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Significant Effects (significant + effects)
Kinds of Significant Effects Selected AbstractsOn the relationship between dynamic visual and auditory processing and literacy skills; results from a large primary-school studyDYSLEXIA, Issue 4 2002Joel B. Talcott Abstract Three hundred and fifty randomly selected primary school children completed a psychometric and psychophysical test battery to ascertain relationships between reading ability and sensitivity to dynamic visual and auditory stimuli. The first analysis examined whether sensitivity to visual coherent motion and auditory frequency resolution differed between groups of children with different literacy and cognitive skills. For both tasks, a main effect of literacy group was found in the absence of a main effect for intelligence or an interaction between these factors. To assess the potential confounding effects of attention, a second analysis of the frequency discrimination data was conducted with performance on catch trials entered as a covariate. Significant effects for both the covariate and literacy skill was found, but again there was no main effect of intelligence, nor was there an interaction between intelligence and literacy skill. Regression analyses were conducted to determine the magnitude of the relationship between sensory and literacy skills in the entire sample. Both visual motion sensitivity and auditory sensitivity to frequency differences were robust predictors of children's literacy skills and their orthographic and phonological skills. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Unemployed Job Seeker Attitudes towards Potential Travel-to-Work TimesGROWTH AND CHANGE, Issue 3 2001R.W. McQuaid The effectiveness of intra-regional job search is influenced by how far people are willing to travel to new employment. While much has been written on the commuting patterns of those in work, relatively little research has been carried out on how far unemployed job seekers are prepared to commute. This paper presents and tests a model of factors influencing the maximum time unemployed job seekers would be willing to travel to a potential new job. Significant effects are found for a range of personal and demographic characteristics, including gender, years of education, type of job, and location. The evidence suggests support for the spatial mismatch hypothesis and shows differing accessibility to employment opportunities for certain types of unemployed people. The findings also suggest that models of the trade-off between leisure and work time should fully include travel-to-work time as part of this trade-off. [source] Personality dimensions measured using the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and NEO-FFI on a Polish sampleINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF METHODS IN PSYCHIATRIC RESEARCH, Issue 4 2008ajczyk, bieta Miko Abstract The results of two self-administered, paper-and-pencil tests based on biosocial theory of personality have been compared simultanously: the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and NEO Five Factor Inventory (NEO-FFI). The stability of the personality dimensions was assessed across age, sex and education level samples in a group of 406 Polish adults with major mental diseases excluded by use of PRIME-MD questionnaire. Significant effects of age, sex, and education have been found while comparing personality dimensions in both temperamental (novelty seeking, NS; harm avoidance, HA; reward dependence, RD; persistence, P) and character scales (cooperativeness, C; self-transcendence, ST) in TCI. Among subscales of temperament only NS1, RD4 were stable according to concerning factors. All converted to their age and sex norms NEO-FFI dimensions were stable according to sex. Extraversion scale was changeable depending on age (p = 0.04). Neuroticism dimension was a little higher in lower educated group (p = 0.035). To sum up, it was concluded that sex- and age-specific norms for the dimensions of the Polish version of TCI are necessary considering the established significant differences. Particular personality genetic studies should account for age, sex and also educational differences in their methods of associative studies. Conclusions: In the exploration of personality dimensions on healthy volunteers the Polish version of NEO-FFI corresponds better than TCI to theory of stability and genetic determinants of human personality. As the study included persons with excluded major mental diseases, the sample is appropriate to provide a control group in the reaserch of psychiatric patients using both TCI and NEO-FFI. Significant Outcomes: TCI scores for persons with excluded mental disease are highly changeable depending on age, sex and education. Adjusted to sex and age scores NEO-FFI corresponded better than TCI to stability and genetic determinants of human personality. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Genetic variances due to imprinted genes in cattleJOURNAL OF ANIMAL BREEDING AND GENETICS, Issue 3 2002TH. ENGELLANDT The effect of paternally expressed, i.e. maternally imprinted, genes on slaughter records from 2744 German Gelbvieh finishing bulls were estimated. Significant effects of paternal gametes were found for two fatness traits and an estimate of meat content. Paternally expressed genes explained 14 and 16% of the phenotypic variances for pelvic fat and kidney fat, respectively. Ignoring paternal gametic effects resulted in inflated estimates of the additive genetic variances. The heritabilities of pelvic and kidney fat dropped from 0.31 to 0.16 and from 0.59 to 0.28, respectively, when paternal gametes were fitted. A 15% influence of paternally expressed genes and a reduction in heritability of 20% were also found for estimated meat content. Simulation studies demonstrated that the uncorrelated random effect of the sire is a useful indicator for the presence of paternal gametic effects in variance component estimations. The presented results correspond well with findings in swine, where a paternally expressed QTL at the Igf2 gene influences similar trait complexes. A viable speculation could therefore be that an imprinted bovine Igf2 gene caused the effects described here. Genetische Variation auf Grund von paternal exprimierten Genen beim Rind In der vorliegenden Studie wurde der Effekt von paternal exprimierten Genen auf Merkmale der Schlachtleistung und des Schlachtkörperwertes von 2744 Mastbullen der Rasse Gelbvieh geschätzt. Signifikante Effekte von paternal exprimierten Genen wurden für zwei Fettabschnitte des Schlachtkörpers und für den geschätzten Fleischanteil gefunden, sie erklärten 14% und 16% der phänotypischen Varianzen des Becken- und Nierenfettes. Das Nichtbeachten dieser Effekte im linearen Schätzmodell führte zu einer Überschätzung der additiv genetischen Varianzen in den jeweiligen Merkmalen. Wurden die Effekte der paternalen Gameten