bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of nonrandom parental selection on estimation of variance components
Authors: Schenkel F.S. , Schaeffer L.R. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryBayesian estimation via Gibbs sampling, REML, and Method R were compared for their empirical sampling properties in estimating genetic parameters from data subject to parental selection using an infinitesimal animal model. Models with and without contemporary groups, random or nonrandom parental selection, two levels of heritability, and none or 15% randomly missing pedigree information were considered. Nonrandom parental selection caused similar effects on estimates of variance components from all three methods. When pedigree information was complete, REML and Bayesian estimation were not biased by nonrandom parental selection for models with or without contemporary groups. Method R estimates, however, were strongly biased by nonrandom parental selection when contemporary groups were in the model. The bias was empirically shown to be a consequence of not fully accounting for gametic phase disequilibrium in the subsamples. The joint effects of nonrandom parental selection and missing pedigree information caused estimates from all methods to be highly biased. Missing pedigree information did not cause biased estimates in random mating populations. Method R estimates usually had greater mean square errors than did REML and Bayesian estimates.
Prediction of response to marker‐assisted and genomic selection using selection index theory
Authors: Dekkers J. C. M. 
Published: September 2010

SummarySelection index methods can be used for deterministic assessment of the potential benefit of including marker information in genetic improvement programmes using marker‐assisted selection (MAS). By specifying estimates of breeding values derived from marker information (M‐EBV) as a correlated trait with heritability equal to 1, it was demonstrated that marker information can be incorporated in standard software for selection index predictions of response and rates of inbreeding, which requires specifying phenotypic traits and their genetic parameters. Path coefficient methods were used to derive genetic and phenotypic correlations between M‐EBV and the phenotypic data. Methods were extended to multi‐trait selection and to the case when M‐EBV are based on high‐density marker genotype data, as in genomic selection. Methods were applied to several example scenarios, which confirmed previous results that MAS substantially increases response to selection but also demonstrated that MAS can result in substantial reductions in the rates of inbreeding. Although further validation by stochastic simulation is required, the developed methodology provides an easy means of deterministically evaluating the potential benefits of MAS and to optimize selection strategies with availability of marker data.
Serum osteocalcin in donkeys as evaluated with an equine‐specific radioimmunoassay
Authors: Carstanjen B. , Amory H. , Youssao I. , Remy B. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to validate an equine‐specific osteocalcin (OC) radioimmunoassay (RIA) for use in donkeys and to establish age‐related changes in serum OC concentrations in healthy donkeys. Serial dilutions of donkey serum showed parallelism with standard curves obtained with the equine‐specific OC RIA. There was a tight linear regression between donkey serum OC values obtained with the equine specific OC RIA and a commercially available bovine‐specific OC RIA. Serum OC levels of 27 healthy donkeys, analysed with the equine‐specific OC RIA, showed a tight negative logarithmic regression with age. Least square means and standard error of serum OC values were 67 ± 10 μg/l in 0.6–4‐year‐old donkeys (group 1), 32 ± 9 μg/l in 5–9‐year‐old donkeys (group 2) and 15 ± 11 μg/l in >9‐year‐old donkeys (group 3). Serum OC values were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in group 1 than in groups 2 and 3. The equine‐specific OC RIA may be a useful and practical tool to assess bone metabolism and skeletal diseases in donkeys.
Prevalence of Osteochondrosis in the Limb Joints of South German Coldblood Horses
Authors: Wittwer C. , Hamann H. , Rosenberger E. , Distl O. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThis study aimed to quantify the factors associated with the prevalence of the radiological signs of osteochondrosis (OC) and osteochondrosis dissecans (OCD) in South German Coldblood (SGC) horses. The prevalence of OC and OCD in fetlock and hock joints was analysed in 167 young coldblood horses with a mean age of 14 months. The presence of at least one osteochondrotic lesion (OC) in fetlock or hock joints was documented for 61.7% of the horses and 26.9% of the horses had osseus fragments. Osteochondrotic findings at the dorsal aspect of the sagittal ridge of the third metacarpal/metatarsal bone were seen in 53.9% of the horses and palmar/plantar osseous fragments in fetlock joints in 16.2% of the horses. Hock joint OC was found in 40.1% of the horses and hock OCD in 0.6%. Osteochondrotic findings in the distal part of the tibia were prevalent in 28.1% and in the lateral trochlea tali in 17.4% of the horses. The sex of the investigated horses significantly influenced the prevalence of OC in fetlock and hock joints, as well as the findings in the distal part of the tibia and lateral trochlea tali. Age at radiological examination was significant for the prevalence of OC in hock joints, palmar/plantar osseous fragments in fetlock joints and osteochondrotic findings in the distal part of the tibia. Female horses showed a 2‐fold higher risk for OC in fetlock and hock joints than male horses. The distribution of the affected horses by age classes showed that radiographic signs of OC in fetlock and hock joints significantly increased at an age of about 1 year. We can conclude from our study that fetlock and hock OC is a prevalent radiographic finding in more than 1‐year‐old female and male SGC horses.
