bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using haplotype probabilities in categorical survival analysis: a case study with three candidate genes in an Iberian × Meishan F2population of newborn piglets
Authors: Casellas J. , Tomás A. , Sánchez A. , Alves E. , Noguera J.L. , Piedrafita J. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryHaplotype probabilities have been implemented in association analyses performed between three candidate genes and the preweaning survival of F2Iberian × Meishan piglets, under a categorical proportional hazard model. The additive effect of substitution of each haplotype was estimated using information of parental genotypes for non‐genotyped piglets. Analysed loci were the bone morphogenetic protein type 1B receptor (BMPR1B) gene at 8q25 (three SNPs; haplotypes BMPR1BA, BMPR1BB, BMPR1BCand BMPR1BD), the dopamineβ‐hydroxylase (DBH) gene at 1q2.13 (two SNPs; haplotypes DBHX, DBHYand DBHZ), and the prolactin receptor (PRLR) gene at 16q1.4‐q2.3 (six SNPs; haplotypes PRLRA, PRLRB, PRLRC, PRLRDand PRLRE). The number of analysed records were 899 (BMPR1B), 850 (DBH) and 822 (PRLR) with a censoring percentage ranged between 87 and 89%. Associations with preweaning survival were suggested forBMPR1B(p < 0.10) and associations were clearly significant forDBHhaplotypes (p < 0.05), whereas thePRLRlocus did not reach statistical significance (p > 0.10). The BMPR1BAhaplotype could increase piglet survivability in relation to the BMPR1BBhaplotype with a hazard ratio of 0.751 and a confidence interval (CI) between 0.550 and 1.025 (p < 0.10). The two remaining haplotypes did not differ significantly from the BMPR1BBhaplotype, with a hazard ratio higher than 0.90 (p > 0.10). For theDBHlocus, the DBHXand the DBHZhaplotypes were associated with an improved preweaning survival in relation to the DBHYhaplotype. The advantage for DBHXin terms of hazard ratio was 0.789 (CI = 0.625 to 0.994; p < 0.05) and differences between DBHYand DBHZreached a hazard ratio of 0.770 (CI = 0.606 to 0.977; p < 0.05). Although further researches are required,BMPR1BandDBHgenes could be a useful tool to improve piglet survival under a marker assisted selection strategy.
Utilization of F1 information in estimating QTL effects in F2 crosses between outbred lines
Authors: Daley J.W. , Shepherd R.K. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryQuantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis in designed experiments is investigated using a mixed model framework through the modification of segment mapping techniques. Allele effects are modelled in the F1 generation allowing the estimation of additive substitution effects while accounting for QTL segregation within lines and differences in mean QTL effects between lines. The resulting approach is called F1 segment mapping. Simulation is used to illustrate the method and its properties. F1 segment mapping has advantages over F2 segment mapping in the derivation of exact additive genetic covariances and in the computation time for variance component estimation.
Effect of feeding Lagerstroemia speciosa and conventional fodder based rations on nutrient utilization, ruminal metabolites and body weight gain in mithun (Bos frontalis)
Authors: Prakash B. , Dhali A. , Mondal M. , Sangtam M. , Khate K. , Rathore S. S. , Rajkhowa C. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of feeding green fodder, rice straw and concentrate‐based total mixed rations (TMR) on dry matter (DM) intake (DMI), nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation patterns and body weight (BW) gain (BWG) in mithun (Bos frontalis) calves. In a randomized block design, male mithun calves (n = 18, 8–10 months of age, 121 ± 2 kg BW) were randomly divided into three experimental equal groups (six animals in each group) and fed isonitrogenous TMRs ad libitum for 120 days. The TMR1 contained 30% Napier grass and 30% rice straw, TMR2 contained 60% rice straw and TMR3 contained 30% tree leaves (Lagerstroemia speciosa) and 30% rice straw (DM basis). All the TMRs contained 40% concentrate mixture (DM basis). The results indicated that the BWG, DMI and feed conversion efficiency were significantly (p < 0.01) increased with the inclusion of green fodder in TMRs. The apparent digestibility of DM, crude protein, ether extract, crude fibre and nitrogen free extract were also improved significantly (p < 0.01) with the inclusion of green fodder in TMRs. The higher concentration of total nitrogen and total volatile fatty acid in rumen liquor, but low ruminal pH were evident in animals fed green fodder supplemented TMRs. An increased (p < 0.01) molar proportion of acetic acid was evident in animals fed rice straw‐based TMR. In contrast, the molar proportion of propionic and butyric acids were significantly (p < 0.01) higher in animals fed green fodder supplemented TMRs. On the basis of higher DMI and higher daily BWG, it is concluded that Napier grass and L. speciosa tree leaves may be incorporated upto 30% (DM basis) in TMR of growing mithuns for feeding in complete confinement system.