im Schätzmodell berücksichtigt, fielen die geschätzten Heritabilitäten des Becken- und Nierenfettes von h2=0,31 auf h2=0,16 bzw. von h2=0,59 auf h2=0,28. Der Einfluß der paternalen Gameten auf die phänotypische Varianz des geschätzten Fleischanteils des Schlachkörpers wurde auf 15% geschätzt. Bei Berücksichtigung dieser Effekte im linearen Schätzmodell fiel die Heritabilität des Merkmals Fleischanteil um 20%. In Simulationsstudien konnte gezeigt werden, daß der unkorrelierte, zufällige Effekt des Vaters ein nützlicher Indikator für eventuell vorhandene paternal gametische Effekte bei der Schätzung von Varianzkomponenten sein kann. Die gefundenen Ergebnisse weisen Parallelen zu Untersuchungen beim Schwein auf, wo ein paternal exprimierter QTL am Igf2 Locus ähnliche Merkmalskomplexe beeinflußt. Eine mögliche Spekulation könnte daher sein, daß die hier beschriebenen Effekte beim Rind durch einen Igf2 Locus verursacht werden, der dem Phänomen des Imprinting unterliegt. [source] Effect of direct retainer and major connector designs on RPD and abutment tooth movement dynamicsJOURNAL OF ORAL REHABILITATION, Issue 11 2008H. ITOH Summary, Designs of removable partial dentures are suggested to affect the mobility of abutment teeth and removable partial denture (RPD) during oral functions. This study aimed to examine the effect of direct retainer and major connector designs on RPD dynamics under simulated loading. Six different Kennedy class II maxillary RPDs were fabricated on a maxillary model. These dentures involved 3 different direct retainers (wrought-wire clasp, RPA clasp, and conical crown telescopic retainer) and 2 different major connectors (Co-Cr major connector and heat-cured acrylic resin with a metal strengthener). Using an experimental model with simulated periodontal ligaments and mucosa that were fabricated using silicone impression material, three-dimensional displacements of the RPDs were measured under a simulated 30-N loading with a displacement transducer type M-3. Significant effects of "direct retainer design" on bucco-palatal displacements and "major connector" on mesio-distal displacements were revealed by 2 × 3 two-way analysis of variance of abutment teeth movements (P < 0·001 and P = 0·002, respectively). Additionally, analysis of variance of RPD displacements revealed significant effects of "direct retainer design" on corono-apical displacements and "major connector" on mesio-distal displacements (P = 0·001 and P = 0·028, respectively). Rigid direct retainers and rigid major connectors decrease the movements of both abutment tooth and RPD. [source] Pharmaceutical antibiotic compounds in soils , a reviewJOURNAL OF PLANT NUTRITION AND SOIL SCIENCE, Issue 2 2003Sören Thiele-Bruhn Antibiotics are highly effective, bioactive substances. As a result of their consumption, excretion, and persistence, they are disseminated mostly via excrements and enter the soils and other environmental compartments. Resulting residual concentrations in soils range from a few ,g upto g kg,1 and correspond to those found for pesticides. Numerous antibiotic molecules comprise of a non-polar core combined with polar functional moieties. Many antibiotics are amphiphilic or amphoteric and ionize. However, physicochemical properties vary widely among compounds from the various structural classes. Existing analytical methods for environmental samples often combine an extraction with acidic buffered solvents and the use of LC-MS for determination. In soils, adsorption of antibiotics to the organic and mineral exchange sites is mostly due to charge transfer and ion interactions and not to hydrophobic partitioning. Sorption is strongly influenced by the pH of the medium and governs the mobility and transport of the antibiotics. In particular for the strongly adsorbed antibiotics, fast leaching through soils by macropore or preferential transport facilitated by dissolved soil colloids seems to be the major transport process. Antibiotics of numerous classes are photodegraded. However, on soil surfaces this process if of minor influence. Compared to this, biotransformation yields a more effective degradation and inactivation of antibiotics. However, some metabolites still comprise of an antibiotic potency. Degradation of antibiotics is hampered by fixation to the soil matrix; persisting antibiotics were already determined in soils. Effects on soil organisms are very diverse, although all antibiotics are highly bioactive. The absence of effects might in parts be due to a lack of suitable test methods. However, dose and persistence time related effects especially on soil microorganisms are often observed that might cause shifts of the microbial community. Significant effects on soil fauna were only determined for anthelmintics. Due to the antibiotic effect, resistance in soil microorganisms can be provoked by antibiotics. Additionally, the administration of antibiotics mostly causes the formation of resistant microorganisms within the treated body. Hence, resistant microorganisms reach directly the soils with contaminated excrements. When pathogens are resistant or acquire resistance from commensal microorganisms via gene transfer, humans and animals are endangered to suffer from infections that cannot be treated with pharmacotherapy. The uptake into plants even of mobile antibiotics is small. However, effects on plant growth were determined for some species and antibiotics. Pharmazeutische Antibiotika in Böden , ein Überblick Antibiotika sind hochgradig wirksame, bioaktive Substanzen. Infolge ihrer Anwendung, Ausscheidung und Persistenz werden sie meist über die Exkremente in Böden und andere Umweltkompartimente eingetragen. Die resultierenden Rückstandskonzentrationen in Böden im Bereich von wenigen ,g bis zu g kg,1 entsprechen in etwa denen von Pflanzenschutzmitteln. Die Molekülstruktur von Antibiotika besteht häufig aus einem unpolaren Kern und polaren Randgruppen. Viele Antibiotika sind amphiphil oder amphoter und bilden Ionen, jedoch weisen die zahlreichen Antibiotika unterschiedlicher Strukturklassen stark divergierende physikochemische Eigenschaften auf. In den vorliegenden Nachweis"methoden für Umweltproben werden häufig sauer gepufferte Lösungsmittel zur Extraktion und eine Bestimmung mittels LC-MS kombiniert. Die Adsorption der Antibiotika an den organischen als auch an den mineralischen Bodenaustauschern erfolgt zumeist durch Ladungs- und Ionenwechselwirkungen und weniger durch hydrophobe Bindungen. Das Verteilungsverhalten hängt dabei entscheidend vom pH-Wert des Mediums ab und beeinflusst die Mobilität und Verlagerung der Antibiotika. Bei vielen, insbesondere stark adsorbierten Antibiotika sind v.,a. schnelle Fließvorgänge wie durch präferenziellen und Makroporenfluss sowie der Cotransport mit gelösten Bodenkolloiden von besonderer Bedeutung. Antibiotika vieler Strukturklassen können durch Licht abgebaut werden. Dieser Abbaupfad spielt auf Bodenoberflächen jedoch nur eine