Drought Tolerance of Interspecific Hybrids between \u3ci\u3eTrifolium repens\u3c/i\u3e and \u3ci\u3eTrifolium ambiguum\u3c/i\u3e

Hybrids between the stolonifeous white clover (Trifolium repens L., 2n=4x=32) and rhizomatous Caucasian clover (T. ambiguum M.Bieb, 2n=4x=32) have been produced. A backcross 2 (BC2) generation with white clover as the recurrent parent combines the growth habit of both parent species with the objective of increasing the persistency of large leaved T. repens varieties under grazing. T. ambiguum is more drought tolerant than T. repens. The drought tolerance of the hybrids in comparison with the parental species was compared in deep soil bins over a four week drought cycle. Soil moisture content, leaf relative water content (RWC), and leaf water potential were measured on plants subjected to drought and those watered normally and maintained at field capacity. T. ambiguum and the backcross hybrids were able to maintain a higher leaf RWC and leaf water potential than T. repens at comparable levels of soil moisture. The dry matter production of the hybrids and parental species was also compared in field plots sown with a perennial ryegrass companion. In the first harvest year, under a cutting regime, the yield of T. repens was highest and T. ambiguum lowest with the hybrids intermediate between the parents, with the BC2 approaching the yield of T. repens. These hybrids will be evaluated over further years and under grazing. The implications of these results for T. repens germplasm improvement programmes are discussed

The role of mutation rate variation and genetic diversity in the architecture of human disease

Background We have investigated the role that the mutation rate and the structure of genetic variation at a locus play in determining whether a gene is involved in disease. We predict that the mutation rate and its genetic diversity should be higher in genes associated with disease, unless all genes that could cause disease have already been identified. Results Consistent with our predictions we find that genes associated with Mendelian and complex disease are substantially longer than non-disease genes. However, we find that both Mendelian and complex disease genes are found in regions of the genome with relatively low mutation rates, as inferred from intron divergence between humans and chimpanzees, and they are predicted to have similar rates of non-synonymous mutation as other genes. Finally, we find that disease genes are in regions of significantly elevated genetic diversity, even when variation in the rate of mutation is controlled for. The effect is small nevertheless. Conclusions Our results suggest that gene length contributes to whether a gene is associated with disease. However, the mutation rate and the genetic architecture of the locus appear to play only a minor role in determining whether a gene is associated with disease

Place attachment in deprived neighbourhoods: The impacts of population turnover and social mix

This paper examines the determinants of individual place attachment, focussing in particular on differences between deprived and others neighbourhoods, and on the impacts of population turnover and social mix. It uses a multi-level modelling approach to take account of both individual- and neighbourhood-level determinants. Data are drawn from a large sample government survey, the Citizenship Survey 2005, to which a variety of neighbourhood-level data have been attached. The paper argues that attachment is significantly lower in more deprived neighbourhoods primarily because these areas have weaker social cohesion but that, in other respects, the drivers of attachment are the same. Turnover has modest direct impacts on attachment through its effect on social cohesion. Social mix has very limited impacts on attachment and the effects vary between social groups. In general, higher status or more dominant groups appear less tolerant of social mix

Long-Term Response to Sunitinib Treatment in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Pooled Analysis of Clinical Trials

A subset of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma treated with sunitinib achieved long-term response (ie, progression-free survival [PFS] > 18 months). Long-term responders had improved objective response rate, PFS, and overall survival versus others. Patient baseline characteristics predictive of long-term response to sunitinib were identified. Background: We characterized clinical outcomes of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with sunitinib who were long-term responders (LTRs), defined as patients having progression-free survival (PFS) > 18 months. Patients and Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 5714 patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib in 8 phase II/III clinical trials and the expanded access program. Duration on-study and objective response rate (ORR) were compared between LTRs and patients with PFS ≤ 18 months (“others”). PFS and overall survival (OS) were summarized using Kaplan–Meier methodology. Results: Overall, 898 (15.7%) patients achieved a long-term response and 4816 (84.3%) patients did not achieve long-term response. The median (range) duration on-study was 28.6 (16.8-70.7) months in LTRs and 5.5 (0-68.8) months in others. ORR was 51% in LTRs versus 14% in others (P <.0001). Median PFS in LTRs was 32.11 months and median OS was not reached. LTRs had higher percentage of early tumor shrinkage ≥ 10% at the first scan (67.1% vs. 51.2%; P =.0018) and greater median maximum on-study tumor shrinkage from baseline (−56.9 vs. −27.1; P <.0001) versus others. White race, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0, time from diagnosis to treatment ≥ 1 year, clear cell histology, no liver metastasis, lactate dehydrogenase ≤ 1.5 upper limit of normal (ULN), corrected calcium ≤ 10 mg/dL, hemoglobin greater than the lower limit of normal, platelets less than or equal to ULN, body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m2, and low neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio were associated with LTR. Conclusion: A subset of patients with mRCC treated with sunitinib achieved long-term response. LTRs had improved ORR, PFS, and OS

Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis of Morphogenetic and Developmental Traits in an SSR and AFLP-Based Genetic Map of White Clover (\u3cem\u3eTrifolium Repens\u3c/em\u3e L.)

