bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparing predicted yield and yield stability of willow and Miscanthus across Denmark
Authors: Larsen Søren , Jaiswal Deepak , Bentsen Niclas S. , Wang Dan , Long Stephen P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTo achieve the goals of energy security and climate change mitigation in Denmark and the EU, an expansion of national production of bioenergy crops is needed. Temporal and spatial variation of yields of willow and Miscanthus is not known for Denmark because of a limited number of field trial data. The semi‐mechanistic crop model BioCro was used to simulate the production of both short‐rotation coppice (SRC) willow and Miscanthus across Denmark. Predictions were made from high spatial resolution soil data and weather records across this area for 1990–2010. The potential average, rain‐fed mean yield was 12.1 Mg DM ha−1 yr−1 for willow and 10.2 Mg DM ha−1 yr−1 for Miscanthus. Coefficient of variation as a measure for yield stability was poorest on the sandy soils of northern and western Jutland, and the year‐to‐year variation in yield was greatest on these soils. Willow was predicted to outyield Miscanthus on poor, sandy soils, whereas Miscanthus was higher yielding on clay‐rich soils. The major driver of yield in both crops was variation in soil moisture, with radiation and precipitation exerting less influence. This is the first time these two major feedstocks for northern Europe have been compared within a single modeling framework and providing an important new tool for decision‐making in selection of feedstocks for emerging bioenergy systems.
The reproductive ecology of the invasive Asian paddle crab, Charybdis japonica (Brachyura: Portunidae), in northeastern New Zealand
Authors: Wong Nicholas A. , Sewell Mary A. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe Asian paddle crab, Charybdis japonica, native to the northwest Pacific, is an invasive species that has established populations within northeastern New Zealand. Here, we provide a detailed examination of C. japonica's reproductive seasonality and gametogenesis, sizes at physiological maturity, and sex ratios outside its native range. Trapping in the Weiti River Estuary, Whangaparoa (36°38.4′S, 174°43.6′E) from February 2010 to May 2012 indicated a male‐biased population. Reproductive seasonality largely depended on female condition, since males contained ripe spermatozoa year‐round. Female gametogenesis began during late autumn, with oocyte development occurring throughout winter to early spring. Based on the presence of mature gametes during late winter and the appearance of gravid females in early November, mating began during early spring, with spawning in mid‐spring. Spawning coincided with a large drop in the gonad index, and occurred between sea surface temperatures of 17–22°C and 11.75–13.5 h day length. Females remained reproductive for up to 5 months of the year. Histological observation suggested that CW50 (the carapace width at which 50% of the population is mature) for females was 46.39 mm, while CW50 for males could not be determined due to a paucity of immature males. Histological analysis also suggested that females of C. japonica could produce store sperm and multiple broods annually.
The Role of Microstructure on Microwave Dielectric Properties of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 Ceramics
Authors: Song Zhe , Xu Qi , Zhang Shujun , Liu Hanxing , Luo Wei , Hao Hua , Cao Minghe , Yao Zhonghua , Hu Wei , Shi Yatong , Lanagan Michael T. 
Published: November 2015

Microstructural effects on the microwave dielectric properties of (Ba0.4Sr0.6)TiO3 (BST) polycrystalline ceramics were investigated, focusing on the grain size. Sintering temperatures between 1350°C and 1500°C have a strong effect on the permittivity (880 < εr < 990), quality factor (570 GHz < Q×f < 1150 GHz), and temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (3920 ppm/°C < τf < 4560 ppm/°C) at microwave frequency (≈1.4 GHz). The tunable permittivity characteristics (measured at 10 kHz), were also found to be sensitive to the sintering process, demonstrating the possibility of tailoring material property by designed processing. In addition, the effect of the sintering process on grain structure was investigated by XRD calculation and Raman scattering characterization. Less confined phonons were believed to contribute to the enhanced microwave performance as an intrinsic effect (grain size effect), for samples with higher sintering temperature and longer dwell time. On the contrary, the macroscopic properties tend to saturate (or deteriorate), for samples at intensified sintering condition, being thought to be dominated by the extrinsic factors (such as the abundant defects in large grains), as confirmed by the SEM observations.
