bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Omnivory in lacertid lizards: adaptive evolution or constraint?
Authors: Herrel A. , Vanhooydonck B. , Van Damme R. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Feeding specializations such as herbivory are an often cited example of convergent and adaptive evolution. However, some groups such as lizards appear constrained in the evolution of morphological specializations associated with specialized diets. Here we examine whether the inclusion of plant matter into the diet of omnivorous lacertid lizards has resulted in morphological specializations and whether these specializations reflect biomechanical compromises as expected if omnivores are constrained by functional trade-offs. We examined external head shape, skull shape, tooth structure, intestinal tract length and bite performance as previous studies have suggested correlations between the inclusion of plants into the diet and these traits. Our data show that omnivorous lacertid lizards possess modifications of these traits that allow them to successfully exploit plant material as a food source. Conversely, few indications of a compromise phenotype could be detected, suggesting that the evolution towards herbivory is only mildly constrained by functional trade-offs.
Differential correlates of diet and phylogeny on the shape of the premaxilla and anterior tooth in sparid fishes (Perciformes: Sparidae)
Authors: Linde M. , Palmer M. , Gómez-Zurita J. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
We explore the correlational patterns of diet and phylogeny on the shape of the premaxilla and anterior tooth in sparid fishes (Perciformes: Sparidae) from the western Mediterranean Sea. The premaxilla is less variable, and in spite of the presence of species-specific features, a common structural pattern is easily recognizable in all species (i.e. the ascending and the articular processes are fused in a single branch, as in many percoid fishes). In contrast, tooth shape is more variable, and different structural types can be recognized (e.g. canine-like or incisive). Coupling geometric morphometric and comparative methods we found that the relationship between shape, diet and phylogeny also differs between premaxilla and tooth. Thus, the shape of the premaxilla is significantly correlated with food type, whereas the shape of the teeth is not correlated with diet, and probably reflects the species phylogenetic relationships. Two biological roles, resistance against compressive forces generated in the buccal cavity and the size of the oral gape, would explain the ecomorphological patterns of the premaxilla. The premaxilla and anterior tooth appear to evolve at different rates (mosaic evolution) and represent an example of morphological traits belonging to the same functional unit but following uncoupled evolutionary pathways.
Effect of vagility potential on dispersal and speciation in rainforest insects
Authors: Bouchard P. , Brooks D. R. 
Published: August 2004

Abstract
Explaining global patterns of species diversity is one of the most challenging objectives in biology. Most agree that complex interactions between historical and current processes are responsible for such patterns, although rigorous testing of possible mechanisms has proved difficult. Here we demonstrate that macropterous and flightless insects in the rainforests of north-eastern Australia have dispersed and speciated in similar manners. These results contradict the traditionally held assumption that differences in vagility potential would lead to significant differences in distributional patterns and speciation modes.
Utility of misoprostol for labor induction in severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia
Authors: Nahar Shamsun , Rasul Choudhury Habibur , Sayed Abu , Azim Abul Kashem Mohammad Anwarul 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjectives:  To determine the effectiveness and safety of misoprostol in severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia patients with unripe cervix.Methods:  A prospective observational study was carried out in 135 severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia patients who required termination of pregnancy at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Khulna Medical College Hospital, Khulna, Bangladesh during January 2002 to October 2003. Fifty micrograms of misoprostol was used every 4 h in cases of unripe cervix (Bishop score ≤ 6) in severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia patients. Maternal and perinatal outcome as well as any complications were recorded.Results:  In severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia patients vaginal delivery occurred in 79.3 and 80.5% of cases, and cesarean section was performed in 20.6 and 19.4% of cases, respectively. The maximum required responsive dose was 50–150 µg. Oxytocin augmentation was required in 29.3 and 35% of cases, respectively. Induction to delivery time was median 8 h, interquartile ranges 4.2–8.2 h in the severe pre‐eclampsia group, and median  9 h,  interquartile  ranges  6.8–12.5 h  in  the  eclampsia  group,  and  average  hospital  stay  was  3.4 ± 1.8  and 3.7 ± 1.7 days, respectively. The only maternal complications were hyperstimulation which occurred in 6.8 and 5.1% of cases, respectively. Neonatal death occurred in five (11.3%) and eight cases (12.1%), respectively.Conclusion:  Intravaginal misoprostol is well tolerated and very effective for the induction of labor in severe pre‐eclampsia and eclampsia patients with unripe cervix.
