bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
miR-539 mediates osteoblast mineralization by regulating Distal-less genes 2 in MC3T3-E1 cell line
Authors: Han Jianguo , Su Li , Zhang Chunyang , Jiang Rongcai
Published: October 2017

microRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in osteoblast differentiation. However, the mechanisms of miRNAs regulating osteoblast mineralization still needs to be further cleared. Distal-less genes 2 (Dlx2) plays an important role in osteoblast differentiation. We have found that miR-539 was significantly downregulated and Dlx2 was found to be inversely correlated with miR-539 in MC3T3-E1 cell line during osteoblast mineralization. The overexpression of miR-539 significantly decreased the expression level of Dlx2 and suppressed the osteogenic marker gene expression level, alkaline phosphatase activity and matrix mineralization. Our study showed that miR-539 was a negative regulator in osteoblast mineralization and that the targeting of Dlx2 gene partly contributes to this inhibitory effect exerted by miR-539.
Diversity of Intestinal Microbiota in Coilia ectenes from Lake Taihu, China
Authors: Duan Jinrong , Xu Dongpo , Liu Kai , Zhou Yanfeng , Xu Pao
Published: October 2017

To investigate the community structure and species composition of intestinal microbiota in Coilia ectenes, sixty-seven samples were collected from Lake Taihu in China. The intestinal microbiota of the C. ectenes were identified by the V4 of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene using high-throughput sequencing. Furthermore, the water quality of different sampling sites was also evaluated. A total of 53 phyla and 730 classified genera were found in all the samples. The eight dominant phyla Planctomycetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Cyanobacteria, Crenarchaeota, Actinobacteria, and Verrucomicrobia were included. The intestinal microbiota compositions of the C. ectenes obtained from the same location presented more similar profiles, and the intestinal microbiota compositions of the C. ectenes from different geographical locations showed considerable differences. The operational taxonomic units (OTUs) abundance of the intestinal microbiota was significantly correlated with both the concentrations of total nitrogen and chlorophyll-a of the aquatic environment (p<0.05). Geographical location was an important determinant for the fish’s intestinal microbiota composition. The intestinal microbiota of C. ectenes would be affected by the concentrations of total nitrogen and chlorophyll-a in the water. These findings achieve a basic understanding of fish’s gut microbiota, and are helpful for the protection of fish resources in Lake Taihu and provided the cornerstone to sustainable utlization of C. ectenes.
Biomarkers in patients with myocardial fibrosis
Authors: An Zhe , Yang Guang , Zheng Haikuo , Nie Wei , Liu Guohui
Published: October 2017

Myocardial fibrosis is observed in many cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, heart failure and cardiomyopathy. Myocardial fibrosis has been proved to be reversible and treatable only under timely intervention, which makes early detection and assessment of fibrosis crucial. Aside from tissue biopsy as the gold standard for the diagnosis of myocardial fibrosis, circulating biomarkers have been adopted as noninvasive assessment of this lesion. Dysregulated collagen deposition is thought to be the major cause of myocardial fibrosis. Collagens, procollagens, TGF-β, TIMP, galectin-3, and microRNAs are thought to be indicators of myocardial fibrosis. In this review, we summarize the molecules that are frequently used as biomarkers in diagnosis of cardiac fibrosis. Mechanisms of fibrosis that they take part in are also introduced.
Energetic efficiency of mass transfer accompanied by chemical reactions in liquid-liquid systems
Authors: Jasińska Magdalena , Bałdyga Jerzy
Published: October 2017

Energetic efficiency depicting the fraction of energy dissipation rate used to perform processes of drop breakup and mass transfer in two-phase, liquid-liquid systems is considered. Results of experiments carried out earlier in two types of high-shear mixers: an in-line rotor-stator mixer and a batch rotor-stator mixer, have been applied to identify and compare the efficiency of drop breakage and mass transfer in both types of mixers. The applied method is based on experimental determination of both: the product distribution of chemical test reactions and the drop size distributions. Experimental data are interpreted using a multifractal model of turbulence for drop breakage and the model by Favelukis and Lavrenteva for mass transfer. Results show that the energetic efficiency of the in-line mixer is higher than that of the batch mixer; two stator geometries were considered in the case of the batch mixer and the energetic efficiency of the device equipped with a standard emulsor screen (SES) was higher than the efficiency of the mixer equipped with a general purpose disintegrating head (GPDH) for drop breakup but smaller for mass transfer.
Optimization of geometric parameters of a ribbon impeller
Authors: Kuncewicz Czesław , Stelmach Jacek
Published: October 2017

Geometric parameters of a ribbon impeller were optimized on the basis of numerical calculations obtained from the solution of our own 3D/2D hybrid model. The optimization was made taking into account mixing power and homogenization time for ribbon impellers with a different number of ribbons and width operating in a laminar motion for Newtonian fluid. Due to minimum mixing energy required to stir a unit volume of liquid the most efficient impeller appeared to be that with one ribbon of width equal to 0.1 to 0.15 of the mixing vessel diameter. Impellers with more than one ribbon needed much higher mixing power but did not increase significantly secondary circulation in the vessel. These impellers increased first of all primary circulation, i.e. they increased only circular motion of liquid in the vessel.
Gaar As Tax Treaty Override – Slovak Perspective
Authors: Koroncziová Andrea , Kacaljak Matej
Published: October 2017

