bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of Boa constrictor occidentalis, with considerations on its mating system and sperm competition theories
Authors: Tourmente M. , Cardozo G. , Bertona M. , Guidobaldi A. , Giojalas L. , Chiaraviglio M. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractSperm ultrastructure has been described for several families of Squamata in which it has been considered a valuable character source for phylogenetic studies. However, sperm competition and mating systems have been demonstrated to influence variations in the sperm morphology and dynamics. The mating system of Boa constrictor occidentalis is likely to have a high degree of sperm competition. We investigated, for the first time, the ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of B. c. occidentalis and, thus, of the family Boidae. Active mating groups were captured from the field, and the spermatozoa of the males was collected by ejaculation and processed to obtain transmission electron micrographs and fluorescence micrographs. The spermatozoa are filiform and their morphology fits the general model described for snakes, and several synapomorphies belonging to the squamates can be identified in these cells. Nevertheless, the head is 25% longer and the midpiece presents a lower frequency of mitochondrial transformations than that of other snakes. We propose that this last trait, along with the extraordinary elongation of the midpiece and the system of multilaminar membranes covering this section (both synapomorphies of the snake spermatozoa), are adaptive responses to processes of sperm competition and sperm storage.
Cytological evaluation of the germ cell development strategy within the testis of the American alligator, Alligator mississippiensis
Authors: Gribbins Kevin M. , Elsey Ruth M. , Gist Daniel H. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe cytological changes to germ cells were investigated within the seminiferous epithelium of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis). Testicular tissues were collected, embedded in plastic, sectioned on an ultramicrotome, and stained with the periodic acid–Schiff+ procedure followed by a haematoxylin counterstain. Alligators have a prenuptial pattern of germ cell development, where spermatogenesis begins in early spring and sperm is mature by the time mating begins in May. Consistent spatial relationships between germ cells are absent within the seminiferous epithelium of the alligator. Their germ cells progress through the phases of spermatogenesis as a single cohort, leading to one continuous spermiation event that occurs during their mating season (May–June). This temporal germ cell development is different from the consistent spatial development seen within seasonally breeding birds and mammals but is similar to the recently described germ cell development strategies of two other temperate breeding reptiles, the slider turtle and the European wall lizard. The germ cell development strategy shared by these three temperate reptiles representing three different taxa within the class Reptilia is reminiscent of the temporal strategy seen within the anamniotic testis. Thus, alligators and at least two other temperate reptiles exhibit primitive spermatogenic cycles within derived amniotic testes and may be consider intermediates in terms of testicular organization, which may have significance phylogenetically.
A partly coverable badge signalling avian virus resistance
Authors: Andersson Måns S. , Ödeen Anders , Håstad Olle 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe investigated whether the sexually selected forehead patch of the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis is an honest badge of status indicating quality expressed as immunological response. We used both manual measurements and digital measurements, the latter based on photographs. Badge‐size data were collected during the mating period and during the nestling feeding period to capture trait plasticity. Concomitant with first sample collection, birds were inoculated with a novel antigen. Antibody response was strongly and positively correlated with badge expression during the mating period and with the increase in badge expression during the mating period as compared with outside this period. The results support the Hansen and Rohwer theory of coverable badges, are consistent with the immunocompetence handicap hypothesis and with the good genes model suggesting that, on a population level, the expression of secondary sexual traits should be an honest signal positively associated with traits that are beneficial for survival. The results also suggest that manual measurements of this type of secondary sexual trait are sufficiently exact.
Versatile ciliary behaviour in capture of particles by the bryozoan cyphonautes larva
Authors: Strathmann Richard R. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractCyphonautes larvae of a bryozoan, Membranipora membranacea, used several ciliary mechanisms to capture algal cells upstream from the lateral band of cilia that produces a feeding current. (1) Lateral cilia changed beat and a backcurrent occurred at the time and place that particles were retained. (2) Algal cells were sieved and held stationary at the upstream (frontal) side of a row of laterofrontal cilia that were not beating. (3) Localized extension of cilia toward the inhalant chamber, coincident with particle captures, indicated that laterofrontal cilia flick toward the inhalant chamber. These flicks may aid transport of captured particles toward the mouth. Thus my earlier report that larvae only sieve, in contrast to the adults (which have an active ciliary response) was in error. The similar ciliary bands in adult and larval bryozoans and in other lophophorates (brachiopods, and phoronids) suggest that these animals share a core repertoire of ciliary behaviours in the capture and concentration of suspended food particles.
