Low-yield Group Research Articles

Differential expression of hormone related genes between extreme segregants of a Saccharum interspecific F2 population

Sugarcane is a highly productive, first generation biofuel feedstock, known for its remarkable efficiency in accumulating biomass. Hormones are important regulators for many biological processes in plants, especially in plant development and plant growth, which are crucial for plant biomass traits. To understand how hormones regulatory mechanisms contribute to sugarcane lignocellulose yield, we studied the transgressive segregation on biomass yield in the F2 population derived from a cross between Saccharum officinarum ‘LA Purple’ and Saccharum robustum ‘MOL5829’. Gene expression profiling was used to detect genes involved in three important hormone-related pathways, auxin, ethylene and gibberellin, to find out how they are differently regulated between the extreme segregants of high and low biomass yield groups. We identified seventeen differentially expressed genes in auxin, one in ethylene and one in gibberellin related signaling and biosynthesis pathways, which could potentially regulate biomass yield. Differentially expressed genes, PIF3 and EIL5, involved in gibberellin and ethylene pathway could play an important role in biomass accumulation. These plant hormone-related genes could serve as candidate genes in genetic modification and breeding programs to develop high yielding energy cane.

Trade-off between productivity and environmental sustainability in irrigated vs. rainfed wheat production in Iran

Wheat is a strategic crop for Iran with respect to food security and environmental impact. In the northeastern Golestan Province irrigated and rainfed wheat production systems co-exist. In the light of climate change the comparative assessment of the two systems regarding productivity and sustainability is of urgent importance. This paper aims to contribute to a more informed debate on the viability of irrigation in marginal crop production regions. For this purpose, the present study investigates productivity and environmental impact of 540 wheat producing farm households (259 irrigated; 281 rainfed) in Golestan by partial life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology using greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and product carbon footprint (PCF) as environmental sustainability indicators. The study finds huge heterogeneity among wheat producers with regard to yield, GHG emissions and PCF. Comparing irrigated and rainfed production showed that irrigation in average leads to 22% higher yields. However, the environmental impact of irrigated production is disproportionally high leading to 110% higher GHG emissions and 62% higher PCF, which highlights the trade-off between productivity and environmental sustainability. The major contributors to total GHG emissions of wheat production are energy for irrigation (only in irrigated production), N2O emissions related to fertilization and residue handling, diesel for machinery, and emissions related to fertilizer production and transport. Increased GHG emissions and PCF in irrigated compared to rainfed production are not only attributed to the energy required for irrigation, but also to increased fertilizer and other production inputs. Splitting the farmers into high, medium and low yield groups indicates the potential for increasing yields through increased input intensity without negative effects on PCF. The study's results demonstrate the potential of better balancing the trade-offs between productivity and sustainability of wheat production in marginal wheat production regions of the world.

Differences in rumen fermentation characteristics between low-yield and high-yield dairy cows in early lactation.

Relationship between rumen fermentation parameters, blood biochemical profiles and milk production traits in different yielding dairy cows during early lactation was investigated. Twelve dairy cows were divided into two groups based on their milk yield, that is low-yield (LY) and high-yield (HY) groups. Rumen fluid and blood were collected at 3weeks prepartum and 4, 8 and 12weeks postpartum. Results showed that proportions of acetate, propionate to total short chain fatty acids and acetate:propionate ratio were changed (P<0.05) in both groups during the peripartum period, whereas butyrate and acetate:butyrate ratio were only altered in the HY group. Blood cholesterol, beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA) and glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase in the HY group were higher (P<0.01) than those in the LY group. Principal component analysis revealed that milk yield and milk compositions were differently clustered between groups. These parameters showed similar direction with dry matter intake in the HY group and adverse direction in the LY group. Linear regression analysis indicated that butyrate was positively correlated with BHBA (P<0.05) in the HY group. This study suggests that cows in the HY group seem to accommodate appropriately to negative energy balance in early lactation through rumen fermentation.

