bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal genetic effects set the potential for evolution in a free‐living vertebrate population
Authors: Wilson A. J. , Coltman D. W. , Pemberton J. M. , Overall A. D. J. , Byrne K. A. , Kruuk L. E. B. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractHeritable maternal effects have important consequences for the evolutionary dynamics of phenotypic traits under selection, but have only rarely been tested for or quantified in evolutionary studies. Here we estimate maternal effects on early‐life traits in a feral population of Soay sheep (Ovis aries) from St Kilda, Scotland. We then partition the maternal effects into genetic and environmental components to obtain the first direct estimates of maternal genetic effects in a free‐living population, and furthermore test for covariance between direct and maternal genetic effects. Using an animal model approach, direct heritabilities (h2) were low but maternal genetic effects (m2) represented a relatively large proportion of the total phenotypic variance for each trait (birth weightm2 = 0.119, birth datem2 = 0.197, natal litter sizem2 = 0.211). A negative correlation between direct and maternal genetic effects was estimated for each trait, but was only statistically significant for natal litter size (ram = −0.714). Total heritabilities (incorporating variance from heritable maternal effects and the direct‐maternal genetic covariance) were significant for birth weight and birth date but not for natal litter size. Inadequately specified models greatly overestimated additive genetic variance and hence directh2(by a factor of up to 6.45 in the case of birth date). We conclude that failure to model heritable maternal variance can result in over‐ or under‐estimation of the potential for traits to respond to selection, and advocate an increased effort to explicitly measure maternal genetic effects in evolutionary studies.
Rapid Miocene–Pliocene dispersal and evolution of Mediterranean rajid fauna as inferred by mitochondrial gene variation
Authors: Valsecchi E. , Pasolini P. , Bertozzi M. , Garoia F. , Ungaro N. , Vacchi M. , Sabelli B. , Tinti F. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractRajidae (colloquially known as skates and rays) experienced multiple and parallel adaptive radiations allowing high species diversity and great differences of species composition between regional faunas. Nevertheless, they show considerable conservation of bio‐ecological, morphological and reproductive traits. The evolutionary history and dispersal of North‐east Atlantic and Mediterranean rajid fauna were investigated throughout the sequence analysis of the control region and 16S rDNA mitochondrial genes. Molecular estimates of divergence times indicated recent origin and rapid dispersal of the present species. Compared with the ancient origin of the family (Late Cretaceous), the present species diversity arose in a relatively narrow time‐window (12 Myr) from Middle Miocene to Early Pleistocene, likely by speciation processes related to dramatic geological and climatic events in the Mediterranean. Nucleotide substitution rates and phylogenetic relationships indicated Mediterranean endemic skates derived from sister species with wider distribution during Late Pliocene–Pleistocene. Skate phylogeny and systematics obtained using mitochondrial gene variation were largely consistent with those based on morpho‐anatomical data.
Ecological components and evolution of selfing in the freshwater snail Galba truncatula
Authors: Trouve S. , Degen L. , Goudet J. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe reproductive assurance hypothesis emphasizes that self‐fertilization should evolve in species with reduced dispersal capability, low population size or experiencing recurrent bottlenecks. Our work investigates the ecological components of the habitats colonized by the snail, Galba truncatula, that may influence the evolution of selfing. Galba truncatula is a preferential selfer inhabiting freshwater habitats, which vary with respect to the degree of permanence. We considered with a population genetic approach the spatial and the temporal degree of isolation of populations of G. truncatula. We showed that patches at distances of only a few meters are highly structured. The effective population sizes appear quite low, in the order of 10 individuals or less. This study indicates that individuals of the species G. truncatula are likely to be alone in a site and have a low probability of finding a partner from a nearby site to reproduce. These results emphasize the advantage of selfing in this species.
