bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Managing irrigation and drainage in saline environments.
Authors: Ayars J. E. , Christen E. W. , Hornbuckle J. W. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Disposal of saline drainage water is one of the most vexing problems facing irrigated agriculture. The sustainability of irrigation will require that cost-effective and environmentally acceptable methods be found for disposal of saline drainage water. Oftentimes, drainage water contains fertilizers, pesticides and toxic trace elements in addition to salt. Currently, disposal is accomplished by discharging drainage water into streams, lakes and rivers with significant negative environmental impacts; this is a practice that can no longer continue. As water supplies to agriculture become limited there will be increased use of degraded water for irrigation, which adds additional contaminants to the drainage water. There is a need to develop an alternative drainage water disposal strategy. One alternative disposal strategy is the concept of biological concentration of salt and ultimately disposal of a small volume of drainage water into either an evaporation pond or a spray evaporation facility. Bioconcentration facilities developed in California and Australia are called Integrated On-Farm Drainage Management (IFDM) in California or Serial Biological Concentration (SBC) in Australia, respectively. These systems represent the integration of the accumulated knowledge related to irrigation management, salt management, reusing saline drainage water, and drainage water management. The successful operation of these facilities requires an integrated approach to irrigation and drainage system design and management with irrigation management improved to the highest practical levels. New salt management concepts need to be evaluated or implemented to include using halophytes in production systems and accepting higher levels of salinity in the soil profile in general agronomic production. Drainage water management is implemented to include managing water table position and implementing new design and construction techniques for subsurface drainage systems. Additional facilities are required to provide disposal capability either as an evaporation pond or a spray evaporation facility. We review the concepts associated with the design and operation of bioconcentration systems highlighting the requirements for success and the limitations of these particular facilities.
Transgenic rice seed as a nutriceutical delivery system.
Authors: Takaiwa F. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Rice is consumed as a staple food by more than half the world's population. If rice were nutritionally fortified or biofunctionally enhanced by genetic modification, it could contribute to the promotion of human health without the need for processing and purification. Incorporation of health-promoting bioactive components or nutrients could thus result in public health benefits that significantly reduce health care costs. Rice seed has many advantages as a production platform of nutrients and biofunctional products over other cereals or vegetative crops in view of productivity and cost, and the fundamental tools required for genetic modification technology have been established for rice. The entire rice genome has been sequenced and is readily accessible, and transformation and expression systems are well developed for a number of agronomically important rice cultivars. The focus of this review is the present state of development of nutritionally improved rice, and transgenic rice seed as a production and delivery system for recombinant products.
Small RNAs and viral interference.
Authors: Praveen S. , Ramesh S. V. Ramesh S. V. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Small RNAs (21-26 nucleotides (nt) in size) have been found to function as regulators between the genome and proteome. In the last two decades, several new classes of small non-coding RNAs have been uncovered and they play an integrative role in various mechanisms of eukaryotic gene expression. Here, we discuss the endogenous small RNAs, their biogenesis and regulatory role in transcriptional, post-transcriptional and systemic silencing. Many discoveries in the small RNA world are crucial in deciphering host-virus relationships. Viruses interfere with host cellular machinery for their survival and propagation and hence have an opportunity to fight and/or regulate the host gene expression. Emerging literature suggests cross-talk between viral and host-encoded small RNAs during viral establishment. The present understanding of viral interference on small RNA landscape offers an immense opportunity to understand host-virus interactions. These interactions can be further fine-tuned in order to develop transgenic resistance and therapeutics. Though evidence regarding small RNA dynamics is just emerging, it might offer possible explanations for host specificity, susceptible cultivars, and latency in viral infections.
Using
Serratia plymuthica
to control fungal pathogens of plants.
Authors: Vleesschauwer D. de , Höfte M. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Interest in biological control of plant pathogens has increased in recent years fuelled by trends in agriculture towards greater sustainability and public concerns over the use of hazardous pesticides in the environment. Most studies on the biological control of fungal plant pathogens have tended to focus on the use of antagonistic rhizobacterial strains belonging to the genus
Pseudomonas
or
Bacillus
. However, the development of biocontrol products based on isolates belonging to the Gram-negative genus
Serratia
is now gaining momentum.