Effect of feed type and essential oil product on equine chewing activity
Authors: Brøkner C. , Nørgaard P. , Hansen H. H. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryThe ingestive and post‐digestion effect of a blend of special essential oil compounds (EO) on eating, chewing and faecal parameters were measured in horses. Ingestive effects appear after no adaptation. Post‐digestion effects appear after adaptation. Six Icelandic horses were assigned to two groups in a Latin Square subplot design with EO treatments to four different roughage types and four different concentrates. The horses were fed four different roughage meals and two different concentrate meals on each of the four sampling days. Eating time and saliva were observed during meals. Jaw movements (JM) were recorded using a special chewing halter. Eating time was derived from JM and related to DM intake. The size characteristics of faecal particles were measured by using image analysis. All chewing characteristics measured were significantly affected by roughage (p < 0.001) and concentrate type (p < 0.01). EO had a significant ingestive effect on the frequency of observed saliva during concentrate meals. No significant (p < 0.05) post‐digestive or ingestive effect of EO was found for any measured chewing characteristic, which was reflected in the absence of effect on faecal particle dimensions. In conclusion, effect of type of roughage and concentrate was more significant than potential effects of EO.
Effects of dietary mannanoligosaccharide on growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut development of broilers given different cereal‐based diets
Authors: Yang Y. , Iji P. A. , Kocher A. , Mikkelsen L. L. , Choct M. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryA feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and gut development of broilers given a corn or a wheat‐based diet over a 21‐day experimental period. Dietary MOS improved the growth performance of birds given the wheat‐based diet compared to that of birds given the corn‐based diet during 7–21 days of age. In line with this, the ileal digestibility of starch was increased by MOS at 21 days of age. The addition of MOS modulated the development of gut microflora. From day 7 to day 21, the numbers of mucosa‐associated coliforms along the small intestine were decreased; whereas the numbers of mucosa‐associated lactobacilli were increased by MOS, regardless of the cereal type in the diets. Dietary MOS also reduced the counts of coliforms and Clostridium perfringens in the caeca of birds by 21 days of age. Villus height at the jejunum was not affected by MOS but the crypt depth and the muscularis thickness were reduced. The specific activities of maltase and alkaline phosphatase were increased in birds given the MOS‐supplemented diet; whereas the development of leucine aminopeptidase was delayed by MOS. All these changes in the mucosal morphology and function were dependent on the type of cereal and/or the age of the birds.