The article summarises the views on the interrelation of GAARs and tax treaties, abstracts defining criteria for the feasibility of GAAR as an anti-abuse instrument in tax treaty situations and applies these to the situation (legislation and case law) in the Slovak Republic. The aim of the article is to provide insight on the potential interrelation of GAAR rules with existing tax treaties and formulate policy advice that should be optimal given the facts at hand. It shows that GAAR in its current form would in general have limited effectiveness in tackling tax treaty abuse situations without it resulting in treaty override. This particularly applies to the Slovak Republic and likely to other states applying a monistic approach to international treaties, where the renegotiation of the treaty seems the only viable option. However, as in Slovakia the monist approach applies only to treaties ratified after July 2001, a different approach might be taken with respect to those that are still subject to a dualist approach.
Transparency in Economic and Political Decision-Making: The Identification of Sunshine Rules for Transparent Lobbying
Authors: Laboutková Šárka , Vymetal Petr
Published: October 2017

Lobbying transparency seems to have been a challenging topic for nearly a decade. For the purposes of the article, the authors focus on a contextual analysis of rules and measures that offers both a broad as well as comprehensive view of the required transparency of lobbying activities and the environment in which decisions are made. In this regard, focusing on the sunshine principles/sunshine rules (not purely limited to laws) provides a grasp of the whole issue in a broader context. From a methodological point of view, the exploratory approach was chosen and the coding procedure is mostly dichotomous. As a result, seven key areas with 70 indicators have been identified in terms of transparency of lobbying and decision-making.
Stem damages caused by heart rot and large poplar borer on hybrid and European aspen
Authors: Zeps Martins , Senhofa Silva , Zadina Mara , Neimane Una , Jansons Aris
Published: October 2017

Solid wood production of hybrid aspen requires relative longer rotation periods, thus increasing risk of wood damages by pests and diseases. We compared damages by heart rot and poplar borer of 48 years old hybrid (Populus tremuloides Michx. × P. tremula L.) and European aspen in a progeny trial located in Eastern part of Latvia. Trees were harvested and rot patches and galleries were recorded and measured at a stump level. The number of galleries had positive relation on number of patches and total area of rot. The susceptibility of the rot and poplar borer was similar for both hybrid and European aspen. Yet, some differences among families were detected. No effect of pathogens damage was observed on the tree growth. Larger trees had smaller proportion and incidence of rot and galleries per unit of area as well as wider outer rot-free wood layer.
Pruning effect on Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) growth and quality
Authors: Baders Endijs , Donis Janis , Snepsts Guntars , Adamovics Andis , Jansons Aris
Published: October 2017

Pruning requires significant investment, therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize occlusion of branch wounds and changes in radial increment as well as frequency of browsing damages after pruning of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) in order to provide data for financial calculations and recommendations for practical forestry. Altogether 1,614 pruned and 4,368 unpruned trees from 45 Norway spruce stands were measured and cored. Degree of wound occlusion and browsing damages were assessed, and additional volume increment estimated in each stand. Pruning resulted in significant increase of length of branch-free section: for unpruned trees it was 0.3 ± 0.07 m, but for pruned 3.4 ± 0.10 m. Branch wounds for most of the trees (68%) were filled with resin (occluded), for lower share of trees (31%) – still open, but for some trees (1%) completely occluded. Branch wound occlusion rate was not affected by differences in stand density, but was significantly affected by stand age: proportion of trees with occluded branch scars increased with age. Trees with occluded branch wounds had a significantly higher increase in tree ring width after the pruning in comparison to the period before pruning than trees with open branch wounds, emphasizing the importance of radial increment in development of branch-free layer of wood. Pruning resulted in minor (−7% or −0.28 ± 0.05 m3 ha−1) reduction of annual increment that was statistically significant only up to 3 years after this forest management activity for stands younger than 17 years and with mean height up to 10.5 m. Pruned trees were significantly more browsed than unpruned (6.1% and 2.7%, respectively).
Recreating Intimacy With Connected Consumers
Authors: Stephen Andrew , Ahmad Yasmeen
Published: October 2017

In the good old times shop manager knew their customers personally and were able to tailor offerings to their needs and desires. But how can we create meaningful moments for connected consumers in global markets? Yasmeen Ahmad explains how in digital times data fill in. Smart algorithms help generate insights and enable real time action to provide the right product and service to the right customer at the right time. Companies that don’t want to be left behind a digital elite need to remain close to their customers across multiple digital touchpoints. Being capable of reading, interpreting and acting upon consumers` traces is a prerequisite.
Anchoring and Overconfidence: The Influence of Culture and Cognitive Abilities
Authors: Czerwonka Monika
Published: October 2017

