bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genomic evaluation of regional dairy cattle breeds in single‐breed and multibreed contexts
Authors: Jónás D. , Ducrocq V. , Fritz S. , Baur A. , Sanchez M.‐P. , Croiseau P. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryAn important prerequisite for high prediction accuracy in genomic prediction is the availability of a large training population, which allows accurate marker effect estimation. This requirement is not fulfilled in case of regional breeds with a limited number of breeding animals. We assessed the efficiency of the current French routine genomic evaluation procedure in four regional breeds (Abondance, Tarentaise, French Simmental and Vosgienne) as well as the potential benefits when the training populations consisting of males and females of these breeds are merged to form a multibreed training population. Genomic evaluation was 5–11% more accurate than a pedigree‐based BLUP in three of the four breeds, while the numerically smallest breed showed a < 1% increase in accuracy. Multibreed genomic evaluation was beneficial for two breeds (Abondance and French Simmental) with maximum gains of 5 and 8% in correlation coefficients between yield deviations and genomic estimated breeding values, when compared to the single‐breed genomic evaluation results. Inflation of genomic evaluation of young candidates was also reduced. Our results indicate that genomic selection can be effective in regional breeds as well. Here, we provide empirical evidence proving that genetic distance between breeds is only one of the factors affecting the efficiency of multibreed genomic evaluation.
Flower visitation by European birds offers the first evidence of interaction release in continents
Authors: da Silva Luís P. , Ramos Jaime A. , Coutinho António Pereira , Tenreiro Paulo Q. , Heleno Ruben H. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimAll species are imbedded in a network of interactions with other species, which define an important component of their ecological niche. These interactions are dynamic and can change the emergence of vacant niches in the environment. Niche adjustments have been predicted to be particularly common on insular communities as a response to the poor and disharmonic biota of oceanic island – the interaction release hypothesis, however, the phenomena has not yet been reported on continents. Taxonomic groups of specialized nectarivorous birds are present on all continents except in Europe where they became extinct in the Oligocene, likely leaving behind underexplored flower resources. We performed the first community‐level assessment of flower visitation by European birds to evaluate if insectivorous and granivorous birds show an interaction release towards consuming flower resources in Europe.LocationLarçã – Coimbra, Portugal, Europe.MethodsDuring one year, we collected pollen loads from the forehead of 634 birds. Pollen loads were prepared by acetolysis and all pollen grains were identified under a microscope. All interactions were compiled into a quantitative interaction matrix describing the first pollen‐transport network by European birds.ResultsOne‐fifth of the bird individuals, corresponding to two thirds of the bird species sampled carried pollen from 45 different types. The vast majority of the plant species found were native but the alien Eucalyptus globulus was by far the species most commonly found in the birds’ pollen loads. Overall, the structure of the pollen‐transport network from Europe shared many attributes of other networks that include taxonomic groups of specialized nectarivorous birds.Main conclusionsWe show that the interaction release hypothesis is not exclusive to insular communities but can also be observed in continents, greatly increasing the potential geographical distribution of this phenomenon. However, it seems considerably less pronounced in Europe than in the Galápagos, where it was first described, probably due to the much stronger selective pressures on the simplified ecosystems of oceanic islands.
Fire is a major driver of patterns of genetic diversity in two co‐occurring Tasmanian palaeoendemic conifers
Authors: Worth James R. P. , Jordan Gregory J. , Marthick James R. , Sakaguchi Shota , Colhoun Eric A. , Williamson Grant J. , Ito Motomi , Bowman David M. J. S. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractAimThe impacts of Holocene fires on the genetic architecture of fire‐intolerant species have largely been overlooked. Here, we investigate the relative impacts of the last glacial climate versus Holocene fires on the genetic diversity of two co‐occurring, fire‐intolerant conifers using a comparative population genetic study.LocationThe palaeoendemic plant‐rich montane rain forests and alpine coniferous heath of Tasmania, Australia.MethodsThe Tasmanian endemic conifersAthrotaxis cupressoidesD. Don (461 samples from 20 populations) andDiselma archeriHook.f. (576 samples from 23 populations, 16 of which were for sites sampled forA. cupressoides), were genotyped using eight and nineESTnuclear microsatellites respectively. Genetic diversity and structure was compared between the two species and the factors underlying genetic patterns in both species were investigated by examining isolation by distance, correlations with Last Glacial Maximum modelled distributions and the fossil record, and a fire history index of the sampled stands.ResultsThe range‐wide genetic structure of the two species was similar (Fst = 0.09 andF’st = 0.21 forA. cupressoidesversusD. archeri;Fst = 0.06 andF’st = 0.24), and there were significant correlations between species for population‐based expected heterozygosity, allelic richness, private allelic richness and pairwise genetic divergences. Furthermore, genetic diversity metrics decreased significantly with an index of fire history. Given fossil evidence and modelling evidence that both species occurred near their current ranges during the last glaciation and a lack of evidence for isolation by distance in either species, the plausible explanation for the patterns of diversity is genetic decline resulting from repeated Holocene fires.Main conclusionsOur study suggests that fire can have substantial impacts on genetic structure and diversity of plant species, particularly those without fire‐tolerant traits, and that any increases in fire resulting from climate change may impose substantial threats to such species. In Tasmania, the observed increase in dry lightning in recent years, combined with periods of abnormally dry conditions, may therefore further degrade the range and genetic diversity of fire‐intolerant palaeoendemic species.
Tipping points? Curvilinear associations between activity level and mental development in toddlers
Authors: Flom Megan , Cohen Madeleine , Saudino Kimberly J. 
Published: December 2016