untergeordnete Rolle. Hingegen kommt es insbesondere durch biologische Transformationsprozesse zu einer intensiven Degradation und Inaktivierung der Antibiotika. Verschiedene Metaboliten weisen jedoch ebenfalls ein antibiotisches Potential auf. Der Abbau der Antibiotika wird durch die Festlegung in Böden gehemmt; dementsprechend wurde eine Persistenz verschiedener Antibiotika nachgewiesen. Trotz der starken bioaktiven Wirkung aller Antibiotika sind die festgestellten Effekte auf Bodenorganismen sehr unterschiedlich. Dies liegt nicht zuletzt an einem Mangel an geeigneten Testmethoden. In der Regel sind jedoch von Dosis und Wirkungsdauer abhängige Effekte insbesondere auf Mikroorganismen festzustellen, die zu Veränderungen der Mikroorganismenpopulation führen können. Lediglich durch Anthelmintika wurden deutliche Wirkungen auf Vertreter der Bodenfauna hervorgerufen. Infolge der antibiotischen Wirkung der Pharmazeutika kann eine Resistenzbildung bei Bodenorganismen ausgelöst werden. Zudem hat die Medikation von Antibiotika die Bildung resistenter Mikroorganismen bereits im behandelten Organismus zur Folge. Durch deren anschließende Ausscheidung gelangen resistente Keime auch direkt in die Böden. Handelt es sich um resistente Pathogene oder kommt es zur Übertragung der Resistenzgene zwischen kommensalen und pathogenen Mikroorganismen, so besteht das erhebliche Risiko einer nicht therapierbaren Infektion von Mensch und Tier. Die Aufnahme selbst mobiler Antibiotika in die Pflanzen ist sehr gering. Dennoch wurden bei einigen Pflanzenarten Wirkungen von Antibiotika auf das Wachstum nachgewiesen. [source] Effects of Variation at the ALDH2 Locus on Alcohol Metabolism, Sensitivity, Consumption, and Dependence in EuropeansALCOHOLISM, Issue 7 2006Peter A. Dickson Background: The low-activity variant of the aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) gene found in East Asian populations leads to the alcohol flush reaction and reduces alcohol consumption and risk of alcohol dependence (AD). We have tested whether other polymorphisms in the ALDH2 gene have similar effects in people of European ancestry. Methods: Serial measurements of blood and breath alcohol, subjective intoxication, body sway, skin temperature, blood pressure, and pulse were obtained in 412 twins who took part in an alcohol challenge study. Participants provided data on alcohol reactions, alcohol consumption, and symptoms related to AD at the time of the study and subsequently. Haplotypes based on 5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used in tests of the effects of variation in the ALDH2 gene on alcohol metabolism and alcohol's effects. Results: The typed SNPs were in strong linkage disequilibrium and 2 complementary haplotypes comprised 83% of those observed. Significant effects of ALDH2 haplotype were observed for breath alcohol concentration, with similar but smaller and nonsignificant effects on blood alcohol. Haplotype-related variation in responses to alcohol, and reported alcohol consumption, was small and not consistently in the direction predicted by the effects on alcohol concentrations. Conclusions: Genetic variation in ALDH2 affects alcohol metabolism in Europeans. However, the data do not support the hypothesis that this leads to effects on alcohol sensitivity, consumption, or risk of dependence. [source] Condensed tannins in tropical fodder crops and their in vitro biological activity: Part 2,JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE, Issue 4 2004Juan López Abstract With the aim to evaluate the biological activity of purified condensed tannins of tropical forages we conducted two in vitro experiments. In the first, using a radial diffusion technique, the protein precipitation of free condensed tannins (FCT) from Manihot esculenta, leucaena leucocephala, Arachis pintoi, Guazuma ulmyfolia, Gliricidia sepium and of tannic acid on bovine serum albumin (ASB), papain, pepsin and trypsin at pH 5.0 and 6.8 was evaluated with a three-way analysis of variance. Significant effects (P , 0.05) for the tannin type, protein source, pH and their interactions were observed. Pepsin showed the highest protein precipitation (PP) at a pH of 5.0 (82.9 µg) with FCT of G ulmyfolia and the lowest (0 and 0.2 µg) of BSA with G sepium and A pintoi at pH 6.8. Experiments were then conducted using completely randomized designs in order to observe the effect of adding 0, 1.25 or 2.50 mg of FCT from M esculenta and L leucocephala to the rumen fluid-buffer in an in vitro dry matter digestibility test (IVDMD) of Medicago sativa and Brachiaria decumbens, The IVDMD value of M sativa (757 g kg,1) decreased with L leucocephala tannins, although with those of M esculenta it was increased (824 g kg,1 and 871 g kg,1, respectively) for 1.25 and 2.5 mg of FCT. The IVDMD value of B decumbens (774 g kg,1 without tannins) diminished with any tannin and any dose (P < 0.05). We conclude that there are differences in the FCT contents of fodder crops and in their biological activity measured as the capacity to precipitate proteins, which is modified by the type of tannin, the protein and the pH. The result of an IVDMD is regulated by the type of tannin and its dose. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry [source] Developmental shifts in watermelon growth and reproduction caused by the squash bug, Anasa tristisNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 2 2002Maciej Biernacki Summary ,,Compared with leaf-feeding herbivores, little is known about how sap-feeding herbivores affect plant growth, morphology and reproduction. This study examines effects of the sap-feeding squash bug ( Anasa tristis ) on watermelon ( Citrullus lanatus ) root, leaf and reproductive structures. ,,Plants at the four-leaf stage were exposed to different densities of caged squash bugs for 67 d (to plant maturity). ,,Initial effects were on roots. Herbivory was associated with a significant reduction in mean total root length, root surface area and number of root tips, as well as an increase in root diameters. Herbivore-exposed plants had significantly more leaves, although leaf lifespan was decreased. Both total plant dry mass and fruit dry mass per unit leaf area were significantly greater in controls. Significant effects of herbivores on plant reproductive traits included delayed flower formation (by 7,12 d), change in floral sex ratio (in favor of femaleness), increased fruit abortion, and smaller fruit size. ,,Developmental consequences were related to changes in plant water relations, including decreased water-use efficiency. Water use in treated plants was three to nine times greater per unit of plant dry mass than in controls. [source] Insecticidal spider venom toxin fused to snowdrop lectin is toxic to the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and the rice brown planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Hemiptera: Delphacidae)PEST MANAGEMENT SCIENCE (FORMERLY: PESTICIDE