm and mutations used for silage production would also be beneficial for feedstock production, and examine relationships between traits that are relevant to selective breeding. We evaluated grain hybrids, germplasm bred for silage production, brown‐midrib hybrids, and a leafy hybrid. Yield and composition traits were measured in four environments. There was a 53% difference in stover yield between commercial grain hybrids that were equivalent for other production‐related traits. Silage germplasm may be useful for increasing stover yield and reducing lignin concentration. We found much more variation among hybrids than either in vitro ruminal fermentability or polysaccharide concentration. Correlations between traits were mostly favorable or nonexistent. Our results suggest that utilizing standing genetic variation of maize in breeding programs could substantially increase the amount of biofuels produced from stover per unit area of land.
Genetic Basis of the Low‐Phytate Trait in the Soybean Line CX1834
Authors: Maroof M.A. Saghai , Glover Natasha M. , Biyashev Ruslan M. , Buss Glenn R. , Grabau Elizabeth A. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTThe low‐phytate (LP) trait in plant seeds offers important nutritional and environmental benefits for food and feed uses. Mutants with reduced phytate content are commonly produced by chemical mutagenesis, as is the case for soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] line CX1834. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for LP in CX1834 have previously been reported, however the genetic basis for this trait has not been identified. In this study, we examined several possible chromosomal map locations for the LP mutation in CX1834. After eliminating the myo‐inositol phosphate synthase (MIPS) gene family as the location of the LP mutations based on mapping studies, we focused on candidate genes in regions of known low‐phytate QTL on linkage groups (LGs) L and N. Using the soybean whole‐genome sequence, we identified genes encoding two putative multidrug resistance‐associated proteins (MRPs). The sequence of a segment of the CX1834 MRP gene on LG N was compared with sequences from 16 other soybean lines with normal phytate content. A single nucleotide mutation from A to T, resulting in substitution of a stop codon for an Arg residue, was detected in the MRP gene on LG N of the low phytate line, but not in the normal counterparts. Further comparative sequence analysis of normal and LP progeny from a cross of CX1834 with V99‐3337 (normal phytate) also indicated the A to T substitution in LP individuals, suggesting a mutation in an MRP gene as the possible cause of the low‐phytate phenotype.
Identification of Candidate Gene Mutation Associated With Low Stachyose Phenotype in Soybean Line PI200508
Authors: Skoneczka J. A. , Maroof M. A. Saghai , Shang C. , Buss G. R. 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTTo investigate the genetic factors underlying a major quantitative trait locus (QTL) contributing to low seed stachyose content in two separate populations derived from soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] line PI200508, the recently released ‘Williams 82’ whole genome shotgun (WGS) sequence was exploited for candidate gene discovery. The physical interval containing a low stachyose QTL from PI200508 was identified in the WGS, and screened for areas that could be exploited for linkage mapping purposes. Microsatellite sequences designed in these areas were used to develop new markers, creating tighter linkage with the QTL. Examination of the Williams 82 sequence in this interval and the corresponding glyma0.1b gene model, available through the Phytozome website (http://www.phytozome.org), revealed one candidate gene with significant homology to previously characterized galactosyltransferase genes from Arabidopsis, pea, and cucumber. Sequencing of the annotated coding region for this gene revealed a single unique sequence polymorphism between PI200508, and lines exhibiting wild‐type expression of stachyose content. The mutant phenotype appears to have arisen from a 3 bp deletion, and is easily distinguished from the wild‐type allele via a marker presented in this study. This mutation‐specific marker explained 88 to 94% of the phenotypic variation for seed stachyose content, and 76% for seed sucrose content, traits that exhibited a strong negative correlation in this study (p < 0.01).
Genomic Selection for Crop Improvement
Authors: Heffner Elliot L. , Sorrells Mark E. , Jannink Jean‐Luc 
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACTDespite important strides in marker technologies, the use of marker‐assisted selection has stagnated for the improvement of quantitative traits. Biparental mating designs for the detection of loci affecting these traits (quantitative trait loci [QTL]) impede their application, and the statistical methods used are ill‐suited to the traits' polygenic nature. Genomic selection (GS) has been proposed to address these deficiencies. Genomic selection predicts the breeding values of lines in a population by analyzing their phenotypes and high‐density marker scores. A key to the success of GS is that it incorporates all marker information in the prediction model, thereby avoiding biased marker effect estimates and capturing more of the variation due to small‐effect QTL. In simulations, the correlation between true breeding value and the genomic estimated breeding value has reached levels of 0.85 even for polygenic low heritability traits. This level of accuracy is sufficient to consider selecting for agronomic performance using marker information alone. Such selection would substantially accelerate the breeding cycle, enhancing gains per unit time. It would dramatically change the role of phenotyping, which would then serve to update prediction models and no longer to select lines. While research to date shows the exceptional promise of GS, work remains to be done to validate it empirically and to incorporate it into breeding schemes.
