bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Causes of population declines of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni in Israel
Authors: Liven‐Schulman Ifat , Leshem Yossi , Alon Dan , Yom‐Tov Yoram 
Published: December 2004

We studied the ecology of the Lesser Kestrel Falco naumanni, a globally threatened species, to identify the factors causing its gradual decline in Israel, in order to stabilize and possibly restore its numbers. Lesser Kestrels in Israel breed in colonies, both adjacent to human settlements (rural and urban) and in the countryside, where they are found especially on cliffs. In this study, observations of Lesser Kestrels were carried out in three different breeding areas: (1) an urban colony in Jerusalem, (2) a rural colony in the Alona district and (3) a cliff in the Judean desert (open landscape colony) about 10 km east of Jerusalem. The number of fledglings per nest in Jerusalem (1.91) was lower than in Alona (2.44) and the cliff (3.16). As this lower productivity was associated neither with the clutch size, with hatching success, which were similar in all three regions (about four eggs per clutch, and 80% hatched, respectively), nor with egg fertility, it probably reflects factors operating during the nestling phase. We suggest that the two main factors limiting food availability and causing nestling deaths in Jerusalem are the relatively long flight distances between the breeding and hunting sites, and the use of pesticides in the city parks and lawns. Stochastic events superimposed on such factors, such as the drought of 1999, which markedly reduced productivity, may cause pronounced fluctuations eventually affecting long‐term population persistence.
Timing and duration of moult in three populations of Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima with different moult/migration patterns
Authors: Summers Ron W. , Underhill Les G. , Nicoll Mike , Strann Karl‐Birger , Nilsen Stein Ø. 
Published: December 2004

Timing and duration of primary moult in three populations of Purple Sandpipers Calidris maritima were described and discussed in relation to the birds’ need to complete moult before the onset of winter, when resources are required for survival. We predicted that moult would be completed earlier by birds wintering at higher latitudes. The south Norwegian breeding population, which moults and winters along the coast of east Britain (54–57°N) had a mean starting date of 21 July for primary moult (16 July for females and 24 July for males), a mean duration of 61 days, and completed on 20 September. Resident Icelandic (64–65°N) birds had a mean starting date of 22 July for primary moult (17 July for females and 25 July for males), a mean duration of 51 days, and completed on 11 September. Birds moulting in north Norway (70°N) arrived in north Norway in suspended primary moult or without having started moult, and completed it there. They had a mean completion date of 2 November for primary moult (31 October for females and 3 November for males). Starting date and duration could not be estimated because some suspended moult for an undetermined period, but it was thought that they started in late August. It is likely that most originated from Russia. The onset of moult appears to be set by the end of breeding and there is little overlap in these two events. The earlier start of moult by females in all three populations may be because they abandon the males when the chicks hatch, leaving the males to attend the chicks. Although the duration of primary moult followed the expected trend, being fastest in north Norway and slowest in Britain, the onset of moult was so late in north Norway that they had an unexpectedly late completion date, despite their rapid moult. The late completion of primary moult in north Norway suggests that wintering in the far north may not pose the energetic constraints on Purple Sandpipers that had previously been supposed.
Feeding ecology of the Common Tern Sterna hirundo in a wintering area in southern Brazil
Authors: Bugoni Leandro , Vooren Carolus Maria 
Published: December 2004

