bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Randomize Agricultural Experiments?
Authors: Piepho H. P. , Möhring J. , Williams E. R.
Published: April 2013

This study illustrates the importance of randomization using two hypothetical field trials, one with a marked systematic trend and the other with a more erratic spatial pattern. The insights from these two examples are reinforced by analysis of a uniformity trial and a small simulation study. Results illustrate that both model‐based spatial analysis and randomization‐based analysis assuming independent errors are valid with full randomization but may be invalidated when randomization is lacking. It is concluded that randomization provides protection against different forms of spatial trend. The examples given in the study serve as a general reminder that agricultural experiments should be randomized whenever possible.
Growth, Development and Yield of Crambe Abyssinica Under Saline Irrigation in the Greenhouse
Authors: Ionov M. , Yuldasheva N. , Ulchenko N. , Glushenkova A. I. , Heuer B.
Published: April 2013

Salinity is one of the major factors limiting agricultural productivity in arid and semi‐arid regions. Saline areas around the world are increasing and sources of fresh water are decreasing. The increasing importance of the use of brackish water to supplement regular irrigation has demonstrated a need for finding new potential plants with tolerance to irrigation with saline water which can be used in industrial agriculture. The aim of this study was to determine whether irrigation with brackish water of Crambe Abyssinica, a plant commonly used for industrial oil production and for ornamental purposes and with high economical value, especially in Central Asia and the Aral Sea region, is feasible. One more goal was to study how it influences growth and development, seed and oil yield and some physiological parameters such as photosynthesis, transpiration, chlorophyll content, osmotic potential and accumulation of fresh and dry weight. The effects of three salinity levels, 3, 6 and 9 dS m−1, were investigated in a greenhouse experiment during two consecutive years. Results of this study showed that growth of Crambe abyssinica in arid zones and irrigation with mild saline water up to EC 6 dS m−1, mostly common in these areas is feasible, suggesting tolerance to moderate salinity levels and feasibility of its culture in areas of the Aral Sea with adequate salinity levels. Consequently, in spite of the fact that biomass and seed yield were significantly decreased in plants irrigated with brackish water, Crambe abyssinica might be cultivated as an alternate source of green biomass and for industrial vegetable oil under conditions not suitable for conventional plant production.
Transformation Plasticity in (GdxDy1−x)PO4 Fiber Coatings During Fiber Push Out
Authors: Hay R. S. , Boakye E. E. , Mogilevsky P. , Fair G. E. , Parthasarathy T. A. , Davis J. E.
Published: April 2013

The reduction in fiber push‐out stress by transformation plasticity in xenotime rare‐earth orthophosphate fiber–matrix interphases was demonstrated. Processing methods for transformable xenotime coatings were explored. For conversion to xenotime during processing, (GdxDy1−x)PO4 solid solutions had to be more Dy‐rich than those for pellets. Single‐crystal alumina fibers were coated with 10–20 μm of (Gd0.4Dy0.6)PO4 xenotime and incorporated into polycrystalline alumina matrices. Coated fiber push‐out stresses were between 10 and 80 MPa, significantly lower than those for fibers with other rare‐earth orthophosphates coatings. Phase transformations and deformation mechanisms were characterized by SEM and TEM in fiber coatings after push out. Bands of deformed coating several micrometers in width formed during fiber push out. Cataclastic flow with fracture, granulation, translation, rotation, and intense plastic deformation of coating grains was observed. Three phase transformations may occur in heavily deformed particles in the deformation band: xenotime → monazite, xenotime → anhydrite, and anhydrite → monazite. Anhydrite was abundant as a fine lamellar phase on (100) planes in xenotime. Selected area electron diffraction and high‐resolution TEM confirmed formation of monazite in a variety of heavily deformed particles. Issues for use of rare‐earth orthophosphate transformation plasticity to lower fiber pull‐out stress in ceramic matrix composites are discussed.
Predicted Mechanism for Enhanced Durability of Zinc Containing Silicate Glasses
Authors: Stechert T.R. , Rushton M.J.D. , Grimes R.W.
Published: April 2013

Experimental studies have reported that zinc oxide improves the durability of glasses used for nuclear waste immobilization. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are used to predict the atomic structures of sodium silicate glass with and without zinc. A simulated melt‐quench procedure is used to generate glass structures. Pair distribution functions, ring size distributions, and alkali clustering are then examined. This allows insights into the structural role of zinc oxide within the glass and helps distinguish between its reported functions as a network former and a network modifier. Changes in the sodium ion distribution and clustering behavior within the glass are observed, due to zinc oxide addition. This affects the local and intermediate‐range structure of the glass and provides a possible explanation for enhanced durability.
The effects of assertiveness training in patients with schizophrenia: a randomized, single‐blind, controlled study
Authors: Lee Tso‐Ying , Chang Shih‐Chin , Chu Hsin , Yang Chyn‐Yng , Ou Keng‐Liang , Chung Min‐Huey , Chou Kuei‐Ru
Published: April 2013

Aims

In this study, we investigated the effects of group assertiveness training on assertiveness, social anxiety and satisfaction with interpersonal communication among patients with chronic schizophrenia.