Reimbursement Policies for Carotid Duplex Ultrasound that are Based on International Classification of Diseases Codes May Discourage Testing in High-Yield Groups

To curb increasing volumes of diagnostic imaging and costs, reimbursement for carotid duplex ultrasound (CDU) is dependent on "appropriate" indications as documented by International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes entered by ordering physicians. Historically, asymptomatic indications for CDU yield lower rates of abnormal results than symptomatic indications, and consensus documents agree that most asymptomatic indications for CDU are inappropriate. In our vascular laboratory, we perceived an increased rate of incorrect or inappropriate ICD codes. We therefore sought to determine if ICD codes were useful in predicting the frequency of abnormal CDU. We hypothesized that asymptomatic or nonspecific ICD codes would yield a lower rate of abnormal CDU than symptomatic codes, validating efforts to limit reimbursement in asymptomatic, low-yield groups. We reviewed all outpatient CDU done in 2011 at our institution. ICD codes were recorded, and each medical record was then reviewed by a vascular surgeon to determine if the assigned ICD code appropriately reflected the clinical scenario. CDU findings categorized as abnormal (>50% stenosis) or normal (<50% stenosis) were recorded. Each individual ICD code and group 1 (asymptomatic), group 2 (nonhemispheric symptoms), group 3 (hemispheric symptoms), group 4 (preoperative cardiovascular examination), and group 5 (nonspecific) ICD codes were analyzed for correlation with CDU results. Nine hundred ninety-four patients had 74 primary ICD codes listed as indications for CDU. Of assigned ICD codes, 17.4% were deemed inaccurate. Overall, 14.8% of CDU were abnormal. Of the 13 highest frequency ICD codes, only 433.10, an asymptomatic code, was associated with abnormal CDU. Four symptomatic codes were associated with normal CDU; none of the other high frequency codes were associated with CDU result. Patients in group 1 (asymptomatic) were significantly more likely to have an abnormal CDU compared to each of the other groups (P<0.001, P<0.001, P=0.020, P=0.002) and to all other groups combined (P<0.001). Asymptomatic indications by ICD codes yielded higher rates of abnormal CDU than symptomatic indications. This finding is inconsistent with clinical experience and historical data, and we suggest that inaccurate coding may play a role. Limiting reimbursement for CDU in low-yield groups is reasonable. However, reimbursement policies based on ICD coding, for example, limiting payment for asymptomatic ICD codes, may impede use of CDU in high-yield patient groups.

홀스타인 젖소의 케톤증과 관련된 원유속 아세톤과 β-히드록시부틸산 함량에 대한 (공)유전력

본 연구는 젖소 35,645두의 검정기록, 총 294,834를 이용하여 1회 착유량과 아세톤 및 <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-히드록시부틸산 (BHBA) 함량의 (공)유전력을 추정하기 위하여 수행되었다. 아세톤과 BHBA의 평균 함량은 원유 1리터당 각각 <TEX>$135.54{\pm}96.29{\mu}mol$</TEX>과 <TEX>$61.08{\pm}66.76{\mu}mol$</TEX>였으며, 상위군과 하위군간 아세톤과 BHBA 함량의 차이는 각각 <TEX>$6.12{\mu}mol/L$</TEX>과 <TEX>$4.35{\mu}mol/L$</TEX>로서 모두 유의적인 차이(p<0.01)를 나타내었다. 1회 착유량의 유전력은 0.18~0.21, 아세톤 함량은 0.11~0.13과 BHBA 함량은 0.01~0.02의 범위에서 추정되었다. 아세톤과 BHBA의 표현형상관과 유전상관은 각각 0.44와 0.48로 추정되었으며, BHBA 함량이 <TEX>$500{\mu}mol/L$</TEX> 이상부터는 아세톤과의 상관관계가 현저히 낮아지는 현상을 나타내었다. 하위군에서 1회 착유량에 대한 아세톤과 <TEX>$Log_e$</TEX>아세톤의 공유전력은 각각 0.02와 0.16으로 추정된 반면, BHBA와 <TEX>$Log_eBHBA$</TEX>의 공유전력은 각각 0.26과 0.32로 아세톤의 추정치보다 높게 나타났으며, 이러한 결과는 전체자료로 추정된 결과와도 일치하였다. 따라서 아세톤 함량보다는 1회 착유량과 공유전력이 높은 BHBA 함량이 1회 착유량에 대한 선발을 통하여 간접선발 반응을 유도하는데 더 효과적이며, 지시형질로서 바람직하였다. This experiment was conducted to estimate the heritability and coheritablity of daily milk yield, acetone and <TEX>${\beta}$</TEX>-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations in raw milk. The average concentrations of acetone and BHBA were <TEX>$135.54{\pm}96.29{\mu}mol$</TEX> and <TEX>$61.08{\pm}66.76{\mu}mol$</TEX>, respectively, and the differences between high group and low group cows were highly significant (p <0.01). The estimates of heritability of daily milk yield, acetone and BHBA concentrations were in the range of 0.18~0.21, 0.11~0.13 and 0.01~0.02, respectively. The estimate of heritability of <TEX>$Log_e$</TEX>acetone did not change much, while that of <TEX>$Log_eBHBA$</TEX> increased to 0.03~0.04. The estimates of phenotypic and genetic correlation coefficients between acetone and BHBA were 0.44 and 0.48, respectively. In low milk yield group, the coheritability estimates of BHBA and <TEX>$Log_eBHBA$</TEX> when selection was for daily milk yield were 0.26 and 0.32, respectively. These were higher than the coheritability estimate of acetone when selection was for daily milk yield. The same trend was noted in the coherihability estimates from the whole records using both high and low milk yield groups together. BHBA concentration seemed to be more effectively responding than acetone concentration when selection was for daily milk yield.

