bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influences of weather on reproductive function in female Song sparrows, Melospiza melodia
Authors: Wingfield John C.
Published: August 2010

Prolonged and severe periods of inclement weather can retard gonadal development in early spring or disrupt the breeding cycle in summer. Previous investigations on the endocrine responses of free‐living avian species to storms have been restricted almost entirely to males. This communication presents the endocrine responses of free‐living female Song sparrows, Melospiza melodia, during gonadal recrudescence after a severe winter, and during storms in early spring and summer. As in males, gonadal recrudescence was delayed by the severe winter weather, and this effect was exacerbated by an aseasonal snow storm in early spring. Unlike males, female Song sparrows did appear to be stressed by this snow storm, since body mass and fat deposit decreased, and plasma levels of corticosterone increased. A second storm in early summer did not, however, prove to be stressful to females, although males were apparently stressed by the same storm. At the time the early summer storm occurred, young had been fledged and were being fed mostly by the male. Females begin preparing for a second clutch of eggs and do not feed fledglings to the same extent as males. Thus it is possible that males are stressed by storms at this time, because they are feeding several young as well as themselves during a period of reduced availability of food, whereas females are feeding themselves only. These data suggest that, not only do the endocrine responses to inclement weather vary in relation to stage in the reproductive cycle when storms strike, but also that there are sex differences in those responses.
Energy requirements of a Great white pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) population and its impact on fish stocks
Authors: Guillet A. , Furness R. W.
Published: August 2010

The Great white pelican Pelecanus onocrotalus is a major predator of some freshwater fish stocks in much of Africa. Detailed population time‐activity budgets allowed us to estimate that the south‐western Cape Province population consumed 184 tonnes offish annually. Of this, 69% was required for adult existence, 17% for chicks and 14% for flight. Per capita consumption averaged 840 g per day, or 8–8% of body weight; very much less than the figure of 17–6% used in some energy budget calculations. Our integrative bioenergetics approach lends some support for the use of 10% of body weight as the amount of food consumed per day by large piscivorous birds for initial estimates of their impact on stocks.

Predation by Great white pelicans may account for some 10–25% offish production, a shortage of reliable data on fish production in African freshwater ecosystems makes a more precise estimate impossible. Food supplies and shoreline length may both be important factors for pelican populations.
The thickness of the walls of tubular bones
Authors: Currey J. D. , Alexander R. McN.
Published: August 2010

Some bones have slender marrow cavities and relatively thick walls. Others have wide cavities and thinner walls. Such differences are described by a quantity K, the ratio of the internal to the external diameter. A theoretical analysis shows that the optimum value of K, which allows the mass of a bone to be minimized, depends on whether the bone is selected principally for yield or fatigue strength, for ultimate strength, for impact strength or for stiffness. It also depends on whether the cavity is filled with marrow or with gas. The values of K found in the limb bones of mammals, birds and a few reptiles are surveyed, and compared to the theoretical optima.
Effects of photoperiod and endogenous control on timing of reproduction in the marsupial genus Antechinus
Authors: Dickman Chris R.
Published: August 2010

The timing of reproduction was investigated and compared in natural pop ulations and laboratory colonies of three species of dasyurid marsupials, Antechinus stuartii, A. swainsonii and A. flavipes. In the natural populations, reproductive events occurred only during the austral winter (July‐September), and began at almost exactly the same time each year. The mating period lasted–3 weeks, and coincided with the onset of pouch changes (oestrus) in females. In males, spermatozoa appeared in the urine up to five weeks before the first matings occurred, but sexual activity tended to be suppressed during this time by female aggression. In the laboratory colonies, most individuals were paired (females with males) and housed under 12L: 12D or ambient light. Irrespective of the light regime, all first‐year animals entered reproductive condition at the same time or only slightly earlier than those in the natural populations. However, in females housed for two years under 12L: 12D, oestrus occurred–5 weeks earlier, on average, than in field individuals, and–5 weeks earlier than in equivalent individuals housed under ambient light. Males again achieved reproductive condition before females, and may have stimulated and helped to synchronize oestrus. These findings showed that the timing of reproduction is controlled by an endogenous circannual rhythm, which is probably entrained by some component of the photoperiod. The timing mechanism ensures that all young are nursed and weaned in spring and summer when food is most predictably abundant, and hence maximizes individual reproductive success.
Androgen levels in the Spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta: the influence of social factors
Authors: Frank L. G. , Davidson J. M. , Smith Erla R.
Published: August 2010

The Spotted hyaena is characterized by a suite of unique morphological and behavioural adaptations in the female: the external genitalia are nearly indistinguishable from those of the male, and females dominate males in most behavioural interactions. In a previous study of southern African hyaenas, males and females were found to have similar levels of circulating androgen, and it was suggested that relatively high foetal and adult levels are associated with female genital masculinization and dominance over males, respectively. This study shows that females from an East African population have androgen levels significantly lower than males, and that these levels in both sexes are strongly affected by individual social status; alpha animals had the highest androgen levels in each sex. These data cast doubt on the earlier hypothesis that aspects of sexual monomorphism in the Spotted hyaena are related solely to elevated female androgen titres.
Spiders of the generaEpisinus, ArgyrodesandCoscinidafrom Israel, with additional notes ORTheridion(Araneae: Theridiidae)
Authors: Levy G.
Published: August 2010

