bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gradient Layer Entrainment in a Thermohaline System With Mixed Layer Circulation
Authors: Incropera F. P. , Lents C. E. , Viskanta R.
Published: January 2010

Entrainment of salt-stratified fluid into a bottom mixed layer is investigated under conditions for which mixing is driven by bottom heating and/or an imposed horizontal flow. Entrainment rate measurements and mixed layer flow visualization suggest that entrainment is strongly influenced by a shear mechanism involving both horizontal and vertical fluid velocity components. Under certain conditions, imposition of the horizontal flow inhibits the buoyancy flow and entrainment rates for combined mixing are less than those for pure buoyant mixing. Attempts to correlate entrainment rates in terms of conventional dimensionless parameters were unsuccessful.
A Characteristic Dimensionless Time in Phase Change Problems
Authors: Bart G. C. J. , Hoogendoorn C. J. , Schaareman P. B. J.
Published: January 2010

In this paper a comparison is made between an approximate analytical solution and the numerical finite difference solution for the one dimensional solidification of a phase change material of finite size. The analytical model is not only capable of handling materials with a fixed melting temperature but is also extended to cope with materials with a transition range. In the approximate analytical model, use is made of the well known Neumann solution for the solidification in a semi-infinite region. A characteristic dimensionless time has been derived that can be used in a simplified description of the solidification of a phase-change material. With this description the testing of latent heat storage devices can be simplified and the results can also be used in simulation programs of solar energy installations with a latent heat storage.
Spreading the Spirit of EMBO
Authors: Leptin Maria
Published: January 2010

This month I succeed Hermann Bujard as director of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO). EMBO was founded in 1964 with the goal of promoting cross-border cooperation in molecular biology research in Europe. From the start, it aimed to act as a counterweight to the hierarchical academic structures in the European research and funding culture. Although the organization is funded directly by 27 participating countries, EMBO is guided in its decisions by its members. These are some 1300 distinguished scientists in Europe and abroad, who select the people and programs to be supported based exclusively on merit.
U.S. Panel Favors Wider Use Of Preventive Drug Treatment
Authors: Couzin-Frankel Jennifer
Published: January 2010

If regulators agree, the pool of people in the United States eligible for cholesterol-lowering drugs could soon expand dramatically to include as many as 6 million people whose cholesterol levels fall within a normal range.
Fatal Fire and Tritium Poisoning Leave Nuclear Labs Searching for Answers
Authors: Bagla Pallava
Published: January 2010

On 28 December, two biochemistry Ph.D. students burned to death in a mysterious fire in India's main nuclear laboratory, the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre in Mumbai. A month earlier, dozens of workers at a nuclear plant in Kaiga were exposed to tritium in an apparent case of attempted poisoning.
Plan to Merge Texas Schools Runs Into Faculty Opposition
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: January 2010

Baylor College of Medicine, seeking financial security, is considering joining with nearby Rice University, but Rice faculty members have challenged the plan.
The Next Big Beam?
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: January 2010

A long-neglected accelerator technology is making a comeback bid, as its proponents point to possible applications in experimental physics, medicine, and even nuclear power.
High-Throughput Identification of Bacteria and Yeast by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry in Conventional Medical Microbiology Laboratories
Authors: van Veen S. Q. , Claas E. C. J. , Kuijper Ed J.
Published: January 2010

Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) is suitable for high-throughput and rapid diagnostics at low costs and can be considered an alternative for conventional biochemical and molecular identification systems in a conventional microbiological laboratory. First, we evaluated MALDI-TOF MS using 327 clinical isolates previously cultured from patient materials and identified by conventional techniques (Vitek-II, API, and biochemical tests). Discrepancies were analyzed by molecular analysis of the 16S genes. Of 327 isolates, 95.1% were identified correctly to genus level, and 85.6% were identified to species level by MALDI-TOF MS. Second, we performed a prospective validation study, including 980 clinical isolates of bacteria and yeasts. Overall performance of MALDI-TOF MS was significantly better than conventional biochemical systems for correct species identification (92.2% and 83.1%, respectively) and produced fewer incorrect genus identifications (0.1% and 1.6%, respectively). Correct species identification by MALDI-TOF MS was observed in 97.7% of
Enterobacteriaceae
, 92% of nonfermentative Gram-negative bacteria, 94.3% of staphylococci, 84.8% of streptococci, 84% of a miscellaneous group (mainly
Haemophilus
,
Actinobacillus
,
Cardiobacterium
,
Eikenella
, and
Kingella
[HACEK]), and 85.2% of yeasts. MALDI-TOF MS had significantly better performance than conventional methods for species identification of staphylococci and genus identification of bacteria belonging to HACEK group. Misidentifications by MALDI-TOF MS were clearly associated with an absence of sufficient spectra from suitable reference strains in the MALDI-TOF MS database. We conclude that MALDI-TOF MS can be implemented easily for routine identification of bacteria (except for pneumococci and viridans streptococci) and yeasts in a medical microbiological laboratory.
Acute Cholecystitis Caused by NontoxigenicVibrio choleraeO1 Inaba
Authors: Vogt Adam P. , Doshi Rupali K. , Higgins Judy E. , Burd Eileen M. , Ribner Bruce S. , Kraft Colleen S.
Published: January 2010