B cell depletion with rituximab in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis
Authors: Lafyatis Robert , Kissin Eugene , York Michael , Farina Giuseppina , Viger Kerry , Fritzler Marvin J. , Merkel Peter A. , Simms Robert W. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the safety of rituximab, to provide preliminary data regarding the potential efficacy of rituximab, and to investigate the effects of rituximab on autoimmunity and fibrosis in patients with diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis (dcSSc).MethodsFifteen patients with dcSSc, all of whom experienced their first non–Raynaud's disease–associated disease manifestation within 18 months of trial entry, were recruited to receive 2 intravenous doses of rituximab (1,000 mg), administered 2 weeks apart. Safety, clinical, and exploratory outcomes were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in the modified Rodnan skin thickness score (MRSS) at 6 months compared with baseline.ResultsAdverse events included frequent infusion reactions and rare infections (urinary tract infection and dental abscess occurred in 1 patient each). The mean change in the MRSS between baseline and 6 months was not significant. Results of pulmonary function tests and other measures of major organ involvement were stable. The modest B cell infiltrates that were present in most skin biopsy specimens at baseline were completely depleted at 6 months in most patients. Autoantibody titers showed only modest and variable changes after treatment.ConclusionIn this pilot study, treatment with rituximab appeared to be safe and well tolerated among patients with dcSSc. Rituximab treatment resulted in both depletion of circulating B cells and depletion of dermal B cells but had little effect on the levels of SSc‐associated autoantibodies. Rituximab treatment did not appear to result in a significant beneficial effect on skin disease. The potential efficacy of rituximab in other organs such as the lung could not be clearly evaluated in this small open‐label trial.
Multi‐round virus filter integrity test sensitivity
Authors: Dowd Christopher J. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractVirus filtration is becoming increasingly prominent in biopharmaceutical recovery processes as a robust method to remove a broad range of virus types. Increasing batch sizes will require large numbers of individual virus filter elements operating in parallel. Before adopting a more complex strategy for managing the integrity testing of large assemblies of virus filters, it is important to understand the sensitivity of the forward flow diffusion test for a single filter and for multiple filters in a single housing. An approach has been developed to estimate the largest hole that could consistently go undetected in a single filter within a larger assembly of virus filters. The integrity test limited minimum log reduction value (LRV) is determined based on the size of the hole as a function of the number of filters in the housing. This minimum LRV is shown to be largely insensitive to the number of filters within the housing. The likelihood of such damage occurring is expected to be very low. This analysis suggests there is minimal benefit to placing filters in individual housings or to adjusting the test specification to compensate for larger numbers of filters in a given housing. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;103: 574–581. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Case Studies of Sizing Pressure Relief Valves for Two‐Phase Flow
Authors: Schmidt J. , Egan S. 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe most widely accepted methods of sizing safety valves for two‐phase‐flow, namely the homogeneous equilibrium model of Leung, the HNE‐DS model proposed in ISO 4126‐10, and the latest version of the API 520 two‐point ω‐model were compared to each other. The thermodynamic and mechanical nonequilibrium effect included in the ISO (HNE‐DS) model dominates the more rigorous property data calculation (API) at low and moderate reduced pressures, whereas the critical flow rates become closer when approaching the thermodynamic critical point. In addition, the predictive accuracy of the ISO (HNE‐DS) model was analyzed by means of roughly 3000 experimental data points from the literature. This data includes flashing steam/water, non‐flashing air/water, and initially subcooled water flowing through safety valves from several manufacturers. The calculated flow rates are in good agreement with the measurements.