Background

Only limited studies highlighted the effectiveness of group assertiveness training among inpatients with schizophrenia. Given the lack of group assertiveness training among patients with schizophrenia, further development of programmes focusing on facilitating assertiveness, self‐confidence and social skills among inpatients with chronic schizophrenia is needed.

Design

This study used a prospective, randomized, single‐blinded, parallel‐group design.

Methods

This study employed a prospective, randomized, parallel‐group design. Seventy‐four patients were randomly assigned to experimental group receiving 12 sessions of assertiveness training, or a supportive control group. Data collection took place for the period of June 2009–July 2010.

Results

Among patients with chronic schizophrenia, assertiveness, levels of social anxiety and satisfaction with interpersonal communication significantly improved immediately after the intervention and at the 3‐month follow‐up in the intervention group. The results of a generalized estimating equation (GEE) indicated that: (1) assertiveness significantly improved from pre‐ to postintervention and was maintained until the follow‐up; (2) anxiety regarding social interactions significantly decreased after assertiveness training; and (3) satisfaction with interpersonal communication slightly improved after the 12‐session intervention and at the 3‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Assertivenss training is a non‐invasive and inexpensive therapy that appears to improve assertiveness, social anxiety and interpersonal communication among inpatients with chronic schizophrenia. These findings may provide a reference guide to clinical nurses for developing assertiveness‐training protocols.
The Role of Active Assortment in Spousal Similarity
Authors: Watson David , Beer Andrew , McDade‐Montez Elizabeth
Published: April 2013

Previous research has established the existence of active assortment, that is, a preference for similarity in a potential mate. Few studies, however, have directly related mate preferences to dyadic similarity by examining them in the same participants. We collected both similarity and mate preference data in two studies: undergraduate students (N = 519) and newlyweds (N = 335). In both studies, women placed a higher value on desirable personality characteristics (e.g., higher Conscientiousness and Agreeableness, lower Neuroticism) than did men. Nevertheless, our data also provided strong evidence of consensual mate preferences: Men and women both desired partners who were agreeable, conscientious, emotionally stable, intelligent, and physically attractive; furthermore, participants desired partners who were better (e.g., more agreeable and attractive) than they were. In contrast, attitudinal variables such as religiousness and political orientation displayed much weaker consensus but showed significant dyadic similarity in both samples; similarity coefficients for personality tended to be positive, but lower. Finally, analyses revealed a direct link between actual and desired similarity: Couples displayed the strongest similarity on those variables for which participants expressed the strongest preference for similarity. Our findings strongly suggest that active assortment is partly responsible for dyadic similarity.
Social Capital as a Microlevel Origin of Organizational Capabilities
Authors: Kemper Jan , Schilke Oliver , Brettel Malte
Published: April 2013

The microlevel concept of social capital has received significant attention in management and sociological research but has not yet been empirically associated with the development of organizational capabilities. The major purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship of social capital with marketing and research and development (R&D) capability and to explore how the environmental context moderates the social capital–organizational capability link. It is suggested that top management's social capital provides a firm with important information and control benefits that facilitate effective access to the knowledge and resources necessary for building superior organizational capabilities. In addition, we identify the role of two important environmental factors influencing the social capital–organizational capability link: technological turbulence and competitive intensity. The strength of the relationship between social capital and organizational capabilities is proposed to vary depending on the level of these two environmental characteristics. This study conceptualizes and operationalizes social capital as a multidimensional construct reflected by the structural dimension of tie strength, the relational dimension of trust, and the cognitive dimension of solidarity. Survey and archival data on 280 firms from various industries are analyzed using structural equation modeling. Empirical support for the proposed three‐dimensional structure of social capital is found. Results further indicate that social capital is a significant antecedent to both marketing and R&D capability, which in turn significantly affect firm performance. While a positive relationship between social capital and organizational capabilities is supported in general, the strength of this relationship depends on the environmental context the firm is embedded in. The positive effect of social capital on marketing capability increases in environments with high technological turbulence and competitive intensity; the opposite holds for R&D capability. This research contributes to the resource‐based view by introducing social capital as an important microlevel factor promoting the development of organizational capabilities. By identifying and evaluating two important environmental contingencies, our study also decreases some of the ambiguity surrounding the effectiveness of antecedents to organizational capabilities. The findings further help practitioners decide under what circumstances investing in top‐managers' social capital provides an effective means for achieving superior performance through enhanced organizational capabilities. This should have an important bearing on issues such as management training and incentives as well as on hiring policies.
Two Sides of the Same Coin: How Do Different Dimensions of Product Program Innovativeness Affect Customer Loyalty?
Authors: Stock Ruth Maria , Zacharias Nicolas A.
Published: April 2013