Gene conversion in transgenic maize plants expressing FLP/FRT and Cre/loxP site‐specific recombination systems
Authors: Djukanovic Vesna , Orczyk Waclaw , Gao Huirong , Sun Xifan , Garrett Nicole , Zhen Shifu , Gordon‐Kamm William , Barton Joanne , Lyznik L. Alexander 
Published: March 2006

SummaryDNA recombination reactions (site‐specific and homologous) were monitored in the progeny of transgenic maize plants by bringing together two recombination substrates (docking sites and shuttle vectors) in the zygotes. In one combination of transgenic events, the recombination marker gene (yellow fluorescent protein gene, YFP) was activated in 1%−2% of the zygotes receiving both substrates. In other crosses, chimeric embryos and plants were identified, indicative of late recombination events taking place after the first mitotic division of the zygotes. The docking site structure remained unchanged; therefore, all recovered recombination events were classified as gene conversions. The recombinant YFP‐r gene segregated as a single locus in subsequent generations. The recombination products showed evidence of homologous recombination at the 5′ end of the YFP marker gene and recombinational rearrangements at the other end, consistent with the conclusion that DNA replication was involved in generation of the recombination products. Here, we demonstrate that maize zygotes are efficient at generating homologous recombination products and that the homologous recombination pathways may successfully compete with other possible DNA repair/recombination mechanisms such as site‐specific recombination. These results indicate that maize zygotes provide a permissive environment for homologous recombination, offering a new strategy for gene targeting in maize.
Goodness‐of‐fit Procedures for Copula Models Based on the Probability Integral Transformation
Authors: GENEST CHRISTIAN , QUESSY JEAN‐FRANÇOIS , RÉMILLARD BRUNO 
Published: March 2006

Abstract. Wang & Wells [J. Amer. Statist. Assoc.95 (2000) 62] describe a non‐parametric approach for checking whether the dependence structure of a random sample of censored bivariate data is appropriately modelled by a given family of Archimedean copulas. Their procedure is based on a truncated version of the Kendall process introduced by Genest & Rivest [J. Amer. Statist. Assoc.88 (1993) 1034] and later studied by Barbeet al. [J. Multivariate Anal.58 (1996) 197]. Although Wang & Wells (2000) determine the asymptotic behaviour of their truncated process, their model selection method is based exclusively on the observed value of itsL2‐norm. This paper shows how to compute asymptoticp‐values for various goodness‐of‐fit test statistics based on a non‐truncated version of Kendall's process. Conditions for weak convergence are met in the most common copula models, whether Archimedean or not. The empirical behaviour of the proposed goodness‐of‐fit tests is studied by simulation, and power comparisons are made with a test proposed by Shih [Biometrika85 (1998) 189] for the gamma frailty family.
Aleukaemic leukaemia cutis as an initial manifestation of myeloid/NK cell precursor acute leukaemia
Authors: Dekio I , Anzai H , Ohyama M , Tanikawa A , Amagai M , Yokoyama K , Okamoto S , Tanaka M 
Published: March 2006

AbstractAleukaemic leukaemia cutis is a rare condition characterized by infiltration of leukaemic cells into the skin before they appear in the peripheral blood. We report a case of an aleukaemic leukaemia cutis, which had a history of exposure to atomic bomb radiation. A 57‐year‐old Japanese woman initially presented with a 20‐week history of multiple red papules and plaques mainly over the trunk. Histological examination revealed the infiltration of atypical monocytic cells in the dermis, but no leukaemic cells were detected in the peripheral blood. Twenty‐three weeks after the appearance of the eruption, leukaemic cells were detected in the peripheral blood for the first time. The results of immunohistochemistry of the skin biopsy specimen and flow cytometry of the peripheral blood indicated the rare phenotype of myeloid/NK cell precursor acute leukaemia. This is the first case report of myeloid/NK cell precursor acute leukaemia presenting as aleukaemic leukaemia cutis in the English literature, and awareness of this clinical presentation may be important to reach the correct diagnosis.