Molecular marker-assisted plant breeding is a key target for the temperate legume pasture crop white clover (Trifolium repens L.). The first genetic linkage map of white clover has been constructed using self-fertile mutants to derive an intercross based fourth and fifth generation inbred parental genotypes (F2[I.4R x I.5J]). The framework map was constructed using simple sequence repeat (TRSSR) and amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers. Eighteen linkage groups (LG) corresponding to the anticipated 16 chromosomes of white clover (2n = 4x = 32), with a total map length of 825 cM were derived from a total of 135 markers (78 TRSSR loci and 57 AFLP loci). The F2(I.4R x I.5J) family has been subjected to intensive phenotypic analysis for a range of morphogenetic and developmental traits over several years at IGER, Aberystwyth, Wales and East Craigs, near Edinburgh, Scotland. The resulting phenotypic data were analysed independently to identify QTL (quantitative trait loci) for the various traits, using single marker regression (SMR), interval mapping (IM) and composite interval mapping (CIM) techniques. Multiple coincident QTL regions were identified from the different years and different sites for the same or related traits. The data were reanalysed using a meta-analysis across years and sites and Best Linear Unbiased Estimates (BLUEs) were derived for the plant spread, petiole length, leaf width, leaf length, leaf area, internode length, plant height and flowering date traits. A total of 24 QTLs were identified on 10 of the linkage groups. Three regions on LGs 2, 7 and 12 all demonstrated overlapping QTLs for multiple traits (Figure 1). A meta-analysis approach can quickly identify regions of the genome that control the trait in a robust predictable manner across multiple spatial and temporal replication for rapid targeted genetic enhancement via marker-assisted breeding. This first genetic dissection of agronomic traits in white clover provides the basis for comparative trait-mapping studies and the enhanced development and implementation of marker-assisted breeding strategies

Calibration of the length of a chain of single gold atoms

Using a scanning tunneling microscope or mechanically controllable break junctions it has been shown that it is possible to control the formation of a wire made of single gold atoms. In these experiments an interatomic distance between atoms in the chain of ~3.6 Angstrom was reported which is not consistent with recent theoretical calculations. Here, using precise calibration procedures for both techniques, we measure length of the atomic chains. Based on the distance between the peaks observed in the chain length histogram we find the mean value of the inter-atomic distance before chain rupture to be 2.6 +/- 0.2 A . This value agrees with the theoretical calculations for the bond length. The discrepancy with the previous experimental measurements was due to the presence of He gas, that was used to promote the thermal contact, and which affects the value of the work function that is commonly used to calibrate distances in scanning tunnelling microscopy and mechanically controllable break junctions at low temperatures.Comment: 6 pages, 6 figure

Slabs of stabilized jellium: Quantum-size and self-compression effects

We examine thin films of two simple metals (aluminum and lithium) in the stabilized jellium model, a modification of the regular jellium model in which a constant potential is added inside the metal to stabilize the system for a given background density. We investigate quantum-size effects on the surface energy and the work function. For a given film thickness we also evaluate the density yielding energy stability, which is found to be slightly higher than the equilibrium density of the bulk system and to approach this value in the limit of thick slabs. A comparison of our self-consistent calculations with the predictions of the liquid-drop model shows the validity of this model.Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, to appear in Phys. Rev.

RTOG/NRG 1115 Quality of Life of Phase III Dose Escalated Radiation Therapy (RT) and Standard Androgen Deprivation Therapy (ADT) with GnRH Agonist vs. Dose Escalated RT and ADT with GnRH Agonist and Orteronel (TAK-700) for Men with High-Risk Prostate

Purpose/Objective(s): Quality of life (QOL) was assessed with the hypothesis that QOL and fatigue scores would not differ significantly between the ADT + RT (Arm A) and the experimental group receiving ADT + RT + oreteronel (Arm B). Materials/Methods: In both arms, ADT with GnRH agonist was given for 24 mos, and dose escalated RT started 8-10 wks after initiation of ADT. In Arm B, oreteronel was given BID for 24 mos. QOL was measured with Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite (EPIC) and EQ-5D global QOL assessment. EPIC has 4 domains: bowel, urinary, sexual, and hormonal. EQ-5D index score was calculated using health states obtained from 5 dimensions, and a visual analog score (VAS). For EPIC, EQ-5D index and VAS, higher scores indicate better QOL. Fatigue was measured by the 7-item Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) short form. Total score is standardized into a T-score with mean of 50 and standard deviation of 10 with higher score representing more fatigue. Change scores, calculated as follow-up minus baseline, were compared between arms. Longitudinal analysis using repeated measures mixed effects models was conducted (prior to ADT [baseline], one wk prior to starting RT, last wk of RT, and 1 and 2.5 yrs after initiation of therapy). Results: Of 231 eligible patients, 196 consented to QOL, 102 on Arm A and 94 on Arm B. Compliance prior to start of RT and end of RT was 83%. At 1 and 2.5 yrs, 80% and 62% of pts, respectively, completed the EPIC. There were no differences between any EPIC domain between arms from the start of RT through the end of follow-up. Men on oreteronel had a significantly greater decline in bowel score prior to starting RT then control patients (-6.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -9.24, -3.01 vs. -1.93, 95% CI: -4.48, 0.63, respectively, p=0.038). Arm B patients also had a statistically significant and clinically meaningful worse change in urinary score vs control from baseline to pre-RT (-2.33, 95% CI: -5.02, 0.36 vs. 1.38, 95% CI: -1.07, 3.83, respectively, p=0.043). No other timepoints were significant. The only sig. between arm difference in EPIC sexual and hormonal scores was also at pre-RT in favor of Arm A over Arm B; p=0.024 and p=0.0024 respectively). Fatigue was also greater in the oreteronel patients prior to starting RT (3.81, 95% CI: 1.88, 5.74 vs. 1.18, 95% CI: -0.23, 2.60, p=0.028). Conclusion: The addition of oreteronel to RT and ADT resulted in greater declines in QOL prior to the start of RT but did not result in significant differences at any other time points. Although oreteronel development has been halted, the QOL results are encouraging for other drugs in this class that remain under investigation. In ongoing prospective trials, QOL impacts should be measured in conjunction with changes in clinical outcome and survival. This project was supported by grants UG1CA189867, U10CA180868, U10CA180822 from the National Cancer Institute and Takeda Pharmaceutical

Filtro natural aplicado ao tratamento da água na comunidade indígena de Killuyacu Alto - Equador

Trabalho de Conclusão de Curso apresentado à Banca Examinadora do Curso de Engenharia Civil de Infraestrutura da UNILA, como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do Grau de Bacharel em Engenharia Civil. Orientador: Profo. Dro. Jiam Pires Frigo Co-orientadora: Profo. Samara Silva de SouzaO filtro natural aplicado ao tratamento da água pluvial na comunidade indígena de Killuyacu Alto na província de Napo no Equador tem como finalidade melhorar a qualidade da água para consumo humano através da proposta de um sistema de filtragem natural lento de baixo custo e instalação simples. A água usada atualmente para consumo da comunidade Killuyacu Alto é captada num manancial localizada numa caverna á montante, armazenada e transportada por gravidade até a comunidade sem passar por nenhum tratamento. O estudo visa promover soluções para o consumo de água potável na região amazônica do Equador, melhorar a saúde nas povoações mais vulneráveis do território amazônico, através de um tratamento de água simplificado, e além disso, reduzir as doenças provocadas pelo consumo de água de baixa qualidade. Para isso, foi realizado um estúdio socioeconômico e levantamento de dados na comunidade, extração e coletas de amostras de água no sistema de abastecimento, análise e avaliação dos padrões de potabilidade antes e depois da implantação do filtro natural para a comparação da qualidade da água. O projeto forneceu uma melhoria na qualidade da água pela implantação do sistema de filtragem natural lenta, embora não foi possível atingir a qualidade necessária para o consumo humano.The natural filter applied to the treatment of rainwater in the indigenous community of Killuyacu Alto in the province of Napo in Ecuador aims to improve the quality of water for human consumption through the proposal of a slow natural filtration system of low cost and simple installation. The water currently used for consumption by the Killuyacu Alto community is taken from a source located in an upstream cave, stored and transported by gravity to the community without undergoing any water treatment. The study promoted solutions for the consumption of drinking water in the Amazonian region of Ecuador and improve health in the most vulnerable settlements in the Amazonian territory through a simplified water treatment and also reduce diseases caused by the consumption of low quality water. For this, a socioeconomic study and community data collection, extraction and collection of water samples were carried out in the supply system, the potability standards were analyzed and evaluated before and after the implantation of the natural filter, if we compare the quality of the water. The project provided an improvement in water quality through the implementation of the slow natural filtration system, although it was not possible to reach the required quality for human consumption