bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predation on newt eggs (Triturus alpestris and T. helveticus): identification of predators and protective role of oviposition behaviour
Authors: Miaud Claude
Published: March 2009

Predation on newt eggs (Triturus helveticus and T. alpestris) was studied in both natural (pond) and control (aquaria) conditions. Eggs were laid on artificial supports and set in a pond near Bourg‐en‐Bresse (south‐east France). Survival from segmentation to pre‐hatching stages was similar in these two species and estimated at 0·16 ± 0·07. Survival of eggs protected in a closed bag of plastic netting was significantly higher (0·79 ± 0·08), suggesting predation as the major mortality risk. Eggs of T. alpestris were offered to the following potential predators: newts Triturus alpestris and T. helveticus (males and females), adult aquatic insects (Dytiscus marginalis, Acilius suleatus. Notonecta glauca, Ranatra linearis. Ilyocoris hermanni). a snail (Lunnaea stugnalis) and a tadpole (Rana temporaria). Only the newts and water beetles were observed to cat the eggs. Females wrapped their eggs in a fold made with the support during oviposition. D. marginalis fed on wrapped eggs and those we unwrapped in the same proportion. but newts (especially females) and A. sulcatus clearly ate fewer wrapped than unwrapped eggs. These results are discussed in terms of mortality risk and antipredator adaptations.
Transmission and scanning electron microscopic studies of crustacean shell disease in fish lice of the genus Argulus (Crustacea: Branchiura)
Authors: Mellor Sophie K. Rushton‐ , Whitfield P. J.
Published: March 2009

Juvenile and adult specimens of the branchiuran crustacean parasite, Argulus foliaceus, have been found to exhibit the brown areas of damaged cuticle typical of crustacean shell disease. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy of such lesions at a variety of sites on the body surface have demonstrated that they harbour dense populations of bacteria and occasionally fungi, in zones of superficial cuticular erosion. Complete penetration of the exoskeleton was inferred in instances when circular lesions were associated with bacteraemia of underlying soft tissues.
Is the annual cycle in body weight of pouched mice (Saccostomus campestris) the result of seasonal changes in audit size or population structure?
Authors: Ellison G. T. H. , Bronner G. N. , Taylor P. J.
Published: March 2009

The annual cycle in body weight of pouched mice (Saccostomus campestris) was examined among 104 specimens which were collected throughout the year in the Transvaal province of South Africa. Each specimen was assigned to one of five age classes using toothwear characteristics although none of them belonged to the youngest age class. There was no significant effect of sex on body weight but older individuals were significantly heavier than younger ones. Pooled data from both sexes displayed seasonal variation in body weight with significantly heavier animals in the wet season (December‐March) than during the dry season (June‐September). However, there was no significant difference between the age structure of the population at these times. Instead, pouched mice in the two younger age classes were significantly lighter in the dry season compared to the wet season, while older individuals maintained a relatively constant body weight throughout the year. These results suggest that the annual cycle in body weight of S. campestris is caused by a reduction in body weight of young animals which lose weight in winter as an adaptation to limit their energy requirements when food availability declines.
How the ‘forceps’ of Lithophaga aristata (Bivalvia: Mytiloidea) are formed
Authors: Morton Brian
Published: March 2009

The calcareous substratum borer, Lithopaga aristata Dillwyn, 1817, secretes posterior incrustations that take the form of interlocking ‘forceps’. These are secreted, initially, as asymmetrical ridges by similarly asymmetrical dorsal and ventral glands in the left and right middle folds of the posterior mantle lobes. In the adult, the secretions are more uniformly spread over the posterior shell margins, concealing the juvenile ridges.

Opening and closing of the valves smooths the outer surfaces of the ‘forceps’ against the burrow wall, which also comes to be lined with calcium carbonate that is reciprocally smoothed, so that they occlude the borehole more effectively. Extension and retraction of the siphons probably smooths the inner surfaces of the ‘forceps’ which are sharpened by abrasion, one against the other, during valve opening and closing. The pair of inequilateral spikes so produced, project from the burrow aperture, occluding it, but probably, more importantly, distancing aperturally attacking predators from the true posterior shell margin. Interlocking of the ‘forceps’ and their sharpness may further deter would‐be predators.
Systematics and geographic variation of Ethiopian Arvicanthis (Rodentia, Muridae)
Authors: Bekele Afework , Capanna E. , Corti M. , Marcus L. F. , Schlitter D. A.
Published: March 2009

Arvicanthis, the unstriped grass‐rat, is a widespread genus occurring in many regions of Africa and is major pest in agricultural farmland. Despite its economic importance for developing countries, the taxonomy of the genus is stillin a chaotic state. We used univariate and multivariate morphometrics to investigate two species, A. abyssinicus and A. dembeensis, occurring in Ethiopia. Results show that these taxa are well separated, this contradicting authors who lump all Arvicanthis as A. niloticus. There is a longitudinal cline in the morphology of A. dembeensis from eastern regions along the Rift Valley. Differences between the species in morphlogy seem to reflect adaptation to different ecological niches at high (A. abyssinicus) and low (A. dembeensis) altitudes.
Seasonal variation in energy intake and condition of harp seals: Is there a harp seal morph? Problems for bioenergetic modelling
Authors: Renouf D. , Gales Rosemary , Noseworthy Elizabeth
Published: March 2009