Comparison of oral and vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor at term: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Paungmora Nawarat , Herabutya Yongyoth , O‐Prasertsawat Pratak , Punyavachira Piyaporn 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective:  To compare the efficacy of oral with vaginal misoprostol for induction of labor at term.Methods:  One hundred and fifty‐three pregnant women at term with indications for induction of labor and Bishop score ≤6 were randomly assigned to receive misoprostol either 100 µg orally or 50 µg vaginally every 6 h for 48 h. Repeated doses were given until Bishop score ≥8 was achieved or spontaneous rupture of membranes occurred. Those who were not in labor after 48 h had labor induced with amniotomy and oxytocin. The main outcome measure was induction to delivery time.Results:  The median induction to vaginal delivery time in the oral group (14.3 h) was not significantly different from that of the vaginal group (15.8 h). The median number of doses was also not significantly different in the oral group compared with the vaginal group. There was a significant higher incidence of uterine tachysystole in the vaginal group compared to the oral group (17.1%vs 5.3%, P = 0.032). There was no hyperstimulation in either group. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to oxytocin augmentation, cesarean section rate, analgesic requirement, and neonatal outcomes.Conclusion:  Oral administration of 100 µg misoprostol has similar efficacy to intravaginal administration of 50 µg misoprostol for labor induction with less frequent abnormal uterine contractility. 100 µg of misoprostol orally can be used as an alternative to the vaginal route for labor induction.
Clinical patterns and major causes of infertility in Mongolia
Authors: Bayasgalan Gendaram , Naranbat Dondog , Tsedmaa Baatar , Tsogmaa Bayanmunkh , Sukhee Dombojav , Amarjargal Olzvoi , Lhagvasuren Tserenkhuu , Radnaabazar Janchiv , Rowe Patrick John 
Published: August 2004

AbstractObjective:  To determine the clinical patterns and major causes of infertility in Mongolia, based on the clinical and laboratory findings of both partners, and to compare the findings with data from the published World Health Organization (WHO) multicenter study.Methods:  Four hundred and thirty infertile couples who attended the Infertility Clinic of the State Research Center on Maternal Child Health in 1998–2002 were included in the study. The couples had not had a viable birth after at least 1 year of unprotected intercourse and agreed to be fully investigated according to the WHO protocol ‘Standardized Investigation of the Infertile Couple’.Results:  The mean duration of infertility of couples was 4.9 ± 0.2 years. 43.7% of women had secondary infertility. In the females, the prevalence of past history of sexually transmitted infection (STI) and pelvic inflammatory disease were 33.5% and 25.1%, respectively. In the male partner, 44.2% reported a history of STI and 27.7% had previous testicular damage. 32.8% of women had a tubal factor. The most common causes of male infertility were obstructive azoospermia (8.4%), male accessory gland infection (6.7%) and acquired testicular damage (5.4%). In 45.8% of couples, infertility was due to a female factor and in 25.6% of cases, infertility was due to a male factor. 9.8% of couples had no demonstrable cause in either partner and 18.8% of couples had an infertility diagnosis in both partners.Conclusion:  Patterns of female infertility did not differ significantly from those in the WHO study. Male infertility had a unique pattern, as there was a high prevalence of obstructive azoospermia and previous testicular damage.
