bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of data transformation on the distribution and repeatability of egg‐production traits
Authors: Ibe S. N.
Published: March 2011

The distribution and measures of departure from normality of four egg production traits, namely 21‐30 week (EN1), 31‐40 week (EN2), 21‐40 week (EN3), and early and mid‐period (EN4) egg number were determined using 539, 528, 1067 and 108 records, respectively.

All traits exhibited significant (p < 0.001) negative skewness and were leptokurtic. Power transformation of the data with appropriately determined values (t = 3.5, 1.4, 1.95 and 3.6, for EN1, EN2, EN3 and EN4, respectively) generally improved symmetry for all traits including kurtosis for all except EN3. While transformation increased estimates of repeatability of EN1 and EN4 by 71% and 11%, respectively, it resulted in slightly lower estimates for EN2 and EN3, which seemed to show near‐normal distribution before transformation. While it does not seem desirable to transform data whose distribution is not far from normal (t < 2), it is desirable to appropriately transform data that show pronounced non‐normal distribution before estimating repeatability with them. Repeatability thus appears to be sensitive to data type, and appropriate data (transformed or not) should be used in order to reliably estimate this genetic parameter.

Wirkung der Datentransformation auf Verteilung und Wiederholbarkeit von Legeleistungsmerkmalen

Verteüung und Maße für Abweichung von der Normalverteilung von vier Legeleistungsmerkmalen, undewischen Eizahl in den Lebenswochen 21‐30 (EN1), 31‐40 (EN2), 21‐40 (EN3) und in früher und mittlerer Legeperiode (EN4) wurden von 539, 528, 1067, 108 Hennen erstellt. Alle Merkmale zeigten signifikante negative Schiefe (p < 0.001) und Leptokurtosis. Datentransformation mit Exponenten 3.5, 1.4, 1.95 und 3.6 für die vier Merkmale verbesserte Symmetric und Kurtosis außer für EN3. Wiederholbarkeit von EN1 und EN4 wurde um 71 bzw. 15% verbessert, aber bei EN2 und EN3 vermindert, die allerdings vor Transformation nahezu normal verteilt waren. Transformation von Daten mit geringer Abweichung von Normal‐verteilung (t < 2) scheint nicht erforderlich zu sein, wohl aber von solchen, wo die Abweichung ausgeprägt ist. Wiederholbarkeit ist gegenüber Abweichungen von Normalität empfindlich und sollte daher an transformierten Daten geschätzt werden.
A stochastic simulation study of the efficiency of marker‐assisted introgression in livestock
Authors: Groen A. F. , Smith C.
Published: March 2011

Introgression has been applied in livestock breeding for a long time. Using genetic markers might increase the efficiency of introgression, as it allows: 1. Identification of the introgressed allele in crossbred progeny; and 2. Selection on ‘genomic similarity’ to the recipient line in the backcross individuals. The aims of this study were 1. To determine the efficiency of marker‐assisted introgression relative to selection on phenotypic performance during introgression; and 2. To determine what extent this efficiency depends on the quality of the marker information. Stochastic modelling was used to simulate haplotypes, and genotypic and phenotypic values of individuals (150 per generation) on the basis of a finite‐locus model (150 linked loci with alternating marker loci and quantitative‐trait loci, and one locus for the introgressed allele). Selection of crossbred animals included two steps. In step 1, selection was for the introgressed allele; in step 2, selection was either at random, on phenotype, or on marker‐genomic similarity to the recipient line. From the results, it is concluded that, in introgression, selection for genomic similarity is less efficient than selection for the phenotype. When selection for the phenotypic performance of the animals (before reproduction age) is not possible, selection for genomic similarity, even with a dense marker map, is of little benefit.

Stocbastische Simulation der Wirksamkeit marker‐assistierter Introgression bei Haustieren

Introgression wird in der Tierzächtung seit langem praktiziert. Genetische Marker könnten die Wirksamkeit der Introgression steigern insofern, als damit: 1. Identifikation der introgredierten Allele in Kreuzungsnachkommen möglich ist; und 2. Selektion hinsichtlich ‘genomischer Ahnlichkeit’ mit der Empfängerlinie in den Rückkreuzungsindividuen. Die Untersuchung betrifft die Wirksamkeit marker‐assistierter Introgression relativ zur Selektion nach Leistung während Introgression, in Abhängigkeit von der Qualität der Markerinformation. Stochastische Modelle wurden zur Simulierung von Haplotypen verwendet und genotypische und phänotypische Werte von 150 Individuen pro Generation auf der Basis eines begrenzten Locusmodells (150 gekoppelte Loci, alternierend zwischen Marker und quantitativen Merkmalsloci und einen Locus für das introgredierte Allel). Selektion von Kreuzungstieren umfaßte zwei Stufen. Stufe 1 betraf Selektion für das introgredierte Allel; Stufe 2 entweder zufällige Selektion nach Phänotyp oder nach genomischer (Marker) Ähnlichkeit zur rezipierenden Linie. Die Resultate zeigen, daß Selektion für genomische Ähnlichkeit bei Introgression weniger wirksam ist als phänotypische. Wenn Selektion der letzten Art (vor Reproduktionsalter) nicht möglich ist, bringt Selektion für genomische Ähnlichkeit sogar mit einer dichten Markerkarte wenig Vorteile.
Organization of competitive cattle‐breeding associations in the European Union1
Authors: Schmitt F. , Momm H.
Published: March 2011

In almost every member state of the European Union (EU), associations for cattle breeding are, in principle, controlled by farmers. These associations are being subjected to increasing competition, mainly through the legal harmonization of policies in the EU and the increasing application of biotechnical innovations in cattle breeding. Methods for improving the competitiveness of cattlebreeding associations through their organizational structure are investigated. An initial survey is made of the cattle‐breeding associations in the EU. Then, proposals for the organization of competitive cattle‐breeding associations are derived, based on case studies. These proposals are concerned with the cooperative structure and the organizational structure of the joint breeding enterprise in the associations.