RT‐PCR Detection of Odontoglossum ringspot virus, Cymbidium mosaic virus and Tospoviruses and Association of Infections with Leaf‐Yellowing Symptoms in Phalaenopsis
Authors: Yamane K. , Oyama K. , Iuchi E. , Ogawa H. , Suzuki T. , Natsuaki T. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractLeaf‐yellowing symptoms in Phalaenopsis are most important effects in its commercial production in Japan and their cause has not yet been clarified. In the present study, Odontoglossum ringspot virus (ORSV), Cymbidium mosaic virus (CymMV) and tospoviruses were evaluated by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) in Phalaenopsis showing leaf‐yellowing symptoms. Ring, spot, mosaic, necrosis and other symptom types were observed in 42%, 24%, 25%, 16% and 44% of the tested plants respectively. ORSV was detected in 55% of the plants, particularly in 35 of 42 plants with ring symptoms. CymMV was detected in 34% of the plants, particularly in 18 of 25 plants with mosaic symptoms. Plants co‐infected with both viruses tended to show severe symptoms. In spite of systemic infection by inoculation of ORSV, no clear ring symptoms were observed in any plant for 6 months. Symptoms of leaf‐yellowing were significantly reduced after 3 months. These results suggest that the symptoms can be associated with the viruses but occurred and alleviated over time and by changes in the environmental conditions. No tospoviruses were detected in 70 tested plants. ORSV and CymMV were simultaneously detected by RT‐PCR using reported primers for ORSV and newly designed primers for CymMV using an efficient direct tube RNA extraction technique providing more cost‐effective RT‐PCR screening. No viruses were detected by RT‐PCR in several plants showing spot or ring symptoms, suggesting the presence of other causal agents related to these symptoms.
Comparison of the Efficacy of Ground Wild Cucumber Fruits, Aldicarb and Fenamiphos on Suppression of Meloidogyne incognita in Tomato
Authors: Mashela P. W. , Shimelis H. A. , Mudau F. N. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractDuring the present study the efficacy of ground Cucumis myriocarpus fruits and synthetic non‐fumigant nematicides on suppression of Meloidogyne incognita numbers and effect on growth of tomato was evaluated and compared in a microplot experiment. All microplots were artificially inoculated with second‐stage juveniles of M. incognita. Treatments included an (i) untreated control, application of (ii) Cucumis, (iii) aldicarb (a. i. = 150 g/kg), (iv) fenamiphos (a. i. = 100 g/kg) each at the product quantity of 42 kg/ha. The study was repeated in the second year using randomized complete block design with 10 replications. The application of products reduced nematode numbers in tomato roots (83–99%) and increased tomato fresh fruit yield (72–94%). Generally, the effect of the three applications on the parameters measured were not significantly (P = 0.05) different from one another, confirming the potent nematicidal properties of ground C. myriocarpus fruits.
Combination therapeutic approaches for the management of invasive aspergillosis in organ transplant recipients
Authors: Singh Nina , Pursell Kenneth J. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryOutcomes in organ transplant recipients with invasive aspergillosis remain sufficiently dismal that combination antifungal approaches present an attractive therapeutic option. The efficacy of such approaches has not been incontrovertibly documented. However, limited data suggest that combination antifungal therapy may be considered in subsets of high‐risk patients e.g. those renal and replacement therapy in whom mortality rates have typically exceeded 90%. Synergistic interactions of antifungal agents with the immunosuppressants suggest a role for devising antifungal strategies that target novel signalling pathways. Finally, manipulating known predisposing immunological defects with immunotherapeutic agents is a potentially promising approach for the management of these challenging opportunistic mycoses.
