bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recombination analysis of intermediate human adenovirus type 53 in Japan by complete genome sequence
Authors: Kaneko Hisatoshi , Aoki Koki , Ishida Susumu , Ohno Shigeaki , Kitaichi Nobuyoshi , Ishiko Hiroaki , Fujimoto Tsuguto , Ikeda Yoshifumi , Nakamura Masako , Gonzalez Gabriel , Koyanagi Kanako O. , Watanabe Hidemi , Suzutani Tatsuo
Published: March 2011

Human adenovirus type 53 (HAdV-53) has commonly been detected in samples from epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC) patients in Japan since 1996. HAdV-53 is an intermediate virus, containing hexon-chimeric, penton base and fiber structures similar to HAdV-22 and -37, HAdV-37 and HAdV-8, respectively. HAdV-53-like intermediate strains were first isolated from EKC samples in Japan in the 1980s. Here, the complete genome sequences of three such HAdV-53-like intermediate strains (870006C, 880249C and 890357C) and four HAdV-53 strains were determined, and their relationships were analysed. The seven HAdV strains were classified into three groups, 870006C/880249C, 890357C and the four HAdV-53 strains, on the basis of phylogenetic analyses of the partial and complete genome sequences. HAdV strains within the same group showed the highest nucleotide identities (99.87–100.00 %). Like HAdV-53, the hexon loop 1 and 2 regions of 870006C, 880249C and 890357C showed the highest identity with HAdV-22. However, these strains did not show a hexon-chimeric structure similar to HAdV-22 and -37, or a penton base similar to HAdV-37. The fiber genes of 870006C and 880249C were identical to that of HAdV-37, but not HAdV-8. Thus, the three intermediate HAdVs isolated in the 1980s were similar to each other but not to HAdV-53. The recombination breakpoints were inferred by the Recombination Detection Program (rdp) using whole-genome sequences of these seven HAdV and of 12 HAdV-D strains from GenBank. HAdV-53 may have evolved from intermediate HAdVs circulating in the 1980s, and from HAdV-8, -22 and -37, by recombination of sections cut at the putative breakpoints.
The role of JNK in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Das Madhumita , Garlick David S. , Greiner Dale L. , Davis Roger J.
Published: March 2011

The cJun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) signal transduction pathway has been implicated in the growth of carcinogen-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the mechanism that accounts for JNK-regulated tumor growth is unclear. Here we demonstrate that compound deficiency of the two ubiquitously expressed JNK isoforms (JNK1 and JNK2) in hepatocytes does not prevent hepatocellular carcinoma development. Indeed, JNK deficiency in hepatocytes increased the tumor burden. In contrast, compound JNK deficiency in hepatocytes and nonparenchymal cells reduced both hepatic inflammation and tumorigenesis. These data indicate that JNK plays a dual role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. JNK promotes an inflammatory hepatic environment that supports tumor development, but also functions in hepatocytes to reduce tumor development.
Genome-Wide Analysis Reveals Gene Expression and Metabolic Network Dynamics during Embryo Development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xiang Daoquan , Venglat Prakash , Tibiche Chabane , Yang Hui , Risseeuw Eddy , Cao Yongguo , Babic Vivijan , Cloutier Mathieu , Keller Wilf , Wang Edwin , Selvaraj Gopalan , Datla Raju
Published: March 2011

Embryogenesis is central to the life cycle of most plant species. Despite its importance, because of the difficulty associated with embryo isolation, global gene expression programs involved in plant embryogenesis, especially the early events following fertilization, are largely unknown. To address this gap, we have developed methods to isolate whole live Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) embryos as young as zygote and performed genome-wide profiling of gene expression. These studies revealed insights into patterns of gene expression relating to: maternal and paternal contributions to zygote development, chromosomal level clustering of temporal expression in embryogenesis, and embryo-specific functions. Functional analysis of some of the modulated transcription factor encoding genes from our data sets confirmed that they are critical for embryogenesis. Furthermore, we constructed stage-specific metabolic networks mapped with differentially regulated genes by combining the microarray data with the available Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes metabolic data sets. Comparative analysis of these networks revealed the network-associated structural and topological features, pathway interactions, and gene expression with reference to the metabolic activities during embryogenesis. Together, these studies have generated comprehensive gene expression data sets for embryo development in Arabidopsis and may serve as an important foundational resource for other seed plants.
ANKAphase: software for single-distance phase retrieval from inline X-ray phase-contrast radiographs
Authors: Weitkamp T. , Haas D. , Wegrzynek D. , Rack A.
Published: March 2011

A computer program namedANKAphaseis presented that processes X-ray inline phase-contrast radiographs by reconstructing the projected thickness of the object(s) imaged. The program uses a single-distance non-iterative phase-retrieval algorithm described by David Paganinet al.[(2002),J. Microsc.206, 33–40]. Allowing for non-negligible absorption in the sample, this method is strictly valid only for monochromatic illumination and single-material objects but tolerates deviations from these conditions, especially polychromaticity.ANKAphaseis designed to be applied to tomography data (although it does not perform tomographic reconstruction itself). It can process series of images and perform flat-field and dark-field correction. Written in Java,ANKAphasehas an intuitive graphical user interface and can be run either as a stand-alone application or as a plugin toImageJ, a widely used scientific image-processing program. A description ofANKAphaseis given and example applications are shown.
Omalizumab decreases IgE production in patients with allergic (IgE‐mediated) asthma; PKPD analysis of a biomarker, total IgE
Authors: Lowe Philip J. , Renard Didier
Published: March 2011

WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ABOUT THIS SUBJECT

• Omalizumab is a humanized anti‐IgE monoclonal antibody that binds and captures circulating IgE, preventing interaction with receptors on mast cells and basophils, thereby interrupting the allergic cascade. It has a well‐characterized efficacy and safety profile in patients with asthma. While omalizumab is known to reduce serum free IgE concentrations, effects on total IgE and IgE production are less well characterized.

WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS

• (i) Confirmation of prior hypotheses that IgE production can decrease with time when patients are given anti‐IgE therapy; (ii) guidance on a biomarker, total IgE, which can be used to ascertain whether individual patients experience a change in their IgE production; and (iii) a way to assess whether patients' IgE production has been sufficiently down‐regulated such that they may consider stopping anti‐IgE therapy.

AIM To determine whether excessive IgE production by patients with atopic allergic asthma decreases with omalizumab therapy.

METHODS Omalizumab, free and total IgE data were obtained from an epidemiological study and six randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials in patients with allergic asthma. The binding between omalizumab and IgE together with the production and elimination of IgE were modelled as previously, except that, in order to explain why total IgE was decreasing over a period of 5 years, the expression of IgE was allowed to change.

RESULTS The prior constant IgE production model failed to converge on the data once long‐term observations were included, whereas models allowing IgE production to decrease fitted. A feedback model indicated that, on average, IgE production decreased by 54% per year. This model was further developed with covariate searches indicating clinically small but statistically significant effects of age, gender, body mass index and race on some parameters. Model predictions were checked internally and externally against 3–5 year data from paediatric and adult atopic asthmatic patients and externally against extensive total IgE data from a long‐duration (>1 year) phase 1 study which was not used in the model building.

CONCLUSIONS A pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model incorporating omalizumab–IgE binding and feedback for control of IgE production indicates that omalizumab reduces production of IgE. This raises the possibility that indefinite treatment may not be required, only for perhaps a few years. After the initial accumulation, total IgE should provide a means to monitor IgE production and guide individual treatment decisions.
Bark beetle outbreak on weakened ash trees and applied control measures1
Authors: Kunca A. , Leontovyč R. , Zúbrik M. , Gubka A.
Published: March 2011

Ash dieback symptoms were noticed for the first time in 2004 in Slovakia. Information suggests that symptoms occurred before this, but not on such a large scale. The pathogen was isolated from necrotic wounds in 2007 and tests confirmed the pathogenicity of the isolate. From February 2009, a forest enterprise from Eastern Slovakia applied control measures in the field against a secondary pest, the bark beetle Hylesinus fraxini Panzer. A total of 527 trap trees were prepared on a site of approximately 200 ha. Trap trees were densely infested, and the authors judged the method as very effective against H. fraxini.
Ash dieback: pathogen spread and diurnal patterns of ascospore dispersal, with special emphasis on Norway*
Authors: Timmermann V. , Børja I. , Hietala A. M. , Kirisits T. , Solheim H.
Published: March 2011

Dieback of European ash (Fraxinus excelsior), caused by the ascomycete Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus (anamorph Chalara fraxinea), started around 1992 in Poland and has since then spread over large geographical areas. By November 2010, the disease had been recorded in 22 European countries. The gradual expansion and high intensity of the ash dieback epidemic in Europe may suggest that H. pseudoalbidus is an invasive alien organism. In Norway, ash dieback was first reported in spring 2008, and a survey in early summer of the same year revealed that the disease had spread over large parts of the southern and eastern regions of the country. The distance from the southernmost to the northernmost infected stands was, at that time, about 400 km. Some old necrotic lesions were also observed, indicating that the ash dieback pathogen is likely to have been present in Norway since at least 2006. In 2009, a spore sampler was installed in a diseased ash stand at Ås, South‐Eastern Norway. Sampling started in late July and continued until late September. Large numbers of ascospores resembling those of H. pseudoalbidus were observed, with the maximum number of spores occurring from the end of July to mid‐August. The deposition of ascospores occurred mainly between 6 and 8 a.m. Ascospores are most likely to be the primary source initiating host infections and responsible for the rapid recent spread of H. pseudoalbidus in Europe.
A review of mechanisms of action of biological control organisms against post‐harvest fruit spoilage
Authors: Jamalizadeh M. , Etebarian H. R. , Aminian H. , Alizadeh A.
Published: March 2011

Several possible biocontrol mechanisms have been suggested as being effective against post‐harvest fruit spoilage. These include competition (for nutrients and space), antibiosis, parasitism, induction of resistance in the host tissue and production of volatile metabolites. Information on the mechanisms of action for most of the antagonists is still incomplete because of the lack of information on the complex interactions between the host, the pathogen, the antagonist and the other microorganisms present. However, a good understanding of the mechanism of action is essential before developing appropriate formulations and methods of application in order to obtain official approval. In this review information is provided about several mechanisms of biocontrol agents that could provide future biocontrol agents.
Intention to leave of Asian nurses in US hospitals: does cultural orientation matter?
Authors: Cheng Ching‐Yu , Liou Shwu‐Ru
Published: March 2011

Aim and objectives.  To measure the predictability of cultural orientation on organisational commitment, perception of practice environment and intention to leave amongst Asian nurses working in US hospitals.

Background.  To alleviate the nursing shortage, healthcare institutions have increased recruitment of nurses internationally, with Asian nurses representing the largest proportion of international nurses working in the US. Whilst organisational commitment and perception of practice environment were related to intention to leave, few studies have been done on the predictability of intention to leave amongst Asian nurses.

Design.  A cross‐sectional postal survey design.

Method.  One hundred and ninety‐five Asian nurses working at least six months in US hospitals completed the survey. Most participants were Filipinos or Chinese, married and worked full‐time. The Organisational Commitment Questionnaire, Practice Environment Scale of the Nursing Work Index, Anticipated Turnover Scale and Collectivist Orientation Scale with satisfactory reliability were used.

Results.  Perception of practice environment was correlated with intention to leave and organisational commitment, which was correlated with intention to leave. Cultural orientation showed positive predictable effects on organisational commitment and perception of practice environment, but had negative predictability for intention to leave. The mediating effect of organisational commitment on practice environment and intention to leave was 93·98%, when cultural orientation was not controlled for. It increased slightly to 96·54% when cultural orientation was controlled for.

