bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Segregation analysis of random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers in Picea abies Karst.
Authors: BUCCI G. , MENOZZI P. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe reliability of arbitrarily primed amplification products was tested. The segregation analysis of 266 amplification products obtained using 17 different 10‐mer oligonucleotides in 34 megagametophytes from a single tree of Picea abies was carried out. Fifty‐four out of the 165 variable bands fit the 1:1 segregation ratio expected for Mendelian traits. The segregation ratio of a subset of six RAPD markers in five other individuals from the same population confirmed their genetic nature. Our results strengthen the evidence previously reported that RAPDs markers can be considered Mendelian traits useful in the detection of genetic variability among both different individuals and populations.
Will escaped transgenes lead to ecological release?
Authors: SCHMITT J. , LINDER C. R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOne potential effect of transgenes escaped from cultivation, either in crop plants themselves or introgressed into wild relatives, is release of the plants from ecological constraints that currently limit or control their distribution and abundance. Release may occur only within the community that the species presently occupies, or it may allow range expansion into new communities. Experience with ecological range expansions of invading plant species suggests that when ecological release occurs, the consequences can be severe. To assess properly the likelihood of ecological release, the factors that currently limit species' distributions and abundances must be determined by manipulative experiments. The effect of transgenes on these factors must then be investigated throughout the life cycle of the species and on a case‐by‐case basis. For ruderal annual species, seed survival and seedling establishment phases may be particularly important.
Spatial analysis of nuclear and mitochondrial RFLP genotypes in populations of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica
Authors: MILGROOM M. G. , LIPARI S. E. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSpatial structure of both nuclear and mitochondrial RFLPs were studied in several populations of the chestnut blight fungus, Cryphonectria parasitica, using a variety of spatial autocorrelation tests designed to detect nonrandom patterns. Fungal individuals were sampled from cankers on infected chestnut trees, and the location of each tree was mapped. Single‐locus nuclear RFLPs, nuclear fingerprints, and mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were determined for each individual. Individuals with the same DNA fingerprint genotypes occurred closer together than would be expected at random in four of the five plots, while mitochondrial DNA haplotypes were aggregated in all five plots. Genetic distances between individuals, expressed as one minus the proportion of shared restriction fragment size classes for fingerprints and mitochondrial haplotypes, were significantly correlated with Euclidean distances between individuals in four of the five populations, but these correlations were very weak (r < 0.18). The same DNA fingerprint and single‐copy nuclear RFLP alleles occurred on the same trees or immediately neighbouring trees more often than would be expected at random. Most of the aggregation for all three genetic markers occurred among individuals within the same cluster of chestnut stems or on neighbouring trees. Lack of spatial autocorrelation in one population was probably due to sampling on a larger scale that was too coarse to detect any patterns. Significant aggregation of genotypes in C. parasitica is most likely caused by some degree of restricted dispersal within populations. The implications of restricted dispersal are discussed in relation to the breeding system and isolation by distance in populations of. C. parasitica.
Population structure of red‐cockaded woodpeckers in south Florida: RAPDs revisited
Authors: HAIG S. M. , BOWMAN R. , MULLINS T. D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractSix south Florida populations of the endangered red‐cockaded woodpecker (Picoides borealis) were sampled to examine genetic diversity and population structure in the southernmost portion of the species' range relative to 14 previously sampled populations from throughout the species range. Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses were used to evaluate the populations (n= 161 individuals, 13 primers, one band/primer). Results suggested that south Florida populations have significant among‐population genetic differentiation (FST= 0.17, P < 0.000), although gene flow may be adequate to offset drift (Nm= 1.26). Comparison of Florida populations with others sampled indicated differentiation was less in Florida (FST for all populations = 0.21). Cluster analyses of all 20 populations did not reflect complete geographical predictions, although clustering of distant populations resulted in a significant correlation between genetic distance and geographical distance. Overall, results suggest populations in south Florida, similar to the remainder of the species, have low genetic diversity and high population fragmentation. Exact clustering of distant populations supports the ability of RAPDs to differentiate populations accurately. Our results further support past management recommendations that translocations of birds among geographically proximate populations is preferable to movement of birds between distant populations.