An Examination of the Factors Discriminating Onion Growers in West Bengal

The present study is based on empirical survey (2013–14) on hundred sample onion growers from Nadia and Hooghly districts of West Bengal in an attempt to characterise them into different classes in terms of several indicators covering both categorical and continuous variables and examining the factors discriminating them. The goal of this research article is to advocate intervention measures for augmenting onion production in a deficit state of West Bengal. K-means cluster analysis, Group characterization technique and Linear Discriminant Analysis tools have been used for the study. It has been found that the causes of poor performance among low-yield group emanate from cultural practices, technology adoption and managerial lapses. Institutional linkages, developing and restructuring farmers’ oriented bodies, promoting SHGs and building up Onion Producers Company and providing marketing infrastructure and provision of cold storages may change the status of poor onion growers.

Trading volume around ex-dividend days

We tested how ex-day trading volume is impacted by the reduction in capital gains tax rate to 20% (May 1997) and the move to trading in 6.25¢ price increments (June 1997). We found excess trading volume around the ex-days in the pre- and post-event periods for both high- and low-yield groups. The abnormal volume falls significantly after the move to 6.25¢ for high yields indicating lower liquidity but offers little support for tax clienteles hypothesis.

Rapid Quantitative Assessment of the Pig Pancreas Biopsy Predicts Islet Yield

Background The cost of islet procurement from donor pigs is increased by the use of organs that produce low yields. We developed an assessment system using dithizone-stained pig pancreas biopsies to enable the preselection of donor organs. Methods Pig pancreas biopsy slices were soaked in dithizone solution. The islets were evaluated before islet isolation by converting the islet counts (IC) to islet equivalents (IE), and then determining the IE/cm 2, IE/IC, % islets >150 μm, and % islets >200 μm. These parameters were evaluated in 3 different areas of the pancreas (duodenal, splenic, and connecting lobe; n = 42 each). Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to assess for correlations with islet yield and decide which area of the pancreas had the most predictive value. To identify other predictors, including donor and islet isolation variables, we performed binary logistic regression analysis with significant variables from the univariate analysis (n = 67). For this analysis, the pigs were categorized into high (n = 23) and low (n = 44) yield groups. Results Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that IE/cm 2 of the splenic lobe significantly predicted islet yield. Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that the IE/mm 2 of the splenic lobe was the only parameter that significantly correlated with successful pig islet isolations ( P = .01; odds ratio 3.605). Variables associated with donor and islet isolation, such as age, gender, ischemic time, or enzyme lot, were not significantly correlated with islet yield. Conclusion Our study suggests that the islet distribution of splenic lobe biopsies can be a reliable predictor of islet yield from pig pancreata.

