bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comparison of identity‐by‐descent and identity‐by‐state matrices that are used for genetic evaluation and estimation of variance components
Authors: Fernando R. L. , Cheng H. , Sun X. , Garrick D. J. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThe genetic covariance matrix conditional on pedigree is proportional to the pedigree‐based additive relationship matrix (PARM), which is twice the matrix of identity‐by‐descent (IBD) probabilities. In genomic prediction, IBD probabilities in the PARM, which are expected genetic similarities between relatives that are derived from the pedigree, are substituted by realized similarities that are derived from genotypes to obtain a genomic additive relationship matrix (GARM). Different definitions of similarity lead to different GARMs, and two commonly used GARMS are the matrix G, which is based on an allele substitution effect model, and the matrix T, which is based on an allele effect model. We show that although the two matrices T and G are not proportional, they give identical predictions of differences between breeding values. When genomic information is used for variance component estimation, the GARM Gx is computed from genotype covariates that have been standardized to have unit variance. That approach is equivalent to fitting a random regression model using the same standardized covariates. We show that under Hardy–Weinberg and linkage equilibria (LE) that the genetic variance is , where is the variance of a randomly sampled element from the vector of k substitution effects. However, if linkage disequilibrium (LD) has been generated through selection, covariances between genotypes at different loci will be negative, and therefore, the additive genetic variance will be lower than . When the GARM Gx is assumed to be proportional to the genetic covariance matrix, the parameter being estimated is . We have demonstrated by simulation that overestimates the additive genetic variance when LD is generated by selection. We argue that unlike the PARM, GARMs are not proportional to a genetic covariance matrix conditional on the observed causal genotypes. The objective here is to recognize the difference between these covariance matrices and its implications.
A test for Y‐linked additive and epistatic effects on surviving bacterial infections in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kutch I. C. , Fedorka K. M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractY‐ and W‐chromosomes offer a theoretically powerful way for sexual dimorphism to evolve. Consistent with this possibility, Drosophila melanogaster Y‐chromosomes can influence gene regulation throughout the genome; particularly immune‐related genes. In order for Y‐linked regulatory variation (YRV) to contribute to adaptive evolution it must be comprised of additive genetic variance, such that variable Ys induce consistent phenotypic effects within the local gene pool. We assessed the potential for Y‐chromosomes to adaptively shape gram‐negative and gram‐positive bacterial defence by introgressing Ys across multiple genetic haplotypes from the same population. We found no Y‐linked additive effects on immune phenotypes, suggesting a restricted role for the Y to facilitate dimorphic evolution. We did find, however, a large magnitude Y by background interaction that induced rank order reversals of Y‐effects across the backgrounds (i.e. sign epistasis). Thus, Y‐chromosome effects appeared consistent within backgrounds, but highly variable among backgrounds. This large sign epistatic effect could constrain monomorphic selection in both sexes, considering that autosomal alleles under selection must spend half of their time in a male background where relative fitness values are altered. If the pattern described here is consistent for other traits or within other XY (or ZW) systems, then YRV may represent a universal constraint to autosomal trait evolution.
Prevalence of dental developmental anomalies of permanent teeth in children and their influence on esthetics
Authors: Fekonja Anita 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of dental developmental anomalies in permanent teeth and their influence on esthetics.Materials and methodsThe records of 473 subjects, which comprised of orthopantomograms, clinical examination, and anamnestic data, were explored for dental developmental anomalies. Subjects with dental anomalies completed the modified questionnaire. Data on reasons for seeking the treatment as well as factors affecting the patients' satisfaction were collected. The data were processed using the Chi‐square test.ResultsIt was found that 79 subjects (16.7%) had at least 1 dental developmental anomaly. The most common anomalies were hypodontia (7.2%), followed by talon cusps (3.4%), and microdontia (2.5%). Hypodontia, microdontia, and talon cusps were found more prevalent in females than males, whereas hyperdontia and macrodontia were more common in males. The reason for dissatisfaction with their smile in most cases was due to missing teeth or spacing between anterior teeth (excess space 2.9 mm ± 1.1 mm), followed by crowding of anterior teeth (lack of space 3.1 mm ± 0.8mm), difficulty maintaining oral hygiene and midline asymmetry (1.8 mm ± 0.9 mm). All subjects were treated using a fixed orthodontic appliance and 30 (37.9%) of them had additional dental specialists included to achieve good esthetics and function. Overall, 92.4% of subjects were satisfied with their resulting appearance after treatment.ConclusionsDental developmental anomalies are clinically evident abnormalities. They may be the cause of various dental problems and can influence esthetics and the development of orthodontic problems.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis paper evaluates the distribution of dental developmental anomalies and their influence on esthetics and function. Careful observation and appropriate investigation are required to diagnose the condition and institute treatment. The therapeutic approach to some dental anomalies should be interdisciplinary.