Home range, habitat choice and activity of stoats (Mustela erminea) in a subarctic area
Authors: Hellstedt P. , Henttonen H. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe monitored the home ranges, habitat use and activity of stoats Mustela erminea in north‐west Finnish Lapland with radio‐tracking in years 1998 and 1999, and found a dominance hierarchy in habitat use between and within sexes. Altogether, eight female and seven male stoats were caught and radio‐tracked. Males and females differed from each other both in the size of their home ranges and in habitats. Mature females live in areas where the abundance of the preferred Microtus prey is the highest. Dominant males lived in less productive habitats than females, but in more productive areas than non‐dominant mature males. Furthermore, both male and female activity levels were higher during the snowless non‐breeding season than the breeding season, but we found no activity differences between sexes through the diurnal cycle. We compare the results from Finnish Lapland with those from other regions, and discuss the flexibility of stoat behaviour in subarctic conditions.
Limb proportions and the ontogeny of quadrupedal walking in infant baboons (Papio cynocephalus)
Authors: Shapiro L. J. , Raichlen D. A. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMuch of the diversity in preferred walking gait (footfall sequence, interlimb timing) observed among mammals can be understood as a biomechanical response to variation in body shape, in conjunction with efforts to maintain stability. Primates, unlike most other mammals, exhibit a preference for diagonal sequence, diagonal couplets (DSDC) walking gait, but there remains no clear consensus on this gait's possible biomechanical or adaptive advantages. This study examines primate gait from an ontogenetic perspective, and tests the hypothesis that ontogenetic gait transitions are influenced by changes in body shape. Support for this hypothesis could provide insight on the biomechanics and evolution of DSDC gait preferences in adult primates. Data on limb proportions, footfall sequence and interlimb timing were collected at 2‐week intervals for four infant baboons (Papio cynocephalus) as they aged from 1 to 9 months. Despite some variation among individuals, DSDC walking was the most frequently used gait throughout the developmental period, but it was nearly always used in combination with lateral sequence walking. An important transition occurred at c. 5 months, when limb couplets used in lateral sequence walking shifted from diagonal to lateral, and the frequency of DSDC walking increased. The couplets shift within lateral sequence walking coincided with a relative increase in hind limb length, and was most likely attributable to the avoidance of ipsilateral limb interference. Limb proportions thus appear to have a functional influence on lateral sequence walking, but do not explain the consistent use of DSDC walking during the sampled developmental period.
Accuracy of serum uric acid in predicting complications of pre‐eclampsia: a systematic review
Authors: Thangaratinam S , Ismail KMK , Sharp S , Coomarasamy A , Khan KS 
Published: March 2006

Background  Pre‐eclampsia is one of the largest causes of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. Hyperuricemia is often associated with pre‐eclampsia.Objective  To determine the accuracy with which serum uric acid predicts maternal and fetal complications in women with pre‐eclampsia.Study design  Systematic quantitative review of test accuracy studies.Search strategy  We conducted electronic searches in MEDLINE (1951–2004), EMBASE (1980–2004), the Cochrane Library (2004:4) and the MEDION database to identify relevant articles. A hand‐search of selected specialist journals and reference lists of articles obtained was then carried out. There were no language restrictions for any of these searches.Selection criteria  Two reviewers independently selected the articles in which the accuracy of serum uric acid was evaluated to predict maternal and fetal complications of pre‐eclampsia.Data collection and analysis  Data were extracted on study characteristics, quality and accuracy to construct 2 × 2 tables with maternal and fetal complications as reference standard. Summary likelihood ratios for positive (LR+) and negative LR(−) test results are generated for various threshold levels of