bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic diversity in cultivated Osteospermum as revealed by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis
Authors: Faccioli P. , Terzi V. , Pecchioni N. , Berio T. , Giovannini A. , Allavena A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractA collection of 28 Osteospermum clones and cultivated varieties of different origin were evaluated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. All the clones were identified by 12 decamers selected from a set of 30. This is the first characterization by molecular markers of the genetic material of Osteospermum. The level of genetic diversity among genotypes was assayed and all the accessions tested were then classified into six groups by UPGMA cluster analysis; the clustering of genotypes using the RAPD data proved to be in accordance with their breeding group origin. RAPD analysis can therefore be a useful tool for evaluating genetic variability in other Osteospermum germplasm collections for breeding purposes and for protecting intellectual property rights of improved varieties.
Inheritance of plant height in the dwarf mutant ‘Enana’ of safflower
Authors: Velasco L. , Pérez‐Vich B. , Muñoz‐Ruz J. , Fernández‐Martínez J. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe dwarf safflower mutant ‘Enana’ has been developed from the cultivar ‘Rancho’ by chemical mutagenesis. The objective of the present research was to study the inheritance of plant height in crosses between ‘Enana’ and ‘Rancho’. Plants of both lines were reciprocally crossed and the F1, F2 and F3 generations were obtained. The evaluation of plant height in the F2 generation suggested the presence of a single locus controlling this trait. This was confirmed after the evaluation of 164 F2:3 lines, which revealed an F2 segregation fitting a 1:2:1 (dwarf: intermediate: standard) ratio. The locus was designated Dw. As the mutated allele was partly dominant over the wild‐type allele, the proposed genotype for ‘Rancho’ was dw dw, whereas that for ‘Enana’ was Dw Dw. Furthermore, a partial cytoplasmic effect on plant height was detected, with the heterozygote Dw dw being about 6 cm taller when ‘Rancho’ was used as female.
Genetic control of alfalfa seed yield and its components
Authors: Bolanos‐Aguilar E. D. , Huyghe C. , Djukic D. , Julier B. , Ecalle C. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractSeed yield is of little agronomic importance in alfalfa (lucerne) but is critical in the marketing of varieties. In order to develop breeding criteria, the quantitative genetics of seed yield components must be studied. The objective of this study was (1) to evaluate combining ability for seed yield and its components and (2) to estimate the genetic control of these same characters. A 7 × 7 diallel mating design, including reciprocals, among parents from different varieties, and a 7 × 7 factorial design within the ‘Flamande’ population were evaluated. In the diallel design, where the progenies were evaluated over two growing seasons, a high genotype effect was found for seed yield and its components while genotype × year interaction was only significant for seed yield per plant. General combining ability (GCA) effects explained most of the variation due to genotype effect. Specific combining ability (SCA) and reciprocal effects were only significant for seed yield per plant. ‘Europe‐1’, ‘Rival‐5’ and ‘Medalfa‐7’ were the most promising parents, conferring the highest GCA for most of the characters evaluated, especially for seed weight per inflorescence. In the factorial design, seed weight per pod was the only character for which the year effect was not significant. Male and female effects were significant for all characters and these effects were larger than the male × female interaction variance for all the characters. These results were stable over the 2 years for most characters. Additive variance was larger than dominance variance, for all traits. This resulted in high narrow‐sense heritabilities, especially for seed yield per plant, seed weight per inflorescence and number of seeds per pod. Seed weight per inflorescence and number of seeds per inflorescence were highly correlated with seed yield per plant among the full‐sib (FS) families, in both experiments. Increase in seed yield potential in alfalfa could be achieved by the use of seed weight per inflorescence as a selection criterion.