Sex‐specific selective pressures on body mass in the greater white‐toothed shrew, Crocidura russula
Authors: Bouteiller‐Reuter C. , Perrin N. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe direction, intensity and shape of viability‐, sexual‐ and fecundity selection on body mass were investigated in a natural population of the greater white‐toothed shrew (Crocidura russula), combining parentage assignment through molecular techniques and mark–recapture data over several generations. A highly significant stabilizing viability selection was found in both sexes, presumably stemming from the constraints imposed by their insectivorous habits and high metabolic costs. Sexual selection, directional in both sexes, was twice as large in males than in females. Our results suggest that body mass matters in this context by facilitating the acquisition and defense of a breeding territory. No fecundity selection could be detected. The direction of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) was in agreement with the observed pattern of selective pressures: males were heavier than females, because of stronger sexual selection. SSD intensity, however, was low compared with other mammals, because of the low level of polygyny, the active role of females in territory defense and the intensity of stabilizing viability selection.
A new locus for resistance to brown planthopper identified in the indica rice variety DV85
Authors: Su C. C. , Wan J. , Zhai H. Q. , Wang C. M. , Sun L. H. , Yasui H. , Yoshimura A. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe brown planthopper (BPH) is one of the most destructive insect pests of rice. Resistant varieties have proved to be one of the most economic and effective measures for BPH management. In this study, an indica rice ‘DV85’ showed resistance to biotype 2 of BPH by bulked seedling test, and a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between a susceptible rice ‘Kinmaze’ and ‘DV85’ was phenotyped to map genetic factors conferring BPH resistance in ‘DV85′. Composite interval mapping revealed that one quantitative trait locus (QTL) with a LOD score of 10.1 was detected between XNpb202 and C1172 on chromosome 11. This QTL was designated as Qbph11. Qbph11 explained 68.4% of the phenotypic variance of BPH resistance in this population. The allele from the resistant parent ‘DV85’ at Qbph11 reduced the damage caused by BPH feeding and would be very useful in breeding resistant rice varieties via marker‐assisted selection.
Inheritance and mapping of a restorer gene for the rapeseed cytoplasmic male sterile line 681A
Authors: Liu Z. , Guan C. , Zhao F. , Chen S. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractA novel cytoplasmic male sterility‐fertility restoration system has been developed in rapeseed (Brassica napus). The cytoplasmic male sterile line 681A was derived from a spontaneous male sterile mutant in a newly released double‐low rapeseed cultivar ‘Xiangyou 13′. The restorer line 714R was identified in the interspecific progeny from a B. napus×B. juncea‐cross. Genetic analysis showed that fertility restoration for 681A cytoplasmic male sterility was controlled by a single dominant nuclear gene which might originate from B. juncea. The RAPD marker S1039‐520 was found to be linked to the restorer gene in F2 progeny of 681A × 714R with a recombination frequency of 5.45%.
Identification and inheritance of a partially dominant gene for yellow seed colour in Brassica napus
Authors: Liu X. P. , Tu J. X. , Chen B. Y. , Fu T. D. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractA yellow‐seeded doubled haploid (DH) line no. 2127‐17, derived from a resynthesized Brassica napus L., was crossed with two black‐seeded Brassica cultivars ‘Quantum’ and ‘Sprint’ of spring type. The inheritance of seed colour was investigated in the F2, and BC1 populations of the two crosses and also in the DH population derived from the F1 of the cross ‘Quantum’× no. 2127‐17. Seed colour analysis was performed with the colorimeter CR‐300 (Minolta, Japan) together with a visual classification system. The immediate F1 seeds of the reciprocals in the two crosses had the same colour as the self‐pollinated seeds of the respective black‐ and yellow‐seeded female parents, indicating the maternal control of seed colour. The F1 plants produced yellow‐brown seeds that were darker in colour than the seeds of no. 2127‐17, indicating the partial dominance of yellow seed over black. In the segregating BC1 progenies of the two crosses, the frequencies of the black‐ and yellow‐seeded plants fit well with a 1 : 1 ratio. In the cross with ‘Quantum’, the frequencies of yellow‐seeded and black‐seeded plants fit with a 13 : 3 ratio in the F2 progeny, and with a 3 : 1 ratio in the DH progeny. However, a 49 : 15 segregation ratio was observed for the yellow‐seeded and black‐seeded plants in the F2 progeny of the cross with ‘Sprint’. It was postulated from these results that seed colour was controlled by three pairs of genes. A dominant yellow‐seeded gene (Y) was identified in no. 2127‐17 that had epistatic effects on the two independent dominant black‐seeded genes (B and C), thereby inhibiting the biosynthesis of seed coat pigments.