Discoidin domain receptor 2 mediates the collagen II‐dependent release of interleukin‐6 in primary human chondrocytes
Authors: Klatt Andreas R , Zech Dagmar , Kühn Gertrud , Paul‐Klausch Brigitte , Klinger Gabriele , Renno Joerg H , Schmidt Joachim , Malchau Gebhart , Wielckens Klaus 
Published: January 2009

AbstractWe deciphered constituent parts of a signal transduction cascade that is initiated by collagen II and results in the release of various pro‐inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), in primary human chondrocytes. This cascade represents a feed‐forward mechanism whereby cartilage matrix degradation is exacerbated by the mutually inducing effect of released collagen II fragments and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. We previously proposed discoidin domain receptor 2 as a central mediator in this event. Since this cascade plays a prominent role in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis, our study further investigates the hypothesis that discoidin domain receptor 2 is a candidate receptor for collagen II, and that transcription factor NFκB, lipid kinase PI3K, and the MAP kinases are constituent parts of this very signal transduction cascade. To accomplish this, we selectively knocked down the molecules of interest in primary human chondrocytes, induced the specified cascade by incubating primary human chondrocytes with collagen II, and observed the outcome, specifically the changes in interleukin‐6 release. Knockdown was performed by siRNA‐mediated gene silencing in the case of discoidin domain receptor 2 (DDR2) or by using specific inhibitors for the remainder of the molecules. Results indicated that discoidin domain receptor 2 mediates the collagen II‐dependent release of interleukin‐6 in primary human chondrocytes and that MAP kinases p38, JNK and ERK, as well as transcription factor NFκB, are integral components of intracellular collagen II signalling. Given the detrimental role of these molecules in osteoarthritis, our findings provide new targets for more specific therapeutics, which may have fewer side effects than those currently applied. Copyright © 2009 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporary and disadvantaged? The economic and spatial assimilation of New Zealand Maori in Sydney
Authors: Forrest James , Poulsen Michael , Johnston Ron 
Published: January 2009

AbstractMuch of the work on the spatial assimilation and, more recently, segmented (uneven) assimilation of ethnic group immigrants looks at ‘permanent’ settlement. Less attention has been paid to the settlement outcomes of unrestricted migration flows among linked national labour markets involving circulatory migration. Focusing on the occupational characteristics and settlement patterns of New Zealand Maori in Sydney, in a context where the labour markets of New Zealand and Australia are largely integrated, this study analyses the special characteristics of resultant intergenerational occupational characteristics and settlement patterns. Results are consistent with other studies portraying most New Zealand Maori as part of a return migration stream in the Australian context, with the majority only temporarily resident in Sydney. Maori in Sydney do not form major ethnic residential enclaves as they do in New Zealand cities, but rather the majority live in areas where the ‘host’ society is dominant but with a minority ethnic component. Thus most are not clustered in local enclaves, but socioeconomic disadvantage is a characteristic of those who are. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crosslinking Metal Nanoparticles into the Polymer Backbone of Hydrogels Enables Preparation of Soft, Magnetic Field‐Driven Actuators with Muscle‐Like Flexibility
Authors: Fuhrer Roland , Athanassiou Evagelos Kimon , Luechinger Norman Albert , Stark Wendelin Jan 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe combination of force and flexibility is at the core of biomechanics and enables virtually all body movements in living organisms. In sharp contrast, presently used machines are based on rigid, linear (cylinders) or circular (rotator in an electrical engine) geometries. As a potential bioinspired alternative, magnetic elastomers can be realized through dispersion of micro‐ or nanoparticles in polymer matrices and have attracted significant interest as soft actuators in artificial organs, implants, and devices for controlled drug delivery. At present, magnetic particle loss and limited actuator strength have restricted the use of such materials to niche applications. We describe the direct incorporation of metal nanoparticles into the backbone of a hydrogel and application as an ultra‐flexible, yet strong magnetic actuator. Covalent bonding of the particles prevents metal loss or leaching. Since metals have a far higher saturation magnetization and higher density than oxides, the resulting increased force/volume ratio afforded significantly stronger magnetic actuators with high mechanical stability, elasticity, and shape memory effect.
