bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scalable Multi‐view Registration for Multi‐Projector Displays on Vertically Extruded Surfaces
Authors: Sajadi Behzad , Majumder Aditi
Published: August 2010

Recent work have shown that it is possible to register multiple projectors on non‐planar surfaces using a single uncalibrated camera instead of a calibrated stereo pair when dealing with a special class of non‐planar surfaces, vertically extruded surfaces. However, this requires the camera view to contain the entire display surface. This is often an impossible scenario for large displays, especially common in visualization, edutainment, training and simulation applications. In this paper we present a new method that can achieve an accurate geometric registration even when the field‐of‐view of the uncalibrated camera can cover only a part of the vertically extruded display at a time. We pan and tilt the camera from a single point and employ a multi‐view approach to register the projectors on the display. This allows the method to scale easily both in terms of camera resolution and display size. To the best of our knowledge, our method is the first to achieve a scalable multi‐view geometric registration of large vertically extruded displays with a single uncalibrated camera. This method can also handle a different situation of having multiple similarly oriented cameras in different locations, if the camera focal length is known.
DTI in Context: Illustrating Brain Fiber Tracts In Situ
Authors: Svetachov Pjotr , Everts Maarten H. , Isenberg Tobias
Published: August 2010

We present an interactive illustrative visualization method inspired by traditional pen‐and‐ink illustration styles. Specifically, we explore how to provide context around DTI fiber tracts in the form of surfaces of the brain, the skull, or other objects such as tumors. These contextual surfaces are derived from either segmentation data or generated using interactive iso‐surface extraction and are rendered with a flexible, slice‐based hatching technique, controlled with ambient occlusion. This technique allows us to produce a consistent and frame‐coherent appearance with precise control over the lines. In addition, we provide context through cutting planes onto which we render gray matter with stippling. Together, our methods not only facilitate the interactive exploration and illustration of brain fibers within their anatomical context but also allow us to produce high‐quality images for print reproduction. We provide evidence for the success of our approach with an informal evaluation with domain experts.
A Multidirectional Occlusion Shading Model for Direct Volume Rendering
Authors: Šoltészová Veronika , Patel Daniel , Bruckner Stefan , Viola Ivan
Published: August 2010

In this paper, we present a novel technique which simulates directional light scattering for more realistic interactive visualization of volume data. Our method extends the recent directional occlusion shading model by enabling light source positioning with practically no performance penalty. Light transport is approximated using a tilted cone‐shaped function which leaves elliptic footprints in the opacity buffer during slice‐based volume rendering. We perform an incremental blurring operation on the opacity buffer for each slice in front‐to‐back order. This buffer is then used to define the degree of occlusion for the subsequent slice. Our method is capable of generating high‐quality soft shadowing effects, allows interactive modification of all illumination and rendering parameters, and requires no pre‐computation.
Supporting Exploratory Analysis with the Select & Slice Table
Authors: Shrinivasan Yedendra B. , Van Wijk Jarke. J.
Published: August 2010

In interactive visualization, selection techniques such as dynamic queries and brushing are used to specify and extract items of interest. In other words, users define areas of interest in data space that often have a clear semantic meaning. We call such areas Semantic Zones, and argue that support for their manipulation and reasoning with them is highly useful during exploratory analysis. An important use case is the use of these zones across different subsets of the data, for instance to study the population of semantic zones over time. To support this, we present the Select & Slice Table. Semantic zones are arranged along one axis of the table, and data subsets are arranged along the other axis of the table. Each cell contains a set of items of interest from a data subset that matches the selection specifications of a zone. Items in cells can be visualized in various ways, as a count, as an aggregation of a measure, or as a separate visualization, such that the table gives an overview of the relationship between zones and data subsets. Furthermore, users can reuse zones, combine zones, and compare and trace items of interest across different semantic zones and data subsets. We present two case studies to illustrate the support offered by the Select & Slice table during exploratory analysis of multivariate data.
Brushing Moments in Interactive Visual Analysis
Authors: Kehrer Johannes , Filzmoser Peter , Hauser Helwig
Published: August 2010

We present a systematic study of opportunities for the interactive visual analysis of multi‐dimensional scientific data that is based on the integration of statistical aggregations along selected independent data dimensions in a framework of coordinated multiple views (with linking and brushing). Traditional and robust estimates of the four statistical moments (mean, variance, skewness, and kurtosis) as well as measures ofoutlyingnessare integrated in an iterative visual analysis process. Brushing particular statistics, the analyst can investigate data characteristics such as trends and outliers. We present a categorization of beneficial combinations of attributes in 2D scatterplots: (a) kthvs. (k + 1)thstatistical moment of a traditional or robust estimate, (b) traditional vs. robust version of the same moment, (c) two different robust estimates of the same moment. We propose selected view transformations to iteratively construct this multitude of informative views as well as to enhance the depiction of the statistical properties in scatterplots and quantile plots. In the framework, we interrelate the original distributional data and the aggregated statistics, which allows the analyst to work with both data representations simultaneously. We demonstrate our approach in the context of two visual analysis scenarios of multi‐run climate simulations.
Coherent Culling and Shading for Large Molecular Dynamics Visualization
Authors: Grottel Sebastian , Reina Guido , Dachsbacher Carsten , Ertl Thomas
Published: August 2010