Campylobacter multi‐locus sequence types and antimicrobial susceptibility of broiler cecal isolates: A two year study of 143 commercial flocks
Authors: Ladely Scott R. , Berrang Mark. E. , Meinersmann Richard J. , Cox Nelson A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe objective of this study was to assess genetic diversity and antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter jejuni and coli from broiler ceca. Ceca from one broiler were collected from a commercial processing plant, once or twice weekly for 2 years (n = 143). Campylobacter were cultured from the cecal contents and analyzed by whole genome sequencing, multi‐locus sequence typing (MLST) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Seventy‐two of 143 carcasses examined were positive for Campylobacter. A total of 24 MLST sequence‐types (ST) were identified belonging to ten Campylobacter clonal complexes (CC). Three MLST clonal complexes, CC‐353 (53.2%), CC‐828 (17.7%), and CC‐48 (11.4%) accounted for the majority of Campylobacter isolates recovered. Compared to all other clonal complexes, a significantly higher percentage (p < .05) of C. coli isolates belonging to CC‐828 complex were resistant to azithromycin, clindamycin, erythromycin, and gentamicin. CC‐48 was significantly more resistant to ciprofloxacin and nalidixic acid than other CCs regardless of species. No isolates were resistant to florfenicol.Practical applicationsDespite high genetic diversity among Campylobacter recovered from broiler ceca during this 2‐year study, antimicrobial resistance was significantly linked to MLST clonal complex, specifically C. coli, CC‐828 and C. jejuni, CC‐48.
Crafting Papers for Publication: Novelty and Convention in Academic Writing
Authors: Patriotta Gerardo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this article, I discuss how different social actors and established conventions intervene in the construction of academic articles. I first provide a ‘backstage’ overview of the review process at JMS, with a focus on how editors and reviewers influence the development of a manuscript. I then discuss the use of conventions as a powerful tool for communicating a message and conveying it to an audience. Next, I consider how authors use references to engage in conversations with other scholars and establish the baseline for a contribution. Finally, I reflect on the role of the reader as the ultimate recipient of a journal article. I conclude with some considerations on the craft of writing for publication.
On the quality of adjustment to retirement: The longitudinal role of personality traits and generativity
Authors: Serrat Rodrigo , Villar Feliciano , Pratt Michael W. , Stukas Arthur A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveAlthough psychological factors have been explored in relation to other life transitions, their influence on retirement adjustment quality has been largely overlooked. This study assessed the contribution of personality traits and generativity before retirement in the prediction of hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being at two temporal points after retirement.MethodThis article analyzes data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) longitudinal sample. Specifically, it uses a subsample of people who were not retired at Time 1, but were 9 years after at Time 2 (n = 548) and 18 years after at Time 3 (n = 351).ResultsAfter controlling both for initial values on hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being and for the effects of personal attributes and resources, higher scores on Extraversion at Time 1 significantly predicted hedonic well‐being at Time 2, whereas lower scores on Neuroticism and higher scores on generativity at Time 1 significantly predicted eudaimonic well‐being at Time 2. Neuroticism and generative concern at Time 1 remained significant in the prediction of eudaimonic well‐being at Time 3.ConclusionsThe study shows that personality traits and generative concern at midlife explain a meaningful part of the variation in individuals' quality of subsequent retirement adjustment.
Individual differences in personality change across the adult life span
Authors: Schwaba Ted , Bleidorn Wiebke 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveA precise and comprehensive description of personality continuity and change across the life span is the bedrock upon which theories of personality development are built. Little research has quantified the degree to which individuals deviate from mean‐level developmental trends. In this study, we addressed this gap by examining individual differences in personality trait change across the life span.MethodData came from a nationally representative sample of 9,636 Dutch participants who provided Big Five self‐reports at five assessment waves across 7 years. We divided our sample into 14 age groups (ages 16–84 at initial measurement) and estimated latent growth curve models to describe individual differences in personality change across the study period for each trait and age group.ResultsAcross the adult life span, individual differences in personality change were small but significant until old age. For Openness, Conscientiousness, Extraversion, and Agreeableness, individual differences in change were most pronounced in emerging adulthood and decreased throughout midlife and old age. For Emotional Stability, individual differences in change were relatively consistent across the life span.ConclusionsThese results inform theories of life span development and provide future directions for research on the causes and conditions of personality change.
Secession of municipalities and economies of scale: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Lima Ricardo Carvalho de Andrade , Silveira Neto Raul da Mota 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn the 1990s, there was a growing process of administrative decentralization that culminated in the creation of 1,016 new municipalities in Brazil. The aim of this paper is to verify the impact of the municipal secessions on the public expenditures and its association with economies of scale. Based on a Differences‐in‐Differences methodology, the obtained set of evidence indicates that those municipalities that underwent a secession process increased their per capita capital expenditures by 14.7 percent. In addition, we show evidence that strongly suggests that this increase in expenses can be explained by a reduction in economies of scale and rent‐seeking behavior.