Governance Structure and Firm Performance in Private Family Firms
Authors: Che Limei , Langli John Christian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAlthough a large proportion of firms are family owned and most family firms are private, our understanding of private family firms is limited. Using confidential information on family relationships between board members, CEOs, and shareholders, this is the first study to provide large‐scale evidence on the association between governance structure and firm performance in family‐controlled private firms. Our sample is unique as it covers almost all private limited liability firms in Norway, spans 11 years, traces firm ownership to ultimate owners, and identifies family relationship using data on kinship, marriage, and adoption. The results show a U‐shaped relationship between family ownership and firm performance. Higher ownership of the second largest owner, higher percentage of family members on the board, stronger family power, and smaller boards are associated with higher firm performance. In addition, the positive association between the ownership of the second largest owner and firm performance also occurs when the second largest owner is a member of the controlling family, but the association is stronger when the second largest owner is a non‐family member. We further test the relative importance of these test variables and find that ownership structure is more associated with firm performance than board structure.
Genome‐wide study on intramuscular fat in Italian Large White pig breed using the PorcineSNP60 BeadChip
Authors: Davoli R. , Luise D. , Mingazzini V. , Zambonelli P. , Braglia S. , Serra A. , Russo V. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryGenome‐wide association study results are presented for intramuscular fat in Italian Large White pig breed. A total of 886 individuals were genotyped with PorcineSNP60 BeadChip. After quality control performed with plink software and in R environment, 49 208 markers remained for the association analysis. The genome‐wide association studies was conducted using linear mixed model implemented in GenABEL. We detected seven new SNPs of genes till now not found associated to intramuscular fat (IMF). Three markers map in a wide intergenic region rich of QTL linked to fat traits, one map 388 kb upstream the gene SDK1, one map inside PPP3CA gene, one inside SCPEP1 gene and the last is not mapped in the porcine genome yet. Associations here presented indicate a moderate effect of these genes on IMF. In particular, PPP3CA, that is involved in the oxidative metabolism of skeletal muscle, could be considerated as an interesting candidate gene for IMF content in pigs. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of these genes on the physiological processes involved in IMF regulation. These results may be useful to control this trait that is important in terms of nutritional, technological and organoleptic characteristics of fresh meat and processed products.
Restoring the youth of aged red blood cells and extending their lifespan in circulation by remodelling membrane sialic acid
Authors: Huang Yao‐Xiong , Tuo Wei‐Wei , Wang Di , Kang Li‐Li , Chen Xing‐Yao , Luo Man 
Published: November 2015

AbstractMembrane sialic acid (SA) plays an important role in the survival of red blood cells (RBCs), the age‐related reduction in SA content negatively impacts both the structure and function of these cells. We have therefore suggested that remodelling the SA in the membrane of aged cells would help recover cellular functions characteristic of young RBCs. We developed an effective method for the re‐sialylation of aged RBCs by which the cells were incubated with SA in the presence of cytidine triphosphate (CTP) and α‐2,3‐sialytransferase. We found that RBCs could be re‐sialylated if they had available SA‐binding groups and after the re‐sialylation, aged RBCs could restore their membrane SA to the level in young RBCs. Once the membrane SA was restored, the aged RBCs showed recovery of their biophysical and biochemical properties to similar levels as in young RBCs. Their life span in circulation was also extended to twofold. Our findings indicate that remodelling membrane SA not only helps restore the youth of aged RBCs, but also helps recover injured RBCs.