The wintering diet of Common Terns Sterna hirundo was studied by using 714 pellets collected on roosting sites at the mouth of the Lagoa dos Patos and on adjacent coastal beaches, in Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil, from March 1999 to February 2000. A total of 12 340 individual prey items of 35 different food types was found. Fish was the most important food type in the diet, constituting 32% by number and 93% by mass. Insects contributed 67% by number but only 3% by mass. The main food types were sciaenid fishes Paralonchurus brasiliensis, Micropogonias furnieri, Cynoscion guatucupa and Macrodon ancylodon. Several of these are important commercial species; fisheries potentially impact food availability to the terns, and terns may contribute significantly to the natural mortality of these fishes. Clupeiform fishes, the urophycid fish Urophycis brasiliensis and flying ants (Camponotus sp.) were also important. Species composition of the diet (food types), both by number and by mass, differed significantly between months. Prey sizes ranged in length from 12.7 mm to 217.4 mm. The average estimated total length of fish taken was 77.7 mm, but the mean differed significantly among prey species. The importance of demersal sciaenids to the diet of the Common Tern, a surface predator, may be explained by their association with aquatic predators, especially adult Bluefish Pomatomus saltatrix and Striped Weakfish Cynoscion guatucupa, and the Franciscana Dolphin Pontoporia blainvillei, which drive these fish to the surface. The occurrence of flying ants in the diet was related to offshore winds, which carried these insects out to sea. The occasional high availability of insects possibly changed the cost/benefit relationship of several food types, causing diet changes. The high number of prey species, the temporal variations in the composition of the diet and the wide range of prey sizes are evidence of the high dietary plasticity of the Common Tern, at wintering areas in southern Brazil.
Plumage‐based phylogenetic analyses of the Merops bee‐eaters
Authors: BURT D. BRENT 
Published: December 2004

I review previous systematic work on the family Meropidae and present phylogenetic hypotheses derived from my analyses of colour, pattern and shape variation in 30 plumage regions among species and subspecies in this family. Consistent patterns are seen across shallow portions of the trees. Uncertainty remains concerning the placement of several deep branches within this group's phylogeny. In particular, the phylogenetic placement of Meropogon forsteni and Merops breweri, M. ornatus, M. hirundineus and M. boehmi remains uncertain. The biogeographical patterns in the resultant trees are similar with either a Southeast Asian or African origin for the family, with most of the early diversification occurring in Africa, and with multiple independent subsequent invasions of non‐African areas.
Semen quality and sedentary work position
Authors: Støy Julie , Hjøllund Niels Henrik I. , Mortensen Jens Tølbøll , Burr Hermann , Bonde Jens Peter 
Published: December 2004