Effects of benfluorex–vitamin C supplementation on cutaneous capillaries of diabetic rats
Authors: Sarı Kılıçaslan Seda Mehtap , Özer Çiğdem 
Published: January 2009

AbstractThe ultrastructural changes on capillaries of the dermis in diabetic and benfluorex–vitamin C treated diabetic rats have been investigated. Three groups of 21 Wistar albino rats were used in the examination: control, diabetes, and benfluorex–vitamin C treated diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by injection of streptozotocin. The streptozotocin‐induced group was treated for 21 days with vitamin C and benfluorex, of which antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic effects were experimentally proved. Samples taken from the skin of rats' legs were examined under transmission electron microscopy. Swollen endothelial cells, narrowed capillary lumens, a thickened basement membrane, and fusion of mitochondrial cristae in the capillaries of diabetic rat dermis were seen. In the benfluorex–vitamin C treated group, contrary to the diabetic group, neither signs of degeneration in endothelial cells nor a significant difference with the control group with regard to capillary structure were observed. Amelioration in capillaries appears to be due to benfluorex and vitamin C treatment in diabetes.
Molecular and Functional Characterization of PEBP Genes in Barley Reveal the Diversification of Their Roles in Flowering
Authors: Kikuchi Rie , Kawahigashi Hiroyuki , Ando Tsuyu , Tonooka Takuji , Handa Hirokazu 
Published: January 2009

AbstractFive barley (Hordeum vulgare) PEBP (for phosphatidylethanolamine-binding protein) genes were analyzed to clarify their functional roles in flowering using transgenic, expression, and quantitative trait locus analyses. Introduction of HvTFL1 and HvMFT1 into rice (Oryza sativa) plants did not result in any changes in flowering, suggesting that these two genes have functions distinct from flowering. Overexpression of HvFT1, HvFT2, and HvFT3 in rice resulted in early heading, indicating that these FT-like genes can act as promoters of the floral transition. HvFT1 transgenic plants showed the most robust flowering initiation. In barley, HvFT1 was expressed at the time of shoot meristem phase transition. These results suggest that HvFT1 is the key gene responsible for flowering in the barley FT-like gene family. HvFT2 transgenic plants also showed robust flowering initiation, but HvFT2 was expressed only under short-day (SD) conditions during the phase transition, suggesting that its role is limited to specific photoperiodic conditions in barley. Flowering activity in HvFT3 transgenic rice was not as strong and was modulated by the photoperiod. These results suggest that HvFT3 functions in flowering promotion but that its effect is indirect. HvFT3 expression was observed in Morex, a barley cultivar carrying a dominant allele of Ppd-H2, a major quantitative trait locus for flowering under SD conditions, although no expression was detected in Steptoe, a cultivar carrying ppd-H2. HvFT3 was expressed in Morex under both long-day and SD conditions, although its expression was increased under SD conditions. HvFT3 was mapped to chromosome 1HL, the same chromosome that carries Ppd-H2. Genomic sequence analyses revealed that Morex possesses an intact HvFT3 gene, whereas most of this gene has been lost in Steptoe. These data strongly suggest that HvFT3 may be identical to Ppd-H2.
Positive Fluorescent Selection Permits Precise, Rapid, and In-Depth Overexpression Analysis in Plant Protoplasts
Authors: Bargmann Bastiaan O.R. , Birnbaum Kenneth D. 
Published: January 2009

Abstract
Transient genetic modification of plant protoplasts is a straightforward and rapid technique for the study of numerous aspects of plant biology. Recent studies in metazoan systems have utilized cell-based assays to interrogate signal transduction pathways using high-throughput methods. Plant biologists could benefit from new tools that expand the use of cell culture for large-scale analysis of gene function. We have developed a system that employs fluorescent positive selection in combination with flow cytometric analysis and fluorescence-activated cell sorting to isolate responses in the transformed protoplasts exclusively. The system overcomes the drawback that transfected protoplast suspensions are often a heterogeneous mix of cells that have and have not been successfully transformed. This Gateway-compatible system enables high-throughput screening of genetic circuitry using overexpression. The incorporation of a red fluorescent protein selection marker enables combined utilization with widely available green fluorescent protein (GFP) tools. For instance, such a dual labeling approach allows cytometric analysis of GFP reporter gene activation expressly in the transformed cells or fluorescence-activated cell sorting-mediated isolation and downstream examination of overexpression effects in a specific GFP-marked cell population. Here, as an example, novel uses of this system are applied to the study of auxin signaling, exploiting the red fluorescent protein/GFP dual labeling capability. In response to manipulation of the auxin response network through overexpression of dominant negative auxin signaling components, we quantify effects on auxin-responsive DR5∷GFP reporter gene activation as well as profile genome-wide transcriptional changes specifically in cells expressing a root epidermal marker.