Serratia plymuthica
is a ubiquitous bacterium that has been preferentially recovered from rhizospheres all over the world, both as a free-living and endophytic organism. Specific strains of
S. plymuthica
produce a broad palette of antimicrobial compounds and might hold great potential as broad-spectrum biocontrol agents. This review surveys the advances of biocontrol research with respect to plant-associated
S. plymuthica
strains focusing on the principles and mechanisms of action of S. plymuthica and their use or potential use for the biological control of fungal plant diseases. A cursory overview of the taxonomy and ecology of S. plymuthica is also provided. We highlight recent progress in the identification of antifungal secondary metabolites produced by
S. plymuthica
and pay special attention to the regulatory mechanisms underpinning the production of the latter metabolites. Finally, we discuss several strategies that may provide a basis to improve the efficacy of
S. plymuthica
-mediated biocontrol.
Animal welfare: should we change housing to better accommodate the animal or change the animal to accommodate the housing?
Authors: Cheng Heng-Wei 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Animal welfare (well-being) can be generally defined as 'a state of harmony between the animal and its environment, characterized by optimal physical, behavioural and psychological functioning and high quality of the animal's life'. Since its inception in the early nineteenth century, through further development during the twentieth century, and continuing through today, the animal welfare/wellbeing movement has had a significant impact globally on monitoring and regulating the practices of the modern livestock production industries. Before the animal welfare movement brings animal agriculture to the next stage, it is necessary to understand the finely tuned balance between animals, especially domestic farm animals, and their environments. It has been known for centuries that some species, strains and/or individuals of animals adapt to their environments better than others. The outcome of the adaptive process, i.e. increased or decreased in terms of welfare, is dependent on the animals' biological characteristics (genes), environmental factors and genetic- environmental interactions. The animal-or-environment dilemma associated with animal welfare has also raised multiple semantic variants among human beings according to a person's education, ethical viewpoint, socio-economic conditions, culture, religion and political beliefs. This review describes the current status of hypotheses and research in the area of the effects of genes, environments and genetic-environmental interactions on animal welfare in the modern livestock production industry.
Fish rhabdovirus models for understanding host response to DNA vaccines.
Authors: Kurath G. , Purcell M. K. , Garver K. A. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Fish rhabdovirus DNA vaccines have potential value both as applied vaccines and as useful models for basic DNA vaccine research. In particular, DNA vaccines against two widely distributed fish rhabdoviral pathogens, infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV) and viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV), have been extensively investigated. Single small doses of these vaccines provide exceptionally high efficacy under a wide range of conditions.
In vivo
studies of the IHNV and VHSV DNA vaccines have defined minimal effective doses in different sizes of host fish, protection against heterologous viral strains, onset and duration of protective immunity, and biodistribution and expression
in vivo
. Studies of these vaccines have defined three phases in the fish host protective immune response. As early as 4 days after vaccination, fish are protected from severe viral challenge and the protection is cross-protective against unrelated viral species. The mechanism of this early antiviral response (EAVR) phase involves strong induction of innate type I interferon immune responses and the viral glycoprotein has characteristics of a pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMP). In a matter of weeks the response transitions into a specific antiviral response (SAVR) that is no longer cross-protective but retains high efficacy and corresponds to appearance of detectable neutralizing antibodies. Six to nine months after vaccination, the response transitions into the long-term antiviral response (LAVR), characterized by reduced but still significant protection and reduction or absence of detectable neutralizing antibodies. The understanding of these phases of protection, along with the success of these vaccines and their ability to stimulate strong innate immunity, makes them potentially informative models for other veterinary or human DNA vaccines.
Functions of microbial communities and their importance to soil.
Authors: Nannipieri P. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Soil is a peculiar biological system with microbial life located in a small volume and distributed like an oasis in a desolated land, a large microbial biomass and huge microbial diversity, and the presence of important extracellular biological molecules, such as enzymes and nucleic acids, adsorbed by soil particles and protected against microbial degradation. The huge microbial diversity probably is at the basis of the broad metabolic activity, versatility and adaptation of soil to varying environmental conditions. It is still not possible to assess the composition and functions of microbial communities inhabiting soil in spite of the advances in identifying unculturable microorganisms and gene expression by molecular techniques. Gene expression of unknown microbial species from soil has allowed the discovery of novel bioproducts and novel metabolic processes, with important implications in various human activities. However, the identification of all microbial species inhabiting soil and their numbers and functions is not the most suitable approach for a better understanding of soil functionality. For example, a holistic approach based on the determination of biologically meaningful pools and fluxes is the best approach to quantify the dynamics of main nutrients in soil. Among the molecular techniques applied to soil, the stable isotope probes technique is the most suitable for holistic studies because it involves tracking of a stable isotope atom from a particular substrate into components of microbial cells that provide phylogenetic and functional information, such as lipid, proteins, DNA or RNA.
Barriers to adoption of biological control agents and biological pesticides.