Overexpression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α predicts an unfavorable outcome in urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract
Authors: Ke Hung‐Lung , Wei Yu‐Ching , Yang Sheau‐Fang , Li Ching‐Chia , Wu Deng‐Chyang , Huang Chun‐Hsiung , Wu Wen‐Jeng 
Published: January 2008

Objectives:  Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) is a transcription factor that plays an important role in cell hypoxia adaptation. Overexpression of HIF‐1α subunit has been reported to be involved in the carcinogenesis, progression and metastasis of many human cancers. We evaluated the clinical significance of HIF‐1α expression in urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the upper urinary tract.Methods:  Ninety‐eight cases (mean age = 63.5 ± 11.7, range = 23–84 years) of renal pelvic or ureter UC were included in the present study. Those who had distant metastasis at diagnosis, other cancer, urolithiasis, incomplete clinical information or had received radiotherapy or chemotherapy before surgery were excluded. Nuclear HIF‐1α expression were evaluated by immunohistochemistry staining on a paraffin‐embedded section of the tumor and non‐malignant upper urinary tract specimens and scored by two qualified pathologists. Clinical data were collected retrospectively.Results:  Positive HIF‐1α expression was found in 65 (66.3%) of the cancer specimens. No HIF‐1α expression was found in normal urothelial specimens. Tumor HIF‐1α expression score was significantly correlated with tumor T stage (P < 0.001), N stage (P < 0.001) and grade (P = 0.004). Tumor necrosis was associated with high tumor T stage (P < 0.001), N stage (P = 0.002) and grade (P < 0.001). Higher HIF‐1α score (negative vs 3–5 vs 6–7) was a significant predictor for cancer‐specific survival (Cox regression hazard ratio = 2.23, P = 0.004), and tumor recurrence (Cox regression hazard ratio = 1.58, P = 0.036).Conclusion:  Our findings indicate that HIF‐1α immunostaining may have an important role in predicting prognosis in upper urinary tract urothelial carcinoma.
Network structural properties mediate the stability of mutualistic communities
Authors: Okuyama Toshinori , Holland J. Nathaniel 
Published: January 2008

AbstractKey advances are being made on the structures of predator–prey food webs and competitive communities that enhance their stability, but little attention has been given to such complexity–stability relationships for mutualistic communities. We show, by way of theoretical analyses with empirically informed parameters, that structural properties can alter the stability of mutualistic communities characterized by nonlinear functional responses among the interacting species. Specifically, community resilience is enhanced by increasing community size (species diversity) and the number of species interactions (connectivity), and through strong, symmetric interaction strengths of highly nested networks. As a result, mutualistic communities show largely positive complexity–stability relationships, in opposition to the standard paradox. Thus, contrary to the commonly‐held belief that mutualism’s positive feedback destabilizes food webs, our results suggest that interplay between the structure and function of ecological networks in general, and consideration of mutualistic interactions in particular, may be key to understanding complexity–stability relationships of biological communities as a whole.
The unseen majority: soil microbes as drivers of plant diversity and productivity in terrestrial ecosystems
Authors: Van Der Heijden Marcel G. A. , Bardgett Richard D. , Van Straalen Nico M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMicrobes are the unseen majority in soil and comprise a large portion of life’s genetic diversity. Despite their abundance, the impact of soil microbes on ecosystem processes is still poorly understood. Here we explore the various roles that soil microbes play in terrestrial ecosystems with special emphasis on their contribution to plant productivity and diversity. Soil microbes are important regulators of plant productivity, especially in nutrient poor ecosystems where plant symbionts are responsible for the acquisition of limiting nutrients. Mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen‐fixing bacteria are responsible forc.5–20% (grassland and savannah) to 80% (temperate and boreal forests) of all nitrogen, and up to 75% of phosphorus, that is acquired by plants annually. Free‐living microbes also strongly regulate plant productivity, through the mineralization of, and competition for, nutrients that sustain plant productivity. Soil microbes, including microbial pathogens, are also important regulators of plant community dynamics and plant diversity, determining plant abundance and, in some cases, facilitating invasion by exotic plants. Conservative estimates suggest thatc.20 000 plant species are completely dependent on microbial symbionts for growth and survival pointing to the importance of soil microbes as regulators of plant species richness on Earth. Overall, this review shows that soil microbes must be considered as important drivers of plant diversity and productivity in terrestrial ecosystems.
Planktonic dispersal dampens temporal trophic cascades in pond metacommunities
Authors: Howeth Jennifer G. , Leibold Mathew A. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractTrophic cascades, in which changes in predation affect the biomass of lower trophic levels, vary substantially in strength and incidence. Most work to explain this variation has focused on local factors and has ignored larger regional effects. To study how metacommunity dynamics can alter trophic cascades, we constructed mesocosm metacommunities consisting of three pond communities with heterogeneous levels of fish predation and examined how planktonic dispersal rate (5–140% per week) affected biomass partitioning. Two of the three communities differed continually in the occurrence of fish and supported different but constant environments in a ‘spatial trophic cascade,’ while the third community supported temporally variable fish occurrence in a ‘temporal trophic cascade.’ We find that the presence, but the not the magnitude, of dispersal dampens temporal trophic cascades through an increase in grazer biomass. In contrast, dispersal has no effect on the strength of spatial cascades due to strong sorting pressures in the communities with constant presence or absence of fish as top predators.
Biodiversity enhances individual performance but does not affect survivorship in tropical trees
Authors: Potvin Catherine , Gotelli Nicholas J. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractWe developed an analytical method that quantifies the relative contributions of mortality and individual growth to ecosystem function and analysed the results from the first biodiversity experiment conducted in a tropical tree plantation. In Sardinilla, central Panama, over 5000 tree seedlings were planted in monoculture and mixed‐species plots. After 5 years of growth, mixed‐species plots yielded, on average, 30–58% higher summed tree basal area than did monocultures. Simulation models revealed that the increased yield of mixed‐species plots was due mostly to enhancement of individual tree growth. Although c. 1500 trees died during the experiment, mortality was highly species‐specific and did not differ consistently between biodiversity treatments. Our results show that the effects of biodiversity on growth and mortality are uncoupled and that biodiversity affects total biomass and potentially self‐thinning. The Sardinilla experiment suggests that mixed‐species plantings may be a viable strategy for increasing timber yields and preserving biodiversity in tropical tree plantations.
Four ways towards tropical herbivore megadiversity
Authors: Lewinsohn Thomas M. , Roslin Tomas 
Published: January 2008

AbstractMost multicellular species alive are tropical arthropods associated with plants. Hence, the host‐specificity of these species, and their diversity at different scales, are keys to understanding the assembly structure of global biodiversity. We present a comprehensive scheme in which tropical herbivore megadiversity can be partitioned into the following components: (A) more host plant species per se, (B) more arthropod species per plant species, (C) higher host specificity of herbivores, or (D) higher species turnover (beta diversity) in the tropics than in the temperate zone. We scrutinize recent studies addressing each component and identify methodological differences among them. We find substantial support for the importance of component A, more tropical host species. A meta‐analysis of published results reveals intermediate to high correlations between plant and herbivore diversity, accounting for up to 60% of the variation in insect species richness. Support for other factors is mixed, with studies too scarce and approaches too uneven to allow for quantitative summaries. More research on individual components is unlikely to resolve their relative contribution to overall herbivore diversity. Instead, we call for the adoption of more coherent methods that avoid pitfalls for larger‐scale comparisons, for studies assessing different components together rather than singly, and for studies that investigate herbivore beta‐diversity (component D) in a more comprehensive perspective.
Nanostructure and nanomechanics of live Phaeodactylum tricornutum morphotypes
Authors: Francius Grégory , Tesson Benoît , Dague Etienne , Martin‐Jézéquel Véronique , Dufrêne Yves F. 
Published: January 2008

SummaryThe ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the fusiform, triradiate and ovoid morphotypes of Phaeodactylum tricornutum were investigated using atomic force microscopy. Using topographic imaging, we showed that the surface of the ovoid form is rougher than those of the two other specimens, and coated with an outer layer of extracellular polymers. Using spatially resolved force–indentation curves, we found that the valve of the ovoid form is about five times stiffer (Young modulus of ∼500 kPa) than those of the other forms (∼100 kPa), a finding fully consistent with the fact that only the ovoid form has a silica valve, whereas the valves in the other two consist mostly of organic material. Notably, the girdle region of both fusiform and ovoid forms was five times softer than the valve, suggesting that this region is poor in silica and enriched in organic material. For the triradiate form, we showed the arms to be softer than the core region, presumably as a result of organelle localization. Last, we observed mucilaginous footprints of moderate stiffness (∼100 kPa) in the vicinity of ovoid diatoms, which we believe are secreted extracellular polymers.