A rare case of acute cholecystitis caused by serogroup O1Vibrio choleraein an 83-year-old man is presented. His risk factors for cholecystitis included advanced age and previous abdominal surgeries. The patient had consumed raw oysters several days before presentation. The patient had a poor outcome after admission for this infection, likely due to his underlying illnesses that complicated his hospital course.
Prophylactic Administration of Bacterially Derived Immunomodulators Improves the Outcome of Influenza Virus Infection in a Murine Model
Authors: Norton Elizabeth B. , Clements John D. , Voss Thomas G. , Cárdenas-Freytag Lucia
Published: January 2010

Prophylactic or therapeutic immunomodulation is an antigen-independent strategy that induces nonspecific immune system activation, thereby enhancing host defense to disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of prophylactic immunomodulation on the outcome of influenza virus infection using three bacterially derived immune-enhancing agents known for promoting distinct immunological profiles. BALB/c mice were treated nasally with either cholera toxin (CT), a mutant form of the CT-relatedEscherichia coliheat-labile enterotoxin designated LT(R192G), or CpG oligodeoxynucleotide. Mice were subsequently challenged with a lethal dose of influenza A/PR/8/34 virus 24 h after the last immunomodulation treatment and either monitored for survival or sacrificed postchallenge for viral and immunological analysis. Treatment with the three immunomodulators prevented or delayed mortality and weight loss, but only CT and LT(R192G) significantly reduced initial lung viral loads as measured by plaque assay. Analysis performed 4 days postinfection indicated that prophylactic treatments with CT, LT(R192G), or CpG resulted in significantly increased numbers of CD4 T cells, B cells, and dendritic cells and altered costimulatory marker expression in the airways of infected mice, coinciding with reduced expression of pulmonary chemokines and the appearance of inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue-like structures in the lungs. Collectively, these results suggest that, despite different immunomodulatory mechanisms, CT, LT(R192G), and CpG induce an initial inflammatory process and enhance the immune response to primary influenza virus challenge while preventing potentially damaging chemokine expression. These studies provide insight into the immunological parameters and immune modulation strategies that have the potential to enhance the nonspecific host response to influenza virus infection.
Breadth of Neutralizing Antibodies Elicited by Stable, Homogeneous Clade A and Clade C HIV-1 gp140 Envelope Trimers in Guinea Pigs
Authors: Nkolola Joseph P. , Peng Hanqin , Settembre Ethan C. , Freeman Michael , Grandpre Lauren E. , Devoy Colleen , Lynch Diana M. , La Porte Annalena , Simmons Nathaniel L. , Bradley Ritu , Montefiori David C. , Seaman Michael S. , Chen Bing , Barouch Dan H.
Published: January 2010

The native envelope (Env) spike on the surface of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is trimeric, and thus trimeric Env vaccine immunogens are currently being explored in preclinical immunogenicity studies. Key challenges have included the production and purification of biochemically homogeneous and stable trimers and the evaluation of these immunogens utilizing standardized virus panels for neutralization assays. Here we report the binding and neutralizing antibody (NAb) responses elicited by clade A (92UG037.8) and clade C (CZA97.012) Env gp140 trimer immunogens in guinea pigs. These trimers have been selected and engineered for optimal biochemical stability and have defined antigenic properties. Purified gp140 trimers with Ribi adjuvant elicited potent, cross-clade NAb responses against tier 1 viruses as well as detectable but low-titer NAb responses against select tier 2 viruses from clades A, B, and C. In particular, the clade C trimer elicited NAbs that neutralized 27%, 20%, and 47% of tier 2 viruses from clades A, B, and C, respectively. Heterologous DNA prime, protein boost as well as DNA prime, recombinant adenovirus boost regimens expressing these antigens, however, did not result in an increased magnitude or breadth of NAb responses in this system. These data demonstrate the immunogenicity of stable, homogeneous clade A and clade C gp140 trimers and exemplify the utility of standardized tier 1 and tier 2 virus panels for assessing the NAb responses of candidate HIV-1 Env immunogens.
Spatial distribution of lemming mats in the Canadian High Arctic
Authors: Mallory Frank F. , Boots Barry N.
Published: January 2010