SummaryIncreased scrotal temperature can, in experimental settings, markedly disturb the production of semen. Sedentary work position may increase the temperature of the scrotum, but previous studies have failed to determine whether changes in scrotal temperature caused by sedentary work actually do affect semen quality. This study was carried out to elucidate the possible harmful effects of sedentary work on sperm count and other semen characteristics. In 1981–1983 a semen sample was obtained from 3119 men who attended an infertility workup in one of four Danish fertility centres. A total of 2517 men returned a postal questionnaire with information on life style, leisure time activities, occupational history and job duties. Information on job specific work position was obtained from The Danish Work Environment Cohort study 1990 (DWECS). In this analysis DWECS data for a total of 1747 men was included from men aged 18–39 years with >30 h of work per week. For all job titles represented in the DWECS, the mean proportion of sedentary work was estimated. The sperm cell concentration was 30.6 million/mL among men in the quintile with lowest job specific sedentary work compared with 40.5 million/mL in the highest quintile. The difference was, however, not statistically significant. Stratification on infertility period, educational level of the man, fertility centre, and fertility‐related disease of the spouse did not influence the results. The analyses do not suggest that sedentary work is a risk factor for abnormal semen characteristics.
Spectrophotometric application of resazurin reduction assay to evaluate boar semen quality
Authors: Zrimšek P. , Kunc J. , Kosec M. , Mrkun J. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe resazurin reduction assay depends on the ability of metabolically active cells to reduce the resazurin redox dye to resorufin. In the present study we applied and made a diagnostic evaluation of a spectrophotometric application of the resazurin reduction assay to assess the colour change of resazurin reduction in butanol extracted colour to evaluate boar semen quality. Forty‐one samples of boar semen from various breeds were included in the study. The absorption peaks for resazurin and resorufin were found to be 610 and 575 nm, respectively. Absorbance at 610 nm, where the minimum overlap of the two peaks was observed, was used in further analysis. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between the resazurin reduction assay and various semen parameters. The highest correlations were observed with the concentration of motile spermatozoa (r = −0.841; p < 0.001), sperm concentration (r = −0.833; p < 0.001), sperm index (−0.826; p < 0.001) and concentration of viable spermatozoa (r = −0.763; p < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity, at 94.1 and 91.7%, respectively, indicate that the present test is highly accurate in discriminating between the samples according to the sperm index. When motile sperm concentration was used to distinguish between good and poor samples, high sensitivity (93.6%) was also found, whereas the test was only moderately, 80%, specific. The stability of butanol extracts in terms of A610 at different times of measurement confirmed that the resazurin reduction could be spectrophotometrically measured within 7 days from the time of assay performance, making the assay much more useful. Based on these results, the assay could be used as an additional tool for evaluating the quality of boar semen.
Use of hydrogen peroxide to assess the sperm susceptibility to oxidative stress in subjects presenting a normal semen profile
Authors: Misro M. M. , Choudhury L. , Upreti K. , Gautam D. , Chaki S. P. , Mahajan A. S. , Babbar R. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryHuman sperm susceptibility to oxidative stress is vital as it affects various characteristics of sperm function. In the present study, we report a simple, sensitive and quick method of assessing the capacity of the sperms to withstand increased oxidative stress. The basis for the test was derived from the fact that human sperms suspended in Ham's F‐10 medium tend to lose the forward progressive motility when co‐incubated with H2O2 (600 μm). Replacement of the medium with seminal plasma (1 : 1) was able to reduce the loss of sperm motility (40%). Retention of sperm motility in semen (0–30%) following 10 min of H2O2 (600 μm) exposure was taken as the criteria for delineating the quality of sperm as poor, moderate, good and excellent types. The protocol was tested in 87 subjects presenting a normal semen profile. On the basis of this test, 44% of the semen samples were classified as poor and the rest as moderate, good or excellent. Lipid peroxidation was found higher in the sperms from the ‘poor’ category. Activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were also significantly elevated in the seminal plasma of these subjects as compared with combined categories of good or excellent. The test described here can be used routinely in laboratory investigations to assess sperm susceptibility to oxidative stress in subjects presenting a normal semen profile.
Use of a β‐glucan hydrocolloidal suspension in the manufacture of low‐fat Cheddar cheese: manufacture, composition, yield and microstructure
Authors: Konuklar G. , Inglett G. E. , Carriere C. J. , Felker F. C. 
Published: December 2004

SummaryLow‐fat Cheddar cheese was manufactured using a β‐glucan, hydrocolloidal fat replacer denoted as Nutrim. The composition, production efficiency, microstructure, and utility of replacing fat with Nutrim were examined. Cheese samples (designated as Nutrim‐I, and Nutrim‐II) containing Nutrim were produced with mean fat levels of 6.84 and 3.47%, respectively. A low‐fat cheese was also produced as a control with a mean fat level of 11.2%. Nutrim‐II cheese had significantly higher moisture, salt, and ash contents as compared with the low‐fat control cheese. The low‐fat control cheese had a higher yield normalized for 54% moisture and 1.5% salt content as compared with the Nutrim‐II cheese. Scanning electron microscopy revealed smaller and more uniform fat droplet voids in the Nutrim cheese than the low‐fat control, and a more dense, noncontinuous background protein matrix with globular clusters suggesting a physical buffering afforded by the presence of the β‐glucan hydrocolloid or its associated water.
Effects of ultra high hydrostatic pressure on Listeria monocytogenes and natural flora in broth, milk and fruit juices
Authors: Erkmen O. , Dogan C. 
Published: December 2004