Conclusions.  Asian nurses who are more collectivist‐oriented are more willing to accept the goals and values of the organisation, exert effort on behalf of the organisation, are more satisfied with their current practice environment and have less intention to leave their current job. Organisational commitment is a key predictor of Asian nurses’ intention to leave.

Relevance to clinical practice.  Hospital administrators can use cultural orientation as a strategy to promote organisational commitment amongst Asian nurses, thereby reducing the rate of turnover.
New insights on systematics and phylogenetics of MediterraneanBlapsspecies (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae: Blaptini), assessed through morphology and dense taxon sampling
Authors: CONDAMINE FABIEN L. , SOLDATI LAURENT , RASPLUS JEAN‐YVES , KERGOAT GAEL J.
Published: March 2011

The genusBlapsis an emblematic group of large flightless beetles adapted to semi‐arid and arid environments. About 230 species have been described in the subgenusBlaps, which is the largest of the four extant subgenera. Within this subgenus, one large group of morphologically homogeneous species is of particular interest, and comprises the species formerly assigned to Seidlitz's division one. Strikingly, almost all species in this group are endemic to the Mediterranean basin, whereas the remainingBlapsspecies are mostly distributed in Asia. Here we present the first phylogenetic hypothesis for the MediterraneanBlapsand several taxonomic clarifications for the North African species belonging to this group. Based on careful examination of almost all type material and thousands of specimens for all known species and subspecies (initially 65 taxa), seven lectotypes are designated and six new synonymies are established:Blaps heydeniAllard, 1880=Blaps heydenissp.taciturnaPeyerimhoffsyn.n.,Blaps emondiSolier =Blaps nitidulaSoliersyn.n.,Blaps tripolitanicaKarsch =Blaps vialatteiPeyerimhoffsyn.n.,Blaps bifurcata strauchiReiche =Blaps bifurcatassp.gridelliiPierresyn.n.,Blaps cognataSolier =Blaps schweinfurhtiiSeidlitzsyn.n.andBlaps judaeorumMiller =Blaps pharaoSeidlitzsyn.n.Among the examined material, five species are also new for science and are assigned to extant species group. To infer species relationships, a morphological character matrix was assembled and analysed using both parsimony and probabilistic methods. All analyses yielded a similar and repeatable phylogenetic pattern, which allows us to discuss the systematics of the Mediterranean endemic species, the limit of extant species groups and to clarify the taxonomic status of several ambiguous taxa. We also reveal the existence of a large clade that encompasses the eastern Mediterranean species that are also mostly associated with arid regions. This clade is embedded within a second group that corresponds to western Mediterranean species, which are generally found in semi‐arid regions. Finally, we discuss the relevance of species groups in relation to their geographic distribution. This work represents a first step for further studies in taxonomy, systematics and historical biogeography ofBlapsspecies.
Metastatic calcinosis (including calcinosis cutis) in a young dog with multiple urinary tract abnormalities
Authors: Muller Arnaud , Degorce‐Rubiales Frédérique , Guaguère Eric
Published: March 2011

Metastatic calcinosis associated with chronic renal failure and multiple urinary tract abnormalities was diagnosed in a 6‐month‐old Brittany spaniel that was presented with calcinosis cutis. This case report highlights the importance of skin as an indicator of systemic disease. The aetiopathogenesis of the four main types of tissue calcification is defined and discussed with an emphasis on metastatic calcinosis.
Association between skin surface pH, temperature andStaphylococcus pseudintermediusin dogs with immunomodulatory‐responsive lymphocytic–plasmacytic pododermatitis
Authors: Breathnach Rory M. , Quinn Patrick J. , Baker Kenneth P. , McGeady Thomas , Strobl Eric , Abbott Yvonne , Jones Boyd R.
Published: March 2011

Secondary bacterial infection is a frequent complication in lesional skin of dogs with immunomodulatory‐responsive lymphocytic–plasmacytic pododermatitis (ImR‐LPP). However, the influence of skin pH and temperature in determining the composition of the cutaneous microflora at lesional sites has not been investigated. The association between ImR‐LPP and pedal skin temperature, pH andStaphylococcus pseudintermediusisolates was thus evaluated. Temperature and pH were measured in 20 dogs with ImR‐LPP and in 30 clinically healthy control dogs, andS. pseudintermediuswas cultured from interdigital and palmoplantar swabs in both groups and scored semi‐quantitatively for bacterial growth. In the ImR‐LPP group, mean skin pH was slightly, but significantly, higher at both interdigital and palmoplantar sites.Staphylococcus pseudintermediuswas isolated more frequently, and scores for bacterial growth were also significantly higher. However, mean skin temperatures were not significantly different from those in the control group. The isolation ofS. pseudintermediuswas significantly associated with ImR‐LPP, with the single exception of isolates on Columbia blood agar from the palmoplantar region. However, pH and temperature were not significantly associated with the disease, and were not associated with the isolation ofS. pseudintermediusat most sites sampled.Staphylococcus pseudintermediuswas not isolated from all feet sampled in dogs with ImR‐LPP. Taken together, these data would suggest thatS. pseudintermediusinfection is most likely to be a secondary phenomenon in dogs with ImR‐LPP, and that changes in skin pH and temperature are not significant risk factors for this disease.
Genetic study of fertility traits and production in different parities in Italian Friesian cattle
Authors: Bagnato A. , Oltenacu P. A.
Published: March 2011

Genetische Analyse von Fruchtbarkeits‐ und Produktionsmerkmalen bei italienischen Schwarzbunten in verschiedenen Laktationen

