bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the use of multiple lattice designs and α‐designs in plant breeding trials
Authors: Piepho H. P. , Büchse A. , Truberg B. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractPlant breeders in Germany often use multiple lattice designs to test a large number of entries that are to be directly compared for selection. Comparison among entries from different lattices is accommodated by the use of checks. While this design has some practical merits, it is statistically expected to be less efficient than alternative designs for a large number of entries. In this note a study is made of the gain in efficiency by using a single large α‐design in place of multiple lattices. The comparison for a number of settings shows that the efficiency gain in terms of sample size or variance may be appreciable. It is concluded that plant breeders should seriously consider using α‐designs in place of multiple lattices. A simple method is described which allows breeders to study the potential gain for their particular design. Practical considerations leading to a preference of multiple lattices are critically discussed.
Identification and characterization of genomic DNA sequences of the S‐ribonuclease gene associated with self‐incompatibility allelesS1toS5in European pear
Authors: Sanzol J. , Sutherland B. G. , Robbins T. P. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe stylar products of the S‐locus for the gametophytic self‐incompatibility (GSI) system in theRosaceaeare ribonucleases (S‐RNases). Recently, sequences for 13 pearS‐RNase alleles have been published and named following a letter–symbol nomenclature (SatoSdandShtoSp). To establish the correspondence between these sequences and the self‐incompatibility alleles we have described previously (S1toS5), we have amplified genomic DNA with consensus primers from the cultivars, ‘Williams’ (S1S2), ‘Coscia’ (S3S4), ‘Butirra Precoce Morettini’ (S1S3), ‘Santa Maria Morettini’ (S2S3) and ‘Doyenne du Comice’ (S4S5) and identified PCR products specifically associated with eachSallele. Cloning and sequencing of the amplification products has revealed that they correspond to European pear sequences already deposited in the database. This allowed us to linkS‐RNase sequences withSallele phenotypes and to determine a correspondence between the symbol–letter nomenclature used to nameS‐RNase sequences and the number‐based nomenclature used to nameSalleles. Based on this result the prediction of new cross‐incompatibilities among pear cultivars is discussed. Finally, we propose a unified number‐based nomenclature to avoid future confusion denominatingSalleles in pear.
Variation of the genomic proportion of the recurrent parent in BC1 and its relation to yield performance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) breeding for low‐input conditions
Authors: Uptmoor R. , Wenzel W. , Ayisi K. , Donaldson G. , Gehringer A. , Friedt W. , Ordon F. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractIn order to define the variation of the genomic proportion of the recurrent parent [G(RP)] and its relation to yield, G(RP) of individual BC1 plants of two sorghum populations composed of a high‐yielding cultivar as recurrent parent (RP) and a donor with superior drought resistance or grain quality, respectively, was estimated using AFLPs and SSRs. G(RP) in BC1 ranged from 0.53 to 0.95 and averaged to 0.76 in the population (NP4453 × ‘SV‐2’) × ‘SV‐2’. G(RP) varied between 0.60 and 0.86 and averaged to 0.74 in the BC1 of (ICV‐219 × ‘SV‐2’) × ‘SV‐2’. Results show that plants with a G(RP) equivalent to BC2 (0.875) or BC3 (0.938), respectively, can be selected from BC1. Yield performance of BC1S1 families was tested in field trials carried out in South Africa. The correlation between yield and G(RP) in BC1 was low. Selection according to G(RP) did not result in an effective preselection for yield.
