bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dispersal ability in codling moth: mark–release–recapture experiments and kinship analysis
Authors: Margaritopoulos John T. , Voudouris Costas Ch. , Olivares Jérôme , Sauphanor Benoit , Mamuris Zissis , Tsitsipis John A. , Franck Pierre 
Published: May 2012

The present study focused on the dispersal patterns in the codling moth because such information is fundamental for determining the dynamics and genetics of the pest populations and for developing efficient management programmes.
We implemented mark–release–recapture experiments (MRR) with both male and female codling moths of two laboratory and one wild population using a sex pheromone and pear ester as attractants in delta traps. The experiments were conducted in apple orchards in central Greece over two consecutive years (2007–2008). In addition, kinship assignment tests were applied on 303 genotyped individuals (11 microsatellite loci) from two contiguous apple orchards in central Greece aiming to estimate the dispersal of fertilized females.
Both MRR and kinship analysis revealed that most male and female adults dispersed within 80 m, whereas some individuals moved at longer distances (maximum distance of approximately 200 m). A Bayesian analysis on microsatellite data revealed that exchange rates of codling moths between neighbouring orchards ranged among generations from 17.6 to 32.7%. The exchange rate between these orchards estimated by kinship analysis was 25.6% over all generations.
The collected data confirm the view of the sedentary nature of coding moth and indicate that genotypes able to migrate at long distances are not present in the studied area. The availability of food resources within orchards during the growing season is one possible factor that could favour this sedentary behaviour.
The impact of copper, nitrate and carbon status on the emission of nitrous oxide by two species of bacteria with biochemically distinct denitrification pathways
Authors: Felgate Heather , Giannopoulos Georgios , Sullivan Matthew J. , Gates Andrew J. , Clarke Thomas A. , Baggs Elizabeth , Rowley Gary , Richardson David J. 
Published: May 2012

SummaryDenitrifying bacteria convert nitrate (NO3‐) to dinitrogen (N2) gas through an anaerobic respiratory process in which the potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is a free intermediate. These bacteria can be grouped into classes that synthesize a nitrite (NO2‐) reductase (Nir) that is solely dependent on haem‐iron as a cofactor (e.g. Paracoccus denitrificans) or a Nir that is solely dependent on copper (Cu) as a cofactor (e.g. Achromobacter xylosoxidans). Regardless of which form of Nir these groups synthesize, they are both dependent on a Cu‐containing nitrous oxide reductase (NosZ) for the conversion of N2O to N2. Agriculture makes a major contribution to N2O release and it is recognized that a number of agricultural lands are becoming Cu‐limited but are N‐rich because of fertilizer addition. Here we utilize continuous cultures to explore the denitrification phenotypes of P. denitrificans and A. xylosoxidans at a range of extracellular NO3‐, organic carbon and Cu concentrations. Quite distinct phenotypes are observed between the two species. Notably, P. denitrificans emits approximately 40% of NO3‐ consumed as N2O under NO3‐‐rich Cu‐deficient conditions, while under the same conditions A. xylosoxidans releases approximately 40% of the NO3‐ consumed as NO2‐. However, the denitrification phenotypes are very similar under NO3‐‐limited conditions where denitrification intermediates do not accumulate significantly. The results have potential implications for understanding denitrification flux in a range of agricultural environments.