Variables Associated with Islet Yield in Autologous Islet Cell Transplantation for Chronic Pancreatitis

The goal of total pancreatectomy followed by autologous islet cell transplantation is to manage pain and prevent surgical diabetes for patients with severe chronic pancreatitis. We performed this procedure in 17 patients from November 2006 to October 2009 at Baylor University Medical Center. All patients were included in this retrospective study and were divided into two groups based on islet yield in the final product based on patient body weight: a low-yield group (<5000 IE/kg) and a high-yield group (≥5000 IE/kg). There were significant differences between the two groups in the rate of pancreatic findings on computed tomography (low vs high group, 88% vs 22%: P = 0.02), Cambridge classification score for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (3.8 ± 0.2 vs 2.1 ± 0.6: P = 0.03), number of positive endoscopic ultrasonography criteria (6.0 ± 0.8 vs 3.5 ± 0.4: P = 0.04), and distension score (1.9 ± 0.4 vs 3.7 ± 0.2: P = 0.006). A significant reduction in narcotics use after the operation was observed in both groups (P = 0.03 and P = 0.009 in the low and high groups, respectively, using a paired t test). Excellent graft function and glycemic control after the transplantation were also demonstrated in both groups. Patients in the high-yield group were in the early stage of chronic pancreatitis, which led to excellent pancreatic distention for islet isolation; however, the excellent clinical outcomes were observed in both low- and high-yield groups.

Dynamic Analysis of Biomass Accumulation and Partition in Different Yield Level Soybeans

The objective of this study was to provide references for the dynamic control of biomass accumulation in high-yield breeding and management in soybean [ Glycine max (L.) Merr.]. The population composed of 184 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), NJRIKY, derived from a cross between Kefeng 1 (low yield and biomass) and Nannong 1138-2 (high yield and biomass) was tested in a two-year field experiment. The biomasses of below-ground and above-ground parts of plant were measured at various growing stages from 25.5 to 93.0 d after emergence, and the dynamic correlations between yield and biomasses were analyzed. The seed yield was positively correlated with the biomass accumulations of the below- and above-ground parts of soybean plants, and the peak correlation occurred at seed-filling stage (R5-R6) with correlation coefficient of 0.76 ( P < 0.01) for below-ground biomass and 0.79 ( P < 0.01) for above-ground biomass. The RILs with seed yield of 2500–2800 kg ha −1, 1760–1900 kg ha −1 and 940–950 kg ha −1 were selected to represent the high-, medium- and low-yield groups, respectively, and each group was composed of 5 RILs. The below- and above-ground biomass accumulations in the high-yield group were significantly higher than those in the medium- and low-yield groups, while the peak accumulations of below- and above-ground biomass observed at the seed-filling stage (R5) with the maximum values of 660–700 and 7200–7800 kg ha −1, respectively. The member RILs in each group was not necessary consistent in the 2 years. Those in high-yield group with yield decreased had also biomass decreased, which indicated that inadequate biomass accumulation caused by environmental changes should be the reason of phenotypic yield reduction. The dynamic partition of biomass to stem and petiole during growing stages in high-yield group (30.8% and 10.6% at R5, respectively) was significantly higher than those in medium- and low-yield groups while that to leaf and root in high-yield group (34.1% and 9.7% at R5, respectively) was significantly lower than that in medium- and low-yield groups. The results suggest that the variety development for high yield possibly depends on the comprehensive genetic improvement of both biomass and harvest index and the proper regulation of growth in soybean.

Parameters for successful pig islet isolation as determined using 68 specific‐pathogen‐free miniature pigs

Islet cell transplantation is a novel therapeutic modality for the cure of diabetes. Pig islet cells are an attractive substitute for human islet cells; however, they are known to be particularly difficult to isolate because of a weak islet capsule and a tendency to be fragmented during enzymatic digestion. Therefore, parameters favoring successful pig islet isolation were investigated using specific-pathogen-free (SPF) miniature pigs. Sixty-eight SPF miniature pigs were used for islet isolation. Birth weight, body weight, age, sex, pregnancy history, and the fasting blood glucose levels of each pig were determined. Each pig's general condition was assessed with regard to feeding status and physical activity. Pancreas procurement was performed by one surgical team. Anesthesia duration, operation duration, procedure quality, and perfusate type were recorded. After pancreatectomy, a biopsy was performed for islet density analysis. Decapsulation, cannulation duration, degree of distension, and cold ischemic time were assessed. During islet isolation, pancreas weight, digestion time, and digested tissue proportion were recorded. Isolation results were evaluated by total islet equivalents (IEQ), islet equivalents per gram of pancreas (IEQ/g), isolation index, islet recovery rate, purity, and visual grade. To identify the predictors of higher islet isolation yield, we performed binary logistic regression analysis with significant (P < 0.05) variables from the univariate analysis. The pigs were categorized into high (n = 34) and low yield (n = 34) groups according to the median IEQ/g or total IEQ values. Body weight and age were significantly different between the two groups. Being male or a positive history of pregnancy in females was factors favoring successful islet isolation. General condition assessments failed to estimate islet isolation results. Long anesthesia duration, which might have caused ischemic injury to the pancreas, negatively affected islet isolation results. Decapsulation, cannulation duration, and subsequent pancreas distension were significantly important in successful islet isolation. Inter-lot variability of Liberase was not observed because of screening processes performed before purchase. Isolation index and islet recovery rate correlated well with islet yields. Multivariate analysis using total IEQ and IEQ/g as outcome variables indicated that age older than 2, being male and moderate distension by Liberase injection are major determinants influencing successful islet isolation.

