bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinctive histopathologic features of canine optic nerve hypoplasia and aplasia: a retrospective review of 13 cases
Authors: Garcia da Silva Enry , Dubielzig Richard , Zarfoss Mitzi K. , Anibal Armien 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCanine optic nerve hypoplasia (ONH) and aplasia (ONA) are significant neuro‐ophthalmologic disorders that have been reported in several species. The purpose of this study was to describe the distinctive histopathologic features of ONH and ONA in canine patients identified from a collection of 20 000 ocular submissions at the comparative ocular pathology laboratory of Wisconsin from 1989 to 2006. The following information about ONH and ONA cases was collected: signalment, and clinical and gross findings, including unilateral vs. bilateral involvement. Microscopic evaluation was performed, with attention to optic nerve malformation, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and nerve fiber layer (NFL) loss, and retinal disorganization. The distribution of retinal vasculature was recorded and a search for unusual findings of ONH and ONA was performed. Information and histologic documentation was available for 13 cases. Eight cases of ONH and five cases of ONA were identified. The average group age was 20.2 months and 16.1 months, respectively. The most common breed was the Shih Tzu (3/13). ONH usually presented bilaterally (7/8); all ONA cases presented as a unilateral disease (5/5). The morphologic findings in the optic nerve (ON) in ONH included variable degrees of ON hypoplasia and gliosis, as well as ectopic vestigial ON remnants within orbital nerves and connective tissues. The NFL was detected in the majority of the ONH cases; however, RGCs were rare or absent. Mild retinal disorganization was seen occasionally. Most cases of ONH were associated with regional peripheral retinal blood vessel extension into the vitreous, leaving the peripheral retina avascular. In ONA cases the retinal blood vessels, NFL and RGCs were totally absent and retinal disorganization was severe. Distinctive microscopic features encountered in ONA included anterior segment dysgenesis in some cases. The retina in these cases was stretched across the posterior lens capsule, never making contact with the posterior pole of the globe. The current study reviews the human and veterinary literature pertaining to ONH and ONA, compares ONH and ONA in dogs, and presents related ophthalmic histopathologic findings that have not been reported previously.
Isolation and characterization of primary canine lens epithelial cells
Authors: Long Amy C. , Agler Amanda , Colitz Carmen M. H. , Zhang Jin , Hayek Michael G. , Failla Mark L. , Bomser Joshua A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractObjective  The purpose of this study was to characterize the proliferation and differentiation of primary canine lens epithelial cells (LEC) under standard culture conditions.Procedure  Canine LEC were isolated by mechanical dissection of the canine globe and enzymatic digestion of the lens capsule from fresh lenses. Isolated capsules and cell suspensions were seeded in laminin‐coated culture flasks. Canine LEC proliferated and formed monolayers, which could be passaged and maintained for approximately 2 weeks. Cells were characterized morphologically and cell lysates examined for expression of protein markers of epithelial origin and differentiation.Results  Canine LEC exhibit morphologic characteristics of epithelial cells when cultured on laminin/lysine coated flasks. Expression of epithelial cell marker, cytokeratin 5, was highest at passage 1 and diminished with increasing passage number. Expression of γ‐crystallin, a protein found only in differentiated lens fiber cells, increased at passage 6. A laminin/lysine‐coated surface supported optimal proliferation of canine LEC. Both an initial seeding density of 1 × 105 cells/cm2 and culture in Dulbecco's modified essential media (DMEM) supplemented with 10% FBS supported a doubling time of less than 48 h in canine LEC.Conclusion  This study demonstrates that primary canine LEC retain the characteristics of lens epithelial cells prior to passage 6 under the described culture conditions and represent a suitable in vitro model for investigating lens physiology and cataractogenesis.