Seasonal changes in mass, fat depth, condition index and energy intake were measured in eight captive harp seals (Phoca groenlandica) over a 15‐month period. Two of the five adult females were pregnant but lost their pups before term. There were large shifts in all variables measured. The range of these changes in the individual adult animals were for mass, 15–89%, blubber depth 56–240%, and condition index 13–23% (girth x 100)/length. Daily energy consumption varied from as little as 1.16 MJ to as much as 70.97 MJ. The two young males showed larger seasonal changes than the adults. Consistent with our earlier studies of harbour seals (Phoca vitulina), there was either a significantly negative or no correlation between energy intake and changes in mass or fat. Mass and blubber thickness were positively related in the male seals, however, this was true of the females only during spring and summer. Water and air temperature varied indirectly with changes in blubber thickness in all but two seals. It is proposed that metabolic rate varies seasonally in seals. The implications of these findings are discussed in the light of their impact on bioenergetic modelling.
Lipid and fatty acid compositional differences between eggs of wild and captive‐breeding alligators (Alligator mississippiensis): an association with reduced hatchability?
Authors: Noble R. C. , McCartney R. , Ferguson M. W. J.
Published: March 2009

Fertile eggs were obtained from the nests of wild and captive‐breeding alligators in Louisiana, USA. Whereas embryo hatchability ofthe wild eggs was 94%, in the captive eggs it was only 500%. Analysis of the lipid and fatty acid compositions of the yolks showed extensive differences between the two sets of eggs. In particular, the lipids of the yolks from the captive eggs displayed considerably lower levels of C20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids and higher levels of C18 polyunsaturates than the wild eggs. More specifically, overall levels of n‐6 polyunsaturates were increased at the expense of n‐3 acids in the captive eggs. In view of the specific role of C20 and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids in embryo development, it is proposed that the yolk fatty acid compositional differences and the difference in hatchability are associated.
Non‐metrical polymorphism of the first lower premolar (P3) in Austrian brown hares (Lepus europaeus): a study on regional differentiation
Authors: Suchentrunk F. , Willing R. , Harti G. B.
Published: March 2009

The pattern of the occlusal surface of 1018 first lower premolars (P3) was studied in 527 brown hares (Lepus europaeus) collected in 1988 and 1989 at 21 localities in Austria. In total, 29 variants were described. For analysis of geographic variation in the P3‐pattern, the locality samples were grouped into five regional units with respect to spatial distances and putative barriers for gene flow. From the primarily encountered variants. 15 dicholomized characters were created and their frequencies within the five regional units were calculated. Strong right/left dependencies of character states suggested a high degree of bilateral symmetry in each character. In contrast, character varied largely independently from one another. This indicated the absence of complex types of the P3. One character showed sex‐dependence but no age dependence was found. Intraregional differences in trait frequency were found in one character. Non‐metrical morphological divergence among the five regional units was revealed by using C. A. B. Smith's ‘mean measure of divergence’ and ‘percentage dissimilarity’ as distance measurements. Six pairwise morphological distances differed significantly from zero. Phenetic affinities among the five populations showed good correspondence to the geographic distribution of the samples. However, whereas the alpine chains of mountains appeared to separate the hare populations, the River Danube did not, Generally, good concordance was found between the current pattern of phenetic differentiation and earlier results of cluster analyses using non‐metrical skull traits and allozymes of the same populations. This suggested that geographic differentiation of the P3‐traits was largely due to random historical rather than to ecogenetic causes. Nevertheless, in one population the striking discordance between the three character‐systems compared could indicate some influence of a selection pressure on certain P3‐variants.
Seasonality of reproduction and the length of gestation in southern right whales Eubalaena australis
Authors: Best Peter B.
Published: March 2009

From the seasonal occurrence of 11 stranded nconates, the earliest and latest observations of possible calving behaviour, and the seasonal incidence of calves in shore‐based counts, the extent of the calving season for southern right whales off South Africa can be characterized as from late June to late October, with a peak in August. The occurrence of 89 ‘new’ calves located during monthly photogrammetric flights between July or August and November indicated that 50% were born by 1 September in 1988 and by 15 August in 1989, and that the effective calving season (in which 95.5% of calves are estimated to have been born) lasted 118 days in each year. From regression analysis of the lengths of 221 foetuses and their dates of death, and assuming a mean date of birth of 24 August, the duration of the linear phase of foetal growth is estimated to be 325 days, and the mean size at birth 6‐1 m. Uncertainty over the duration of the initial, non‐linear phase of foetal growth results in alternative estimates of 357 or 396 days for the total length of gestation. Foetuses of smaller females seem to be conceived later (or experience a longer initial, non‐linear phase of foetal growth) than those of larger females. The apparent rarity of adult females in coastal waters in the year in which they are presumed to conceive is attributed to either a brief residence time or the possibility that conceptions may occur well outside coastal waters.
Consequences of sexual selection on feeding in male jumping spiders (Araneae: Salticidae)
Authors: Pollard Simon D.
Published: March 2009