A high oocyte yield for intracytoplasmic sperm injection treatment is associated with an increased chromosome error rate

To compare the chromosome error rate among oocytes from stimulated ovaries after retrieval of 1-5 oocytes, 6-10 oocytes, and >10 oocytes. Retrospective cohort study. A university-based human genetic institute in collaboration with a private fertility center. Nine hundred thirty-three women undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) with a poor prognosis. Oocyte collection with ovarian stimulation. Polar body testing of ICSI oocytes for common chromosome errors. Chromosome error rate in oocytes, as determined by five-color fluorescence in situ hybridization. In women less than 35 years and women between 35 and 40 years undergoing the first ICSI cycle, oocytes from the high-yield group had an increased likelihood for detectable chromosome errors (50.9% and 54.6%, respectively), compared to the intermediate-yield group (34.9% and 43.8%) and the low-yield group (23.3% and 41.2%). The overall high rate (>or=50%) of chromosomally abnormal oocytes in women more than 40 years appeared to be mainly due to the maternal age effect and increased only slightly with oocyte yield. Oocyte yield may be considered as an indicator of ovarian response to hormone stimulation. In women up to 40 years a high yield of oocytes after superovulation is associated with an increased chromosome error rate.

Grain number dominates grain weight in temperate cereal yield determination: Evidence based on 30 years of multi-location trials

Multi-location data collected over 30 years in Finland on major cereal crops (spring barley, oat and wheat, and winter wheat and rye) provide an opportunity to characterise variation, interrelation and relative importance of the grain yield determining components, grain number per square meter (GNO) and single grain weight (SGW). In addition to evaluating differences among cereal crops in yield determination, changes among different age groups (AG) were compared. Field experiments were carried out in 1970–2001 at 25 locations in Finland. Grain yield was recorded (at 15% moisture) and SGW (mg) and GNO (number m −2) determined. Frequencies of different GNO and SGW combinations were analysed for all crops and component means in different yield groups as well as among four AGs. In most cases GNO dominated SGW, representing the major yield component determining grain yield. GNO was highly responsive to favourable growth conditions. The change in GNO was especially high when recurrent, relatively low yield groups were compared, while at higher yields the role of SGW became increasingly important, but did not exceed that of GNO. The degree of GNO domination varied according to crop. Increased grain yield in spring oat and winter rye was associated with higher numbers of set grain, while spring barley and winter wheat responded to yield favouring conditions also through higher SGW. Despite GNO dominated SGW due to its responsiveness to growing conditions, its role in yield improvement was not obvious when the entries ( n ≥ 30) were classified into four AGs. Improvements in grain yield derived from AG were associated with crop-specific GNO and/or SGW changes.