BackgroundThe Theory of Optimal Stimulation (Zentall & Zentall,Psychological Bulletin, 94, 1983, 446) posits that the relation between activity level (AL) and cognitive performance follows an inverted U shape where midrangeALpredicts better cognitive performance thanALat the extremes.MethodsWe explored this by fitting linear and quadratic models predicting mental development fromALassessed via multiple methods (parent ratings, observations, and actigraphs) and across multiple situations (laboratory play, laboratory test, home) in over 600 twins (2‐ and 3‐year olds).ResultsOnly observedALin the laboratory was curvilinearly related to mental development scores. Results replicated across situations, age, and twin samples, providing strong support for the optimal stimulation model for this measure ofALin early childhood.ConclusionsDifferent measures ofALprovide different information. Observations ofALwhich include both qualitative and quantitative aspects ofALwithin structured situations are able to capture beneficial aspects of normativeALas well as detriments of both low and highAL.
Relation of Dysglycemia to Structural Brain Changes in a Multiethnic Elderly Cohort
Authors: Reitz Christiane , Guzman Vanessa A. , Narkhede Atul , DeCarli Charles , Brickman Adam M. , Luchsinger José A. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesAbnormally high glucose levels (dysglycemia) increase with age. Epidemiological studies suggest that dysglycemia is a risk factor for cognitive impairment but the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the relation of dysglycemia clinical categories (normal glucose tolerance (NGT), pre‐diabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, known diabetes) with brain structure in older adults. We also assessed the relation between dysglycemia and cognitive performance.DesignCross‐sectional and longitudinal cohort study.SettingNorthern Manhattan (Washington Heights, Hamilton Heights, and Inwood).ParticipantsMedicare recipients 65 years and older.MeasurementsDysglycemia categories were based on HBA1c or history of type 2 diabetes (diabetes). Brain structure (brain infarcts, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume, total gray matter volume, total white matter volume, total hippocampus volume) was assessed with brain magnetic resonance imaging; cognitive function (memory, language and visuospatial function, speed) was assessed with a validated neuropsychological battery.ResultsDysglycemia, defined with HbA1c as a continuous variable or categorically as pre‐diabetes and diabetes, was associated with a higher number of brain infarcts, WMH volume and decreased total white matter, gray matter and hippocampus volumes cross‐sectionally, and a significant decline in gray matter volume longitudinally. Dysglycemia was also associated with lower performance in language, speed and visuospatial function although these associations were attenuated when adjusted for education, APOE‐ε4, ethnic group and vascular risk factors.ConclusionOur results suggest that dysglycemia affects brain structure and cognition even in elderly survivors, evidenced by higher cerebrovascular disease, lower white and gray matter volume, and worse language and visuospatial function and cognitive speed.
Exploring dynamic surface processes during silicate mineral (wollastonite) dissolution with liquid cell TEM
Authors: LEONARD D.N. , HELLMANN R. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryMost liquid cell transmission electron microscopy (LC TEM) studies focus on nanoparticles or nanowires, in large part because the preparation and study of materials in this size range is straightforward. By contrast, this is not true for samples in the micrometre size range, in large part because of the difficulties associated with sample preparation starting from a ‘bulk’ material. There are also many advantages inherent to the study of micrometre‐sized samples compared to their nanometre‐sized counterparts. Here, we present a liquid cell transmission electron study that employed an innovative sample preparation technique using focused ion beam (FIB) milling to fabricate micrometre‐sized electron transparent lamellae that were then welded to the liquid cell substrate. This technique, for which we have described in detail all of the fabrication steps, allows for samples having dimensions of several square micrometres to be observed by TEM in situ in a liquid. We applied this technique to test whether we could observe and measure in situ dissolution of a crystalline material called wollastonite, a calcium silicate mineral. More specifically, this study was used to observe and record surface dynamics associated with step and terrace edge movement, which are ultimately linked to the overall rate of dissolution. The wollastonite lamella underwent chemical reactions in pure deionized water at ambient temperature in a liquid cell with a 5‐m‐spacer thickness. The movement of surface steps and terraces was measured periodically over a period of almost 5 h. Quite unexpectedly, the one‐dimensional rates of retreat of these surface features were not constant, but changed over time. In addition, there were noticeable quantitative differences in retreat rates as a function crystallographic orientation, indicating that surface retreat is anisotropic. Several bulk rates of dissolution were also determined (1.6–4.2 • 10−7 mol m−2 s−1) using the rates of retreat of representative terraces and steps, and were found to be within one order of magnitude of dissolution rates in the literature based on aqueous chemistry data.
Single particle raster image analysis of diffusion
Authors: LONGFILS M. , SCHUSTER E. , LORÉN N. , SÄRKKÄ A. , RUDEMO M. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryAs a complement to the standard RICS method of analysing Raster Image Correlation Spectroscopy images with estimation of the image correlation function, we introduce the method SPRIA, Single Particle Raster Image Analysis. Here, we start by identifying individual particles and estimate the diffusion coefficient for each particle by a maximum likelihood method. Averaging over the particles gives a diffusion coefficient estimate for the whole image. In examples both with simulated and experimental data, we show that the new method gives accurate estimates. It also gives directly standard error estimates. The method should be possible to extend to study heterogeneous materials and systems of particles with varying diffusion coefficient, as demonstrated in a simple simulation example. A requirement for applying the SPRIA method is that the particle concentration is low enough so that we can identify the individual particles. We also describe a bootstrap method for estimating the standard error of standard RICS.
Safety, efficacy, and usage compliance of home‐use device utilizing RF and light energies for treating periorbital wrinkles
Authors: Gold Michael H. , Biron Julie , Levi Liora , Sensing Whitney 
Published: December 2016