The chelicerae of male Myrmarachne plataleoides, a salticid spider from Sri Lanka, are about five times the length of those of conspecific females. Intrasexual selection is thought to account for this structural dimorphism. The elongation of the male's chelicerae has resulted in morphological and behavioural differences in the feeding process of males and females. Males, unlike females, lack a fang duct and cannot envenom prey. During feeding, males use their fangs to skewer prey. The prey's contents are extracted from the holes in its cuticle where the spider's fangs protrude through the prey near the spider's mouth.
Homoplasy, character function, and nemertean systematics
Authors: Sundberg P. , Svensson M.
Published: March 2009

We question recent claims that cladistic analysis is inapplicable in nemerteans (phylum Nemertea) due to a supposedly high degree of convergence. We further argue that terms like convergence and parallelism are historical sayings and only make sense in a phylogenetic context. Therefore, an approach aiming to produce phylogenetic hypotheses cannot be rejected on the grounds of a high degree of convergence before the actual hypothesis. Convergence is not an empirical observation, but a conclusion made after an analysis. We also discuss the view that knowledge of a character's function is a prerequisite for phylogenetic analysis and conclude that this is an invalid approach. Function, like any other way of sharpening our observations, helps in formulating non‐phylogenetic hypotheses of homology, but the crucial test is congruence with other characters on a phylogeny.
Maturational changes in patterns of association in male and female humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae
Authors: Clapham Phillip J.
Published: March 2009

The patterns of association of juvenile male and female humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae, in the southern Gulf of Maine were studied for evidence of maturational changes. Both males and females became less solitary with age. In males, time spent alone changed from a mean of 55.8% of observations at age one to 26.8% at age six. Females were alone in a mean of 49.9% of observations at age one, but in only 20.5% by age six. However, females that produced calves at five, six or seven were associated with no whales but the calf in 73.8% of observations. Males exhibited a clear age‐related trend of increasing associations with adults, notably with adult females which constituted approximately 80% of the associates of males aged six years or more. Females showed a similar trend of increasing associations with adults of both sexes. Tests of association data for whales of known age with similar data for adults of the same sex showed that the association patterns of young males and females became statistically indistinguishable from those of adults by the ages of five and four, respectively. The data suggest that the observed changes in social behaviour are closely linked to the attainment of sexual maturity and preparation for adult roles. The different patterns of males and females after maturity may reflect differing reproductive and life‐history strategies.
The source of the nutrients required for egg production in zebra finches Poephila guttata
Authors: Houston D. C. , Donnan D. , Jones P. J.
Published: March 2009

The source of nutrients used for egg formation are poorly known for most bird species. This study of the zebra finch Poephila guttata showed that food intake did not increase during egg production, but the decline in female body reserves of protein and fat were sufficient to account for most of the nutrients in a clutch of four eggs. Female birds significantly reduced their activity levels during ova enlargement, which may play a role in diverting resources to egg production. Birds increased their intake of calcium‐rich food items when eggs were being laid, and this intake accounted for all the calcium needed for eggshell formation. The zebra finch depends heavily on stored body reserves for egg formation, which is probably unusual in small passerines.
Life strategies of Carabus problematicus (Coleoptera, Carabidae) at different altitudes on Snowdon, north Wales
Authors: SPARKS T. H. , BUSE A. , GADSDEN R. J.
Published: March 2009

In a study to examine the effect of climate on life cycles, a total of 408 Carabus problematicus were caught in pitfall traps at four altitude sites between 660 m and 1055 m on Snowdon, north Wales. Under the assumption that the mandible condition of these beetles was related to the age of the individuals, an objective estimate, which was both sex‐ and size‐independent, was used to separate the captures into two age categories. The results from this estimation process suggested that beetles from the different altitudes followed different life strategies; low altitude beetles being predominantly annual and high altitude beetles predominantly biennial.
Stress tolerance and burrowing behaviour in the southern African millipedeAlloporus uncinates
Authors: DANGERFIELD J. M. , CHIPFUNDE L.
Published: March 2009

Laboratory experiments were carried out to assess the tolerance and behaviour of the southern African spirostreptid millipedeAlloporus uncinates(Attems) to moisture and temperature stress. Rates of water loss in dry air were 0–026 mg H20 cm‐2hour‐1for females and 0021 for males and remained relatively constant with an increase in temperature from 20 to 30°C but at higher temperatures there was a rapid increase in water loss, especially for females. In dry laboratory conditions at 30°C all individuals died within 30 days, whilst at 20°C at least 90% of individuals survived this period. Aggregation appeared to have no significant effect on survivorship but small body size conferred a survivorship advantage. Females burrowed earlier and to a greater depth than males, and initial moisture content of soil had a significant effect on mean burrow depth.Alloporus uncinatus, like other spirostreptid millipedes, appears to have considerable tolerance to dry conditions but the wide geographic and habitat range of this species may mean that the intensity of selection for tolerance to moisture stress may vary.
Distribution, population dynamics and habitat use of the lesser pouched rat, Beamys hindei
Authors: Fitzgibbon C. D. , Leirs H. , Verheyen W.
Published: March 2009