Conventional wisdom holds that innovativeness has essentially positive performance implications. However, empirical research reveals mixed findings regarding customer‐related responses to innovation, as distinct dimensions—such as product newness and meaningfulness—may generate responses in different manners. This study introduces a multidimensional conceptualization of innovativeness at the program level, thereby enlarging the customary perspective by considering both positive and negative customer responses to innovativeness. Drawing on information economics, this study suggests that product program meaningfulness fosters customer loyalty, whereas product program newness undermines customer loyalty. In addition, the study examines mechanisms that might buffer the negative newness–loyalty relationship and explores enablers of the positive meaningfulness–loyalty effect by considering a brand's association with innovativeness and customer integration. Empirical support for the proposed effects comes from a multi‐industry sample with 180 triadic cases from business‐to‐business companies, which includes assessments from marketing, and research and development managers as well as customers. Moderated regression analysis was applied to test the hypotheses. The results indicate a negative effect of product program newness on customer loyalty and a positive effect of product program meaningfulness. Further, a brand's close association with innovativeness reduces the negative effect of product newness, and integrating customers into the value‐creating process fosters the loyalty effect of product meaningfulness. This study offers a potential explanation for the ambiguity created by equivocal empirical results regarding customer responses to innovativeness. The study also shows that offering more innovations does not necessarily make customers loyal. Instead, managers should mitigate the negative effects of product program newness.
Best Practices for New Product Pricing: Impact on Market Performance and Price Level under Different Conditions
Authors: Ingenbleek Paul T. M. , Frambach Ruud T. , Verhallen Theo M. M.
Published: April 2013

To date, research on new product pricing has predominantly been approached as a choice between market skimming and penetration pricing. Despite calls for research that addresses other complexities in new product pricing, empirical research responding to these calls remains scarce. This paper examines three managerial price‐setting practices for new products, i.e., value‐informed, competition‐informed, and cost‐informed pricing. By engaging in these practices, managers can develop and compare quantifications in order to attain an introduction price for the product. The authors draw on consumer price perception literature, Monroe's pricing discretion model, and numerical cognition literature to develop hypotheses about the impact of price‐setting practices on new product market performance and price level. By studying the effects on market performance and price level, the paper provides insights that may help explain the growth of new products and address the problems of underpricing. The hypotheses are tested in a management survey of 144 production and service companies.

The results indicate which pricing practices are superior for the achievement of either higher market performance or higher prices in specific product and market conditions. Whereas value‐informed pricing has an unambiguous positive impact on relative price level and market performance, the results also suggest that in many cases engaging in value‐informed pricing is not enough. The effects of cost‐informed and competition‐informed pricing may differ depending upon the objective (market performance or higher prices), product conditions (product advantage and relative product costs), and market condition (competitive intensity). Engaging in inappropriate pricing practices leads to a decline in new product performance. Moreover, bad pricing practices make the positive effect of product advantage on the outcome variables disappear. The latter finding suggests that companies can jeopardize their efforts and investments in the new product development process if they engage in the wrong price‐setting practices.

The findings imply that managers should consider different factors in new product pricing. First, when launching a new product, they should determine their explicit pricing objective, either stressing market performance or a higher price level. To determine the most appropriate pricing practices, however, they should next assess their situation in terms of product advantage, relative product costs, and competitive intensity. Together with the pricing objective, these conditions determine the best pricing practice. On a higher level, the findings imply that companies should invest in knowledge development in order to engage in the appropriate pricing practices for each product launch.
Perspective: The Green Innovation Value Chain: A Tool for Evaluating the Diffusion Prospects of Green Products
Authors: Olson Erik L.
Published: April 2013

Although green products and technologies are heavily promoted by those worried about global climate change and sustainable development, they are frequently unsuccessful in displacing conventional “brown” products in numbers large enough to create meaningful reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and natural resource use. This paper introduces the green innovation value chain (GIVC) as a tool for analyzing the financial viability of green products using a multi‐stakeholder perspective that includes manufacturers, distribution channels, consumers, the environment, and governments as separate links in the chain. Hybrid vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius, are used as an illustrative case and are found to be financially unattractive compared with conventional vehicles across the entire GIVC.
Nursing and health‐care assistant experience of supervision in a medium secure psychiatric service for women: implications for service development
Authors: Long C. G. , Harding S. , Payne K. , Collins L.
Published: April 2013

Accessible Summary

Clinical supervision is a key component of effective service development.

The study explores the importance of clinical supervision in Secure Psychiatric Services for Women and the implications for service development.

Comparisons are made between qualified nurses and health‐care assistants' uptake of clinical supervision along with type of supervision used.

Factors identified in relation to potential improvements in the current provision of clinical supervision are discussed, and recommendations are made.