SummaryBackgroundThe aging process is often associated with undesirable effects on facial skin such as skin redundancy, reduction of elasticity, and increased wrinkling. Radiofrequency (RF) and light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) are widely used, clinically proven technologies for skin rejuvenation.Study ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and usage compliance of the home‐use device, utilizing RF and LED energies, for self‐treatment of periorbital wrinkles and improvement of skin appearance.Study designThirty‐three subjects performed 21 treatment sessions every other day, over 6 weeks on the periorbital areas. In addition, two maintenance treatments were conducted 1 and 2 months following treatment end. Each subject served as his/her own control, comparing results before treatment, and 3 months following treatment end.ResultsThirty subjects completed the study. A blinded, independent photographs assessment of three dermatologists demonstrated an average reduction of 1.49 Fitzpatrick scores (P < 0.001). Analysis revealed improvement (downgrade of at least 1 score) in almost all subjects.No unexpected adverse events were reported. Post‐treatment erythema was seen in all subjects and disappeared within 1 h. In some subjects, post‐treatment edema was detected and resolved within 24 h. High satisfaction with the device operation, ease of treatments, safety, and wrinkle reduction was reported.ConclusionsThe Silk'n Home Skin Tightening (HST) device offers a safe and effective in‐home noninvasive technique to improve the appearance of age‐related periorbital wrinkles.
EUROPEAN ECONOMIC INTEGRATION AND COMPARATIVE ADVANTAGES
Authors: Boglioni Michele , Zambelli Stefano 
Published: December 2016

