bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovaries Remain Functional in Squirrel Monkeys (Saimiri sciureus) Immunized with Porcine Zona Pellucida 55,000 Macromolecule1
Authors: Sacco Anthony G. , Pierce Donna L. , Subramanian Marappa G. , Yurewicz Edward C. , Richard Dukelow W. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Fifty female squirrel monkeys were each immunized with 200 micrograms of a purified preparation of the 55,000 macromolecule (ZP3) from porcine zona pellucida. The fertility status of these immunized monkeys, as well as the effect of ZP3 antibodies on ovarian function, was monitored. High anti-ZP3 titers were achieved (> 75% binding levels as determined by radioimmunoassay) and remained high (~ 67% binding level) for the duration of this study. Hormonal evaluations indicated initial disturbances in normal ovarian steroid secretion and function that were confirmed by laparoscopic observation and oocyte production data. Histological examination of ovaries at 6–7 mo post-injection suggested an interference in folliculogenesis. No pregnancies were observed in the immunized monkeys during this period. By 10–15 mo post-immunization, hormonal and laparoscopic data indicated that ovarian function was recovering in injected monkeys despite the continued presence of high titers to ZP3. Collectively, these results demonstrate that although immunization with ZP3 initially produces disturbances in normal ovarian function that inhibit fertility, these effects are reversible. Such findings encourage the continued intensive investigation of purified porcine zona macromolecules for immunocontraceptive purposes.
High dose factor VIIa improves clot structure and stability in a model of haemophilia B
Authors: Wolberg Alisa S. , Allen Geoffrey A. , Monroe Dougald M. , Hedner Ulla , Roberts Harold R. , Hoffman Maureane 
Published: October 2005

SummaryFactor IX (FIX) deficiency results in haemophilia B and high dose recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) can decrease bleeding. Previously, we showed that FIX deficiency results in a reduced rate and peak of thrombin generation. We have now used plasma and anin vitrocoagulation model to examine the effect of these changes in thrombin generation on fibrin clot structure and stability. Low FIX delayed the clot formation onset and reduced the fibrin polymerisation rate. Clots formed without FIX were composed of thicker fibrin fibres than normal. rFVIIa shortened the clot formation onset time and improved the fibre structure of haemophilic clots. We also examined clot formation in the presence of a fibrinolytic challenge by including tissue plasminogen activator or plasmin in the reaction milieu. In these assays, normal FIX levels supported clot formation; however, clots did not form in the absence of FIX. rFVIIa partially restored haemophilic clot formation. These results were independent of the effects of the thrombin‐activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor. Our data suggest that rFVIIa enhances haemostasis in haemophiliacs by increasing the thrombin generation rate to both promote formation of a structurally normal clot and improve clot formation and stability at sites with high endogenous fibrinolytic activities.
Population dynamics, growth and production of Sigara selecta (Fieber, 1848) (Hemiptera, Corixidae) in a Mediterranean hypersaline stream
Authors: BARAHONA J. , MILLAN A. , VELASCO J. 
Published: October 2005

Summary1. This is the first study on the life cycle, growth and production of Sigara selecta, a Palearctic corixid species typical of brackish and saline waters, at the warmest limit of its European distributional range. The study combines field and laboratory approaches.2. The S. selecta population studied was multivoltine, producing four asynchronous cohorts from early spring to December and overwintering in the adult state. Development time from egg to first adult ranged from 2 to 3 months. A minimum temperature threshold of 10 °C and diel amplitude of ≥10 °C were observed for reproduction and oviposition.3. Maximum density and biomass were reached in mid spring and early autumn. The sex ratio was unbalanced, females dominating during most of the year, except in spring, when the sex ratio was balanced or dominated by males during the first adult emergence.4. Laboratory rearing experiments at constant temperatures (18, 22 and 26 °C) pointed to a significant effect of temperature on egg development and nymphal growth. In the range of temperatures tested, both egg and nymphal instar duration decreased with increasing temperature. Mean nymphal development time varied from 43 days at 26 °C to 71 days at 18 °C, with a mean of 57 days. Survivorship was independent of temperature.5. A reduction in nymphal and adult length was observed with increasing temperature.6. Growth rates decreased with increasing body mass and increased as temperature increased. The first nymphal instar had the highest length increments and growth rates in all temperature treatments.7. Satisfactory agreement was found between the field and laboratory degree‐days required for complete development from egg to first adult. At constant and variable thermal regimes, degree‐days decreased with increasing temperature.8. Rate of growth in the field could be predicted with reasonable accuracy from a simple model obtained as a function of body mass. The model explained 67% of the variability in growth rates.9. Annual production and production/biomass ratio (P/B) of S. selecta estimated by the Instantaneous Growth method were 1.28 g m−2 year−1 and 13.71, respectively. Spring and autumn cohorts contributed 32% and 54%, respectively, of total annual production. Maximum production corresponded to intermediate temperature periods, although summer production may have been underestimated because of the longer sampling interval relative to cohort interval production. The Size Frequency method underestimated production by at least 18% with respect to the Instantaneous Growth method.