In secure psychiatric services where the potential for ‘burnout’ by nurses is high, clinical supervision is viewed as a key to reflective practice to support staff in stressful working environments. Barriers to the uptake of clinical supervision in such service settings are personal and organizational. The study was prompted by the need to evaluate the effectiveness of supervision for registered nurses and health‐care assistants (HCAs) and a desire to use survey findings to improve the quality and uptake of supervision. The study examined the perceived benefits, the best practice elements and the practical aspects of clinical supervision including how to improve practice. An approximate uptake of clinical supervision by 50% of staff confirmed previous findings; that HCAs were significantly less likely to engage in supervision and less likely to perceive benefit from it. Initiatives to address the training and managerial obstacles to the provision of formal supervision are described.
Identity and phylogenetic placement of Spirogyra species (Zygnematophyceae, Charophyta) from California streams and elsewhere1
Authors: Stancheva Rosalina , Hall John D. , McCourt Richard M. , Sheath Robert G.
Published: April 2013

Diversity of the filamentous green algae in the genus Spirogyra (Zygnematophyceae) was investigated from more than 1,200 stream samples from California. We identified 12 species of Spirogyra not previously known for California (CA), including two species new to science, Spirogyra californica sp. nov. and Spirogyra juliana sp. nov. Environmental preferences of the Californian species are discussed in the light of their restricted distribution to stream habitats with contrasting nutrient levels. We also investigated the systematic relationships of Spirogyra species from several continents using the chloroplast‐encoded genes ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/hydrogenase large subunit (rbcL) and the beta subunit of the ATP synthase (atpB). Californian species were positioned in most major clades of Spirogyra. The phylogeny of Spirogyra and its taxonomic implications are discussed, such as the benefits of combining structural and molecular data for more accurate and consistent species identification. Considerable infraspecific genetic variation of globally distributed Spirogyra species was observed across continental scales. This finding suggests that structurally similar species from distant regions may be genetically dissimilar and that Spirogyra may contain a large number of cryptic species. Correlating the morphological and genetic variation within the genus will be a major challenge for future researchers.
Adherence to Initial PDE5 Inhibitor Treatment: Randomized OpenLabel Study Comparing Tadalafil Once a Day, Tadalafil on Demand, and Sildenafil on Demand in Patients with Erectile Dysfunction
Authors: Buvat Jacques , Büttner Hartwig , Hatzimouratidis Konstantinos , Vendeira Pedro A.S. , Moncada Ignacio , Boehmer Michael , Henneges Carsten , Boess Frank G.
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) is frequently discontinued; adherence may vary depending on the initial regimen.

Aim

To evaluate the effects of initiating treatment with tadalafil once a day (OaD), tadalafil on demand (pro re nata [PRN]), or sildenafil PRN on treatment adherence.

Methods

In this multicenter, openlabel study, men (≥18 years) with ED, naïve to PDE5 inhibitors, were randomized (1:1:1) to tadalafil 5 mg OaD, tadalafil 10 mg PRN, or sildenafil 50 mg PRN. An 8week randomized treatment (RT) period (dose adjustment possible) was succeeded by 16 weeks of pragmatic treatment (switches between PDE5 inhibitors allowed).

Main Outcome Measures

Treatment adherence was measured as time to discontinuation of RT (any cause), estimated by Kaplan–Meier productlimit method. Treatmentgroup differences were estimated as hazard ratio (HR; Cox proportional hazards).

Results

Seven hundred seventy patients (mean age 53 years) were randomized to tadalafil OaD (N = 257), tadalafil PRN (N = 252), and sildenafil PRN (N = 261). Kaplan–Meier estimates for patients discontinuing RT were 52.2, 42.0, and 66.7%, respectively. Median time to discontinuation of RT was significantly longer for tadalafil OaD and PRN (130 and >168 days) compared with sildenafil (67 days) (HR [97.5% confidence interval]: 0.66 [0.51, 0.85] and 0.49 [0.37, 0.65]; P < 0.001). Reasons for discontinuation with significant differences between groups (P < 0.05) included “lack of efficacy (duration of erection)” (sildenafil 9.2% vs. tadalafil OaD 4.3%, PRN 2.8%), “time constraints due to short window of action” (sildenafil 4.2% vs. tadalafil OaD 0%, PRN 0.4%), and “feel medication controls my sexual life” (sildenafil 2.7% vs. tadalafil OaD 0%). No betweengroup differences were found in International Index of Erectile FunctionErectile Function domain change from baseline to end of RT (least squares mean: 9.4–10.0, P = 0.359) or discontinuations due to adverse events (1.2–1.6%). The most common adverse event (≥4%) was headache.

Conclusions

ED patients assigned to tadalafil OaD or PRN adhered significantly longer to initial treatment than patients assigned to sildenafil PRN. Improvement of erectile function and safety profiles were similar in all three treatment groups.
Sexual Dysfunction in Men Suffering from Genital Warts
Authors: Kucukunal Asli , Altunay Ilknur Kivanc , Mercan Sibel
Published: April 2013

Introduction

Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can present clinically as genital warts (GWs) in both males and females. Much less is known about the psychosexual consequences of GW, and the studies on patients in this group are still quite limited.

Aims

The aim of this study was to test two hypotheses: (i) sexual dysfunction (SD) is likely to occur in male patients suffering from GWs; (ii) if male SD exists, it may be associated with depression or anxiety.

Methods

This was a pilot study with a prospective crosssectional design. Male patients with GW (N for patient group = 116) were compared with male control cases (N for control group = 71) using the Arizona Sexual Experience Scale (ASEX), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). The participants were evaluated by a dermatologist and a psychiatrist, respectively.