AbstractOn the basis of a set of Input‐Output tables we computed the European Net Product Possibility Frontier (NPPF) for the years from 1995 to 2011. During this period, several barriers to trade have been removed, allowing higher levels of trade and regional integration. Subsequently, we propose a method to check whether the prediction to be derived from Comparative Advantages (CAs) theory, namely, a specialization pattern that allows to reach the NPPF, is verified. The results suggest that CAs were not exploited well during the period considered and no positive trend emerged. The implication of our results is that there is ample scope for a coordinated policy aimed at improving allocation of resources. Further research on this topic seems to be necessary.
Prognostic Value of Nerve Ultrasound and Electrophysiological Findings in Saturday Night Palsy
Authors: Kerasnoudis Antonios , Ntasiou Panagiota , Ntasiou Efthymia 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEWe report on the prognostic role of the cross‐sectional area (CSA) enlargement and conduction block (CB) in radial neuropathy (Saturday night palsy [SNP]).METHODSReference CSA values were defined in 30 healthy subjects. Twenty‐four patients with SNP underwent evaluation (Thessaloniki Hypesthesia Score [THS], Medical Research Council [MRC], ultrasound, electrophysiology). All patients were followed up 3 months after initial presentation.RESULTSDuring initial evaluation, 13 patients showed pathological CSA (pCSA) and 11 normal CSA (nCSA). Fourteen patients showed conduction block (pCB) and 10 showed no conduction block (nCB). The site of lesion was recognized in 11 patients in the spiral groove, in 8 patients in the distal main trunk, just before the division to motor and sensory branch, while 5 patients showed a double site of lesion (spiral groove and supinators’ canal). During follow‐up, the pCSA group showed a mean MRC score of 2.8 (SD ± .7) and a THS of 1.8 (SD ± .4), while the nCSA group showed a mean MRC score of 4.1 (SD ± .9) and a THS of .7 (SD ± .3) (P < .001) (Table 4). On the other hand, the pCB group showed a mean MRC score of 3.7 (SD ± 1.1) and a THS of 2.7 (SD ± .9), and the nCB group showed a mean MRC score of 4.2 (SD ± 1.2) and a THS of 1.7 (SD ± .9) (P = .355, P = .013, respectively).CONCLUSIONSThe CSA enlargement, but not the CB, seems to have a negative prognostic role in patients with SNP.
Chronic hepatitis C infection and liver disease in HIV‐coinfected patients in Asia
Authors: Durier N. , Yunihastuti E. , Ruxrungtham K. , Kinh N. V. , Kamarulzaman A. , Boettiger D. , Widhani A. , Avihingsanon A. , Huy B. V. , Syed Omar S. F. B. , Sanityoso A. , Chittmittrapap S. , Dung N. T. H. , Pillai V. , Suwan‐Ampai T. , Law M. , Sohn A. H. , Matthews G. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryData on markers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) disease in HIV‐HCV‐coinfected patients in resource‐limited settings are scarce. We assessed HCV RNA, HCV genotype (GT), IL28B GT and liver fibrosis (FibroScan®) in 480 HIV‐infected patients with positive HCV antibody in four HIV treatment centres in South‐East Asia. We enrolled 165 (34.4%) patients in Jakarta, 158 (32.9%) in Bangkok, 110 (22.9%) in Hanoi and 47 (9.8%) in Kuala Lumpur. Overall, 426 (88.8%) were male, the median (IQR) age was 38.1 (34.7‐42.5) years, 365 (76.0%) reported HCV exposure through injecting drug use, and 453 (94.4%) were on combination antiretroviral therapy. The median (IQR) CD4 count was 446 (325‐614) cells/mm3 and 208 (94.1%) of 221 patients tested had HIV‐1 RNA <400 copies/mL. A total of 412 (85.8%) had detectable HCV RNA, at a median (IQR) of 6.2 (5.4‐6.6) log10 IU/mL. Among 380 patients with HCV GT, 223 (58.7%) had GT1, 97 (25.5%) had GT3, 43 (11.3%) had GT6, eight (2.1%) had GT4, two (0.5%) had GT2, and seven (1.8%) had indeterminate GT. Of 222 patients with IL28B testing, 189 (85.1%) had rs12979860 CC genotype, and 199 (89.6%) had rs8099917 TT genotype. Of 380 patients with FibroScan®, 143 (37.6%) had no/mild liver fibrosis (F0‐F1), 83 (21.8%) had moderate fibrosis (F2), 74 (19.5%) had severe fibrosis (F3), and 79 (20.8%) had cirrhosis (F4). One patient (0.3%) had FibroScan® failure. In conclusion, a high proportion of HIV‐HCV‐coinfected patients had chronic HCV infection. HCV GT1 was predominant, and 62% of patients had liver disease warranting prompt treatment (≥F2).
Temperature response of mesophyll conductance in three C4 species calculated with two methods: 18O discrimination and in vitro Vpmax
Authors: Ubierna Nerea , Gandin Anthony , Boyd Ryan A. , Cousins Asaph B. 
Published: December 2016