Generation means analysis of plant architectural traits and fruit yield in melon
Authors: Zalapa J. E. , Staub J. E. , McCreight J. D. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractUnique architectural phenotypes have the potential for increasing yield in commercial melon (Cucumis melo L.). Therefore, a generation means analysis was conducted to investigate the inheritance of architectural traits (days to anthesis, primary branch number, fruit number and weight, and average weight per fruit). Progeny (F1, F2, BC1P1 and BC1P2) from a cross between US Department of Agriculture (USDA) line, USDA 846‐1 (P1) and ‘TopMark’ (P2) were evaluated at Arlington (AR) and Hancock (HCK), Wisconsin in 2001. Significant (P ≤ 0.05) environment effects and genotype × environment interactions (G × E) analyses necessitated analysis by location. Significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) among parents and generations were observed for all traits, and the two parental lines differed significantly for primary branch number, fruit number and average weight per fruit. Additive gene effects were most important in governing primary branch number and fruit number per plant, while dominance and epistatic genetic effects mainly controlled days to anthesis, fruit weight per plant and average weight per fruit. Narrow‐sense heritabilities were 0.62 (AR) for days to anthesis, 0.71 (AR) and 0.76 (HCK) for primary branch number, 0.68 (AR) and 0.70 (HCK) for fruit weight per plant, 0.33 (AR) and 0.45 (HCK) for fruit weight per plant, and 0.06 (AR) and 0.79 (HCK) for average weight per fruit. Estimations of the least number of effective factors for primary branch number were relatively consistent at both AR (approx. 4) and HCK (approx. 2). Results suggest that introgression of yield‐related genes from highly branched melon types (e.g. USDA 846‐1) into US Western Shipping germplasm may aid in the development of high‐yielding cultivars with concentrated fruit set suitable for machine and/or hand‐harvesting operations.
Fusarium head blight resistance derived from Lophopyrum elongatum chromosome 7E and its augmentation with Fhb1 in wheat
Authors: Shen X. , Ohm H. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Fusarium head blight (FHB) resistance derived from wheatgrass Lophopyrum elongatum chromosome 7E and to determine whether this resistance can augment resistance in combination with other FHB resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) or genes in wheat. The ‘Chinese Spring’–Lophopyrum elongatum disomic substitution line 7E(7B) was crossed to three wheat lines: ‘Ning 7840’, L3, and L4. F2 populations were evaluated for type II resistance with the single‐floret inoculation method in the greenhouse. Simple sequence repeat markers associated with Fhb1 in ‘Ning 7840’ and L4 and markers located on chromosome 7E were genotyped in each population. Marker–trait association was analysed with one‐way or two‐way analysis of variance. The research showed that, in the three populations, the average number of diseased spikelets (NDS) in plants with chromosome 7E is 1.2, 3.1 and 3.2, vs. NDS of 3.3, 7.2 and 9.1 in plants without 7E, a reduction in NDS of 2.1, 4.1 and 5.9 in the respective populations. The QTL on 7E and the Fhb1 gene augment disease resistance when combined. The effect of the QTL on 7E was greater than that on 3BS in this experiment. Data also suggest that the FHB resistance gene derived from L. elongatum is located on the long arm of 7E.
Use of cDNA‐AFLP for transcript profiling in narrow genetic pools; for example, cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.)
Authors: Bae K. M. , Kwon Y. S. , Cho I. H. , Yi S. I. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractA cDNA‐AFLP transcript profiling was employed to examine three representative tissues (seedling, ovary and leaf) of nine Korean cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.) F1hybrids. Differential accumulation of transcript‐derived fragments (TDFs) was detected in 92 profiles. Genetic distance‐based cluster analysis partitioned these hybrids into four main groupings, consistent with their phenotypic relationships. Although several polymorphic profiles were confirmed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis, many were not reproducible, indicating that a large portion of the observed polymorphisms were based on sequence variation of transcripts rather than expression of variation. Thus, it is proposed that cDNA‐AFLP profiling be based on a dual descriptor system (sequence and expression). Data indicate that such a system would provide an efficient genetic marker system for identifying polymorphisms in narrow genetic pools.