Farmers' seed management practices open up new base populations for pearl millet breeding in a semi‐arid zone of India
Authors: Vom Brocke K. , Presterl T. , Christinck A. , Weltzien E. , Geiger R. H. H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractFarmers in western Rajasthan (north‐west India) produce and maintain their landrace populations of pearl millet through their own distinct seed management practices. The objective of this study was to characterize morphological and agronomic variability of different traits between and within three farmers' populations using quantitative‐genetic parameters. Populations examined were a typical landrace and two modified landraces, which were generated through farmer introgression of modern varieties with different levels of subsequent selection. From these three populations, 100 random full‐sib progenies were evaluated in field trials at two locations in western Rajasthan over two years. Significant genetic variation existed within the three populations. Estimates of heritability were moderate to high for all observed traits. Predicted selection response for grain yield across environments was 1.6% for the typical landrace and 2.2% for both the modified landraces. Results suggest that the introgression of modern varieties into landraces had increased the genetic diversity. Therefore, farmers' current breeding activities could open up new resources for plant breeding programmes aiming at plant improvement for the semiarid zones of India.
Improving crop competitive ability using allelopathy — an example from rice
Authors: Olofsdotter M. , Jensen L. B. , Courtois B. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to review the possibilities for using allelopathy to improve overall crop competitive ability against weeds, using rice, Oryza sativa, as an example. Laboratory, greenhouse and field screenings for allelopathy and overall weed suppression in rice have been made and allelopathic rice germplasm has been identified in laboratory and greenhouse screening. Field experiments revealed that allelopathy accounted for 34% of overall competitive ability in rice. For strongly allelopathic cultivars, allelopathy was the dominant factor determining competitive ability. Based on the results of the screenings, recombinant inbred line populations were developed for identification of quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling allelopathy. Populations of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) were derived through single‐seed descent from crosses between varieties with contrasting behaviour and QTL controlling allelopathy were identified. For rice and most probably also for other cereal crops, the findings presented can explain the limited success in previous breeding programmes for weed competition, as allelopathy has never before been acknowledged as an important factor. The findings in allelopathy indicate that it is possible to improve allelopathy in rice using marker‐assisted selection. Optimizing allelopathy in combination with breeding for competitive plant types could result in crop cultivars with superior weed‐suppressive ability.
Quantitative trait loci for scald resistance in barley localized by a non‐interval mapping procedure
Authors: Jensen J. , Backes G. , Skinnes H. , Giese H. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThree quantitative trait loci (QTL) for scald resistance in barley were identified and mapped in relation to molecular markers using a population of chromosome doubled‐haploid lines produced from the F1 generation of a cross between the spring barley varieties ‘Alexis’ and ‘Regatta’. Two field experiments were conducted in Denmark and two in Norway to assess disease resistance. The percentage leaf area covered with scald (Rhynchosporium secalis) ranged from 0 to 40% in the 189 doubled‐haploid (DH) lines analysed. One quantitative trait locus was localized in the centromeric region of chromosome 3H, Qryn3, using the MAPQTL program. MAPQTL was unable to provide proper localization of the other two resistance genes and so a non‐interval QTL mapping method was used. One was found to be located distally to markers on chromosome 4H (Qryn4) and the other, Qryn6, was located distally to markers on chromosome 6H. The effects of differences between the Qryn3, Qryn4 and Qryn6 alleles in two barley genotypes for the QTL were estimated to be 8.8%, 7.3% and 7.0%, respectively, of leaf covered by scald. No interactions between the QTLs were found.
The presence or absence of the soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor as a quantitative trait locus for seed protein content
Authors: Vollmann J. , Schausberger H. , Bistrich H. , Lelley T. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractNumerous quantitative trait loci (QTL) for various characters have recently been reported in different crop plants. However, information is limited about the molecular mechanisms behind QTL, because most of them have only been detected at a statistical level. Therefore, progeny from a cross between two soybean genotypes segregating for the presence vs. absence of the Kunitz trypsin inhibitor, a 21.5 kDa protein, have been analysed for possible effects of that protein on agronomic and seed quality characters. Protein content was reduced by, on average, 4.5 g/kg in segregants lacking the Kunitz protein, whereas oil content and other characters remained unaffected. This finding can be interpreted as a ‘model QTL’ for variation in seed protein content, because the molecular and genetic backgrounds of the soybean Kunitz trypsin inhibitor are well understood.