Resistance of cotton genotypes with different leaf colour and trichome density to Bemisia tabaci biotype B
Authors: do Prado J. C. , Peñaflor M. F. G. V. , Cia E. , Vieira S. S. , Silva K. I. , Carlini‐Garcia L. A. , Lourenção A. L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe silverleaf whitefly (SLW), Bemisia tabaci biotype B, is considered one of the most serious pests in cotton worldwide. Its control is based on the use of pesticides, which are well‐known for their harmful effects on non‐target organisms and the environment. Here, we examined resistance of several cotton genotypes in terms of antixenosis and antibiosis against SLW. We also investigated the mechanisms of cotton genotypes involved in antixenosis against SLW by correlating with leaf trichome density and leaf colour parameters. In choice tests, we selected resistant cotton genotypes, Gossypium hirsutum palmeri, Aubum 56‐7, G. hirsutum morrilli, Mocó, Nu‐16 (B2 B3 B6)‐ 78/658, Paymaster 53‐816 and ‘IAC 23’, based on SLW oviposition and host preference. No‐choice tests with these genotypes confirmed antixenosis effect on SLW; however, no antibiosis resistance was detected in terms of developmental period and adult emergence rate. We found SLW oviposition preference was positively correlated with trichome density in the abaxial leaf surface, while adult host preference was mostly explained by high levels of green intensity of adaxial surface. Nevertheless, both SLW oviposition and host preference were negatively correlated with the lightness level of adaxial leaf surface. Probably, the underlying mechanism of cotton resistance is based on more than just these two parameters, but our study will contribute to selecting resistant cotton genotypes and helps to understand the mechanisms involved in cotton resistance against SLW. To our best knowledge, this is the first work showing that cotton leaf colour parameters are related to resistance against SLW.
Antipredator responses in Tetranychus urticae differ with predator specialization
Authors: Jacobsen S. K. , Alexakis I. , Sigsgaard L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe behavioural response of Tetranychus urticae to chemical cues from specialist predatory mites, Phytoseiulus persimilis, or generalist predatory bugs, Orius majusculus, on either bean or strawberry was studied in experimental arenas. Predators were placed on the leaf disc for 24 h and removed before T. urticae females were introduced. After 24 h, prey fecundity (number of eggs laid) and dispersal (number of prey drowned in the water barrier) were assessed. Chemical cues from the specialist predator resulted in reduced prey fecundity, significantly different from the generalist predator and control treatments. No interaction effect was found between plant species and prey fecundity, while significantly more eggs were laid on bean than on strawberry. Predator cues irrespective of predator specialization resulted in more prey dispersal than in the control. Findings emphasize the importance of specialization in the predator species complex for the degree and type of antipredator responses and resulting biological control.
The efficacy and safety of combined microneedle fractional radiofrequency and sublative fractional radiofrequency for acne scars in Asian skin
Authors: Park Jae Yang , Lee Eo Gin , Yoon Moon Soo , Lee Hee Jung 
Published: November 2015

SummaryBackgroundMicroneedle fractional radiofrequency has been reported to be effective for improving wrinkles, enlarged pores and various scars. Sublative fractional radiofrequency has been shown to induce both fractional ablation of epidermis and upper dermal remodelling, which had rejuvenation effects in photoaged skin. Both modalities may have the potential synergy to improve acne scars.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined microneedle and sublative fractional radiofrequency for acne scars in Asian skin.MethodsTwenty subjects comprised 11 males and 9 females (mean age 23.65 ± 2.94, skin phototype III–IV) with moderate to severe acne scars. The subjects received three consecutive combined microneedle and sublative fractional radiofrequency at 4‐week intervals over 12 weeks. Both blinded dermatologists and subjects assessed the clinical improvement based on the standardized photography and questionnaires, respectively. The quartile grading scale was utilized and defined as follows: grade 1, 0–25% improvement; grade 2, 26–50% improvement; grade 3, 51–75% improvement and grade 4, 76–100% improvement.ResultsAll 20 subjects were assessed to have grade 2 or more clinical improvement by physicians; four (20%) had grade 4, 10 (50%) had grade 3, and six (30%) had grade 2 improvement. The subjects' grading also showed a good concordance as indicated by Kappa index of 0.695. The mean duration of post‐therapy crusting was 5.2 days and post‐therapy erythema lasted 2.5 days.ConclusionCombined microneedle and sublative fractional radiofrequency can have a positive therapeutic effect with no serious complications and may provide a new therapeutic approach on acne scars in Asians.