Produktions‐ und Reproduktionsdaten von italienischen Schwarzbunten sind für die Analyse von Wechselbeziehungen zwischen den Merkmalen Zwischentragzeit, Rastzeit, Trächtigkeitsrate bei Erstbesamung, Anzahl von Besamungen je Trächtigkeit einerseits und der 305 Tage Milchleistung andererseits verwendet worden. Die Milchleistung der Kühe wurde für Laktationsnummer, Kalbealter und Zwischentragezeit korrigiert. Die Analyse wurde für die ersten drei Abkalbungen getrennt durchgeführt. Die Schätzwerte für die Heritabilität liegen für die Fruchtbarkeitsmerkmale zwischen .01 und .03 und für die Milchleistungsmerkmale zwischen .16 und .22. Für die Wiederholbarkeiten wurden Werte zwischen .02 und .08 (Fruchtbarkeit) bzw. .49 und .59 (Milchleistung) geschätzt. Die genetische Korrelation zwischen Milchmenge und Zwischentragezeit, zwischen Milchmenge und Rastzeit sowie zwischen Trächtigkeitsrate bei Erstbesamung und Anzahl Besamungen je Trächtigkeit beträgt .70, .92 und ‐.98, resp. Zwischen Fruchtbarkeits‐ und Milchleistungsmerkmalen wurden generell negative Korrelationen geschätzt, was als Antagonismus zwischen Fruchtbarkeit und Milchleistung interpretiert werden muß. Dies bedeutet, daß bei ausschließlicher Selektion nach Milchleistung negative Auswirkungen bezüglich der Fruchtbarkeit der Kühe zu erwarten sind. Als mögliche Selektionsmerkmale für die Zuchtwertschätzung auf Fruchtbarkeit werden Trächtigkeitsrate bei Erstbesamung und Rastzeit (oder alternativ Anzahl Besamungen je Trächtigkeit) vorgeschlagen.

A data set of production records with breeding information was used to analyse the relationship between open period, days to first breeding, conception rate at first service, number of services per conception and 305 day milk yield adjusted for age/month of calving and open period in the Italian Friesian Cattle Breed.

Separate analyses were performed for the first three parities. Heritability estimates for reproductive traits varied from .01 to .03 and for productive traits from .16 to .22 depending on parities. Repeatabilities for fertility traits were .02 to .08 while for milk yield they were between .49 and .59. Open period and days to first service were found to be highly correlated (genetic correlation: +.70 / +.92) as were conception rate at first service and number of services per conception (‐.98). An antagonistic genetic relationship was found between all reproductive traits considered and production.

The magnitude of the antagonistic genetic association between production and fertility indicate that genetic deterioration of fertility is to be expected if selection pressure continues to be applied to milk production only. For multiple trait selection, the reproductive measures which complement each other are days to first service and first service conception rate (or number of services per conception).
The relationship between competition capacity and reproduction in farmed silver‐fox vixens, Vulpes vulpes
Authors: Bakken M.
Published: March 2011

From the outset, poor reproduction in some of the vixens has been a problem in silver‐fox farming. Some vixens fail to bear cubs and others kill their cubs just after delivery. To get a better understanding of reproductive behaviour in farmed silver fox vixens, their behaviour was compared with earlier observations made on groups of wild‐living red foxes (Vulpes vulpes).

The results indicated similarities in the reproductive behaviour of farmed silver foxes and group‐living wild red foxes. Thus vixens that weaned most of their cubs unharmed, under standard farming conditions, had a higher competition capacity than vixens that did not wean cubs. Moreover, the vixens' competition capacity was a better reproductive indicator than age among related vixens (mother and her primiparous daughter). Furthermore, vixens that had previously been infanticidal, under standard farming conditions, weaned more cubs unharmed the next reproductive season, when isolated from the other vixens in the farm. The paper also describes a case description in which an infanticidal vixen adopted a cub from another vixen one hour after she had killed and eaten her own cub.

Beziehung zwischen Wettbewerbsvermögen und Reproduktion von Silberfuchsfähen, Vulpes vulpes

Schlechtes Reproduktionsvermögen in einigen Weibchen stellt ein Problem in der Haltung von Silberfüchsen dar. Einige Weibchen haben keine bzw. töten ihre Welpen nach der Geburt. Für besseres Verständnis des Reproduktionsverhaltens wurde dieses mit früheren Beobachtungen an wilden Füchsen verglichen.

Die Ergebnisse zeigen Ähnlichkeiten im Reproduktionsverhalten von Silberfüchsen und wilden Rotfüchsen bei Gruppenhaltung. So zeigte sich, daß Fähen, die ihre Welpen unverletzt behielten, unter Standardfarmbedingungen eine bessere Wettbewerbskapazität hatten als Fähen, die keine Welpen absetzten. Darüber hinaus zeigte sich, daß die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit ein besserer Hinweis auf Reproduktionsvermögen war als Alter zwischen verwandten Fähen (Mutter und ihre erstgeborenen Töchter). Weiterhin hatten früher infantizide Fähen mehr Welpen in der folgenden Reproduktionssaison abgesetzt, wenn sie von den anderen Fähen isoliert waren. Die Arbeit beschreibt auch einen Fall, wo eine infantizide Fähe eine Welpe einer anderen adoptierte, eine Stunde, nachdem sie ihre eigenen getötet und aufgefressen hatte.
Serum pyruvate kinase and its relation to stress susceptibility in pigs
Authors: Warnants N. , Eeckhout W. , Boucqué Ch. V.
Published: March 2011

Four blood tests, complementary to the halothane test, have been screened for their capacity to discriminate between homozygous and heterozygous stress resistant and stress susceptible pigs: TBARS in plasma, lipid peroxides from erythrocytes and plasma creatine and pyruvate kinase activity. Blood samples were collected from homozygous (NN) and heterozygous (Nn) stress resistant and homozygous stress susceptible (nn) pigs, while subjected to the halothane test. Serum creatine kinase and pyruvate kinase tests were retained for a more elaborated study.