Evaluation of resistance to sharka (Plum pox virus) of several Prunus rootstocks
Authors: Rubio M. , Martínez‐Gómez P. , Pinochet J. , Dicenta F. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractSharka (Plum pox virus, PPV) severely affects the production of most Prunus species in the areas affected by the disease. In this study, the resistance of 15 Prunus rootstocks to a Dideron type isolate of PPV was evaluated under controlled conditions in an insect‐proof greenhouse. After four cycles of study,‘GF677’ almond x peach hybrid,‘Myrobolan 29C plum and ‘L2’ cherry did not show any symptoms and were ELISA‐DASI and RT‐PCR negative. These were considered resistant to PPV. The rest of the rootstocks assayed showed symptoms of sharka (confirmed by ELISA‐DASI or RT‐PCR), although the level of susceptibility was different for each rootstock.‘GF305’ peach, ‘Puebla de Soto’ plum and ‘Real Fino’ apricot, were highly susceptible to PPV, showing strong sharka symptoms and being ELISA and RT‐PCR positive. ‘Marianna 2624’ plum,‘AC 9921‐07’ hybrid and ‘CP‐2’ plum showed susceptibility to PPV confirmed by ELISA‐DASI and RT‐PCR positives.‘Nemaguard’ and ‘Nemared’ hybrids, ‘Torinel’ plum and ‘STN2’ hybrid showed an intermediate susceptibility to PPV with slight sharka symptoms and were ELISA‐DASI and RT‐PCR positive. Whereas, ‘Montclar’ peach and ‘Evrica’ hybrid showed moderate resistance to PPV with slight sharka symptoms and were ELISA positive but RT‐PCR negative. The results open new possibilities in the search for different sources of resistance to PPV within Prunus.
QTL analysis of important pith characteristics in a cross between two inbred lines of chicory (Cichorium intybus var. foliosum): a preliminary study
Authors: Van Stallen N. , Vandenbussche B. , Londers E. , Noten V. , De Proft M. 
Published: February 2005

AbstractThe genetic basis of pith characteristics in chicory (Cichorium intybus L. var. foliosum Hegi) was investigated. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) were mapped in an F2 population (565 F2 plants) derived from a cross between two inbred chicory lines. A molecular marker linkage map of this cross had previously been constructed based on 129 random amplified polymorphic DNA markers. Each F2 plant was selfed and plant characteristics were measured in the F3 populations. Although variation in pith characteristics was largely environmentally influenced, QTL for the characteristics length of pith, browning of the pith, hollow pith and apple pith were detected in many linkage groups. Interactions between QTL were found for the three characteristics: pith length, browning of the pith and hollow pith. The QTL detected confirmed the early forcing suitability of the one parent inbred line and late forcing suitability of the other.
Germinable soil seed banks in a tropical savanna: seasonal dynamics and effects of fire.
Authors: Williams Paul R. , Congdon Robert A. , Grice Anthony C. , Clarke Peter J. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract  The germinable soil seed bank of a tropical eucalypt savanna of north‐eastern Australia was found to be dominated by grasses and forbs, with seed bank density ranging from 58 to 792 seeds per square metre, from a total of 53 species. Late dry season fires and the fire‐related cues, heat shock and smoke, broke the seed dormancy of a range of tropical savanna species. Heat shock promoted the germination of the species groups natives, exotics, subshrubs, ephemeral and twining perennial forbs, and the common species Indigofera hirsuta, Pycnospora lutescens and Triumfetta rhomboidea. Exposure to smoke at ambient temperature promoted germination from the soil seed bank of the species groups combined natives, upright perennial forbs and grasses, as well as the common grasses Digitaria breviglumis and Heteropogon triticeus. The germinable soil seed bank varied seasonally, increasing from the mid wet season (February) and early dry season (May) to a maximum in the late dry season (October). The effect of recent fire history on soil seed bank dynamics was limited to the immediate release of some seed from dormancy; a reduction in seed densities of subshrubs and monocots, other than grasses, in recently burnt savanna; and enhanced seed density of the ephemeral I. hirsuta in the year following fire. The seed banks of most savanna species were replenished in the year following burning.