Anther culture response of F1 durum × bread wheat hybrids after colchicine application
Authors: Tersi M. , Xynias I. N. , Gouli‐Vavdinoudi E. , Roupakias D. G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe effect of colchicine on the androgenic response of durum × bread wheat F1 hybrids was studied. For this, three Greek durum wheat cultivars, exhibiting good yield and pasta quality, were crossed to two bread wheat cultivars with good response to anther culture. Spikes of the resulting hybrids, containing microspores in the mid to late uninucleate stage, were selected and cultured on two different media (W14 and solid potato‐2) with and without colchicine. A negative effect on anther culture response was observed when colchicine was added to the W14 induction medium. A similar effect was observed in two of the hybrids when they were cultured on to potato‐2 induction medium. In both induction media, green plant production was influenced negatively by colchicine treatment. The same was observed in albino plant production. The results of the present study support the view that anther culture response is strongly genotype dependent. Finally, potato‐2 induction medium was the most suitable one for the material studied.
Microbial colonization of nebulizers used by asthmatic children
Authors: COHEN HERMAN A , KAHAN ERNESTO , COHEN ZEEV , SARRELL MICHAEL , BENI SARA , GROSMAN ZAHI , ASHKENAZI SHAI 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground: The aim of the present study was to determine the microbial colonization of nebulizers used at home by asthmatic children, and to investigate their parents’ cleaning and maintenance routines.Methods: The nebulizer equipment used at home by 39 asthmatic children was examined. Swabs taken from the inner surface of the reservoir cups, face masks and filters were cultured. Results were recorded as mean number of colony‐forming units per cultured surface. Parents were interviewed regarding their cleaning and disinfection routines.Results: Twenty‐six reservoir cups (66.7%), 24 face masks (61.5%), and 18 filters (78.3%) were found to be contaminated. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was isolated from 17 reservoir cups (43.6%) and 12 face masks (30.8%), and Staphylococcus aureus from two face masks (5.1%). None of the parents knew that the nebulizer has a filter and that it requires periodic cleaning or changing; only eight of the parents (20.5%) received maintenance instructions from the medical staff, and only 19 (48.7%) cleaned the nebulizer equipment after use.Conclusion: Home nebulizers are frequently colonized with microorganisms. As recommended, nebulizers should be washed after each use and air‐blown dry. Nebulizer maintenance should be emphasized in educational programs for managing asthma.
Determinants of birthweight inequalities: Population‐based study
Authors: DUBOIS LISE , GIRARD MANON 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground: The aim of this paper is to study the whole spectrum of birthweight in a population‐based birth cohort in order to document the role played by social factors, which complement physiological and behavioural factors, in the development of birthweight inequalities at the population level.Methods: The analyses were performed with data from the ‘Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development 1998–2002 (QLSCD)’. The study follows a representative sample (n = 2103) of the children born in 1998 in the Canadian province of Québec.Results: Multivariate analyses adjusted for gestational age and mother’s age indicate that mean birthweight was higher for boys than girls; improved with birth rank, mother’s body mass index (BMI), and family socioeconomic status; and was lower for children of smoking mothers. Compared with children born to non‐smoking mothers of higher socioeconomic status, the odds of having a low birthweight were between 6 and 12 times higher for children born to smoking mothers of lower or middle socioeconomic status. When maternal smoking status and mother’s BMI are combined, socioeconomic status could still be seen to have a positive effect on mean birthweight except for overweight or obese smoking mothers, among whom the relationship between socioeconomic status and mean birthweight was reversed. In families of lower socioeconomic status, maternal smoking was the most important factor in birthweight inequalities, and in families of higher socioeconomic status, mother’s BMI was the most important factor in birthweight inequalities.Conclusion: This research is not only important for children in developed nations, but also for those in developing countries, where high birthweight and obesity are becoming more prevalent.