Molecular dynamics simulations are a principal tool for studying molecular systems. Such simulations are used to investigate molecular structure, dynamics, and thermodynamical properties, as well as a replacement for, or complement to, costly and dangerous experiments. With the increasing availability of computational power the resulting data sets are becoming increasingly larger, and benchmarks indicate that the interactive visualization on desktop computers poses a challenge when rendering substantially more than millions of glyphs. Trading visual quality for rendering performance is a common approach when interactivity has to be guaranteed. In this paper we address both problems and present a method for high‐quality visualization of massive molecular dynamics data sets. We employ several optimization strategies on different levels of granularity, such as data quantization, data caching in video memory, and a two‐level occlusion culling strategy: coarse culling via hardware occlusion queries and a vertex‐level culling using maximum depth mipmaps. To ensure optimal image quality we employ GPU raycasting and deferred shading with smooth normal vector generation. We demonstrate that our method allows us to interactively render data sets containing tens of millions of high‐quality glyphs.
Winding Roads: Routing edges into bundles
Authors: Lambert A. , Bourqui R. , Auber D.
Published: August 2010

Visualizing graphs containing many nodes and edges efficiently is quite challenging. Drawings of such graphs generally suffer from visual clutter induced by the large amount of edges and their crossings. Consequently it is difficult to read the relationships between nodes and the high‐level edge patterns that may exist in standard node‐link diagram representations. Edge bundling techniques have been proposed to help solve this issue, which rely on high quality edge rerouting. In this paper, we introduce an intuitive edge bundling technique which efficiently reduces edge clutter in graphs drawings. Our method is based on the use of a grid built using the original graph to compute the edge rerouting. In comparison with previously proposed edge bundling methods, our technique improves both the level of clutter reduction and the computation performance. The second contribution of this paper is a GPU‐based rendering method which helps users perceive bundles densities while preserving edge color.
Why the BBC Matters: Memo to the New Parliament about a Unique British Institution
Authors: BARNETT STEVEN , SEATON JEAN
Published: August 2010

The new Parliament will be asked at some point to make critical decisions about the BBC's future at a time when it is facing full‐frontal assaults from competitors who view the BBC as a major barrier to their own advancement. Whether it be newspaper groups seeking to monetise their online activities, commercial children's channels, terrestrial competitors or the owners of music radio stations, media conglomerates rail against the BBC's size and public funding with increasing regularity. Our aim is to remind our legislators of the vital contribution this institution makes to British life: from a journalism inscribed with values of fairness, integrity and impartiality—and valued throughout the world for its professional engagement with foreign affairs—to its creative commitment to British story‐telling, music, comedy, arts and children's programmes, the BBC's contribution to our democratic and cultural welfare is immense. It is a beacon for Britain, which provides social glue for its citizens at a time of fragmenting audiences and identities, within a uniquely non‐commercial space, accountable to both Parliament and its licence payers. It may distort the market, much as the National Health Service distorts the market for health care, but is held in high esteem by the British public and is admired throughout the world. This article explains why the BBC is a national treasure that underpins our creative economy as well as our cultural vitality, and argues that it must be protected from those who argue self‐interestedly for its diminution.
The Concept of Rights in Contemporary Human Rights Discourse
Authors: CHWASZCZA CHRISTINE
Published: August 2010

In a variety of disciplines, there exists a consensus that human rights are individual claim rights that all human beings possess simply as a consequence of being human. That consensus seems to me to obscure the real character of the concept and hinder the progress of discussion. I contend that rather than thinking of human rights in the first instance as “claim rights” possessed by individuals, we should regard human rights as higher order norms that articulate standards of legitimacy for sociopolitical and legal institutions.
Some Myth about Realism
Authors: MAUTNER THOMAS
Published: August 2010

This paper discusses the place of philosophical naturalism in the philosophy of law, with special reference to Scandinavian Realism. Hägerström originated a non‐cognitivist analysis of certain fundamental legal concepts, but he also proposed an error theory. The two approaches are incompatible, but were not always clearly distinguished. Among his followers, Olivecrona and Ross gradually abandoned the latter, at least from the late 1940s. Many accounts of their views are unclear, because the presence of these two kinds of analysis, their incompatibility, and the gradual abandonment of one, has often been overlooked. A corollary of the discussion is that there are some important corrigenda in the entry “Naturalism in legal philosophy” in the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy.
Europeanization or EU‐ization? The Transfer of European Norms across Time and Space
Authors: FLOCKHART TRINE
Published: August 2010