Migratory behaviour and range in Atlantic cod: inference from a century of tagging
Authors: Robichaud David , Rose George A. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractA century of tagging experiments on 174 Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) groups is reviewed and the frequency and spatial distribution of four migratory behaviours documented. Of all cod groups, 41% were categorized as sedentary, 18% as accurate homers, 20% as inaccurate homers and 20% as dispersers (ranging over large areas without recognizable return migrations). All behaviours occurred over the full spatial range of cod. Coastal groups did not differ significantly from offshore (shelf) groups in the relative frequency of migratory behaviours. However, the north‐east Atlantic had more sedentary and accurate homing groups than did the north‐west Atlantic, which had more dispersing groups. Overall, sedentary cod groups had lower maximum historical biomass than did other groups, confirming that migration/dispersal begets abundance. Maximum historical biomass was strongly related to the area occupied [log (biomass, tonnes)] = 1.58 log (range, km2) + 1.529; r2 = 0.9), irrespective of migratory type (for 23 major groups a total of 22 million tonnes over 3.3 million km2 with an average density of 7 tonnes km−2). Historical densities were not related to area occupied, although all large groups exhibited high densities (10–12 tonnes km−2 ; smaller groups had a wide range of density). The four migratory strategies in cod enable entrainment by diverse physical, oceanographic and biological ecosystem properties, and is key to cod success in the North Atlantic.
Are stock assessment methods too complicated?
Authors: Cotter A J R , Burt L , Paxton C G M , Fernandez C , Buckland S T , Pan J‐X 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThis critical review argues that several methods for the estimation and prediction of numbers‐at‐age, fishing mortality coefficientsF, and recruitment for a stock of fish are too hard to explain to customers (the fishing industry, managers, etc.) and do not pay enough attention to weaknesses in the supporting data, assumptions and theory. The review is linked to North Sea demersal stocks. First, weaknesses in the various types of data used in North Sea assessments are summarized, i.e. total landings, discards, commercial and research vessel abundance indices, age‐length keys and natural mortality (M). A list of features that an ideal assessment should have is put forward as a basis for comparing different methods. The importance of independence and weighting when combining different types of data in an assessment is stressed. Assessment methods considered are Virtual Population Analysis,ad hoctuning, extended survivors analysis (XSA), year‐class curves, catch‐at‐age modelling, and state‐space models fitted by Kalman filter or Bayesian methods. Year‐class curves (not to be confused with ‘catch‐curves’) are the favoured method because of their applicability to data sets separately, their visual appeal, simple statistical basis, minimal assumptions, the availability of confidence limits, and the ease with which estimates can be combined from different data sets after separate analyses. They do not estimate absolute stock numbers orFbut neither do other methods unlessMis accurately known, as is seldom true.
Methods of assessing extinction risk in marine fishes
Authors: Dulvy Nicholas K , Ellis Jim R , Goodwin Nicholas B , Grant Alastair , Reynolds John D , Jennings Simon 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe decline and disappearance of species from large parts of their former geographical range has become an important issue in fisheries ecology. There is a need to identify which species are at risk of extinction. The available approaches have been subject to considerable debate – particularly when applied to commercially exploited species. Here we have compiled methods that have been used or may be used for assessing threat status of marine organisms. We organize the methods according to the availability of data on the natural history, ecology and population biology of species. There are three general approaches to inferring or assessing extinction risk: (i) correlative approaches based on knowledge of life histories and ecology; (ii) time‐series approaches that examine changes in abundance; and (iii) demographic approaches based on age‐ or stage‐based schedules of vital rates and fisheries reference points. Many methods are well suited to species that are highly catchable and/or have relatively low productivity, but theory is less well developed for assessing extinction risk in species exhibiting narrow geographical distributions or ecological specialization. There is considerable variation in both definitions of extinction risk and the precision and defensibility of the available risk assessment methods, so we suggest a two‐tiered approach for defining and assessing extinction risk. First, simple methods requiring a few easily estimated parameters are used to triage or rapidly assess large numbers of populations and species to identify potentially vulnerable populations or species. Second, the populations and species identified as vulnerable by this process can then be subject to more detailed and rigorous population analysis explicitly considering sources of error and uncertainty.