Effectiveness of preharvest application of submicron chitosan dispersions for controlling Alternaria rot in postharvest jujube fruit
Authors: Guo Honglian , Xing Zijuan , Yu Qiaoyin , Zhao Yue , Zhu Enlong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe efficacy of submicron chitosan dispersions (SCD) on Alternaria alternata rot of the ‘Lingwu changzao’ jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwu changzao) fruit and possible mechanisms involved were investigated in this study. When jujube fruit at the preharvest stage were sprayed twice with SCD (10 mg/ml) water solution and then natural infections were allowed to develop, there was a significant reduction in disease incidence and lesion index compared to control fruit during storage period, and similar results were obtained from postharvest fruit inoculated with the Alternaria rot pathogen. Scanning electron microscopy of the pathogen revealed that hyphae and spores were damaged and deformed when growing on the surface of fruit pretreated with SCD or CHO. The slowed softening of jujube fruit resulted from the protopectin content increasing compared with the control. Furthermore, SCD sprays inhibited cell wall hydrolysing enzymes, pectinase activity was decreased, and the increase in cellulase activity was postponed (from 30 days to 45 days).It was concluded that preharvest application of SCD was a more effective alternative to conventional chitosan for preventing postharvest from Alternaria rot of ‘Lingwu changzao’ jujube fruit.
Hypericum perforatum L. supplementation protects sciatic nerve injury-induced apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative damage to muscle, blood and brain in rats
Authors: Uslusoy Fuat , Nazıroğlu Mustafa , Övey İshak Suat , Sönmez Tolga Taha 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Objectives
This study was conducted to explore whether Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL) as a potent antioxidant protects against oxidative stress, cytokine production and caspase expression in muscle (soleus), brain and blood of sciatic nerve injury (SNI)-induced rats.

Methods
Thirty-five rats were equally divided into five groups. The first and second were used as untreated control and sham control groups, respectively. The third, fourth and fifth were sham + HPL, SNI and SNI + HPL groups, respectively. The third and fifth groups received 30 mg/kg HPL via gastric gavage for 28 days.

Key findings
High levels of muscle, brain and red blood cell (RBC) lipid peroxidation, plasma cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2), muscle PARP, caspase 3 and 9 expression levels were decreased by HPL treatments. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, α-tocopherol and melatonin, muscle, brain and RBC reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were decreased by SNI induction, whereas their values were increased by HPL treatments. β-carotene and retinol concentrations did not change in the five groups.

Conclusion
HPL may play a role in preventing SNI-induced inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic blood, muscle and brain damages through upregulation of the GSH and GPx values but downregulation of PARP, caspase level and cytokine production in SNI-induced rats.
The effect of maternal obesity on fatty acid transporter expression and lipid metabolism in the full‐term placenta of lean breed swine
Authors: Tian L. , Dong S. S. , Hu J. , Yao J. J. , Yan P. S. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThis study was conducted to evaluate the influence of back‐fat thickness (BF), at mating of sows, on the maternal and newborn circulating lipids, expression of placental fatty acids (FA) transporters and lipid accumulation in placenta. Full‐term placentas were obtained by vaginal delivery from BFI (9–14 mm; n = 37), BFII (15–19 mm; n = 43) and BFIII (20–27 mm; n = 38) sows according to BF at mating, and frozen placental sections were analysed for fat accumulation. Blood samples were collected from the sows of day 105 pregnancy and from cord blood at delivery. mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated with real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that BFII females had significantly increased litter weight and placental efficiency, decreased maternal triglyceride (TG) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels, decreased maternal IL‐6, TNFα and leptin levels compared to BFIII females (p < .05). BFIII sows were associated with significantly decreased newborn TG levels, increased newborn glucose, IL‐6 and TNFα levels compared to BFI or BFII sows (p < .05). BFI and BFII females had significantly decreased placental TG, NEFA and cholesterol (CHOL) contents compared to BFIII females (p < .05). Moreover, decreased CD36, FATP1, FABP4, and FABP1 mRNA and protein and FATP4 protein expression, and increased LPL activity were also observed in BFIII group compared with BFII group (p < .05). PPARγ mRNA and protein and lipogenic genes such as SREBP‐1c, ACSL1, ACCα, FAS and SCD mRNA expression were downregulated or upregulated, respectively, in the placentas of BFIII sows compared to BFI or BFII sows (p < .05). Overall, this study demonstrated that there is no advantage, in terms of litter live size, litter weight and placental FA transport and metabolism, in performing the mating of sows with BF>19 mm.