The lesser pouched rat, Beamys hindei Thomas 1909, is one of Africa's rarest and least known rodents, recorded only from a few localities in Kenya and Tanzania. The results of this study show that B. hindei is more widely distributed than previously thought and occurs at high densities in suitable habitat. It breeds throughout the year, but maintains relatively constant population densities as recruitment rates are low. On account of its ability to cache food, it is well adapted to seasonally dry forests where food is in short supply for part of the year. The need for suitable soil in which to construct its burrows and dense vegetation cover may partly account for its patchy distribution. Morphological data collected during this study provide no evidence for separating B. hindei from B. major and suggest that the differences previously recorded between the two forms may be actually due to clinal variation in size from north to south.
Plasma zinc concentrations in snakes and other vertebrates correlate with specific zinc‐binding plasma proteins
Authors: Cort T. , Masuoka J. , Lance V. A. , Saltman P.
Published: March 2009

We have demonstrated that snakes and some other reptiles normally possess high plasma zinc concentrations. These levels are similar to those measured in teleost fish. Plasma zinc levels in the range of snakes and teleosts have been shown to be toxic to crocodilians and mammals. Zinc has been shown to bind to a specific protein in albacore and winter flounder serum. Previous experiments suggested a similar protein in snake plasma. Western blot techniques were used to search for proteins capable of binding large quantities of zinc with high affinity in the plasma of a wide range of vertebrate species. These data were compared to plasma zinc concentrations measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. A correlation between high zinc levels and the presence of specific zinc‐binding proteins different from mammalian albumin was observed. Snakes and teleost fish demonstrated both very high plasma zinc concentrations and a zinc‐binding protein. Teleosts and snakes have significantly higher levels of plasma zinc than birds and mammals.
The British species of Schizoporella (Bryozoa: Cheilostomatida)
Authors: Hayward P. J. , Ryland J. S.
Published: March 2009

Three new species are described in the cheilostomate bryozoan genus Schizoporella Hincks, 1877. British records of Scliizoporella dunkeri Reuss are shown to represent two previously unnamed species. Scliizoporella dunkeri is the senior synonym of the Adriatic species Schizoporella longirostris Hincks. Material of S. longirostris from British localities is referred in part to S. dunkeri and in part to a previously unnamed species.
Evaluation of methods to estimate field vole Microtus agrestis abundance in upland habitats
Authors: Redpath C.J. , Thirgood S.J. , Redpath S.M.
Published: March 2009

Field vole abundance was assessed on a range of upland habitats in spring and autumn, using live—trapping, snap—trapping and vole sign index methods. Three estimates of vole numbers were derived from live—trapping, five from snap—trapping and one from vole signs. Estimates were compared using a correlation matrix in order to establish the most accurate and consistent method. Snap—trapping for five nights provided enough information to calculate vole density, though the method was time consuming. Vole abundance indices derived from two nights' snaptrapping were significantly correlated with indices from five nights' trapping. Live—trapping and vole sign index were discounted as methods for this study area, as both proved unreliable.
Fostering in an African rodent, Saccostomus campestris (Cricetidae)
Authors: Westlin Lilina M.
Published: March 2009

Fostering was studied in females of an African rodent Saccostomus campestris, the pouched mouse, which, contrary to most other rodents, is a solitary species. Females will only tolerate their own offspring and other adults are viciously attacked at all times except during the short period of pro‐oestrus, when a male will be temporarily accepted.

Alien pups (n = 857) of different age‐groups (0–30 days) were introduced to lactating females (n = 191) with their own pups (n = 1053) of different age‐groups (0–20 days) over a period of three years. The total number of pups per female was made up to 10 (e.g. 7 own + 3 alien or 4 own + 6 alien).

The ‘foster mother’ readily accepted and successfully reared alien pups provided they were less than 21 days of age when introduced. Weaned alien pups, introduced when 25 or 30 days old, were viciously attacked by the foster mother and had to be removed, althoughin the breeding colony, pups that were allowed to remain with their mother after weaning were not attacked. It appears that up to weaning‐age, female Saccostomus campestris may not distinguish between may not distinguis between their own and alien offspring, but rather between suckling and weaned pups.
Reproductive behaviour in the female blind mole rat (Spalax ehrenbergi)
Authors: Shanas U. , Heth G. , Nevo E. , Shalgi R. , Terkel J.
Published: March 2009