What is the content of Europeanization? Which causal relationships should be explained? Which theory should be used? In answering these questions, the article forwards a conceptualization of Europeanization based on Historical Sociology and Social Constructivism, which implies a departure from the practice in the current Europeanization literature to concentrate on the contemporary with a narrow focus (EU‐ization) at the expense of the historical with a broad focus (Europeanization). It is suggested that the causal relationships to be explained are the transfer of European ideas across time and space using a ‘present‐as‐reality’ definition of the European idea set. In doing so, it becomes apparent that Europeanization cannot be accepted as either static or something that is solely connected to the EU, and that Europeanization has been characterized by diffusion patterns going both into and out of Europe and sociological processes involving subtle shifts in process, structure, agents and conceptions of ‘Other’ and ‘Significant We’.
Bicameral Politics in the European Union
Authors: HAGEMANN SARA , HØYLAND BJØRN
Published: August 2010

The literature on legislative decision‐making and bargaining in the EU has reached a common conclusion that the European Parliament (Parliament) and the Council of the European Union (Council) are on an equal footing in the main legislative procedure, the co‐decision procedure. We present theoretical and empirical evidence to suggest that this is not the case. First, our analysis of the formal rules reveals that the Council has conditional agenda‐setting power due to a change in the majority thresholds for adopting legislation from the first to the second reading in the Parliament. This change has important implications for the internal dynamics of the Parliament and its institutional powers vis‐à‐vis the Council. Testing these analytical considerations of the formal decision rules against voting data on all co‐decision legislation adopted in the two institutions between 1999 and 2004, our empirical findings show that: first, from 1999 to 2004 coalition formation in the Council fell predominantly along the traditional left–right political dimensions when negotiating co‐decision proposals. Second, when disagreement over legislation is recorded in the Council, a strong divide can also be found in the Parliament. Third, when the Parliament is divided along party political lines, it is less likely to be able to meet the absolute majority requirement for amending the proposal adopted by the Council. Lastly, Parliament amendments are most likely to be adopted when a decision by voting is requested by a party group associated with the main ideological contingency in the Council.
Across the EU Studies–New Regionalism Frontier: Invitation to a Dialogue
Authors: WARLEIGH‐LACK ALEX , ROSAMOND BEN
Published: August 2010

This article notes a lack of communication between two broad schools of scholarship on regional integration: EU studies and analyses of the ‘new regionalism’. It is argued that the existence of this divide, which is perpetrated by proponents of both schools, is an impediment to the elaboration of useful theory as well as being a missed opportunity. The benefits and problems of using the EU as a comparator in studies of regionalism are assessed. While the mistake of giving the EU analytical primacy as a benchmark or model is to be avoided, it is argued that careful treatment of accumulated insights from EU studies (including a proper re‐inspection of classical integration theory) brings clear methodological and meta‐theoretical benefits for the project of comparative regional integration scholarship.
Who Controls Whom? Dynamics of Power Delegation and Agency Losses in EU Trade Politics
Authors: DA CONCEIÇÃO EUGÉNIA
Published: August 2010

There has been considerable debate about power delegation in EU trade politics, but few studies explore the question of how and why agency losses occur. Focusing on agricultural issues in the Doha Round, this article analyses the impact of agency losses (agency shirking and agency slippage) in the process of power delegation in EU trade politics. Are agency losses the result of the delegation structure, which stimulates the agent to adopt a different position from the principals (agency slippage), or do conflict situations arise because of conflicting interests between the interests of the Member States and those of the European Commission (agency shirking)? Based on information collected from Agence Europe and interviews with European officials, the main conclusions are that: (1) the Council–Commission relationship can be conflict‐laden or co‐operative depending on the negotiating stage at the international level; (2) a low degree of interest alignment among Member States increases the Commission's discretion at the international level; (3) inter‐institutional conflict weakens the EU negotiating position at the international level because the other WTO members know that the EU is divided and ask for further concessions.
Functional anatomy of the shoulder and arm of the fruit‐eating bat Artibeus jamaicensis
Authors: Hermanson John W. , Altenbach J. Scott
Published: August 2010