ISLAMIC PHILOSOPHY AND THE CHALLENGE OF CLONING
Authors: Farimani Mohammad Motahari 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.Scientific achievements, especially in contemporary biology, have led and continue to lead to uncertainties for some believers with regard to their understanding of the role of God as the creator. This essay, avoiding philosophical jargon, expounds the stance of Islamic philosophy on this matter and argues that such anxiety and doubt are unfounded. Drawing upon the thousand‐year‐old distinction between two types of cause, real and preparatory, as formulated by Muslim philosophers, the argument demonstrates that seeing biological advances as rivaling God's creation, as traditionally understood in the Abrahamic religions, is a premature judgment based on a faulty conflation. This comes to light most clearly through Mulla Sadra's analysis of causality, the far‐reaching implications of which are briefly mentioned.
TEILHARD DE CHARDIN'S EVOLUTIONARY NATURAL THEOLOGY
Authors: Grumett David 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.Pierre Teilhard de Chardin develops, as is well known, a model of evolution as a convergent progression from primordial multiplicity through increasing degrees of complexity toward a final Omega point of spiritual consummation. I explore how Teilhard fuses Darwinian and Lamarckian theories of evolution in developing his own, and in particular his defense of the view that Lamarckism is fundamental to a proper understanding of evolution's human phase. Teilhard's scientific interpretation of evolution is inspired by Christian cosmological insights derived from patristic theology and contemporary Pauline scholarship and cannot be separated from them. His integration of science and theology provides the basis for a renewed evolutionary natural theology that supplants the traditional static models developed by William Paley and others. Teilhard's natural theology also provides a framework for theological ethical reflection on how humanity should act in its capacity as created co‐creator with God. In later work, he considers the implications of his evolutionary theology for the wider universe. Teilhard thus presents an invigorated natural theology grounded in evolution that confirms and completes a dynamic and teleological view of the cosmos.
Approaching Religious Guidelines for Chimera Policymaking
Authors: Modell Stephen M. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.Recent developments in the use of cow egg cells to clone human somatic cells, and the grafting by researchers at several universities of human neurons into mice, bring the notion of the chimera, a mixture of several living organisms, from myth into reality. In his article “Cross‐Species Chimeras: Exploring a Possible Christian Perspective,” Neville Cobbe considers the religious arguments overlying the creation of human‐nonhuman chimeras. In my commentary I focus on the distinction between germline‐ and tissue transplant‐related chimeric techniques implicit in Cobbe's essay and argue that the former poses more serious moral difficulties than the latter if the chimeric product is brought to term. The substantive view of the imago Dei, or image of God, serves as a scaffold by which to judge the permissibility of chimera creation using stem cell and other tissue implants. While useful for judging the rights of such artificially generated beings, I argue that specific criteria such as proportion of tissue uptake, mental capacity, and adherence with the organism's telos are more appropriately considered within a composite image of the living being reflecting its unique integrality. Human co‐creativity with the Divine will inevitably prompt attempts to generate medically useful chimeras. Religious dialogue, combined with the categories of religious moral argument appearing in Cobbe's essay, will help to establish the outline of feasible policy guidelines addressing the complexities inherent in the creation of chimeras.
Strict Naturalism and Christianity: Attempt at Drafting an Updated Theology of Nature
Authors: Brun Rudolf B. 
Published: September 2010

Abstract.In the first part of this essay I sketch a view on cosmogenesis from the perspective of modern science, emphasizing, first, that the laws of nature are outcomes of the history of nature, not imposed on nature from outside of nature; and, second, that the universe, including human beings, is the result of a single, natural process. It consistently brings forth novelty through a probabilistic sequence of syntheses. Consequently, the new emerges from the unification of elements that were previously unified. This universal creative process is both probabilistic and nonlinear. It is probabilistic (historical) because each creative event occurs within a cohort of also possible events. It is nonlinear because the new has qualities that its elements in isolation do not possess. I refer to this model of understanding cosmogenesis as strict naturalism. In the second part of the essay I argue that deistic and theistic models of cosmogenesis cannot cope with strict naturalism because they exclude teleology and supernatural interference in the creative process. In contrast to deism and theism, I show that Christianity is capable of integrating strict naturalism. To do that I focus on the Christian notion of incarnation. At the center of this reflection is the attempt to increase the understanding of Christian faith that only the Word of God creates.