Main Outcome Measures

The associations between sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety among the participants were examined.

Results

There was no difference between the groups in terms of sociodemographic changes. Sexual dysfunction was found to be significantly more common in the patients than controls (P = 0.000 < 0.001). When the subscores of ASEX were evaluated, they were found to be statistically significant between the two groups (P = 0.000 < 0.001). BDI and BAI scores were statistically higher in the patient group than in controls, and there was a positive correlation between BDI and BAI scores with ASEX total and subscores (P = 0.000 < 0.001).

Conclusions

Male patients with GW have higher rates of sexual dysfunction, depression, and anxiety when compared with the normal population. Men suffering from GW should be evaluated for possible sexual problems, besides depression and anxiety.
Life at the edge, cooperation in Antarctica
Authors: Callaway Ragan M.
Published: April 2013

In a current article in the Journal of Vegetation Science, Molina‐Montenegro and colleagues extend the study of plant–plant interactions on stress gradients to extremes – the moss and lichen‐dominated communities of Antarctica. They found that the importance of facilitation at this extreme end of a ‘cold–harsh continuum’ was similar to that reported at the extreme ends of alpine gradients around the world. In other words, in contrast to recent theory and case studies in other systems, facilitative effects did not wane in extremely stressful conditions.
Undernutrition among infants less than 6 months of age: an underestimated public health problem in India
Authors: Patwari Ashok K. , Kumar Sanjay , Beard Jennifer
Published: April 2013

In India most childhood nutrition recommendations and interventions are still not focused on infants under 6 months. Secondary data analyses of National Family Health Survey‐3 data from India were analysed to compare the prevalence of wasting, stunting and underweight in infants less than 6 months and 6–59 months. Our results revealed that wasting was higher (31%) in infants less than 6 months (P < 0.05) as compared with children between 6 and 59 months. Thirteen per cent of infants less than 6 months had severe wasting, 30% were underweight and 20% were stunted. Most infants (69%) were exclusively breastfed (EB) for the first 2 months, but exclusive breastfeeding dropped to 50% at 2–3 months and to 27% at 4–5 months. There was no statistically significant difference in wasting and stunting in the EB and not exclusively breastfed (NEB) groups. Significantly fewer EB infants were underweight (28%) compared with NEB infants (31%) (P = 0.030). However, among EB children, 29% had wasting and 21% were stunted. Eleven per cent of EB infants were severely underweight, 13% were severely wasted and 9% were severely stunted. Diarrhoea was significantly lower among EB infants compared with NEB infants (P < 0.05). We conclude that infants less than 6 months of age are vulnerable to suffer from acute severe malnutrition irrespective of their breastfeeding status and need to be seriously considered for inclusion in national guidelines for early detection and management of undernutrition.
The evolving male: spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) ecotypes are divergent at Y chromosome but not mtDNA or autosomal markers
Authors: Andrews Kimberly R. , Perrin William F. , Oremus Marc , Karczmarski Leszek , Bowen Brian W. , Puritz Jonathan B. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: April 2013

The susceptibility of the Y chromosome to sexual selection may make this chromosome an important player in the formation of reproductive isolating barriers, and ultimately speciation. Here, we investigate the role of the Y chromosome in phenotypic divergence and reproductive isolation of spinner dolphin (Stenella longirostris) ecotypes. This species contains six known ecotypes (grouped into four subspecies) that exhibit striking differences in morphology, habitat and mating system, despite having adjacent or overlapping ranges and little genetic divergence at previously studied mtDNA and autosomal markers. We examined the phylogeographic structure for all six ecotypes across the species range (n = 261, 17 geographic locations) using DNA sequences from three Y chromosome markers, two maternally inherited mitochondrial (mtDNA) markers, and a biparentally inherited autosomal intron. mtDNA and autosomal analyses revealed low divergence (most ΦST values <0.1) between ecotypes and geographic regions, concordant with previous studies. In contrast, Y intron analyses revealed fixed differences amongst the three most phenotypically divergent groups: S. l. longirostris vs. S. l. roseiventris vs. combined S. l. orientalis/S. l. centroamericana/Tres Marias ecotypes). Another ecotype (whitebelly), previously postulated to be a hybrid between the two phenotypically most divergent ecotypes, had Y haplotypes from both putative parent ecotypes, supporting a hybrid designation. Reduced introgression of the Y chromosome has previously been observed in other organisms ranging from insects to terrestrial mammals, and here we demonstrate this phenomenon in a marine mammal with high dispersal capabilities. These results indicate that reduced introgression of the Y chromosome occurs in a wide taxonomic range of organisms and support the growing body of evidence that rapid evolution of the Y chromosome is important in evolutionary diversification.
Approximate Bayesian estimation of extinction rate in the Finnish Daphnia magna metapopulation
Authors: Robinson John D. , Hall David W. , Wares John P.
Published: April 2013