Pyruvate kinase appears to be a more reliable indicator of stress susceptibility than the well‐known creatine kinase. However both parameters display a considerable standard deviation. Consecutive assays show the pyruvate kinase activity to be dependent on age (weight), which accounts for part of the variation; other sources of variation are the conditions of the exeriment and the way the imposed stress is perceived by the animal.

During this experiment a rapid and accurate DNA‐test for HAL‐genotype detection has been developed (Fujii et al. 1991; Otsu et al. 1991; Coppieters et al. 1992). In spite of this, the pyruvate kinase parameter is a much more discriminating and remarkable indicator for stress susceptibility than the, in previous years, widely used creatine kinase test.

Serum Pyruvat Kinase und seine Relation mit Streβanfälligkeit bei Schweinen

Vier Blutteste, komplementär dem HAL‐Test, wurden in einem Screening‐Verfahren untersucht um homozygote und heterozygote streßresistente und streßanfällige Schweine zu differenzieren: TBARS in Plasma, Lipid Peroxyde von Erythrocyten und Plasma Kreatine und Pyruvat Kinase Aktivität. Während des Halothantestes wurde Blut entnommen von homozygoten (NN) und heterozygoten (Nn) streßresistenten und homozygoten streßanfälligen Schweinen (nn). Mit Serum Kreatine Kinase und Pyruvat Kinase Aktivität Tests wurden eine umfassende Überprüfung durchgeführt.

Letztere zeigt sich als ein zuverlässiger Indikator der Streßanfälligkeit als die wohl bekanntere Kreatine Kinase. Mehrmalige Analysen zeigen, daß Pyruvat Kinase Aktivität vom Alter (Gewicht) abhängig ist, was teilweise die Variabilität verursacht; andere Quellen der Variabilität sind die experimentellen Umstände und die Weise, wie der auferlegte Streß durch das Tier erfahren wird.

Während der Durchführung dieses Experimentes wurde ein schneller und akkurater DNA‐Test für HAL‐Genotyp Detektion entwickelt (Fujii et al. 1991; Otsu et al. 1991; Coppieters et al. 1992). Im Vergleich mit dem, in vorgehenden Jahren, häufig angewendeten Kreatine Kinase Test, ist der Pyruvat Kinase Parameter trotzdem ein bemerkenswerter und diskriminierender Indikator für Streßanfälligkeit.
Analysis of pedigrees in dairy cattle segregating for bilateral strabismus with exophthalmus
Authors: Distl O.
Published: March 2011

Data on 10 pedigrees including 184 German Brown Swiss dairy cattle were analysed employing regressive logistic models of segregation analysis. Regarding the ascertainment of the pedigree, dominant Mendelian transmission contributed significantly to the occurrence of BCSE. The segregation analysis showed that a one locus autosomal recessive gene model is not sufficient to explain the observed segregation of BCSE.

Analyse von Rinderpedigrees hinsichtlich Segregation von bilateralem Stabismus mit Exophthalmus

An 10 Pedigrees mit insgesamt 184 Rindern der Rasse Deutsches Braunvieh wurde anhand von regressiven Modellen der Segregationsanalyse geprüft, ob an dem Auftreten von bilateralem Strabismus convergens mit Exophthalmus ein Einzelgen beteiligt ist. Die Analyse zeigte, daß ein Modell mit einem dominant wirkenden autosomalen Einzelgen die Segregation von befallenen Tieren in den Pedigrees am besten erklärt. Ein einfach autosomal rezessiver Erbgang kann die Segregation von bilateralem Strabismus convergens mit Exophthalmus nicht ausreichend genau erklären.
Comparison of alternative methods of handling contemporary group effects in animal model prediction
Authors: Sivarajasingam S.
Published: March 2011

Methods to associate animals between periods (grouping of records within a calving season into a 60‐day interval starting from the date of the first calf born for 400‐day weight analysis) within the contemporary group classification on sexmanagement group‐date of weighing, using an animal model were compared. The data were derived from ten Angus herds. Assigning animals to more than one period and/or treating period as random or introducing days from start of calving period as a co‐variate (linear and quadratic) did little to improve herd mean square error compared to the basic model where there were no associations between periods. The reduction in the standard errors of predictions were significant (p < 0.05) only when period within sex‐management group‐date of weighing was treated as random. However, the use of a similarity matrix S (which associates periods within the fixed contemporary group classification) in the mixed model equations reduced mean square error by as much as 7%. Using simulated observations for the ten herds, highest correlations between true breeding values and estimated breeding values were obtained only for the model using the similarity matrix.

Vergleich alternativer Methoden der Behandlung von Wirkungen kontemporärer Gruppen bei Tiermodellvoraussagen

Methoden zur Verbindung zwischen Tieren verschiedener Perioden (Leistungsabschlüsse in 60‐Tage‐Intervallen einer Abkalbesaison für 400 Tagegewichte ab dem ersten geborenen Kalb) innerhalb kontemporärer Gruppenklassifikation und Geschlechts‐Managementgruppen bei Tiermodellen wurden verglichen. Die Daten stammten von 10 Angusherden. Zuordnung von Tieren an mehr als eine Periode als zufällig oder Einbeziehung von Tagen von Beginn der Abkalbeperiode als Kovariable (linear und quadratisch) half wenig zur Verbesserung des Herdenfehlermittelquadrates im Vergleich zu dem Grundmodell, wo keine Verbindungen zwischen Perioden unterstellt wurden. Die Verminderung des Standardfehlers der Voraussage war signifikant (p < als 0,05) nur wenn Perioden innerhalb Geschlechts‐Managementgruppen als zufällig betrachtet worden sind. Allerdings hat die Verwendung der Ähnlichkeitsmatrix S (welche Perioden innerhalb einer fixen kontemporären Gruppenklassifikation assoziiert) in der gemischten Modellgleichungen den Mittelquadratfehler um bis zu 7% reduziert. Unter Verwendung simulierter Beobachtungen für 10 Herden haben sich die höchsten Korrelationen zwischen wahren Zuchtwerten und geschätzten nur bei dem Modell ergeben, das die Ähnlichkeitsmatrix verwendet hat.
Analysis of a long‐term selection experiment with an exponential model
Authors: Bünger L. , Herrendörfer G.
Published: March 2011