Authors: Marrone P. G. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
Biological (bio)pesticides represent 2.4% of the global pesticide market, but this share is growing quickly and is projected to double by 2010. In contrast, the market for chemical pesticides is flat to declining as transgenic seeds have reduced sprays and governments have restricted or removed products from the market. By combining performance and safety, biopesticides offer value through benefits generally not realized by conventional pesticides. Biopesticides perform efficaciously while providing customers the flexibility of minimum application restrictions, superior residue and resistance management potential, and human and environmental safety benefits. Despite these advantages, there are significant barriers that impede adoption of biopesticides. This review will explore these barriers in depth and offer solutions for increasing adoption. These barriers include a competitive market, risk-averse customers, a complex selling channel, perceived lack of efficacy and lack of awareness.
Understanding genetic relationships of wild and cultivated roses and the use of species in breeding.
Authors: Cock K. de , Scariot V. , Leus L. , Riek J. de , Huylenbroeck J. van 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

The existence of numerous wild species, the variability within species and the wide geographical distribution in combination with the weak barriers to interspecific and intersectional hybridization, make genetic relationships within the genus
Rosa
difficult to unravel. The use of molecular techniques has revealed some new insights in taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships. The understanding of these relationships among species and cultivars is a prerequisite for the effective utilization of the available genetic variability to tackle the new demands from growers and consumers. Many wild species have interesting traits. The rose breeders' challenge is to introgress the desirable beneficial genes from wild species to tetraploid cultivars in order to accelerate the production of superior rose germplasm.
A review of on-farm evaluations of system of rice intensification methods in Eastern Indonesia.
Authors: Sato S. , Uphoff N. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract
The system of rice Intensification (SRI) developed in Madagascar has been controversial in some agronomic circles, in part because there have been no large-scale, long-term evaluations of the impact of the alternative methods recommended. This review reports on on-farm comparative evaluations conducted over nine seasons between 2002 and 2006 across eight provinces in Eastern Indonesia under a major irrigation project (SSIMP-DISIMP), with project management by a Nippon Koei consultant team. It summarizes the results of 12 133 comparison trials that covered a total area of 9429 ha. Average yield increase was 78% (3.3 t/ha) with reductions of 40% in water use, 50% in fertilizer applications and 20% in the costs of production. While the controversy will not be resolved by any single evaluation, these results support the previous reports that SRI practices, when used in combination, can achieve significantly higher output of rice with a reduction in inputs, enhancing simultaneously the productivity of the resources (land, labour, water and capital) used in irrigated rice production.
Regulation of branching during inflorescence development in monocots.
Authors: Pilu R. , Cassani E. , Landon M. 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

The structure of the plant inflorescence is an important agronomic and ornamental trait studied for its potential economic applications: the capacity to modify inflorescence architecture has always been a breeder's goal. The shape of flowering plants is determined by the forms of the flower-bearing branch system, named inflorescences, and their position in the overall structure of the plant. Branching patterns and branches are produced by the shoot apical meristem; thus, inflorescence structure reflects the number, size and activity of the meristems. The genetic and molecular control of inflorescence and flower development has been extensively studied in model dicotyledonous plants such as
Arabidopsis
. However, not all the genes controlling inflorescence architecture in grasses are orthologous of
Arabidopsis
genes and thus grass inflorescence genes could not have been identified by simple extrapolation from
Arabidopsis
. Among plants, rice and maize in particular are the best genetic models for studying inflorescences: the maize inflorescence is a useful model for developmental and evolutionary studies, because several mutants have been isolated that taken together dissect every step of the inflorescence development. Because of the sequencing of the rice genome, positional information can be used to clone genes in maize, wheat and related grasses. In recent years, several master genes involved in inflorescence development have been cloned, providing considerable insights into the genetic control of the plant inflorescence.
Monte Carlo simulation of the effect of counting losses on measured X-ray intensities
Authors: Ida T. 
Published: September 2007

The statistical properties of intensities affected by counting loss based on conventional non-extended and extended dead-time models are examined by a Monte Carlo method. It has been confirmed that the variance of the counted pulses for the non-extended dead-time model with the rate of generated pulsesr and the dead-time τ is given by \sigma_{\rm non}^2 = \mu_{\rm non}/(1+r \tau)^2, while that for the extended dead-time model is given by \sigma_{\rm ext}^2 = \mu_{\rm ext} [1 - 2r\tau \exp(-r \tau)], as proposed by Laundy & Collins [(2003).J. Synchrotron Rad.10, 214–218], for the mean values of counted pulses μnonand μext, respectively. Practical formulae to estimate the statistical errors of the corrected intensities are also presented.