Estimating abundance and spatial distribution patterns of the bubble crab Dotilla fenestrata (Crustacea: Brachyura)
Authors: Flores Augusto A. V. , Abrantes Katya G. , Paula José 
Published: February 2005

Abstract  The bubble crab Dotilla fenestrata forms very dense populations on the sand flats of the eastern coast of Inhaca Island, Mozambique, making it an interesting biological model to examine spatial distribution patterns and test the relative efficiency of common sampling methods. Due to its apparent ecological importance within the sandy intertidal community, understanding the factors ruling the dynamics of Dotilla populations is also a key issue. In this study, different techniques of estimating crab density are described, and the trends of spatial distribution of the different population categories are shown. The studied populations are arranged in discrete patches located at the well‐drained crests of nearly parallel mega sand ripples. For a given sample size, there was an obvious gain in precision by using a stratified random sampling technique, considering discrete patches as strata, compared to the simple random design. Density average and variance differed considerably among patches since juveniles and ovigerous females were found clumped, with higher densities at the lower and upper shore levels, respectively. Burrow counting was found to be an adequate method for large‐scale sampling, although consistently underestimating actual crab density by nearly half. Regression analyses suggested that crabs smaller than 2.9 mm carapace width tend to be undetected in visual burrow counts. A visual survey of sampling plots over several patches of a large Dotilla population showed that crab density varied in an interesting oscillating pattern, apparently following the topography of the sand flat. Patches extending to the lower shore contained higher densities than those mostly covering the higher shore. Within‐patch density variability also pointed to the same trend, but the density increment towards the lowest shore level varied greatly among the patches compared.
Fungal endophyte infection changes growth attributes inLolium multiflorumLam
Authors: Vila‐Aiub Martin M. , Gundel Pedro E. , Ghersa Claudio M. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract Lolium multiflorumis a successful invader of postagricultural succession in the Inland Pampa grasslands in Argentina, becoming a dominant species in the plant community. Individual plants of this annual species are naturally highly infected with fungal endophytes (Neotyphodiumsp.) from early successional stages. We assessed the effect ofNeotyphodiuminfection on the biology ofL. multiflorum. We evaluated growth attributes between endophyte infected (E+) and uninfected (E–) plants under non‐competitive conditions during the normal growing season. E+ plants produced significantly more vegetative tillers and allocated more biomass to roots and seeds. Although seed germination rates were greater in endophyte free plants, the rate of emergence and the final proportion of emerged seedlings were similar between the biotypes. The greater production of vegetative tillers, and the greater resource allocation to roots and seeds are likely to confer an ecological advantage to E+ plants, thus enabling their dominance over the E– individuals in natural grasslands.
QT dispersion in type 2 diabetic patients with altered diurnal blood pressure rhythm
Authors: Deyneli O. , Ersöz H. Ö. , Yavuz D. , Fak A. S. , Akalin S. 