Anchoring and overconfidence are some of the best-known biases in psychology and behavioral finance literature. While a number of studies have investigated the evidence of these biases and explored the motives and human factors that contribute to the one’s susceptibility to the effects, little is known about the cultural factors behind these heuristic biases. This paper aims to fill the research gap and shows the differences in proneness to the anchoring effect and overconfidence in two samples of students from Poland and India. The purpose of the study is twofold: to analyze susceptibility to behavioral effects relative to cultural background; and to consider the subjects’ cognitive abilities as a potential factor in their exposure to behavioral biases and confirm that subjects with higher cognitive skills, measured by the cognitive reflection test (CRT) display less susceptibility to the above heuristic biases.
Culture-Based Rejection of Taboo-Infringing Imports
Authors: Brice William D. , Chu Edward , Brice Anastasiya
Published: October 2017

This empirical study analyzes the cultural basis of the United States market response to imported Spanish products that seem to violate strongly-held cultural taboos. Survey responses were obtained from students in two contrasting majors, Art and Business, in two distinct cities and universities, i.e. Little Rock at the University of Arkansas, and Dominguez Hills at California State University. The study focused on a baby doll marketed to piggy-back on the new movement towards breastfeeding babies. Although accepted in its original European market, the United States media reports strong moral objections to this product among U. S. citizens. The toy was overwhelmingly rejected in some, but not all, population sub-groups. This study attempts to discern the cultural basis for product rejection by comparing responses between regions, college majors, genders and gender/major combinations. Differences in acceptance between groups are correlated with specific cultural constructs.
How to succeed in the digital age? Monitor the organizational context, identify risks and opportunities, and manage change effectively
Authors: Fonseca Luis Miguel , Domingues José Pedro
Published: October 2017

Due to the dynamic and inter-connected internal and external environments of the present digital age, organizations are faced with increased challenges to achieve enduring success. After reviewing the major management theories with an organizational focus, and the changes brought with the new ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management Systems International Standard Edition, the hypotheses that to succeed in the digital age organizations must monitor the organizational context, identify risks and opportunities, and manage change effectively, are presented. A worldwide survey was carried out among IRCA registered auditors concerning ISO 9001:2015 certified organizations, and by using a quantitative methodology (sample normality was confirmed through Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the hypothesis were tested by using Pearson correlation coefficient). The results of this research highlight the need to properly monitor the organizational (internal and external) context and identify the key issues that affect the organizations ability to deliver quality products and satisfy their customers and key stakeholders, and to plan, design, implement and control change in an effective and timely manner. These results support the notion that organizations should adopt appropriate organizational models for the present digital age, with emphasis on knowledge management and horizontal customer perspectives, willing to scan the environment, identify risk and opportunities and take timely and suitable actions.
Knowledge strategies aiming to improve the intellectual capital of universities
Authors: Bejinaru Ruxandra
Published: October 2017

The purpose of this paper is to present a new construct of the intellectual capital structure, based on the multifield theory of knowledge and the concept of nonlinear integrators and to identify the knowledge strategies to enhance the intellectual capital of universities. The paper presents a new approach, based on metaphorical thinking and thermodynamics logic in structuring the intellectual capital, based on the multifield theory of knowledge into its basic building blocks. Considering the two levels of intellectual capital, the paper presents the main knowledge strategies to enhance the university intellectual capital. The basic building blocks of the intellectual capital are: rational, emotional, and spiritual intellectual capital. Each building block is based on the corresponding field of knowledge. There are two significant levels of intellectual capital: potential and operational. Analyzing the university intellectual capital by using this new approach is much more realistic than in the previous approaches. The new approach is based on a thermodynamics paradigm, which means we need to develop new ways of thinking, evaluating, and enhancing the intellectual capital. The paper presents an original approach, based on metaphorical thinking, by considering basic ideas from the energy realm and thermodynamics theory. Also, the paper presents a matrix of possible knowledge strategies to increase the intellectual capital of universities.
Interferometric Surface Relief Measurements with Subnano/Picometer Height Resolution
Authors: Sysoev Evgeny , Kosolobov Sergey , Kulikov Rodion , Latyshev Alexander , Sitnikov Sergey , Vykhristyuk Ignat
Published: October 2017

We present an optical interference system nanoprofiler MNP-1 designed for high-precision noncontact measurement of surface relief with subnanometer resolution (root mean square of measured values), based on partial scanning of interference signal. The paper describes the construction of the measurement system with Linnik interferometer and the algorithm for nanorelief surface reconstruction. Experimental measurement results of silicon sample with profile height of surface structure of one interatomic distance obtained by MNP-1 are shown. It was proposed to use an atomically smooth surface as the reference mirror in the interferometer MNP-1 that allowed us to measure monatomic steps of the presented silicon sample. Monatomic steps of 0.31 nm in height on silicon (111) surface were measured with resolution up to 5 pm.
RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY MARKET IN THE FUNCTIONAL URBAN AREA OF OLSZTYN IN THE CONTEXT OF DEMOGRAPHIC CHANGES
Authors: Szczepańska Agnieszka
Published: October 2017