SCIENCE), Issue 1 2006Rachel E Down Abstract The SFI1/GNA fusion protein, comprising of snowdrop lectin (Galanthus nivalis agglutinin, GNA) fused to an insecticidal spider venom neurotoxin (Segestria florentina toxin 1, SFI1) was tested for toxicity against the rice brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) and the peach-potato aphid Myzus persicae (Sulzer) by incorporation into artificial diets. Significant effects on the mortality of N. lugens were observed, with 100% of the insects fed on the SFI1/GNA fusion protein diet dead by day 7. The survival of the aphid M. persicae was also reduced when fed on the SFI1/GNA fusion protein. After 14 days, only 49% of the aphids that were fed on the fusion protein were still alive compared with approximately 90% of the aphids fed on the control diet or on diet containing GNA only. The SFI1/GNA fusion protein also slowed the development of M. persicae, and the reproductive capacity of the aphids fed on the SFI1/GNA fusion protein was severely reduced. The ability of GNA to act as a carrier protein, and deliver the SFI1 neurotoxin to the haemolymph of N. lugens, following oral ingestion, was investigated. The successful delivery of intact SFI1/GNA fusion protein to the haemolymph of these insects was shown by western blotting. Haemolymph taken from the insects that were fed on the fusion protein contained two GNA-immunoreactive proteins of molecular weights corresponding to GNA and to the SFI1/GNA fusion protein. © 2005 British Crown Copyright. Published for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Micropropagation of self-rooting juvenile clones by secondary somatic embryogenesis in Hevea brasiliensisPLANT BREEDING, Issue 2 2010Y. W. Hua With 2 figures and 5 tables Abstract Micropropagation of self-rooting juvenile clones in Hevea brasiliensis was established for two clones CATAS 7-33-97 and CATAS 88-13 through the following three steps: induction of primary embryos, embryo multiplication by secondary somatic embryogenesis in three successive cycles from a single culture of primary embryo and plant regeneration. The embryo multiplication coefficients of the two clones increased in the first cycle and reached the maximum in the second and the third cycle at the same rate. Significant effects of origins of embryo fragments and calcium on secondary embryogenesis were detected, the highest ratios of the regenerated embryos to primary embryos appeared, when embryo fragments close to the base of embryos were used and incubated in Murashige and Skoog (MS)-based callogenesis medium with 6.0 mm CaCl2 for CATAS 88-13 and 9.0 mm CaCl2 for CATAS 7-33-97. The highest rates of plant conversion were produced on MS-based plant regeneration medium with 4.5 and 9.0 ,m 2,4-D for CATAS 7-33-97 (85.0%) and 13.5 ,m for CATAS 88-13 (75.0%), being higher than other reports (60%). Finally, the application of this system was discussed. [source] Effect of Polymorphisms in Four Candidate Genes for Fertility on Litter Size in a German Pig LineREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 4 2010A Spötter Contents We carried out an SNP discovery project in pigs for candidate genes playing potentially important roles in embryonic development. Using eight pigs one each from eight breeds (Meishan, Mangalitza, Duroc, Pietrain, German Landrace, Hampshire, Husum Red Pied, German Large White), 36 SNPs were identified in intronic sequences of 21 porcine candidate genes based on sequencing of PCR products. The primer pairs were designed using porcine EST sequences allowing amplification of introns. These SNPs were tested for their association with the number of piglets born alive in German Large White sows using a discordant approach. Significant effects (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively) of intronic SNPs on litter size were found for four genes: mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 3 (MAP3K3), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (KDR), erbb2 interacting protein (ERBB2IP) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor delta (PPARD). These SNPs can be further tested in upcoming association studies for their influence on litter size in different breeds using larger sample sizes. [source] First Service Pregnancy Rates Following Post-AI Use of hCG in Ovsynch and Heatsynch Programmes in Lactating Dairy CowsREPRODUCTION IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS, Issue 4 2010H Karami Shabankareh Contents Lactating dairy cows (n = 667) at random stages of the oestrous cycle were assigned to either ovsynch (O, n = 228), heatsynch (H, n = 252) or control (C, n = 187) groups. Cows in O and H groups received 100 ,g of GnRH agonist, i.m. (day 0) starting at 44 ± 3 days in milk (DIM), and 500 ,g of cloprostenol, i.m. (day 7). In O group, cows received 100 ,g of GnRH (day 9) and were artificially inseminated without oestrus detection 16,20 h later. In H group, cows received 1 mg oestradiol benzoate (EB) i.m., 24 h after the cloprostenol injection and were artificially inseminated without oestrus detection 48,52 h after the EB injection. Cows in C group were inseminated at natural oestrus. On the day of artificial insemination (AI), cows in all groups were assigned to subgroups as follows: human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (O-hCG) (n = 112), O-saline (n = 116), H-hCG (n = 123), H-saline (n = 129), C-hCG (n = 94) and C-saline (n = 93) subgroups. Cows in hCG and saline subgroups received 3000 IU hCG i.m. and or 10 ml saline at day 5 post-AI (day 15), respectively. Pregnancy status was assessed by palpation per rectum at days 40 to 45 after AI. The logistic regression model using just main effects of season (summer and winter), parity (primiparous and pluriparous), method1 (O, H and C) and method2 (hCG and saline) showed that all factors, except method1, were significant. Significant effects of season (p < 0.01), hCG and parity (p < 0.01), and a trend of parity and season (p < 0.1) were detected. A clear negative effect of warm period on first service pregnancy rate was noted (p < 0.01). The pregnancy rate was the lowest in the H protocol during warm period (p < 0.05). Treatment with hCG 5 days after AI significantly improved pregnancy rates in those cows that were treated with the H protocol compared with saline treatments (41.5% vs 24.8%; p < 0.01). O and H were more effective in primiparous than in pluriparous cows (46.1% vs 29.9%; p < 0.1 and 43.6% vs 24.6%; p < 0.01). First service pregnancy rates were higher in primiparous hCG-treated than in pluriparous hCG-treated cows (57.9% vs 32.3%; p < 0.01). The pregnancy rate was higher for the hCG-treated cows compared with saline-treated cows during warm period (37.9% vs 23.6%; p < 0.001). [source] Quantitative trait loci for fatty acid composition in longissimus dorsi and abdominal fat: results from a White Duroc × Erhualian intercross F2 populationANIMAL GENETICS, Issue 2 2009T. Guo Summary A