Organisation wettbewerbsfähiger Rinderzuchtorganisationen in der Europäischen Gemeinschaft

In fast allen Mitgliedsstaaten der Europäischen Union bestehen für die Rinderzüchtung prinzipiell von Landwirten betriebene Vereinigungen. Diese Vereinigungen sind vor allem durch die EU‐Rechts‐ harmonisierung und den zunehmenden Einsatz biotechnischer Neuerungen in der Rinderzüchtung einem verstärkten Wettbewerb ausgesetzt. Es wird untersucht, wie die Wettbewerbsfähigkeit der Rinderzuchtvereinigungen durch ihre Organisationsstruktur erhöht werden kann. Dazu wird ein Uberblick über die Rinderzuchtvereinigungen in der EU gegeben. Insbesondere werden aufgrund von Fallstudien Vorschläge zur Organisation wettbewerbsfähiger Rinderzuchtvereinigungen hergeleitet. Die Vorschläge beziehen sich auf die Genossenschaftsstruktur und die Organisationsstruktur des gemeinschaftlichen Züchtungsbetriebs der Vereinigungen.
SSCP analysis in the D‐loop region of porcine mitochondrial DNA as confirmed by sequence diversity
Authors: Lin C. S. , Liu C. Y. , Wu H. T. , Sun Y. L. , Chang L. C. , Yen N. T. , Yang P. C. , Huang M. C. , Mao S. J. T.
Published: March 2011

Sequence polymorphism of the displacement loop (D‐loop) region in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a cytoplasmic DNA marker. Since the analysis of single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) has been used for detection of substitutions in nucleotide sequence, this technique was employed to investigate the porcine sequence polymorphism in the D‐loop region. The primers were prepared to amplify the most polymorphic site with 392‐bp in the D‐loop region from whole blood of pigs. The PCR‐SSCP patterns were identical in European breeds Landrace and Duroc, but were different in Yorkshire and in Taiwanese breeds Lanyu and Taoyuan. Nucleotide sequence analysis in the 392‐bp PCR products were completely in accordance with the PCR‐SSCP patterns. There was only a single nucleotide substitution between Yorkshire and Landrace/Duroc pig and 2–3 nucleotide substitutions (dependent on the breed and individual) between Taiwanese Lanyu and Taoyuan. As many as 10–11 nucleotides were different between European and Taiwanese breeds in which most differences clustered within a certain region in the D‐loop. The results suggest that PCR‐SSCP analysis may be used for detecting single nucleotide substitution in the porcine mtDNA D‐loop region and show the diversified sequence in this region between European and Asian origins.

SSCP Analyse in der D‐Schleifen‐Region porciner mitochondrialer DNA bestätigt durch Sequenz Diversität

Da Einzelstrang Konformationspolymorphismus (SSCP) zur Entdeckung von Substitutionen in der Nukleotidesequenz benutzt wird, haben wir diese Technik zur Untersuchung der D‐Schleifen Region angewendet. Es wurden Primers zur Amplifikation der am stärksten polymorphen 392 bp konstruiert. Die PCR‐SSCP Muster waren zwischen Landrasse und Duroc identisch, unterschieden sich aber bei Yorkshire und den Taiwanesichen Rassen Lanyu und Taoyuan. Die Analyse der Nukleotidsequenzen im 392 bp PCR Produkt ergaben ein identisches Bild. Yorkshire unterschied sich von Landrasse/Duroc nur in einer Substitution und die Taiwanesichen Rassen voneinander um 2 bis 3. Von den europäischen unterschieden sich diese aber in 10 bis 11 Nukleotiden, wobei die Unterschiede in einer bestimmten D‐Schleifen Region gehäuft sind. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, daß PCR‐SSCP Analyse zu Entdeckung einzelner Nukleotid Substitutionen geeignet ist und diesbezüglishe Unterschiede zwischen Rassen europäischer und asiatischer Herkunft aufzeigt.
Meiotic chromosome studies in a ram carrying a reciprocal translocation
Authors: Świtoński M. , Kovács B. ZS. , Erhardt G. , Stranzinger G.
Published: March 2011

The behaviour of meiotic chromosomes of a ram carrying the reciprocal translocation (1;20)(p23,q24) was studied by synaptonemal complex analysis in an electron microscope and conventionally stained meiotic chromosome spreads in a light microscope. In all of the studied primary spermatocytes a cross‐shaped quadrivalent configuration at pachytene stage was identified. No association or pairing between the sex bivalent and the quadrivalent was recognized. On conventionally stained preparations a high incidence of polyploid spreads was found. Among 21 analysable metaphase II spreads 24% were diploid and 9% were polyploid. A single spread was hyperhaploid (n = 28). At diakinesis and metaphase I stages a ring‐shaped quadrivalent was observed. At these stages the polyploid cells occurred with a frequency of 25 and 18%, respectively.