The development of cities is accompanied by growth of the real estate markets within the suburban zone of the municipal urban area. This is the zone functionally related to the core city, where the processes occurring in the property market result primarily from decisions taken by city dwellers concerning the choice of their place of residence. This is reflected in completed transactions, which influence demographic changes. Therefore, the property market becomes a reflection of urbanization processes taking place in this area. The conducted research concerns an analysis of the property market in the suburban zone of Olsztyn of building plots, single-family houses and residential premise segments in the context of demographic changes. The results of the research present the dynamics and directions of development of the suburban zone. The period of research covers the years of 2007-2015, and the spatial scope covers the level of communes and the surveying sections they are composed of (villages).
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF HEDONIC AND FILTERED INDEXES IN SELECTED CITIES
Authors: Kokot Sebastian
Published: October 2017

Property price indexes are difficult to determine both from the substantive and technical/organizational points of view. Various methods of constructing such indexes have been developed in order to overcome these difficulties. To this end, the author compares two types of indexes: hedonic indexes and ones termed filtered for the purpose of this particular paper. Hedonic index values come from Polish National Bank (NBP) publications, while the filtered indexes have been computed with the use of the 4253H filter on the basis of the NBP announcements on mean property prices. Thus, the results are comparable as both types of indexes are derived from the same input databases. The analysis covers both the comparison of the obtained results as well as a discussion of substantive and technical problems encountered when building the property price indexes.
THE ROLE OF SPATIAL INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES REGARDING INVESTMENT SITE SELECTION
Authors: Siejka Monika
Published: October 2017

One of the main tasks of real estate management is making decisions concerning the location of investments. Taking into consideration the fact that any investment affects, directly or indirectly, the economic development of a commune, it has a significant impact on the local real estate market. Investments that have a negative impact on the environment can contribute to a reduction in the activity of the local real estate market. Upon performing tasks related to the economic development of a region and to an increase in the inhabitants’ quality of life, the activity of the local real estate market increases. The paper presents the role of spatial information systems as a source of data used in decision-making processes related to local investment site selection. Currently, there are spatial information systems functioning as a platform for multi-level information systems on real estate and GIS, on local, regional, national and international markets. In this way, the resources of spatial information are available to all institutions, natural and legal persons. As a result, the acquisition of a series of data can take place at any time and at no cost.
Have Financial Stability Concerns Changed the Priority of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey?
Authors: Erdem Ekrem , Bulut Umit , Kocak Emrah
Published: October 2017

This paper aims at analysing whether the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey (CBRT), designing a new monetary policy framework to achieve financial stability in the last quarter of 2010, tries to pursue financial stability by putting price stability on the back burner. To this end, a forward-looking reaction function that is extended with nominal exchange rate gap and nominal domestic credits gap is estimated for the CBRT. The paper first performs unit root and cointegration tests and finds that the variables become stationary at first differences and that there is a cointegration relationship among variables. Then, the paper conducts the Kalman filter to obtain time varying parameters. The findings show that the coefficients of all explanatory variables did not change too much after the new monetary policy framework of the CBRT in the last quarter of 2010. Therefore, this paper asserts that the CBRT continues to pursue price stability as its primary goal and tries to achieve financial stability by using macroprudential tools. Thus this paper concludes that financial stability concerns have not changed the priority of the CBRT.
What Makes Work Meaningful
Authors: Grama Blanca , Todericiu Ramona
Published: October 2017

Most organizations nowadays have the required resources and should offer an appropriate culture to provide each employee with the opportunity and context to develop the feeling of meaningful work. The managers and organizational leaders should be the first to recognize and perceive the work they do as being important. In this article, we examine the current development of the study of the nature, causes, and consequences of meaningful work, and we offer ideas of research opportunities regarding the interface of organizational perspectives on performing and providing meaningful work.
The Effect of Inflation on Financial Development Indicators in Iran (2000–2015)
Authors: Hami Mahyar
Published: October 2017

Inflation and financial development are among the factors that influence economic growth and the interaction between them is a major issue in developing countries. The aim of this paper is to investigate the effect of inflation on financial development indicators in Iran using seasonal data over 2000-2015. To achieve the research objectives, time series data were collected from World Bank and seasonal inflation rate, with 5 financial development indicators were used to measure the research variables. Then I applied Johansen Co-integration Test and Vector Error Correction Model to estimate the proposed model. The results show that inflation has a negatively significant effect on financial depth and also positively significant effect on the ratio of total deposits in banking system to nominal GDP in Iran during the observation period. Also the existence of an equilibrium relationship between inflation and other 3 indicators of Iran`s financial development used in this study was rejected.
Non Standard Work Practices and Its Impact on Children Development, Family Functioning and Health and Safety Concerns in a 24/7 Economy
Authors: Pudaruth Sharmila , Juwaheer Thanika Devi , Nunkoo Robin , Vencatachellum I.
Published: October 2017

This main purpose of the study is to investigate upon the impact of non-standard work practices on children development, family functioning and employees’ health and safety concerns in a 24/7 Economy. This paper reviews the concept of 24/7 economy and explores the impact of non-standard work practices. A survey instrument is administered to 400 householders of Mauritius and the questionnaires were further processed and analysed with the statistical programme SPSS 20, by using descriptive and inferential analysis. The results of the findings have demonstrated that changes in children development and family functioning and employees’ health and safety concerns highly impact on the householders. The evidence of numerous associations from the present research have shown that 24/7 economy will give rise to pollution. Indeed, children will be affected by lack of parental time and employees might suffer from health issues with the 24/7 culture. The present research fills the significant gaps in the literature review by generating an integrative functioning framework of the 24/7 economy for island economies.
Cardiac Stimulation Through Induced Currents
Authors: Drosu Oana , Stanculescu Marilena
Published: October 2017

This paper presents the magnetic cardiac stimulation, more precisely the stimulation with an electric field produced by a time-variable magnetic field. The modeling within this domain has in view the investigation of the induced currents in the body and the characteristics of the defibrillation coil (shape, number of turns, length) and the applied stimulus.
Responses of Falcataria moluccana seedlings of Different Seed Sources to Inoculation With Uromycladium tepperianum
Authors: Rahayu Sri , Shukor Nor Aini Ab. , See Lee Su , Saleh Ghizan
Published: October 2017

Falcataria moluccana (batai) is one of the valuable multipurpose tree species for forest plantations, particularly in Malaysia and Indonesia. Gall rust disease caused by Uromycladium tepperianum (Sacc.) is one of the most destructive diseases in Batai plantations. The disease causes severe damage at all developmental stages of the plant from the nursery stage to mature trees in the field and includes the development of chocolate brown, cauliflower-like or whip-like galls on the stem, branch, petiole, shoot and pod. Different seed sources may respond differently to gall rust fungus. Thus, the responses of F. moluccana seedlings from 6 selected seed sources to gall rust disease caused by U. tepperianum, were evaluated, at the Brumas Estate, Malaysia, in terms of gall rust disease severity, mortality, and disease infection rate of the seedlings. Based on disease severity, infection rate and cumulative mortality due to gall rust disease, the wamena was found to be the best seed source in relation to gall rust disease resistance.
Inheritance Pattern of Growth and Wood Traits in Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.).
Authors: Narayanan C. , Chawhaan P. H. , Mandal A. K.
Published: October 2017

Inheritance pattern of wood traits, especially heartwood/ sapwood percentage and specific gravity and interactions of wood traits with other growth traits were investigated in a 27-year-old half-sib progeny trial of teak. Wood traits showed highly significant variation for specific gravity, heartwood and sapwood percentage at family level. There was non-significant family vs. replication variation for these traits. Among the growth traits, there was significant variation for height and girth. Families and individual trees showed varying levels of heritability. Among the growth traits, height showed high heritability (individual tree heritability, h2 (i) = 34.3%; family heritability, h2 (f ) = 34.1%) followed by girth (h2 (i) = 19.4%; h2 (f ) = 31.4%). Among the wood traits, maximum heritability values were obtained for sapwood percentage (h2 (i) = 76.6%; h2 (f ) = 70.7%) and heartwood percentage (h2 (i) = 76.9%; h2 (f ) = 69.7%). Specific gravity exhibited heritability values of 29.1 and 41.8%, at individual tree and family level, respectively. Family heritability was higher than single-tree heritability for specific gravity; single-tree heritability exceeded family heritability for heartwood percentage. Specific gravity exhibited significant positive genotypic correlation with heartwood percentage suggesting that improvement in heartwood percentage would lead to a correlated improvement in specific gravity. Heartwood percentage showed significant positive correlation with growth traits viz., height and girth. Some of the families showed good GCA for growth and wood traits investigated. The good general combiners identified in the present study can be used for establishment of advanced generation seed orchards and breeding arboreta for improvement of teak for specific or combination of above traits.
The Relative Contribution of The Male and Female to The Variation in Reproductive Success in Eucalyptus globulus
Authors: Suitor Shaun , Pott B. M. , Mcgowen M. H. , Pilbeam D. J. , Brown P. H. , Gracie A. J. , Gore P. L.
Published: October 2017

Low and variable capsule and seed set is a major factor limiting seed production in Eucalyptus globulus seed orchards. This study identified the relative contribution of the maternal and paternal parent to reproductive success in E. globulus, and examined the genetic basis to the observed variation. Reproductive success was measured in terms of the number of viable seeds obtained per flower crossed. Data on the reproductive success of numerous genotypes from the Furneaux, Strzelecki Ranges and Otways races were obtained from: (i) 12 years of operational full-sib crossing; (ii) a designed fullsib diallel mating scheme; and (iii) capsule retention trials conducted over three seasons at two Tasmanian seed orchards on the same ramets of different genotypes. Analysis of the sparse operational data revealed that both male and female factors significantly affected reproductive success, accounting for 5.0% and 7.9% of the variation respectively. The more precise diallel crossing revealed that a large, and significant, proportion 55%, of the variation in reproductive success between crosses at a single site was explained by the female parent. The male parent explained only 6.7%, but this effect was not statistically significant and was related to variation in in vitro pollen germination. The significant female effect was found to be consistent at the genotype level across seasons, sites and pollination techniques suggesting a genetic basis to the variation. It is argued that selection of genetically fecund females is a key consideration in reducing costs of manual pollination for breeding and deployment purposes.
The Contribution of Pollen Germination Rates to Uneven Paternity Among Polycrosses of Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Moriguchi Yoshinari , Ishiduka D. , Kaneko T. , Itoo S. , Taira H. , Tsumura Y.
Published: October 2017