Summary Listeria monocytogenes was subjected to ultra high hydrostatic pressure (UHHP) treatments from 200 to 700 MPa at 25 °C in broth, raw milk, peach juice and orange juice. Survivor curves showed that cell death increased as pressure increased. After 10 min pressure treatment at 400 MPa reductions of about 2.09 and 2.76 log CFU mL−1 in aerobic bacteria and L. monocytogenes, respectively, were produced in raw milk, this increased to 5.09 and 6.47 log CFU mL−1, respectively, at 600 MPa. Death of bacteria at UHHP treatment was greater in orange juice than peach juice, and in peach juice than milk. Listeria monocytogenes was more sensitive to increased pressure than increased pressurization time. Injury of L. monocytogenes occurred from 0 to 100%. Factors effecting the rate of microbial inactivation are: pressure, age of cell, composition of medium, and pressurization time. UHHP inactivation can be used to extend shelf life and increase food quality during storage, and may also contribute to inactivation of L. monocytogenes.
Microfiltration of whey proteins adsorbed on yeast cells
Authors: Keskinler Bulent , Erhan Elif , Akay Galip , Kaya Mukerren , Bayguven Betul 
Published: December 2004

SummarySoluble whey proteins (WPs), adsorbed on yeast cells, were recovered by a crossflow microfiltration (MF) technique using a cellulose nitrate membrane with a pore size of 0.45 μm. The crossflow velocity was 1.5 m s−1 with a transmembrane pressure of 200 kPa at 25 °C. A series of protein rejections occured at various pH values ranging from 2 to 8. WPs adsorbed more on to yeast cells at low pH (pH < 4) than at high pH values, probably because they were positively charged at low pH. It was also shown that permeate flux increased and Modified Membrane Fouling Index values decreased at low pH levels. When the yeast concentration was 50 g L−1, the flux decreased five times compared with that in the absence of yeast. Protein recovery increased with increasing yeast concentrations. The highest protein recovery was found to be 85% at a yeast concentration of 50 g L−1 at a steady state flux rate of 10−6 m s−1 at 25 °C. When diluted solutions of whey were used, the same rejection of protein, adsorbed on yeast cells, was achieved at ten times lower amounts of yeast cells. This technique not only provides for the recovery of protein but also may give rise to the direct use of yeast cells, which are rich in protein, in the baking industry. WPs absorbed by yeast cells can be used to produce nutritionally rich products in areas where yeasts have been already used.
The effects of various salt concentrations during brine curing of cod (Gadus morhua)
Authors: Thorarinsdottir Kristin Anna , Arason Sigurjon , Bogason Sigurdur G. , Kristbergsson Kristberg 
Published: December 2004

SummaryThe method used for salting of cod (Gadus morhua) is believed to influence the quality and characteristics of the final product. In recent years an initial brine salting for 1–4 days has preceded dry salting; this increases both the weight yield and quality of the final product. After removal from the brine, dry salting is followed by packaging and storage. The effect of the salt concentration in the brine has been a matter of controversy, with some indication that higher weight yield and quality may be obtained by using lower salt concentrations than by using a fully saturated brine solution. Therefore to test this hypothesis, the effect of different brine salting methods was studied; traditional brine salting, maintaining a constant brine concentration and increasing the salt concentration gradually during brining. The results indicated that the effect on weight yield, chemical composition and water holding capacity of the salted or rehydrated cod were not significant. Altering salt concentration of the brine, by adding salt during brining, did not result in any significant improvements in weight yield, either after the salting process or after the rehydration. The overall quality was increased by using a lower salt concentration of 16° Bau compared with 20 and 24° Bau.
Extrauterine (tubal) placental site nodule
Authors: Campello T.R. , Fittipaldi H. , O'valle F. , Carvia R.E. , Nogales F.F. 
Published: December 2004

AimsThe clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of the second case of placental site nodule (PSN) of extrauterine, tubal location are presented.Methods and resultsThe lesion was incidentally found in the right tube during a cesarean section and eventual tubal ligation in a 23‐year‐old women gesta 2 para 1, after an uneventful 39‐week intrauterine pregnancy. Grossly, the right Fallopian tube had a 1 cm dilatation filled by necrotic material. Microscopically, the lumen of the Fallopian tube was effaced and replaced by a rim of pleomorphic intermediate trophoblastic (IT) cells with pseudoinvasive parietal features which were positive for human placental lactogen, placental alkaline phosphatase, epithelial membrane antigen and CAM5.2. The Ki67 index was 3%.ConclusionDue to its bizarre microscopic appearance, this lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis with malignant conditions. Both origins from a previous subclinical extrauterine tubal pregnancy and a possible migration of IT from a uterine implantation are considered.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans and its fibrosarcomatous variant with areas of myoid differentiation: a report of three cases
Authors: Morimitsu Y. , Hisaoka M. , Okamoto S. , Hashimoto H. , Ushijima M. 
Published: December 2004

