bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meta-analysis for pathway enrichment analysis when combining multiple genomic studies
Authors: Shen Kui , Tseng George C.
Published: April 2010

Motivation: Many pathway analysis (or gene set enrichment analysis) methods have been developed to identify enriched pathways under different biological states within a genomic study. As more and more microarray datasets accumulate, meta-analysis methods have also been developed to integrate information among multiple studies. Currently, most meta-analysis methods for combining genomic studies focus on biomarker detection and meta-analysis for pathway analysis has not been systematically pursued.

Results: We investigated two approaches of meta-analysis for pathway enrichment (MAPE) by combining statistical significance across studies at the gene level (MAPE_G) or at the pathway level (MAPE_P). Simulation results showed increased statistical power of meta-analysis approaches compared to a single study analysis and showed complementary advantages of MAPE_G and MAPE_P under different scenarios. We also developed an integrated method (MAPE_I) that incorporates advantages of both approaches. Comprehensive simulations and applications to real data on drug response of breast cancer cell lines and lung cancer tissues were evaluated to compare the performance of three MAPE variations. MAPE_P has the advantage of not requiring gene matching across studies. When MAPE_G and MAPE_P show complementary advantages, the hybrid version of MAPE_I is generally recommended.

Availability:  http://www.biostat.pitt.edu/bioinfo/

Contact:  ctseng@pitt.edu

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
NetRaVE: constructing dependency networks using sparse linear regression
Authors: Phatak A. , Kiiveri H. , Clemmensen L.H. , Wilson W.J.
Published: April 2010

Summary: NetRaVE is a small suite of R functions for generating dependency networks using sparse regression methods. Such networks provide an alternative to interpreting ‘top n lists’ of genes arising out of an analysis of microarray data, and they provide a means of organizing and visualizing the resulting information in a manner that may suggest relationships between genes.

Availability: NetRaVE is freely available for academic use and has been tested in R 2.10.1 under Windows XP, Linux and Mac OS X.

Contact:  harri.kiiveri@csiro.au

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Courtship rate signals fertility in an externally fertilizing fish
Authors: Weir Laura K. , Grant James W. A.
Published: April 2010

Sperm limitation is widespread across many animal species. Several mechanisms of sperm allocation have been proposed, including optimal allocation according to clutch size and equal allocation across females. However, considerably less effort has been directed at investigating the behavioural signals associated with sperm limitation in males, which may include mating rate and the intensity of courtship. We investigated whether multiple successive spawnings affect individual male fertilization success, mating rates and courtship rates in Japanese medaka (
Oryzias latipes
). Across an average of 17 spawning events per male, fertilization success decreased from 83.7 per cent for the first spawning to 40 per cent for the last spawning while courtship rate decreased from 3.4 to 1.5 min
−1
. Females appeared to respond to male sperm depletion by reducing clutch size. Our results suggest that male Japanese medaka are sperm-limited, and that courtship rate may be an honest indication of fertilization ability.
Cooperators benefit through reputation-based partner choice in economic games
Authors: Sylwester Karolina , Roberts Gilbert
Published: April 2010

Explaining unconditional cooperation, such as donations to charities or contributions to public goods, continues to present a problem. One possibility is that cooperation can pay through developing a reputation that makes one more likely to be chosen for a profitable cooperative partnership, a process termed competitive altruism (CA) or reputation-based partner choice. Here, we show, to our knowledge, for the first time, that investing in a cooperative reputation can bring net benefits through access to more cooperative partners. Participants played a public goods game (PGG) followed by an opportunity to select a partner for a second cooperative game. We found that those who gave more in the PGG were more often selected as desired partners and received more in the paired cooperative game. Reputational competition was even stronger when it was possible for participants to receive a higher payoff from partner choice. The benefits of being selected by a more cooperative partner outweighed the costs of cooperation in the reputation building phase. CA therefore provides an alternative to indirect reciprocity as an explanation for reputation-building behaviour. Furthermore, while indirect reciprocity depends upon individuals giving preference to those of good standing, CA can explain unconditional cooperation.
Males of the orb-web spider
Argiope bruennichi
sacrifice themselves to unrelated females
Authors: Welke Klaas W. , Schneider Jutta M.
Published: April 2010

Costs of inbreeding can lead to total reproductive failure and inbreeding avoidance is, therefore, common. In classical sex roles with no paternal care, the selective pressure to avoid inbreeding is mostly on the female, which carries the higher costs. In some orb-web spiders, this situation is very different because females are polyandrous and males are monogynous or at most bigynous. Additionally, females of many entelegyne orb weavers are thought to bias paternity post-copulatorily towards a desired mate. This increases the selective pressure on males to adjust their investment in a mating with regard to the compatibility to a female.

Here, we examine whether genetic relatedness influences mating behaviour in the orb-web spider
Argiope bruennichi
. We mated either a sibling or a non-sibling male to a female in single copulation trials and compared copulation duration, cannibalism rate and female fecundity.