Analysis of binary outcomes with missing data: missing = smoking, last observation carried forward, and a little multiple imputation
Authors: Hedeker Donald , Mermelstein Robin J. , Demirtas Hakan 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTAims  Analysis of binary outcomes with missing data is a challenging problem in substance abuse studies. We consider this problem in a simple two‐group design where interest centers on comparing the groups in terms of the binary outcome at a single timepoint.Design  We describe how the deterministic assumptions of missing = smoking and last observation carried forward (LOCF) can be relaxed by allowing missingness to be related imperfectly to the binary outcome, either stratified on past values of the outcome or not. We also describe use of multiple imputation to take into account the uncertainty inherent in the imputed data.Setting  Data were analyzed from a published smoking cessation study evaluating the effectiveness of adding group‐based treatment adjuncts to an intervention comprised of a television program and self‐help materials.Participants  Participants were 489 smokers who registered for the television‐based program and who indicated an interest in attending group‐based meetings.Measurements  The measurement of the smoking outcome was conducted via telephone interviews at post‐intervention and at 24 months.Findings and conclusions  The significance of the group effect did vary as a function of the assumed relationship between missingness and smoking. The ‘conservative’ missing = smoking assumption suggested a beneficial group effect on smoking cessation, which was confirmed via a sensitivity analysis only if an extreme odds ratio of 5 between missingness and smoking was assumed. This type of sensitivity analysis is crucial in determining the role that missing data play in arriving at a study's conclusions.
A safe, sensible and social AHRSE: New Labour* and alcohol policy
Authors: Anderson Peter 
Published: September 2007

ABSTRACTWhen the Labour government came to power in the UK in 1997, it took over high and rising levels of alcohol consumption and alcohol‐related harm. Contrary to ‘old Labour’'s views on alcohol policy, New Labour did nothing to reverse this trend, and, if anything, exacerbated it. Since New Labour has been in power, alcohol has become 40% more affordable; consumption has increased by 14% and alcohol‐related deaths have increased by over 40%. New Labour viewed alcohol‐related harm as a question of individual responsibility and, as expressed in its long awaited 2004 alcohol harm reduction strategy (commonly known as AHRSE), viewed partnerships with the alcohol industry as the solution to reducing harm. Ten years on we have safe, sensible and social, the 3Ss, AHRSE's next steps. On first reading it would seem that the government has learnt nothing from its mistakes of the previous ten years, and in its approach to alcohol policy continues to disable the public interest. Nevertheless, there remain areas where science might inform policy, including health sector policy where there is an emphasis on early diagnosis and treatment, and transport policy, where reducing the legal blood alcohol level to the European Commission maximum recommended level of 0.5g/L is again on the agenda. The 3Ss propose an independent review of the evidence of the relationship between alcohol price, promotion and harm. However, unless this fully reviews the international evidence of the relationship between the economic and physical availability of alcohol, the marketing of alcohol and alcohol related harm, AHRSE and its successor will continue to be a recipe for ineffectiveness.
Assessing the quality of colorectal cancer care: do we have appropriate quality measures? (A systematic review of literature)
Authors: Patwardhan Meenal , Fisher Deborah A. , Mantyh Christopher R. , McCrory Douglas C. , Morse Michael A. , Prosnitz Robert G. , Cline Kathryn , Samsa Gregory P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  The burden of illness from colorectal cancer (CRC) can be reduced by improving the quality of care. Identifying appropriate quality measures is the first step in this direction. We identified process measures currently available to assess the quality of diagnosis and management of CRC. We also evaluated the extent to which these measures are ready to be implemented in clinical practice, and identified areas for future research.Methods  We searched MEDLINE®, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and relevant grey literature. We identified 3771 abstracts and reviewed 74 articles that included quality measures for diagnosis or management of CRC. Measures from traditional quality improvement literature, and from epidemiological and other studies that included quality measures as part of their research agenda, were considered. In addition, we devised a summary rating scale (IST) to appraise the extent of a measure’s importance and usability, scientific acceptability and extent of testing.Results  The coverage of general process measures in CRC is extensive. Most measures are important, but need to be developed and field‐tested. The best available measures relate to pathology and chemotherapy. No measures are available for assessing quality of management of stage IV rectal cancer and hepatic metastasis; chemotherapy for stage II colon cancer; and procedure notes.Conclusions  There is an urgent need to refine existing measures and to develop scientifically accurate quality measures for a comprehensive assessment of the quality of CRC care. The role of the federal government and professional societies is critical in pursuing this goal.