Polycrossing is a very useful and cost-effective approach when designing mating trials. However, since the maternal general combining ability (GCA) in polycross designs is estimated on the assumption of equal contributions from paternal parents; any unequal paternal contribution leads to biased GCA estimates. Progeny from polycrossing Cryptomeria japonica, in which three mixtures from three paternal donors were crossed with each of three maternal parents, were analyzed using microsatellite markers to detect departures from equal paternal contribution. The deviations from equal paternal contribution were evaluated using a χ2 goodness of fit test. In this test, we examined the null hypothesis of equal paternal contribution for each mother tree. Two different methods were used to calculate paternal contribution: first, simply the number of seeds produced by each male parent, and second, the number of seeds produced by each male parent weighted according to the proportion of full seeds in single cross. The results of the χ2 test showed that the contribution to seed production by each paternal clone differed significantly in all polycrosses. The average pollen germination rate was significantly different between paternal clones. The contribution of each pollen donor in a polycross was related to their pollen germination rate.
Phenotypic Selection of Calycophyllum spruceanum on Farms in the Peruvian Amazon: Evaluating a Low-Intensity Selection Strategy
Authors: Weber John C. , Montes Carmen Sotelo , Ugarte Julio , Simons Tony
Published: October 2017

A low-intensity selection strategy was recommended for timber trees in the Peruvian Amazon to maintain genetic variation on farms and produce modest gains in tree growth. The effectiveness of this strategy was evaluated using Calycophyllum spruceanum. Farmers selected 66 mother trees of different ages on farms in seven locations (~20% of all trees in the locations) in one watershed, based on a visual assessment of growth, form and external disease symptoms. Another 66 mother trees were chosen at random. Tree height, stem diameter, stem bifurcations and mortality of progeny of the selected and random groups of mother trees were evaluated at 15, 26 and 38 months in a provenance/progeny test located on farms in the same watershed. Height was significantly greater (10%) in the selected group at 15 months, but it did not differ significantly between the selected and random groups at 26 and 38 months. There were no significant differences in diameter, bifurcations and mortality between the groups. There was significant variation in height and diameter at all measurement ages due to families, and results suggested that variation in bifurcations and mortality due to families was also significant. Based on approximate 95% confidence

intervals, family variances in height and diameter did not differ significantly between the selected and random groups at any measurement age, but evaluations should continue to confirm these tentative conclusions. Some practical implications for tree improvement programs are discussed.
Genetic Variation Amongst and Within The Native Provenances of Pinus radiata D. Don in South-eastern Australia. 2.Wood Density and Stiffness to Age 26 Years
Authors: Raymond Carolyn A. , Henson M. , Joe B.
Published: October 2017

Two progeny trials of native provenances of Pinus radiata, representing the 1978 seed collection, were assessed for wood density and standing tree acoustic velocity. One trial, planted in 1980 in southern New South Wales, Australia contains all five provenances. The second trial, planted in the same region in 1982 contains only the island provenances. Results for extracted wood density, assessed from pith to bark in 5 ring segments, and standing tree acoustic velocity, measured at age 24 or 26 years, are reported. Large differences between the mainland and island provenance were apparent for wood density and stiffness. The mainland provenances were very similar for density and followed the “normal” pattern of change with a gradual increase from the pith, followed by a plateauing around age 20. Neither of the island provenances followed this pattern of change in density: Cedros had stable density across the 4 inner most segments and Guadalupe had stable density for the inner two segments followed by a linear increase. Juvenile density was higher in both the island provenances than the mainland provenances. The island provenances differed from each other for standing tree acoustic velocity, with velocity being higher in Guadalupe provenance. Heritabilities for wood density and acoustic velocity (average 0.37) were higher than those for tree growth and form. Across the stem radius, heritability of density was variable with some segments having zero heritabilities in some provenances, particularly Cambria, Cedros and Guadalupe. Heritability for acoustic velocity was highest for Cambria and the island provenances. Within the mainland provenances, little difference was found between populations for either wood density or acoustic velocity. Density and standing tree acoustic velocity were negatively genetically correlated with tree diameter. Differences in provenance means were greater for acoustic velocity than for density in the outermost segment. Provenance rankings also differed, with the rankings for acoustic velocity being similar to those for density in the 2nd segment from the bark. The genetic correlations between density and velocity reached a maximum for 3rd segment. These results indicate that outerwood density is not the sole driver of acoustic velocity, and that the sound wave is perhaps not travelling through the outer most wood, but is penetrating some distance into the tree.
Comparative Performance of Corymbia Hybrids and Parental Species in Subtropical Queensland and Implications for Breeding and Deployment
Authors: Lee David J. , Huth J. R. , Brawner J. T. , Dickinson G. R.
Published: October 2017