Our experiment revealed that males prolonged their copulation duration and were cannibalized more frequently when mating with a non-sibling female. Males mating with a sibling female were more likely to escape cannibalism by copulating briefly, thus presumably increasing their chances of re-mating with a more compatible female. This suggests that males can adaptively adjust their investment relating to the compatibility of a female.
Predators are less likely to misclassify masquerading prey when their models are present
Authors: Skelhorn John , Ruxton Graeme D.
Published: April 2010

Masquerading animals have evolved striking visual resemblances to inanimate objects. These animals gain protection from their predators not simply by avoiding detection, but by causing their predators to misclassify them as the ‘models’ that they appear to resemble. Using domestic chicks as predators and twig-mimicking caterpillars as prey, we demonstrated that masquerading prey were more likely to be misclassified as their models when viewed in isolation from their models than when viewed alongside examples of their model, although they benefitted from masquerade to some extent in both conditions. From this, we predict a selection pressure on masqueraders to use microhabitats that reduce the risk of them being viewed simultaneously with examples of their model, and/or to more closely resemble their model in situations where simultaneous viewing is commonplace.
Field-level bird abundances are enhanced by landscape-scale agri-environment scheme uptake
Authors: Dallimer Martin , Gaston Kevin J. , Skinner Andrew M. J. , Hanley Nick , Acs Szvetlana , Armsworth Paul R.
Published: April 2010

Despite two decades of agri-environment schemes (AESs) aimed at mitigating farmland biodiversity losses, the evidence that such programmes actually benefit biodiversity remains limited. Using field-level surveys, we assess the effectiveness of AESs in enhancing bird abundances in an upland area of England, where schemes have been operating for over 20 years. In such a region, the effects of AESs should be readily apparent, and we predict that bird abundances will co-vary with both field- and landscape-scale measures of implementation. Using an information theoretic approach, we found that, for abundances of species of conservation concern and upland specialists, measures of AES implementation and habitat type at both scales appear in the most parsimonious models. Field-level bird abundances are higher where more of the surrounding landscape is included in an AES. While habitat remains a more influential predictor, we suggest that landscape-scale implementation results in enhanced bird abundances. Hence, measures of the success of AESs should consider landscape-wide benefits as well as localized impacts.
William Graeme Laver. 3 June 1929 — 26 September 2008
Authors: Webster Robert G.
Published: April 2010

A novel influenza virus of swine origin that emerged in Mexico in April 2009 has spread globally in humans and caused the first pandemic of influenza in the twenty-first century. Our options for controlling the pandemic include the use of anti-influenza drugs and vaccines against this novel influenza virus. William Graeme Laver contributed significantly to both of these strategies. The anti-influenza drugs (Relenza and Tamiflu) that target the viral enzyme were designed on the basis of the three-dimensional structure of the neuraminidase from crystals prepared by Graeme from influenza virus grown in chicken embryos. These drugs have been stockpiled in many countries and are the first option for the treatment of infected persons. The second option, and the preferred one for the control of influenza, is vaccination; Graeme Laver's structural studies on the disruption of influenza virus with mild detergent provided one of the first subunit vaccines, which remains the basis of the influenza vaccine currently prepared in Australia. Our knowledge about the origin of pandemic influenza viruses also comes from the pioneering field work of Graeme Laver. His Australian heritage of adventure in the great outdoors led to studies on influenza in wild migratory birds. These studies laid the foundation for the concept that the wild waterfowl of the world are the natural reservoirs of all influenza viruses. Although Graeme Laver's curiosity was to establish the fundamental properties of influenza viruses, his work translated into humanitarian endeavours relevant today in pandemic planning for influenza.
Correction for Sir Robert William Kerr Honeycombe. 2 May 1921 — 14 September 2007
Authors: Smallman R. E.
Published: April 2010

Biogr. Mems Fell. R. Soc.
55
, 91–106 (2009; Published online 14 May 2009)(doi:
10.1098/rsbm.2008.0020
)

We regret that we erroneously gave Sir Robert's honour as KBE; he was a Knight Bachelor.
Minimum variational principles for time-harmonic waves in a dissipative medium and associated variational principles of Hashin–Shtrikman type
Authors: Milton Graeme W. , Willis John R.
Published: April 2010

Minimization variational principles for linear elastodynamic, acoustic or electromagnetic time-harmonic waves in dissipative media were obtained by Milton
et al.
(Milton
et al.
2009
Proc. R. Soc. A
465
, 367–396 (
doi:10.1098/rspa.2008.0195
)), generalizing the quasistatic variational principles of Cherkaev and Gibiansky (Cherkaev & Gibiansky 1994
J. Math. Phys.
35
, 127–145 (
doi:10.1063/1.530782
)). Here, a further generalization is made to allow for a much wider variety of boundary conditions, and in particular Dirichlet and Neumann boundary conditions. In addition minimization or maximization principles of the Hashin–Shtrikman type, incorporating ‘polarization fields’, are developed. The corresponding principles for static problems have found substantial use in bounding the effective static properties of composite materials. The new dynamical principles offer the prospect of developing bounds on the effective dynamic properties of such materials.
Double-bracket dissipation in kinetic theory for particles with anisotropic interactions
Authors: Holm D. D. , Putkaradze V. , Tronci C.
Published: April 2010