Development of a cDNA‐AFLP derived CAPS marker co‐segregating with the powdery mildew resistance gene Mlg in barley
Authors: Korell M. , Eschholz T. W. , Eckey C. , Biedenkopf D. , Kogel Marc K.‐H. , Friedt W. , Ordon F. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPowdery mildew is an important pathogen of barley in many barley‐growing areas. To identify molecular markers for the resistance gene Mlg located on chromosome 4H, a cDNA‐AFLP approach was carried out on near‐isogenic lines. Based on the identification of a differentiating fragment of 37 bp, which turned out to be part of a nucleoside diphosphate kinase as estimated by blastn, a CAPS marker has been developed, which co‐segregated with Mlg in a population of 738 F2‐plants. Due to its co‐dominant inheritance, clear banding pattern and close linkage this marker is well suited for marker‐based selection procedures.
Development of an ISSR‐derived PCR marker linked to nematode resistance (Ha2) in spring barley
Authors: Dayteg C. , Rasmussen M. , Tuvesson S. , Merker A. , Jahoor A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCereal cyst nematodes (Heterodera avenae Woll.) are economically damaging barley parasites in most cereal growing areas of the world and the development of resistant cultivars is the best measure against the pathogen. An ISSR (inter‐simple sequence repeat) marker identified as closely linked with the H. avenae race 1 and 2 resistance gene (Ha2) has been converted into a codominant sequence characterized amplified region marker (Ha2S18) and mapped in barley ‘SW Buddy’ × ‘SW Cecilia’ DH population at 4.3 cM from the Ha2 locus on the long arm of chromosome 2H. The potential usefulness of Ha2S18 in large scale marker assisted selection schemes has been evaluated in a broad genetic background and is an important complement to the bioassay and to other linked DNA‐markers for this trait.
The cytoplasm effect comparison between Brassica napus and Brassica carinata on floral characteristics of Brassica oleracea
Authors: Chang C. T. , Kakihara F. , Hondo K. , Kato M. 
Published: September 2010

With 6 figures and 3 tablesAbstractThe present trial assesses the cytoplasmic effects of Brassica napus (AC) and Brassica carinata (BC) on certain characteristics of Brassica rapa (A), Brassica oleracea (C) and Brassica nigra (B). Alloplasmic lines were developed from AC × A, AC × C, BC × B and BC × C hybrids followed by recurrent backcrossing for seven generations. Twenty‐five populations from three generations were compared. The alloplasmic B. oleracea lines with AC‐cytoplasm exhibited the shortest filament length, weakly developed anthers, smaller petal size and more than two stigmas, whereas the alloplasmic B. rapa lines with AC‐cytoplasm were normal; the alloplasmic B. oleracea lines with BC‐cytoplasm formed three groups with short, middle or normal filament length, whereas the alloplasmic B. nigra lines with BC‐cytoplasm were normal. From these results, it was concluded that the cytoplasm effect of AC on C is greater than that on A; BC on C is greater than that on B, further suggesting that the cytoplasm effect of AC on C is greater than that of BC on C.
Resumption of Ovarian Cyclicity in Post‐partum Beef and Dairy Cows
Authors: Crowe MA 
Published: September 2010

ContentsThere is a variable anoestrous period following parturition in the cow. Follicular growth generally resumes within 7–10 days in the majority of cows associated with a transient follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) rise that occurs within 3–5 days of parturition. Dairy cows that are not nutritionally stressed generally ovulate their first post‐partum dominant follicle (∼15 days), whereas beef suckler cows in good body condition normally have a mean of 3.2 ± 0.2 dominant follicles (∼30 days) to first ovulation; and beef cows in poor body condition have a mean of 10.6 ± 1.2 dominant follicles (∼70–100 days) to first ovulation. The lack of ovulation of dominant follicles during the post‐partum period is associated with infrequent luteinizing hormone (LH) pulses, with both suckling and low level of nutrition being implicated in the prolonged suppression of LH pulses in the absence of progesterone. In dairy cows, the normal pattern of early resumption of ovulation may be delayed in high‐yielding Holstein‐type cows generally because of the effects of severe negative energy balance, dystocia, retained placental membranes and uterine infections. First ovulation in both dairy and beef cows is generally silent (i.e., no behavioural oestrus) and is generally (>70%) followed by a short cycle. The key to optimizing resumption of ovulation in both beef and dairy cows is appropriate pre‐calving nutrition and management so that cows calve down in optimal body condition (body condition score; BCS; 2.75–3.0) with post‐partum body condition loss restricted to <0.5 BCS units.