Das Verhalten in der Meiose der Chromosomen eines Schafbockes mit der reziproken Translokation (1;20)(p23, q24) wurde mit Hilfe der synaptonemalen Komplex Analyse im Elektronenmikroskop und durch konventionell präparierte und gerfärbte Meiosepräparationen im Lichtmikroskop untersucht. In allen evaluierten primären Spermatozyten konnte eine kreuzförmige Quadrivalentstruktur im Pachytän identifiziert werden. Es bestanden keine Assoziationen oder Paarungserscheinungen zwischen dem Sexbivalent und dem Quadrivalent. Bei den konventionell gefärbten Präparationen konnte ein hoher Prozentsatz an polyploiden Formen gefunden werden. Innerhalb der 21 auswertbaren Metaphasen II Stadien waren 24% diploid und 9% polyploid. Eine Zelle war hyperhaploid (n = 28). In der Diakinese und dem Metaphase I Stadium wurde ein ringförmiges Quadrivalent beobachtet. In diesen beiden Stadien traten je 25% und 18% polyploide Zellen auf.

Le comportement des chromosomes méiotiques de bélier porteur de la translocation réciproque (1;20)(p23, q24) a été étudié à l'aide de l'analyse du complexe synaptonémal par microscopie électronique et par coloration conventionnelle d'étalements de chromosomes méiotiques sous la lumière du microscope. Chez tous les spermatocytes primaires étudiés une configuration quadrivalente en forme de croix a été identifiée au stade pachytène. Aucune association ou appariement n'a été reconnu entre le bivalent sexuel et le quadrivalent. Une incidence élevée de polyploïdes a été trouvée sur des préparations colorées de manière conventionnelle. Parmi 21 figures de métaphases II analysables, 24% étaient diploídes et 9% polyploïdes. Une seule cellule était hyperploïde (n = 28). Aux stades de diacinèse et de métaphase I une configuration quadrivalente en forme d'anneau a été observée. A ces stades, les cellules polyploïdes se rencontrent respectivement à la de 25% et 18%.
A possible genetic basis for false‐positive halothane reactions in Australian pigs
Authors: Hughes I. , Lowden S.
Published: March 2011

Porcine malignant hyperthermia (MH) has been shown to be caused by homozygosity for a C to T mutation at position 1843 of the ryanodine receptor gene (Ryr1). It has also been concluded that this mutation was the sole cause of porcine MH. In this paper that conclusion is questioned. The incidence of Ryr1‐1843‐CC and CT halothane reactors (false positives) is reviewed and further cases of false‐positive pigs from two Australian populations are presented. The familial nature of the cases in one of these populations is investigated with the conclusion that porcine MH, like human MH, is likely to be genetically heterogeneous.

Mögliche genetische Basis bei falsch positiven Halothan Reagenten in Australischen Schweinen

Porcine maligne Hyperthermie (MH) wird durch Homozygotie der C zu T Mutation an Position 1843 des Ryanodin Rezeptor Genes (Ryr1) verursacht. Es herrscht die Meinung, daß dies die einzige Ursache porciner MH sei, was in dieser Arbeit in Frage gestellt wird. Das Auftreten von Ryr1‐1843‐CC oder‐CT Halothan Reagenten (falsch positive) wird in der Literatur verfolgt und weitere Fälle in zwei Australischen Populationen vorgestellt. Die familiale Natur der Fälle wird untersucht mit der Schlußfolgerung, daß porcine MH wie die menschliche genetisch heterogen ist.
Inbreeding and its effects on some productive and reproductive traits in a Murrah buffalo herd
Authors: Vasconcellos B. F. , Tonhati H.
Published: March 2011

Data concerning genealogy, milk yield, lactation length, calving interval and age at first calving, obtained from Murrah buffaloes on a farm in Säo Paulo state, Brazil, were studied in order to determine the presence of inbreeding in the herd and to evaluate its effects as well as the effects of some environmental factors on productive and reproductive traits. The mean inbreeding coefficient estimated for 2414 animals, born from 1965 to 1995 was 2.94%. Of these animals, 47% were considered inbred with a mean inbreeding coefficient equal 6.25%. Milk production, lactation length, calving interval and age at first calving averaged 1493.3 ± 60.7 kg, 271.0 ± 37.3 days, 385.0 ± 53.4 days and 39.05 ± 6.95 months, respectively. Among all four traits, only lactation length was affected by inbreeding.

Inzucht und ihre Wirkungen auf Produktions‐ und Reproduktionseigenschaften von Murrah Büffel

Abstammung, Milchmenge, Laktationslänge, Zwischenkalbezeit und Erstkalbealter einer Herde Murrah Büffel im Sao Paulo Staat wurden hinsichtlich Inzucht, ihre Wirkung und die einiger Umwelteinflüsse auf Produktions‐ und Reproduktionnseigenschaften analysiert. Der mittlere Inzuchtkoeffizient der zwischen 1965 und 1995 geborenen 2414 Tiere war 2.94%, der der 47% ingezüchteten 6.25%. Milchleitstung, Laktations länge, Zwischenkalbezeit und Erstkalbealter waren durchschnittlich 1493.3 ± 60.7 kg, 271 ± 37.3 Tage, 385 ± 53.4 Tage und 39.05 ± 6.95 Monate; nur Laktationslänge wurde von Inzucht beeinflußt.
Relationships between genetic distance and dominance and epistatic effects in line‐crosses of mice
Authors: Mohamed S. A. , Pirchner F.
Published: March 2011

From each of two populations, the outbred NMRI(N) and the synthetic four‐way cross (S), a line was selected for high 8‐week body weight (N8, S8), one for low 8‐week body weight (N6, S6) and one line served as control (N9, S9). One N line was selected for an antagonistic goal, high 3–5 week gain and low 8‐week body weight. After 54 generations of selection lines were crossed and F1, F2 and backcrosses produced. From these the genetic effects, additive, dominance, additive × additive (axa) and (additive × dominance) (axd) epistatic, were estimated. Based on the frequencies of nine biochemical markers, genetic distances as proposed by Cavalli‐Sforza and Nei were estimated between the lines. Dominance and epistatic effects increased with distance. Adding a quadratic term raised the statistical significance of distance on axa effects to near 0.10. When the marker distance was supplemented with a distance caused by selection the statistical significance of the predictor for axa of both 5–8 week gain and BW8 passed 0.05.