Postglacial recolonization at a snail's pace (Trochulus villosus): confronting competing refugia hypotheses using model selection
Authors: DÉPRAZ A. , CORDELLIER M. , HAUSSER J. , PFENNINGER M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe localization of Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) refugia is crucial information to understand a species’ history and predict its reaction to future climate changes. However, many phylogeographical studies often lack sampling designs intensive enough to precisely localize these refugia. The hairy land snailTrochulus villosushas a small range centred on Switzerland, which could be intensively covered by sampling 455 individuals from 52 populations. Based on mitochondrial DNA sequences (COI and 16S), we identified two divergent lineages with distinct geographical distributions. Bayesian skyline plots suggested that both lineages expanded at the end of the LGM. To find where the origin populations were located, we applied the principles of ancestral character reconstruction and identified a candidate refugium for each mtDNA lineage: the French Jura and Central Switzerland, both ice‐free during the LGM. Additional refugia, however, could not be excluded, as suggested by the microsatellite analysis of a population subset. Modelling the LGM niche ofT. villosus, we showed that suitable climatic conditions were expected in the inferred refugia, but potentially also in the nunataks of the alpine ice shield. In a model selection approach, we compared several alternative recolonization scenarios by estimating the Akaike information criterion for their respective maximum‐likelihood migration rates. The ‘two refugia’ scenario received by far the best support given the distribution of genetic diversity inT. villosuspopulations. Provided that fine‐scale sampling designs and various analytical approaches are combined, it is possible to refine our necessary understanding of species responses to environmental changes.
Temporal and spatial analyses disclose consequences of habitat fragmentation on the genetic diversity in capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus)
Authors: SEGELBACHER GERNOT , MANEL STÉPHANIE , TOMIUK JÜRGEN 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAs a result of habitat fragmentation, the capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) population in the Black Forest mountain range in southwestern Germany has declined rapidly during the last decades and now persists in patchy isolated fragments. To study the effects of fragmentation, we quantified dispersal patterns by genotyping 213 individuals in four subpopulations. We used a landscape genetics approach to analyse individual genetic variation, and despite overall low genetic structure, we found strong indications for a major boundary separating the northern part of the Black Forest area from the other subpopulations. Males and females display different gene flow patterns across the landscape. Females tend to disperse across longer distances than do males. We additionally studied the effects of the population decline on genetic diversity during the last hundred years. Although the population has dramatically declined from over 4000 to 250 males over a few decades, genetic diversity was not affected in the same way. We found two haplotypes that were present only in historic samples but microsatellite markers revealed no significant reduction in genetic diversity. Among historic samples, genetic differentiation was very low, indicating that the current genetic structure is caused by recent habitat fragmentation. We argue that inferences about reduced genetic diversity are drawn cautiously and recommend sampling over different temporal scales.
Maternal use of oral contraceptives and risk of fetal death
Authors: Jellesen Rikke , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Jørgensen Tina , Olsen Jørn , Thulstrup Ane M. , Andersen Anne‐Marie N. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIntrauterine exposure to artificial sex hormones such as oral contraceptives may be associated with an increased risk of fetal death. Between 1996 and 2002, a total of 92 719 women were recruited to The Danish National Birth Cohort and interviewed about exposures during pregnancy. Outcome of pregnancy was identified through linkage to the Civil Registration System and the National Discharge Registry. The authors analysed the risk of fetal death after recruitment to the cohort by using proportional hazards regression models with gestational age as the underlying time scale.In total, 1102 (1.2%) women took oral contraceptives during pregnancy. Use of combined oestrogen and progesterone oral contraceptives (COC) or progesterone‐only oral contraceptives (POC) during pregnancy was not associated with increased hazard ratios of fetal death compared with non‐users, HR 1.01 [95% CI 0.71, 1.45] and HR 1.37 [95% CI 0.65, 2.89] respectively. Neither use of COC nor POC prior to pregnancy was associated with fetal death. Stratification by maternal age and smoking showed elevated risks of fetal death for women <30 years and smokers using oral contraception during pregnancy, but the interactions were not significant. In conclusion, there was no evidence that oral contraceptive use before or during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of fetal death.