Assessing the patterns and controls of fine root dynamics: an empirical test and methodological review
Authors: HENDRICKS JOSEPH J. , HENDRICK RONALD L. , WILSON CARLOS A. , MITCHELL ROBERT J. , PECOT STEPHEN D. , GUO DALI 
Published: October 2005

SummaryElucidation of the patterns and controls of forest net primary production at ecosystem scales has been hindered by a poor understanding of fine root production, due largely to technical limitations.Fine root (≤ 0.5 mm diameter) production was assessed using minirhizotron, soil core, ingrowth core, nitrogen budget and carbon budget techniques in three longleaf pine‐wiregrass forest ecosystem types (hydric, mesic and xeric) forming an edaphic resource availability and above‐ground productivity gradient.Fine root production estimates differed substantially in magnitude, e.g. values ranged from 0 to 4618 kg ha−1 year−1for the soil core and minirhizotron techniques, respectively, in the hydric site.Minirhizotron production estimates in the hydric, mesic and xeric sites were 4618, 1905 and 2295 kg ha−1 year−1, respectively.Soil core and ingrowth core root production estimates were on average 81 and 54% lower, respectively, than corresponding minirhizotron production estimates, and minirhizotron estimates were negatively related to soil core and ingrowth core estimates across the resource gradient.The N budget method yielded unreliable root production estimates, presumably due to the underestimation of N availability for plant assimilation.C budget estimates of total below‐ground C allocation (6773, 5646 and 4647 kg C ha−1year−1) were positively related to minirhizotron production estimates, but negatively related to soil core and ingrowth core production estimates.Critical evaluations of the assumptions, potential errors and results for each method suggest that the minirhizotron technique yielded the most reliable root production estimates, and that the negative relationship between minirhizotron and core‐based estimates may be attributed to the inherent deficiency of the core techniques in assessing root production when mortality and production occur simultaneously.Minirhizotron root production estimates were positively related to foliage production estimates, supporting the hypothesis of constant proportional allocation of production to foliage, wood and fine roots across resource availability gradients in temperate forests.These results suggest that fine root production is not negatively correlated with soil resource availability and foliage production as is commonly perceived in the ecological community and represented in ecosystem computer models.
Changes in Hypothalamic‐Pituitary‐Adrenal Function, Body Temperature, Body Weight and Food Intake with Repeated Social Stress Exposure in Rats
Authors: Bhatnagar S. , Vining C. , Iyer V. , Kinni V. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractThese present studies aimed to compare changes in hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) activity and body temperature in response to acute social defeat, to repeated social stress and to novel restraint after repeated stress, as well as to assess effects on metabolic parameters by measuring body weight gain and food and water intake. We found that social defeat produced a marked increase in both adrenocorticotrophic hormone and corticosterone compared to placement in a novel cage. Similarly, body temperature was also increased during social defeat and during 30 min of recovery from defeat. We then examined the effects of 6 days of repeated social stress and observed minimal HPA responses to repeated social stress compared to control rats. These neuroendocrine responses were contrasted by robust increases in body temperature during stress and during recovery from stress during 6 days of repeated stress. However, in response to novel restraint, repeatedly stressed rats displayed facilitated body temperature responses compared to controls, similar to our previous findings with HPA activity. Food intake was increased during the light period during which defeat took place, but later intake during the dark period was not affected. Repeated stress decreased body weight gain in the dark period but food intake was increased overall during the 6 days of repeated stress in the light period. As a result, repeated stress increased cumulative food intake during the light period in the stressed rats but these relatively small increases in food intake were unable to prevent the diminished total weight gain in repeatedly stressed rats. Overall, the results demonstrate that, although acute social defeat has similar effects on temperature and HPA activity, repeated exposure to social stress has divergent effects on HPA activity compared to body temperature and that dampened weight gain produced by repeated social stress cannot be fully explained by changes in food intake.