Beziehung zwischen genetischer parentaler Distanz und nicht‐additiv genetischen Wirkungen in Linienkreuzungen von Mäusen

Aus einer NMRI‐Auszucht‐ (N) und einer synthetischen (4‐fach Kreuzung S) Population wurden je eine Linie auf hohes (N8, S8), eine auf niedriges (N6, S6) 8‐Wochengewicht (BW8) durch 54 Generationen selektiert und eine Kontrollinie gehalten. Eine N‐Linie wurde antagonistisch auf niedriges BW8 and hohen Zuwachs von 3–5 Wochen selektiert. Nach 54 Selektionsgenerationen wurden 9 Kreuzungsgruppen aus reziproken F1, F2 und Rückkreuzungen erzeugt. Daran wurden genetische Kreuzungswirkungen‐additiv‐genetische, Dominanz und axa sowie axd epistatische–‐geschätzt. Anhand von 9 biochemisch‐genetischen Markern wurden die genetischen Distanzen nach Cavalli Sforza und Nei geschätzt. Die Regressionsanalyse zeigte, daß mit genetischer Distanz Dominanz‐und axa Wirkungen zunehmen. Einbeziehung eines quadratischen Regressionskoeffizienten ergab für die Beziehung zu axa Wirkungen auf 5–8 Wochen Zuwachs eine statistische Signifikanz von etwa 0.1. Berücksichtigung der selektionsverursachten Distanz zusätzlich zur Markerdistanz steigerte die Genauigkeit der Schätzung für 5–8 Wochen Zuwachs und BW8 und übertraf die Signifikanzschwelle von 0.05.
Use of prior information in forming selection indices
Authors: Goddard M. E. , Thompson R.
Published: March 2011

Verwendung von prior‐Information bei Erstellung von Selektionsindices

Selektionsindices aus geschätzten statt aus tatsächlichen genetischen Parametern zeigen überschätzte Genaugkeit, die geringer ist als bei optimalen Indices. Methoden zu bending und Schränken von Selektionsindices wurden für Situationen ausgearbeitet, wo genetische Parameter aus Nachkommen‐Vatertierregressionen geschätzt worden sind. Zur überprüfung von Faktoren, inklusive bending und Schränken, die die scheinbare und tatsächliche Genauigkeit von Indices aus Nachkommen‐Vatertier und aus Vatertiervarianzkomponenten beeinflussen, wurde Simulation verwendet.

Der Unterschied im Selektionserfolg zwischen idealem und Index aus geschätzten genetischen Parametern nimmt mit der Zahl berücksichtigten Merkmale zu, wobei dieser Verlust relativ wenig von anderen Parametern abhängt. Der Unterschied zwischen geschätztem und tatsächlichem Erfolg ist etwa das doppelte des Genauigkeitsverlustes. Eine Approximation der Indexgenauigkeit mittels Taylor Serie war ungenau für kleine Versuche, tendierte zu überschätzung der Genauigkeit für zwei und zu Unterschätzung für 8 Merkmale.

Von einem Bayesian Gesichtspunkt ist bending äquivalent der Annahme, daß die genetische Kovari‐anzmatrix proportional der phänotypischen sei, wobei es am wirkungsvollsten bei Zutreffen dieser Annahme war. Es war wirkungsvoller zur Steigerung der Genauigkeit als hinsichtlich ihrer überschätzung. Schränken aller Indexgewichteum dasselbe Ausmaß verändert nicht die Genauigkeit des Index, eliminiert aber deren überschätzung.

Verwendung von bent und geschränkte Schätzung bei unterschiedlicher Information wird diskutiert.
Noninvasive measurement of body composition of two rabbit populations between 6 and 16 weeks of age by computer tomography
Authors: Romvári R. , Szendrõ Z. S. , Jensen J. F. , Sßrensen P. , Milisits G. , Bogner P. , Horn P. , Csapó J.
Published: March 2011

Total body fat, crude protein and dry matter was determined both by X‐ray computer tomography (CT) and chemical analysis. Serial scans were taken from 406 growing Pannon White (P) and Danish White × Pannon White (D × P) rabbits at 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 weeks of age. Twenty‐seven CT images per animal were evaluated from the caput humeri to the femoral‐tibial articulation. The variables of the prediction equations were taken from the density values of the Hounsfield scale between −200 and +200, by summing the frequencies within each interval of 10 values. Several models were developed with multiple linear regression and principal component analysis. The R2 values of the estimations were high for total body fat (R2 = 0.85–0.92) and dry matter (R2 = 0.87–0.92), but medium in the prediction of crude protein content (R2 = 0.62–0.63). Three dimension ‘volumetric’ estimation of fat tissue was also carried out on the basis of so‐called fat indexes. With this method the development of fat deposition could be studied in the two genotypes.