The Intermittent Suckling Regimen in Pigs: Consequences for Reproductive Performance of Sows
Authors: Gerritsen R , Soede NM , Langendijk P , Hazeleger W , Kemp B 
Published: September 2010

ContentsIntermittent suckling (IS), a system in which the sow and the piglets are separated for a number of hours per day during lactation, is put forward as a system that can increase piglet welfare around weaning and also induce lactational oestrus. To be of practical use, IS regimes need to result in a predictable oestrus and good reproductive performance. This review describes the effects of IS on sow reproductive performance. During IS, the LH pulsatility pattern switches to a high frequency, low amplitude release during separation, as is normally observed at weaning. In sows that ovulate during IS, LH pulsatility remains higher than in anovulatory sows. Around 90% of the IS sows show follicle growth up to pre‐ovulatory size in a similar time period as sows post‐weaning. Depending on the stage of lactation that IS commenced, 13% (day 21) to 21% (day 14) of the sows with pre‐ovulatory follicles did not ovulate, but follicles either regressed or developed into cystic follicles. In the ovulatory IS sows oestradiol production is comparable but the LH surge is lower with an early start of IS (day 14) when compared with the weaned sows. Continuation of IS post‐ovulation has negative effects on pregnancy rate, embryo development and progesterone levels. Factors related to lactation (e.g. a high metabolic clearance rate), may play a role in this. In conclusion, IS can result in a fertile oestrus when the timing of start of IS and duration of IS are taken into account, but for practical use IS regimes result in a too variable reproductive performance.
Modes and mechanisms of speciation in pteridophytes: Implications of contrasting patterns in ferns representing temperate and tropical habitats
Authors: Haufler Christopher H. , Hooper Elisabeth A. , Therrien James P. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDiscovering how biological diversification results in species is one of the primary challenges facing evolutionary biologists. In the ferns, evidence indicates that dissimilar speciation modes and mechanisms may differentiate some temperate and tropical groups. The Polypodium sibiricum group contains three related diploid species that all inhabit rock outcrops in temperate forests. Although differing lettle in gross leaf morphology and joined by the distinctive morphological synapomorphy of sporangiasters, these three species have an average interspecific genetic identity developed from isozymic com‐parisons of only 0.460. A likely mode of speciation is that periodic glaciation pushed Po. sibiricum populations south and, with the retreat of the glaciers, southern populations persisted, evolved diagnostic traits, and ultimately erected postzygotic barriers to interbreeding. This hypothesis follows a classic allopatric speciation model and interspecific distinctions may have been reinforced through contact mediated by subsequent ice ages. In contrast, a monophyletic group of four diploid, epiphytic Pleopeltis species centered in Mexico has an isozymically‐determined average interspecific genetic identity value of 0.849. In spite of this high value, these species show greater morphological discrimination than do the Polypodium species. Although the species ranges overlap, they appear to occupy ecologically discrete habitats. These Pleopeltis species may have originated through adaptation to different ecological zones and developed individual morphologies in the process. The high interspecific genetic identity values among the Pleopeltis species suggest a relatively recent and/or rapid process. These hypotheses should be tested by further biosystematic investigations and the discovery of additional monophyletic assemblages with similar patterns of speciation.
Spatial genetic structure and non‐equilibrium demographics within plant populations
Authors: Epperson Bryan K. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSpatial genetic structure within plant populations is primarily determined by the effects of limited seed and pollen dispersal. In the absence of selfing, spatial genetic structure and limited pollen flow are generally considered to be the primary controlling factors of the dynamics of biparental inbreeding and inbreeding depression. However, in some cases spatial structure may depend on specific demographic processes. Most theoretical studies have focused on the long‐term or equilibrium structure of genetic variation, which allows, if demographic considerations are simple enough, a system to be collapsed into a single standardized measure (such as Wright's neighborhood size) of total pollen and seed dispersal distances. Specific demographic considerations may take many forms and strengths. In this paper we examine some particular cases that illustrate a wide range of effects on spatial genetic structure, and identify some of the most critical parameters. For example, Cecropia obtusifolia is a canopy‐gap‐filling, dioecious species. Perennially, the highly limited availability of habitat forces the removal of seedlings and the associated strong but ephemeral genetic structure, leaving one or a few trees to fill in each canopy gap. The structure among reproductive adults is minor and in line with standard amounts and forms expected for a wind‐pollinated species. In contrast, Silene dioica is a dioecious, bee‐pollinated, gravity‐seed‐dispersed perennial, and a colonizer or early successional species. In certain regions of Sweden, S. dioica grows primarily on uplifting islands that undergo rapid succession, and S. dioica exhibits exhibits extreme levels of spatial autocorrelation, caused by highly limited seed and pollen flow at a specific spatial scale that corresponds to demographic patches. Moreover, the types of genotypic concentrations in space vary, being dominated by matrilineal relationships. The availability of habitat rapidly increases, then rapidly decreases (with analogous changes in population growth rates), and, combined with a long‐life, causes the genetic structure to exist on such a time scale that it appears to be the main form of within‐population genetic structure for the species in this region. Clonal reproduction may have marked effects on the spatial genetic structure of plant populations. For monoecious, self‐compatible species, clonal groups may increase effective selfing, whereas in dioecious plants any effects on the development of IBD may be more subtle. We examine a number of dioecious plants with a variety of spatial distributions of clones and populations, existing for various time scales. The demographics of clonal structure may interact with spatial‐temporal demographics and structure of the genetic variation.
