bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mapping major genes and quantitative trait loci controlling agronomic traits in almond
Authors: Sánchez‐Pérez R. , Howad W. , Dicenta F. , Arús P. , Martínez‐Gómez P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractSix tree traits (self‐compatibility, blooming date, blooming density, productivity, leafing date and ripening time) and five pomological traits (kernel taste, in‐shell weight, shell hardness, kernel weight and double kernel) were studied in an F1 almond progeny of 167 seedlings from the cross between the French cultivar ‘R1000’ and the Spanish cultivar ‘Desmayo Largueta’. In addition, a set of 135 codominant microsatellites or simple‐sequence repeat (SSR) markers developed from peach, cherry and almond were used for the molecular characterization of the progeny. A genetic linkage map was constructed with 56 of these SSRs. Cosegregation analysis allowed the identification of the map positions of two major genes to be confirmed for kernel taste (Sk) in linkage group five (G5) and for self‐incompatibility (S) in G6. QTLs mapped include two for leafing date (Lf‐Q1 and Lf‐Q2) in G1 and G4, one for shell hardness (D‐Q) in G2, one each for double kernel (Dk‐Q) and productivity (P‐Q) in G4, one for blooming date (Lb‐Q) in G4, two for kernel weight (Kw‐Q1 and Kw‐Q2) in G1 and G4, and two for in‐shell weight (Shw‐Q1 and Shw‐Q2) in G1 and G2. Four SSR loci (BPPCT011, UDP96‐013, UDP96‐003 and PceGA025) were linked to the important agronomic traits of leafing date, shell hardness, blooming date and kernel taste. Finally, the development of efficient marker‐assisted selection strategies applied to almond and other Prunus breeding programmes was also discussed.
Genetic variation for sinapate ester content in winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) and development of NIRS calibration equations
Authors: Zum Felde T. , Baumert A. , Strack D. , Becker H. C. , Möllers C. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractIncreasing the meal and protein quality of winter rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) for food and feed purposes is gaining importance in rapeseed breeding programmes. Rapeseed meal has a high content of phenolic acid esters, mainly sinapate esters, which have been shown to cause a dark colour and a bitter taste in rapeseed meal and derived protein products. The aim of the present study was to analyse the genetic variation for individual and total sinapate ester content, to develop Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopic (NIRS) calibrations, and to identify genotypes with a low sinapate ester content after testing in the field. The following sinapate esters were analysed by HPLC: sinapoylcholine (sinapine), sinapoylglucose, and a minor group of ‘other sinapate esters’ which includes free sinapate. A genotypically diverse set of seed samples of winter oilseed rape (old and new cultivars, breeding lines, resynthesized rapeseed) from different years and locations was collected, their NIRS spectra recorded and the samples were further analysed by HPLC. The complete NIRS calibration seed sample set (n = 575) showed a large variation in total sinapate ester content, ranging from 3.2 to 12.7 mg sinapate equivalents per g seeds. The NIRS calibration equations showed high fractions of explained variances in cross validation () ranging from 0.75 (other sinapate esters) to 0.85 (sinapoylglucose). The standard errors of cross validation (SECV) ranged from 0.38 (other sinapate esters) to 0.70 mg/g seed (total sinapate esters). In validation and in independent validations the predicted results were not always acceptable, indicating that the NIRS calibrations need to be extended by analysing samples from new populations. Following replicated field experiments, a doubled haploid line obtained from the old Dutch cultivar Mansholts’ Hamburger Raps, and related DH lines from the cross DH Mansholts’ × Express were confirmed to have a 30–40% lower sinapate ester content compared to check cultivars.
Development of early‐flowering Kabuli chickpea with compound and simple leaves
Authors: Bonfil D. J. , Goren O. , Mufradi I. , Lichtenzveig J. , Abbo S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractTerminal drought is a major constraint to chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) production. Autumn sowing and early flowering have been suggested as ways to benefit from the winter rains in short rainy seasons under dryland cropping. High‐yielding, late‐flowering, simple‐leafed (slv/slv) chickpea cultivars with good field resistance to Ascochyta blight have been bred recently. Changing plant architecture, by altering leaf shape, may affect agronomic performance. As no information is available on the effect of leaf shape on phenology and seed yield, this study was aimed at: (i) introducing the simple leaf trait into an early‐flowering chickpea background; (ii) comparing the grain yield of the two leaf types in early vs. late flowering backgrounds and (iii) producing breeding lines combining early flowering, large seeds and Ascochyta tolerance with both leaf types. Hybrid progeny were studied from the cross of ‘Sanford’ (slv/slv) and ICC7344, (compound, SLV/SLV). Four early‐podding, F8 breeding lines were selected with either simple or compound leaves. In three different field experiments under dryland conditions (334–379 mm), they yielded ca. 1.4 t/ha as compared with 1.0 t/ha in the standard Israeli ‘Yarden’ on one site, but no significant differences in yield were obtained in the other two experiments.
Heterogeneity in Hip Fracture Patients: Age, Functional Status, and Comorbidity
Authors: Penrod Joan D. , Litke Ann , Hawkes William G. , Magaziner Jay , Koval Kenneth J. , Doucette John T. , Silberzweig Stacey B. , Siu Albert L. 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVES: To examine unidentified heterogeneity in hip fracture patients that may predict variation in functional outcomes.DESIGN: Observational, longitudinal, multisite cohort study.SETTING: Three separate cohorts from five hospitals in the metropolitan New York area and eight hospitals in Baltimore.PARTICIPANTS: Two thousand six hundred ninety‐two hip fracture patients treated at one of 13 hospitals and followed for 6 months postfracture.MEASUREMENTS: A mobility measure with three categories (independent (walks independently or with a device), limited independence (needs human assistance or supervision to walk 150 feet or one block or able only to walk indoors), and unable to walk) was developed for use with all three cohorts. A similar measure was developed for the other activities of daily living (ADLs): bathing, dressing, feeding, and using the toilet. Cluster analysis was used to form homogenous groups of patients based on baseline demographic characteristics, comorbid conditions, and baseline mobility and ADL independence.RESULTS: Seven homogeneous subgroups were identified based on prefracture age, health, and functional status, with measurably different 6‐month functional outcomes. At least 90% of patients could be correctly classified into the seven groups using simple decision rules about age, ADLs, and dementia status at baseline. Dementia was the only comorbid condition that segmented the groups.CONCLUSION: The heterogeneous hip fracture population can be grouped into homogenous patient clusters based on prefracture characteristics. Differentially targeting services and interventions to these subgroups may improve functional status outcomes.
Decisions to Forgo Hospitalization in Advanced Dementia: A Nationwide Study
Authors: Mitchell Susan L. , Teno Joan M. , Intrator Orna , Feng Zhanlian , Mor Vincent 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVES: To examine the prevalence and factors associated with decisions to forgo hospitalization in nursing home (NH) residents with advanced dementia.DESIGN: Cross‐sectional study.SETTING: All Medicare‐ and Medicaid‐certified NHs within the 48 contiguous U.S. states.PARTICIPANTS: NH residents with advanced dementia were identified using Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments completed close to April 1, 2000 (N=91,521).MEASUREMENTS: Multilevel, multivariate logistic regression identified factors independently associated with having a do‐not‐hospitalize (DNH) directive. Independent variables included subject characteristics (MDS), facility factors (On‐line Survey of Certification of Automated Records), and hospital referral region (HRR) features (Dartmouth Atlas).RESULTS: Nationwide, 7.1% (n=6,518) residents with advanced dementia had DNH orders (range 0.7% in Oklahoma to 25.9% in Rhode Island). Resident characteristics associated with having a DNH order were older age, white, living will, durable power of attorney for health care, and total functional dependence. Controlling for these factors, DNH orders were more likely in residents of facilities with the following features: not part of a chain, urban location, special care dementia unit, fewer black residents, nurse practitioner or physician assistant on staff, higher staffing ratios, and location in HRRs with fewer intensive care unit admissions during terminal hospitalizations.CONCLUSION: Directives to forgo hospitalization for U.S. NH residents with advanced dementia are uncommon and are associated with the organizational features of the facilities caring for them and the intensity of end‐of‐life care practiced in the region, as well as individual resident characteristics.
Knee Extension Strength Cutpoints for Maintaining Mobility
Authors: Manini Todd M. , Visser Marjolein , Won‐Park Seok , Patel Kushang V. , Strotmeyer Elsa S. , Chen Hepei , Goodpaster Bret , De Rekeneire Nathalie , Newman Anne B. , Simonsick Eleanor M. , Kritchevsky Stephen B. , Ryder Kathy , Schwartz Ann V. , Harris Tamara B. 
Published: February 2007