Development of ultra‐high erucic acid oil in the industrial oil crop Crambe abyssinica
Authors: Li Xueyuan , van Loo Eibertus N. , Gruber Jens , Fan Jing , Guan Rui , Frentzen Margrit , Stymne Sten , Zhu Li‐Hua 
Published: May 2012

SummaryErucic acid (22 : 1) is a major feedstock for the oleochemical industry. In this study, a gene stacking strategy was employed to develop transgenic Crambe abyssinica lines with increased 22 : 1 levels. Through integration of the LdLPAAT, BnFAE1 and CaFAD2‐RNAi genes into the crambe genome, confirmed by Southern blot and qRT‐PCR, the average levels of 18 : 1, 18 : 2 and 18 : 3 were markedly decreased and that of 22 : 1 was increased from 60% in the wild type to 73% in the best transgenic line of T4 generation. In single seeds of the same line, the 22 : 1 level could reach 76.9%, an increase of 28.0% over the wild type. The trierucin amount was positively correlated to 22 : 1 in the transgenic lines. Unlike high erucic rapeseed, the wild‐type crambe contains 22 : 1 in the seed phosphatidylcholine and in the sn‐2 position of triacylglycerols (5% and 8%, respectively). The transgenic line with high 22 : 1 had decreased 22 : 1 level in phosphatidylcholine, and this was negatively correlated with the 22 : 1 level at the sn‐2 position of TAG. The significances of this study include (i) achieving an unprecedented level of 22 : 1 in an oil crop; (ii) disclosing mechanisms in the channelling of a triacylglycerol‐specific unusual fatty acid in oil seeds; (iii) indicating potential limiting factors involved in the erucic acid biosynthesis and paving the way for further increase of this acid and (iv) development of an added value genetically modified oil crop having no risk of gene flow into feed and food crops.
Do Family Firms Use Dividend Policy as a Governance Mechanism? Evidence from the Euro zone
Authors: Pindado Julio , Requejo Ignacio , de la Torre Chabela 
Published: May 2012

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis study investigates whether family firms use dividend policy as a corporate governance mechanism to overcome agency problems between the controlling family and minority investors. We further account for deviations between ownership and control and consider the presence and identity of other large shareholders in family companies.Research Findings/InsightsBased on a sample of firms from nine Eurozone countries and using a panel data method, we find that family firms distribute higher and more stable dividends to alleviate expropriation concerns of minority investors. However, the higher dividend payments are mainly explained by family firms with no separation between the largest owner's voting and cash flow rights and those with non‐family second blockholders.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsWe contribute to the literature by shedding light on how the family business model affects companies’ dividend preferences. Our research also highlights the importance of taking into account the identity of large shareholders, especially in a context in which concentrated ownership structures are commonplace. The reported differences in dividend policies between family and non‐family firms help to clarify the variant performances of family businesses found in previous studies.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsFamily firms should regard dividend policy as a governance tool that allows them to attract prospective investors and enlarge their shareholder base. Simultaneously, minority investors can benefit from family firms’ dividend decisions. Our evidence also suggests that European policy makers should lay the necessary foundations to prevent controlling families from adopting ownership structures that serve their own personal interests.
The Quest for Co‐ordination in European Regulatory Networks*
Authors: VAN BOETZELAER KARIN , PRINCEN SEBASTIAAN 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe establishment of European Regulatory Networks (ERNs) has been presented as a way to promote the uniform implementation of EU law in a range of issue areas. This article argues that the level of co‐ordination achieved in ERNs crucially depends on the level of interdependence between Member State authorities in a given issue area. Drawing on a survey among national representatives in two ERNs and a set of in‐depth interviews, it shows that both the uniformity of implementation and the use of common purpose as a way to reach co‐ordination are strongly associated with the perceived level of interdependence.
KCa3.1 channels maintain endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in isolated perfused kidneys of spontaneously hypertensive rats after chronic inhibition of NOS
Authors: Simonet Serge , Isabelle Marc , Bousquenaud Mélanie , Clavreul Nicolas , Félétou Michel , Vayssettes‐Courchay Christine , Verbeuren Tony J 
Published: May 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate renal endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation in a model of severe hypertension associated with kidney injury.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Changes in perfusion pressure were measured in isolated, perfused kidneys taken from 18‐week‐old Wistar–Kyoto rat (WKY), spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and SHR treated for 2 weeks with Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester in the drinking water (L‐NAME‐treated SHR, 6 mg·kg−1·day−1).KEY RESULTS Acetylcholine caused similar dose‐dependent renal dilatation in the three groups. In vitro administration of indomethacin did not alter the vasodilatation, while the addition of Nw‐nitro‐L‐arginine (L‐NA) produced a differential inhibition of the vasodilatation, (inhibition in WKY > SHR > L‐NAME‐treated SHR). Further addition of ODQ, an inhibitor of soluble guanylyl cyclase, abolished the responses to sodium nitroprusside but did not affect the vasodilatation to acetylcholine. However, the addition of TRAM‐34 (or charybdotoxin) inhibitors of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels of intermediate conductance (KCa3.1), blocked the vasodilatation to acetylcholine, while apamin, an inhibitor of Ca2+‐activated K+ channels of small conductance (KCa2.3), was ineffective. Dilatation induced by an opener of KCa3.1/KCa2.3 channels, NS‐309, was also blocked by TRAM‐34, but not by apamin. The magnitude and duration of NS‐309‐induced vasodilatation and the renal expression of mRNA for KCa3.1, but not KCa2.3, channels followed the same ranking order (WKY < SHR < L‐NAME‐treated SHR).CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In SHR kidneys, an EDHF‐mediated response, involving activation of KCa3.1 channels, contributed to the mechanism of endothelium‐dependent vasodilatation. In kidneys from L‐NAME‐treated SHR, up‐regulation of this pathway fully compensated for the decrease in NO availability.