Analysis of Large-Scale Nonhuman Primate Islet Isolations

Aims It is important to have clinically relevant large animal models, especially nonhuman primates, to improve the efficacy of islet isolation and transplantation prior to clinical trials. The aim of this study was to improve the efficacy of islet isolation by analyzing large-scale nonhuman primate islet isolations. Methods Sixty-one islet isolations were evaluated using nonhuman primates. An automated isolation method was scaled down for islet isolation. Islet yields of prepurification, postpurification, and postculture, purity of islets, viability of islets, and functionality with glucose stimulation test were assessed. Initially, we analyzed relationships between endpoints then analyzed additional factors for successful islet isolation. Those factors included donor characteristics, the two-layer method (TLM) of pancreas preservation, trypsin inhibition during digestion, and digestion and collection time. Results Prepurification islet yields were strongly correlated with postpurification yields and postculture yields. It weakly but significantly correlated with purity, viability, and functionality. The average prepurification yield was 16,267 IE/g with each case divided into either above-average (high-yield group) or below-average groups (low-yield group). In 8 cases, TLM and trypsin inhibition were used and all cases belonged to the high-yield group. There were no significant differences between high- and low-yield groups in terms of donor age, body weight, pancreas weight, and cold ischemic time. The high-yield group had significantly longer digestion times and shorter collection times. Conclusions TLM, trypsin inhibition, complete digestion, and quick collections were key for successful islet isolation. Analysis of nonhuman primate islet isolation techniques provided useful information, which should help to improve clinical islet transplantation.

Experimental islet isolation in porcine pancreas with new enzyme Liberase PI

The aim of this study was to investigate the results of 20 consecutive porcine islet isolations using a new enzyme Liberase PI. Twenty pancreata were procured for islet isolation, which was performed using modified Ricordi's method with Liberase PI. Quantitation of islet viability staining, insulin stimulation assay, intracellular insulin content/DNA, and in vivo transplantability into diabetic nude mice were examined for quality control. The results were compared between a high-yield group (>2500 IEQ/g pancreas) and a low-yield group (<2500 IEQ/g pancreas). Sufficient amount of purified islets (3000 IEQ/g pancreas) were obtained using the new brand enzyme Liberase PI. These islets showed good quality in structure and functions, which were demonstrated by in vitro and in vivo standard assays. Isolation index (IEQ/number) of the low-yield group was lower than that of high-yield group (0.75 vs 0.86), which means more fragmentation of islets in the low-yield group. There were no differences in function between the two groups. In conclusion, we obtained sufficient numbers of viable, functional islets from porcine pancreas using a new brand enzyme Liberase PI and low-temperature isolation technique. However, overdigestion of islets during the isolation remains to be overcome. Advance in porcine islet isolation technique will in the future make the porcine islet xenotransplantation a reality for the cure of diabetes mellitus.

Influence of yield and maturation index on polysaccharides and other compounds of grape juice.

Wine producers may attempt to increase vine productivity, which usually decreases the quality. The quality of Cava (Spanish sparkling wine; Certified Brand of Origin in Spain) mainly depends on the composition of its colloids, which also determine foam quality. The yield (kg of grape/ha) and maturation index (ratio between soluble solids and titratable acidity) are two external factors that may alter grape characteristics, especially its composition. Twenty white grapes of the same variety (Parellada), but different yields (between 6000 and 17,000 kg/ha) were studied. By PCA, two grape groups were separated according to yield (<10,500 and >10,500 kg/ha). Yield and maturation index were not significantly correlated. Grapes obtained with yield >10,500 kg/ha had significantly higher content of soluble proteins and lower content of total polysaccharides and some polysaccharides fractions (M(r) 62,000-48,000, M(r) 28,000-24,000, and M(r) 7000-5000) than the grapes of the low-yield group (<10 500 kg/ha). Thus, it may be interesting to monitor yield, below 10 500 kg/ha, in vines used to produce Cava.

Effect of genetic merit, milk yield, body condition and lactation number on in vitro oocyte development in dairy cows

The effects of milk yield, body condition score (BCS) and lactation number on the number of oocytes recovered and blastocysts formed were studied following in vitro maturation, fertilization and culture of bovine oocytes collected from 48 high and 46 medium genetic merit dairy cows in their first and third lactation. The cows were slaughtered between 125 and 229 d post partum. Ovaries were recovered, and 2- to 10-mm follicles were aspirated. Cleavage rate and number of blastocysts were determined at 44 h and 7 d after insemination, respectively. Oocytes from high genetic merit cows formed fewer blastocysts and had lower cleavage and blastocyst formation rates than those from medium genetic merit cows (0.36 ± 0.19, 70.4 and 6.8% vs 0.85 ± 0.22, 77.4 and 11.4%, respectively). The effect of milk production was tested by grouping cows in their third lactation into high and low groups. There was no difference in number of oocytes recovered and subsequent development into blastocysts between the cows in the high milk production group (4559 to 5114 kg, n = 20) and cows in the low yield (3162 to 3972 kg, n = 20) group (6.9 ± 1.34 vs 8.9 ± 1.32, respectively). The effect of BCS was tested by grouping cows in their first or third lactation into high and low groups. Cleavage and blastocyst formation rates were greater for oocytes from cows with a high BCS (3.3 to 4.0, n = 20) than a low BCS (1.5 to 2.5, n = 20) (75.7 vs 61.9% and 9.9 vs 3.0%, respectively). Cows in the first lactation yielded fewer oocytes (5.7 ± 1.24) than cows in the third lactation (7.8 ± 0.79). Thus, the quality of oocytes probably contributes to reduced fertility, often evident in high genetic merit dairy cows.