Eighty six full-sib Corymbia F1 hybrid families (crosses between C. torelliana and four spotted gum taxa: C. citriodora subsp. variegata, C. citriodora subsp. citriodora, C. henryi and C. maculata), were planted in six trials across six disparate sites in south-eastern Queensland to evaluate their productivity and determine their potential utility for plantation forestry. In each trial, the best-growing 20% of hybrid families grew significantly faster (P = 0.05) than open-pollinated seedlots of the parent species Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata, ranging from 107% to 181% and 127% to 287% of the height and diameter respectively. Relative performance of hybrid families growing on more than one site displayed consistency in ranking for growth across sites and analysis showed low genotype-by-environment interaction. Heritability estimates based on female and male parents across two sites at age six years for height and diameter at breast height, were high (0.62 ± 0.28 to 0.64 ± 0.35 and 0.31 ± 0.21 to 0.69 ± 0.37 respectively), and low to moderate (0.03 ± 0.04 to 0.33 ± 0.22) for stem straightness, branch size, incidence of ramicorns, and frost and disease resistance traits at ages one to three years. The proportion of dominance variance for height and diameter had reduced to zero by age six years. Based on these promising results, further breeding and pilot-scale family forestry and clonal forestry deployment is being undertaken. These results have also provided insights regarding the choice of a future hybrid breeding strategy.
Population Genetic Structure of Laurus nobilis L. Inferred From Transferred Nuclear Microsatellites
Authors: Marzouki H. , Nasri N. , Jouaud B. , Bonnet C. , Khaldi A. , Bouzid S. , Fady B.
Published: October 2017

Species with fragmented populations and low population size often display low within-population genetic diversity and strong among-population differentiation. Laurus nobilis L. (Lauraceae), common laurel, has a scattered distribution throughout the Mediterranean, with only few autochthonous populations. Our goal was to elucidate if this species has range-wide genetic structure and if planted material can be traced back to its origin. Genetic diversity was investigated using 4 polymorphic nuclear microsatellites (nSSR) transferred from two species of Lauraceae. Sixty-six laurel trees were selected from 7 widely separated populations within the Mediterranean distribution area of the species. A total of 34 alleles (9 alleles per locus on average) were found. Mean genetic diversity within-population (Hs), was 0.558. Genetic differentiation among populations (GST = 0.243) was high compared to that of other angiosperms. Laurus nobilis can be separated into two main gene pools, one from western (Tunisia, Algeria and France) and the other from eastern Mediterranean (Turkey). The Algerian, Tunisian and French populations presented a strong genetic similarity, compatible with the fact that North African laurel populations could be recently introduced from north-western Mediterranean stock.
DNA Methylation in Acacia mangium In vitro and Ex-vitro Buds, in relation to their Within-shoot Position, Age and Leaf Morphology of the Shoots
Authors: Monteuuis O. , Baurens F. C. , Goh D. K. S. , Quimado M. , Doulbeau S. , Verdeil J. L.
Published: October 2017

DNA methylation was analyzed in Acacia mangium Willd. buds collected from in vitro and field growing shoots from the same clone and its juvenile offspring. Shoot tips from in vitro microshoots showed higher levels of DNA methylation for juvenile (23.4%) than for mature (21.8%) plant material, irrespective of their morphology. Likewise, under the same in vitro conditions, the apical buds collected from microshoots exhibiting the juvenile morphology displayed higher DNA methylation rates (23.2%) than those characterized by the mature phyllode morphological type (22.1%), regardless of the age of the plant material source. In outdoor conditions, apical buds collected from mature tree growing shoots were significantly less methylated (20.9%) than the resting axillary buds located just underneath (25.2%) and than the apical buds from the in vitro microshoots of the same clone and mature-like phyllode morphology (22.6%). Overall, the DNA methylation levels found for our Acacia mangium plant materials were consistent with those reported for other Angiosperms, but showed, similarly to other recent findings in different species, that DNA methylation in plants does not always increase with ageing. This was discussed in relation to other phase-related traits and more particularly foliage characteristics, which are conspicuous markers of ageing in this heteroblastic species.
Energy Drink Doses of Caffeine and Taurine Have a Null or Negative Effect on Sprint Performance
Authors: Jeffries Owen , Hill Jessica , Patterson Stephen D. , Waldron Mark
Published: October 2017