Theridiid spiders of the generaEpisinusandCoscinida, considered rare, are described from the Middle East for the first time. In addition, allArgyrodesspecies ever reported from this region have been revised, the peculiar biology reviewed, and the whereabouts of local populations discussed. New findings and additional records ofTheridionspecies from Israel are also provided. Notes are presented on the theridiid fauna of Israel in general, and comments are given on the systematics, ecology and zoogeography of each of the taxa treated. Two new synonymies are defined:Argyrodes ammoniaDenis, 1947 =Argyrodes argyrodes(Walckenaer, 1841), andTheridion rniurniLevi, 1980 =Theridion melanostictumO. P.‐Cambridge, 1876. A description of the hitherto unknown female ofTheridion ochreolusis given, and four new species are described:Episinus israeliensis, E. fontinalis, Theridion accoensisandT. vespertinus. Illustrations of diagnostic characters, records of distribution and pertaining literature are provided for each species.
Relative brain size and ecology in birds
Authors: Bennett P. M. , Harvey P. H.
Published: August 2010

We test the hypothesis that the relative sizes of the different parts of the brain (brain stem, optic lobes, cerebellum and cerebral hemispheres), measured after body size effects have been removed, are associated with differences in behaviour and ecology across bird species.

The results demonstrate that behavioural and ecological correlates of relative brain size are not independent of each other. When the effects of variation in other categories are accounted for, the strongest single effect is due to relatively large brain sizes being associated with altricial development. It is unlikely that this effect is due to the confounding influence of taxonomic associations.

Overall, the results do not provide support for the idea that differences in measures of environmental complexity select for differences in relative brain size.
Microhabitat choice and high temperature tolerance in the land snail Theba pisana (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Authors: Cowie Robert H.
Published: August 2010

Adults of the land snail Theba pisana near the species’northern limit (Tenby. South Wales) spend the daytime inactive attached to stems of tall vegetation, avoiding higher temperatures near the ground, while juveniles remain low down. This may be related to the lesser ability of juveniles to withstand desiccation for long periods, and/or to their requiremcnts for an easily accessible source of suitable food during growth. In the field and laboratory, adults (at least) respond to light and wind direction, avoiding the hottest and most exposed sides of stems on which they rest.

The upper lethal temperature of snails from S. Wales lies between 42 and 46 °C, depending on exposure time. Juveniles are more tolerant than adults, probably because of their greater ability to use evaporative cooling for short periods. Spanish T. pisana are more tolerant (upper lethal limit 46–50 °C) than Tenhy snails; this difference may have a genetic basis. Aestivating Spanish snails are more tolerant than active ones.

Climbing and orientation are essential for both adults and juvenilcs in the Mediterranean habitats where Theba pisana evolved, since ground temperatures can exceed the lethal limit. It is less important at the northern edge of the range, but is still retained by the adults.
The mechanics of scratching in the squirrel (Neosciurus carolinensis)
Authors: Dimery Nicola J.
Published: August 2010

Film observations of scratching in the squirrel suggested that a mechanism involving storage of elastic strain cncrgy in the tendons of thc lower leg may bc responsible for the movement. A model of the lower limb, based on such a mechanism, is put forward and tested.
The vestigial teeth of Miniopterus schreibersii natalensis (Mammalia: Chiroptera)
Authors: Van der Merwe M.
Published: August 2010

Miniopterus schreibersii nufalensis has a vestigial tooth on both sides of the upper jaw between the canine and following premolar. This tooth is regarded as permanent premolar P2 in vestigial form.
Brain size, development and metabolism in birds and mammals
Authors: Bennett Peter M. , Harvey Paul H.
Published: August 2010

Recent hypotheses that variation in brain size among birds and mammals result from differences in metabolic allocation during ontogeny are tested.

Indices of embryonic and post‐embryonic brain growth are defined. Precocial birds and mammals have high embryonic brain growth indices which are compensated for by low post‐embryonic indices (with the exception of Homo supiens). In contrast, altricial birds and mammals have low embryonic and high post‐embryonic indices. Altricial birds have relatively small brains at hatching and develop relatively large brains as adults, but among mammals there is no equivalent correlation between variation in adult relative brain sizes and state of neonatal development.

Compensatory brain development in both birds and mammals is associated with compensatory parental metabolic allocation. In comparison with altricial development, precocial development is characterized by higher levels of brain growth and parental metabolic allocation prior to hatching or birth and lower levels subsequently. Differences between degrees of postnatal investment by the parents in the young of precocial birds versus precocial mammals may result in the different patterns of adult brain size associated with precociality versus altriciality in the two groups.