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) is useful for parameterizing complex models in population genetics. In this study, ABC was applied to simultaneously estimate parameter values for a model of metapopulation coalescence and test two alternatives to a strict metapopulation model in the well‐studied network of Daphnia magna populations in Finland. The models shared four free parameters: the subpopulation genetic diversity (θS), the rate of gene flow among patches (4Nm), the founding population size (N0) and the metapopulation extinction rate (e) but differed in the distribution of extinction rates across habitat patches in the system. The three models had either a constant extinction rate in all populations (strict metapopulation), one population that was protected from local extinction (i.e. a persistent source), or habitat‐specific extinction rates drawn from a distribution with specified mean and variance. Our model selection analysis favoured the model including a persistent source population over the two alternative models. Of the closest 750 000 data sets in Euclidean space, 78% were simulated under the persistent source model (estimated posterior probability = 0.769). This fraction increased to more than 85% when only the closest 150 000 data sets were considered (estimated posterior probability = 0.774). Approximate Bayesian computation was then used to estimate parameter values that might produce the observed set of summary statistics. Our analysis provided posterior distributions for e that included the point estimate obtained from previous data from the Finnish D. magna metapopulation. Our results support the use of ABC and population genetic data for testing the strict metapopulation model and parameterizing complex models of demography.
Phylum‐wide general protein O‐glycosylation system of the Bacteroidetes
Authors: Coyne Michael J. , Fletcher C. Mark , Chatzidaki‐Livanis Maria , Posch Gerald , Schaffer Christina , Comstock Laurie E.
Published: April 2013

The human gut symbiont Bacteroides fragilis has a general protein O‐glycosylation system in which numerous extracytoplasmic proteins are glycosylated at a three amino acid motif. In B. fragilis, protein glycosylation is a fundamental and essential property as mutants with protein glycosylation defects have impaired growth and are unable to competitively colonize the mammalian intestine. In this study, we analysed the phenotype of B. fragilis mutants with defective protein glycosylation and found that the glycan added to proteins is comprised of a core glycan and an outer glycan. The genetic region encoding proteins for the synthesis of the outer glycan is conserved within a Bacteroides species but divergent between species. Unlike the outer glycan, an antiserum raised to the core glycan reacted with all Bacteroidetes species tested, from all four classes of the phylum. We found that diverse Bacteroidetes species synthesize numerous glycoproteins and glycosylate proteins at the same three amino acid motif. The wide‐spread conservation of this protein glycosylation system within the phylum suggests that this system of post‐translational protein modification evolved early, before the divergence of the four classes of Bacteroidetes, and has been maintained due to its physiological importance to the diverse species of this phylum.
Genetic variability inMicrosporum canisisolated from cats, dogs and humans inBrazil
Authors: da Costa Fernanda V. A. , Farias Marconi R. , Bier Daniele , de Andrade Caroline P. , de Castro Luiza A. , da Silva Sérgio C. , Ferreiro Laerte
Published: April 2013

Dermatophytosis caused byMicrosporum canisis a heterogeneous disease with variable clinical manifestations.M. canisis a zoophilic dermatophyte and the most frequent fungi isolated from dogs, cats and children inBrazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic variability ofM. canisisolates from different animal species using two microsatellite markers, namely,McGT(13)andMcGT(17), and to correlate the results with the clinical and epidemiological patient data inBrazil. The study included a global set of 102M. canisstrains, including 37 symptomatic cats, 35 asymptomatic cats, 19 human patients withtinea, 9 asymptomatic dogs and 2 symptomatic dogs. A total of 14 genotypes were identified, and 6 large populations were distinguished. There was no correlation between these multilocus genotypes and the clinical and epidemiological data, including the source, symptomatology, clinical picture, breed, age, sex, living conditions and geographic location. These results demonstrate that the use of microsatellite polymorphisms is a reliable method for the differentiation ofM. canisstrains. However, we were unable to demonstrate a shared clinical and epidemiological pattern among the same genotype samples.
Gavin D'Costa's Trinitarian Theology of Religions: An Assessment
Authors: Tan Loe-Joo
Published: April 2013

Gavin D'Costa's writings represent a significant attempt in the current discussion of the theology of religions to utilize the resources of Trinitarian doctrine and address the function of religions in the divine salvific plan. This paper systematically outlines his theology through an interpretive model of particularity/universality to elucidate its structure and highlight his emphases on Christology, Pneumatology and Ecclesiology. I argue that while his system has the considerable merit of a desire to maintain a single economy, there remain several difficulties, including a possible conflation of salvific will and grace, and a dissonance of the proposal of limbo with his system.
Features of evolutionarily conserved alternative splicing events between Brassica and Arabidopsis
Authors: Darracq Aude , Adams Keith L.
Published: April 2013

Alternative splicing (AS) generates multiple types of mRNA from a single type of pre‐mRNA by differential intron splicing. It can result in new protein isoforms or down‐regulation of gene expression by transcript decay. The evolutionary conservation of AS events in plants is largely unexplored and only a small number of AS events have been identified as conserved between divergent species.

We performed a large‐scale analysis of cDNA data from Brassica and Arabidopsis to identify and further characterize conserved AS events.