Genetic diversity in Nordic and Baltic populations of Chondrostereum purpureum: a potential herbicide biocontrol agent
Authors: Vartiamäki H. , Uotila A. , Vasaitis R. , Hantula J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryWe analysed genetic variation in the natural populations of a potential herbicide biocontrol agent, Chondrostereum purpureum, in Nordic and Baltic countries using random amplified microsatellite markers. The results showed high genetic diversity among the populations of this fungus, but almost a complete lack of local differentiation. The results implicate that any local strain from the area can be used as a biocontrol agent without a fear of introducing new genotypes to treatment areas.
Influence of pre‐press solvent‐extracted cottonseed meal supplemented with exogenous enzyme and digestible lysine on performance, digestibility, carcass and immunity responses of broiler chickens
Authors: Mushtaq T. , Sarwar M. , Ahmad G. , Mirza M. A. , Ahmad T. , Athar M. , Mushtaq M. M. H. , Noreen U. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe response of broiler chickens to two levels of endo‐1,4‐β xylanase (EC 3.2.1.8) and endo‐1,3‐β glucanase (EC 3.2.1.6) combination (with and without), three levels of digestible lysine (0.8%, 0.9% and 1.0% with the applicability of ideal protein concept) and two levels of cottonseed meal (CSM; 20% and 30%) were evaluated in 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement. A total of 2448 male Hubbard broiler chicks were fed on practical vegetable‐based mash diets having 2750 kcal metabolizable energy (ME) per kg and 18.5% crude protein (CP) from the age of day 1 to 42. The supplemental enzyme had minimum 1100 units of endo‐1,4‐β xylanase and 100 units of endo‐1,3‐β glucanase/kg of finished diet. The addition of CSM at 30% resulted in increasing arginine to lysine ratio. A decrease in dressing and breast percentages were observed by the addition of 30% CSM. The digestible lysine at 1.0% decreased the body weight (BW) gain and lowered the mortality during day 1 to 21 whereas the BW gain and feed:gain ratio were unaffected among the three digestible lysine levels during day 1 to 42. The antibody titres against Newcastle and infectious bursal disease viruses were improved with the increasing levels of digestible lysine. The enzyme supplementation improved the apparent ME and digestibility coefficient of nitrogen when it was used with 30% CSM. No effect of enzyme, lysine, CSM or their interactions was observed on serum iron, gizzard and liver weights or abdominal fat percentage. The results showed that increasing digestible lysine improved the antibody titre but did not improve the growth performance and carcass characteristics; supplemental enzyme failed to show any improvement in performance of birds fed on CSM‐based diets.
Resistance to Fusarium verticillioides in 20 Zambian Maize Hybrids
Authors: Schjøth J. E. , Tronsmo A. M. , Sundheim L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractVisual assessment of maize ears and Fusarium spp. isolation from kernels were compared to determine resistance in 20 Zambian maize hybrids. The mean percentage Fusarium spp. isolations in non‐inoculated field experiments varied between years (12–62%). Symptomless infection by Fusarium spp. had domination over symptomatic. More than 95% of the Fusarium species isolated were F. vertcillioides. A disease severity index and the percentage of visibly diseased, discoloured and damaged kernels did not differentiate hybrids with respect to Fusarium spp. ear rot under natural conditions. Artificial inoculation provided a good estimate of Fusarium spp. resistance based on visual symptoms in a year of moderate disease pressure, but not in a year of high disease pressure. The percentage Fusarium spp. isolations showed significant differences between hybrids after inoculation, and it was significantly negatively correlated with the number of days from planting to midsilk. Parental line L5522 contributed to hybrid resistance to Fusarium. The hybrids MM 701‐1 and MM 752 were the most resistant among the 20 hybrids.