Influence of Oestrogenic Compounds on Monoamine Transporters in Rat Striatum
Authors: Le Saux M. , Di Paolo T. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractOestrogens have been reported to modulate rat membrane (DAT) and vesicular (VMAT2) dopamine transporters. A recent pilot study of postmenopausal women showed that chronic oestrogen replacement therapy increases striatal DAT. In the present study, we first investigated whether the oestrogen receptors α and β mediate the effects of oestradiol on DAT and VMAT2. Two days after ovariectomy, Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated for 2 weeks with oestradiol or specific ligands for oestrogen receptor α, 4,4′,4′′‐(4‐propyl‐[1H]‐pyrazole‐1,3,5‐triyl)trisphenol (PPT) or oestrogen receptor β, 2,3‐bis(4‐hydroxyphenyl)‐propionitrile (DPN). Ovariectomy caused a decrease in [125I]‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl)‐tropane‐2β‐carboxylic acid isopropyl ester ([125I] RTI‐121) specific binding to DAT transporters in the middle striatum compared to values for intact rats, and this was reversed by oestradiol replacement therapy. DPN, but not PPT, mimicked the effect of oestradiol. [125I] RTI‐121 specific binding in the anterior and posterior striatum was not affected by ovariectomy or any of the drug treatments. Second, we investigated whether oestradiol increased DAT specific binding after a longer period of hormonal withdrawal (a model of hormonal withdrawal at menopause) and whether the selective oestrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), tamoxifen and raloxifene, could reproduce the oestradiol‐induced increase of [125I] RTI‐121 specific binding in long‐term ovariectomised rats. Four months after ovariectomy, Sprague‐Dawley rats were treated for 2 weeks with oestradiol, tamoxifen or raloxifene, and then killed. Ovariectomy decreased [3H] RTI‐121 specific binding to DAT transporters in the middle striatum compared to values for intact rats. Treatment with oestradiol, tamoxifen and raloxifene reversed this effect. [125I] RTI‐121 specific binding in anterior and posterior striatum was not affected by ovariectomy or treatment with oestrogen receptor ligands. In both experiments, neither ovariectomy nor the oestrogenic treatments modulated striatal [3H] tetrahydrobenazine specific binding to VMAT2. Overall, these results suggest that oestrogen receptor β mediates the oestradiol‐induced increase of striatal DAT and that oestradiol can increase DAT density even after long‐term steroid withdrawal. The results also support the premise that the SERMs tamoxifen and raloxifene exert oestrogenic agonist effects in the brain.
Molecular identification, heterologous expression and properties of light‐insensitive plant catalases
Authors: ENGEL NICOLE , SCHMIDT MATTHIAS , LÜTZ CORNELIUS , FEIERABEND JÜRGEN 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTMost catalases are inactivated by light in a heme‐sensitized and O2‐dependent reaction. In leaves of the alpine plant Homogyne alpina and in the peroxisomal cores of Helianthus annuus, light‐insensitive catalases were observed. For the catalases Hacat1 of H. alpina and HnncatA3 of H. annuus, cDNA clones were obtained. Expression of recombinant active enzymes in insect cells confirmed that they coded for light‐insensitive catalases. Kinetic and catalytic properties of light‐sensitive or light‐insensitive catalases did not differ substantially. However, the specific activity of the latter was markedly lower. The light‐insensitive catalase HaCAT‐1 was not resistant against inactivation by superoxide. Amino acid sequences of the light‐insensitive catalases HaCAT‐1 and HNNCATA3 were highly identical. They showed only a few exceptional amino acid substitutions at positions that are highly conserved in other catalases. These appeared to be localized mainly in a surface cavity at the entrance of a minor channel leading to the central heme, suggesting that this region played some, though yet undefined, role for light sensitivity. While the replacement of a highly conserved His by Thr225 was the most unique substitution, a single exchange of His225 by Thr in the light‐sensitive catalase SaCAT‐1 by mutagenesis was not sufficient to reduce its sensitivity to photoinactivation.
gid1, a gibberellin‐insensitive dwarf mutant, shows altered regulation of probenazole‐inducible protein (PBZ1) in response to cold stress and pathogen attack
Authors: TANAKA NAOKI , MATSUOKA MAKOTO , KITANO HIDEMI , ASANO TAKAYUKI , KAKU HISATOSHI , KOMATSU SETSUKO 
Published: October 2005

ABSTRACTA recessive gibberellin (GA)‐insensitive dwarf mutant of rice, gibberellin‐insensitive dwarf1 (gid1), has been identified, which shows a severe dwarf phenotype and contains high concentrations of endogenous GA. To elucidate the function of gid1, proteins regulated downstream of gid1 were analysed using a proteomic approach. Proteins extracted from suspension‐cultured cells of gid1 and its wild type were separated by two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D‐PAGE). Of a total of 962 proteins identified from the suspension‐cultured cells, 16 were increased and 14 were decreased in gid1 compared with its wild type. Among the proteins hyper‐accumulated in gid1 were osmotin, triosephosphate isomerase, probenazole inducible protein (PBZ1) and pathogenesis‐related protein 10. Of these four genes, only the expression of PBZ1 was increased by exogenous GA3 application. Expression of this gene was also enhanced in shoots of the wild type by cold stress or by rice blast fungus infection. Under normal growth conditions, there was more PBZ1 protein in gid1 than in the wild type. In addition, gid1 showed increased tolerance to cold stress and resistance to blast fungus infection. The ent‐copalyl diphosphate synthase (OsCPS) genes, which encode enzymes at the branch point between GA and phytoalexin biosynthesis, were expressed differentially in gid1 relative to the wild type. Specifically, OsCPS1, which encodes an enzyme in the GA biosynthesis pathway, was down‐regulated and OsCPS2 and OsCPS4, which encode enzymes in phytoalexin biosynthesis, were up‐regulated in gid1. These results suggest that the expression of PBZ1 is regulated by GA signalling and stress stimuli, and that gid1 is involved in tolerance to cold stress and resistance to blast fungus.
Reactivation of deep faults beneath Southern Apennines: evidence from the 1990–1991 Potenza seismic sequences
Authors: Di Luccio F. , Piscini A. , Pino N. A. , Ventura G. 
Published: October 2005

AbstractWe relocate the 1990–1991 Potenza (Southern Apennines belt, Italy) sequences and calculate focal mechanisms. This seismicity clusters along an E–W, dextral strike–slip structure. Second‐order clusters are also present and reflect the activation of minor shears. The depth distribution of earthquakes evidences a peak between 14 and 20 km, within the basement of the subducting Apulian plate. The analysed seismicity does not mirror that of Southern Apennines, which include NW–SE striking normal faults and earthquakes concentrated within the first 15 km of the crust. We suggest that the E–W faults affecting the foreland region of Apennine propagate up to 25 km of depth. The Potenza earthquakes reflect the reactivation of a deep, preexisting fault system. We conclude that the seismotectonic setting of Apennines is characterized by NW–SE normal faults affecting the upper 15 km of the crust, and by E–W deeper strike–slip faults cutting the crystalline basement of the chain.
Ornaments or offspring? Female sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus L.) trade off carotenoids between spines and eggs
Authors: Nordeide J. T. , Rudolfsen G. , Egeland E. S. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Hypotheses and models to explain female ornaments often assume that the elaborated traits are condition dependent; nevertheless, few empirical studies have addressed this topic. We studied a population of three-spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus) in which the females have conspicuous, carotenoid-based red coloration to their pelvic spines. The red coloration seems not to be condition dependent, as coloration is negatively associated with age and body length and not associated with condition. Furthermore, redder females did not have a lower density of leucocytes. We found a negative association between the females’ red carotenoid-based coloration in the spines and the amount of carotenoids in the female's gonads. Males choosing red-coloured females will fertilize eggs with small amounts of carotenoids and appear not to gain any benefit from their mates’ phenotypic quality that could result in offspring of improved quality. These results do not support the ‘direct selection hypothesis’ to explain the existence of the female ornaments.