Factors Affecting Technical Efficiency of Rice Farmers in Village Reservoir Irrigation Systems of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gedara Kularatne Mohottala , Wilson Clevo , Pascoe Sean , Robinson Tim 
Published: May 2012

AbstractGiven the importance of water for rice production, this study examines the factors affecting the technical efficiency (TE) of irrigated rice farmers in village irrigation systems (VIS) in Sri Lanka. Primary data were collected from 460 rice farmers in the Kurunagala District, Sri Lanka, to estimate a stochastic translog production frontier for rice production. The mean TE of rice farming in village irrigation was found to be 0.72, although 63% of rice farmers exceeded this average. The most influential factors of TE are membership of Farmer Organisations (FOs) and the participatory rate in collective actions organised by FOs. The results suggest that enhancement of co‐operative arrangements of farmers by strengthening the membership of FOs is considered important for increasing TE in rice farming in VIS.
Strikingly Low Prevalence of Atrial Fibrillation in Elderly Tanzanians
Authors: Dewhurst Matthew J. , Adams Philip C. , Gray William K. , Dewhurst Felicity , Orega Golda P. , Chaote Paul , Walker Richard W. 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the prevalence of atrial fibrillation (AF) in individuals aged 70 and older in a rural African community.DesignCommunity‐based cross‐sectional survey.SettingA demographic surveillance site (DSS) within the rural Hai district of northern Tanzania.ParticipantsApproximately one‐quarter (N = 2,232) of the population aged 70 and older of the DSS.MeasurementsParticipants were screened for AF using 12‐lead electrocardiography; demographic and 1‐year mortality data were collected; and functional status, body mass index, and blood pressure were recorded. The sex‐specific prevalence of AF in each 5‐year age band was determined.ResultsFifteen of 2,232 participants (12 women, 3 men) had AF, giving a crude prevalence rate of 0.67% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–1.01) and an age‐adjusted prevalence of 0.64% (95% CI = 0.31–0.97). Prevalence was 0.96% (95% CI = 0.42–1.49) in women and 0.31% (95% CI = −0.04 to 1.24) in men. Prevalence increased with age, from 0.46% (95% CI = 0.01–0.90) in those aged 70–74–1.30% (95% CI = 0.17–2.42) in those aged 85 and older. One‐year mortality was 50% in women and 66.6% in men.ConclusionsThis is the first published community‐based AF prevalence study from sub‐Saharan Africa. The prevalence rate of AF is strikingly lower than in other elderly populations studied, yet the 1‐year mortality rate was exceedingly high.
Fall Prevention Using Olfactory Stimulation with Lavender Odor in Elderly Nursing Home Residents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sakamoto Yuko , Ebihara Satoru , Ebihara Takae , Tomita Naoki , Toba Kenji , Freeman Shannon , Arai Hiroyuki , Kohzuki Masahiro 
Published: May 2012

ObjectivesTo investigate the effects of lavender olfactory stimulation intervention on fall incidence in elderly nursing home residents.DesignRandomized placebo‐controlled trial.SettingThree randomly selected nursing homes in northern Japan.ParticipantsOne hundred and forty‐five nursing home residents aged 65 and older.InterventionParticipants were randomly assigned to the lavender (n = 73) or placebo group (n = 72) for a 360‐day study period. The lavender group received continuous olfactory stimulation from a lavender patch. The placebo group received an unscented patch.MeasurementThe primary outcome measure was resident falls. Other measurements taken at baseline and 12 months included functional ability (assessed using the Barthel Index), cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE)), and behavioral and psychological problems associated with dementia (Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory (CMAI)).ResultsThere were fewer fallers in the lavender group (n = 26) than in the placebo group (n = 36) (hazard ratio (HR)=0.57, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.34–0.95) and a lower incidence rate in the lavender group (1.04 per person‐year) than in the placebo group (1.40 per person‐year) (incidence rate ratio = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.30–0.88). The lavender group also had a significant decrease in CMAI score (P = .04) from baseline to follow‐up in a per protocol analysis.ConclusionLavender olfactory stimulation may reduce falls and agitation in elderly nursing home residents; further research is necessary to confirm these findings.
Reconciling Cladistic and Genetic Analyses in Choreotrichid Ciliates (Ciliophora, Spirotricha, Oligotrichea)
Authors: Agatha Sabine , Strüder‐Kypke Michaela C. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFifty‐six features of halteriid, oligotrichid, and choreotrichid ciliates are cladistically analysed, including an updated hypothesis about the evolution of the somatic ciliary patterns. Based on its morphology, Lynnella clusters with Parastrombidinopsis, Parastrombidium, and Strombidinopsis, while it is basal to the other choreotrichids in the molecular phylogenies. The two clusters of Favella species in small subunit rRNA gene trees are supported by morphological features, justifying a separation at genus and family level. The genus Favella has a smooth lorica surface and a somatic ciliary pattern comprising a left and lateral ciliary field as well as two dorsal kineties and a monokinetidal ventral kinety abutting on the right ciliary field. The new genus Schmidingerella n. gen., established for the second Favella cluster, groups with Metacylis and Rhabdonella in the molecular trees. It differs from Favella in (i) a lorica wall with reticulate surface ridges and minute openings and (ii) a ventral kinety that is distinctly apart from the right ciliary field and composed of a monokinetidal anterior and a dikinetidal posterior portion. The genera Codonaria, Codonella, and Codonellopsis are affiliated with the family Dictyocystidae, whose diagnosis is improved to include the lorica sac.
Disclosing doubtful indications for emergency cesarean sections in rural hospitals in Tanzania: a retrospective criterion‐based audit
Authors: MAALØE NANNA , BYGBJERG IB CHRISTIAN , ONESMO RWAKYENDELA , SECHER NIELS JØRGEN , SORENSEN BJARKE LUND 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjective. To investigate in depth to what extent indications for emergency cesarean sections followed evidence‐based audit criteria for realistic best practice. Design. A quality assurance analysis based on a retrospective criterion‐based audit. Setting. Two rural hospitals in Tanzania. Population. From 2009, 400 cesarean section instances were investigated. Of these, 303 were emergency cesarean sections and therefore included. Methods. Documented indications for and management preceding the emergency cesarean sections were compared with the audit criteria. Main outcome measures. Prevalence of suboptimal care. Results. Of the emergency sections, 26% appeared to be decided based on inappropriate indications, and in an additional 38%, the indications were unclear. Prolonged labor was the leading indication; in 36% of these, labor progressed timely and/or the membranes were still intact. In 26%, previous cesarean section was the indication, half of these with one previous section only. Fetal distress was an indication in 14%, but for 84% of these the fetal heart rate was either reassuring or not documented. For nine women, section was decided upon because of intrauterine fetal death; none had a trial of forceps/vacuum extraction or destructive surgery. Conclusion. A considerable number of the audited emergency cesarean sections were performed on doubtful indications. In the light of the rising trend in global cesarean section rates, there seems to be a need to ensure quality of management preceding cesarean sections. This is particularly called for in rural sub‐Saharan Africa where cesarean rates are still low and health risks of emergency surgery not negligible.
Exclusion of root competition increases competitive abilities of subordinate plant species through root–shoot interactions
Authors: Mariotte P. , Buttler A. , Johnson D. , Thébault A. , Vandenberghe C. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the importance of root competition in the competitive abilities of dominant and subordinate species?LocationPair‐wise greenhouse experiment based on field data from a semi‐natural grassland community in the Swiss Jura Mountains (Col du Marchairuz, Switzerland).MethodsThe dominance hierarchy from a mountain wood‐pasture ecosystem was used to identify five dominant and three subordinate species. These species were grown in pair‐wise combinations under full competition and in the absence of root competition, enabling us to calculate indices of competitive effect and response and overall asymmetry.ResultsRoot competition exclusion led to a decrease in the competitive abilities of dominants, whereas subordinates became overall more competitive. Total asymmetry also decreased, indicating reduced competition between the two species groups. The exclusion of root competition increased both below‐ground and above‐ground growth of subordinates, whereas for dominants below‐ground growth was unaffected and above‐ground growth decreased.ConclusionsWe demonstrate that root competition through root–shoot competition interactions is an important factor driving the competitive dominance of species and the structure of grazed grassland communities. Locally, reduction of root competition involved in gap creation might explain persistence of subordinate species within the vegetation community and lead to an aggregated spatial pattern of subordinates involved in species co‐existence in grasslands.
Docosahexaenoic acid status at 9 months is inversely associated with communicative skills in 3‐year‐old girls
Authors: Engel Sara , Tronhjem Kathrine Marie Hagerup , Hellgren Lars I. , Michaelsen Kim F. , Lauritzen Lotte 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe objective of the present observational study was to investigate if the docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) status assessed in infant erythrocytes (RBC) at 9 months was associated with the age when the infants reach developmental milestones and their psychomotor function at 3 years of age. Three hundred eleven healthy Danish children were followed from 9 months to 3 years of age (the SKOT cohort). RBC fatty acid composition was analysed by gas chromatography in 272 of the children. Milestone age was collected by questionnaires at 9 and 18 months and psychomotor development at 3 years of age was assessed by the parents using third edition of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ‐3). RBC DHA levels ranged from 2.2% to 12.6% of the RBC fatty acids. The age of reaching milestones correlated with psychomotor development, particularly with gross motor function at 3 years. An association between milestones and later personal and social skills was also observed, but only for girls. In girls, RBC–DHA was found to be inversely correlated with communication at 3 years of age (odds ratio = 0.69, 95% confidence interval: 0.56–0.86, P = 0.001), but no other associations with psychomotor development or milestones were found. The results from study indicate that DHA status at 9 months may not have a pronounced beneficial effect on psychomotor development in early childhood and that communicative skills at 3 years of age may even be inversely associated with early RBC–DHA levels in girls.
Current problems of in vivo developmental neurotoxicity tests and a new in vivo approach focusing on each step of the developing central nervous system
Authors: Kuwagata Makiko 
Published: May 2012

AbstractDevelopmental neurotoxicity (DNT) tests usually focus on postnatal indicators, such as behavior and neuropathology, for the detection of chemically induced neurodevelopmental defects in the central nervous system (CNS). However, low reliability, especially low reproducibility, of behavioral results often causes concern among scientists and the scientific community in general. Guidance of neurohistopathological examination in the DNT guideline also has some shortcomings, especially relating to the methodological aspects. Ongoing international trends in DNT tests have shifted from the use of original in vivo animal (mammalian) studies to in vitro experiments using cell cultures and/or non‐mammalian species, such as fish. In vitro systems might initially be useful to screen test chemicals for their DNT potential. Although in vitro systems are employed as alternative approaches for DNT studies, the use of in vivo studies based on animal models remains an important factor when data are to be extrapolated to the human case. In this review, a new in vivo approach that focuses on histopathological observation of each developmental step of the CNS, such as proliferation of neural stem cells, migration of immature neurons, and formation of neural networks, using fetal and neonatal brains after chemical exposure is introduced, and some queries and arguments for current DNT experimental guidelines are discussed.