In vitro chromosome doubling of Miscanthus sinensis
Authors: Petersen K. K. , Hagberg P. , Kristiansen K. , Forkmann G. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe aim was to develop an efficient chromosome doubling method for Miscanthus sinensis to enable the production of triploids and so avoid seed dispersal to the environment. Antimitotic treatments with colchicine or oryzalin were tested in M. sinensis cl. MS‐88‐110 on: (1) in vitro shoots and plants established in soil; (2) during propagation of embryogenic callus; and (c) during the initial stages of callus induction. All systems produced chromosome‐doubled plants. A higher percentage of tetraploids was found after antimitotic treatment at the explant or callus level compared with treatment of in vitro shoots or plants established in soil. In general, oryzalin was more toxic to plant material than colchicine. A higher frequency of chimeras was found among plants with altered ploidy level when the target was formed shoot buds compared with adventitious shoot formation from callus. Antimitotic treatment of embryogenic callus from shoot apices also resulted in a high degree of albinism.
Characteristics of Buck Semen with Regard to Ejaculate Numbers, Collection Intervals, Diluents and Preservation Periods
Authors: Shamsuddin M , Amiri Y , Bhuiyan Mmu 
Published: March 2003

ContentsTo determine the number of ejaculates which can be collected within a 20‐min period after the smallest number of days of sexual rest, and a good diluent to preserve semen for routine AI, five mature Black Bengal bucks were used in three experiments. In experiment 1, semen from the bucks were collected by using artificial vagina at homosexual mounts as many times as possible during 20 min. The ejaculate numbers 1, 3 and 4 (or 5 when the buck could produce it) were examined for important semen characteristics. The mean ejaculate volume, density, mass activity, sperm motility, sperm concentrations, total spermatozoa/ejaculate, proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, midpiece and tail, and the proportion with normal head morphology varied between 267 and 342 µl, 4.1–4.5 (1–5 scale), 4.1–4.2 (1–5 scale), 77–79%, 4187 × 106–5064 × 106/ml, 1140 × 106–1746 × 106, 91–94% and 99%, respectively, depending on the collection number of the ejaculate. The difference between the ejaculates was significant only with respect to volume (p < 0.05). In experiment 2, semen was collected from the bucks successively during 20 min after 1, 2, 3 and 4 day intervals, and the first ejaculates were evaluated for the above‐mentioned semen characteristics. Semen collected after 2 or more day intervals had significantly higher volume, sperm concentration and total spermatozoa/ejaculate (p < 0.05). In experiment 3, pools of two to three ejaculates were diluted (1 : 5; semen : diluent) in splits with glucose‐citrate‐egg yolk (GCEY), Tris‐fructose‐egg yolk (TFEY) or skim milk (SM) and preserved at +4 to +7°C. Before chilling or after 0 (15 min chilling), 1, 2, 3 and 4 days of preservation, semen was evaluated for motility and proportion of normal spermatozoa with respect to acrosome, midpiece and tail. In data pooled across the bucks, the sperm motility was better in GCEY and TFEY than in SM, and the proportion of normal spermatozoa was higher in SM than in the others (p < 0.05). However, the differences in proportion of normal spermatozoa between diluents were not significant when the data were analysed separately within preservation periods. The sperm motility consistently dropped after 1 day of preservation (p < 0.01); the motility remained 50% or more up to 4 days in TFEY, 3 days in GCEY and only 2 days in SM. The proportion of spermatozoa with normal acrosome, midpiece and tail, which was generally quite high ( 90%), decreased after 3 days of preservation (p < 0.01). We conclude that Black Bengal bucks can be collected three times during 20 min, every 3 days, and that buck semen holds good motility and proportion of normal spermatozoa up to 3 days in GCEY or TFEY at 4 to 7°C.