The mole rat (Spalax ehrenbergi) is a blind, solitary, highly aggressive subterranean rodent well adapted to underground life, and in Israel involves four chromosomal species (Nevo, 1991). Little is known to date about its reproductive biology and all attempts to breed mole rats in captivity have failed. The present study investigated the effects of three different light regimes on vaginal smear and annual cycle of body weight, age at sexual maturity, and various parameters of reproductive behaviour of female mole rats. Daily vaginal smears throughout the year revealed that the mole rat does not have a regular oestrous cycle, but exhibits an annual rhythm with a seasonally cornified smear. Regardless of the photoperiods the females were exposed to in the laboratory, relatively high proportions of cornified smears were found during the winter breeding season. A second, albeit small, peak of cornified cells was found during the summer season. Photoperiod had no effect on annual body mass cycle either, and mole rats kept under the different lighting regimes reached their maximum weight just prior to the beginning of the breeding season. In young females, vaginal opening occurs at the age of four weeks and first cornified smear at the age of 4–7 months. The presence of a cornified smear was found to be an insufficient criterion for receptivity, but providing the opportunity for a female to choose her mate enhances the chances of copulations occurring during encounters. We conclude that the mole rat is a seasonal breeder which reproduces during the winter, but has the potential of summer breeding too. Our findings also suggest that females probably have the potential to breed in their first winter. The seasonally constant vaginal smear periods, and the post copulation vaginal smear data are the first evidence suggesting that the mole rat is a reflex ovulator, but the ovulatory failure we observed after single copulations raises the possibility that multiple copulations are necessary to induce ovulation.
The reproductive productivity of the wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in southern England on sites with different soils
Authors: Trout R. C. , Smith G. C.
Published: March 2009

Rabbit numbers are rising in most parts of Britain. Previous research in southern England has indicated that the rate of increase in spring due to breeding may vary according to soil type. This has serious implications for the likely rate of invasion into new habitats and for planning control operations. To investigate the hypothesis, post‐mortem examinations of over 2500 rabbits from 14 sites on sand, chalk or clay were made. The length of the breeding season and percentage of females breeding differed significantly between soil types but litter size and intra‐uterine mortality did not. The product of breeding season length and litter size results in an estimate of annual productivity per adult female. This was 22, 20, and 14 young born per female on clay, chalk, and sandy sites, respectively. Rabbits may invade new habitats, such as set‐aside, at different rates according to soil type and therefore require different levels of control regime for population management.
Two new species of Megarthrus (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Proteininae) and a note on ‘water loading’ behaviour
Authors: Cuccodoro G.
Published: March 2009

The Papuan rove‐beetles Megarthrus auricola sp. nov. and Megarthrus primus sp. nov. are described. Records of these species extend the known distributional range of the genus to the south beyond Wallace's line. Observations were made on M. auricola which appeared to load water on to the dorsum. Complex morphological structures are involved which are briefly described. Subsequently, this behaviour was also observed in five other species of Proteininae and one of Omaliinae.
Communications from the Mammal Society–No. 70
Authors: Kruuk H. , Jarman P. J.
Published: March 2009

Latrine use by the spotted‐tailed quoll (Dasyurus maculatus: Dasyuridae, Marsupialia) in its natural habitat
Re‐identification of the supposed True's beaked whale Mesoplodon mirus from Scotland
Authors: Kitchener A. C. , Herman J. S.
Published: March 2009

In the first week of January 1931 a beaked whale (Family Ziphiidae) stranded at Gierinish, South Uist, Outer Hebrides, was identified as a True's beaked whale Mesoplodon mirus. This stranding is referred to frequently in the cetacean literature, either directly or indirectly. Re‐examination of the skull of this specimen reveals characters unique to Cuvier's whale Ziphius cavirostris and not shown by any Mesoplodon. Therefore, there is no known stranding of True's beaked whale in Britain.
Visual perceptual load modulates an auditory microreflex
Authors: Parks Nathan A. , Hilimire Matthew R. , Corballis Paul M.
Published: March 2009

The postauricular reflex (PAR) is a vestigial microreflex evoked by an abrupt auditory onset. Previous studies have indicated that the PAR is unaffected by auditory selective attention. Here, we report that the PAR can be modulated by a crossmodal manipulation of attentional demands within the visual modality. Subjects (N=17) performed a central rapid serial visual presentation (RSVP) task while presented with irrelevant auditory distractor probes that elicited the PAR. Visual attentional demands were manipulated by altering the perceptual load of the RSVP task. The PAR modulated systematically with perceptual load, decreasing in amplitude with increased perceptual load. Results indicate that the PAR can be influenced by attention, at least within the visual modality.
Banking on Agriculture: A Review of the World Development Report 2008
Authors: McMICHAEL PHILIP
Published: March 2009

The World Bank's World Development Report 2008 repackages the development trope that assumes small‐scale agriculture to be poor and inefficient and/or redundant in a world of supply shortages despite food abundance. The ‘new agriculture for development’ replaces smallholder knowledge with corporate inputs to channel food through ‘value chains’ to markets comprised of those with purchasing power. This essay questions the Bank's new vision, arguing that ‘new wine in old bottles’ will continue to supply affluence rather than ‘feed the world’ and sustain its agricultures, especially at a time when land is being commandeered for luxury foods (e.g. the livestock complex, all‐season vegetables and fruits) and biofuels, neither of which feed the poor. Ironically, the reproduction of poverty remains the Bank's main source of legitimacy.
The Struggle for Alternatives: NGOs’ Responses to the World Development Report 2008
Authors: RIZZO MATTEO
Published: March 2009