GENETIC AND SEASONAL VARIATION IN COCONUT PRODUCTION

Variation in the yield of nuts in the coconut palms due to genetic differences of the palms and seasonal effects in the West Coast Tall cultivarpalms grown in a well‑maintained estate in Kerala on the west coast of India was studied every month continuously for a period offive years. The varying yield capacity and bearing tendency noticed in the palms may be attributed to the genetic differences between the palms. The marked fluctuations in the yield of palms classified as high yielders‑ those which yield 80 nuts and above per palm per year and low yielders ‑ those which yield 10 nuts and above per palm per year, do not follow a specific trend as in the case of seasonal variations. The yield of nuts in 66 palms in the estate which comprised of all the three yield groups during the different seasons of the year identified in Kerala as Hot Weather Season during the months of March, April and May, Southwest Monsoon Season during the months of June, July and August, Northeast Monsoon Season during the months of September, October and November and Cold Weather Season during the months of December, January and February showed that high yields of the palms in all the three yield groups were obtained mainly during the Hot Weather Season of the year. This pattern of production due to seasonal influence is seen to persist year afteryear irrespective of the magnitude of the yield obtained, with minor variations. This is attributed to the cyclic influence of varying seasons in a year on the different critical stages of initiation and development of the inflorescence which takes about 32 months from its initiation to open ing and during the development of the nut which takes about 12 months to develop from a fertilized female flower. The palms in the high yield group exhibit only slight variation and maintain their high yields than those in the medium and low yield groups. Data on the yield of palms during a period of five years indicate that those palms which continuously yield 80 nuts and above per year regularly for at least four years turn out to be regular bearers and high yielders. They should, as far as possible be selected as mother palms for propagation.

Do Prehospital Trauma Center Triage Criteria Identify Major Trauma Victims?

To evaluate anatomic, physiologic, and mechanism-of-injury prehospital triage criteria as well as the subjective criterion of provider "gut feeling." Prospective analysis. A state without a trauma system or official trauma center designation. Patients treated by emergency medical services personnel statewide over a 1-year period who were injured and met at least one prehospital triage criterion for treatment at a trauma center. Outcome was analyzed for injury severity using the Injury Severity Score and mortality rates. A major trauma victim (MTV) was defined as a patient having an Injury Severity Score of 16 or greater. The yield of MTV and mortality associated with each criterion was determined. Of 5028 patients entered into the study, 3006 exhibited a singular entry criterion. Triage criteria tended to stratify into high-, intermediate-, and low-yield groups for MTV identification. Physiologic criteria were high yield and anatomic criteria were intermediate yield. Provider gut feeling alone was a low-yield criterion but served to enhance the yield of mechanism of injury criteria when the two criteria were applied in the same patient. A limited set of high-yield prehospital criteria are acceptable indicators of MTV. Isolated low- and intermediate-yield criteria may not be useful for initiating trauma center triage or full activation of hospital trauma teams.

An Alternative Rationale for Corn Nitrogen Fertilizer Recommendations

Nitrogen recommendations based on corn (Zea mays L.) yield goal can overestimate N needs if yield expectations are not realistic, and yield goal-based N recommendations may not be well correlated with observed economic optimum N rates. This study investigated the feasibility of basing corn N recommendations on soil- and year-specific data rather than on yield goals. Soilspecific data from multiyear corn N rate studies, which included several soils and locations, were separated into high- and low-yielding groups based on each year's maximum yield. Based on a 24-yr corn N rate study on a Rozetta silt loam soil (finesilty, mixed, mesic Typic Hapludalfs) at Lancaster, WI, economic optimum N rates in high- and low-yielding years were nearly identical (160 to 170 Ib N/acre) [...]