Antioxidative Defence Mechanisms in Bovine Placenta and their Importance for Placental Release
Authors: Kankofer M 
Published: March 2003

ContentsReactive oxygen species, although unavoidable intermediates, may have positive and negative effects on tissue and cells. There is some evidence that imbalance between production and neutralization of reactive oxygen species may lead to peroxidative changes of cells, disturbances of the metabolism and in consequence disorders such as, among others, the retention of fetal membranes, udder oedema and mastitis in cows. Defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species consist of enzymatic and nonenzymatic systems. This review examines the available literature regarding the activity of enzymatic and nonenzymatic defence mechanisms against reactive oxygen species in bovine placenta. Its importance for placenta release in cows is also discussed.
Correlation between the Cell Number and Diameter in Bovine Embryos Produced In Vitro
Authors: Mori M , Otoi T , Suzuki T 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThis study was designed to examine the effects of age and developmental stage of in vitro‐produced bovine embryos on the cell number of the embryos and to investigate the correlation between the cell number and diameter in the embryos. The diameter and cell number in blastocysts and expanded blastocysts collected on days 7–9 after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were examined. Although the diameters of the blastocysts collected on days 7 and 8 after IVF were smaller than those of the expanded blastocysts collected on day 9, the cell number in both types of embryos was similar. The cell numbers of the blastocysts and expanded blastocysts decreased with increasing embryo age. There were positive correlations between the cell number and diameter in bovine embryos at each stage collected on each day after IVF. However, the value of the correlation coefficient in the day‐9 expanded blastocyst group tended to be higher than that in the other groups. These results indicate that the cell number of in vitro‐produced embryos is affected by the embryonic stage and age. The diameter of the embryo may be potentially used for the viability testing of the expanded blastocysts collected on day 9 after IVF.
Sialomucin Complex (Muc4) Expression in Porcine Endometrium During the Oestrous Cycle and Early Pregnancy
Authors: Ferrell AD , Malayer JR , Carraway KL , Geisert RD 
Published: March 2003

ContentsThe non‐invasive type of implantation in the pig is characterized by the maintenance of a thick glycocalyx coating on the uterine epithelial surface microvilli. Present study investigated the alteration in the sialomucin complex (Muc4) expression during the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy in the pig. Endometrial tissue samples were immunostained with the primary antibody to the Muc4 transmembrane subunit ASGP‐2. Muc4 immunostaining increased in the surface and glandular epithelia between days 5 and 10 of oestrous cycle. Immunostaining continued to increase on day 12 with the greatest intensity of uterine Muc4 immunostaining detected on day 15 of the oestrous cycle and early pregnancy. Endometrial Muc4 expression in cyclic gilts decreased dramatically during early proestrous but continued to remain abundant in the surface and glandular epithelium of pregnant gilts during the period of conceptus attachment to the uterine surface.
Development and evaluation of a training program in peer support for former consumers
Authors: Meehan Tom , Bergen Helen , Coveney Claire , Thornton Robert 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT:While mental health policy in Australia promotes the involvement of mental health consumers in service planning, implementation and evaluation, little has been reported on the training required for the new roles that consumers are being expected to undertake. In this study, 10 former consumers of mental health services participated in a 16‐week training program in peer support. The impact of the program on the psychological well‐being of the participants was assessed using a battery of self‐evaluation questionnaires and focus group interviews. Findings suggest that exposure to people with acute mental health problems (i.e. inpatients), did not, in this instance, adversely impact on the psychological well‐being of the participants. Barriers to consumer participation in the mental health field are discussed and recommendations for the content and structure of future consumer peer support training initiatives are proposed.
Priority areas for clinical research in palliative care nursing
Authors: Chang Esther , Daly John 
Published: March 2003

Priority areas for clinical research in palliative care nursing This report highlights a number of current research issues and concerns in palliative care nursing. The aim of the study was to identify high clinical nursing research priorities in palliative care, drawing on the expertise of nine (n=9) clinical nurse consultants currently working in this specialty. The Delphi method was used to collect and process data in the study. Thirteen high research priorities emerged which have relevance for nursing practice, patient and family care in the hospice and community care setting. In the context of this study, the concept of high priority relates to research participant consensus on the most pressing nursing research problems which require investigation to improve clinical practice. Study findings provide direction for clinical research and continuing education in palliative care which may benefit expert nurses and their patients.