OBJECTIVES:To identify levels of knee extensor strength that are associated with high and low risk of incident severe mobility limitation (SML) in initially well‐functioning older adults.DESIGN:Prospective cohort study.SETTING:University clinic center.PARTICIPANTS:One thousand three hundred fifty‐five men and 1,429 women (aged 73.6±2.85) who reported no mobility limitation.MEASUREMENTS:Unilateral knee extensor isokinetic strength of participants was obtained. Participants were followed over a median of 5.90 years for the onset of SML, defined as two consecutive reports of a lot of difficulty or inability to walk one‐quarter of a mile or climb 10 steps. Deciles of knee extension strength relative to body weight were evaluated to identify cutpoints most predictive of incident SML. Cutpoints were then compared with prevalence of having slow gait speed (<1.22 m/s) and mortality.RESULTS:Two sex‐specific knee extension strength cutpoints were found. High and low risk of SML corresponded to less than 1.13 newton‐meters (Nm)/kg (1st decile) and more than 1.71 Nm/kg (6th decile) in men and less than 1.01 Nm/kg (3rd decile) and more than 1.34 Nm/kg (7th decile) in women, respectively. Moderate risk was defined as being between the low‐ and high‐risk cutpoints. Individuals with knee extension strength in the high‐ and moderate‐risk categories were more likely to have a gait speed less than 1.22 m/s (hazard ratio (HR)=7.00, 95% confidence interval (CI)=5.47–8.96 and HR=2.14 7.00, 95% CI=1.73–2.64, respectively) and had a higher risk of death (HR=1.77, 95% CI=1.41–2.23 and HR=1.51, 95% CI=1.24–1.84, respectively) than individuals in the low‐risk category. Adjustment for demographic factors, health behaviors, and medical conditions did not alter these associations.CONCLUSION:Knee extensor strength cutpoints provide objective markers to identify initially well‐functioning older adults at high and low risk of future mobility limitation.
The Dc(G48)es haplotype is frequent among the Dce haplotypes within a white population
Authors: Cotorruelo Carlos M. , Munini Gabriel M. , García Borrás Silvia E. , Racca Liliana L. , Biondi Claudia S. , Racca Amelia L. 
Published: February 2007