Rapid Detection of Watermelon Viruses by Reverse Transcription Loop‐Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Authors: Zhao Lei , Liu Yang , Wu Yunfeng , Hao Xingan 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this study, a stable, sensitive and specific one‐step reverse transcription loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (RT‐LAMP) assay was developed to detect three watermelon viruses. The RT‐LAMP primers were designed based on the coat protein gene sequences of the watermelon mosaic virus (WMV) and the squash mosaic virus (SqMV), as well as the cylindrical inclusion protein gene sequence of the zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV). Results could be obtained within an hour at temperatures of 60–61°C. The sensitivity of the RT‐LAMP assay was 10–100 times higher than that of the conventional RT‐PCR method. In addition, RT‐LAMP does not require specialized equipment and can be performed under general experimental conditions. This report is the first to use RT‐LAMP for WMV, SqMV and ZYMV detection. The proposed RT‐LAMP method has great potential for applications in watermelon virus detection, identification and control strategies.
Breeding Restrictions Decrease the Prevalence of Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels over an 8‐ to 10‐Year Period
Authors: Birkegård A.C. , Reimann M.J. , Martinussen T. , Häggström J. , Pedersen H.D. , Olsen L.H. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundCavalier King Charles Spaniels (CKCS) are predisposed to myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Studies have indicated a strong genetic background.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a breeding scheme involving auscultation and echocardiography.AnimalsIn the Danish Kennel Club mandatory breeding scheme, 997 purebredCKCSwere examined during the period 2002–2011. Each dog was evaluated 1–4 times with a total of 1,380 examinations.MethodsAuscultation and echocardiography were performed to evaluate mitral regurgitation murmur severity and degree of mitral valve prolapse (MVP). The odds of having mitral regurgitation murmur orMVP> grade 1 in 2010–2011 compared to 2002–2003 were estimated using logistic regression analysis including age and sex as covariates. Odds were estimated for dogs that were products of the breeding scheme (defined as dogs with both parents approved by the breeding scheme before breeding) and non‐products of the breeding scheme (defined as dogs with at least 1 parent with unknown cardiac status).ResultsIn 2010–2011, the odds of having mitral regurgitation murmur were 0.27 if dogs were a product of the breeding scheme compared with dogs in 2002–2003, reflecting a 73% decreased risk (P < .0001). If non‐products of the breeding scheme examined in 2010–2011 were compared with dogs in 2002–2003, no difference in odds was found (P = .49).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceA mandatory breeding scheme based on auscultation and echocardiography findings significantly decreased the prevalence ofMMVDover the 8‐ to 10‐year period. Such a breeding scheme therefore is recommended forCKCS.
Seascape genetics along environmental gradients in the Arabian Peninsula: insights from ddRAD sequencing of anemonefishes
Authors: Saenz‐Agudelo Pablo , Dibattista Joseph D. , Piatek Marek J. , Gaither Michelle R. , Harrison Hugo B. , Nanninga Gerrit B. , Berumen Michael L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the processes that shape patterns of genetic structure across space is a central aim of landscape genetics. However, it remains unclear how geographical features and environmental variables shape gene flow, particularly for marine species in large complex seascapes. Here, we evaluated the genomic composition of the two‐band anemonefish Amphiprion bicinctus across its entire geographical range in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, as well as its close relative, Amphiprion omanensis endemic to the southern coast of Oman. Both the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea are complex and environmentally heterogeneous marine systems that provide an ideal scenario to address these questions. Our findings confirm the presence of two genetic clusters previously reported for A. bicinctus in the Red Sea. Genetic structure analyses suggest a complex seascape configuration, with evidence of both isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by environment (IBE). In addition to IBD and IBE, genetic structure among sites was best explained when two barriers to gene flow were also accounted for. One of these coincides with a strong oligotrophic–eutrophic gradient at around 16–20˚N in the Red Sea. The other agrees with a historical bathymetric barrier at the straight of Bab al Mandab. Finally, these data support the presence of interspecific hybrids at an intermediate suture zone at Socotra and indicate complex patterns of genomic admixture in the Gulf of Aden with evidence of introgression between species. Our findings highlight the power of recent genomic approaches to resolve subtle patterns of gene flow in marine seascapes.