In dieser Arbeit wurden die Fett‐, Protein‐ und Trockensubstanzgehalte von insgesamt 406 Pannon Weiß (P) und Dänisch Weiß × Pannon Weiß (D × P) Jungkaninchen mit Computertomographie und chemischer Analyse bestimmt. Im Alter von 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 und 16 Wochen wurden die Tiere tomografiert. Von allen Tieren wurden 27 CT Schnittbilder aufgenommen vom caput humeri bis zum femoral‐tibial Gelenk. Die Variablen der Schätzungsgleichungen wurden von den Densitätswerten der Hounsfield‐Skala ‐ im Bereich von −200 bis +200 ‐ mit der Zusammenziehung der 10 Nachbarwerte gebildet. Der Anteil der einzelnen Körperkomponenten in vivo wurde mit verschiedenen Modellen, mit multiplikativer linearer Regression und Hauptkomponenten‐Analyse geschätzt. Die R2 Werte der Schätzungen waren 0.85–0.92 für Fett‐ und Trockensubstanzgehalte und 0.62–0.63 für Proteingehalt. Um die volumetrische Menge des Fettgewebes zu bestimmen wurden ‘Fett Indexe’ konstruiert. Mit der Hilfe dieser Indexnummern wurde der Fettansatz in beiden Genotypen geschätzt.
Insulin resistance is independently associated with significant hepatic fibrosis in Asian chronic hepatitis C genotype 2 or 3 patients
Authors: Patel Keyur , Thompson Alexander J , Chuang Wan‐Long , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Peng Chen‐Yuan , Shanmuganathan Ganesananthan , Thongsawat Satawat , Tanwandee Tawesak , Mahachai Varocha , Pramoolsinsap Chutima , Cho Mong , Han Kwang Hyup , Shah Samir R , Foster Graham R , Clark Paul J , Pulkstenis Erik , Subramanian G. Mani , McHutchison John G
Published: March 2011

Background and Aim:  The role of insulin resistance (IR) and hepatic steatosis in fibrogenesis in chronic hepatitis C infection (CHC) has yielded conflicting data and few studies have been performed in Asian‐region populations. We retrospectively investigated the relationship between host metabolic variables, including IR and hepatic steatosis, to hepatic fibrosis in Asian‐region CHC genotype 2/3 patients.

Methods:  A total of 303 treatment‐naïve Asian‐region patients with CHC genotype 2/3 were enrolled in a multicenter phase 3 study of albinterferon alfa‐2b plus ribavirin for 24 weeks. IR was defined as Homeostasis Model for Assessment of IR (HOMA‐IR) > 2. Baseline liver biopsy was evaluated by a single expert histopathologist. Post hoc subgroup logistic regression modeling selected for independent variables associated with significant fibrosis (METAVIR stage F2‐F4).

Results:  Insulin resistance was available in 263 non‐diabetic Asian‐region patients (hepatitis C virus‐2 [HCV‐2] = 171, HCV‐3 = 92), and 433 non‐Asian region patients (407 “Caucasian”); METAVIR fibrosis prevalence F0‐F1 (minimal fibrosis) = 201 (77%) and F2‐F4 (significant fibrosis) = 59 (23%), and steatosis prevalence of grade 0 = 169 (65%), grade 1 = 64 (25%), grade 2/3 = 27 (10%). Median HOMA‐IR was 1.8 (interquartile range: 1.2–2.7); 100 (38%) patients had HOMA‐IR > 2. Factors independently associated with significant fibrosis included HOMA‐IR (odds ratio [OR] = 8.42), necro‐inflammatory grade (OR = 3.17), age (OR = 1.07) and serum total cholesterol levels (OR = 0.008). This was similar to non‐Asian region patients, but steatosis was not associated with significant fibrosis in either cohort.

Conclusions:  In this subgroup study of Asian‐region HCV genotype 2 or 3 patients, insulin resistance, along with age, cholesterol levels and necro‐inflammation, but not steatosis may be associated with significant hepatic fibrosis.
The effect of appendectomy on the course of ulcerative colitis: a systematic review
Authors: Gardenbroek T. J. , Eshuis E. J. , Ponsioen C. I. J. , Ubbink D. T. , D’Haens G. R. A. M. , Bemelman W. A.
Published: March 2011

Aim  Previous studies have shown significantly lower appendectomy rates in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients compared with healthy controls. Evidence indicating that the appendix has an immunomodulatory role in UC has been accumulating. To examine the latest evidence on the effect of appendectomy on the disease course of UC.

Method  PubMed, The Cochrane Library and EMBASE were searched. Primary end‐points were number of relapses, use of steroids, number of hospital admissions and number of colectomies.

Results  The search resulted in six observational studies (five case–control studies and one cohort study) totalling 2532 patients. Owing to clinical heterogeneity, no meta‐analysis could be conducted. One study found lower relapse rates in patients appendectomized before the onset of UC [absolute risk reduction (ARR) = 21.5%; 95% CI: 1.71–45.92%]. Another two studies found a reduced requirement for immunosuppression in appendectomized patients (ARR = 20.2%; 95% CI: 9.67–30.46% in the first study and ARR = 21.4%; 95% CI: 10.32–32.97% in the second study). In addition, one study found lower colectomy rates in nonappendectomized patients (ARR = 8.7%; 95% CI: 1.29–18.66%) and two studies found lower colectomy rates in appendectomized patients (ARR = 21.4%; 95% CI: 13.17–28.79% in the first study and ARR = 18.7%; 95% CI: 7.50–29.97% in the second study).

Conclusion  There are limited and conflicting data available regarding the effect of appendectomy on the disease course of UC. Most studies suggest a beneficial effect and the minority find no, or a negative, effect.
Environmental and Firm Level Influences on Inter‐Organizational Trust and SME Performance
Authors: Gaur Ajai S. , Mukherjee Debmalya , Gaur Sanjaya S. , Schmid Florian
Published: March 2011

abstract

We investigate the effects of focal firm knowledge intensity and uncertainty on inter‐organizational trust and subsequent performance of small and medium size enterprises (SMEs). We integrate the trust literature with transaction cost literature as both of these offer partial explanations of the dynamics of inter‐organizational trust in the context of an SME. We propose that knowledge intensity of the focal firm will have a positive relationship while uncertainty will have a negative relationship with inter‐organizational trust in an exchange relationship. Further, we propose a positive relationship between trust and SME performance, which will be contingent on the level of external and internal uncertainty faced by the focal firm. Empirical evidence, based on the survey data of 565 German SMEs, mostly supports our arguments.
Ten years of leptin replacement therapy
Authors: Paz‐Filho G. , Wong M‐L. , Licinio J.
Published: March 2011

Leptin is a pleiotropic cytokine‐like hormone that is involved in the regulation of energy intake and expenditure, neuroendocrine function, immunity and lipid and glucose metabolism. The few humans with genetically based leptin deficiency provide a unique model to assess those effects. We have identified five Turkish patients (one male and two female adults; one boy and one girl) with congenital leptin deficiency due to a missense mutation in the leptin gene. Four of these patients were treated with physiological doses of recombinant methionyl human leptin. Body composition, brain structure and function, behaviour, immunity and endocrine and metabolic parameters were evaluated before and during treatment. Our results showed that leptin has peripheral, hypothalamic and extra‐hypothalamic effects. Within the endocrine system, leptin regulates the circadian rhythms of cortisol, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone and follicle‐stimulating hormone. In the brain, leptin controls energy balance and body weight, and plays a role on neurogenesis and brain function. Leptin is a key element of the adiposinsular axis, enhances immune response, and regulates inflammation, coagulation, fibrinolysis and platelet aggregation. Our 10‐year experience in treating these unique patients provided valuable data on the peripheral and central effects of leptin. Those results can be taken into account for the development of leptin‐based therapies for other diseases.
ELITE ETHNOGRAPHIES: POTENTIAL, PITFALLS AND PROSPECTS FOR GETTING ‘UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL’
Authors: GAINS FRANCESCA
Published: March 2011

This article celebrates Rod Rhodes' use of ethnography to study political elites ‘up close and personal’. Initially Rhodes' work is contextualized within the development of political ethnography more generally, before his ethnographies of ‘Everyday life in a Ministry’ are reviewed, illustrating the potential of ethnography to research policy‐making elites. This review highlights epistemological and ontological questions which link to criticism of Rhodes' work as taking an anti‐foundational stance. In looking at future prospects for ethnography in governance settings, this article argues that researchers building on Rhodes' scholarship can choose whether to use ethnography as a ‘method’ or an ‘interpretive methodology’. In concluding, the case is made for a ‘constructivist modern empiricism’ which utilizes the ethnographic method alongside other research methods as being most useful for public policy and administration scholarship aiming to be practically useful for understanding either the processes of public policy‐making or its impact.
Word familiarity and frequency
Authors: Tanaka‐Ishii Kumiko , Terada Hiroshi
Published: March 2011

Abstract. Word frequency is assumed to correlate with word familiarity, but the strength of this correlation has not been thoroughly investigated. In this paper, we report on our analysis of the correlation between a word familiarity rating list obtained through a psycholinguistic experiment and the log‐frequency obtained from various corpora of different kinds and sizes (up to the terabyte scale) for English and Japanese. Major findings are threefold: First, for a given corpus, familiarity is necessary for a word to achieve high frequency, but familiar words are not necessarily frequent. Second, correlation increases with the corpus data size. Third, a corpus of spoken language correlates better than one of written language. These findings suggest that cognitive familiarity ratings are correlated to frequency, but more highly to that of spoken rather than written language.
Dominikus Böhm, Sir Basil Spence and the Dream in the Dentist's Chair: A German Source for Coventry Cathedral
Authors: Swift Nigel F. , Paisey David
Published: March 2011

This article identifies for the first time the influence of the German architect Dominikus Böhm's Church of St. Johann, Neu‐Ulm (1921–7) on Sir Basil Spence's designs for the rebuilding of Coventry Cathedral after the Second World War (1951). Coventry's zigzag walls, external chapels and net vault were probably derived by Spence from a ground plan of the German church with superimposed vaulting published in an American textbook of reinforced concrete, Francis S. Onderdonk's The ferro‐concrete style (New York 1928). This influence may help to explain a charge of plagiarism levelled against Spence in private in 1962.

Dieser Artikel identifiziert zum ersten Mal den Einfluss einer deutschen Kirche, St. Johann, Neu Ulm (1921–7), Architekt Dominikus Böhm, auf die Pläne von Sir Basil Spence zum Neubau des im Zweiten Weltkrieg zerstörten Doms in Coventry (1951). Die dortigen Zickzackwände, externe Kapellen und Zellengewölbe wurden Spence wahrscheinlich durch einen Grundplan der deutschen Kirche mit aufgezeichnetem Gewölbe bekannt, der in einem amerikanischen Textbuch des Betonbaus erschienen war: Francis S. Onderdonk, The ferro‐concrete style (New York 1928). Dieser Einfluss erklärt vielleicht, warum Spence im Jahre 1962 privat eines Plagiats beschuldigt wurde.
Perpetrators and Victims: Germany's 1968 Generation and Collective Memory1
Authors: Kundnani Hans
Published: March 2011

In this paper, I examine the role of Germany's so‐called 1968 generation in the ongoing competition between collective memories of Germans as perpetrators and Germans as victims. I argue that collective memories of Germans as victims as well as collective memories of Germans as perpetrators were present in the thinking of the West German student movement, which had a more ambivalent attitude to the Nazi past than is sometimes assumed. In particular, while one current within the West German student movement focused on the Nazi past and saw Germany as a nation of perpetrators, other key figures within the movement such as Rudi Dutschke ignored the Nazi past and in particular the Holocaust and tended to see Germany as a nation of victims. These two competing currents were also both reflected in the foreign policy of the ‘red‐green’ government (1998–2005), which is often thought of as a government of ‘Achtundsechziger’. The debate in Germany about the Kosovo war in 1999, in which Joschka Fischer played a central role, was dominated by collective memories of Germans as perpetrators, while the later debate about the Iraq war in 2002–3, in which Gerhard Schröder played a central role, was dominated by collective memories of Germans as victims.

Dieser Artikel untersucht das kollektive Gedächtnis der sogenannten 68er Generation, in dem die Deutschen sowohl als Täter wie auch als Opfer fungierten. Es wird argumentiert, dass das kollektive Gedächtnis der westdeutschen Studentenbewegung weitaus ambivalenter war als gemeinhin angenommen und die Haltung der Studenten gegenüber der NS‐Vergangenheit widersprüchlicher war, als oftmals suggeriert wird. Obwohl eine Strömung innerhalb der Studentenbewegung die NS‐Vergangenheit thematisierte und Deutschland als ein Land der Täter betrachtete, ignorierten andere Schlüsselfiguren der Bewegung, wie etwa Rudi Dutschke, die NS‐Vergangenheit und insbesondere den Holocaust weitgehend und neigten dazu, Deutschland als ein Land der Opfer zu sehen. Diese miteinander konkurrierenden Strömungen spiegelten sich auch in der Außenpolitik der rot‐grünen Regierung (1998–2005) wider, die oft als eine Regierung der ‘Achtundsechziger’ bezeichnet wird. Die deutsche Debatte über den Kosovo‐Krieg 1999, in der Joschka Fischer eine wichtige Rolle spielte, wurde von der Sicht der Deutschen als Täter dominiert, während die spätere Debatte über den Irak‐Krieg 2002–3, in der Gerhard Schröder die zentrale Figur war, vom Bild der Deutschen als Opfer geprägt wurde.
Capture efficiencies of web‐building jumping spiders (Araneae, Salticidae): Is the jack‐of‐all‐trades the master of none?
Authors: Jackson Robert R. , Hallas Susan E. A.
Published: March 2011

According to the ‘Jack‐of‐all‐trades hypothesis’, a specialist predator that uses relatively few discrete predatory behaviours is expected to be highly effective on the few types of prey on which it specializes. A versatile predator, that specializes on these plus additional prey, is expected to be less effective than the specialist predator on the prey they have in common. However, few studies have clearly addressed this hypothesis, especially with respect to behavioural specialization. Portia is a behaviourally complex and aberrant genus of salticid spiders, all studied species of which are cursorial spiders and web‐builders and specialized web‐invading predators that use vibratory aggressive mimicry and feed on the spiders which they deceive. Interspecific and, within P. fimbriata, interpopulational variation occurs in predatory behaviour. ‘Cryptic stalking’, a specialized manner of stalking and capturing other salticids, is unique to P. fimbriata from Queensland, a habitat in which cursorial salticids are superabundant. Otherwise, each studied species and population of Portia uses qualitatively the same repertoire of predatory behaviours (including the same set of vibratory behaviours). Queensland P. fimbriata, having each of the prey‐specific behaviours (‘trades’) of the other Portia plus one more, is more of a jack‐of‐all‐trades. If the postulated trade‐off occurs, then Queensland P. fimbriata would be expected to be less effective than other Portia at using the shared prey‐specific behaviours. Against insect‐prey away from webs, Queensland P. fimbriata had lower capture efficiency than other Portia, apparently supporting the jack‐of‐all‐trades hypothesis; but Queensland P. fimbriata was more, instead of less, efficient as a predator of web spiders, counter to prediction from the hypothesis. Although the jack‐of‐all‐trades hypothesis cannot be viewed as falsified simply on the basis of these findings, the validity of this hypothesis is at least suspect.
Population dynamics of Arvicanthis niloticus (Rodentia: Muridae) in Kenya
Authors: Delany M. J. , Monro R. H.
Published: March 2011

The population dynamics of the Grass rat Arvicanthis niloticus were studied in relation to their diet and the climate in the Nakuru district of Kenya between September 1980 and May 1982. Numbers in the study area were low at the end of 1980 with groups of animals isolated in patches of grassy habitat. Local populations declined and some became extinct during the first half of 1981. Breeding began in April, one month after the start of the rains, but with a small initial population and high juvenile mortality, numbers did not increase significantly until September, when animals born earlier in the season were old enough to reproduce. This second generation reproduction was probably very important to the survival of the population over the following dry season when adult mortality was estimated at 15% per month.

Reproduction was facilitated by a nutritious diet, consisting mainly of young grasses early in the season and seeds later on. Seed production was itself related to rainfall and as that declined towards the end of 1981, breeding ceased. Arvicanthis were considerably more numerous then than one year previously, with the difference being ascribed to the longer rainy season experienced in 1981 than 1980. The density of animals in favourable habitats increased with immigration from less suitable areas between January and March 1982, and then declined until the end of the study. Breeding resumed in April, one month after the start of the rains.

Peak numbers of Arvicanthis were recorded in the middle of the dry season, when few crops were in the ground. They would only become a serious pest to agriculture if they were still abundant at the start of the breeding season some months later. Expansion then could result in very high numbers by harvest time, in August or September.
Tag loss problems with Giant tortoises, Geochelone gigantea (Schweigger), on Aldabra
Authors: Frazier J.
Published: March 2011

The effectiveness of a ‘permanent’ marking technique developed for Giant Aldabra tortoises in 1969 is assessed. Eleven to 16 years after tagging, 59% of the marked tortoises on the west and south coasts of the Atoll had lost their tags. Half‐life of the tag is estimated to be less than 10 years and, hence, unacceptable given the long time for maturity and long life span of the Giant tortoise. A modification of the tagging technique is required.
A biometrical study of the family Tydeidae (Acari, Prostigmata) in the maritime Antarctic, with descriptions of three new taxa
Authors: Usher M. B. , Edwards Marion
Published: March 2011

A series of 50 male and 42 female mites of the prostigmatid family Tydeidae from the maritime Antarctic were each scored for 67 morphological characters. Ordination of each data set clearly showed the generic groupings described by André (1980).