The functional morphology of the pectoral girdle and arm of Artibeus jamaicensis (Chiroptera: Phyllostomidae) was interpreted on the basis of gross dissection, high speed cinematography, and electromyography (EMG). EMG data obtained during flight for 17 muscles elucidate several temporal patterns of activity associated with the wingbeat cycle that contrast with the patterns of flexor, extensor, and bifunctional muscles observed in terrestrial mammals. Abductor muscles exhibit intense activity associated with the early upstroke phase of the wingbeat cycle and include clavotrapezius, acromiotrapezius, latissimus dorsi, and triceps brachii (long and lateral heads). All abductors except for the triceps brachii exhibit a secondary period of low‐amplitude activity associated with the early downstroke. Adductor muscles exhibit primary activity immediately prior to and during the early downstroke phase. The adductors include the serratus ventralis thoracis, pectoralis, clavodeltoideus, and biceps brachii (short head). Bifunctional muscles exhibit two periods of activity or activity throughout most of the wingbeat cycle. The bifunctional muscles include the spinotrapezius, supraspinatus, infraspinatus, subscapularis, and biceps brachii (long head). Dissection of all other muscles of the shoulder and antebrachium form the basis of interpreting musculoskeletal movements during flight in Artibeus. The major muscles of support in Artibeus include the serratus ventralis thoracis, pectoralis, and the trapezius group. These muscles support the trunk between the wings during flight or terrestrial walking. Propulsion during flight differs from that observed during stepping in terrestrial mammals. During the wingbeat, the pectoralis provides the major component of thrust, both by adducting and pronating the wing. Although latissimus dorsi is a major propulsive muscle during stepping in terrestrial mammals, its major function in Artibeus is to abduct the wing and reposition the wing prior to the beginning of the downstroke.
Tooth eruption in Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) and its use as a method of age estimation (Mammalia: Cervidae)
Authors: Chapman D. I. , Chapman Norma G. , Colles C. M.
Published: August 2010

The sequence of tooth eruption and replacement in Reeves' muntjac was determined from captive animals of known age. Pronounced sexual dimorphism is shown by the permanent upper canine which in the male is large, tusk‐like and is used as a weapon. The upper canine was the first deciduous tooth to be replaced in males, at approximately 21 weeks of age, compared with 53–57 weeks in the female. The permanent mandibular teeth erupted in the order: molars, first and second incisors, premolars, third incisor and canine. The maxillary teeth erupted in the order: first molar, canine (in male), second and third molars, canine (in female), premolars. The full complement of 34 functional permanent teeth was attained by 83–92 weeks of age.
The diet of the Southern rockhopper penguin Eudyptes chrysocome chrysocome at Beauchene Island, Falkland Islands
Authors: Croxall J. P. , Prince P. A. , Baird A. , Ward P.
Published: August 2010

The diet of the Southern rockhopper penguin at Beauchene Island, Falkland Islands, was studied in the early chick‐rearing period by quantitative analysis of adult stomach contents. Juvenile squid (Teuthowenia sp.) comprised on average 21% by numbers (c. 1000 per sample) and 53% by weight; crustaceans contributed 79% by numbers (c. 4000 per sample) but only 45% by weight, and fish 2% by weight. Of the crustaceans only the euphausids Euphausia lucens (66% by numbers), E. vallentini (19%) and Thysanoessa gregaria (15%) were present in significant quantities, and all are swarming species characteristic of the Patagonian shelf epipelagic zooplankton. Comparison is made with the limited dietary data available from other studies, and rockhopper penguins are suggested typically to feed opportunistically on swarming or shoaling zooplankton (particularly euphausids and young squid) and small fish. Whereas the average weight of the stomach contents was 220 g, the biomass of the individuals originally ingested was estimated to total 800 g; the c. 3000 kj this represents is consistent with the likely energy requirements of adults making daily foraging trips to rear small chicks.
A new endemic gecko (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Mauritius
Authors: Bullock D. J. , Arnold E. N. , Bloxam Q.
Published: August 2010

A previously undescribed gecko, Nactus coindemirensis sp. nov. is reported from Gunner's Quoin, a small island off Mauritius. Nactus coindemirensis is not especially closely related to the other Mauritian member of the genus, N. serpensinsula; thus, it is likely that the precursors of these two species reached Mauritius separately, rather than both being descended from a single colonizer. Unlike other Mauritian reptiles now known only from small off‐shore islands, N. coindemirensis coexists with rats, perhaps because it can evade them by taking refuge in small holes and crevices of the basalt it inhabits. This raises the possibility that it may still survive on other islands with rats, including Mauritius itself, but has escaped notice because of its size and cryptic behaviour.
Observations on the reproductive cycle of female Molossus fortis (Chiroptera: Molossidae) in Puerto Rico
Authors: Krutzsch Philip H. , Crichton Elizabeth G.
Published: August 2010

The reproductive cycle of female Molossus fortis, a molossid bat endemic to Puerto Rico (18°N), was studied from specimens collected throughout the year and immediately preserved in the field. The reproductive tracts were subsequently dissected out in the laboratory and processed for light microscopic observation of their histological status.

Observations revealed that the species is monotocous and bimodally reproductively active, conceiving in March and June/July and giving birth in June and September. Anoestrus occurs between September and February. The data strongly suggest that Molossus is polyoestrous, conceiving a second time each year as the result of a post‐partum oestrus in June/July. Gestation occupies about three and a half months in each instance and the young are born at approximately 30 mm crown‐rump length. Lactation ensues for about six weeks.