We identified 537 conserved AS events in 485 genes. Alternative donor and acceptor events are significantly overrepresented among conserved events, whereas intron retention and exon skipping events are underrepresented. Conserved AS events are significantly shorter, less likely to be in the 3′UTR, and they are enriched for genes whose products function in the chloroplast. AS modified a functional domain for about half of the genes with conserved events. We further characterized three genes with conserved AS events.

This study identifies many AS events that are conserved between Brassica and Arabidopsis, revealing features of conserved AS events. Many of the conserved AS events may have important, but uncharacterized, functions.
Genome size variation in wild and cultivated maize along altitudinal gradients
Authors: Díez Concepción M. , Gaut Brandon S. , Meca Esteban , Scheinvar Enrique , Montes‐Hernandez Salvador , Eguiarte Luis E. , Tenaillon Maud I.
Published: April 2013

It is still an open question as to whether genome size (GS) variation is shaped by natural selection. One approach to address this question is a population‐level survey that assesses both the variation in GS and the relationship of GS to ecological variants.

We assessed GS in Zea mays, a species that includes the cultivated crop, maize, and its closest wild relatives, the teosintes. We measured GS in five plants of each of 22 maize landraces and 21 teosinte populations from Mexico sampled from parallel altitudinal gradients.

GS was significantly smaller in landraces than in teosintes, but the largest component of GS variation was among landraces and among populations. In maize, GS correlated negatively with altitude; more generally, the best GS predictors were linked to geography. By contrast, GS variation in teosintes was best explained by temperature and precipitation.

Overall, our results further document the size flexibility of the Zea genome, but also point to a drastic shift in patterns of GS variation since domestication. We argue that such patterns may reflect the indirect action of selection on GS, through a multiplicity of phenotypes and life‐history traits.
N distribution in maize plant as a marker for grain yield and limits on its remobilization after flowering
Authors: DeBruin Jason , Messina Carlos D. , Munaro Eugenia , Thompson Karen , Conlon‐Beckner Caitlin , Fallis Lynne , Sevenich David M. , Gupta Rajeev , Dhugga Kanwarpal S.
Published: April 2013

To determine the relationship between specific leaf N (SLN) and grain yield or its components in commercial maize hybrids in the US Corn Belt, three studies were conducted in 2010 and 2011. Leaf area index at flowering ranged from 3 under low to 5.6 at normal soil N. At flowering, 70% of the vegetative N was sequestered in the leaves, 22% in stalk and 8% in leaf sheaths, whereas the respective numbers for dry mass were 34, 50 and 16%. Highest grain yield was obtained at an SLN of 1.5. N stress affected both kernel number and kernel mass per plant. Regardless of the initial amount of leaf N at flowering, ~65% was remobilized by maturity. Under normal soil N, leaf N at flowering contributed at most 40% to the grain N. An increase in N storage capacity of the leaves would improve stability of hybrid grain yield as well as reduce loss of N from the soil by leaching and run‐off.
Validation of molecular markers for pathogen resistance in potato
Authors: Lopez‐Pardo Raquel , Barandalla Leire , Ritter Enrique , Ruiz de Galarreta Jose I.
Published: April 2013

DNA markers have a large potential to improve efficiency and precision of conventional plant breeding programmes based on marker‐assisted selection (MAS). In our study, we have evaluated the predictive abilities of the SCAR marker RYSC3 and the CAPS marker GP122564 with regard to the PVY resistance genes Ryadg and Rysto, respectively, and of marker TG689 linked to H1 conferring resistance to Globodera rostochiensis and marker HC associated with high levels of G. pallida resistance. The evaluations were made in 28 cultivars and accessions and in 219 progeny genotypes descending from ten different crosses. We observed in all evaluated cultivars and accessions the expected marker patterns according to their phenotypic classification into resistant and susceptible genotypes. However, in part considerable discrepancies were observed when analysing progeny of controlled crosses involving these resistance sources, particularly with respect to H1. Based on these results, practical aspects for the efficient implementation of marker‐assisted selection are discussed, which consider the genetic origin of the material, costs aspects and methodology applied.
Does the Cyanophora paradoxa genome revise our view on the evolution of photorespiratory enzymes?
Authors: Kern R. , Eisenhut M. , Bauwe H. , Weber A. P. M. , Hagemann M.
Published: April 2013