whole-genome scan was performed on 660 F2 animals including 250 barrows and 410 gilts in a White Duroc × Erhualian intercross population to detect quantitative trait loci (QTL) for fatty acid composition in the longissimus dorsi muscle and abdominal fat. A total of 153 QTL including 63 genome-wide significant QTL and 90 suggestive effects were identified for the traits measured. Significant effects were mainly evident on pig chromosomes (SSC) 4, 7, 8 and X. No association was detected on SSC3 and 11. In general, the QTL detected in this study showed distinct effects on fatty acid composition in the longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. The QTL for fatty acid composition in abdominal fat did not correspond to those identified previously in backfat and the majority of QTL for the muscle fatty acid composition were mapped to chromosomal regions different from previous studies. Two regions on SSC4 and SSC7 showed significant pleiotropic effects on monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in both longissimus muscle and abdominal fat. Another two QTL with significant multi-faceted effects on MUFA and PUFA in the longissimus muscle were found each on SSC8 and SSCX. Chinese Erhualian alleles were associated with increased ratios of MUFA to saturated fatty acid at most of the QTL detected, showing beneficial effect in terms of human health. [source] Variety diversity effect on the chemical composition and dry matter degradation characteristics of residue and by-products of oil palm fruitsANIMAL SCIENCE JOURNAL, Issue 3 2009Musibau Adungbe BAMIKOLE ABSTRACT The materials palm press fibre (PPF), palm calyx (PCL) and palm oil sludge (POS) obtained from three varieties of oil palm: dura, oleifera and tenera were investigated for the effect of variety on their nutritive value. Analysis of proximate composition, cell wall fractions, some mineral concentration as well as in-situ dry matter degradation in the rumen of steers were carried out. Significant effects of materials (i.e. PPF, PCL and POS) as well as variety (i.e. dura, oleifera and tenera) were noticed in all the parameters studied except sodium (Na) and organic matter (OM) components. Crude protein (CP) values in all the varieties were lowest in PCL (3.15,5.48%) and highest in POS (9.02,10.02%), while crude fibre (CF) values were highest in PCL (33.00,46.19%) and lowest in POS (3.15,5.48%). The upper and lower values respectively for CP and CF in the materials were in most cases for the tenera variety. The cell wall fractions (NDF, ADF, Lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose) were all higher in PCL and lowest in POS. In the three varieties, POS had highest concentration of Mg (0.117,0.231 g/100 g), K (1.21,2.33 g/100 g) and Cu (75.07,87.34 mg/kg) but lowest content of Ca (0.016,0.089 g/100 g) while PPF had lowest concentration of Mg (0.031,0.039 g/100 g) and Cu (20.96,22.28 mg/kg). Iron (Fe, mg/kg) values were generally high, but highest in PCL (2015.41,4042.16). Dry matter degradability and effective degradability values were best in POS irrespective of the variety and least in PCL. Among the three varieties, dry matter degradation characteristics of tenera were the best and oleifera the least. Generally the residue and by-products irrespective of the variety of oil palm they are obtained from can be ranked for their nutritive value as POS > PPF > PCL, while nutritive ranking based on variety is tenera > dura > oleifera. Conclusively, POS and PPF from any variety of oil palm could be adopted directly as feed resources for ruminant livestock, while PCL will require hydrolytic nutritive value enhancement treatment. Ruminant livestock will however be at an advantage if materials from tenera variety are fed. [source] Effects of dietary protein, and fat level and rapeseed oil on growth and tissue fatty acid composition and metabolism in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) reared at low water temperaturesAQUACULTURE NUTRITION, Issue 4 2007V. KARALAZOS Abstract A 12-week feeding trial was conducted to elucidate the interactive effects of dietary fat, protein contents and oil source on growth, whole body proximate composition, protein productive value (PPV) and fatty acid (FA) composition of muscle and liver in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)` at low water temperatures (4.2 °C). Triplicate groups of Atlantic salmon (initial weight 1168 g) were fed six isoenergetic diets, formulated to provide either 390 g kg,1 protein and 320 g kg,1 fat (high-protein diets) or 340 g kg,1 protein and 360 g kg,1 fat (low-protein diets). Within each dietary protein/fat level, crude rapeseed oil (RO) comprised 0, 30 or 60% (R0, R30, R60, respectively) of the added oil. After 12 weeks, the overall growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were very good for all treatments [thermal growth coefficient (TGC): 4.76 (±0.23); FCR: 0.85 (±0.02)]. Significant effects were shown owing to the oil source on specific growth rate and TGC only. The liver and muscle FA compositions were highly affected by the graded inclusion of RO. The PPV was significantly affected by the dietary protein level. The results of this study suggest that more sustainable, lower protein diets with moderate RO inclusion can be used in Atlantic salmon culture at low water temperatures with no negative effects on growth and feed conversion, no major detrimental effects on lipid and FA metabolism and a positive effect on protein sparing. [source] Structural Health Monitoring via Measured Ritz Vectors Utilizing Artificial Neural NetworksCOMPUTER-AIDED CIVIL AND INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING, Issue 4 2006Heung-Fai Lam Unlike most other pattern recognition methods, an artificial neural network (ANN) technique is employed as a tool for systematically identifying the damage pattern corresponding to an observed feature. An important aspect of using an ANN is its design but this is usually skipped in the literature on ANN-based SHM. The design of an ANN has significant effects on both the training and performance of the ANN. As the multi-layer perceptron ANN model is adopted in this work, ANN design refers to the selection of the number of hidden layers and the number of neurons in each hidden layer. A design method based on a Bayesian probabilistic approach for model selection is proposed. The combination of the pattern recognition method and the Bayesian ANN design method forms a practical SHM methodology. A truss model is employed to demonstrate the proposed methodology. [source] Nutritional factors affecting serum phenylalanine concentration during pregnancy for identical twin mothers with phenylketonuriaACTA PAEDIATRICA, Issue 8 2000C Fox The effect of energy, protein, fat, and phenylalanine on serum phenylalanine concentrations during pregnancy for a set of identical twins with phenylketonuria (PKU) was examined. Blood samples were collected one to two times