The TCF7L2 Diabetes Risk Variant is Associated with HbA1C Levels: a Genome‐Wide Association Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Franklin Christopher S. , Aulchenko Yurii S. , Huffman Jennifer E. , Vitart Veronique , Hayward Caroline , Polašek Ozren , Knott Sara , Zgaga Lina , Zemunik Tatijana , Rudan Igor , Campbell Harry , Wright Alan F. , Wild Sarah H. , Wilson James F. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryGenome‐wide association (GWA) studies have identified around 20 common genetic variants influencing the risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Likewise, a number of variants have been associated with diabetes‐related quantitative glycaemic traits, but to date the overlap between these genes and variants has been low. The majority of genetic studies have focused on fasting plasma glucose levels; however, this measure is highly variable. We have conducted a GWA meta‐analysis of glycated haemoglobin (HbA1C) levels within three healthy nondiabetic populations. This phenotype provides an estimate of mean glucose levels over 2–3 months and is a more stable predictor of future diabetes risk. Participants were from three isolated populations: the Orkney Isles in the north of Scotland, the Dalmatian islands of Vis, and Korčula in Croatia (total of 1782 nondiabetic subjects). Association was tested in each population and results combined by meta‐analysis. The strongest association was with the TCF7L2 gene (rs7903146, P= 1.48 × 10−7). This is also the strongest common genetic risk factor for T2D but it has not been identified in previous genome‐wide studies of glycated haemoglobin.
Age assessment in infant crab‐eating monkeys (Macaca fascicularis) based on tooth development
Authors: Ostyn J. M. , Maltha J. C. , van der Linden F. P. G. M. 
Published: September 2010

Tooth development was studied in 13 Macaca fascicularis monkeys with known dates of birth. Regular intra‐oral examination was carried out and standardized lateral radiographs were collected from 27 until 150 weeks of age under general anaesthesia.Three stages of tooth development were determined radiographically: onset of crypt formation, onset of mineralization, and crown completion. A fourth stage, the emergence, was determined clinically. Developmental stages were recorded for six mandibular and five maxillary teeth.The ages of emergence of the permanent teeth and the developmental stages of the third molars showed the largest variation. A significant sex difference with earlier maturation in males was found for the start of crypt formation of the maxillary permanent canines and the maxillary second premolars, and for the start of mineralization of the maxillary permanent canines.The data provide a tool by which chronological age can be assessed of Macaca fascicularis monkeys between 30 and 80 weeks of age. Owing to an interphase of about one year without significant developmental features in the dentition, age assessment based on tooth development cannot be performed from about 80 to 130 weeks of age. Age assessments are possible for the period between 130 and 150 weeks of age. However, in this period the reliability of the data is lower due to larger time intervals and standard deviations.
The distribution and number of the skin sense organs of agamid, iguanid and gekkonid lizards
Authors: Matveyeva T. N. , Ananjeva N. B. 
Published: September 2010

The topography and numerical distribution of the skin receptors in 29 lizard species including 18 agamids, eight iguanids and three gekkonids, are compared and contrasted. There are no marked differences in the number of receptors in the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the body in the different groups. The maximal density of the receptors occurs on the head and decreases in the caudal direction.Iguanids and gekkonids have 5–6 times more receptors than agamids. Agamids Gonocephalus grandis from S.E. Asia, Pogona barbata, Diporiphora bilineata from Australia and Ceratophora tennentii from Sri‐Lanka, however, are distinguished by their high density of receptors, especially on the head. Species of Physignathus are similar to iguanids in this way. The agamid Phrynocephalus mystaceus shows considerable differences, in receptor number, from other species of this genus. There is a high density of receptors on the caudal scales of the Madagascan iguanid Oplurus, and a similar high density of receptors on the ventral surface of the gecko Teratoscincus scincus.