In the present‐day O2‐rich atmosphere, the photorespiratory pathway is essential for organisms performing oxygenic photosynthesis; i.e. cyanobacteria, algae and land plants. The presence of enzymes for the plant‐like 2‐phosphoglycolate cycle in cyanobacteria indicates that, together with oxygenic photosynthesis, genes for photorespiratory enzymes were endosymbiotically conveyed from ancient cyanobacteria to photosynthetic eukaryotes. The genome information for Cyanophora paradoxa, a member of the Glaucophyta representing the first branching group of primary endosymbionts, and for many other eukaryotic algae was used to shed light on the evolutionary relationship of photorespiratory enzymes among oxygenic phototrophs. For example, it became possible to analyse the phylogenies of 2‐phosphoglycolate phosphatase, serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase and hydroxypyruvate reductase. Analysis of the Cyanophora genome provided clear evidence that some photorespiratory enzymes originally acquired from cyanobacteria were lost, e.g. glycerate 3‐kinase, while others were replaced by the corresponding enzymes from the α‐proteobacterial endosymbiont, e.g. serine:glyoxylate aminotransferase. Generally, our analysis supports the view that many C2 cycle enzymes in eukaryotic phototrophs were obtained from the cyanobacterial endosymbiont, but during the subsequent evolution of algae and land plants multiple losses and replacements occurred, which resulted in a reticulate provenance of photorespiratory enzymes with different origins in different cellular compartments.
D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate metabolism is linked to photorespiration in the shm1‐1 mutant
Authors: Kuhn A. , Engqvist M. K. M. , Jansen E. E. W. , Weber A. P. M. , Jakobs C. , Maurino V. G.
Published: April 2013

The Arabidopsis mutant shm1‐1 is defective in mitochondrial serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 activity and displays a lethal photorespiratory phenotype at ambient CO2 concentration but grows normally at high CO2. After transferring high CO2‐grown shm1‐1 plants to ambient CO2, the younger leaves remain photosynthetically active while developed leaves display increased yellowing and decreased FV/FM values. Metabolite analysis of plants transferred from high CO2 to ambient air indicates a massive light‐dependent (photorespiratory) accumulation of glycine, 2‐oxoglutarate (2OG) and D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate (D‐2HG). Amino acid markers of senescence accumulated in ambient air in wild‐type and shm1‐1 plants maintained in darkness and also build up in shm1‐1 in the light. This, together with an enhanced transcription of the senescence marker SAG12 in shm1‐1, suggests the initiation of senescence in shm1‐1 under photorespiratory conditions. Mitochondrial D‐2HG dehydrogenase (D‐2HGDH) converts D‐2HG into 2OG. In vitro studies indicate that 2OG exerts competitive inhibition on D‐2HGDH with a Ki of 1.96 mm. 2OG is therefore a suitable candidate as inhibitor of the in vivo D‐2HGDH activity, as 2OG is produced and accumulates in mitochondria. Inhibition of the D‐2HGDH by 2OG is likely a mechanism by which D‐2HG accumulates in shm1‐1, however it cannot be ruled out that D‐2HG may also accumulate due to an active senescence programme that is initiated in these plants after transfer to photorespiratory conditions. Thus, a novel interaction of the photorespiratory pathway with cellular processes involving D‐2HG has been identified.
Priapism Associated with Lumbar Stenosis in a Dog
Authors: Payan‐Carreira R , Colaço B , Rocha C , Albuquerque C , Luis M , Abreu H , Pires MA
Published: April 2013

Contents

Priapism, a persistent long‐lasting involuntary erection of the penis, is uncommon in dogs. In this report, the case of a 13‐year‐old malePointer, referred to our services due to persistent exposition of the penis, is described. This condition was consecutive to an intermittent priapism situation lasting for several days, which has been initially attributed to the inflammation and haematoma associated with a perianal bite. The owners became unable to retract the penis into the prepuce. At presentation, the dog was anorectic for 48 h, intolerant to manipulation, and showed poor body condition and unsteady locomotion. During physical evaluation, a marked engorgement of the local vessels in the prepuce and penis was found. An abdominalX‐ray was asked under the suspicion of a neurogenic origin for the clinical situation, which showed evidences of spondylosis. After discussion of the clinical condition, the owners asked for euthanasia. The necropsy confirmed the engorgement of the regional vessels deriving from the pudendal arteries and blood accumulation within all the cavernous spaces, accompanied by congestion and thrombosis within the erectile structures of the penis. No significant changes were observed in the pelvic organs that could be at the origin of priapism. The lumbar‐sacral spinal regions were carefully inspected and evidenced signs ofL7‐S1 stenosis due to spondylosis. The case presented herein is a rare situation of priapism of neurogenic origin in a dog. Necropsy findings suggest that it was consecutive to cauda equina compression due to lumbar spinal stenosis.
Heterogeneity in Parent‐reported Social Skill Development in Early Elementary School Children
Authors: Lamont Andrea , Van Horn M. Lee
Published: April 2013

Despite known risks associated with aberrant social skill development, there has been a relative dearth of literature on typical developmental changes in social skills over time. In this study, we examine systematic changes in social skills from kindergarten (typical age of 5–6 years) to third grade (typical age of 8–9 years), and focus on systematic heterogeneity across these developmental trajectories. Data came from the National Head Start—Public School Early Childhood Transition Demonstration Project (N = 6964). Mixture models provide evidence for multiple classes of individuals representing heterogeneity in the development of social skills. Classes were defined as a majority class (whose trajectories remained relatively stable over time), an increasing class (whose trajectories increased at a faster rate than the majority class), and a decreasing class (whose trajectories decreased at a faster rate than the majority class). Developmental trends accounted for a substantial proportion of the variance in social skill components. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed.