bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-harvest stress cracks in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels as characterized by visual, X-ray and low temperature scanning electron microscopical analysis: effect on kernel quality
Authors: Moreira de Carvalho Maria Laene , van Aelst Adriaan C. , van Eck Jan Walter , Hoekstra Folkert A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractInternal cracks caused by high temperature or excessive moisture during maize (Zea mays L.) kernel development were characterized, and their effects on kernel quality were assessed. Pre-harvest stress cracks are often located near the middle of the kernel along the embryo axis, but they were also detected in other positions, irrespective of the shape of the kernel. X-ray analysis enabled visualisation of stress cracks that are invisible to the human eye and, therefore, gave a better estimate of the percentage of cracks. However, low temperature scanning electron microscopy of the surface of milled kernels revealed small cracks not noticed by visual or X-ray inspection. All kernels tested in this way had a crack of some sort in the endosperm tissue. Cracks were also frequent in the scutellum, but rare in the embryo axis. Endosperm cracks followed the boundary of the starch granules, but did not extend into the pericarp tissue. In contrast to external cracks caused by mechanical impact, pre-harvest internal stress cracks generally are not detrimental to germination and vigour. However, if the crack is located inside or perpendicular to the embryo axis, it may affect the quality of the kernel, probably by impeding nutrient translocation to the embryo.
Survival of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. and Nakai) seeds at 40°C prolonged by prior storage at 30°C
Authors: Demir I. , van de Venter H.A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSeeds of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus (Thunb.) Matsum. & Nakai var. Congo) were subjected to mild accelerated ageing treatments of 30 and 60 d at 30°C at a moisture content of 7.2%. In comparison to a cold-stored control, normal germination and viability were slightly (but not significantly) decreased by these treatments. Subsequent construction of survival curves during storage at 40°C, at seed moisture contents ranging from 10–18%, revealed that the prior 30°C ageing treatments prolonged survival under these conditions.
Improving teaching and learning:A thermos bottle keeps things hot and cold, but how does it know?
Authors: Ysseldyke Jim 
Published: May 2019

The topic we are addressing in this session isimprovingteaching and learning. We are talking aboutimprovingteaching and learning. I assume our focus is on improving teaching and learning for those students who are resistant to instruction and for whom we need tointensifyour instructional efforts. These students are present in all of our classrooms. There are three things that are necessary in order to improve teaching and learning. We must know:• Where we are going (goals)• How best to achieve the goals (effective strategies and tactics)• Whether we have achieved the goals (accountability)
Influence of environmental stimuli on nursing and suckling behaviour in domestic sows and piglets
Authors: Herskin M. S. , Jensen K. H. , Thodberg K. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe influence of environmental stimuli considered biologically relevant for nest building sows, on nursing and suckling behaviour and piglet growth was investigated. Effects of floor type (beach sand v. concrete) and substrate type (straw feeder v. no straw feeder) were examined in a 2 × 2 factorial experiment with nine replicates of four multiparous sows. The sows were kept individually in roofed 7·6 m2 ‘get-aw ay-pens’ from 1 week pre-partum until 13 to 15 days post-partum. The behaviour of sows and piglets were video recorded for 24 h on days 0, 3, 6 and 12 post-partum.The latency from termination of farrowing until perceptible milk ejection tended to be shorter for experienced sows (parity 4 to 5) kept on sand than on concrete floors (1207 (s.e. 109) min; no. = 7 v. 1725 (s.e. 123) min; no. = 6, respectively; F2,8 = 3·93, P < 0·07) and for experienced sows with access to a straw feeder than without access to a straw feeder (1257 (s.e. 113) min; no. = 8 v. 1666 (s.e. 132) min; no. = 5, respectively; F2,8 = 3·56, P < 0·08). On days 3 and 6 a longer duration of suckling was found for sows on sand v. concrete floors (384 (s.e. 20) v. 327 (s.e. 16) s on day 3; F1,19 = 5·6, P < 0.03 and 377 (s.e. 14) v. 318 (s.e. 13) on day 6; F1,21 = 9·09; P < 0·01, respectively) and with straw feeder v. without straw feeder (385 (s.e. 20) v. 326 (s.e. 18) s on day 3; F1,19 = 5·11, P < 0.04 and 372 (s.e. 14) v. 323 (s.e. 13) on day 6; F1,21 = 6·21; P < 0·03, respectively). On day 3, a tendency for a sand × straw feeder interaction (F11,8 = 3·58, P < 0.08), showed that sows without environmental stimuli terminated more sucklings than sows with access to a straw feeder and sows kept on sand (32 (s.e. 7) %, 16 (s.e. 4) % and 13 (s.e. 5) %, respectively). Similarly, on day 6 a significant sand × straw feeder interaction (F316 = 7·15, P < 0·01) led to increased frequency of foreleg rowing for sows without environmental stimuli compared with the three other treatments (14 (s.e. 2) v. 7 (s.e. 1), 5 (s.e. 1) and 6 (s.e. 1) foreleg rowings per h, respectively). During the stay in the experimental pens, the growth rate of piglets kept on sand tended to be higher than for piglets kept on concrete floors (261 (s.e. 33) v. 240 (s.e. 30) g per piglet per day; F1,25 = 3·38; P < 0·08).The results of the present experiment indicate that provision of biologically relevant stimuli affect the nursing and suckling behaviour of sows and piglets. The reduced termination of sucklings, the reduced frequency of foreleg rowing, the increased duration of suckling as well as the earlier development of suckling behaviour might have been advantageous for the early milk intake of the piglets.
Empty body chemical composition estimated from non-carcass parts in Belgian Blue double-muscled bulls
Authors: Campeneere S. de , Fiems L. O. , Vanacker J. M. , Boucqué Ch. V. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractProperties of the non-carcass parts in combination with empty body and half carcass weight (EBW and CCW; kg) were used to generate equations for predicting empty body chemical composition. Therefore, chemical composition of the non-carcass parts and weight of the depot fatty tissues were determined on 18 Belgian Blue double-muscled fattening bulls. Very high coefficients of determination (R2) were found between the empty body composition and on the one hand the non-carcass parts composition and on the other hand the weight of the fatty tissues. Fat in the empty body was most difficult to predict. The very high coefficients of determination are partly caused by the large variation in slaughter weight (309 to 723 kg). Therefore equations to estimate proportional composition of the empty body are discussed. Although R2 values are strongly reduced, residual standard deviations remain very low and the precision of prediction is good. The proportion of protein is most difficult to predict, as it shows a very small variation. Estimations based on composition of the non-carcass parts are mostly a little more precise than the estimates based on weight of the fatty tissues but as the latter are much easier to determine, these equations will be more appropriate for practical use. Similarly the little improvement of the estimation based on EBW instead of CCW, cannot account for the extra costs and time to determine EBW. The results of the homogenizations have proven that there is very little variation in composition, despite the large range in slaughter weight. As the Belgian Blue double-muscled animals are very deviant from other breeds, the equations found in this study can only be applied for this breed type.
Effect of feeding level in late pregnancy and early lactation and fibre level in mid lactation on body mass, milk production and quality in Awassi ewes
Authors: Goodchild A. V. , El-Awad A. I. , Gürsoy O. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn west Asia, it is traditional for sheep to gain body condition when low-cost native pastures are available and to mobilize reserves thus built up at other times. With diminishing shares of native pasture, crop by-products and food grains are increasing in sheep diets, and facilitate feeding for constant body condition.In a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experiment, 48 Awassi ewes were individually fed indoors, nursed single lambs for 42 days, and were hand-milked from day 29 after lambing. Dietary treatments were imposed at different times: level of feeding (i) in the last 24 days of pregnancy (Lconstv. Lmob), (ii) in days 18 to 60 after lambing (Lconstv. Lmob), and (iii) level of fibre in days 60 to 102 after lambing (Fhighv. Flow). RationsPconst, Lconst, Flowand Fhighwere calculated to maintain body condition. Fhighprovided the calculated maximum ingestible quantity of barley straw and Flowprovided 0·08 kg barley straw per kg diet. Live weights (M) of ewes and lambs, milk yield and milk quality were recorded.WithPconst, andPmob(0·51 and 0·33 MJ metabolizable energy (ME) per kg M0.75per day), M gains were 140 and 23 g/day (P< 0·001). Lamb birth mass and subsequent maternal milk yield were not affected. WithLconstandLmob(0·81 and 0·61 MJ ME per kg M0.75 per day), M changes were -28 and -70 g/day (P< 0·001) and milk yields (calculated in part from lamb growth) were 1042 and 892 g/day (P < 0·01). Fhighand Flow(385 and 170 g acid-detergent fibre per kg dry matter) were compared in a two-period change-over design experiment. Milk yields were similar (414 and 427 g/day), milk fat concentrations were 64·8 and 72·9 g/kg (P < 0·001) and milk fat yields were 26·5 and 31·1 g/day (P < 0·001) but solids-not-fat and protein yields were not affected.There were benefits and costs in manipulating body reserves in Awassi sheep. M at lambing affects milk yield and body condition around mating is known to improve lambing rate. The existence of body reserves also allows body condition to be lost in late pregnancy and early lactation without affecting health or apparent welfare, which simplifies management of pregnant ewes, permits feeding of milk-fat-increasing high-fibre diets but the ME to maintain increased body reserves must not be ignored.
Seismological Constraints on the Small‐Scale Heterogeneity in the Lowermost Mantle Beneath East Asia and Implication for Its Mineralogical Origin
Authors: Zhang Baolong , Ni Sidao , Sun Daoyuan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPrevious seismological studies have focused on the large‐scale heterogeneity of the D″ layer beneath East Asia. Here, we use high‐frequency PcP precursors recorded at dense networks in China and Japan to constrain the small‐scale heterogeneity in this region. By forward modeling of the stacks of recorded PcP precursory signal, we find that the small‐scale heterogeneity in the D″ layer beneath East Asia is characterized by a P wave velocity perturbation of 0.1‐0.2% and a dominant length scale of 4‐20 km. Although the resolved length scale is similar to the dimension of the subducted oceanic crust, the weak velocity perturbation is difficult to explain by basaltic rock in the lowermost mantle. Postperovskite transition of the supposed slab might also not be viable for generating weak heterogeneity; thus, new explanations are needed from geodynamics and mineral physics to account for the different strength of the large‐ and small‐scale heterogeneity.
A functional CRISPR/Cas9 screen identifies kinases that modulate FGFR inhibitor response in gastric cancer
Authors: Chen Jiamin , Bell John , Lau Billy T. , Whittaker Tyler , Stapleton Darren , Ji Hanlee P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSome gastric cancers have FGFR2 amplifications, making them sensitive to FGFR inhibitors. However, cancer cells inevitably develop resistance despite initial response. The underlying resistance mechanism to FGFR inhibition is unclear. In this study, we applied a kinome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 screen to systematically identify kinases that are determinants of sensitivity to a potent FGFR inhibitor AZD4547 in KatoIII cells, a gastric cancer cell line with FGFR2 amplification. In total, we identified 20 kinases, involved in ILK, SRC, and EGFR signaling pathways, as determinants that alter cell sensitivity to FGFR inhibition. We functionally validated the top negatively selected and positively selected kinases, ILK and CSK, from the CRISPR/Cas9 screen using RNA interference. We observed synergistic effects on KatoIII cells as well as three additional gastric cancer cell lines with FGFR2 amplification when AZD4547 was combined with small molecular inhibitors Cpd22 and lapatinib targeting ILK and EGFR/HER2, respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrated that GSK3b is one of the downstream effectors of ILK upon FGFR inhibition. In summary, our study systematically evaluated the kinases and associated signaling pathways modulating cell response to FGFR inhibition, and for the first time, demonstrated that targeting ILK would enhance the effectiveness of AZD4547 treatment of gastric tumors with amplifications of FGFR2.
Characterization of a large cluster of HIV-1 A1 infections detected in Portugal and connected to several Western European countries
Authors: Araújo Pedro M. M. , Carvalho Alexandre , Pingarilho Marta ,   BEST-HOPE study group, Faria Domítilia , Pinho Raquel , Ferreira José , Proença Paula , Nunes Sofia , Mouro Margarida , Teófilo Eugénio , Pinheiro Sofia , Maltez Fernando , Manata Maria José , Germano Isabel , Simões Joana , Costa Olga , Corte-Real Rita , Diniz António , Serrado Margarida , Caldeira Luís , Janeiro Nuno , Gaião Guilhermina , Cristino José M. , Mansinho Kamal , Baptista Teresa , Gomes Perpétua , Diogo Isabel , Serrão Rosário , Pinheiro Carmela , Koch Carmo , Monteiro Fátima , Gonçalves Maria J. , Castro Rui Sarmento e , Ramos Helena , Oliveira Joaquim , da Cunha José Saraiva , Mota Vanda , Rodrigues Fernando , Tavares Raquel , Silva Ana Rita , Roxo Fausto , Ivo Maria Saudade , Poças José , Ascenção Bianca , Pacheco Patrícia , Caixeiro Micaela , Marques Nuno , Aleixo Maria J. , Faria Telo , da Silva Elisabete Gomes , de Abreu Ricardo Correia , Neves Isabel , Abecasis Ana B. , Osório Nuno S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHIV-1 subtypes associate with differences in transmission and disease progression. Thus, the existence of geographic hotspots of subtype diversity deepens the complexity of HIV-1/AIDS control. The already high subtype diversity in Portugal seems to be increasing due to infections with sub-subtype A1 virus. We performed phylogenetic analysis of 65 A1 sequences newly obtained from 14 Portuguese hospitals and 425 closely related database sequences. 80% of the A1 Portuguese isolates gathered in a main phylogenetic clade (MA1). Six transmission clusters were identified in MA1, encompassing isolates from Portugal, Spain, France, and United Kingdom. The most common transmission route identified was men who have sex with men. The origin of the MA1 was linked to Greece, with the first introduction to Portugal dating back to 1996 (95% HPD: 1993.6–1999.2). Individuals infected with MA1 virus revealed lower viral loads and higher CD4+ T-cell counts in comparison with those infected by subtype B. The expanding A1 clusters in Portugal are connected to other European countries and share a recent common ancestor with the Greek A1 outbreak. The recent expansion of this HIV-1 subtype might be related to a slower disease progression leading to a population level delay in its diagnostic.
Mating structure of the blue and red shrimp, Aristeus antennatus (Risso, 1816) characterized by relatedness analysis
Authors: Planella Laia , Vera Manuel , García-Marín Jose-Luis , Heras Sandra , Roldán María Inés 
Published: May 2019

AbstractUnderstanding life history variation and strategies is crucial for stock assessment and fisheries management due to the direct effects on population dynamics, effective population size, sex-ratios, levels of inbreeding, and relatedness among individuals.Aristeus antennatus(En ─ Blue and red shrimp; Fr ─ Crevette rouge; Sp ─ Gamba rosada) is one of the most exploited demersal resources in the Western Mediterranean Sea. However, information regarding the mating system and mate choice preferences remains largely unknown. Advances in molecular genetic markers and methods of inferring biological relationships among individuals have facilitated new insights into the reproductive dynamics of the species in the wild. Here, we used microsatellite markers to examine theA.antennatusmating system and putative mate choice preferences. Our results provided clear evidence of polyandry and polygyny. Relatedness analyses, together withFSTand DAPC values showed females exhibited a mating bias towards unrelated males. Mating males were inferred from spermatophores and suggested males were sympatric with females and were also from other spawning grounds. Our findings provided the first description of the reproductive behavior of blue and red shrimp.
Effect of artificial barriers on the distribution of the invasive signal crayfish and Chinese mitten crab
Authors: Robinson Chloe Victoria , de Leaniz Carlos Garcia , Consuegra Sofia 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe role of river obstacles in preventing or facilitating the dispersal and establishment of aquatic invasive species is controversial. Novel detection tools like environmental DNA (eDNA) can be used for monitoring aquatic invasive species (AIS) such as the American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) and the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis), providing information on the effect of barriers on their distribution. We analysed eDNA from both water and surface sediment in three river catchments (Medway, Dee and Stour; Great Britain), with differing levels of connectivity, to determine spatial distribution of the two species, and assessed the effect of barriers on their eDNA detection. Positive eDNA detections were obtained within confirmed sites for both species in all catchments, with evidence of species overlap in the River Medway. Upstream barriers in the Medway positively influenced detection success of mitten crab lower in the catchment while detection success of signal crayfish was higher in the highly fragmented catchment (River Medway). This information on the role of river barriers on AIS distribution and eDNA detection is important for management strategies and for predicting both future dispersal and likelihood of new colonisations in previously uninvaded fragmented catchments.
Apoptotic endothelial cells release small extracellular vesicles loaded with immunostimulatory viral-like RNAs
Authors: Hardy Marie-Pierre , Audemard Éric , Migneault Francis , Feghaly Albert , Brochu Sylvie , Gendron Patrick , Boilard Éric , Major François , Dieudé Mélanie , Hébert Marie-Josée , Perreault Claude 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEndothelial cells have multifaceted interactions with the immune system, both as initiators and targets of immune responses. In vivo, apoptotic endothelial cells release two types of extracellular vesicles upon caspase-3 activation: apoptotic bodies and exosome-like nanovesicles (ApoExos). Only ApoExos are immunogenic: their injection causes inflammation and autoimmunity in mice. Based on deep sequencing of total RNA, we report that apoptotic bodies and ApoExos are loaded with divergent RNA cargos that are not released by healthy endothelial cells. Apoptotic bodies, like endothelial cells, contain mainly ribosomal RNA whereas ApoExos essentially contain non-ribosomal non-coding RNAs. Endogenous retroelements, bearing viral-like features, represented half of total ApoExos RNA content. ApoExos also contained several copies of unedited Alu repeats and large amounts of non-coding RNAs with a demonstrated role in autoimmunity such as U1 RNA and Y RNA. Moreover, ApoExos RNAs had a unique nucleotide composition and secondary structure characterized by strong enrichment in U-rich motifs and unstably folded RNAs. Globally, ApoExos were therefore loaded with RNAs that can stimulate a variety of RIG-I-like receptors and endosomal TLRs. Hence, apoptotic endothelial cells selectively sort in ApoExos a diversified repertoire of immunostimulatory “self RNAs” that are tailor-made for initiation of innate immune responses and autoimmunity.
Inheritance of fruit yield and quality in melon (Cucumis melo L.) grown under field salinity stress
Authors: Akrami Mahmoud , Arzani Ahmad 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCultivation of salinity-tolerant crops can help mitigate salinization threats to soil and fresh water resources. This study was conducted to investigate the quantitative genetic basis of yield, yield components, and quality-related traits of salinity-stressed melon (Cucumis melo L.) using 55 melon hybrids and their 11 parents (half diallel). The results of combined ANOVA revealed highly significant effects of salinity and genotype on all the traits studied. Salinity stress influenced the inheritance of all the traits. The lower values of variance components (mainly additive), GCA/SCA ratio, as well as broad- and narrow-sense heritabilities were estimated for saline conditions (ECW = 14 dSm−1) when compared with those obtained under non-saline conditions. Fruit weight was governed by additive effects in non-saline conditions, but largely governed by the dominant nature in saline conditions. Based on the results obtained, especially as reflected by fruit yield, it is possible to develop melon hybrids with higher salinity tolerance than is currently observed in tolerant cultivars. On the other hand, most of the traits contributing to fruit quality are found to be governed by additive effects, allowing for their further improvement through recurrent selection to develop new cultivars of high yield and good quality for cultivation under saline conditions.
Human cytomegaloviral multifunctional protein kinase pUL97 impairs zebrafish embryonic development and increases mortality
Authors: Cazorla-Vázquez Salvador , Steingruber Mirjam , Marschall Manfred , Engel Felix B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCytomegalovirus is a worldwide-distributed human pathogen, which is the leading cause of congenital virus infection, affecting 0.5 to 2% of live births. To date, it is largely unclear which molecular mechanisms underlie the symptomatic outcomes. This is mainly due to species specificity and limited homology among cytomegalovirus genomes. As it is not possible to infect model organisms with human cytomegalovirus, the aim of this study was to develop a heterologous system allowing in the future the elucidation of the pathological role of individual viral proteins. As a model organism the zebrafish has been chosen due to its ease of manipulation and characterization as well as its large offspring. As cytomegalovirus model protein, pUL97 was characterized because it is multiply involved in virus-host interaction. Here, we show in zebrafish embryos, that (i) pUL97 can be expressed in zebrafish, (ii) increasing pUL97 expression levels quantitatively correlate with both minor and major pathological defects, (iii) pUL97 expression impairs cell cycle progression and induces cell death, (iv) active pUL97, but not an inactive mutant, induces excess mortality, and (v) co-administration of a pUL97 inhibitor reduces embryonic pathology. Collectively, these data indicate the suitability of zebrafish to elucidate the pathological role of human cytomegaloviral proteins.