Analyse eines Langzeitselektionsversuchs mittels eines exponentiellen Modells

Für die Analyse von Langzeitselektionsexperimenten wird ein exponentielles Modell vorgestellt. Dieses Modell basiert auf der Idee der „realisierten Heritabilität” una liefert Parameter, die als die Schlüsselparameter für die Beschreibung von Langzeitselektionsexperimenten betrachtet werden können: Gesamterfolg, maximaler Selektionserfolg je Generation, Halbwertzeit. Außerdem liefert es die „realisierte h2‐Funktion”. Die Anwendung dieses Modells wurde demonstriert, bei Nutzung der Daten eines Langzeitselektionsexperimentes, in dem Mäuse über 84 Generationen auf hohe Körpermasse selektiert wurden. Das geschätzte Selektionsplateau für die Körpermasse am 60. Lebenstag betrug 43.6 g und lag damit um 21.3 g (96 %, 7.7 phänotypische bzw. 12.8 genetische Standardabweichungen oder um das 18fache des maximalen Selektionserfolges) über dem Ausgangswert.

Die Halbwertzeit betrug 15–16 Generationen (= 0.15 Ne). Zum Selektionsbeginn betrug die realisierte Heritabilität 0.361 während sie zum Ende auf 0.0004 fiel. Während sich die genetische Varianz von 2.8 auf 0.016 g2 verringerte, erhöhte sich die phönotypische Varianz von 7.7 auf 39 g2, größtenteils als Skaleneffekt. Der Variationskoeffizient für das Selektionsmerkmal betrug im Mittel 11.5 % und zeigte nur eine geringfügige Erhöhung während des Experimentes.

Die Anwendbarkeit und der Nutzen des Auswertungsmodells für einige Typen von Langzeitselektionsexperimenten wird diskutiert.

An exponential model is presented for the analysis of long‐term selection experiments. This model is based on the idea of “realised heritability” and it provides parameters which can be considered as the key parameters for the description of long‐term selection experiments, such as the total response, the maximal response per generation and the half‐life. In addition it provides the “realised h2‐function”. The application of this model is demonstrated, using as an example the data of a long‐term selection experiment in which mice were selected for 84 generations on body weight at 60 days. The estimated selection limit for body weight at 60 days was 43.6 g and therefore 21.3 g (96 %, 7.7 phenotypic and 12.8 genetic standard deviations or 18 times the maximal response per generation) over the starting value.

The half‐life time was 15 to 16 generations (= 0.15 Ne). At the beginning of this experiment the realised heritability was 0.361 and decreased to 0.0004 at the end. While the genetic variance declined from 2.8 to 0.016 g2, the phenotypic variance increased from 7.7 to 39 g2, partly as a scale effect. The mean coefficient of variation for the selected trait was about 11.5% and showed only a small increase during the experiment.

The usefulness of the application of the presented model for the analysis of some types of long‐term selection experiments is discussed.
Implications of using an average relationship matrix in genetic evaluation for a population using multiple‐sire matings
Authors: Kerr R. J. , Graser H. U. , Kinghorn B. P. , Johnston D. J.
Published: March 2011

Ambiguous paternity can be incorporated into the mixed model equations (MME) by including the average numerator relatinship matrix (average A), which averages the true sire‐offspring relationship over the putative sires. A previous study has shown that some overestimation of genetic trend results from this substitution. A population of 40 breeding females and 2 breeding males was simulated 1,000 times with either random mating or sequential selection continuing for 8 breeding cycles. In the selection case candidates were ranked on estimated breeding values (EBVs) calculated from the MME with an animal model and the average A. Variances of the EBVs and prediction errors were computed. The results showed the average A incorrectly perceives both the variance of family sizes among males and the variance loss due to selection to be smaller. This will lead to an overestimation of genetic trend.

Folgerungen aus der Anwendung einer durchschnittlichen Verwandtschaftsmatrix bei der Zuchtwertschätzung für eine Population mit mehreren Vätern in einer Paarungsgruppe

In den Mischmodellgleichungen kann eine unklare väterliche Abstammung durch die Verwendung einer durchschnittlichen Verwandtschaftsmatrix, die die Abstammung zu gleichen Teilen über die möglichen Väter aufteilt, berücksichtigt werden. Eine frühere Arbeit hat gezeigt, daß diese Maßnahme zu einer gewissen Überschätzung des genetischen Fortschritts führt. Eine Population mit 40 weiblichen und 2 männlichen Tieren wurde 1000mal über 8 Paarungsperioden simuliert und zwar mit und ohne gerichteter Selektion. Im Falle der Selektion wurden die Tiere aufgrund der mit einem Tiermodell und der durchschnittlichen Verwandtschaftsmatrix geschätzten Zuchtwerte geordnet. Die Varianzen der Zuchtwerte und der Schätzfehler wurden berechnet. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß durch eine durch‐schnittliche Verwandtschaftsmatrix die Varianz der Größe der Nachkommensgruppen der Väter und der Verlust an genetischer Varianz aufgrund der Selektion unterschätzt wird. Dies führt zu einer Überschätzung des genetischen Fortschritts.
Possible association between a serologically detected haplotype of the bovine Major Histocompatibility Complex and subclinical mastitis
Authors: Arriëns M. A. , Ruff G. , Schällibaum M. , Lazary S.
Published: March 2011

The incidence of subclinical mastitis in Simmental and Simmental‐Red Holstein cattle in relation to the bovine major histocompatibility complex (BoLA) was investigated. Quarter milk samples of 166 cows consisting of fifteen halfsib groups of different ages and lactation stages were analysed for somatic cell counts (SCC) and bacteriological infection. From these data the udder health status (UHS) of the animal was determined. Each cow was typed serologically for BoLA class I and class II specificities. The statistical evaluation for UHS was performed using a logistic regression model. The effect of BoLA on SCC was estimated by least square analysis. Animals carrying the BoLA class II haplotype “b” were significantly more affected by subclinical mastitis than those without this haplotype. Breed group showed a significant influence on both UHS and corrected mean logSCC (P < 0.0001 resp. P < 0.05). Lactation stage had a significant effect on SCC but only a weak influence on UHS (P < 0.0001 resp. P < 0.13).