Skills, knowledge, and attitudes expected of a newly‐graduated mental health nurse in an inpatient setting
Authors: Patterson Christopher , Curtis Janette , Reid Amanda 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTMental health nurses (MHN) are at the forefront of care and treatment within acute inpatient settings. Research suggests that newly‐graduated MHN are unsure about the skills and knowledge that they are expected to possess, and are expected to practice at a level that they are not prepared for in their undergraduate courses; however, research focusing on competencies for newly‐graduated MHN is scarce. This study aimed to identify competencies expected of newly‐graduated MHN working in a regional mental health facility in New South Wales, Australia. Eight registered nurses (with varying levels of experience) participated in individual semistructured interviews. Four themes were identified, and termed: communication, safety, self‐awareness, and treatment. Within these four themes, 14 competencies were described that detail clear aims for new graduates, provide a better understanding of mental health nursing, and promote specialized and competent practice in mental health.
Tax Rate and Government Expenditure
Authors: RENAUD PAUL S. A. , WINDEN FRANS A. A. M. VAN 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThis article is concerned with the development and empirical application of a behavioural model of government policies. A short discussion of the existing models in this field, such as reaction‐function models, voting models, and interest group models, is given. A simple model of government behaviour is presented, using the so called interest function approach. In the model a central role is allocated to the own interests of government sector workers (politicians and bureaucrats). The interests of social groups outside the government organization are taken into account by the government through factors such as mobility (probability of becoming a member of another group) and pressure through political parties or otherwise. This leads to the formulation of what is called a complex interest function for the government which is maximized to determine its behaviour. The model is applied to The Netherlands (1921‐1985). A striking outcome is that the numerical strengths of the three social groups that are actively involved in the production process, to wit government and private sector workers, and self‐employed, appear to be determinant for the overall tax rate and the relative level of government expenditure.
The Pope and the Price of Meat: A Public Choice Perspective
Authors: AULT RICHARD W. , EKELUND ROBERT B. , TOLLISON ROBERT D. 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYModern economics has expanded beyond treating economic institutions as exogenous. This paper applies public choice and modern regulatory theory to the twentiethcentury Roman Catholic Church and attempts to discover why the decision was made in 1966 to absolve Catholics from the requirement that meat not be eaten on most Fridays of the year. We provide a cartel analysis of the institutional backdrop and power structure of the College of Cardinals within the Church. In this framework, self‐interest, the geographic production of beef and fish, and the expanded number of voters in the College of Cardinals are the keys to understanding why Pope PAUL VI decided to change the relative price of meat and to alter penance rules in 1966.
Effects of Governance on Health: a Cross‐National Analysis of 101 Countries
Authors: Klomp Jeroen , De Haan Jakob 
Published: September 2010

SUMMARYThe importance of good governance for the health of populations has hardly been researched even though major donors and international financial institutions make their aid and loans increasingly conditional upon reforms that ensure ‘good governance’. We analyse the role of governance in improving the health of individuals using a cross‐sectional analysis for 101 countries over the period 2000–2005. Instead of focusing on one particular indicator of population health like most previous studies, we employ 18 indicators. Explorative Factor Analysis shows that these variables are individually all good but imperfect indicators of the latent construct population health. Similarly, we employ 6 indicators of government governance. Also these indicators are all good but imperfect indicators of the latent construct governance. Our hypothesis is that good governance has a positive impact on the health of individuals, be it directly and/or indirectly through its impact on the health care sector or income. The selection of the control variables in our model is based on the general‐to‐specific approach. As both the dependent and some of the explanatory variables are latent variables, we use Structural Equation Modelling. Our results show that government governance is not directly related to the health of individuals once economic and demographic control variables are included. Indirectly, however, governance has influence on health via its positive impact on income and the quality of the health care sector. However, the significance of these indirect effects differs across country groups. In countries with a relatively healthy population, governance has a positive indirect effect through the quality of the health care sector, but not via income. In countries with poor health, governance has a positive indirect effect through income, but not via the quality of the health care sector.