Molossus fortis displays dextral dominance of the reproductive tract and lack of advanced follicular growth stages in the left ovary, features that are characteristic of Molossidae.

This is the first description of the reproductive cycle of a wild population of a tropical molossid from the New World. Polyoestry has been described in some Old World tropical Molossidae; a post‐partum oestrus per se has not been described in any molossid, but no doubt will be recognized in other species once more detailed studies are made.
Extraocular muscles in the lamprey, Lampetra fluviatils L. II. Motor end plates
Authors: Witalińaki W. , Labuda H.
Published: August 2010

Motor innervation and particularly the structure of motor end plates (MEPs) was studied in the extraocular muscles of the lamprey, Lampetra fluviatilis L., by light and electron microscopy. Each muscle is supplied with numerous thin motor nerve fibres. Motor end plates are located at their ends or along their course. Two motor end plate types were distinguished: en grappe‐like plates with a low acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity were observed on thin muscle fibres, whilst en plaque‐like plates with a high AChE activity were found on thick mitochondria‐rich and thick multifibrillar muscle fibres. The postsynaptic membrane of the former MEP type does not show the presence of infoldings, MEPs located on thick mitochondria‐rich fibres show occasional infoldings, whereas the postsynaptic membrane of MEPs present on thick multifibrillar fibres reveals numerous infoldings. Motor end plates present in the extraocular muscles in the lamprey possess features typical for higher vertebrates and elasmobranch fishes, as well as for Tunicata.
The biology of Vaejovis littoralis Williams, an intertidal scorpion from Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Due A. Denise , Polis G. A.
Published: August 2010

Vaejovis littoralis Williams is an intertidal scorpion inhabiting chiefly the drift zone in the high intertidal of beaches in Baja California, Mexico. Density within the drift zone averages approximately 2–4/m2 (island sites) to 12/m2 (mainland sites). Populations are aggregated into patches. Primarily, juveniles exhibit diurnal activity. Nocturnally active juveniles tend to be spatially segregated from nocturnally active adults within the drift zone.

Diet of V. littoralis includes the isopod Ligia, V. littoralis, spiders, pseudoscorpions, centipedes and beetles. Prey size is not a function of predator size. Centruroides exilicauda, V. littoralis and Ligia were observed as predators on V. littoralis.

The adult sex ratio is skewed toward females (1 male : 2.1 females). Adult females are usually larger than adult males. Litter size ranges from 1–8. Limited data suggest that offspring size and litter size increase with maternal size.

Vaejovis littoralis exhibits cryptic coloration, small size and lithophilic tarsal claws, all of which favour intertidal existence. Although V. littoralis is able to withstand up to 12 hours of submergence, it does not survive submergence significantly better than a comparable desert species. Field data suggest that V. littoralis does not exhibit an endogenous tidal rhythm.
Heart structure of some deep‐sea fish (Teleostei: Macrouridae)
Authors: Walker M. Greek , Santer R. M. , Benjamin M. , Norman D.
Published: August 2010

The hearts of 29 species of macrourid teleosts were examined in this study. For the one species for which a length range was available (Coryphaenoides (C.) rupestris), the heart weight as a percentage of body weight was 0·059. This is similar to values for relatively inactive fish. The atrial myocardium was reduced and had only a sparse trabecular network. In some species it was surrounded by a highly developed epicardium, but in others there was interstitial connective tissue in the myocardium that may serve to strengthen this chamber. The ventricle was entirely spongy, and all species lacked an outer compact layer of myocardium and associated coronary vasculature. All the ventricles were sac‐like in form. The bulbus arteriosus was highly complex, and in its proximal portion there was an endothelially‐lined, inner tube surrounded by a spongy network of blood‐filled spaces, outside which was an outer compact layer of smooth muscle and elastica. These features of the bulbus may prevent backflow of blood after ventricular systole. The endothelial cells lining the bulbus were usually PAS‐positive and in some species contained acid mucopolysaccharides.
Thermoregulation and metabolism in the smallest African gerbil, Gerbillus pusillus
Authors: Buffenstein Rochelle , Jarvis Jennifer U. M.
Published: August 2010

The effect of temperature on thermoregulation, metabolism, evaporative water loss and thermal conductance was studied in Gerbillus pusillus. Its resting body temperature (TB) was 34·6°C, approximately 5°C higher than the mean ambient temperature (TA) encountered in its burrow. As TA increased above 34°C, its ability to lose heat to the environment decreased. It overcame this problem by tolerating increases in TB to a non‐lethal maximum of 41°C, whilst also eliminating increasing quantities of obligate heat by pulmocutaneous evaporation and conduction.