Mögliche Assoziation zwischen dem bovinen Haupthistokompatibilitätskomplex und subklinischer Mastitis

In dieser Studie wurde die Beziehung zwischen dem bovinen Histokompatibilitätskomplex (BoLA) und der Prävalenz subklinischer Mastitis bei Simmentaler und mit Red Holstein eingekreuzten Simmentaler Kühen untersucht. Bei 166 Kühen, aus 15 Halbgeschwistergruppen, unterschiedlichen Alters und in verschiedenen Laktationsstadien, wurden Milchproben entnommen und auf Zellzahl (SCC) und bakterielle Infektion untersucht. Aus diesen Daten wurde ein Eutergesundheitsstatus (UHS) definiert. Jede Kuh wurde serologisch für BoLA Klasse I und Klasse II Spezifitäten typisiert. Die statistische Auswertung für den UHS erfolgte mit einem logistischen Regressionsmodel. Der Einfluß von BoLA‐Haplotypen auf SCC wurde mit der Least Square Analyse ermittelt. Tiere mit dem Klasse II Allel “b” zeigten mehr Euterprobleme als Kühe ohne dieses Allel. Die Rassegruppe übte sowohl auf den UHS wie auch auf den korrigierten Mittelwert der Zellzahlen einen signifikanten Einfluß aus (P < 0.0001 resp. P < 0.05). Der Effekt des Laktationsstadiums auf die Zellzahl war signifikant, aber für den UHS wurde nur ein schwacher Einfluß des Laktationsstadiums festgestellt (P < 0.0001 resp. P < 0.13).
Relationships between breeding values and physiological responses to fasting and refeeding in dairy bulls: update for young animals
Authors: Robinson D. L. , Hammond K. , McDowell G. H.
Published: March 2011

Relationships between plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH), free fatty acids (FFA), urea (UR), glucose (GL) and insulin (IN) and estimated breeding values (EBV) were examined for 213 Australian Holstein‐Friesian diary bulls tested in 1985–1988 at four artificial breeding centres. Measurements were taken before and after 3 days of fasting and, for 124 bulls sampled in 1987 or later, 24 h after resumption of feeding. Results for 150 older bulls at two centres (V and N) are compared with those for 27 bulls averaging 27 months tested at centre N and of 37 yearling bulls tested at two other centres. Both younger and older bulls showed low positive correlations of around 0.25 between mean plasma GH and EBVs. However, earlier results from centre V suggesting relationships between EBVs and the increase in FFA with fasting, the subsequent decrease in FFA and increase in GL following resumption of feeding were not repeated for the younger bulls which exhibited substantially higher concentrations of FFA and lower concentrations of insulin after 3 days of fasting.

Zusammenhänge zwischen Zuchtwerten und physiologischen Reaktionen auf Hungerperioden und Wiederaufnabme der Fütterung bei Milchviehbullen—aktualisierte Untersuchung fur jüngeren Bullen

Die Zusammenhänge zwischen Plasmakonzentrationen von freien Fettsäuren (FFA), Harnstoff (UR), Glukose (GL), Insulin (IN) und Somatrotopin (GH) und Zuchtwerten (ZW) 213 australischer Holstein‐Friesian Bullen wurden untersucht. Die physiologischen Messungen wurden im Zeitraum 1985–1988 in vier KB Stationen vor und nach einer 3‐tägigen Hungerperiode durchgeführt. Für 124 Bullen, die nach 1986 geprüft wurden, wurden zusäzliche physiologische Messungen 24 Stunden nach der ersten Futteraufnahme durchgeführt. Die Ergebnisse von 150 älteren Bullen von 2 Stationen (V und N) wurden verglichen mit den Ergebnissen von 27 jüngeren Bullen mit einem Durchschnittsalter von 27 Monaten, die in der Station N geprüft wurden und weiterhin mit den Ergebnissen von 37 Bullen, die in zwei weiteren Stationen getestet wurden. Sowohl für die jüngeren als auch für die älteren Bullen wurden geringe positive Korrelationen von ungefähr 0,25 zwischen dem durchschnittlichen Somatropin Gehalt und dem ZW festgestellt. Frühere Ergebnisse der Station V zeigten Beziehungen zwischen dem ZW der Bullen und einem Anstieg der FFA während der Hungerperiode mit einem anschließendem Absinken der FFA und einem gleichzeitigem Ansteigen des Glucosegehaltes nach der erste Futteraufnahme. Diese Beziehungen zwischen den ZW und den Gehalten an FFA und GL wurden für die jüngeren Bullen nicht beobachtet, die höherere Konzentrationen von FFA und geringere Konzentrationen von IN nach einer 3‐tägigen Hungerperiode zeigten.
Trends in inbreeding in Dutch Black and White dairy cattle
Authors: te Braake M. F. H. , Groen A. F. , van der Lugt A. W.
Published: March 2011

The objective of this study was to estimate trends in inbreeding in Dutch Black and White dairy cattle. A pedigree file for 4 280 588 cattle born after 1965 was used. In the early 1970s, Holstein‐Friesian was introduced, gradually replacing Dutch Friesian. Analyses were performed for all Dutch Black and White and original Dutch Friesian separately. Because of incompleteness of pedigrees, a reduced data set was created with only records for animals with complete pedigrees to 1975.