per week. The subjects completed a 3-d food record prior to each blood collection. The effect of the factors on serum phenylalanine levels was evaluated statistically using time-series analysis. Dietary intakes of the nutrients evaluated were similar for the subjects. For one subject, there were highly significant effects of energy, protein, and fat on serum phenylalanine levels. In contrast, these nutrients had no significant effect on serum phenylalanine for the other subject. Dietary phenylalanine had no significant effect on serum phenylalanine for either twin. Conclusions: There was no effect of phenylalanine intake and no consistent effect of energy, protein, or fat on serum phenylalanine. Other dietary or environmental factors or a combination of factors may impact serum phenylalanine levels of pregnant women with PKU. [source] Effects of Forest Management on Amphibians and Reptiles in Missouri Ozark ForestsCONSERVATION BIOLOGY, Issue 1 2004ROCHELLE B. RENKEN Within even-aged management sites, we also focused on the local-scale effects of clearcutting on these species by comparing relative abundance among plots located within clearcut stands, 50 m away from clearcut stands, and 200 m away from clearcut stands. Pretreatment sampling of species abundance occurred from 1992 through 1995, and post-treatment sampling occurred from 1997 through 2000. At the landscape scale, treatment significantly affected the abundance of Bufo americanus. This species declined less on even-aged management sites than on control sites, but the general decline on all sites suggests that other factors may have contributed to this result. Within even-aged management sites, most amphibian species declined and some reptile species increased relative to pretreatment abundances within clearcut stands. We found significant effects of distance from clearcut for two amphibian species, Ambystoma maculatum and Rana clamitans, and two reptile species, Scincella lateralis and Sceloporus undulatus. In general, we conclude that clearcuts within even-aged management sites locally affected amphibian and reptile species but, at a larger spatial scale, we did not detect significant effects of even-aged and uneven-aged forest management. These findings represent relatively short-term data but suggest that forest management and maintenance of biodiversity may be compatible when relatively small amounts of the landscape are disturbed. Resumen:,Como parte del Proyecto Ecosistema del Bosque Ozark de Missouri (PEBOM), evaluamos experimentalmente los impactos de la gestión de bosques sobre la abundancia relativa de anfibios y reptiles en los bosques Ozark, Missouri (E.U.A.). Utilizando sitios de estudio extensos (es decir, de tamaño promedio de 400ha) como la unidad experimental, estudiamos los efectos de tratamientos de manejo de bosques de edad uniforme y dispar comparados con el manejo sin cosecha (es decir, control) sobre la abundancia relativa de 13 especies focales de anfibios y reptiles. En los sitios de manejo de edad uniforme, también analizamos los efectos a escala local de la tala completa sobre estas especies comparando la abundancia relativa entre parcelas localizadas dentro de los claros talados, a 50 m y 200 m de los claros. Para determinar la abundancia de especies, se tomaron muestras previas al tratamiento de 1992 a 1995, y muestras posteriores al tratamiento de 1997 a 2000. A la escala de paisaje, el tratamiento afectó significativamente la abundancia de Bufo americanus. La abundancia de esta especie disminuyó menos en sitios de manejo de edad uniforme que en los sitios control, pero la disminución general en todos los sitios sugiere que otros factores pudieron haber contribuido a este resultado. En los sitios de manejo de edad uniforme, la abundancia de la mayoría de las especies de anfibios disminuyó y algunas especies de reptiles incrementaron en relación con las abundancias previas al tratamiento dentro de los claros talados. Encontramos efectos significativos de la distancia del claro para dos especies de anfibios, Ambystoma maculatum y Rana clamitans, y dos especies de reptiles, Scincella lateralis y Sceloporus undulatus. En general, concluimos que la tala en sitios de edad uniforme afectó localmente a las especies de anfibios y reptiles, pero a una mayor escala espacial, no detectamos impactos significativos entre el manejo de sitios de edad uniforme y dispar. Estos hallazgos representan datos de relativamente corto plazo pero sugieren que la gestión de bosques y el mantenimiento de la biodiversidad pueden ser compatibles cuando se perturban superficies relativamente pequeñas del paisaje. [source] Allergenicity evaluation of Bioban CS-1135 in experimental animalsCONTACT DERMATITIS, Issue 6 2004Tetsuo Yamano An industrial preservative, Bioban CS-1135, was evaluated for its contact allergenicity by means of multiple-dose guinea-pig maximization test and non-radioactive murine local lymph node assay. In the guinea-pig test, an induction dose of 0.5% Bioban CS-1135 sensitized all animals of the group. The dose,response study of the elicitation phase determined a minimum elicitation dose of 5% for positive skin reactions. In the murine assay, Bioban CS-1135 at doses of 10% and more exerted significant effects on lymphoid cell proliferation. Although the data clearly designated Bioban CS-1135 as a skin sensitizer, its relative potency was ranked lowest among skin-sensitizing biocides previously evaluated in this laboratory. [source] LANGUAGE-RELATED DIFFERENCES IN ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS ESTIMATION: EVIDENCE FROM A MAIL SURVEYCONTEMPORARY ECONOMIC POLICY, Issue 1 2008XIAOLIN REN In contingent valuation studies, failing to accommodate populations with limited language skills might yield biased estimates. In the United States, there are many residents primarily fluent in Spanish. This study uses conditional logit models applied to data from a bilingual (English and Spanish) conjoint choice mail survey to evaluate the effects of language proficiency on estimates of the economic benefits of contaminated site cleanup. Results indicate that language does have significant effects on welfare estimates. The results suggest that mail surveys addressing environmental issues that may affect a linguistically diverse population should be designed at the outset with multiple languages in mind. (JEL Q51, J19) [source] Thermocapillary-buoyancy flow of silicon melt in a shallow annular poolCRYSTAL RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY, Issue 12 2004Y. R. Li Abstract In order to understand the nature of surface spoke patterns on silicon melt in industrial Czochralski furnaces, a series of unsteady three-dimensional numerical simulations were conducted for thermocapillary-buoyancy flow of silicon melt in annular pool (inner radius ri = 15 mm, outer radius ro = 50 mm, depth d = 3 mm). The pool is heated from the outer cylindrical wall and cooled at the inner