Effect of under‐ and overfeeding on sheep and goat milk and plasma enzymes activities related to oxidation
Authors: Tsiplakou E. , Mitsiopoulou C. , Mavrommatis A. , Karaiskou C. , Chronopoulou E. G. , Mavridis G. , Sotirakoglou K. , Labrou N. E. , Zervas G. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryTwenty‐four dairy sheep and goats, respectively, were assigned each to three homogenous subgroups per animal species and fed the same diet in quantities which met 70% (underfeeding), 100% (control) and 130% (overfeeding) of their energy and crude protein requirements. The results showed that the underfed sheep in comparison with the control had significantly lower glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and total antioxidant capacity (measured with Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma [FRAP] assay) in their blood plasma. A significant increase in the glutathione transferase (GST) and GPX activities, malondialdehyde content and total antioxidant capacity (measured with 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) [ABTS] assay) in the blood plasma of underfed goats compared with controls was observed, while the opposite happened for the GR and SOD activities. The underfeeding in both animal species caused a significant increase in the protein carbonyls (PC) content of their blood plasma. The overfeeding, compared with the control, caused a significant decline in the GPX activity and total antioxidant capacity (measured with FRAP) in the blood plasma of sheep while the opposite happened for the GPX and GST activities in the case of goats. The overfed animals, of both species, compared with the respective controls, had higher PC content in their blood plasma. The feeding level had no noticeable impact on the antioxidants' enzymes activities of milk in both animal species. Moreover, the underfeeding in the blood plasma and the overfeeding in milk of both animal species resulted into a significant increase in the PC content. Finally, only in sheep milk, the underfeeding, compared with the respective control, and overfeeding reduced significantly the total antioxidant capacity (measured with ABTS). The feeding level caused oxidative stress in both organism and milk but the response was different in animal species and needs further investigation.
Role and regulation of autophagy and apoptosis by nitric oxide in hepatic stellate cells during acute liver failure
Authors: Jin Li , Gao Heng , Wang JiuPing , Yang ShuJuan , Wang Jing , Liu JingFeng , Yang Yuan , Yan TaoTao , Chen Tianyan , Zhao Yingren , He Yingli 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackground & AimsWe previously found that hepatic stellate cell activation induced by autophagy maintains the liver architecture to prevent collapse during acute liver failure. Nitric oxide has shown to induce hepatic stellate cell apoptosis. Whether and how nitric oxide is involved in acute liver failure and autophagy remains unclear.MethodsAcute liver failure patients were recruited to investigate the correlation between plasma nitric oxide levels and clinical features. Liver tissues were collected from chronic hepatitis patients by biopsy and from acute liver failure patients who had undergone liver transplantation. The expression of nitric oxide synthases and hepatic stellate cell activation (alpha‐SMA), and autophagic activity (LC3) were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy and apoptosis were investigated by immunoblot analysis, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry in hepatic stellate cells treated with nitric oxide donors.ResultsPlasma nitric oxide level was significantly increased in patients with acute liver failure compared to those with cirrhosis (53.60±19.74 μM vs 19.40±9.03 μM, Z=−7.384, P<.001) and positively correlated with MELD‐Na score (r=.539, P<.001), implicating nitric oxide in acute liver failure. At least some Nitric oxide was produced by overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthases and endothelial nitric oxide synthases, but not neuronal nitric oxide synthases in the liver tissue. In vivo observation revealed that autophagy was inhibited in hepatic stellate cells based on decreased LC3 immunostaining, and in vitro experiments demonstrated that Nitric oxide can inhibit autophagy. Moreover, nitric oxide promoted hepatic stellate cell apoptosis, which was rescued by an autophagy inducer.ConclusionsIncreased nitric oxide synthases/ nitric oxide promotes apoptosis through autophagy inhibition in hepatic stellate cells during acute liver failure, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of patients with acute liver failure.
Submillisecond fireball timing using de Bruijn timecodes
Authors: Howie Robert M. , Paxman Jonathan , Bland Philip A. , Towner Martin C. , Sansom Eleanor K. , Devillepoix Hadrien A. R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLong‐exposure fireball photographs have been used to systematically record meteoroid trajectories, calculate heliocentric orbits, and determine meteorite fall positions since the mid‐20th century. Periodic shuttering is used to determine meteoroid velocity, but up until this point, a separate method of precisely determining the arrival time of a meteoroid was required. We show it is possible to encode precise arrival times directly into the meteor image by driving the periodic shutter according to a particular pattern—a de Bruijn sequence—and eliminate the need for a separate subsystem to record absolute fireball timing. The Desert Fireball Network has implemented this approach using a microcontroller driven electro‐optic shutter synchronized with GNSS UTC time to create small, simple, and cost‐effective high‐precision fireball observatories with submillisecond timing accuracy.