uric acid.Main results  There were 18 primary articles that met the selection criteria, including a total of 3913 women and forty‐one 2 × 2 tables. In women with pre‐eclampsia, a positive test result of uric acid greater than or equal to a 350‐μmol/l threshold predicted eclampsia with a pooled likelihood ratio (LR) of 2.1 (95% CI 1.4–3.5), while a negative test result had a pooled LR of 0.38 (95% CI 0.18–0.81). For severe hypertension as the outcome measure, the LRs were 1.7 (95% CI 1.3–2.2) and 0.49 (95% CI 0.38–0.64) for positive and negative test results, respectively, and for caesarean section the LRs were 2.4 (95% CI 1.3–4.7) and 0.39 (95% CI 0.20–0.76). For stillbirths and neonatal deaths the respective LRs were 1.5 (95% CI 0.91–2.6) and 0.51 (95% CI 0.20–1.3). For the prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age fetus, the pooled LRs were 1.3 (95% CI 1.1–1.7) and 0.60 (95% CI 0.43–0.83) for positive and negative results, respectively.Author's conclusion  Serum uric acid is a poor predictor of maternal and fetal complications in women with pre‐eclampsia.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite loci from Quercus mongolica var. crispula
Authors: MISHIMA KENTARO , WATANABE ATSUSHI , ISODA KEIYA , UBUKATA MASATOSHI , TAKATA KATSUHIKO 
Published: March 2006

AbstractMicrosatellites were isolated and characterized for the Japanese oak species, Quercus mongolica var. crispula, distributed in temperate deciduous forests of Japan. Eleven of the 48 primer pairs designed successfully amplified unambiguous and polymorphic single loci among 67 Q. mongolica var. crispula individuals within a plot in southwestern Japan. The observed and expected heterozygosities of the 11 microsatellite markers ranged from 0.522 to 0.896 and from 0.536 to 0.882, respectively. These polymorphic microsatellite markers are useful for estimating pollen‐mediated gene flow in Q. mongolica var. crispula.
Isolation and characterization of polymorphic microsatellite loci in Bornean treeshrews (Tupaia spp.)
Authors: MUNSHI‐SOUTH J. , WILKINSON G. S. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractIn this study, we developed five microsatellite loci from an enriched genomic library constructed for the pygmy treeshrew (Tupaia minor), and adapted another two from a previous study on the common treeshrew (Tupaia glis), for use in studying mating and dispersal patterns in Bornean treeshrews. We screened 32 plain treeshrew (Tupaia longipes) and 54 large treeshrew (Tupaia tana) individuals at these loci. Polymorphism ranged from two to 13 alleles, and heterozygosity ranged from 0.29 to 0.88. These results indicate the general utility of these microsatellites for genetic analyses in other Tupaia spp.
Fifteen polymorphic simple sequence repeat markers from expressed sequence tags of Liriodendron tulipifera
Authors: XU MENG , LI HUOGEN , ZHANG BO 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWe developed and evaluated simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers derived from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of Liriodendron tulipifera. Characteristics of 15 EST‐SSR loci were investigated using 33 L. tulipifera individuals. The number of alleles per locus ranged from two to five. The expected and observed heterozygosities ranged from 0.216 to 0.751 and from 0.182 to 0.97, respectively. These loci were further tested for their cross‐species transferability to Liriodendron Chinense. Because of their high level of polymorphism and transferability, our 15 single‐locus EST‐SSR markers will be valuable tools for research on mating system, population genetics and systemic evolution of Liriodendron.
How Should We Look at Rape in Early America?
Authors: Block Sharon 
Published: March 2006

AbstractWhile rape may not have affected events associated with traditional linear histories, sexual assaults were regular features of early American life that affected individuals and society at large. But how should historians determine the influence of rape on early America? Based on nearly one thousand incidents of possible sexual coercion and hundreds of extra‐legal commentaries on rape, this article explore how early Americans discussed rape and what impact it may have had on their lives. Attending to the micro and the macro influences of rape can help historians understand early Americans’ worlds and relationships to one another.