Summary

Mesophyll conductance (gm) is an important factor limiting rates of C3 photosynthesis. However, its role in C4 photosynthesis is poorly understood because it has been historically difficult to estimate.

We use two methods to derive the temperature responses of gm in C4 species. The first (Δ18O) combines measurements of gas exchange with models and measurements of 18O discrimination. The second method (in vitro Vpmax) derives gm by retrofitting models of C4 photosynthesis and 13C discrimination with gas exchange, kinetic constants and in vitro Vpmax measurements.

The two methods produced similar gm for Setaria viridis and Zea mays. Additionally, we present the first temperature response (10–40°C) of C4 gm in S. viridis, Z. mays and Miscanthus × giganteus. Values for gm at 25°C ranged from 2.90 to 7.85 μmol m−2 s−1 Pa−1.

Our study demonstrated that: the two described methods are suitable to calculate gm in C4 species; gm values in C4 are similar to high‐end values reported for C3 species; and gm increases with temperature analogous to reports for C3 species and the response is species specific. These results improve our mechanistic understanding of C4 photosynthesis.
New routes for plant iron mining
Authors: Curie Catherine , Mari Stéphane 
Published: December 2016

SummaryPlant iron (Fe) uptake relies to a large extent on the capacity of cells to control and extract Fe pools safely conserved in extracytoplasmic environments such as the apoplast and vacuoles, at least as much as on the transport machinery nested in plasma membranes. Recent studies on root and embryo Fe nutrition support this assertion and show that the root Fe‐deficiency response also includes the dynamic use of a large Fe reservoir bound to cell wall components in the root apoplast, secretion in the apoplast of phenolic compounds of the coumarin family, which solubilize Fe in calcareous soils, and inhibition of suberization of endodermal cells in order to allow apoplastic and transcellular radial transport of Fe. All of these responses are regulated by the stress hormones ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA), suggesting an integrated strategy within the root to adapt to Fe shortage. For its nutrition, the embryo has developed both an original uptake mechanism, in which ascorbate is effluxed to chemically reduce Fe3+ to the transport‐competent Fe2+ form, and an efficient strategy to control utilization of a large Fe pool in vacuoles. This review will attempt to summarize exciting new insights into the diverse routes that Fe takes to feed plant tissues.

Contents

Summary
521

I.
Introduction
521

II.
How does the root extracellular space contribute to Fe nutrition?
522

III.
Fe in the seed: acquisition and distribution strategies
523

IV.
Conclusions and open questions
524

Acknowledgements
525

References
525