The allometric exponent scaling brain on body size differs among taxonomic levels in birds. The exponent is higher for some parts of the brain than others, irrespective of taxonomic level. Unlike mammals, the exponents for birds do not show a general increase with taxonomic level. These pattcrns call into question recent interpretations of the allometric exponent in birds. and the reason for changes in exponent with taxonomic level.
Studies on the cloacal flora of three species of free‐living British reptile
Authors: Cooper J. E. , Needham J. R. , Lawrence K.
Published: August 2010

Cloacal swabs from seven free‐living Grass snakes (Nutrix natrix), six adders (Vipera berus) and 17 slow‐worms (Anguis fragilis) were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The number of species isolated was 18, 16 and 29, respectively, and the most prevalent organisms were entero‐cocci (Grass snakes) andEscherichia coli(adders and slow‐worms). There were surprisingly few anaerobes. Bacteria with zoonotic potential includedArizona (Salmonella) arizonaefrom four slow‐worms andYersinia pseudotuberculosisfrom an adder.
Blood cells and coelomocytes of the inarticulate brachiopod Lingula anatina
Authors: Rowley A. F. , Hayward P. J.
Published: August 2010

Three cell types are described from the coelomic cavity of the pedicle of the brachiopod Lingula anatina. Erythrocytes are abundant in the blood vessels of the mantle and also occur, in reduced numbers, in the pedicle. Phagocytic amoebocytes, characterized by a variable number of electrondense, homogeneous granules are common in the coelomic fluid of the pedicle. The enigmatic spindle bodies described by earlier authors constitute the most common cell type encountered in the pedicle coelom of aquarium‐maintained specimens. The origin of spindle bodies from muscle cells is suggested.
Terrestrial locomotion in monotremes (Mammalia: Monotremata)
Authors: Pridmore Peter A.
Published: August 2010

Cineradiographic analysis of the limb movements of Ornithorhynchus reveals that the proximal limb bones undergo horizontal retraction, long‐axis rotation and distal elevation (humerus) or depression (femur) during the propulsive phase of walking. Cinematographic records show that the locomotor movements of Ornithorhynchus differ in several respects from those of Tachyglossus and Zaglossus which are essentially similar. Comparison of the propulsive phase limb movements of Ornithorhynchus with those previously established radiographically for Tachyglossus reveals that the humerus is on average less laterally but more dorsally directed, and that the femur is on average more dorsally and slightly more laterally directed in Ornithorhynchus. Comparison of the limb orientations of monotremes with those empirically determined in therian mammals and lepidosaurian reptiles indicates that monotremes are most similar to therians. Consideration of several evidently derived features of the appendicular skeleton of monotremes leads to the conclusion that the limb orientations used by early mammals were probably similar to those used by locomotively generalized living therians, and that monotremes show modifications of this.
Gonadal cycles and levels of luteinizing hormone in wild Spur‐winged geese, Plectropterus gambensis
Authors: Halse S. A.
Published: August 2010

The gonadal cycles of wild Spur‐winged geese at Barberspan, South Africa, were examined histologically. Changes in 13 testicular parameters and penis weight and 12 ovarian and oviducal parameters were quantified. Concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) in the plasma were measured in both sexes. It was found that, in terms of their histology, the gonadal cycles of Spur‐winged geese fit conventional avian patterns. The occurrence of follicular atresia in the ovary is discussed.

In males, the testes of juvenile birds (< 1 yr. old) begin developing at least a month later than those of adults; in juvenile females the ovary often does not develop at all. However, in both sexes, LH levels in juveniles appear to rise simultaneously with those in adults and to reach similar values.

It seems likely that LH release and gonadal recrudescence in Spur‐winged geese are under the dual control of photoperiod and some rain‐associated factor(s). However, additional cues are required to stimulate the final stages of ovarian development in females. These are probably suitable water depth, suitable nesting cover, rainfall per se and having a mate.
The vaterite cover on the eggs ofAnhinga anhingaand its effect on gas conductance (Aves: Anhingidae)
Authors: Colacino J. M. , Hamel P. B. , Rahn H. , Board R. G. , Sparks N. H. C.
Published: August 2010

The nature of the chalky cover of Anhinga eggshells and its effect on gas conductance were studied. The cover consisted of microscopic spheres of nearly pure CaCO3in the form of vaterite. The pore canals were unbranched with an inorganic cap (Board's type 3(a) (ii)). The cover acted as a resistance in series with the underlying calcitic shell and accounted for approximately 6% of the total conductance.
Weight differences, brood reduction, and sibling competition among nestling Stonechats Saxicola torquata (Aves: Turdidae)
Authors: Greig‐Smith Peter
Published: August 2010

Weight differences within broods of nestling birds are commonly assumed to be the outcome of a parental strategy of selectively starving one or more offspring so as to enhance the survival of the remaining chicks. This study examined patterns of development of nestling Stonechats to reveal the significance of weight hierarchies in determining the relative growth and survival of siblings. Although Stonechat broods display obvious weight hierarchies, the results show that a low rank does not strongly influence survival within the nest, especially early in the nestling period, and in small broods. Low ranking chicks were more likely to leave the nest at lighter weights, however. A proximate mechanism for the establishment of weight hierarchies was investigated, involving competition among nestlings for advantageous positions in the nest, in which the heavier siblings were more successful.
Demographic variations in the movements of Upland geese Chloëphaga picta and Ruddy‐headed geese Chloëphaga rubidiceps in the Falkland Islands
Authors: Summers Ronald W.
Published: August 2010