Lipid peroxidation in cord blood and neonatal outcome
Authors: WEINBERGER BARRY , NISAR SALMAN , ANWAR MUJAHID , OSTFELD BARBARA , HEGYI THOMAS 
Published: September 2006

AbstractBackground: Periventricular–intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, chronic lung disease and retinopathy of prematurity have been referred to as oxygen radical diseases (ORD) because they are thought to be related to excess oxidant stress relative to anti‐oxidant defenses in premature infants. 8‐Isoprostane is a product of lipid peroxidation that can be used as a measure of free radical exposure or injury. The aim of the present study was to determine whether fetal oxidant stress is associated with adverse effects in preterm infants.Methods: Mothers delivering at gestational age <37 weeks were recruited. Umbilical arterial and venous cord blood samples were collected and 8‐isoprostane levels measured. Levels of 8‐isoprostane in cord blood were correlated with maternal and perinatal variables, neonatal mortality, and the development of one or more ORD.Results: Umbilical cord venous, but not arterial, 8‐isoprostane levels were associated with mortality and the development of one or more of the ORD. After controlling for gestational age, for each unit change in the log value of 8‐isoprostane in venous cord blood the odds of mortality were 12 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1–223) and oxygen radical disease were 2.7 (95%CI: 1–7.2). Isoprostane levels were not related to gender, method of delivery, use of maternal magnesium or steroids, pregnancy‐induced hypertension, or delivery room resuscitation.Conclusion: Oxidant stress in utero may be an important determinant of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. Elevated umbilical venous isoprostane levels suggest that oxidative injury to maternal and placental tissues predispose to adverse neonatal outcomes.
Assessing the ecology in ecotoxicology: a review and synthesis in freshwater systems
Authors: Relyea Rick , Hoverman Jason 
Published: September 2006

AbstractThe field of ecotoxicology is experiencing a surge in attention among ecologists as we gain a deeper appreciation for how contaminants can impact natural ecosystems. This interest is particularly strong in aquatic systems where many non‐target organisms experience pesticides. In this article, we assess how pesticides affect freshwater systems by applying the conceptual framework of density‐ and trait‐mediated indirect effects from the field of basic ecology. We demonstrate the utility of this framework for understanding the conditions under which pesticides affect species interactions, communities and ecosystems. Through the integration of laboratory toxicity tests and this ecological framework, ecotoxicologists should be better able to identify the mechanisms through which pesticides affect communities and ecosystems. We also identify several areas of research that are in critical need of empirical attention including synergistic effects between pesticides and natural stressors, the importance of pesticides on community assembly via habitat preferences and oviposition effects, the timing and frequency of pesticide applications, pesticide effects on population dynamics, the evolution of pesticide resistance in non‐target organisms and ecosystem recovery. With this knowledge, one can improve upon management decisions and help protect non‐target species that are of conservation concern.
The ecology of virulence
Authors: Lively Curtis M. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTheoretical work has shown that parasites should evolve intermediate levels of virulence. Less attention has been given to the ecology of virulence. Here I explore population‐dynamic models of infection in an annual host. The infection does not kill the host; but it can decrease the number of offspring produced by the host, and the magnitude of this effect depends on host population size. Hence, ‘virulence’ is density dependent, and is defined here as the difference in birth rates between uninfected and infected hosts, divided by the birth rate of uninfected hosts. The results suggest that infection can be highly virulent at the host's equilibrium density, even though the parasite has no effect on the host's intrinsic birth rate. The results also suggest that parasites may help to stabilize host population dynamics. In general, the impact of infection may be underestimated in natural populations.
Tumour‐associated angiogenesis in human colorectal cancer
Authors: Rmali K. A. , Puntis M. C. A. , Jiang W. G. 