Community structure and habitat use of small mammals in grasslands of different successional age
Authors: Churchfield S. , Hollier J. , Brown V. K. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe use of habitat by eight species of small mammals was investigated by live‐trapping and markrecapture techniques in a series of eight grassland plots of different successional age, ranging from 11 months to 10 years at the start of the study, in southern England. Vegetation composition and structure in the grassland plots was investigated by point quadrat and biomass methods. Species richness ranged from 5–6 per plot. The harvest mouse,Micromys minutus, was a relative specialist that dominated the ruderal stage with its abundant annual and perennial forhs, and was absent from the mid‐successional stage. The wood mouse,Apodemus sylvaticus, was also a relative specialist, but dominated the opposite end of the successional gradient (the mid‐successional stage, with its small trees and shrubs), and occurred infrequently on the ruderal plot. The common shrew,Sorex araneus, pygmy shrew, S.minutusand field vole,Microtus agrestiswere relative generalists with no clear habitat preferences. S.araneuswas numerically dominant on most plots and was abundant even on the ruderal plot. The midsuccessional stage sustained the greatest total number of small mammals, but the ruderal plot was also well populated. Niche overlap was greatest between the shrews and least betweenA. sylvaticus and M. minutus. Despite some preferences for mid‐successional stages, all species were rapid colonizers of the ruderal plot: first to be captured regularly wereM. minutus and A. sylvaticus, followed by the shrews andM. agrestis, all within 1–2 years of establishment of the plot.
The influence of flocking on the foraging behaviour of the chough (Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax) and the Alpine chough (P. graculus) coexisting in the Alps
Authors: Rolando A. , Laiolo P. , Formica M. 
Published: September 2010

We studied the flocking and foraging behaviour of the chough Pyrrhocorax pyrrhocorax and the Alpine chough P. gruculus coexisting in the south‐western Italian Alps in order to evaluate the costs and benefits of foraging in single‐ and mixed‐species flocks.In the single‐species context, flock size significantly affected the foraging behaviour of the Alpine chough; in larger flocks, the birds stayed for a shorter time in a patch and fed more quickly than in smaller flocks. Flock size did not significantly affect the foraging behaviour of the chough, probably because of the small number of individuals per flock.The propensity for mixed‐species flocking was rather low. The observed frequencies of single‐species flocks of choughs and Alpine choughs were significantly higher than those expected on the basis of random flocking, whereas the observed frequencies of mixed‐species flocks of the two species were lower than those expected. The stay times became significantly shorter for the chough in the presence of the Alpine chough. Moreover, feeding rates of the Alpine chough were significantly lower in the presence of the dominant chough.The present study does not confirm the hypothetical foraging advantages of flocking. In single‐species flocks, the benefits for the Alpine chough (higher feeding rates in larger flocks) were roughly compensated by the costs (shorter stay times in larger flocks), whereas the chough apparently neither gained benefits nor endured costs.In mixed‐species flocks, the Alpine chough sustained costs due to a reduction of feeding rates and the chough suffered costs due to a reduction of stay times. Hence, on average, single‐species flocking gives no evident foraging advantages to either the chough or the Alpine chough, whereas mixed‐species flocking provides some disadvantages for both species.
Activity patterns and time budgets of Andean bears (Tremarctos ornatus) in the Apolobamba Range of Bolivia
Authors: Paisley S. , Garshelis D. L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractActivity patterns and time budgets of Andean (or spectacled) bearsTremarctos ornatuswere examined in a high‐altitude (3000–4000 m) mixed grassland–cloud forest environment in the Apolobamba Range of northern Bolivia. Two males were captured, fitted with motion‐sensitive radio‐collars and monitored during 1998–1999. As with many cryptic species, Andean bears had been assumed to be nocturnal, but both bears in our study were diurnal. Activity generally began around 06:00 h (near sunrise) and lasted until 20:00–21:00 h (sunset), with reduced activity during 11:00–14:00 h. Bears rested for 1–2 h during daylight hours, generally in two or more brief periods, and slept 9–12 h at night. Few differences were observed between activity patterns or time budgets during the dry season (April–September) and rainy season (October–March). Averaged across all hours and both seasons, each bear was active 53% of the time. This level of activity was similar to that of other species of bears (generally 50–60%), suggesting either that Andean bears are well adapted to living in an environment where fibrous bromeliads constitute the bulk of their diet or that our two study bears could subsist there only because they were both small‐sized individuals.