Recoveries and sight‐records were made from 2700 Upland and 470 Ruddy‐headed geese marked in the Falkland Islands between 1977 and 1980 in order to describe the movements of these island populations. First‐year male Upland geese tended to be sighted further from natal areas than first‐year females, once independent of their parents. Second‐year Upland geese were sighted further from shedding sites than adults throughout the year. This age‐related difference was also found for Ruddy‐headed geese in spring. Breeding adults of both species were rarely sighted more than 5 km from their territories. Upland adults moved furthest from their breeding territory during Sate summer and autumn. Significantly more long‐distance (over 20 km) movements were recorded for Ruddy‐headed geese compared with Upland geese, and were mostly carried out by geese in their second or third year, for both species. The mobility of the geese makes attempts to reduce the population on certain pastures by culling ineffective.
Supernumerary teeth in the European lynx,Lynx lynx lynx, and their evolutionary significance
Authors: Kvam Tor
Published: August 2010

Supernumerary upper second deciduous premolars and lower second molars are reported in lynx,Lynx lynx lynx(L.), from Norway at frequencies comparable with the situation reported from lynx populations in other countries. Other authors have interpreted these anomalies as true atavisms in response to altered environmental conditions, and consequently as being contradictory with Dollo's law. The author suggests an alternative interpretation of the appearance of supernumerary teeth, which brings such phenomena in line with Dollo's law and the recent modern synthesis of evolution.
Tarsal development in birds: evidence for homology with the theropod condition
Authors: McGowan C.
Published: August 2010

Theropod dinosaurs and birds share a specialized ankle joint in which the proximal tarsal series. the astragalus and calcaneum is braced against the tibia by an ascending process. This feature has been used since T. H. Huxley's time (1870) to support the proposal that birds evolved from dinosaurs. However, according to Martin, Stewart & Whetstone (1980), the avian tarsus is not homologous with that of theropods. They argue that while the ascending process in theropods is continuous with the astragalus in Archaeopteryx and all later birds, it is an independent ossification associated primarily with the calcaneum. A preliminary study of tarsal ontogeny in birds (McGowan, 1984), undertaken to resolve this problem, revealed two developmental pathways, one exemplified in ratites and the other in carinates. The ratite condition corresponded to that of theropods, the bony ascending process being part of the astragalus, while in carinates the corresponding process was part of the calcaneum. The present study, based on more extensive material, reveals that, although the carinate process becomes associated with the calcaneum during later development, there is evidence that it originates as a cartilaginous process from the astragalus and is therefore homologous with the ratite condition. As the avian tarsus is homologous with that of theropods, and of Archaeopteryx, it may be used to support a close phylogenetic relationship among them.
Feeding mechanisms, and their variation in form, of some adult ground‐beetles (Coleoptera: Caraboidea)
Authors: Evans M. E. G. , Forsythe T. G.
Published: August 2010

The structure of the mouthparts and foregut of some caraboid beetles has been correlated with their type of feeding mechanism. These may be adapted to fragmentary feeding, fluid feeding (where pre‐oral digestion is important), or to mixed feeding (a large category which ranges from a mainly fluid to a mainly solid intake). Head structures concerned with feeding have been discussed in relation to these methods; they include the mandibles, maxillae, labrum‐epipharynx and anterior foregut, proventriculus, labium‐hypopharynx and the head floor. Different types of head floor were denned in relation to gular structure, in particular the presence or absence of the mid‐gular apodeme. Convergent evolution of feeding mechanisms was noted amongst both fragmentary feeders and fluid feeders; in the latter group, sucking pumps have been evolved in the Carabitae,Scarites, Cicindelidae, Paussini and some other caraboids. It was suggested that head shape in caraboids may reflect locomotory adaptations more frequently than feeding adaptations.
Modulation of gonadotrophin and prolacrin secretion by daylength and breeding behaviour in free‐living starlings, Sturnus vulgaris
Authors: DAWSON A. , GOLDSMITH A. R.
Published: August 2010

Plasma levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) and prolactin were measured by radioimmunoassay in plasma samples collected from free‐living starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, trapped in nest‐boxes. By leaving some nest‐boxes undisturbed, and repeatedly destroying nests in others, birds from a single‐brooded population were trapped whilst nest‐building, incubating or feeding nestlings, at different times throughout the normal breeding season. In both males and females trapped whilst nest‐building, plasma LH and prolactin levels increased progressively from mid March until late May. In females sampled during incubation, LH and FSH levels were high throughout May but decreased in early June. Prolactin levels were highest in late May. In both males and females trapped during mid May, LH levels were highest in these birds which were nest‐building at this time and lowest in those feeding nestlings, FSH did not change significantly, and prolactin was low in those birds which were nest‐building and high in those incubating or feeding nestlings. In female starlings from a double‐brooded population, levels of LH and FSH were much lower whilst feeding the second brood than when feeding the first brood, whereas prolactin levels were similar. The results suggest that incubation and feeding behaviour inhibit the increase in LH secretion caused by increasing daylength, but stimulate prolactin secretion in excess of that caused by increasing daylength.
Composition and vertical distribution patterns of the microarthropod fauna in a Negev desert soil
Authors: Steinberger Y. , Wallwork J. A.
Published: August 2010