BACKGROUND: The absence of hybrid Rhesus boxes denotes an RHD homozygous status and helps to detect the presence of Dce haplotypes instead of dce. RHCE exon 1 C48, characteristic of RHC alleles, and RHCE exon 5 G733, responsible for VS antigenicity, have been noted in many RHce alleles but it was not clearly established whether they occurred in the same allele and/or cosegregate together with RHD.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Samples from 148 white trios (father, mother, and child) were studied. Rh phenotype was performed by hemagglutination. Hybrid Rhesus box, RHCE exon 1 G48C, RHCE exon 5 C733G, and RHC intron 2 polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction. Haplotypes were determined considering serologic, molecular, and segregation data.RESULTS: RHCE exon 1 C48 and RHCE exon 5 G733 were present in RHce alleles that cosegregated with RHD forming Dce haplotypes. Both transversions were not frequently found in the same RHce allele. Of the 33 Dce haplotypes, 16 (48.5%) had a C at position 48 [Dc(C48)e], 11 (33.3%) had a G at position 48 with a G at position 733 [Dc(G48)es], 5 (15.2%) had a G at position 48 [Dc(G48)e], and 1 (3.0%) had a C at position 48 with a G at position 733 [Dc(C48)es].CONCLUSIONS: The results show four molecular backgrounds for the Dce haplotype and reflect the contribution of African alleles to the genetic pool of the population under study. The molecular characterization of Dce and its frequency distribution may develop a better understanding of the phylogeny of Rh haplotypes.
Sex Hormone and Gender Difference—Role of Testosterone on Male Predominance in Brugada Syndrome
Authors: SHIMIZU WATARU , MATSUO KIYOTAKA , KOKUBO YOSHIHIRO , SATOMI KAZUHIRO , KURITA TAKASHI , NODA TAKASHI , NAGAYA NORITOSHI , SUYAMA KAZUHIRO , AIHARA NAOHIKO , KAMAKURA SHIRO , INAMOTO NOZOMU , AKAHOSHI MASAZUMI , TOMOIKE HITONOBU 
Published: February 2007