Jeffries, O, Hill, J, Patterson, SD, and Waldron, M. Energy drink doses of caffeine and taurine have a null or negative effect on sprint performance. J Strength Cond Res 34(12): 3475–3481, 2020—This study investigated the effects of caffeine and taurine coingestion on repeat-sprint cycling performance and associated physiological and perceptual responses. In a double-blind, cross-over, repeated measures study, 11 male subjects (age 21 ± 2 years; stature 178 ± 7 cm; body mass 80 ± 13 kg) completed 10 × 6-second sprints on a cycle ergometer, each separated by 24 seconds, one hour after ingesting: caffeine (80 mg) and taurine (1 g), equivalent to the amount observed in popular commercial energy drinks, or placebo (maltodextrin ∼1 g) in a gelatine capsule. Performance was measured on a cycle ergometer, whereas blood lactate concentration (B[la]), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and heart rate (HR) were measured at baseline (pre-exercise) and after sprints 5 and 10. Magnitude-based inferences revealed likely, trivial differences in peak power and unclear, trivial intersprint fatigue index after ingestion of the caffeine and taurine supplement. Intrasprint fatigue was greater in the caffeine and taurine condition at sprint 10 (likely, small) and possibly smaller in sprints 6–9. The caffeine and taurine supplement had a likely large effect on HR at baseline (effect size = 0.94) and increases in B[la] after sprints 5 (likely small) and 10 (possibly small). There was no effect of the supplement on RPE (unclear, trivial). Administration of caffeine and taurine at doses equivalent to commercial energy drinks did not improve repeat-sprint cycling performance and seemed to induce greater fatigue within selected sprints, particularly at the end of the trial. This undesirable performance effect occurs in parallel with increased HR and glycolytic metabolic bi-products.
Physical Characteristics of Youth Elite Golfers and Their Relationship With Driver Clubhead Speed
Authors: Coughlan Daniel , Taylor Matthew J.D. , Jackson Joanna , Ward Nicholas , Beardsley Chris
Published: October 2017

Coughlan, D, Taylor, M, Jackson, J, Ward, N, and Beardsley, C. Physical characteristics of youth elite golfers and their relationship with driver clubhead speed. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 212–217, 2020—Increased clubhead speed (CHS) has a strong relationship with golf performance and is related to athletic qualities in adult golfers. Research investigating the youth golfer is limited. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationships between strength and power on CHS in youth golfers. A correlational design was used to assess relationships between CHS and anthropometric, strength, and power measurements. Thirty-six male and 33 female golfers aged 13–17 took part in this study. Male golfers showed significant relationships between CHS and handicap (HCP) (r = −0.50), seated medicine ball throw to the left (SMBTL) (r = 0.67), and right (SMBTR) (r = 0.61), rotational medicine ball throw to the left (RMBTL) (r = 0.71), and right RMBTR (r = 0.62). Female golfers showed significant relationships between CHS and HCP (r = −0.52), mass (r = 0.72), countermovement jump power (r = 0.60), RMBTL (r = 0.57), RMBTR (r = 0.56). Multiple stepwise linear regression analysis identified 77% of the variance in CHS could be explained through SMBTL and RMBTL in males. In females, 84% of the variance in CHS could be explained through mass, RMBTR, and height. This study demonstrated relationships between CHS and body mass and upper-, lower-, and full-body concentric dominant power exercises. This study could aid in the development of training interventions for youth golfers.
α2δ-1 Signaling Drives Cell Death, Synaptogenesis, Circuit Reorganization, and Gabapentin-Mediated Neuroprotection in a Model of Insult-Induced Cortical Malformation
Authors: Lau Lauren A. , Noubary Farzad , Wang Dongqing , Dulla Chris G.
Published: October 2017

Developmental cortical malformations (DCMs) result from pre- and perinatal insults, as well as genetic mutations. Hypoxia, viral infection, and traumatic injury are the most common environmental causes of DCMs, and are associated with the subsyndromes focal polymicrogyria and focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) Type IIId, both of which have a high incidence of epilepsy. Understanding the molecular signals that lead to the formation of a hyperexcitable network in DCMs is critical to devising novel treatment strategies. In a previous study using the freeze-lesion (FL) murine model of DCM, we found that levels of thrombospondin (TSP) and the calcium channel auxiliary subunit α2δ‐1 were elevated. TSP binds to α2δ‐1 to drive the formation of excitatory synapses during development, suggesting that overactivation of this pathway may lead to exuberant excitatory synaptogenesis and network hyperexcitability seen in DCMs. In that study, antagonizing TSP/α2δ‐1 signaling using the drug gabapentin (GBP) reduced many FL-induced pathologies. Here, we used mice with a genetic deletion of α2δ‐1 to determine how α2δ‐1 contributes to cell death, elevated excitatory synapse number, and in vitro network function after FL and to examine the molecular specificity of GBP’s effects. We identified a critical role for α2δ-1 in FL-induced pathologies and in mediating the neuroprotective effects of GBP. Interestingly, genetic deletion of α2δ-1 did not eliminate GBP’s effects on synaptogenesis, suggesting that GBP can have α2δ-1-independent effects. Taken together these studies suggests that inhibiting α2δ-1 signaling may have therapeutic promise to reduce cell death and network reorganization associated with insult-induced DCMs.