The faunal composition and changes in the vertical distribution patterns of soil mites and other microarthropods were described and monitored over an 18‐h period at a site in the Negev desert of southern Israel. There was an overwhelming predominance of prostigmatid mites (55%) compared with Cryptostigmata (33%) in the collections. Specific determinations on the Cryptostigmata indicated that taxa, which could be identified as Mediterranean, made a sizeable contribution to this fauna. Microarthropod densities in general, and those of Prostigmata, Cryptostigmata and Mesostigmata in particular, compared favourably with those recorded from other arid desert sites in N. America and Australia. Prior to the sampling period which commenced at 6 p.m., the site was exposed to the drying effects of the Khamsin wind. Microarthropod populations were mainly located at depths below 6 cm during the following 18‐h period, and this may be interpreted as an avoidance of the arid conditions obtaining at the surface, particularly during the hours from 6 p.m. to midnight. Soil temperatures remained low after midnight, but the relative humidity above the soil increased to 90% and there may have been some internal dew formation in the soil surface horizon at this time. There is some evidence of an upward movement of prostigmatid and cryptostigmatid mites as a response to increasing levels of humidity in the surface horizon during this period. We suggest that this study confirms the findings of Whitford et al. (1981) that soil microarthropods are sensitive to changes in soil moisture characteristics which operate on a diurnal scale.
The diurnal patterns of behaviour of the wild Barbary macaque Macaca sylvanus
Authors: DEAG JOHN M.
Published: August 2010

The daily routine of a population of wild Barbary macaques is described. The day journey is mainly on the ground with the animals taking to the trees only for sleeping, resting, avoiding predators and, during some seasons, for feeding. Two methods (based on individual activity records and on social interactions) were used to measure the diurnal distribution of behaviour. In the summer, feeding was bimodally distributed with peaks morning and afternoon. The initiation of social interactions peaked at the same time, owing to the frequent use of agonistic behaviour to maintain individual distance while feeding. The reduction in feeding at midday was accompanied by an increase in allogrooming and resting and in the proportion of animals in the trees. Peaks of friendly approaches and in the initiation of interactions involving unweaned monkeys (excluding play, maternal behaviour and agonistic behaviour) occurred on either side of the midday rest period and in the evening. In the winter, there was no midday rest period; grooming decreased throughout the day while feeding increased. Sexual behaviour was rare during the summer.
Multivariate variation in feral American mink (Mustela vison) from Southern Norway
Authors: WIIG ØYSTEIN
Published: August 2010

Multiple group principal component analysis was used to investigate the morphological relationships between feral American mink from three areas of Southern Norway based on 15 skull dimensions. The first principal axis calculated from the variance‐covariance matrix of log‐transformed data is usually interpreted as a growth axis. In the present analysis, the scores of the first principal axis of males were found to be uncorrelated with estimated age for specimens younger than seven months old, and was interpreted as a growth‐free size axis. However, the second component of males was found to reflect mainly growth in the postorbital area. The first component of females was thought to reflect a mixing of growth‐out and growth‐in size variation. One of the reasons for separating size and size‐free variation in the present work was to test whether growth‐dependent size influenced the assessment of geographic variation within each sex. The scores on the components reflecting size variation (growthout and growth‐in) were, however, not found to deviate significantly between the areas. Discriminant analyses run on the component scores, both with size variation included and excluded, gave the same result. In mean, the mink from Western Norway deviated significantly from the mink from Trondelag and Eastern Norway, while the mink from the two latter areas did not deviate morphometrically. The deviation found was in shape rather than in size of both sexes.
Hinged teeth for hard‐bodied prey: a case of convergent evolution between snakes and legless lizards
Authors: Patchell F. C. , Shine R.
Published: August 2010

Savitzky (1981) described hinged teeth in several taxa of snakes, and interpreted this type of dentition as an adaptation to feeding on hard‐bodied prey (scincid lizards). We tested this hypothesis by examining the dentition of insectivorous and saurophagous members of the Australian legless lizards, Pygopodidae. Insectivorous taxa (Delma, Pygopus) have peg‐like pleurodont dentition, but the saurophagous Lialis has slender, recurved, sharply‐pointed teeth, like those of many snakes. The teeth of Lialis are ‘hinged’ on their supporting bones: each tooth folds when pressure is applied to its anterior surface, but locks in an erect position when forced from behind, The tooth hinge is probably collagenous, and does not contain elastin. The presence of hinged teeth in Lids, which feeds predominately on scincid lizards, offers strong support for Savitzky's hypothesis.
Effects of size, sex, temperature and condition on activity metabolism and defence behaviour of the viperine snake, Natrix maura
Authors: Hailety A. , Davies P. M. C.
Published: August 2010

The activity metabolism (aerobic and anaerobic), performance (burst speed and endurance) and defence behaviour (static or active) of the snake Natrix maura were investigated in relation to size, sex, temperature and fasting. Conditions which reduced performance (low temperature, fasting) promoted the use of static defensive behaviour. Aerobic scope for activity decreased with increasing size, but this was compensated for by increased capacity for anaerobic metabolism. Burst speed (as lengths time‐1) was slightly lower in large snakes; endurance was much lower in small snakes. Increased use of static defence by small snakes is related to their predators, which are likely to take occasional snakes in a diet of worms; a balled, still snake may not provide a stimulus for feeding. Large snakes have predators which feed on vertebrates and may recognize them as food in any position, and so they are better off trying to escape.