Using the complete pedigree data set, from 1985 to 1990, the annual rate of inbreeding was 0.2 and 0.1 % in Dutch Friesian and Dutch Black and White, respectively. Trends for bulls and cows did not differ. Inclusion of incomplete pedigrees decreased absolute levels of inbreeding.

Holstein‐Friesian introgression temporarily decreased the number of inbred animals and the average inbreeding coefficient of inbred animals.

In analysis of trends in inbreeding, the year of birth is confounded with the number of ancestral generations. Therefore, estimation of trends in inbreeding should be based on years in which animals born have sufficient (≥ 7) ancestral generations.

Inzuchtentwicklung in holländischen schwarzbunten Rindern

Die Untersuchung betrifft die Schätzung von Inzuchttrends in holländischen schwarzbunten Rindern, wofür die Abstammungen von 4.280.588 nach 1965 geborenen Rindern verwendet worden sind. Anfangs der 70iger Jahre wurden Holstein‐Friesen importiert, die die holländische Friesen zunehmend verdrängten. Die Analyse wurde an alien holländischen schwarzbunten und ursprünglichen holländischen Friesen getrennt durchgeführt. Wegen der Unvollständigkeit von Abstammungen wurde ein reduziertes Material aus Abstammungen von Tieren mit vollständigen Pedigrees bis 1975 geschaffen.

Unter Verwendung des vollständigen Abstammungsmaterials ergab sich der Inzuchtzuwachs zwischen 1985 und 1990 als jährlich 0,2 bzw. 0,1 % in holländischen Friesen und holländischen Schwarzbunten, wobei der Trend für Bullen und Kühe sich noch nicht unterschied. Berücksichtigung unvollständiger Abstammungsaufzeichnungen verminderte den Inzuchtgrad. Die Holstein‐Friesen‐Introgression verminderte vorübergehend die Zahl ingezüchteter Tiere und den durchschnittlichen Inzuchtkoeffizienten.

In der Analyse von Inzuchtverlauf ist das Geburtsjahr mit der Zahl von Ahnengenerationen vermischt. Daher sollte die Schätzung des Inzuchtverlaufs sich auf Jahre begrenzen, in denen Tiere ausreichend (= 7) vor von Generationen aufweisen können.
Asaisonalität bei Bergschafen*
Authors: Mendel C. , Pirchner F.
Published: March 2011

Felddaten vom Tiroler Bergschaf (TB, n = 9849) und dem Weißen Bayerischen Bergschaf (WB, n = 1448) wurden hinsichtlich Erstlammalter und Zwischenlammzeit ausgewertet, ebenso wie Vergleichs‐ untersuchungen zwischen Merinolandschaf (n = 125) und TB (n = 95) der Versuchsstation Neu‐ Ulrichstein (Hessen). Aus Blutplasma‐Progesteronspiegel und Suchbockreaktionen ergaben sich Daten über die Zyklizität von 26 Weißen Bergschafen.

TB und WB unterscheiden sich nur unwesentlich in Zwischenlammzeit (240 Tage etwa) und Erstlammalter (490 Tage). Es ergaben sich signifikante Einflüsse von Jahr und Saison, Lammnummer und Betrieb. Die Bergschafe stehen in sehr kleinen Herden, mit zweimaliger Schur. Wegen der Gefahr von Lämmerverlusten durch Adlerschlag wird bei gealpten Schafen eine Sommerablammung verhindert. Die Alpung hat aber tendenziell eine positive Auswirkung auf die Asaisonalität.

Wiederholbarkeiten der Zwischenlammzeit belaufen sich auf etwa 0,2, die Heritabilitätswerte aus Halbgeschwisterähnlichkeit liegen ebenfalls in diesem Bereich, sie sind aber deutlich niedriger bei Tochter‐Mutter‐Beziehungen. Für das Erstlammalter ergab sich eine Heritabilität von 0,6.

Im Vergleich zum Merinolandschaf ist das Bergschaf deutlich stärker asaisonal, was sich in kürzerer Zwischenlammzeit (um 35 Tage) nach Winter‐ und Frühjahrsablammung und einer gleichmäßigeren Verteilung der Ablammung über das Jahr manifestiert. Geschlechtsreife tritt etwa bei 9,5 Monaten bei einem Körpergewicht von 43 kg auf.

Die ovulatorische Periode setzt Ende April ein und endet nicht vor Januar. Das Bergschaf scheint eine geringere Sequenz von Langtagen zur Beendigung der anovulatorischen Periode zu benötigen.

Aseasonality in ‘Bergschaf’

Age at first lambing (ELA) and lambing interval (ZLZ) were analysed in 9849 records of the Tyrolean Bergschaf (TB) and in 1448 of the German Weiße Bergschaf (WB). Bergschafe and German Merino Landschafe were compared for these traits (125 and 95 respectively) in the Hessian experiment station Neu‐Ulrichstein and cyclicity was studied in 26 WB via plasma progesteron levels and search ram at Weihenstephan.

ELA (490 days) and ZLZ (240 days) showed little difference between TB and WB. However, effects of year, season, parity and farm were statistically significant. TB are compared in small herds, are shorn twice yearly and are put on to mountain pastures in summer. To avoid lamb losses due to eagles, summer lambing is reduced in problem pastures which affects aseasonality in a favourable manner.

The repeatability of ZLZ was about 0.2, as were heritabilities estimated from halfsib correlations, while dam‐daughter correlations gave lower values. For ELA, h2 was around 0.6.

Compared with Merinos, the Bergschaf is definitely more aseasonal which results in shorter ZLZ (by 35 days) and a more uniform distribution of lambing. Sexual maturity occurs at about 9.5 months at 43 kg body weight.

The ovulatory period starts in late April and lasts into January. The Bergschaf requires shorter sequences of long days to end the anovulatory period.