We derive equations of motion for the dynamics of anisotropic particles directly from the dissipative Vlasov kinetic equations, with the dissipation given by the double-bracket approach (double-bracket Vlasov, or DBV). The moments of the DBV equation lead to a non-local form of Darcy’s law for the mass density. Next, kinetic equations for particles with anisotropic interaction are considered and also cast into the DBV form. The moment dynamics for these double-bracket kinetic equations is expressed as Lie–Darcy continuum equations for densities of mass and orientation. We also show how to obtain a Smoluchowski model from a cold plasma-like moment closure of DBV. Thus, the double-bracket kinetic framework serves as a unifying method for deriving different types of dynamics, from density-orientation to Smoluchowski equations. Extensions for more general physical systems are also discussed.
To eat or not to eat: egg-based assessment of paternity triggers fine-tuned decisions about filial cannibalism
Authors: Mehlis Marion , Bakker Theo C. M. , Engqvist Leif , Frommen Joachim G.
Published: April 2010

Filial cannibalism occurs in many animal species ranging from insects to mammals, and is especially well described in teleost fishes. Numerous causes may lead to this behaviour, e.g. certainty of paternity. However, the cues males use to assess their paternity often remain unknown. One possible way to differentiate between own and foreign offspring is by using egg cues. Nevertheless, in egg-laying species, evidence for this is still scarce. In this study, male three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus), a fish with paternal care in which sneaking as well as filial cannibalism is common, were allowed to care for manipulated nests that contained different percentages of own fertilized eggs. After 7 days, embryo survival was determined. Furthermore, brood-caring as well as aggressive behaviour was measured daily. Clutches containing a higher proportion of foreign eggs were more likely to be completely cannibalized than clutches containing a lower proportion of foreign eggs, particularly when the clutch was laid early in the breeding season. However, the behavioural observations revealed no influence of paternity. The results show that paternity triggers filial cannibalism in sticklebacks and that males are able to evaluate their paternity using egg cues alone.
Complex cognition and behavioural innovation in New Caledonian crows
Authors: Taylor Alex H. , Elliffe Douglas , Hunt Gavin R. , Gray Russell D.
Published: April 2010

Apes, corvids and parrots all show high rates of behavioural innovation in the wild. However, it is unclear whether this innovative behaviour is underpinned by cognition more complex than simple learning mechanisms. To investigate this question we presented New Caledonian crows with a novel three-stage metatool problem. The task involved three distinct stages: (i) obtaining a short stick by pulling up a string, (ii) using the short stick as a metatool to extract a long stick from a toolbox, and finally (iii) using the long stick to extract food from a hole. Crows with previous experience of the behaviours in stages 1–3 linked them into a novel sequence to solve the problem on the first trial. Crows with experience of only using string and tools to access food also successfully solved the problem. This innovative use of established behaviours in novel contexts was not based on resurgence, chaining and conditional reinforcement. Instead, the performance was consistent with the transfer of an abstract, causal rule: ‘out-of-reach objects can be accessed using a tool’. This suggests that high innovation rates in the wild may reflect complex cognitive abilities that supplement basic learning mechanisms.
Two pulses of diversification across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec in a montane Mexican bird fauna
Authors: Barber B. R. , Klicka J.
Published: April 2010

Understanding the evolutionary history of the species in a particular region provides insights into how that fauna was formed. Of particular interest to biogeographers is examining the impact a geographical barrier had in generating temporal genetic diversity among codistributed species. We examined the impact a major New World barrier, the Isthmus of Tehuantepec (IT) in southern Mexico, had on a regional bird fauna. Specifically, genetic data from 10 montane-forest bird taxa were analysed using approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) to test the hypothesis of simultaneous intraspecific diversification at the IT. Because effective population size (Ne) has the greatest impact on coalescent times, thereby affecting tests of divergence among codistributed taxa, we chose priors for both current and ancestralNeusing empirical estimates of theta. The ABC method detected two discrete diversification events. Subsequent analysis with the number of diversification events constrained to two suggests that four taxa diverged in an older event, with the remaining six diverging more recently. Application of a range of mutation rates from 2.0 to 5.0% Myr−1places both events within the Pleistocene or Late Pliocene, suggesting that fluctuations in montane habitat induced by climate cycles and a late Pliocene seaway may have fractured this montane bird fauna. The results presented here suggest this avian fauna responded in a relatively concerted fashion over the last several million years.
The molecular physiology of increased egg desiccation resistance during diapause in the invasive mosquito,Aedes albopictus
Authors: Urbanski Jennifer M. , Benoit Joshua B. , Michaud M. Robert , Denlinger David L. , Armbruster Peter
Published: April 2010

Photoperiodic diapause is a crucial adaptation to seasonal environmental variation in a wide range of arthropods, but relatively little is known regarding the molecular basis of this important trait. In temperate populations of the mosquitoAedes albopictus, exposure to short-day (SD) lengths causes the female to produce diapause eggs. Tropical populations do not undergo a photoperiodic diapause. We identified afatty acyl coA elongasetranscript that is more abundant under SD versus long-day (LD) photoperiods in mature oocyte tissue of replicate temperate, but not tropical,A. albopictuspopulations. Fatty acyl CoA elongases are involved in the synthesis of long chain fatty acids (hydrocarbon precursors). Diapause eggs from a temperate population had one-third more surface hydrocarbons and one-half the water loss rates of non-diapause eggs. Eggs from a tropical population reared under SD and LD photoperiods did not differ in surface hydrocarbon abundance or water loss rates. In both a temperate and tropical population, composition of hydrocarbon chain lengths did not differ between eggs from SD versus LD conditions. These results implicate the expression offatty acyl coA elongaseand changes in quantity, but not composition, of egg surface hydrocarbons as important components of increased desiccation resistance during diapause inA. albopictus.
Interaction of the human cytomegalovirus uracil DNA glycosylase UL114 with the viral DNA polymerase catalytic subunit UL54
Authors: Strang Blair L. , Coen Donald M.
Published: April 2010