Fig Endosepsis in Some Cultivated Varieties
Authors: Yildiz A. , Benlioğlu S. , Saribiyik D. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis work was conducted in 2000–2001 on 10 varieties of edible figs in the Erbeyli Fig Research Institute (EFRI) of the Aydin province to determine the incidence of fig endosepsis caused by Fusarium spp. A total of 284 Fusarium spp. were isolated from 30 figs randomly collected from each of 10 cultivars. One hundred ninety‐six pathogenic Fusarium isolates were identified as Fusarium verticillioides (formerly Fusarium moniliforme) and 48 as Fusarium solani. The percentage of virulent and highly virulent isolates was 11.7 and 41.3 for F. verticillioides, 22.9 and 29.2 for F. solani, respectively. Regardless of cultivars, the relative virulence of F. solani isolates was found to be significantly higher than that of F. verticillioides. Two year studies showed that the incidence of pathogenic Fusarium isolates in fig cultivars was 19.7% in Bursa Siyahı, 15.2% in Sultan Selim, 13.5% in Morgüz, 12.7% in Beyaz Orak, 9.8% in Siyah İncir, 9% in Yeşilgüz, 7.4% in Sarı Lop (Syn. Calimyrna), 5.7% in Siyah Orak, 4.5% in Horasan and 2.5% in Sarı Zeybek.
Effect of total cholesterol, glucose and blood urea nitrogen on embryo quality in post‐partum superovulated suckling Japanese Black cattle
Authors: PRADHAN RAJANI , OSHIMA KAZUNAGA , OCHIAI YOSHINORI , KOJIMA TAKATOSHI , YAMAMOTO NAOYUKI , GHANEM MOHAMED ELSHABRAWY , NAKAGOSHI NOBUKAZU 
Published: April 2008

Aim:  This study was conducted to examine the effect of blood metabolites on embryo quality in post‐partum suckling Japanese Black cattle.Methods:  Blood samples were taken from 23 cows 30 days before, at and 30 days after parturition. Cows were synchronized 40 or 41 days after calving (day 0) and divided into three groups: control (n = 6), gonadotropin‐releasing hormone ([GnRH]n = 10) and estradiol benzoate ([EB]n = 7). All groups received a controlled internal drug release (CIDR) device intravaginally together with 2 mg EB i.m. on day 0 and superovulation was induced in all groups from days 5–7 with a gradually decreasing dose of follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH). Two milligrams of EB was given on day 8 and GnRH (0.1 mg) was given on day 9 of insertion of the CIDR in the EB and GnRH groups. Cows were inseminated twice after the onset of estrus and embryos were recovered 7–8 days after artificial insemination.Results:  The number of corpus luteum detected by ultrasonography in the EB group was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in the GnRH group. The number and rate of transferable and freezable embryos did not differ significantly among the groups. Regardless of the treatments, the total cholesterol level from parturition until 30 days after parturition was significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the good category than in the poor category of cows.Conclusions:  The number of transferable embryos produced by post‐partum superovulated suckling Japanese Black cattle was affected by the level of total cholesterol from parturition until 30 days after parturition. Moreover, administration of EB in CIDR‐treated cows increased the numbers of corpus luteum and yielded better rates of transferable and freezable embryos. (Reprod Med Biol 2008; 7: 55–62)
The Performance of the Sydney Flood Warning System, August 1986
Authors: HANDMER JOHN 
Published: April 2008

During August 1986 Sydney experienced its worst flooding for decades. Some 2,500 properties were flooded and transport was severely disrupted in much of the metropolitan area. The flood provided an opportunity to examine the operation of a warning system in a major Australian city. Pre‐existing research into flood warnings was expanded to take advantage of the opportunity.The warning system is examined in terms of: its impact on flood losses; consumer satisfaction; and inefficiences or breakdowns within the system. Much of the flooded area was not covered by a formal warning system. For the area that was covered, performance could be improved. Problems were experienced with the data collection and transmission network. Warning dissemination was inadequate, and the majority of those surveyed claimed that they did not receive warnings. The actions of householders reduced the flood damage substantially, but this does not appear to be the result of official warnings. Key recommendations concern improving the reliability of the flood detection network and information management.