The role of parasite‐driven selection in shaping landscape genomic structure in red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica)
Authors: Wenzel Marius A. , Douglas Alex , James Marianne C. , Redpath Steve M. , Piertney Stuart B. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractLandscape genomics promises to provide novel insights into how neutral and adaptive processes shape genome‐wide variation within and among populations. However, there has been little emphasis on examining whether individual‐based phenotype–genotype relationships derived from approaches such as genome‐wide association (GWAS) manifest themselves as a population‐level signature of selection in a landscape context. The two may prove irreconcilable as individual‐level patterns become diluted by high levels of gene flow and complex phenotypic or environmental heterogeneity. We illustrate this issue with a case study that examines the role of the highly prevalent gastrointestinal nematode Trichostrongylus tenuis in shaping genomic signatures of selection in red grouse (Lagopus lagopus scotica). Individual‐level GWAS involving 384 SNPs has previously identified five SNPs that explain variation in T. tenuis burden. Here, we examine whether these same SNPs display population‐level relationships between T. tenuis burden and genetic structure across a small‐scale landscape of 21 sites with heterogeneous parasite pressure. Moreover, we identify adaptive SNPs showing signatures of directional selection using outlier analysis and relate population‐ and individual‐level patterns of multilocus neutral and adaptive genetic structure to T. tenuis burden. The five candidate SNPs for parasite‐driven selection were neither associated with T. tenuis burden on a population level, nor under directional selection. Similarly, there was no evidence of parasite‐driven selection in SNPs identified as candidates for directional selection. We discuss these results in the context of red grouse ecology and highlight the broader consequences for the utility of landscape genomics approaches for identifying signatures of selection.
The population genetics of drug resistance evolution in natural populations of viral, bacterial and eukaryotic pathogens
Authors: Wilson Benjamin A. , Garud Nandita R. , Feder Alison F. , Assaf Zoe J. , Pennings Pleuni S. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractDrug resistance is a costly consequence of pathogen evolution and a major concern in public health. In this review, we show how population genetics can be used to study the evolution of drug resistance and also how drug resistance evolution is informative as an evolutionary model system. We highlight five examples from diverse organisms with particular focus on: (i) identifying drug resistance loci in the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum using the genomic signatures of selective sweeps, (ii) determining the role of epistasis in drug resistance evolution in influenza, (iii) quantifying the role of standing genetic variation in the evolution of drug resistance in HIV, (iv) using drug resistance mutations to study clonal interference dynamics in tuberculosis and (v) analysing the population structure of the core and accessory genome of Staphylococcus aureus to understand the spread of methicillin resistance. Throughout this review, we discuss the uses of sequence data and population genetic theory in studying the evolution of drug resistance.
The rate of adaptive evolution in animal mitochondria
Authors: James Jennifer E. , Piganeau Gwenael , Eyre‐Walker Adam 
Published: November 2015

AbstractWe have investigated whether there is adaptive evolution in mitochondrial DNA, using an extensive data set containing over 500 animal species from a wide range of taxonomic groups. We apply a variety of McDonald–Kreitman style methods to the data. We find that the evolution of mitochondrial DNA is dominated by slightly deleterious mutations, a finding which is supported by a number of previous studies. However, when we control for the presence of deleterious mutations using a new method, we find that mitochondria undergo a significant amount of adaptive evolution, with an estimated 26% (95% confidence intervals: 5.7–45%) of nonsynonymous substitutions fixed by adaptive evolution. We further find some weak evidence that the rate of adaptive evolution is correlated to synonymous diversity. We interpret this as evidence that at least some adaptive evolution is limited by the supply of mutations.