Food availability and annual migration of the straw‐colored fruit bat (Eidolon helvum)
Authors: Richter H. V. , Cumming G. S. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractAnimal migrations offer a unique opportunity for developing and testing hypotheses about the ecological requirements of different species and the tradeoffs that they make between conflicting life‐history demands. There has been relatively little research into the causes and consequences of migrations by fruit bats, despite their potential significance for pollination and seed dispersal. We assessed the causes of one of the most spectacular migrations of fruit bats known: the annual influx of an estimated 5–10 million E. helvum into Kasanka National Park in Zambia. We tested several predictions based on the hypothesis that E. helvum migrates to exploit seasonal variations in food supply opportunistically. Phenological data, feeding observations and monitoring of fruit bat movements provided the first quantitative evidence in support of the hypothesis that the migration of E. helvum in Zambia is driven by food supply. The E. helvum colony exhibited several surprising behaviors, including a tendency for migratory satellite colonies to aggregate, rather than to disperse, during the time of peak food production, and a tendency to fly well beyond the most immediate food sources when foraging. Alternative hypotheses to explain the E. helvum migration were not supported, but further research is needed to clarify the results of this preliminary study. Both the size of the colony and its potential for large‐scale movements suggest that this bat may play an important economic and ecological role over a significant portion of sub‐Saharan Africa. Information is still lacking about migration routes, food sources, habitat requirements and the role of migration in disease transmission between colonies of E. helvum.
A morphometric assessment of geographical variation and subspecies in impala
Authors: Bastos‐Silveira C. , Lister A. M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe single species of Aepyceros, Aepyceros melampus (impala), is native to central and southern Africa, from Uganda to South Africa. It inhabits open woodlands, sandy bush country and acacia savannah. This study tested the morphological and geographical variation among specimens of impala and their possible relation with described subspecies. Nineteen skull and horn measurements were taken. A multivariate analysis was used and size and shape were explored. Facial coat patterns were also coded. The results supported four out of five traditionally described subspecies: Aepyceros melampus petersi from Angola/Namibia, Aepyceros melampus melampus from South Africa, Aepyceros melampus suara from East Africa and Aepyceros melampus johnstoni from Zambia and Malawi. We consider Aepyceros melampus rendilis to be a synonym of suara. A revised synopsis is suggested, with comments on the geographical ranges of the subspecies. Skull dimensions also allowed us to estimate the geographical origin and subspecies of some individuals of unknown provenance. Coat patterns showed no clear relation with subspecies or geographic location, with the exception of A. m. petersi.
SEEDS AND SEED BANKS
Authors: THOMPSON K. 
Published: September 2010

SummaryThe involvement of four factors (life history, predation, possession of a persistent seed bank and seedling establishment) in the evolution of seed size in flowering plants is discussed. Among herbacaeous plants, biennials seem to have larger seeds than annuals and perennials, a difference which may explain the capacity of some biennials to establish in closed vegetation. In many species, small seeds may have evolved at least partly as a defence against predators. Seeds < 3 mg have some immunity from vertebrate predators but much smaller seeds are consumed by invertebrates. Burial reduces or eliminates most predation by invertebrates.Possession of a persistent seed bank is associated with small, compact, smooth seeds with exacting requirements for germination. Seeds of species which lack seed banks are larger, frequently long or flat, and often have hairs or awns and lax requirements for germination. The evolution of the former group is often intimately connected with the preferences of earthworms. Burial facilitates anchorage of seedlings.In closed herbaceous vegetation, establishment of seedlings seems to be dependent on a low rate of exhaustion of seed reserves achieved by a large seed, low relative growth rate of seedlings or both. In many data sets, seed size and seedling growth rate are negatively correlated, but the generality of the correlation is in doubt. The large seeds of many herbs, shrubs and trees of woodland are suspected to be of critical importance in seedling emergence through tree litter.