Rhetoric, Practice and the Dynamics of Institutional Change: Immigrant Policy in Sweden, 1964–2000
Authors: Dahlström Carl 
Published: August 2004

This article explains why different policy changes can occur on different institutional levels at the same time. I distinguish between the rhetorical and practical levels. Previous studies have described the different functions of rhetoric and practice: losses on one level can be compensated by gains on the other; to minimize conflicts between the two levels they are kept separate. However, no causal explanation of such decoupling has been suggested. I suggest that the reason why rhetoric and practice are decoupled is that they are evaluated in different ways: rhetoric is eva‐luated in public political debates whereas practice is evaluated through government audits and different questions are asked in the two arenas. This argument is tested through a study of Swedish immigrant policies between 1964 and 2000. The main conclusion is that the rhetoric of immigrant policy has changed, whereas the practice of immigrant policy has not.
Polymorphic microsatellite markers for the Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi)
Authors: ERNST J. A. , BRANCH L. C. , CLARK A. M. , HOKIT D. G. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is one of a suite of species restricted to Florida scrub, a threatened ecosystem. We characterized eight microsatellite loci from scrub lizards based on screening of 75–91 individuals per locus. Polymorphism was high (8–20 alleles per locus). Observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.32–0.83 and 0.77–0.91, respectively. These markers will be useful for population‐level analyses and can contribute to a genetic foundation for conservation strategies for this endemic species.
Microsatellite loci for Dawson's burrowing bee (Amegilla dawsoni) and their cross‐utility in other Amegilla species
Authors: BEVERIDGE MAXINE , SIMMONS LEIGH W. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractMicrosatellite loci were isolated from Dawson's burrowing bee, Amegilla dawsoni, a species endemic to Western Australia. Twelve polymorphic loci were found with an observed number of alleles ranging from two to 24 and observed heterozygosities between 0.17 and 0.85. These 12 loci were tested for amplification in three additional species of Amegilla. The loci will be used for sex determination and the examination of mating frequency in this species.
Characterization of microsatellite loci for five members of the minnow family Cyprinidae found in the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta and its tributaries
Authors: BAERWALD MELINDA R. , MAY BERNIE 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTwo microsatellite‐enriched libraries [(CAGA)n, (TAGA)n] were constructed using pooled DNA from three cyprinid species native to the Sacramento–San Joaquin Delta of California: Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus); Sacramento pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus grandis); and tui chub (Siphateles bicolor). Primers were designed for 105 loci and tested for levels of polymorphism in five cyprinid species found in the Delta: Sacramento splittail, Sacramento pikeminnow, tui chub, hitch (Lavinia exilicauda), and Sacramento blackfish (Orthodon microlepidotus). Fifty‐one loci were polymorphic for at least one species and 31 loci were polymorphic for multiple species. The number of polymorphic loci per species ranged from 16 to 26.
Microsatellite DNA markers for the study of horseshoe crab (Limulus polyphemus) population structure
Authors: KING TIM L. , EACKLES MICHAEL S. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractTwenty‐two microsatellite DNA loci were identified and characterized for horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) collected from two Atlantic coast and one Gulf of Mexico site. These markers revealed a high degree of genetic diversity (8–35 alleles per locus), heterozygosity (25.0% to 100.0%), and allelic heterogeneity (69.8% of comparisons). Considerable regional differentiation was observed as genetic distances (chord) ranged between 0.25 and 0.45, and all FST values (0.014–0.092) were significant. These preliminary findings are consistent with patterns of regional differentiation observed using allozyme variation and contradictory to findings of limited gene flow reported for sequence variation at the mitochondrial DNA COI region.
Characterization of microsatellite markers for plant‐ants of the genus Crematogaster subgenus Decacrema
Authors: FELDHAAR HEIKE , FIALA BRIGITTE , GADAU JÜRGEN 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe present primer sequences for five polymorphic microsatellite loci in ants of the genus Crematogaster subgenus Decacrema that live in obligate symbiosis with host plants of the euphorb genus Macaranga. Microsatellite loci were isolated with a highly efficient method of enrichment. The number of alleles ranged from 10 to 18 for Crematogaster morphospecies 2, for which these markers were developed, with an observed heterozygosity ranging from 0.6578 to 0.9474. The markers were designed for the study of the population as well as of the social structure of colonies.