AimsWe describe three examples of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans which demonstrated focal myofibroblastic differentiation, and discuss the nature of myofibroblastic differentiation.Methods and resultsWe studied three cases of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, two of which had fibrosarcomatous portions containing myoid areas, and one which showed myoid areas in ordinary dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. Myoid areas were recognized histologically as randomly distributed, scattered bundles or small nodules of spindle cells with deeply eosinophilic cytoplasm. Myofibroblastic differentiation was demonstrated immunohistochemically by positive staining for smooth muscle actin and muscle‐specific actin, and ultrastructurally by the presence of microfilament bundles with focal dense bodies and pinocytic vesicles. The myoid areas occasionally contained intraneoplastic blood vessels.ConclusionThe presence of myoid areas may be related to reactive hyperplasia of stroma, and its relation to the histogenesis of dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans is uncertain.
Renal cell carcinoma with rhabdoid features: an aggressive neoplasm
Authors: Kuroiwa K , Kinoshita Y , Shiratsuchi H , Oshiro Y , Tamiya S , Oda Y , Naito S , Tsuneyoshi M 
Published: December 2004

Aims:  Only a few reports on renal cell carcinoma with rhabdoid features have been published. This study was performed to investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of renal cell carcinomas with rhabdoid features.Methods and results:  Among 253 cases of renal cell carcinoma in adults, eight cases with rhabdoid features were detected. Rhabdoid areas ranged from 10% to 90% of each of the cases. Seven of the eight cases were TNM stage III or IV, and four of the eight cases died within 8 months of surgery. Immunohistochemically, the rhabdoid areas were positive for CAM 5.2 (4/8), AE1/AE3 (6/8), epithelial membrane antigen (6/8) and vimentin (8/8), and negative for myogenetic markers (0/8). The mean MIB‐1 labelling index in the rhabdoid areas was higher than that in the definite carcinomatous areas. Ultrastructurally, perinuclear whorls of intermediate filaments were demonstrated in three of the eight cases using paraffin‐embedded blocks.Conclusions:  The rhabdoid areas in renal cell carcinoma have histological, immunohistochemical and ultrastructural similarities to malignant rhabdoid tumours. Renal cell carcinoma with rhabdoid features is a highly aggressive neoplasm and its malignant behaviour may be due to the high cell‐proliferative activity of the rhabdoid areas. Rhabdoid features in renal cell carcinoma may represent the endpoint of clonal evolution of renal cell carcinoma (especially in clear cell type cases).
Clear cell sarcoma of the stomach
Authors: Pauwels P , Debiec‐Rychter M , Sciot R , Vlasveld T , Den Butter B , Hagemeijer A , Hogendoorn P C W 
Published: December 2004

Aim:  Clear cell sarcoma is a high‐grade sarcoma with morphological features resembling malignant melanoma. This tumour is reported to display a characteristic distribution pattern nearly always involving the extremities. We report the first case of clear cell sarcoma of the stomach.Methods and results:  A 30‐year‐old male developed a huge tumour of the stomach, which at first glance could be considered as a poorly differentiated carcinoma. Immunohistochemical and ultrastructural examinations were consistent with a diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. However, cytogenetic examination revealed a t(12;22) translocation, specific for clear cell sarcoma. This was confirmed by fluorescence in‐situ hybridization.Conclusion:  Making a reliable diagnosis of clear cell sarcoma of the stomach requires cytogenetic or molecular diagnostic investigations, particularly to rule out metastatic melanoma. This diagnosis avoids an unnecessary search for a primary melanoma.