This paper analyzes the response by NGOs to the 2008 World Development Report (WDR08). It does so at two levels of analysis, which in turn reflect two possible ways of reading the WDR08. The first is to read the WDR08 as a document for policy guidance on ‘agriculture for development’. In this respect the paper shows how NGOs expose and challenge the WDR08's optimism for the benign impact of unregulated agribusiness investment on poverty reduction, and put forward a convincing alternative. The second, and politically more fertile, way of reading the WDR08 is to make sense of its numerous internal contradictions. These contradictions are functional to the World Bank's hegemonic effort of establishing a common, and broader, agenda for rural development. Having highlighted the WDR08's incoherent messages on (i) rural labour markets and their role in poverty reduction and (ii) what constitutes the most promising driver of poverty reduction in agriculture (returns from wage labour vs from own account farming), the paper documents NGOs’ failure to detect and politically exploit these contradictions.
The challenges of conservation for declining migrants: are reserve‐based initiatives during the breeding season appropriate for the Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca?
Authors: GOODENOUGH ANNE E. , ELLIOT SIMON L. , HART ADAM G.
Published: March 2009

Creating conservation policies for declining migrant species in response to global change presents a considerable challenge. Migrant species are affected by factors at breeding grounds, overwintering areas and during migration. Accordingly, reserve‐based management during the breeding season is not always a suitable conservation strategy. Recent Pied Flycatcher population decline typifies the pattern for many migrants. The UK population has declined by 43% in the past decade, but explanations, and possible solutions, remain elusive. We use 15 years of data (1990–2004) from a declining British population to establish possible reasons for decline, considering: (1) breeding performance (including the influences of competition and predation); (2) weather patterns caused by the winter phase (December–March) of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), which modify conditions experienced at wintering grounds and on migration; and (3) possible impacts of climate change on spring temperatures. We conclude that decreasing breeding performance is contributing to decline, but that non‐breeding factors are more important. Winter NAO index is a strong predictor of breeding population, probably because it influences food abundance in Africa and at migratory stopover points. Importantly, however, year itself enhances the predictive model, indicating that influences on population remain unaccounted for by current research. Management strategies based on increasing breeding productivity cannot fully address population decline because non‐breeding factors appear important. However, as breeding performance is declining, breeding‐based strategies remain useful conservation tools. To this end, our research indicates that optimal placement of nestboxes as regards orientation and habitat management to increase larval food supplies could increase productivity significantly.
Nanomechanical Characterisation of Graded NiTi Films Fabricated Through Diffusion Modification
Authors: Cole D. P. , Bruck H. A. , Roytburd A. L.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Ni47Ti53 films of varying thickness were deposited onto Ni56Ti44 substrates. Annealing the films produced compositional gradients through diffusion modification. Nanoindentation measurements were used to probe the mechanical properties at various depths into the film. The films exhibited a variation in elastic modulus as a function of indentation depth that depended on the thickness of the film. A self‐similarity principle permitted the mechanical properties of the graded NiTi films to be resolved further into substrate, beyond the contact depth of the tip. The observed variation of elastic modulus with indentation depth in the graded NiTi films was considered to be a combined response from changes in microstructure, substrate effects, and mechanically‐induced phase transformations. This variation was predicted using an analysis that accounted for the transformation effects occurring under the tip during loading and the graded distribution of martensite volume fraction obtained from diffusion modification.
Determination of Remnant Residual Stresses in Fracture Toughness Specimens Extracted From Large Components
Authors: Lewis S. J. , Hossain S. , Smith D. J. , Truman C. E. , Hofmann M.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Material fracture toughness data are required to undertake fitness‐for‐service assessments of engineering components containing cracks. Calculations of crack driving force in the component are compared with material fracture toughness values to assess the likelihood of subsequent failure. Experimental measurements of fracture toughness are usually made on small specimens extracted from a larger ‘parent’ component following strict experimental guidelines, formulated to ensure measured toughness values in the fracture specimens are appropriate for use in the full‐size component. Implicit in this procedure is the assumption that the extracted fracture specimens contain no residual stresses, with any residual stresses in the full‐size component being accounted for in the crack driving force calculation. This paper considers a recent conjecture within the structural integrity community that the extracted fracture specimens may themselves contain a residual stress field which may influence measurements of fracture toughness. This could potentially lead to a degree of ‘double accounting’, i.e. the effect of residual stresses may be included in both the material toughness and the crack driving force. This, in turn, could lead to unnecessary conservatism in safety assessments. To explore this conjecture, the results of numerical modelling and neutron diffraction measurements of residual stresses in fracture specimens extracted from two different welded parent components are presented. One of the components is significantly larger than the extracted specimens, with the other being marginally larger than the extracted specimens. Results confirm the intuitive expectation that the residual stresses in specimens extracted from much larger components are negligible, whereas if the dimensions of the extracted specimens are comparable with the larger component then significant residual stresses may remain.
Twenty years of cell‐penetrating peptides: from molecular mechanisms to therapeutics
Authors: Heitz Frederic , Morris May Catherine , Divita Gilles
Published: March 2009