Shuffled‐cards structure and different P/T conditions in the Sanbagawa metamorphic belt, Sakuma‐Tenryu area, central Japan
Authors: Tagiri Michio , Yago Yoshiaki , Tanaka Atsushi 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe Sanbagawa metamorphic terrain of the study area is divided into two units, the Shirakura and Sejiri units. The metamorphic thermal structure is interpreted on the basis of the degree of graphitization (GD) of carbonaceous material in pelitic schists. The areal variations of the metamorphic grade are presented by the distribution of GD calculated using the Lc and d002 of carbonaceous material. As a result, the two units are classified into four metamorphic zones, respectively: A1, A2, B1 and B2 for the Shirakura Unit; and I1, I2, II1 and II2 for the Sejiri Unit. The metamorphic grades of A1, A2, I1 and I2 are included in the chlorite zone, and that of B1, B2, II1 and II2 in the garnet zone of the Sanbagawa metamorphism. The degree of graphitization at the boundary between A2 and B1 zones is the same as that between I2 and II1 zones. Detailed study on the variation of GD suggests that the present‐day structure of the study area is best interpreted as a model of shuffled‐cards structure. An estimated minimum thickness of a stack of continuous cards is about 25 m. The compositions of garnet in pelitic schists and of amphibole in basic schists are different from those in the identical metamorphic range of the Shirakura and Sejiri units. It is suggested that rocks of the Shirakura Unit were metamorphosed under higher P/T conditions than those of the Sejiri Unit.
Management of hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: KIRCHEIS GERALD , HÄUSSINGER DIETER 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is seen as a clinical manifestation of low grade chronic cerebral edema, which is accompanied by alterations in glioneural communication. Different factors such as ammonia, inflammatory cytokines, benzodiazepines and electrolyte imbalances may precipitate or aggravate glia edema, thereby explaining precipitation of HE episodes by a variety of unrelated factors. Recognition and rigorous treatment of these precipitating factors is the most important measure in HE therapy which may be augmented by dietary and medical approaches. Among these approaches, evidence for proven therapeutical efficacy in HE on the basis of placebo‐controlled trials is existing only for transplantation, protein restriction, administration of vegetable proteins, ornithine‐aspartate, oral branched‐chain amino acid treatment as well as lactulose enemas. The efficacy of oral lactulose has not been demonstrated on the basis of placebo‐controlled trials.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd
Molecular adsorbent recirculating system: Albumin dialysis‐based extracorporeal liver assist device
Authors: KAPOOR DHARMESH 
Published: March 2003

Abstract  Extracorporeal liver assist devices have been used for more than five decades to support patients with liver failure. Numerous modifications have been made to both biological as well as mechanical liver assist devices. Possibly, an ideal liver assist device would be one that would perform optimal detoxification and synthetic functions of the liver, be simple to set up and yet be cost‐effective. An albumin dialysis‐based device that uses a hybrid albumin‐impregnated membrane to get rid of albumin‐bound toxins that circulate in abundance in liver failure, called the molecular adsorbent recirculating system (MARS) has been in clinical use for nearly four years now. Results with the use of this device in both acute and acute‐on‐chronic liver failure have shown consistent improvement in biochemical profile, resolution of encephalopathy, correction in hemodynamics, reduction in intracranial pressure and some improvement in the synthetic function of the liver. In a number of studies, albeit of small sample size, survival advantage has also been observed. The timing of initiation of therapy with MARS, duration of treatment, frequency of sessions and ‘maintenance therapy’ are still some of the unresolved issues with the use of this device. Large multicentric trials on the use of this technique are expected to throw light on these issues and help optimize the potential of this liver assist device.© 2002 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd