Source material from the VIR collection for hybrid breeding of multiple-ear maize

Background. Expanding the genetic polymorphism of maize is an effective way to increase its productivity by involving multiple-ear genotypes in breeding.Materials and methods. In 2007, 596 maize accessions from VIR were assessed at the Kuban Experiment Station of VIR. In 2020, 52 hybrids between multiple-ear and single-ear maize lines were tested in the steppe zone of Kabardino-Balkaria at the site of the OTBOR Agrifirm. Useful agronomic traits were recorded, the coefficient of prolificacy (kmc) was calculated for the source lines and their hybrid progeny from crosses with a single-ear tester, and 52 parent lines were ranked according to the type of inheritance of the prolificacy feature.Results. Accessions that combined prolificacy with other useful agronomic traits were identified. The following accessions were selected for their plant height (score 5, 126–175 cm): k-8819, k-9054, k-15269, k-15355, k-15360, k-15331, k-15877, k-15442, k-15443, k-15445, k-8009, k-14344, k-15195, k-15226 and k-17385. Accessions that excelled in the height of the ear attachment for mechanized harvesting (score 5, 50–70 cm) were as follows: k-8819, k-15269, k-15355, k-15360, k-14394, k-14904, k-14979, k-14968, k-15292, k-15391, k-9289, k-15322, k-15439, k-15442, k-15443 and k-14344. Sources of the following traits were identified: long cob (score 9, > 20 cm): k-9054, k-4535, k-13730, k-14817 and k-14996; higher number of rows per ear (score 5–9, > 16 grain rows): k-14904, k-14979, k-14968, k-15442, k-15330, k-15322 and k-9257; and higher number of grains in a row (score 5–9, > 31 grains per row): k-14904, k-14996, k-15639, k-15353, k-15330, k-15322, k-15344, k-15281, k-15439, k-9357 and k-15237. Ranking 52 accessions according to the test cross results showed that 9 of them produced progeny of the maternal type (no more than one ear), 26 of the intermediate type (1.1–1.5 ears per plant), 11 of the paternal type (1.6–2,0 ears) and 6 of heterotic type (more than 2 ears).

Sleep–wake rhythm and its association with lifestyle, health-related quality of life and academic performance among Japanese nursing students: a cross-sectional study

Background Young adults are likely to have activities and go to bed late at night due to their age-dependent delayed endogenous circadian clock. The purpose of the present study was to clarify sleep–wake rhythm and its association with lifestyle, health-related quality of life, and academic performance among nursing students. Methods Self-reported questionnaires were distributed to undergraduate nursing students at six universities in Japan. Sleep–wake rhythm was assessed using the morningness-eveningness questionnaire. A quantitative design using the generalized linear mixed effect model was utilized to identify the factors related to the evening type among female nursing students (n = 447). Results About 18% of the participants were identified as the evening type. Evening type was associated with living alone, part-time job, and club activity. Sleep duration on weekdays was shorter, meal time duration was the shortest, and the percentages of students who skipped meals and those who gained body weight were higher in the evening type than in the morning type and intermediate type. Mental health-related quality of life was lower in the intermediate type and evening type than in the morning type, while there was no difference in physical health-related quality of life among these groups. The percentages of the nursing students who have experienced absence, tardiness, falling asleep during class, and/or interference with academic achievement were higher in the evening type than in other groups. Conclusions The present study has important implications for nursing students’ biological characteristics and lifestyle, which are associated with their health-related quality of life and academic performance.

The Myelic Limited Dorsal Malformation: Prenatal Ultrasonographic Characteristics of an Intermediate Form of Dysraphism

<b><i>Objectives:</i></b> The aim of the study was to report a subtype of dysraphism designated as myelic limited dorsal malformation (MyeLDM) and to describe its characteristics at prenatal ultrasound (US). <b><i>Methods:</i></b> It was a retrospective study from 2014 to 2020 based on second-line US evaluation of patients referred to our institution for myelomeningocele (MMC). Magnetic resonance imaging and acetylcholine esterase evaluation in the amniotic fluid were also offered. Major and minor criteria for open and closed dysraphism were defined and recorded for each patient. Patients were included as MyeLDM when both criteria of closed and open dysraphism were observed in the same fetus. Correlations were obtained with the postpartum data. <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, some of them being very close to MMC, others very close to limited dorsal myeloschisis (LDM), and others lying in between. There were 13 live-born neonates and 7 terminations of pregnancy. Correlations between prenatal and postpartum data were overall very good. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Our series describe the ultrasonographic characteristics of an intermediate type of dysraphism and suggest that there is a continuum between MMC and LDM with numerous possibilities of hybrid forms (MyeLDM) sharing characteristics of both open and closed dysraphisms.

Caracteristica hibrizilor interspecifici de grâu durum de toamnă

In the result of our investigations, in 2016 2019, were obtained 220 hybrids of winter durum wheat with a percentaje of grain biding from 0 to 82.5% for interspecific hybrids. In interspecific hybrids from the first generation (F1), the complete domination is revealed only after the pubescence of the ear and the lack of awns. The color of the ear, the awns and the grains are inherited according to the intermediate type. Interspecific hybrids of F2 and subsequent descendants are characterized by a vigorous process of segregation with the appearance of durum and aestivum wheat with valuble agronomic indices.

Effect of Linear Type Traits Influences on Survivability and Longevity of Sahiwal Cattle

Background: The linear type traits are the one of important tools for selection of milch cattle. The lifespan of cattle mostly depends on these linear type traits particularly feet and udder related traits. So it is necessary to measure the linear type traits and effect on longevity of Sahiwal cattle. Methods: The experiment was conducted on 86 Sahiwal cattle maintained in Bull mother experimental farm and government cattle breeding farm, Anjora, Durg (C.G.). The linear type traits in Sahiwal cattle were measured as per the recommendation of International committee for animal recording (ICAR). Result: The different linear type traits were studied the average value of stature 125.39±0.534, Chest width 27±0.49, rump angle 12.75±0.97, rump width 17.32±0.29, rear leg set (side view) 146.03°±0.91, rear leg set (rear view) -3.74±0.15, udder depth 18.97±0.43, udder cleft 2.77±0.95, rear udder height 24.06±0.45, fore udder attachment 130.50±1.75° and front teat position 3.61±0.13 cm. these linear type traits mainly affects the longevity and survivability of Sahiwal herds. The most of the traits were found to be intermediate type it leads to increase the longevity and fewer reproductive problems in the Sahiwal herds.

Experimental Phase Equilibria and Isopleth Section of 8Nb-TiAl Alloys

The 8Nb isopleth section of a Ti-Al-Nb system is experimentally determined based on thermal analysis and thermodynamic calculation methods to obtain the phase transformation and equilibrium relations required for material design and fabrication. The phase transus and relations for the 8Nb-TiAl system show some deviations from the calculated thermodynamic results. The ordered βo phase transforms from the disordered β/α phases at 1200–1400 °C over a large Al concentration range, and this transformation is considered to be an intermediate type between the first- and second-order phase transitions. Moreover, the βo phases are retained at the ambient temperature in the 8Nb-TiAl microstructures. The ωo phase transforms from the highly ordered βo phase, rather than from α2 or βo with a low degree of atom ordering B2 (LOB2) structure, with Al concentration of 32–43 at% at approximately 850 °C. From the experimental detection, the transition of the ωo phase from the βo phase is considered to be a further ordering process.

Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in diagnosis of intermediate atrioventricular septal defect in the adult: case report and literature review

Background Intermediate type atrioventricular septal defect is less frequent than complete or partial atrioventricular septal defect, and is rarely encountered in the elderly and the utility of three dimensional transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis has not been reported to date. Case presentation In this case report, we described a rare case of an intermediate atrioventricular septal defect in an adult patient and we showed the valuable utility of real time 3D transesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis and future surgical planning. The patient was referred to a tertiary center for an elective surgical repair. Finally, we provided a detailed review of the literature concerning the intermediate type of atrioventricular septal defect. Conclusion Although 2D transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography enables diagnosis of the intermediate type atrioventricular septal defect, precise assessment of anatomy of atrioventricular septal defects and common atrioventricular valve was enabled only by real time 3D echocardiography.

Experimental Phase Equilibria and Isopleth Section of 8Nb-TiAl Alloys

The 8Nb isopleth section of a Ti-Al-Nb system is experimentally determined based on thermal analysis and thermodynamic calculation methods to obtain the phase transformation and equilibrium relations required for material design and fabrication. The phase transus and relations for the 8Nb-TiAl system show some deviations from the calculated thermodynamic results. The ordered &beta;o phase transforms from the disordered &beta;/&alpha; phases at 1200&ndash;1400 &deg;C over a large Al concentration range, and this transformation is considered to be an intermediate type between the first- and second-order phase transitions. Moreover, the &beta;o phases are retained at the ambient temperature in the 8Nb-TiAl microstructures. The &omega;o phase transforms from the highly ordered &beta;o phase, rather than from &alpha;2 or &beta;o with low degree of atom ordering B2 (LOB2) structure, with Al concentration of 32&ndash;43 at.% at approximately 850 &deg;C. From the experimental detection, the transition of the &omega;o phase from the &beta;o phase is considered to be a further ordering process.