The genera Pretriophtydeus, Paratriophtydeus and Paratydaeolus all appear to be monospecific in maritime Antarctica. Multivariate analysis of the data for the mites in the genus Apotriophtydeus indicated one distinct cluster as well as two diffuse clusters: these clusters are taken to represent three species. Whilst one species, named A. terrorn.sp., is easily recognized, the other two species, A. scotian.sp. and A. penolan.sp., are considered to be sibling species that are only clearly separable by the use of multivariate statistical techniques. Full descriptions of the new taxa are given, as well as a discussion of their geographical ranges and habitat preferences. Pretriophtydeus tilbrooki is also redescribed.
Territorial acquisition in the mudskipper Boleophthalmus boddarti (Teleostei, Gobiidae) on the mudflats of Kuwait
Authors: Clayton D. A. , Vaughan T. C.
Published: March 2011

Boleophthalmus boddarti is an amphibious gobiid mudskipper which builds and maintains mud‐walled polygonal territories on the mudflats of Kuwait. The factors that influence territorial establishment and acquisition were investigated by observation and by the removal of resident fish and/or removal of territorial boundary walls. Smaller replacement fish quickly occupied vacant territories with and without walls, although the latter were sometimes occupied by several small non‐territorial or errant individuals. Resettlement patterns (simultaneous or consecutive) had little effect in altering the size or shape of territories. These results are discussed in relation to other fish removal experiments.
Sexual interactions between captive adult male and female Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) as related to the female's menstrual cycle
Authors: Bilert C.
Published: March 2011

The sexual interactions of adult male and female Chacma baboons (Papio ursinus) were studied in order to gather quantitative data on the relationship between menstrual cycles and sexual behaviour. Rhythmic fluctuations in the interactions of the pairs studied were evident with mating being limited to the follicular phase of the female's cycle. Discussion centred on changes in female attractiveness, proceptivity and receptivity.
Landscape factors that shape a slow and persistent aquatic invasion: brown trout in Newfoundland 1883–2010
Authors: Westley Peter A. H. , Fleming Ian A.
Published: March 2011

Aim We investigated watershed‐scale abiotic environmental factors associated with population establishment of one of the ‘world’s 100 worst alien invaders’ on a temperate Atlantic island. Within the context of the conservation implications, we aimed to quantify (1) the early history and demographics (numbers and origins) of human‐mediated brown trout (Salmo trutta) introductions, (2) the current distribution of established populations, and (3) the watershed‐scale environmental factors that may resist or facilitate trout establishment.

Location Island of Newfoundland, Canada.

Methods We combined field sampling with historical and contemporary records from literature to assemble a presence–absence and physical habitat database for 312 watersheds on Newfoundland. Probability of watershed establishment was modelled with general additive ANCOVA models to control for nonlinear effects of propagule pressure (i.e. the distance to and number of invasion foci within a biologically relevant range) and model performance based on AIC.

Results Between 1883 and 1906, 16 watersheds were introduced with brown trout from the Howietoun Hatchery, near Stirling, Scotland. Since that time, populations have established in 51 additional watersheds at an estimated rate of spread of 4 km per year. We did not detect any obvious abiotic barriers to resist trout establishment, but showed that for a given amount of propagule pressure that relatively large and productive watersheds were most likely to be established.

Main conclusions Brown trout have successfully invaded and established populations in watersheds of Newfoundland and are currently slowly expanding on the island. Populations are more likely to establish in relatively large and productive watersheds, thereby supporting predictions of island biogeography theory. However, we suggest that all watersheds in Newfoundland are potentially susceptible to successful brown trout invasion and that abiotic factors alone are unlikely to act sufficiently as barriers to population establishment.
Incorporating evolutionary processes into conservation planning using species distribution data: a case study with the western Mediterranean herpetofauna
Authors: Carvalho Sílvia B. , Brito José C. , Crespo Eduardo J. , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: March 2011

Aim To incorporate evolutionary processes into conservation planning using species distribution patterns and environmental gradients as surrogates for genetic diversity.

Location Western Mediterranean Basin.

Methods Distributions of 154 herpetological species were predicted using maximum entropy models, and groups of significantly co‐occurring species (biotic elements) were identified. Environmental gradients were characterized for the complete area and for the area covered by each biotic element, by performing a principal component analysis on the data matrix composed of nine environmental variables. The first two principal component analysis axes were classified into four categories each, and those categories were combined with each other resulting in an environmental classification with 16 categories. To identify priority conservation areas, biotic elements and environmental categories were used as surrogates for the neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity, respectively. Priority areas for conservation were identified under three scenarios: (1) setting targets for species only; (2) setting targets for species and for each environmental category of the overall area; and (3) setting targets for each species and for each environmental category within each biotic element.

Results Nine biotic elements were identified – four for the amphibians and five for the reptiles. Priority areas identified in the three scenarios were similar in terms of amount of area selected, but exhibited low spatial agreement.

Main conclusions Prioritization exercises that integrate surrogates for evolutionary processes can deliver spatial priorities that are fairly different to those where only species representation is considered. While new methods are emerging to incorporate molecular data in conservation prioritization, it is unlikely to be enough data for enough taxa for this to be feasible in many regions. We develop an approach using surrogates for both the neutral and adaptive components of genetic diversity that may enhance biodiversity persistence and representation when molecular data are not available or geographically comprehensive.