Ecological specialization correlates with genotypic differentiation in sympatric host-populations of the pea aphid
Authors: Frantz A. , Plantegenest M. , Mieuzet L. , Simon J.-C. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, encompasses distinct host races specialized on various Fabaceae species, but the extent of genetic divergence associated with ecological specialization varies greatly depending on plant and geographic origins of aphid populations. Here, we studied the genetic structure of French sympatric pea aphid populations collected on perennial (pea and faba bean) and annual (alfalfa and red clover) hosts using 14 microsatellite loci. Classical and Bayesian population genetics analyses consistently identified genetic clusters mostly related to plant origin: the pea/faba bean cluster was highly divergent from the red clover and the alfalfa ones, indicating they represent different stages along the continuum of genetic differentiation. Some genotypes were assigned to a cluster differing from the one expected from their plant origin while others exhibited intermediate genetic characteristics. These results suggest incomplete barriers to gene flow. However, this limited gene flow seems insufficient to prevent ecological specialization and genetic differentiation in sympatry.
Cannabinoid receptors in invertebrates
Authors: Mcpartland J. M. , Agraval J. , Gleeson D. , Heasman K. , Glass M. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
Two cannabinoid receptors, CB1 and CB2, are expressed in mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish. The presence of cannabinoid receptors in invertebrates has been controversial, due to conflicting evidence. We conducted a systematic review of the literature, using expanded search parameters. Evidence presented in the literature varied in validity, ranging from crude in vivo behavioural assays to robust in silico ortholog discovery. No research existed for several clades of invertebrates; we therefore tested for cannabinoid receptors in seven representative species, using tritiated ligand binding assays with [3H]CP55,940 displaced by the CB1-selective antagonist SR141716A. Specific binding of [3H]CP55,940 was found in neural membranes of Ciona intestinalis (Deuterstoma, a positive control), Lumbricusterrestris (Lophotrochozoa), and three ecdysozoans: Peripatoides novae-zealandiae (Onychophora), Jasus edwardi (Crustacea) and Panagrellus redivivus (Nematoda); the potency of displacement by SR141716A was comparable to measurements on rat cerebellum. No specific binding was observed in Actinothoe albocincta (Cnidaria) or Tethya aurantium (Porifera). The phylogenetic distribution of cannabinoid receptors may address taxonomic questions; previous studies suggested that the loss of CB1 was a synapomorphy shared by ecdysozoans. Our discovery of cannabinoid receptors in some nematodes, onychophorans, and crustaceans does not contradict the Ecdysozoa hypothesis, but gives it no support. We hypothesize that cannabinoid receptors evolved in the last common ancestor of bilaterians, with secondary loss occurring in insects and other clades. Conflicting data regarding Cnidarians precludes hypotheses regarding the last common ancestor of eumetazoans. No cannabinoid receptors are expressed in sponges, which probably diverged before the origin of the eumetazoan ancestor.
Differential effects of egg albumen content on barn swallow nestlings in relation to hatch order
Authors: Ferrari R. P. , Martinelli R. , Saino N. 
Published: October 2005

Abstract
In diverse animal taxa, egg mass variation mediates maternal effects with long-term consequences for offspring ontogeny and fitness. Patterns of egg mass variation with laying order differ considerably among birds, but no study has experimentally investigated the function of variation in albumen or yolk egg content in the wild. In barn swallows (Hirundo rustica), absolute and relative albumen mass increased with egg laying order. Experimental albumen removal delayed hatching, had larger negative effects on growth of late-hatched nestlings, and reduced nestling survival. Laying order positively predicted hatch order. Because nestling competitive ability depends on size, and albumen egg content influences hatchling size, present results suggest that by increasing albumen content of late eggs mothers reduce hatching asynchrony and enhance growth particularly of late-hatched nestlings. Thus, variation in albumen mass with laying order may function to mitigate the negative phenotypic consequences of hatching late in species that adopt a ‘brood-survival’ strategy.