Aerobic scope was not maximal at the mean selected body temperature (25 °C), but increased right up to near lethal temperatures (> 35 °C). Anaerobic metabolism (lactate production) was less temperature‐sensitive, and accounted for about 80 and 50% of the energy produced during 30 and 5 min of maximal activity, respectively. Resting and active oxygen consumption were weight‐dependent, VO2∝ W0·75, the same exponent as that of interspecific comparisons. This exponent was independent of temperature and acclimation state. Acclimation to a variable or constant temperature regime had no effect on maximal oxygen consumption, but there was a significant effect on resting metabolic rate, possibly attributable to energy conservation when inactive. There were no differences in activity metabolism, performance or defence behaviour between similar‐sized snakes of different sexes.
Morphological trends in the Common brushtail possum, Trichosurus vulpecula, in New Zealand
Authors: Yom‐Tov Y. , Green W. O. , Coleman J. D.
Published: August 2010

Over 300 specimens of the Australian introduced Common brushtail possum, taken from throughout its range in New Zealand, were measured. A north‐south trend in skull size was found, which conforms with Bergmann's rule. This trend probably evolved during less than 50 years (30‐35 generations), and is not significantly different from the present Australian trend for skull size in this species. Males are slightly larger (1.8% in skull length) than females.
The myology of the manus of microtine rodents
Authors: Kesner M. H.
Published: August 2010

A study of the muscles of the manus of 13 genera and subgenera of microtine rodents revealed considerable variation which could be organized into 23 primitive‐derived evolutionary hypotheses (transmutation series). The results, when compared with those for other mammals, produced functional/ecological hypotheses which were tested by comparing their predictions with the literature. The microtine manus is morphologically distinguished by nine characters and is adapted for a terrestrial/semi‐fossorial niche. In particular, Dicrostonyx and Lemmus (distinguished by eight characters) possess the most highly fossorial manus, while the manus of Arborimus (distinguished by eight characters) contains a combination of primitive characters and derived characters which give the Tree vole the most highly developed ‘clasping’ ability among the microtines studied. The study has revealed characters which have potential systematic value but it is probable that parallelism has occurred in the microtine manus. When the manual characters are combined with characters from other functional complexes, their systematic value can be more clearly determined.
Morphological and other observations on Chonocephalus (Phoridae) and phylogenetic implications for the Cyclorrhapha (Diptera)
Authors: Disney R. H. L.
Published: August 2010

Chonocephalus blackithorum
sp. nov. is described from Sulawesi. Biological observations on it and five other species are reported. In describing the female it proved necessary to re‐evaluate the morphology of the female abdomen both in Chonocephalus and in the Phoridae as a whole. This adds to the growing evidence that the ground‐plan of the Phoridae, and hence the Cyclorrhapha, is plesiomorphic with respect to the Empidoidea. The supposed affinity between these two groups is called into question and it is suggested that the Cyclorrhapha could even be an independent lineage from the Nematocera. The case for continuing to regard the Brachycera as monophyletic is also called into question by casting doubt on the rotation of the larval mandibles as a synapomorphy.
Body size, age and reproduction in the Smooth newt, Triturus vulgaris
Authors: Verrell P. A. , Francillon Helene
Published: August 2010

Data on the relationships between individual body size, age and reproduction were obtained for a sample of Smooth newts collected from several sites in southern England. Age was determined by counting lines of arrested growth in histological sections of humerus. In males and females, body size increases with age, but only in the former sex is the correlation statistically significant. In both sexes, there is great inter‐individual variability in body size within a year class. Measures of fecundity (testis size, ovary size, clutch size and oocyte size) are positively correlated with body size, but not age. The timing of first reproduction does not seem to depend on the attainment of a fixed body size; the earliest age at first reproduction is two or three years. Together with information obtained during previous studies, the data we present support the hypothesis that the Smooth newt may be an r‐selected, colonizing species.
Arius peronii: A distinct species of Fork‐tailed catfish (Pisces: Ariidae)
Authors: Kailola P. J.
Published: August 2010

An Indian Ocean ariid catfishArius peronii(Valenciennes) is redescribed. It is compared with the morphologically similarKetengus typusBleeker.
The wing musculature of the Weka (Gallirallus australis), a flightless rail endemic to New Zealand
Authors: McGowan C.
Published: August 2010

The pectoral musculature of the Weka, a flightless New Zealand rail, is almost identical with that of a volant relative, the American coot, even to details of the propatagial complex. Similar observations have been made for other flightless carinates, including ducks and cormorants (Lowe 1928a, 1934, 1935). Ratites, in contrast, have far fewer wing muscles than carinates, and lack a propatagium (Lowe, 1928b; McGowan, 1982). The fact that the loss of flight in carinates is accompanied by such little change in the pectoral musculature, while that of ratites is so radically different, weakens the hypothesis that ratites evolved from carinates through the loss of flight.

An assessment of the relationship between muscles and their bony attachment areas shows how little myological information can be deduced from the surface features of bones. Thus, not even the vaguest of muscle reconstructions could have been attempted by studying the pectoral skeleton of the Weka, and similar findings have been made elsewhere (McGowan, 1979, 1982). This raises serious doubts on the validity of reconstructing the musculature of extinct vertebrates, a matter of much interest to palaeontologists.
The population dynamics and life history tactics of Pisidium clarkeanum and P. annandalei (Bivalvia: Pisidiidae) sympatric in Hong Kong
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: August 2010

This study is of sympatric species of Pisidium inhabiting an artificially managed flooded vegetable furrow in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It extended over 16 months during 1983–84.

Because of Hong Kong's subtropical climate, the habitat is strongly seasonally influenced with regard to temperature, and is flushed by summer rains. Normally, such a habitat would be ephemeral, drying in winter; flushed in summer. The water is acidic, soft and would typically be slow‐moving and nutrient deficient, but because of agricultural practices it is periodically culturally eutrophicated.

The pisidiids inhabiting the furrow show life history tactics which favour the habitation of a normally ephemeral subtropical habitat. Three birth periods occur each year, typically in winter, spring and in either summer (P. clarkeanum) or autumn (P. annandalei). Each generation is largely the product of the previous one. Pisidium clarkeanum attains a maximum shell length of 7.0 mm, sexual maturity at 2.5 mm and shelled larvae are present in the ctenidia at 3.5 mm. Average larval brood size is 9.49. Pisidium clarkeanum is generally univoltine and semelparous, though there is the probability that some individuals may produce one litter, continue to grow and contibute to the succeeding generation. These individuals are thus iteroparous and bivoltine. Pisidium annandalei, on the other hand, is a small species, with a recorded maximum shell length of 4.0 mm. It is born at 0.8 mm shell length and attains sexual maturity at 1.5 mm. Larvae are brooded from a parental length of 2.0 mm, average brood size being 7.17. Pisidium annandalei is typically univoltine and strongly semelparous, with the possibility only (as compared with the probability of this occurring in P. clarkeanum) of one or two individuals of the winter and spring recruits only surviving to be iteroparous and bivoltine. Autumn recruits are always univoltine as the following winter results in total adult mortality.

The life history tactics of these two pisidiids are therefore similar and represent adaptations to ephemeral habitats in subtropical and tropical Asia. Hong Kong's other freshwater bivalves are discussed: all are occupants either of other ephemeral lotie or more predictable lentic and lotie systems and show adaptations appropriate to these habitats.
Galago zanzibaricus: birth seasonally, litter size and perinatal behaviour of females
Authors: Harcourt Caroline
Published: August 2010

Data are presented on the seasonality of births and litter size of a small, nocturnal prosimian, Galago zanzibaricus, found in the coastal forests of Kenya. A peak of births occurred in February/March and another in late August/October. Individual females were able to breed twice a year. They commonly gave birth to singletons, though twins could be produced. A description of the changes in sleeping patterns which occurred when infants were born is also given. For approximately three weeks around the time they gave birth, females mostly slept apart from all other adult galagos. Normally, each slept with an adult male, and sometimes another female, with whom they shared a home range.
Ecology of Nectomys squamipes, the neotropical Water rat, in central Brazil: home range, habitat selection, reproduction and behaviour
Authors: Ernest Krishna A. , Mares M. A.
Published: August 2010

Relatively few studies have examined the ecology of small mammals of South American tropical forests. The ecology of the neotropical Water rat, Nectomys squamipes, was investigated in gallery forest in central Brazil during a 14‐month mark‐recapture study. A total of 11 male and 10 female Water rats were captured; minimum number of animals known alive per month varied from one to four per hectare. Home range size for individuals captured eight or more times was 0.3–1.6 ha. Water rats were captured almost exclusively near the stream or in other inundated portions of the forest. Distance to water, soil moisture, number of tree ferns, number of trees, exposed tree‐root cover, and litter cover on the ground were among the variables important in defining microhabitat of N. squamipes. At least some males were in breeding condition (testes scrotal) during all months; females were in breeding condition (vagina perforate) most of the year, but pregnancies were noted only in August, October and November. Captive Water rats consumed plant matter, insects (Blattidae, Gyrinidae, Scarabeidae), tadpoles and small fish. Aquatic prey items were located by searching movements of the forepaws. Water rats demonstrated agility in both climbing and swimming. Physiological dependence of N. squamipes on water is suggested by capture sites and observations of drinking in captive animals.
Neolithic bats from Dowel Cave, Derbyshire
Authors: Yalden D. W.
Published: August 2010

If the post‐glacial history of British mammals is poorly documented (Yalden, 1982), then that of the bats is particularly poorly understood. Yet the history of the bat fauna is potentially very interesting; woodland species such as Myotis bechsteini and Plecotus spp. should have been much more numerous when woodland was more extensive, and various southern species such as P. austriacus and Rhinolophus ferrumequinum might have spread further north in warmer periods. In Poland, Woloszyn (1970) has documented numerous cave faunas, probably of Neolithic age, in which M. bechsteini was indeed very numerous (it is now as rare in Poland as in Britain). Myotis bechsteini is also reputed to be numerous in the Neolithic flint mines of Grimes Graves, Norfolk (Clarke, 1963), though no details of numbers seem to have been published.
Pattern and depth of dives in Northern elephant seals, Mirounga angustirostris
Authors: Leboeuf B. J. , Costa D. P. , Huntley A. C. , Kooyman G. L. , Davis R. W.
Published: August 2010

A time‐depth recorder was attached to a female Northern elephant seal at the end of her lactation fast before she entered the sea to feed. The animal dived continuously during its first 11 days at sea, the period recorded for a total of 653 dives. Mean dive time was 21 min, with the longest submersion lasting 32 min. Mean surface interval between dives was 3 min, resulting in a total surface time of 11 %. Mean dive depth was 333 m and the deepest dive was 630 m, the deepest ever recorded for a pinniped. A d̀epth histogram recorder attached to another female yielded a similar frequency distribution of dive depths.
Associations of zooplankton in six crater lakes in Arizona, Mexico and New Mexico
Authors: Green J.
Published: August 2010

Zooplankton associations in six crater lakes have been compared by means of indices of similarity and diversity, and by k‐dominance curves. The lakes covered a wide range of salinities and vegetational characteristics.

The total number of species identified were: Protozoa, 34; Rotifera, 48; Gastrotricha, 7; Crustacea, 24; and Chaoborus larvae, 2; giving an overall total of 115. The numbers of zooplankton species in each lake varied from 68, in a richly vegetated fresh crater lake in Arizona, to one in a highly saline lake in New Mexico.

Testate rhizopods and gastrotrichs were not found in the more saline lakes. A comparison of the rotifer associations with those of crater lakes in other parts of the world shows that there is a general tendency for a reduction in the total number of species when the conductivity rises above 400 μS cm−1 20°C, and when the conductivity reaches 10,000 μS cm−1 20°C the number of rotifer species is usually reduced to two. The two species found at high salinities show some variation in different parts of the world, but generally include species of Brachionus and Hexarthra.

There is a general tendency for the number of rotifer species in a crater lake to increase with increasing vegetation, at least up to the stage where there is a dense, zoned vegetation, and before a complete mosaic of vegetation covers the lake.
Activation of a nuclear factor of activated T‐lymphocyte‐3 (NFAT3) by oxidative stress in carboplatin‐mediated renal apoptosis
Authors: Lin Heng , Sue Yuh‐Mou , Chou Ying , Cheng Ching‐Feng , Chang Chih‐Cheng , Li Hsiao‐Fen , Chen Chien‐Chang , Juan Shu‐Hui
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSEAlthough carboplatin is currently used as a therapeutic drug for ovarian, breast, and non‐small cell lung cancers, it has serious side effects including renal and cardiac toxicity. Herein, we examined the effect of carboplatin on murine renal tubular cell (RTC) apoptosis bothin vivoandin vitroand the underlying molecular mechanisms associated with its activation of the nuclear factor of activated T‐lymphocytes‐3 (NFAT3).

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHMechanisms of carboplatin‐mediated renal apoptosis were examined using NFAT‐reporter transgenic mice and RTCs with NFAT3 overexpression or knockdown.

KEY RESULTSWe demonstrated that carboplatin initiated an intrinsic apoptotic pathway of activating caspase‐3 and ‐9, accompanied by a decrease in the ratio of Bcl‐XL/Bax and a significant increase in Bcl‐XS. Carboplatin increased NFAT activation in NFAT‐luciferase reporter transgenic mice, RTCs and cells exogenously overexpressing NFAT3 that exacerbated cell death. Furthermore, the addition of either N‐acetylcysteine (NAC, an antioxidant) or NFAT inhibitors, including FK‐506 (tacrolimus), cyclosporin A (CsA, a calcineurin inhibitor), and BAPTA‐AM (a calcium chelator) successfully reversed carboplatin‐mediated cell apoptosis, which was further confirmed using siNFAT3. Additionally, NAC blocked NFAT3 activation by inhibition of NADPH oxidase activation, and ERK/JNK and PKC pathways, resulting in a decrease in cell apoptosis; the therapeutic effect of NAC was verifiedin vivo.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThe results presented herein show that carboplatin‐mediated reactive oxygen species might signal calcineurin and NFAT3 activation in RTCs, whereas NAC and NFAT inhibitors reversed carboplatin‐mediated RTC apoptosis, suggesting that oxidative stress‐mediated NFAT3 activation is essential for carboplatin‐mediated RTC apoptosis.