Introduction: The clinical phenotype is 8 to 10 times more prevalent in males than in females in patients with Brugada syndrome. Brugada syndrome has been reported to be thinner than asymptomatic normal controls. We tested the hypothesis that higher testosterone level associated with lower visceral fat may relate to Brugada phenotype and male predominance. Methods and Results: We measured body‐mass index (BMI), body fat percentage (BF%), and several hormonal levels, including testosterone, in 48 Brugada males and compared with those in 96 age‐matched control males. Brugada males had significantly higher testosterone (631 ± 176 vs 537 ± 158 ng/dL; P = 0.002), serum sodium, potassium, and chloride levels than those in control males by univariate analysis, and even after adjusting for age, exercise, stress, smoking, and medication of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia, whereas there were no significant differences in other sex and thyroid hormonal levels. Brugada males had significantly lower BMI (22.1 ± 2.9 vs 24.6 ± 2.6 kg/m2; P < 0.001) and BF% (19.6 ± 4.9 vs 23.1 ± 4.7%; P < 0.001) than control males. Testosterone level was inversely correlated with BMI and BF% in both groups, even after adjusting for the confounding variables. Conditional logistic regression models analysis showed significant positive and inverse association between Brugada syndrome and hypertestosteronemia (OR:3.11, 95%CI:1.22–7.93, P = 0.017) and BMI (OR:0.72, 95%CI:0.61–0.85, P < 0.001), respectively. Conclusions: Higher testosterone level associated with lower visceral fat may have a significant role in the Brugada phenotype and male predominance in Brugada syndrome.
MATRIX-INDUCED AUTOLOGOUS CHONDROCYTE IMPLANTATION FOR TREATMENT OF CHONDRAL DEFECTS OF KNEE: A PRELIMINARY REPORT
Authors: Zhang Zhongwen , Ye Qibin , Yang Zaocheng , Yin Minxia , Bai Jianpeng , Hou Shike , Gao Chunhua , Kuang Zhengda , Pang Xiaodong , Li He , Zheng Minghao , Wood David 
Published: February 2007

Objective: To present clinical experience on matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation (MACI), we hereby reported treatment with MACI for 3 patients suffering from chondral lesion of the knee, each of them has been followed for a minimum of 10 months. Methods: Ages of 3 patients were 25, 15 and 32 years old respectively. And the cartilage defect size ranged from 6cm2-10.5cm2). IKDC2000 score was used for knee functional evaluation. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and arthroscopy were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. A biopsy of the regenerated cartilage from one patient was histologically evaluated 15 months after MACI. Results: In the postoperative period, no associated complications were observed. Each patient showed improvements both in clinical and functional status after surgery. MRI and arthroscopy showed the presence of hyaline-like cartilage at the site of implantation. The cartilage biopsy on the first patient showed a high ratio of hyaline-like cartilage tissue to fibrocartilage tissue which was 2 to 1. Conclusion: The clinical outcome and histological evaluation suggest that MACI is able to relieve pain and restore the function of the knee, also is capable of regenerating hyaline cartilage. In conclusion, MACI appears a promising method for the treatment of chondral defects of the knee.
Electrical Characteristics of Silicon Nitride Films Prepared by Silane‐Ammonia Reaction
Authors: Brown George A. , Robinette W. C. , Carlson H. G. 
Published: February 2007

The d‐c conduction and complex dielectric constant of silicon nitride films prepared by silane‐ammonia reaction have been studied as a function of the composition of the gaseous ambient in which they were formed. The d‐c conductivity of the material increases sharply when the silane‐ammonia ratio increases above 0.1. The increased conductivity is characterized by a lowering of the activation energy to about 1.0 ev from 1.5 ev for high resistivity nitride. The current‐voltage characteristics display a In

I
‐

V

½

dependence at high fields in the temperature range 200°–500°K. Measurement of the magnitude of the slope of this characteristic and its dependence on film thickness, index of refraction, temperature, and bias polarity suggests that conduction arises from field aided thermal ionization of trapping centers in the bulk of the film, the Poole‐Frenkel effect. It is noted that the magnitudes of the slopes of the experimental In

I
‐

V

½

plots, which are twice as large as Schottky emission slopes, are derivable within the framework of the Poole‐Frenkel mechanism only under a special assumption regarding the statistics governing the occupancy of the traps.
The relative dielectric constant,

ε

r

, of the films has a constant value of approximately 7 for silane‐ammonia ratios below 0.1 and increases gradually to about 10 for a silane‐ammonia ratio of unity. Very small variations in

ε

r

with frequency and temperature were noted in the range of the measurements,

5
×

10

2

–

10

6

Hz

and 200°–500°K. Values of dielectric loss,

ε

r

″

, lower than 10−3 have been observed for the low silane‐ammonia ratio films, but these are also dependent on substrate surface preparation. An observed dependence of