Metabolic rate was 41% lower than that predicted from Kleiber's (1975) allometric equation. This confers a considerable saving in energy in an environment where food is often scarce, whilst simultaneously reducing heat production and the degree of gaseous exchange in the already oxygen‐poor and carbon dioxide‐rich environment encountered in the plugged burrows of its natural milieu.

Gerbillus pusillus, therefore, does not maintain strict homeothermy and utilizes a labile TB and reduced metabolic rate as an adaptive mechanism for survival in the arid zones of tropical Africa.
Statocyst structure in the Anomalodesmata (Bivalvia)
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: August 2010

Statocyst structure in representatives of each, as currently recognized, family of the bivalve sub‐class Anomalodesmata has been investigated.

Three types are recognized—A, B and C. Type A is possessed only by Pholadomya Candida, a representative of the ancient Pholadomyacea. Type C is found only in the Cuspidariacea. Type B, possessed by all other anomalodesmatans is divided, on the basis of statolith structure, into three sub‐types—B1, B2 and B3.

Type A statocyst is extraordinarily complex with a capsule penetrated by nerve endings and a multicellular statolith. Such a sophisticated structure is adjudged essential for a bivalve that is postulated to lie angled on its back in the sediment and to collect subsurface deposits via the pedal gape, using the foot as a suction piston.

Type B statocyst comprises a large, multicellular capsule of ciliated cells as the sensory receptors. Variations in structure relate to whether or not there is a single, large, statolith (B1), a large statolith and other statoconia (B2), or numerous crystal‐like statoconia, one of which may be enlarged into a statolith (B3).

Type C statocyst comprises a small capsule of but four or five cells in transverse section, each of which is swollen and lined by microvilli. A large, oval statolith is not freely mobile within the lumen and probably confers little fine orientation discrimination.

It is concluded that statocyst structure has some phylogenetic significance, widely separating the Pholadomyidae from other anomalodesmatans and indicating that the Cuspidariacea may have a separate origin from the other deep‐water ‘septibranch’ predators. Type B3 statocyst (crystal‐like statoconia) appears typical of the Clavagellacea, but is also possessed by Myadora striata.

All other anomalodesmatans possess either Type B1 or B2 statocysts, and with so much variation between and within constituent genera, families and superfamilies, little adaptive significance is attached to form. All other bivalves investigated to date have a statocyst structure of Type B, this probably representing ‘primitive’ conditions. Earlier conclusions from studies of other bivalves that type B2 or B3 is more primitive than B1 cannot be substantiated, because more comprehensive studies of these phylogenies may reveal a wider diversity of form than is at present realized.
Ecological correlates of lion social organization (Panthera leo)
Authors: Orsdol K. G. Van , Hanby Jeannette P. , Bygott J. D.
Published: August 2010

Data on lion home range size, pride size, density, group size, cub survival, litter size and adult sex ratio were extracted from studies carried out in 10 habitats. The data were compared with five measures of food supply: mean prey biomass, prey biomass during the season of greatest abundance, prey biomass during the season of least abundance, biomass of middle‐sized prey species (i.e. those with mean adult live‐weights between 50 and 250 kg), and the mean size of carcasses fed on by lions. The results indicated that range size is inversely correlated with the abundance of prey during the period of least abundance, but not with overall prey abundance. Range size showed no consistent variation with pride size or with minimum metabolic requirements. Pride size (measured in terms of average number of animals per pride and average number of adult females) and cub survival strongly correlated with lean season food abundance. No relationship was found between group size or litter size and any of the measures of food supply Adult sex ratio did not vary consistently with food supply or lion density, although the data did suggest that prides inhabiting small, circumscribed reserves may experience less inter‐male competition and this, in turn, may affect the adult sex ratio.
Turnover, age and sex ratios of kestrels (Falco tinnunculus) in south Scotland
Authors: VILLAGE ANDREW
Published: August 2010

This paper examines the composition and turnover of a population of European kestrels Falco tinnunculus L. in the Southern Uplands of Scotland. Turnover was generally high, with most birds staying in the area for only one summer or winter. The rate at which birds arrived or left was highest in autumn and spring, and was independent of population size. During winter, breeding males were more likely to stay on their territories than females, and males that did so were more likely to retain their partners the following year. Breeding success was associated with a greater likelihood of return the following year, except in first‐year females which were unlikely to return anyway. The sex ratio was biased toward males in winter, especially in poor vole years when there were also few first‐year birds present. The study confirmed the high rate of turnover reported elsewhere in small raptors, and further indicated that the composition and turnover of the population were related to food supply and seasonal patterns of migration.
Differences in morphology in relation to microhabitat in littorinid species from a mangrove in Papua New Guinea (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Authors: Cook L. M. , Currey J. D. , Sarsam V. H.
Published: August 2010