Evolution of H2O content in a polymetamorphic terrane: the Plattengneiss Shear Zone (Koralpe, Austria)
Authors: TENCZER V. , POWELL R. , STÜWE K. 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThe Koralpe of the Eastern European Alps experienced high‐temperature/low‐pressure metamorphism (∼650 °C and 6.5 kbar) during the Permian and eclogite facies metamorphism (∼700 °C and 14 kbar) during the Eo‐Alpine (Cretaceous) metamorphic event. In the metapelitic Plattengneiss shear zone that constitutes much of the Koralpe, the second metamorphism caused only partial re‐equilibration of the assemblages formed during the first metamorphism. It is shown here that the Eo‐Alpine mineral assemblage, garnet + biotite + muscovite + plagioclase + quartz (with or without kyanite), formed under low water activity conditions that are consistent with the level of dehydration that occurred during the Permian event. This implies that the rocks were essentially closed‐system from the peak of the Permian metamorphism through the Eo‐Alpine event. The evolution of water content of the rocks is traced through time: that prograde dewatering during the Permian metamorphic event terminated at the metamorphic peak with a water content around 3–4 mol.%. The water content remained then constant and led to water‐undersaturation during the subsequent Eo‐Alpine metamorphism. From the water content and activity evolution a post‐peak isothermal decompression path close to the solidus is inferred for the Eo‐Alpine event.
Two Responses to ‘Shakespeare and Embodiment: An E‐Conversation’
Authors: Strier Richard , Mazzio Carla 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis article presents a brief skeptical response by Richard Strier and an extended reflection by Carla Mazzio on ‘Shakespeare and Embodiment: An E‐Conversation’ (doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐4113.2006.00180.x). The participants in this original online conversation included Mary Floyd‐Wilson, Gail Kern Paster, Tanÿa Pollard, Katherine Rowe, and Julian Yates; Matthew Greenfield moderated.The participants assessed the current state of work on early modern bodies, offered bibliographical suggestions, and suggested topics for future inquiries. Paster, a key figure in the development of this sub‐field, described her work to date as an “ecology of the passions” or an “ecology of the body” more generally; she called for more study of the “ensouled body.”
The Benedictine Reform: Current and Future Scholarship
Authors: Robertson Nicola 
Published: March 2006

AbstractScholarship on all aspects of the tenth‐ and early eleventh‐century English Benedictine Reform has flourished over the last two decades. This survey attempts to identify specific trends within this research, concentrating primarily on work published within the last ten to fifteen years. It highlights the interdisciplinary nature of this field, including work which addresses the history, archaeology and literature of the reform period. The discussion of scholarship is structured around the themes identified; notably the people and places of the reform, editions and translations of primary sources, electronic resources, intellectual culture, textual production, literary productions – both in Latin and Old English – of a variety of genres and the role of women in the reform. It concludes with an analysis of current scholarship and suggests areas where further research is needed.
British Ill Done?: Recent Work on Shakespeare and British, English, Irish, Scottish and Welsh Identities
Authors: Maley Willy 
Published: March 2006

AbstractThis contribution toLiterature Compasshas a three‐fold purpose. First, it aims to do what it says in the title, and flag up recent approaches to British identities in Shakespeare studies. Secondly, it seeks to remind readers of an earlier and now largely forgotten tradition of nationalist criticism and scholarship preoccupied with the place of Britain – nation, state and empire – that flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. Thirdly, it endeavours to excavate some of the more obscure material on the subject that, because of its place of publication, may have been overlooked. The material collected here covers issues of borders, colonialism, culture, genre, identity, invasion, language, mapping, monarchy, plantation, union, and the matter of Britain, especially in the histories, though as will be seen this work encompasses most of Shakespeare’s corpus. The short introductions to each section and the accompanying bibliography of over 300 items, ranging from notes and queries to substantial essays, is divided into six sections, beginning with a brief overview of the historical debate, then focusing on criticism dealing broadly with Britain, then embracing material ordered by constituent nation: England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. That there is an even spread of material under this handful of headings suggests that each and every nation within this multi‐nation state, as well as the problematic and often contested whole, has attracted its fair share of critical concern.