The recent discovery of new potent therapeutic molecules that do not reach the clinic due to poor delivery and low bioavailability have made of delivery a key stone in therapeutic development. Several technologies have been designed to improve cellular uptake of therapeutic molecules, including cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs). CPPs were first discovered based on the potency of several proteins to enter cells. Numerous CPPs have been described so far, which can be grouped into two major classes, the first requiring chemical linkage with the drug for cellular internalization and the second involving formation of stable, non‐covalent complexes with drugs. Nowadays, CPPs constitute very promising tools for non‐invasive cellular import of cargo and have been successfully applied forin vitroandin vivodelivery of therapeutic molecules varying from small chemical molecule, nucleic acids, proteins, peptides, liposomes and particles. This review will focus on the structure/function and cellular uptake mechanism of CPPs in the general context of drug delivery. We will also highlight the application of peptide carriers for the delivery of therapeutic molecules and provide an update of their clinical evaluation.

This article is part of a themed section on Vector Design and Drug Delivery. For a list of all articles in this section see the end of this paper, or visit:http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/121548564/issueyear?year=2009
Different response patterns of several ligands at the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor subtype 3 (S1P3)
Authors: Jongsma M , Van Unen J , Van Loenen PB , Michel MC , Peters SLM , Alewijnse AE
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose:  Recently, some ligands targeting the sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor subtype 3 (S1P3) have become available. The characterization of these compounds was mainly based on one functional read‐out system, although S1P3 receptors are known to activate different signal transduction pathways. Therefore, this study pharmacologically characterizes these compounds using different assays.

Experimental approach:  Using CHO‐FlpIn cells expressing the human S1P3 receptor the potencies and maximal effects of S1P, FTY720‐P, VPC23019, VPC23153 and VPC24191 were determined in three different assays [inhibition of cAMP accumulation, elevation of intracellular calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) and S1P3 receptor internalization].

Key results:  All compounds tested inhibited forskolin‐induced cAMP accumulation, increased [Ca2+]i and induced S1P3 receptor internalization but with different potencies and maximal effects. S1P was the most potent compound in all assays followed by FTY720‐P. The VPC compounds were generally less potent than S1P and FTY720‐P. Regarding the maximal effects, all compounds except VPC23153, behaved as full agonists in the cAMP accumulation assay. In the calcium assay, FTY720‐P, VPC23019 and VPC24191 displayed partial and VPC23153 weak partial agonist activity, relative to S1P. Interestingly, treatment with the Gi inactivator Pertussis toxin, did not affect S1P‐induced [Ca2+]i elevations but inhibited those in response to the other compounds, by about 50%.

Conclusions and implications:  This study demonstrated differential response patterns at the S1P3 receptor for a range of ligands. These differences could indicate the presence of functional selectivity at this receptor as FTY720‐P and the VPC compounds seemed to signal predominantly via Gi– whereas S1P activated Gi and Gq‐coupled pathways.
Mechanism of action of species‐selective P2X7receptor antagonists
Authors: Michel Anton D , Ng Sin‐Wei , Roman Shilina , Clay William C , Dean David K , Walter Daryl S
Published: March 2009

Background and purpose: AZ11645373 andN‐{2‐methyl‐5‐[(1R, 5S)‐9‐oxa‐3,7‐diazabicyclo[3.3.1]non‐3‐ylcarbonyl]phenyl}‐2‐tricyclo[3.3.1.13,7]dec‐1‐ylacetamide hydrochloride (compound‐22) are recently described P2X7receptor antagonists. In this study we have further characterized these compounds to determine their mechanism of action and interaction with other species orthologues.

Experimental approach: Antagonist effects at recombinant and chimeric P2X7receptors were assessed by ethidium accumulation and radioligand‐binding studies.

Key results: AZ11645373 and compound‐22 were confirmed as selective non‐competitive antagonists of human or rat P2X7receptors respectively. Both compounds were weak antagonists of the mouse and guinea‐pig P2X7receptors and, for each compound, their potency estimates at human and dog P2X7receptors were similar. The potency of compound‐22 was moderately temperature‐dependent while that of AZ11645373 was not. The antagonist effects of both compounds were slowly reversible and were not prevented by decavanadate, suggesting that they were allosteric antagonists. Indeed, the compounds competed for binding sites labelled by an allosteric radio‐labelled P2X7receptor antagonist. The species selectivity of AZ11645373, but not compound‐22, was influenced by the nature of the amino acid at position 95 of the P2X7receptor.N2‐(3,4‐difluorophenyl)‐N1‐[2‐methyl‐5‐(1‐piperazinylmethyl)phenyl]glycinamide dihydrochloride, a positive allosteric modulator of the rat receptor, reduced the potency of compound‐22 at the rat receptor but had little effect on the actions of AZ11645373.