Field studies on the north coast of Papua New Guinea show that there are three species in the Littorina scabra complex on mangroves. Two are restricted to root structures, while the third occurs on the leaves. The species differ in shell shape, ornamentation and colour, in penis shape, and in radula morphology. The shells of the leaf species are much weaker than those from the roots. Many of the differences observed may be adaptive on the preferred substratum.
The antennal setal trap of the Ground beetle Loricera pilicornis: a specialization for feeding on Collembola
Authors: Hintzpeter U. , Bauer T.
Published: August 2010

Loricera pilicornis Fabricius 1775 has long strong setae on its proximal antennal segments which are used to form a trap for capturing the collembolans on which it feeds. The structure of this prey‐capture apparatus was investigated with the scanning electron microscope and its function with mechanical experiments using a microbalance. Long setae which do not belong to the trap were included for comparison.

The positions of the setae on the antennal segments and their shapes change from proximal to distal along the antennae. Typical trap setae are found on the four proximal antennal segments. They are characterized by their extraordinary strength and by the shape of their sockets, which always have their highest point on the outside of the trap.

The restoring forces for single setae were measured by bending the setae against the highest point of the socket rim. The resistance to bending of the trap setae is approximately 10 times that of similar setae which are not part of the trap. The trap setae were bent by up to 60° with their resistance increasing linearly, whereas the other setae reached a range at about40–50° in which the resistance increased more sharply; no seta was damaged by such bending. The behaviour of the trap setae is discussed with respect to their function in hunting and prey‐capture.

To calculate the escape chance of a medium‐sized springtail, specimens of Heteromurus nitidus (Arthropleona) were pulled upwards out of the trap while measuring the holding force, which amounted to at least79–99 × 10‐5, depending on the position of the antennae and of the prey between them. The setae were bent up to50–90° without damage during these experiments.

By calculating the kinetic energy of a jumping Heteromurus nitidus, we show that this species is unable to escape from the setal trap, whereas another species, Sminthurus viridis (Symphypleona), develops enough kinetic energy to bend the setae up to 109°, which is enough to open the trap.
Concealment in epipelagic pterotracheid heteropods (Gastropoda) and cranchiid squids (Cephalopoda)
Authors: Seapy R. R. , Young R. E.
Published: August 2010

Epipelagic pterotracheid heteropods and young cranchiid squids rely primarily on transparency for concealment; yet they have opaque structures, the eyes and visceral organs that compose the visceral nuclei, which can only be camouflaged in other ways. These two groups have achieved convergent solutions to this problem. The visceral nucleus has a narrow and conical shape and a covering layer of iridophores that lies parallel to the surface of the organ. The eyes also have iridophore layers and tapered shapes. A minimal ventral silhouette results when the long axes of the visceral nucleus and eyes are oriented vertically, with the narrowest ends directed downward. In pterotracheids, this is actively achieved by tilting the nucleus and eyes and flexing the body and proboscis. In cranchiids, tilting of the organs alone suffices and adjustments are accomplished much more rapidly than in the pterotracheids.
External and internal control of patterns of feeding, growth and gonadal function in a temperate zone anuran, the toad Bufo bufo
Authors: Jørgensen C. B.
Published: August 2010

Young toads were brought into the laboratory before hibernation in the autumn and exposed to alternating periods of low temperature and high temperature and feeding, thus simulating climatic cycles. In newly metamorphosed, non‐hibernating toads, food intake was initially low and growth was stagnant, but subsequently food intake and lean growth increased strongly. Presumably, growth was initiated independently of feeding. In one‐year‐old, non‐hibernating toads, food intake and growth declined with time, but high rates of feeding and growth were restored in the toads exposed to simulated hibernation. In both metamorphosed toads and one‐year‐old, hibernating toads, a period of predominant fat deposition succeeded predominant lean growth before food intake again declined to low levels. Initiation of sexual maturation in the female toads coincided with suspended growth, whereas sexual maturation in males was not correlated with changes in growth rate. In the female, but not the male toads, sexual maturation was greatly advanced under the experimental conditions, resulting in adult female sizes far below those typical of the wild population.
Hipposideros caffer (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae) in Zimbabwe: morphology and echolocation calls
Authors: Fenton M. Brock
Published: August 2010

The results of this study of morphological variation and variation in echolocation calls indicate that only specimens with narrow lateral nasal inflations (=Hipposideros caffer) have been reported from Zimbabwe to date. In both Zambia and Mocambique, single localities yielded both specimens with narrow or wide lateral nasal inflations (nominally, H. caffer and H. ruber, respectively). There are significant differences in echolocation calls between one site in Zimbabwe and another near the Zimbabwe South Africa border that are not paralleled by significant morphological differences.
Structure of the skin of Agonus cataphractus (Teleostei)
Authors: Whitear Mary , Mittal A. K.
Published: August 2010

The skin of the scuted teleost Agonus cataphractus has been investigated by histochemical methods, SEM and TEM. The anterior dorsal skin bears tubercles of epidermis overlying tiny ossifications (scutelets) superficial to the main scutes. The epidermis secretes a cuticular layer containing acidic non‐sulphated glycoproteins, but there are no mucous goblet cells in the external skin. Non‐mucous sacciform cells of two types are present in the epidermis, also numerous chloride cells. Scanning electron microscopy reveals variation in the microridge pattern of superficial epithelial cells, thought to relate to arrival at the surface and secretion of the cuticle. The major scutes overlap anteriorly, contrary to the normal arrangement of scales, indicating that they are secondary ossifications. The type of mineralization is similar to that of acellular bone. The scutes are set directly in the collagen of the dermis. They have a girdered structure with radial and cross bars, inserting on both faces of a thin plate. The interstices are occupied by unmineralized collagen, and extrinsic collagen bundles impinge on the bone. Non‐mineralized parts of the dermis contain tracts of microfibrils in addition to collagen; these are best developed in the flexible gular skin and in the barbels and are interpreted as elastic tissue, although an amorphous component was not seen. The barbels have a core of connective tissue without a cartilaginous skeleton and bear taste buds and numerous chloride cells.
Long distance route orientation of female Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) in spring
Authors: Ramsay M. A. , Andriashek D. S.
Published: August 2010

Mammals in a patchy environment are often required to make regular spatial movements in order to obtain necessary resources. Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) are known to move distances of several hundred kilometres to locate favourable feeding areas or suitable habitats for female maternity denning. This paper describes the routes followed by adult female Polar bears in spring from a region in north‐eastern Manitoba, Canada, where they had denned over winter, to the sea ice of Hudson Bay where they could hunt seals. Over a five‐year period, 74 tracks in snow were followed for a total distance of 1081 km. Most tracks (n= 64) were made by adult females accompanied by recently born cubs‐of‐the‐year. These family group tracks followed relatively parallel and straight courses toward the sea with a mean heading of 39° but did not follow the shortest straight line distance to the sea. The remaining tracks were made by solitary bears, probably adult females. These tracks had a mean heading similar to that of family groups but travelled more convoluted courses. Solitary bears also frequently dug snow caves and multiple shallow snow pits along their routes, structures never observed along the routes of family groups.
Who pays your debt? An important question for understanding compulsive buying among American college students
Authors: Brougham Ruby R. , Jacobs‐Lawson Joy M. , Hershey Douglas A. , Trujillo Kathleen M.
Published: August 2010

Compulsive buying, defined as the inability to control purchasing behaviour, is higher among college‐aged students than it is among the general public. The present study examined the factors related to compulsive buying among college students and how those factors differ as a function of who paid the majority of their debt: themselves or their parents. A total of 628 undergraduates from the US completed a questionnaire containing items to measure compulsive buying, personality and financial responsibility. Results revealed that variables predictive of compulsive buying varied depending on the amount of credit card debt that the student was personally responsible for paying. Findings have implications for reducing compulsive buying in college students.
Critical role of lipid rafts in virus entry and activation of phosphoinositide 3′ kinase/Akt signaling during early stages of Japanese encephalitis virus infection in neural stem/progenitor cells
Authors: Das Sulagna , Chakraborty Swarupa , Basu Anirban
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem. (2010) 115, 537–549.

Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), the leading cause of acute encephalitis in South‐East Asia is a neurotropic virus infecting various CNS cell types. Most Flaviviruses including JEV get internalised into cells by receptor‐mediated endocytosis, which involve clathrin and membrane cholesterol. The cholesterol‐enriched membrane microdomains referred to as lipid rafts act as portals for virus entry in a number of enveloped viruses, including Flavivirus. However, the precise role played by membrane lipid rafts in JEV internalisation into neural stem cells is still unknown. We have established neural stem/progenitor cells and C17.2 cell line as models of productive JEV infection. Increase in membrane fluidity and clustering of viral envelope proteins in lipid rafts was observed in early time points of infection. Localisation of non‐structural proteins to rafts at later infection stages was also observed. Co‐localisation of JEV glycoprotein with Cholera toxin B confirmed that JEV internalisation occurs in a lipid‐raft dependent manner. Though JEV entry is raft dependent, however, there is requirement of functional clathrin during endocytosis inside the cells. Besides virus entry, the lipid rafts act as signalling platforms for Src tyrosine kinases and result in activation of phosphoinositìde 3′‐kinase/Akt signalling during early JEV infection. Disruption of lipid raft formation by cholesterol depletion using Methyl β‐cyclodextrin, reduced JEV RNA levels and production of infectious virus particles as well as impaired phosphoinositìde 3′‐kinase/Akt signalling during initial infection. Overall, our results implicate the importance of host membrane lipid rafts in JEV entry and life cycle, besides maintaining survival of neural stem/progenitor cells during early infection.