New set of microsatellite loci isolated in apricot
Authors: MESSINA R. , LAIN O. , MARRAZZO M. T. , CIPRIANI G. , TESTOLIN R. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe report 99 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) newly isolated from an apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genomic library enriched for AG/CT repeats. Twenty SSRs were screened for their polymorphism in 16 apricot cultivars. The number of alleles ranged from two to nine, whereas the expected heterozygosity (HE) ranged from 0.26 to 0.82. The same SSRs showed also an appreciable transportability across different Prunus species, such as peach, nectarine, almond, European plum, Japanese plum, sweet cherry and sour cherry, with 20% of primers giving successful amplifications in all Prunus species assayed. None gave amplification in apple.
Isolation of microsatellite loci in the freshwater goby, Rhinogobius sp. (Gobiidae)
Authors: OHARA K. , TAKAHASHI D. , TAKAGI M. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractThe Rhinogobius species complex (Pisces: Gobiidae) includes great variation in colour, morphology and ecological form. In particular, R. sp. OR (Orange type) exhibits some of the greatest colour variation among the species complex, although the genetic relationships among the variations in this fish remain unclear. Thirteen microsatellite loci were identified from R. sp. OR, and all loci were polymorphic with two to 17 alleles per locus. Observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.1 to 0.9, while the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.19 to 0.96. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction reaction (PCR) were optimized. All loci except Rhi‐5 conform to Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (P > 0.05).
Twenty polymorphic microsatellites in two of North Africa's most threatened ungulates: Gazella dorcas and Ammotragus lervia (Bovidae; Artiodactyla)
Authors: BEJA‐PEREIRA ALBANO , ZEYL EVE , OURAGH LAHOUSINE , NAGASH HAMID , FERRAND NUNO , TABERLET PIERRE , LUIKART GORDON 
Published: August 2004

AbstractDuring the last century, North African ungulate species have suffered from habitat loss and over‐hunting. Gazella dorcas (Antilopidae subfamily) and Ammotragus lervia (Caprinae subfamily) are among the ungulates that have suffered most. To help to protect these species, conservation programs and population genetics studies are being implemented. Here, we tested 30 published microsatellite primer‐pairs from Bovids (cattle, sheep and goat) on eight individuals from each species. From the 30 loci tested, 20 amplified well and showed moderate allelic richness (3.75 and 4.65 mean number of alleles per species, respectively, for G. dorcas and A. lervia), and moderatly high heterozygosity (0.53 and 0.63 per species, respectively). These 20 polymorphic markers will facilitate conservation and genetic studies in these two species, and promise to be widely useful across divergent ungulate taxa.
Eight highly polymorphic microsatellite loci for the Australian gecko Heteronotia binoei
Authors: STRASBURG JARED L. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractEight highly polymorphic dinucleotide microsatellite loci were developed for the Bynoe's gecko, Heteronotia binoei. Across the species as a whole, expected heterozygosities for the loci range from 0.59 to 0.92, with observed numbers of alleles ranging from 13 to 27. All eight loci successfully amplify in each of the three most widespread sexual chromosome races of Heteronotia binoei, and with the exception of one locus in one race all are polymorphic. All eight loci also amplify in hybrid parthenogenetic Bynoe's geckos, in several other sexual chromosome races, and in related Heteronotia species.
A multiplex panel of microsatellite markers for widespread sub‐Saharan rodents of the genus Mastomys
Authors: GALAN M. , VAN HOOFT W. F. , LEGRAND D. , BERTHIER K. , LOISEAU A. , GRANJON L. , COSSON J. F. 
Published: August 2004

AbstractWe isolated and characterized 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci in the sub‐Saharan rodent Mastomys huberti. We tested cross‐species amplification of all these loci in three closely related Mastomys species: M. coucha, M. erythroleucus and M. natalensis. Multiplex panels comprising 11 loci were developed and their application to a set of individuals in each species allowed clear and easy characterization of allele sizes. Statistics from 31 M. huberti coming from one locality in Mali showed no deviation from Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium except for one locus, and no significant linkage disequilibria between loci.