Interaction between human cytomegalovirus uracil DNA glycosylase (UL114) and the viral DNA polymerase accessory subunit (UL44) has been reported; however, no such association was found in proteomic studies of UL44-interacting proteins. Utilizing virus expressing FLAG-tagged UL114, nuclease-resistant association of UL44 and the DNA polymerase catalytic subunit UL54 with UL114 was observed by co-immunoprecipitation. Contrary to a previous report, we observed that UL114 was much less abundant than UL44. Interaction of UL114 with UL54, independent of the UL54 carboxyl terminus, but not with UL44 was detected in vitro. Our data are consistent with a direct UL114–UL54 interaction, and suggest that UL114 and UL54 act in concert during base excision repair of the viral genome.
Object/context-specific memory deficits associated with loss of hippocampal granule cells after adrenalectomy in rats
Authors: Spanswick Simon C. , Sutherland Robert J.
Published: April 2010

Chronic adrenalectomy (ADX) causes a gradual and selective loss of granule cells in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the rat. Here, we administered replacement corticosterone to rats beginning 10 wk after ADX. We then tested them in three discrimination tasks based on object novelty, location, or object/context association. Only during testing of the object/context association did ADX rats demonstrate deficits. These findings add to a body of evidence that the hippocampus is necessary when contextual information is important. We also confirm that memory deficits after chronic adrenalectomy are not a result of loss of corticosterone per se.
Host defence in a developmental context
Authors: WHALEN MAUREEN C.
Published: April 2010

Disease resistance takes place within the context of the host developmental programme. The cellular and molecular basis of the developmental control of resistance is virtually unknown. It is clear from mutant studies that developmental processes are impacted when defence factors are altered and it is equally clear that alteration of developmental factors impacts defence functions. A review of current knowledge regarding the interplay of resistance and development is presented. Stage‐specific limitations on defence represent an important target for crop improvement.
Optimization of pathogenicity assays to study the Arabidopsis thaliana–Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris pathosystem
Authors: MEYER DAMIEN , LAUBER EMMANUELLE , ROBY DOMINIQUE , ARLAT MATTHIEU , KROJ THOMAS
Published: April 2010

The cruciferous weed Arabidopsis thaliana and the causal agent of black rot disease of Crucifers Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) are both model organisms in plant pathology. Their interaction has been studied successfully in the past, but these investigations suffered from high variability. In the present study, we describe an improved Arabidopsis–Xcc pathosystem that is based on a wound inoculation procedure. We show that after wound inoculation, Xcc colonizes the vascular system of Arabidopsis leaves and causes typical black rot symptoms in a compatible interaction, while in an incompatible interaction bacterial multiplication is inhibited. The highly synchronous and reproducible symptom expression allowed the development of a disease scoring scheme that enabled us to analyse the effects of mutations in individual genes on plant resistance or on bacterial virulence in a simple and precise manner. This optimized Arabidopsis–Xcc pathosystem will be a robust tool for further genetic and post‐genomic investigation of fundamental questions in plant pathology.
Loss of function of the HSFA9 seed longevity program
Authors: TEJEDOR‐CANO JAVIER , PRIETO‐DAPENA PILAR , ALMOGUERA CONCEPCIÓN , CARRANCO RAÚL , HIRATSU KEIICHIRO , OHME‐TAKAGI MASARU , JORDANO JUAN
Published: April 2010

Gain of function approaches that have been published by our laboratory determined that HSFA9 (Heat Shock Factor A9) activates a genetic program contributing to seed longevity and to desiccation tolerance in plant embryos. We now evaluate the role(s) of HSFA9 by loss of function using different modified forms of HaHSFA9 (sunflower HSFA9), which were specifically overexpressed in seeds of transgenic tobacco. We used two inactive forms (M1, M2) with deletion or mutation of the transcription activation domain of HaHSFA9, and a third form (M3) with HaHSFA9 converted to a potent active repressor by fusion of the SRDX motif. The three forms showed similar protein accumulation in transgenic seeds; however, only HaHSFA9‐SRDX showed a highly significant reduction of seed longevity, as determined by controlled deterioration tests, a rapid seed ageing procedure. HaHSFA9‐SRDX impaired the genetic program controlled by the tobacco HSFA9, with a drastic reduction in the accumulation of seed heat shock proteins (HSPs) including seed‐specific small HSP (sHSP) belonging to cytosolic (CI, CII) classes. Despite such effects, the HaHSFA9‐SRDX seeds could survive developmental desiccation during embryogenesis and their subsequent germination was not reduced. We infer that the HSFA9 genetic program contributes only partially to seed‐desiccation tolerance and longevity.
THE CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM OF CHAMELEON VULGARIS
Authors: SHANKLIN WILLIAM MATHIAS
Published: April 2010

An analysis of the brain of Chameleon has given evidence of a number of modifications in the general plan of the reptilian nervous system. The telencephalon shows a reduced olfactory mechanism and suggests the presence of the true motor cortex. The ventral peduncle of the lateral forebrain bundle is unusually large with the majority of its fibres terminating in two new nuclear masses in the hypothalamus, the nucleus entopeduncularis, and a few in the nucleus ruber. A high degree of effective response to optic stimuli is indicated by the extensive correlation between the optic tectum and the nuclear masses of the midbrain and the diencephalon. The wide range of eye movements is probably correlated with the development of the basal optic root ganglion and its numerous secondary connections and the elaborate relationship of the geniculate complex. The usually highly developed tecto‐bulbar system is partly replaced by a large tegmento‐bulbar system that relays the tectal impulses caudally. An interesting mesencephalic nucleus is a large nucleus profundus mesencephali that receives a great variety of impulses and appears to be an important correlation center. Ascending visceral mechanisms were described bringing the hypothalamus into relationship with the lower centers. The great excursion of the tongue is associated with a highly differentiated hypoglossal nucleus. Components of the medial lemniscus from the spinal cord and the medulla to the vicinity of the thalamus were demonstrated.
THE ONTOGENY OF THE CRANIAL BONES, CRANIAL PERIPHERAL AND CRANIAL PARASYMPATHETIC NERVES, TOGETHER WITH A STUDY OF THE VISCERAL MUSCLES OF STRUTHIO
Authors: WEBB M.
Published: April 2010

Abstract The skull of Struthio is typically avian. There are, however, many cranial features that are neotenic in relation to the other Dromaeognathae and Neognathae. The premaxillary‐vomer arthrosis is present in the embryo of Struthio but is absent in the adult; it is present in the adults of the other Dromaeognathae; the trabeculo‐capsular entity is uninterrupted: therefore, there is no mesokinetic joint; kinesis, as a result, is limited. No orbitosphenoid present; septum ossifies as mesethmoid which appears on the dorsal surface. There are only two circumorbital bones present: the lacrimal and the jugal. The auditory region has only two centres of ossification: the prootic and opisthotic. The quadrate has a single elongated condyle of the processus oticus which articulates with the prootic and squamosal. The cranial base is ossified as the basioccipital and basisphenoid, the latter being of mixed origin. There are five dermal bones in the lower jaw of Struthio; the gonial is present. The trigeminus musculature is reduced and shows very definite neotenic features. The peripheral cranial nerves are typically avian. The cranial parasympathetic nerves are well developed in the embryo but show definite signs of resorption in the later stages of development. The hyoid apparatus is mainly cartilaginous; the hyoid musculature is reduced.
Distribution des néoblastes le long du corps de la planaire Dugesia tigrina et pouvoir de développement de différents morceaux isolés de celui‐ci
Authors: Kritchinskaya E. B. , Lenicque P. M.
Published: April 2010

Résumé et conclusion

Nous avons étudié les variations de la densité en néoblastes dans la région du corps antérieure au pharynx, dans la zone de division et dans la queue chez Dugesia tigrina, au cours du cycle de reproduction asexuée. La densité est beaucoup plus grande dans la queue que dans la zone de division et elle diminue encore dans la région anté‐pharyngienne.

Dans la région post‐pharyngienne, la densité diminue de 36 heures après la division jusqu'à la fin de la première semaine. Elle augmente légèrement du 7e au 10e jour, c'est‐à‐dire peu de temps avant la division suivante.

Dans la région anté‐pharyngienne, la densité reste à peu près constante pendant toute la durée du cycle de reproduction.

Les variations du pouvoir de régénération en fonction de l'origine des morceaux du corps et du temps écoulé après la division ont été suivies.

Aucune relation nette n'a été constatée entre le nombre des néoblastes et ce pouvoir. Par contre il semble être dépendant du degré de grandeur et de l'âge des néoblastes.

Quelle est l'origine et quels sont les facteurs présidant au développement des néoblastes restent les problèmes essentiels et non résolus.
Hagfish Eye: Ultrastructure of Retinal Cells
Authors: Holmberg Kaj
Published: April 2010

The retinal cells of the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa, possess at the ultra‐structural level features which occur in the eyes of higher vertebrates. The “receptor” cells contain outer segment, ciliary structure and synaptic region. Other structures in the diminutive eye strongly suggest a functional state.
The Development of the Osteocranium of the Egyptian Cobra
Authors: Kamal A. M. , Hammonda H. G. , Mokhtar F. M.
Published: April 2010

In the present article, the median dorsal bones, bones of the upper jaw, circumorbital series and occipital ring of the skull of the adult Egyptian cobra, Naja haje have been described in detail, and compared with those of the other snakes studied by the previous authors. The median dorsal bones of the cranium are the nasals, frontals, parietals, but not the premaxillae. The paired nasals are exceptionally elongated anteriorly to the extent that the premaxillae and their processus nasalis are completely hidden in a dorsal view. The paired frontals send lateral downgrowths through their whole length which unite together in the mid‐ventral line just dorsal to the parasphenoid. The fused parietals also send lateral downgrowths which articulate ventrally with the posterior part of the parasphenoid and the anterior part of the basisphenoid.

The upper jaw is composed only of the premaxilla, maxilla and quadrate on either side. The fused premaxillae possess a processus nasalis, and ventrally they send backwards a palatal process. The maxilla carries two poisonous fangs and two solid small teeth. It is quite separate from the premaxilla, but connected with the palatine (through its palatal process), prefrontal and ectopterygoid. The length of the maxilla is reduced in comparison with that of the boids and colubrids.

The incomplete bony orbital ring is formed only of the prefrontal, frontal and postfrontal. Thus the jugal, lacrymal and postorbital are completely lacking, and the parietal is excluded from the circumorbital series by the presence of the postfrontal. The prefrontal extends from the cranial roof to the upper jaw. It is firmly fixed dorsally with the antero‐lateral border of the frontal. Its ventral edge is firmly fixed to the dorsal surface of the maxilla and its palatal process. The antero‐dorsal edge of the postfrontal is connected with the postero‐lateral edge of the frontal, while its medial edge is in sutural contact with the parietal and its lateral downgrowth.

The occipital ring consists of the four occipital bones; the basioccipital ventrally, the two exoccipitals laterally and dorsally, and the supra‐occipital dorsally. The sutures separating these bones from one another are distinct. The two exoccipitals articulate with each other dorsally above the foramen magnum, thus excluding the supraoccipital from this foramen. The occipital condyle is tripartite formed out of the basioccipital and the two exoccipitals. The exoccipital is completely fused, without any line of demarcation, with the opisthotic to form a compound bone which is called the otoccipital.
Nervus tenuis, a Hitherto Unknown Cranial Nerve of the Fourth Metamere
Authors: Bjerring Hans C.
Published: April 2010

In hynobiid urodele embryos there are three serially arranged muscles associated with the otic and occipital regions of the endocranium. These muscles are continuous posteriorly with the succession of trunk myomeres and most likely represent myotomic derivatives attributable to the third, fourth, and fifth metameres of the body. From front to back these muscles are designated: anterior basiotic, posterior basiotic, and occipital. A hitherto unknown cranial nerve is directed towards the posterior basiotic muscle in embryos of Hynobius retardatus. For this new somatic motor nerve the term nervus tenuis is proposed. Together with the glossopharyngeal nerve it constitutes the fourth cranionerval segment.
The Nerve Supply to the Second Metamere Basicranial Muscle in Osteolepiform Vertebrates, with Some Remarks on the Basic Composition of the Endocranium
Authors: Bjerring Hans C.
Published: April 2010

The endocranium of Devonian osteolepiforms includes four minor structures, called zygals, which probably represent cephalic vertebral elements belonging to the second, third, and fourth metameres. Also, the endocranium exhibits a partial segmentation in the form of vestiges of intrametameric articulations attributable to the anterior five metameres. Finally, the basicranial muscle of osteolepiforms, extending across the lower part of the endocranial articulation within the second metamere, is possibly supplied by a separate cranial nerve, for which the term nervus rarus is proposed. This hypothetical cranial nerve, which in osteolepiforms possibly emerges from the endocranium through a canal in the fourth metamere, is suggested to constitute, together with the trochlear nerve, the somatic motor component of the second cranionerval segment.
Distributional Pattern of Neuromasts in Goby, Gobius striatus Day (Gobiidae)
Authors: Srivastava C. B. L.
Published: April 2010

Distributional pattern of the neuromasts has been described for Gobius striatus Day. The neuromasts are arranged in several lines. Canal formation, like many gobiids, is suppressed to varying extent. The supraorbital line presents interesting variations. The supraorbital lines of the two sides are separate from each other even in the so‐called common ‘interorbital chamber’. An outstanding feature of the neuromast system of the fish is the great development of the supramaxillary line which is perhaps best developed in this case.
Hypothalamo‐neurohypophysical C omplex of the Teleost Macrognathus aculeatus (BL.)
Authors: Haider Shamim , Sathyanesan A. G.
Published: April 2010

The hypothalamo‐neurohypophysial (HN) complex of Macrognathus aculeatus is described with the help of in situ staining technique and tissue sections. Bulk stained preparations provide a three‐dimentional view of the entire HN complex. The nucleus preopticus (NPO) which is oval in the ventral view appears boat‐shaped in the cross sectional view of the in toto stained brain. But it is in the form of an inverted L in median parasagittal section. Both pars magnocellularis and parvocellularis contribute fine fibers towards the formation of the right and the left main tracts which are composed of groups of loosely set bundles of axons. Unlike the earlier reported cases the main tract in this species runs lateral to the pituitary axis and independently enters it at the level of the proximal pars distalis without forming a common neurosecretory tract which is a feature not yet well known. In situ demonstration of the neurosecretory system in M. aculeatus has clearly revealed certain complex features which are difficult or impossible to understand through reconstruction studies of tissue sections. Extension of such in situ staining techniques to other species of teleosts may provide a wide variety of variations in the distributional patterns of their neurosecretory tracts which might throw additional light on the function and evolution of this system.
Prolactin‐producing Cells in Clupea harengus membras, Polypterus palmas and Calamoichthys calabaricus Studied by Immuno‐histochemical Methods
Authors: Aler Gudrun M.
Published: April 2010

The prolactin‐producing cells in Clupea harengus membras, Polypterus palmas and Calamoichthys calabaricus have been localized by fluores‐ceinlabelled antibodies to ovine prolactin.

Pituitary sections were cut in a cryostat and both direct and indirect protein tracing methods have been used. As an additional method the paraffin embedding technique was carried out with Polypterus palmas. The prolactin‐producing cells in Clupea harengus membras were localized to the follicle epithelium in the rostral pars distalis. In Polypterus palmas and Calamoichthys calabaricus the prolactin producing cells were scattered all over the pars distalis.

A possible relationship between the erythrosinophilic prolactin cells and the epithelium cells in the buccohypophyseal canal is discussed.
The Photoreceptor Outer Segments of the River Lamprey (Lampreta fluviatilis). An Electron‐, Fluorescence‐ and Light Microscopic Study
Authors: Öhman Peter
Published: April 2010

The outer segment of long and short photoreceptors in the retina of the river lamprey,Lampetra fluviatilis, were studied by light‐ and fluorescence microscopy together with some different electron microscopic methods. The outer segments show characteristics of both rods and cones and are suggested to represent intermediate kinds of photoreceptors.
The Ultrastructure of a Chemoreceptor Organ in the Head of Copepod Crustaceans
Authors: Elofsson Rolf
Published: April 2010

The ultrastructure of the paired nerves, previously called frontal organ or X‐organ, in copepod crustaceans was investigated. These nerves, running from the anterior margin of the brain to the frontal edge of the animals, are found to contain the dendrites of three types of morphologically different sensory neurons. The first unit consists of two dendrites (distinguished by their myelinization) leading to two small hairs on the front. Their detailed structure was not investigated. The second unit consists of a few large dendrites ending in branching cilia. The latter are surrounded by a specialized glial cell. The ciliary branches are regularly sized and arranged. The third unit consists of c. 17 dendrites ending with cilia at the cuticle. The cilia are split into irregular branches which are buried in modified epidermal cells which, in the case of Calanus, are connected with cuticular pores.

By analogy with other presumed chemosensory organs in the Arthropoda, the second and the third unit are considered, on a morphological basis, to be chemoreceptors. The second unit receives internal stimuli. Because it resembles other X‐organs in the Crustacea, all X‐organs could have the same function. The third unit is thought of as receiving external stimuli.
The Spermatozoa of the Thysanuran Insects Petrobius brevistylis Carp. and Lepisma saccharina L.
Authors: Wingstrand Karl Georg
Published: April 2010

The spermatozoa of Petrobius and Lepisma share a few general insect features (filamentous shape, two mitochondria, compact acrosome vesicle, bilateral symmetry) but differ fundamentally with regard to specializations. In Petrobius, a long coiled acrosome, a coiled nucleus, and a “body” with axonema, two mitochondria, and a pair of lateral bodies follow each other in normal sequence. In Lepisma the acrosome is a small vestige in the spoon‐shaped anterior end, the centriole is dislocated anteriorly, and nucleus, two mitochondria and axonema run like parallel filaments through most of the spermatozoon. The centriole adjunct develops into a postnuclear body in Lepisma but forms a pair of complicated “lateral bodies” in Petrobius. It is concluded that ancestral forms must have had fairly primitive spermatozoa and that specialization has proceeded independently within each evolutionary line.
On a Peculiar Mode of Germ‐Layer Formation
Authors: Nørrevang Arne
Published: April 2010

In some planulae of the alcyonarian Gersemia rubiformis an interior structure was found in the entodermal cavity. It consisted of two layers separated by a basement membrane, the inner layer facing a central cavity. The outer layer was structurally identical with the inner “entomesoderm” of the body wall, while the inner layer of the “ball” was provided with numerous cilia and a brushborder. The development of the interior structure is described as appearing from the structural findings in different planulae. This development is very different from any other developmental process described so far.
Morphogenetic Actions of 5‐hydroxytryptamine and Some Analogous Substances on the Regeneration of the Planarian Worm Dugesia tigrina
Authors: Lenicque Pierre M.
Published: April 2010

The effects on regeneration of serotonin and analagous substances such as tryptamine, DMT, bufotenine, melatonin, auxin and gramine were studied on small pieces of D. tigrina. By comparison with results obtained in previous works with DOPA, α methyl DOPA and noradrenaline, and also with substances of the series of tetrahydrocannabinol it is shown that the normal morphogenetic action of the neurohormone is dependant of the presence of a free hydroxyl on a flat ring (phenol or indole) and of a free amine on the lateral chain of the molecule. Essays to detect the mechanism of the morphogenetic action did not allow to give any clear conclusion.
Antennal Sensory Hairs in Talitrid Amphipods (Crustacea)
Authors: Dahl Erik
Published: April 2010

Sensory hairs from antennulae and antennae of the two species Orchestia platensis Krøyer and Talorchestia deshayesii Audouin were studied by means of light microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The complicated cuticular structures of the hair wall are described and figured. The central hair cavity opens in a rather wide terminal pore. Dendritic cilia from sensory neurons with perikarya inside the antennae run the whole length of the hair and terminate in the pore opening. The distal parts of the cilia contain osmiophilic material. It is concluded on morphological grounds that the hairs are chemosensory organs.
Intestinal Enterochromaffin Cells in Branchiostoma lanceolatum, Studied by Fluorescence and Electron Microscopy
Authors: Hulting Gunnar
Published: April 2010

Using the Falck‐Hillarp method for demonstration of biogenic amines, the presence of indole alkylamine (possibly 5‐hydroxytryptamine) containing enterochromaffin cells in strongly ciliated areas of the lancelet intestine was confirmed. An electron microscopic investigation of these areas, i.e. the “lateral ciliated tract” and the “dorsal ciliated tract”, revealed two cell types. 1. Mucous cells, equipped with tall cilia and giant rootlets, constitute the dominating type. 2. Enterochromaffin cells, containing numerous electron dense granules, are sparsely scattered among the mucous cells. The intestinal indole alkylamine is believed to be involved in the regulation of ciliary activity.
A Second Granular Cell in the Endocrine Pancreas of the Hagfish Myxine glutinosa?
Authors: Thomas N.W. , Östberg Y. , Falkmer S.
Published: April 2010

A light and electron microscopic re‐investigation of the pancreatic islet organ of the hagfish, Myxine glutinosa, has confirmed earlier observations that agranular and granular β‐cells are the predominant cell types. However, in addition a rare second granular parenchymal cell was observed in which the granules are spherical in shape with a mean diameter of 213 nm, contrasting with the predominantly ellipsoid granules which characterise the β‐cell. At present, this allegedly second granular parenchymal cell cannot be unequivocally equated with a named islet cell type and its nature remains somewhat problematic.
Effets de l'ablation de l'œil sur la morphogenèse du chondrocrâne et du crâne osseux de Salmo irideus Gib
Authors: Pinganaud‐Perrin G.
Published: April 2010

The effects of eye ablation in the morphogenesis of the trout skull (Salmo irideus Gib.)

Removal of one or both eyes in rainbow trout (from 8 days before hatching to 6 days after) causes some malformations of development of chondrocranium and skull bones. The observations prove that they have a mechanical origin: they are due to a modification of the forces existing in the orbit region during the morphogenesis. Height of orbit is reduced by taenia marginalis sliding down, and length of orbit is reduced by lamina orbitonasalis moving backwards. The bone reproduces exactly cartilage deformations.

Des ablations unilatérales et bilatérales du globe oculaire sont pratiquées sur des alevins de Truite à des stades variant de 8 jours avant à 6 jours après l'éclosion. A la suite de ces opérations, il apparaît que les malformations obtenues au niveau du chondrocrâne comme du crâne osseux sont d'origine mécanique et liées à des modifications des forces qui s'exercent au cours de la morphogenèse dans la région orbitaire. l'orbite est réduite dorsoventralement par l'abaissement de la taenia marginalis et dans son diamètre antéro‐postérieur par le recul de la lame orbitonasale. l'os suit fidèlement les déformations du cartilage.
Action de la prolactine chez l'Anguille intacte et hypophysectomisée
Authors: Lemoine Anne‐Marie , Olivereau Madeleine
Published: April 2010

Action of prolactin in intact and hypophysectomized eels. IX Effect on N‐acetyl‐neuraminic acid (ANAN) content of the skin, in sea water

Intact male silver eels were gradually transferred from fresh water to sea water. The ANAN content of the skin is significantly reduced after 50 days in sea water. Ovine prolactin injected for 10 days is without effect on skin mucus.

Eels were hypophysectomized the day before their transfer; after 20, 30 and 50 days in salt water, ANAN content is progressively reduced; prolactin injection starting just after hypophysectomy has no effect after 20 days, prevents the ANAN decrease after 30 days and significantly increases skin ANAN after 50 days. These effects are compared with those obtained after similar treatments in fresh water: in both media, mucus production is stimulated after prolactin treatment in hypophysectomized eels, but is not increased in intact animals. Simultaneous plasma sodium changes are discussed in the light of recent data on eel osmoregulation.

Chez l'Anguille intacte transférée graduellement en eau de mer, la teneur en ANAN de la peau subit une chute lente, significative au 50e jour. l'injection de prolactine pendant 10 jours n'a pas d'effet net.

l'hypophysectomie pratiquée la veille du transfert en eau de mer provoque une diminution significative de la concentration en ANAN, 20, 30 et 50 j après l'opération. La prolactine ovine, injectée aussitôt après l'ablation, reste sans effet apparent après 20 j, puis normalise (30 j) et accroît nettement (50 j) le taux de l'ANAN cutané, reflet de la quantité de mucus. Ces réponses sont comparées à celles obtenues en eau douce, ainsi qu'aux variations de la natrémie dans ces deux milieux et discutées à la lumière de données récentes sur l'osmorégulation de l'Anguille.
Melanophore Responses and Intermediatelobe Activity in the Eel Anguilla anguilla after Injection of 6‐OH‐dopamine
Authors: Fremberg Monica , Olivereau Madeleine
Published: April 2010

When 6‐OH dopamine (6‐OHDA) was injected into the body cavity of eels (Anguilla anguilla L.), which had been kept on a light background with continuous artificial illumination or a natural day‐night regime in May and June, evident but heterogeneous chromatic reactions were induced. After peripheral drug effects during the first 6 hours, the eels became darker for 2 or 3 days, whereupon the melanophore index (MI), in most cases, decreased. Darkening was accompanied by significant nuclear hypertrophy and moderate degranulation of the MSH (melanophore‐stimulating hormone) cells. Probably only some of the adrenergic nerves in the neural lobe were affected. The blood supply to the brain was decreased for several days after each injection. The results support the assumption that in the eel catecholamines released from nerve endings in the neural lobe inhibit the release of MSH from intermedia cells by their own action as an inhibiting factor, or by affecting an MIF (MSH‐release inhibiting factor) and/or an MRF (MSH‐releasing factor).