wall. Bottom and top surfaces either are adiabatic or allow heat transfer in the vertical direction. Results show that a small temperature difference in the radial direction generates steady roll-cell thermocapillary-buoyancy flow. With large temperature difference, the simulation can predict three-dimensional oscillatory flow, which is characterized by spoke patterns traveling in the azimuthal direction. The small vertical heat flux (3 W/cm2) does not have significant effects on the characteristics of this oscillatory flow. Details of the flow and temperature disturbances are discussed and the critical conditions for the onset of the oscillatory flow are determined. (© 2004 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Assessment of myosin II, Va, VI and VIIa loss of function on endocytosis and endocytic vesicle motility in bone marrow-derived dendritic cellsCYTOSKELETON, Issue 10 2007Jeffrey P. Holt Abstract An essential feature of dendritic cell immune surveillance is endocytic sampling of the environment for non-self antigens primarily via macropinocytosis and phagocytosis. The role of several members of the myosin family of actin based molecular motors in dendritic cell endocytosis and endocytic vesicle movement was assessed through analysis of dendritic cells derived from mice with functionally null myosin mutations. These include the dilute (myosin Va), Snell's waltzer (myosin VI) and shaker-1 (myosin VIIa) mouse lines. Non muscle myosin II function was assessed by treatment with the inhibitor, blebbistatin. Flow cytometric analysis of dextran uptake by dendritic cells revealed that macropinocytosis was enhanced in Snell's waltzer dendritic cells while shaker-1 and blebbistatin-treated cells were comparable to controls. Comparison of fluid phase uptake using pH insensitive versus pH sensitive fluorescent dextrans revealed that in dilute cells rates of uptake were normal but endosomal acidification was accelerated. Phagocytosis, as quantified by uptake of E. coli, was normal in dilute while dendritic cells from Snell's waltzer, shaker-1 and blebbistatin treated cells exhibited decreased uptake. Microtubule mediated movements of dextran-or transferrin-tagged endocytic vesicles were significantly faster in dendritic cells lacking myosin Va. Loss of myosin II, VI or VIIa function had no significant effects on ratesof endocytic vesicle movement. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2007. © 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Mutagenesis of ,-tubulin cysteine residues in Saccharomyces cerevisiae: Mutation of cysteine 354 results in cold-stable microtubulesCYTOSKELETON, Issue 2 2001Mohan L. Gupta Jr. Abstract Cysteine residues play important roles in the control of tubulin function. To determine which of the six cysteine residues in ,-tubulin are critical to tubulin function, we mutated the cysteines in Saccharomyces cerevisiae ,-tubulin individually to alanine and serine residues. Of the twelve mutations, only three produced significant effects: C12S, C354A, and C354S. The C12S mutation was lethal in the haploid, but the C12A mutation had no observable phenotype. Based on interactive views of the electron crystallographic structure of tubulin, we suggest that substitution of serine for cysteine at this position has a destabilizing effect on the interaction of tubulin with the exchangeable GTP. The two C354 mutations, although not lethal, produced dramatic effects on microtubules and cellular processes that require microtubules. The C354 mutant cells had decreased growth rates, a slowed mitosis, increased resistance to benomyl, and impaired nuclear migration and spindle assembly. The C354A mutation produced a more severe phenotype than the C354S mutation: the haploid cells had chromosome segregation defects, only 50% of cells in a culture were viable, and a significant percentage of the cells were misshapened. Cytoplasmic microtubules in the C354S and C354A cells were longer than in the control strain and spindle structures appeared shorter and thicker. Both cytoplasmic and spindle microtubules in the two C354 mutants were extremely stable to cold temperature. After 24 h at 4°C, the microtubules were still present and, in fact, very long and thick tubulin polymers had formed. Evidence exists to indicate that the C354 residue in mammalian tubulin is near the colchicine binding site and the electron crystal structure of tubulin places the residue at the interface between the ,- and ,-subunits. The sulfhydryl group is situated in a polar environment, which may explain why the alanine mutation is more severe than the serine mutation. When the C12S and the two C354 mutations were made in a diploid strain, the mutated tubulin was incorporated into microtubules and the resulting heterozygotes had phenotypes that were intermediate between those of the mutated haploids and the wild-type strains. The results suggest that the C12 and C354 residues play important roles in the structure and function of tubulin. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 49:67,77, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis in a routine clinical serviceACTA PSYCHIATRICA SCANDINAVICA, Issue 4 2010E. Peters Peters E, Landau S, McCrone P, Cooke M, Fisher P, Steel C, Evans R, Carswell K, Dawson K, Williams S, Howard A, Kuipers E. A randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis in a routine clinical service. Objective:, To evaluate cognitive behaviour therapy for psychosis (CBTp) delivered by non-expert therapists, using CBT relevant measures. Method:, Participants (N = 74) were randomised into immediate therapy or waiting list control groups. The therapy group was offered 6 months of therapy and followed up 3 months later. The waiting list group received therapy after waiting 9 months (becoming the delayed therapy group). Results:, Depression improved in the combined therapy group at both the end of therapy and follow-up. Other significant effects were found in only one of the two therapy groups (positive symptoms; cognitive flexibility; uncontrollability of thoughts) or one of the two time points (end of therapy: general symptoms, anxiety, suicidal ideation, social functioning, resistance to voices; follow-up: power beliefs about voices, negative symptoms). There was no difference in costs between the groups. Conclusion:, The only robust improvement was in depression. Nevertheless, there were further encouraging but modest improvements in both emotional and cognitive variables, in addition to psychotic symptoms. [source] Effect of secretin on children with autism: a randomized controlled trialDEVELOPMENTAL MEDICINE & CHILD NEUROLOGY, Issue 12 2000Jennifer Dunn-Geier PhD To determine the effect of intravenous porcine secretin on autistic behaviours in children aged 2 to 7 years, the effects of secretin on (1) performance on a standardized language measure, and (2) autistic behaviours, as rated by parents and child development professionals was examined. Employing a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design, 95 participants were assigned to one of two groups and administered a single dose of either secretin or placebo. A follow-up assessment was conducted 3 weeks after the injection. No significant differences in language or autistic behaviour measures were observed at the 3-week follow-up between the groups. Also, there was no significant difference in the proportion of individuals who improved by 6 points on the language measure at follow-up. This study showed no significant effects of secretin on children with autism. Our results are consistent with a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of secretin in children with autism. [source] Evaluation of a programme of group visits and computer-assisted consultations in the treatment of adolescents with Type 1 diabetesDIABETIC MEDICINE, Issue 11 2005M. Graue Abstract Aim To examine the effects of group visits and computer-assisted consultations on quality of life and glycaemic control in adolescents with Type 1 diabetes. Methods A total of 116 adolescents, aged 11,17 years, and their parents were randomly assigned to an intervention (n = 62) or a control group (n = 54). The intervention group was invited to a 15-month programme comprising group visits and computer-assisted consultations. The control group was offered traditional out-patient consultations. Outcomes included changes in HbA1c and the adolescents' assessment of generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life measured by the Child Health Questionnaire (CHQ-CF87) and the Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire (DQOL), respectively. Results One hundred and one adolescents (55/46) agreed to participate, mean age 14.2 years (sd 1.5), mean diabetes duration 6.5 years (sd 3.6, range 1,16 years), mean HbA1c 9.3% (sd 1.4, range 6.1,12.8%). Eighty-three (72%) completed the questionnaires at follow-up (intervention/control 45/38). There were significant age by randomization group interactions for diabetes-related impact (P = 0.018), diabetes-related worries (P = 0.004), mental health (P = 0.046) and general behaviour (P = 0.029), implying that the intervention was effective in older adolescents (above 13,14 years). No significant effects on mean HbA1c were identified. Conclusions Group visits and computer-assisted consultations had beneficial effects on health-related quality of life in older adolescents, the role of this intervention being questionable in younger adolescents. [source] Gastrointestinal motility and the brain-gut axisDIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY, Issue 2 2003TADASHI ISHIGUCHI The role of the brain-gut axis in gastrointestinal motility is discussed according to the specific organs of the gastrointestinal tract. Not only clinical studies but basic animal research are reviewed. Although the mechanism of functional gut disorders remains to be clarified, recent data suggest that there is evidence that the brain-gut axis has significant effects on gastrointestinal motility. The major role of endoscopy in the diagnosis of functional gastrointestinal disorders is to exclude organic gastrointestinal disorders. In the esophagus, the lower esophageal sphincter and a gamma-aminobutyric acid B mechanism are considered to play important roles in gastroesophageal reflux disease. In the stomach, corticotropin-releasing factor, neuropeptide Y and other substances might be involved in the pathogenesis of non-ulcer dyspepsia. In the small intestine, corticotropin-releasing factor, gamma-aminobutyric acid B and other substances are considered to modulate intestinal transit via central mechanisms. In the colon, it is known that psychiatric factors are related to the onset and clinical course of irritable bowel syndrome. Serotonin, corticotropin-releasing factor, gamma-aminobutyric acid, orphanin FQ and neuropeptide Y have been reported as putative neurotransmitters. More efforts in basic science studies and animal and human studies of physiology of the gastointestinal tract are still required. These efforts will elucidate further mechanisms to clarify the etiology of motility disorders and encourage the investigation of new therapies in this field. [source] Destocking as a Drought,mitigation Strategy: Clarifying Rationales and Answering CritiquesDISASTERS, Issue 3 2002John Morton The idea of externally assisted emergency destocking of pastoralists has gained currency in recent years: increasing the incentives for pastoralists to sell animals, or removing the constraints to selling animals in the early stages of drought. We identify two separate rationales put forward by proponents of destocking: environmental benefits and purchasing power/welfare benefits. We consider whether specific recent critiques of ,new range ecology' and specifically of ,tracking policies' do in fact provide arguments against emergency destocking in pastoralist areas. We illustrate some of these themes with a case study of a successful destocking exercise in northern Kenya where a very specific form of support was requested and received by pastoralists themselves. The sorts of destocking that work are likely to have significant effects on pastoralist purchasing power at key points of the drought cycle, but minimal effects on the environment. Clarifying these points will make it easier to promote destocking as a drought,mitigation policy. [source] Prairie dog presence affects occurrence patterns of disease vectors on small mammalsECOGRAPHY, Issue 5 2008R. Jory Brinkerhoff Wildlife disease is recognized as a burgeoning threat to imperiled species and aspects of host and vector community ecology have been shown to have significant effects on disease dynamics. The black-tailed prairie dog is a species of conservation concern that is highly susceptible to plague, a flea-transmitted disease. Prairie dogs (Cynomys) alter the grassland communities in which they exist and have been shown to affect populations of small rodents, which are purported disease reservoirs. To explore potential ecological effects of black-tailed prairie dogs on plague dynamics, we quantified flea occurrence patterns on small mammals in the presence and absence of prairie dogs at 8 study areas across their geographic range. Small mammals sampled from prairie dog colonies showed significantly higher flea prevalence, flea abundance, and relative flea species richness than those sampled from off-colony sites. Successful plague transmission likely is dependent on high prevalence and abundance of fleas that can serve as competent vectors. Prairie dogs may therefore facilitate the maintenance of plague by increasing flea occurrence on potential plague reservoir species. Our data demonstrate the previously unreported ecological influence of prairie dogs on vector species assemblages, which could influence disease dynamics. [source] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||