Published: September 2006

AbstractTumour angiogenesis is a critical step in the growth, metastatic spread and regrowth of colorectal cancer. Angiogenesis specific to tumour is a complicated process, the mechanisms of which remain unclear. Metastasis of colorectal cancer may result from passive entry into the circulation secondary to the effect of angiogenic factors. The survival and growth of colorectal tumour and thus their metastases are dependent on the balance of endogenous angiogenic and anti‐angiogenic factors such that the outcome favours increased angiogenesis. Angiogenesis has become an attractive target for anticancer drug development, based on its important roles in tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. Several growth factors have been identified that regulate angiogenesis in colorectal cancer; the most important of these are vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF), and of the several angiogenic factors, VEGF expression at the deepest invasive site of tumour is the most statistically significant prognostic indicator in advanced colorectal carcinoma. In this review article, we provide an overview on angiogenic factors and their receptors, and discuss the role of newly identified tumour endothelial markers (TEMs) that are involved in tumour‐associated angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.
Influence of caseload and surgical speciality on outcome following surgery for colorectal cancer: a review of evidence Part 2: Long‐term outcome
Authors: Iversen L. H. , Harling H. , Laurberg S. , Wille‐Jørgensen P. ,   the Danish Colorectal Cancer Group
Published: September 2006

AbstractObjective  We reviewed recent literature to assess the impact of hospital caseload, surgeon's caseload and education on long‐term outcome following colorectal cancer surgery.Method  We searched the MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases for relevant literature starting from 1992. We selected hospital caseload, surgeon's caseload and surgeon's education, type of hospital, and surgeon's experience as variables of interest. Measures of outcome were recurrence‐free survival and overall survival, and for rectal cancer frequency of permanent stoma. We reviewed the 34 studies according to tumour location: colonic cancer, rectal cancer, or colorectal cancer. We described the studies individually and performed a meta‐analysis whenever it was considered appropriate.Results  For colonic cancer, overall survival improved with increasing hospital caseload, odds ratio (OR) 1.22 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.16–1.28], and surgeon's education. For rectal cancer, overall survival improved with increasing hospital caseload, OR 1.38 (95% CI 1.19–1.60), and, possibly by surgeon’ education and experience. Cancer‐free survival was strongly influenced by surgeon's education. The colostomy rate was less in high caseload hospitals, OR 0.76 (95% CI 0.68–0.85). For colorectal cancer, overall survival improved with surgeon's education.Conclusion  The data have provided evidence that long‐term survival following colorectal cancer surgery in general improved significantly with increasing hospital caseload and surgeon's education.
Minor gene effect of leptin receptor variant on the body weight in KK/Ta mice
Authors: Gohda T. , Tanimoto M. , Kaneko S. , Shibata T. , Funabiki K. , Horikoshi S. , Tomino Y. 
Published: September 2006

Objective:  Leptin is an adipocyte‐derived hormone involved in body weight regulation that acts through the leptin receptor. Previous studies exploring potential association between the leptin receptor (Lepr) variant and obesity have reported conflicting results. The objectives of the present study are to evaluate (1) whether the Lepr variant contributes to type 2 diabetes and its related disorders such as obesity and (2) whether the gene interaction between Lepr and Zn‐α2 glycoprotein1 (Azgp1) genes is recognized using genetically homogeneous type 2 diabetic KK/Ta mice.Methods:  The levels of leptin (Lep) and Lepr mRNA in adipose tissues and brain were measured by relative quantitative RT‐PCR. The levels of leptin protein in sera were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Genotyping of backcross mice was performed using a mismatch primer.Results:  Leptin protein and its mRNA levels were increased in KK/Ta mice. Lepr mRNA levels of KK/Ta mice did not differ from those of BALB/c mice. Sequence analysis revealed that the coding region of Lep in KK/Ta mice was identical to that in BALB/c mice. Six nucleotide polymorphisms were observed in the coding region of Lepr. In KK/Ta × (BALB/c × KK/Ta) F1 backcross mice, the Lepr variant of KK/Ta mice failed to alter any of the variables of obesity except for body weight at 20 weeks of age. However, it enhanced the effect of Azgp1 on body weight.Conclusion:  It is concluded that the Lepr variant contributes to obesity to some degree in KK/Ta mice.