ε

r

”

on sample area in some cases suggests the presence of localized film defects in the less carefully prepared samples. No structure in the loss‐frequency‐temperature characteristics of the material has been observed in the above‐mentioned ranges of temperature and frequency that cannot be related to the d‐c conductance of the silicon nitride or to the substrate resistance.
CD28-mediated regulation of multiple myeloma cell proliferation and survival
Authors: Bahlis Nizar J. , King Anne M. , Kolonias Despina , Carlson Louise M. , Liu Hong Yu , Hussein Mohamad A. , Terebelo Howard R. , Byrne Gerald E. , Levine Bruce L. , Boise Lawrence H. , Lee Kelvin P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAlthough interactions with bone marrow stromal cells are essential for multiple myeloma (MM) cell survival, the specific molecular and cellular elements involved are largely unknown, due in large part to the complexity of the bone marrow microenvironment itself. The T-cell costimulatory receptor CD28 is also expressed on normal and malignant plasma cells, and CD28 expression in MM correlates significantly with poor prognosis and disease progression. In contrast to T cells, activation and function of CD28 in myeloma cells is largely undefined. We have found that direct activation of myeloma cell CD28 by anti-CD28 mAb alone induces activation of PI3K and NFκB, suppresses MM cell proliferation, and protects against serum starvation and dexamethasone (dex)–induced cell death. Coculture with dendritic cells (DCs) expressing the CD28 ligands CD80 and CD86 also elicits CD28-mediated effects on MM survival and proliferation, and DCs appear to preferentially localize within myeloma infiltrates in primary patient samples. Our findings suggest a previously undescribed myeloma/DC cell-cell interaction involving CD28 that may play an important role in myeloma cell survival within the bone marrow stroma. These data also point to CD28 as a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of MM.
The mitochondrial effects of novel apoptogenic molecules generated by psoralen photolysis as a crucial mechanism in PUVA therapy
Authors: Caffieri Sergio , Di Lisa Fabio , Bolesani Federico , Facco Monica , Semenzato Gianpietro , Dall'Acqua Francesco , Canton Marcella 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe generation of photoproducts of psoralen (POPs) might be relevant in cell death induced by psoralen plus UVA, namely PUVA, which is a recognized effective treatment for cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, chronic graft-versus-host disease, and psoriasis. We investigated the occurrence of POP-induced cell death and the underlying mechanisms. POPs were produced by irradiating a psoralen solution with UVA. Jurkat cells treated in the dark with these mixtures died mainly through an apoptotic mechanism. POPs were separated by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and cells were added with each of these fractions. A total of 2 dimers of psoralen and 6-formyl-7-hydroxycoumarin (FHC) were identified in the apoptogenic fractions. Apoptosis was preceded by mitochondrial dysfunction caused by the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP). In fact, both mitochondrial depolarization and cell death were prevented by the PTP inhibitor cyclosporin A (CsA). PTP opening was also documented in isolated mitochondria added with POP, suggesting that apoptosis is caused by a direct effect of POP on mitochondria. In fact, FHC alone induced PTP opening and CsA-inhibitable cell death of Jurkat cells, whereas nontransformed T lymphocytes were resistant. Along with identifying novel apoptogenic molecules, the present results indicate that POP generation directs transformed cells to apoptosis.
Perforin gene mutations in patients with acquired aplastic anemia
Authors: Solomou Elena E. , Gibellini Federica , Stewart Brian , Malide Daniela , Berg Maria , Visconte Valeria , Green Spencer , Childs Richard , Chanock Stephen J. , Young Neal S. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Perforin is a cytolytic protein expressed mainly in activated cytotoxic lymphocytes and natural killer cells. Inherited perforin mutations account for 20% to 40% of familial hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a fatal disease of early childhood characterized by the absence of functional perforin. Aplastic anemia, the paradigm of immune-mediated bone marrow failure syndromes, is characterized by hematopoietic stem cell destruction by activated T cells and Th1 cytokines. We examined whether mutations in the perforin gene occurred in acquired aplastic anemia. Three nonsynonymous PRF1 mutations among 5 unrelated patients were observed. Four of 5 patients with the mutations showed some hemophagocytosis in the bone marrow at diagnosis. Perforin protein levels in these patients were very low or absent, and perforin granules were completely absent. Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity from these patients was significantly decreased. Our data suggest that PRF1 genetic alterations help explain the aberrant proliferation and activation of cytotoxic T cells and may represent genetic risk factors for bone marrow failure.