Increased levels of γ‐glutamylamines in Huntington disease CSF
Authors: Jeitner Thomas M. , Matson Wayne R. , Folk John E. , Blass John P. , Cooper Arthur J. L. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractTransglutaminases (TGases) catalyze several reactions with protein substrates, including formation of γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine cross‐links and γ‐glutamylpolyamine residues. The resulting γ‐glutamylamines are excised intact during proteolysis. TGase activity is altered in several diseases, highlighting the importance ofin situenzymatic determinations. Previous work showed that TGase activity (as measured by anin vitroassay) and free γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine levels are elevated in Huntington disease (HD) and that γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine is increased in HD CSF. Although free γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine was used in these studies as an index ofin situTGase activity, γ‐glutamylpolyamines may also be diagnostic. We have devised methods for the simultaneous determination of four γ‐glutamylamines in CSF: γ‐glutamyl‐ε‐lysine, γ‐glutamylspermidine, γ‐glutamylputrescine, and bis‐γ‐glutamylputrescine and showed that all are present in normal human CSF at concentrations of ∼150, 670, 40, and 240 nM, respectively. The high γ‐glutamylspermidine/γ‐glutamylputrescine and γ‐glutamylspermidine/bis‐γ‐glutamylputrescine ratios presumably reflect in part the large spermidine to putrescine mole ratio in human brain. We also showed that all four γ‐glutamylamines are elevated in HD CSF. Our findings support the hypotheses that (i) γ‐glutamylpolyamines are reflective of TGase activity in human brain, (ii) polyamination is an important post‐translational modification of brain proteins, and (iii) TGase‐catalyzed modification of proteins is increased in HD brain.
A survey of the scope of therapeutic practice by UK optometrists and their attitudes to an extended prescribing role
Authors: Needle Justin J. , Petchey Roland , Lawrenson John G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractPurpose:  Recent changes in medicines legislation in the UK have broadened the opportunities for optometrists to use and supply therapeutic drugs. We set out to investigate the current therapeutic practice of UK optometrists and to elicit their views on an extended prescribing role.Methods:  Members of the College of Optometrists were invited via email to take part in an online survey. The survey questions covered four areas: mode of practice, proximity and relationship to other providers of eye care, scope of current therapeutic practice and future plans regarding prescriber training.Results:  Of the 1288 responses received (response rate 24%), over 90% were from optometrists working in community practice. Common, non‐sight‐threatening conditions were managed frequently or occasionally by between 69 and 96% of respondents. Blepharitis and dry eye were the most common (managed routinely by >70%). In terms of therapeutic agents used, large numbers of optometrists reported that they commonly supplied or recommended over‐the‐counter (non‐prescription) drugs, particularly lubricants and anti‐allergic agents. However, fewer respondents supplied antibiotics (only 14% supplying chloramphenicol or fusidic acid frequently). Overall, relatively few respondents (14%) expressed no interest in undertaking further training for extended prescribing, although several barriers were identified, including cost and time taken for training, lack of remuneration and fear of litigation.Conclusion:  Significant numbers of community optometrists are currently managing a range of common ocular conditions using a limited formulary. Enabling optometrists to train as independent prescribers will further develop this role, allowing greater use of their skills and providing patients with quicker access to medicines.