Published: February 2005

Background:  QT dispersion (QTd) is a good prognostic marker in type 2 diabetic patients without previous cardiovascular disease. Diabetic patients with an attenuated decline in nocturnal blood pressure (non‐dippers) have been shown to have increased risk of diabetic complications, vascular events and mortality.Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between diurnal blood pressure rhythm, QTd and microvascular complications in type 2 diabetic patients.Methods:  Cardiovascular autonomic function tests, 24‐h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and urinary albumin excretion measurements were performed in healthy controls (n = 25), normoalbuminuric (n = 34) and microalbuminuric (n = 23) type 2 diabetic patients. QTd was assessed manually from 12‐lead surface electrocardiograms.Results:  Compared with the controls, both normoalbuminuric and microalbuminuric diabetic patients had increased QTd (59.11 ± 15.86; 60.27 ± 17.95 vs. 40.48 ± 10.92, p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively). Similarly, diabetic patients had increased QTd regardless of the presence of autonomic neuropathy. On the other hand, non‐dipper diabetic patients had increased QTd compared with the controls and dipper diabetic patients (69.73 ± 14.50 vs. 40.48 ± 10.92; 47.84 ± 9.62 ms, p < 0.001). There was a negative correlation between QTd and diurnal diastolic blood pressure change (r = −0.48, p < 0.0005).Conclusion:  Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were found to have increased QT dispersion irrespective of the presence of diabetic autonomic neuropathy. However, QT dispersion in dipper diabetic patients was similar to the controls. This finding might point out that attenuated decline of nocturnal blood pressure could be a more sensitive marker for autonomic neuropathy.
Inverse relationship between cord blood adiponectin concentrations and the number of cigarettes smoked during pregnancy
Authors: Pardo I. M. C. G. , Geloneze B. , Tambascia M. A. , Barros A. A. 
Published: February 2005

Background:  Maternal smoking is linked with several neonatal metabolic disorders. Adiponectin is an adipose‐specific hormone with anti‐inflammatory and antiatherogenic properties.Aim:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maternal smoking on cord blood adiponectin concentrations.Methods:  We evaluate the effect of maternal smoking on cord blood adiponectin concentrations comparing 14 full‐term and seven preterm newborns born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy with 77 full‐term and 10 preterm neonates born to non‐smokers mothers.Results:  Maternal smoking during pregnancy was significantly associated with decreased adiponectin levels of preterm newborns (p < 0.05).Conclusions:  Our findings also reveal a significant relationship between the reported number of cigarettes smoked during pregnancy and cord blood adiponectin concentrations (p = 0.01), suggesting that this association could have a causal relationship.
Comparison of pioglitazone with other antidiabetic drugs for associated incidence of liver failure: no evidence of increased risk of liver failure with pioglitazone
Authors: Rajagopalan R. , Iyer S. , Perez A. 
Published: February 2005

Aim:  The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of liver failure in association with antidiabetic treatment using pioglitazone vs. other oral antidiabetic medications.Methods:  The study was a retrospective analysis of claim data from the PharMetrics Patient‐Centric Database that had over 1.12 million enrollees with type 2 diabetes. All patients, ≥18 years of age with type 2 diabetes, who had initiated treatment either with a thiazolidinedione (pioglitazone and rosiglitazone), sulfonylurea or metformin were identified and matched on the basis of propensity scores, which served as a proxy for severity of disease. The primary measure of interest was the incidence of liver failure or hepatitis post‐index date. In addition to unadjusted comparisons, Cox proportional hazard models were employed to estimate the risk of developing liver failure or hepatitis.Results:  There was no significant difference in the 1‐ and 2‐year incidence rates of liver failure or hepatitis (primary and secondary diagnoses) between the pioglitazone monotherapy group and the respective comparator groups. In Cox proportional hazard models controlling for age, pre‐index total healthcare costs, Charlson comorbidity index, procedures and a hospitalization or Emergency room (ER) visit for pre‐index hyperglycaemia, and pioglitazone were not associated with an increased risk of liver failure or hepatitis, compared to all other defined groups. Furthermore, no primary or secondary diagnosis of liver failure was reported in the pioglitazone group during the follow‐up period.Conclusions:  Results of retrospective data analysis demonstrate no evidence of increased risk of liver failure or hepatitis for patients initiating therapy on pioglitazone, compared to other oral antidiabetic agents. Pioglitazone therapy was not associated with an increased risk of liver failure at 2 years relative to other oral antidiabetic therapies.