Conclusions: AZ11645373 and compound‐22 are allosteric antagonists of human and rat P2X7receptors respectively. The differential interaction of the two compounds with the receptor suggests there may be more than one allosteric regulatory site on the P2X7receptor at which antagonists can bind and affect receptor function.
Real‐time Monitoring of Force Response Measured in Mechanically Stimulated Tissue‐Engineered Cartilage
Authors: Preiss‐Bloom Orahn , Mizrahi Joseph , Elisseeff Jennifer , Seliktar Dror
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Mechanical stimulation improves tissue‐engineered cartilage development both in terms of biochemical composition and structural properties. However, the link between the compositional changes attributed to mechanical stimulation and the changing structural properties of the engineered cartilage is poorly understood. We hypothesize that transient events associated with construct stiffening can be documented and used to understand milestones in construct development. To do this, we designed and built a mechanical stimulation bioreactor that can continuously record the force response of the engineered construct in real time. This study documents the transient changes of the stiffness of tissue‐engineered cartilage constructs over the first 14 days of their development under cyclic loading. Compressive strain stimulation (15%, 1 Hz) was applied to poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels seeded with primary articular chondrocytes. The average compressive modulus of strain‐stimulated constructs was 12.7 ± 1.45 kPa after 2 weeks, significantly greater (P < 0.01) than the average compressive moduli of both unstimulated constructs (10.7 ± 0.94 kPa) and nonviable stimulated constructs (11.2 ± 0.91 kPa). The system was able to document that nearly all of the stiffness increase occurred over the last 2 days of the experiment, where live‐cell constructs demonstrated a rapid 20% increase in force response. The system's ability to track significant increases in stiffness over time was also confirmed by Instron testing. These results present a novel view of the early mechanical development of tissue‐engineering cartilage constructs and suggest that the real‐time monitoring of force response may be used to noninvasively track the development of engineered tissue.
Multimodal Flow Visualization and Optimization of Pneumatic Blood Pump for Sorbent Hemodialysis System
Authors: Shu Fangjun , Parks Robert , Maholtz John , Ash Steven , Antaki James F.
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Renal Solutions Allient Sorbent Hemodialysis System utilizes a two‐chambered pneumatic pump (Pulsar Blood Pump, Renal Solutions, Inc., Warrendale, PA, USA) to avoid limitations associated with peristaltic pumping systems. Single‐needle access is enabled by counter‐pulsing the two pump chambers, thereby obviating compliance chambers or blood reservoirs. Each chamber propels 20 cc per pulse of 3 s (dual access) or 6 s (single access) duration, corresponding to a peak Reynolds number of approximately 8000 (based on inlet velocity and chamber diameter). A multimodal series of flow visualization studies (tracer particle, dye washout, and dye erosion) was conducted on a sequence of pump designs with varying port locations and diaphragms to improve the geometry with respect to risk of thrombogenesis. Experiments were conducted in a simplified flow loop using occluders to simulate flow resistance induced by tubing and dialyzer. Tracer visualization revealed flow patterns and qualitatively indicated turbulence intensity. Dye washout identified dwell volume and areas of flow stagnation for each design. Dye erosion results indicated the effectiveness and homogeneity of surface washing. Compared to a centered inlet which resulted in a fluid jet that produced two counter‐rotating vortices, a tangential inlet introduced a single vortex, and kept the flow laminar. It also provided better surface washing on the pump inner surface. However, a tangential outlet did not present as much benefit as expected. On the contrary, it created a sharp defection to the flow when transiting from filling to ejection.
Pediatric Heart Transplant Candidates With Failed Donor Heart Allocation After Eurotransplant Urgency Listing Profit From Pretransplant Mechanical Circulatory Support Bridging
Authors: Komoda Takeshi , Lehmkuhl Hans B. , Stiller Brigitte , Berger Felix , Hetzer Roland
Published: March 2009

Abstract:  Due to the Eurotransplant organ allocation policy, urgency listing for heart transplantation (HTx) remains in force until ventricular assist device (VAD) implantation in Germany. We studied the prognosis of HTx candidates after failed donor heart allocation in urgent status. We studied all adult and pediatric (<18 years) HTx candidates who underwent primary HTx after Eurotransplant urgency listing between January 2001 and December 2006 (Group A‐uHTx [A‐“u”rgent status “HTx”], n = 99; Group P‐uHTx [P‐“u”rgent status “HTx”], n = 24) and those to whom donor heart was not urgently allocated before VAD implantation or death in the same period (Group A‐fHA [A‐“f”ailed “H”eart “A”llocation], n = 21, Group P‐fHA [P‐“f”ailed “H”eart “A”llocation], n = 10). Mortality rate after urgency listing or primary VAD implantation was studied in each group. In adult patients, 1‐year mortality rate after urgency listing in Group A‐fHA was 56.8% and significantly higher than in Group A‐uHTx (30.6%, P < 0.001, log‐rank test). After failed urgent heart allocation, 15 out of 21 patients in Group A‐fHA had VAD implantation and two patients (9.5%) underwent HTx after VAD implantation. In pediatric patients, 1‐year mortality rate in Group P‐fHA was 40.0% and significantly higher than in Group P‐uHTx (8.5%, P < 0.05). In Group P‐fHA, all 10 patients underwent VAD implantation after failed urgent heart allocation and six patients (60.0%, P < 0.01 vs. Group A‐fHA, Fisher's exact test) underwent HTx after VAD implantation. After failed urgent donor heart allocation, pediatric HTx candidates seem to profit more from mechanical circulatory support than adults.