Spatial distributions of lemming mats on exposed beach ridges on Bathurst and Devon islands, N. W.T., in the Canadian High Arctic were recorded by triangulation. The collared lemming Dicrostonyx groenlandicus is the only microtine in this region, which eliminates interspecific influences. In addition, vegetation is sparse, making centres of activity easy to identify. Mats were relatively permanent structures with a mean diameter of 3.88 m and an average of 13.0 burrows. The mean nearest neighbour distance ranged from 40 to 45 m and the average mat polygon area (interpreted as territory or home range) was 0.34 ha. Individual mat polygons were contiguous with an average of 5.3 other polygons and the distribution of the mats over the environment was nonrandom. The data support the conclusion that lemming mats represent core areas within lemming territories or home ranges which are distributed regularly over the environment because of social processes which influence social interaction. The data are discussed as they apply to current theories on microtine demography and population dynamics.
The life history of Diastylis quadrispinosa (Sars, 1871) (Crustacea: Cumacea) in Passamaquoddy Bay, New Brunswick
Authors: Corey S.
Published: January 2010

Diastylis quadrispinosa inhabiting depths of 5–60 m in Passamaquoddy Bay breeds during late fall. Gravid females overwinter and release young during April to about mid-May. The life span is 5–6 months for males and 12–13 months for females. Females produce one brood with a mean fecundity of 67.2 (range, 26–149).
Ross' Goose and Lesser Snow Goose colonies in the central Canadian Arctic
Authors: Kerbes R. H. , McLandress M. R. , Smith G. E. J. , Beyersbergen G. W. , Godwin B.
Published: January 2010

A total of 133 700 nesting Ross' Geese and Lesser Snow Geese (Anser rossii and Anser c. caerulescens), in 30 colonies, were photographed in the central Canadian Arctic, Queen Maud Gulf, N.W.T., in June 1976. Estimated species totals were 77 300 Ross' Geese and 56 400 Lesser Snow Geese (of which 15% were blue phase). Species totals were calculated from a photographic census of all Ross' Geese and white phase Snow Geese combined with assumptions based on the estimated proportion of blue phase Snow Geese in each of the 10 largest colonies and the estimated proportion of Ross' Geese in the largest colony. Comparison with a previous visual nesting inventory suggested that from 1967 to 1976 Ross' Geese doubled in number while Lesser Snow Geese increased fivefold. Nesting resources do not appear to be limited.
Revision of the genera Cordonema Schmidt and Kuntz, 1972 and Skrjabinoclava Sobolev, 1943 (Nematoda: Acuarioidea)
Authors: Wong P. L. , Anderson R. C.
Published: January 2010

Cordonema Schmidt and Kuntz, 1972 is regarded as valid and its type species, C. venusta Schmidt and Kuntz, 1972, is redescribed. Cordonema solonitzini (Sobolev, 1943), C. longifuniculata (Sobolev, 1952), and C. brevispicula (Bondarenko and Daiya, 1971) n. comb. are included in Cordonema. Skrjabinoclava horrida (Rudolphi, 1809) from Erolia a. alpina (L.) from France is redescribed. Skrjabinoclava cincli (Yamaguti, 1935), S. thapari Freitas, 1953, S. halcyoni Ryzikov and Hoklova, 1964, S. alii Ali, 1968, S. tupacincai Freitas and Ibanez, 1970, S. rallae Schmidt and Kuntz, 1972, S. amaurornae Schmidt and Kuntz, 1972, and "S. catoptrophori Badley, 1978" are considered as synonyms of S. horrida. Skrjabinoclava aculeata (Creplin, 1825) is regarded as a species inquirenda. Skrjabinoclava decorata (Solonitzin, 1928) is regarded as the only other valid species in the genus. Skrjabinoclava horrida, mainly a parasite of Scolopacidae and Charadriidae, is sporadic in other birds. It is rarely acquired by gulls on the wintering grounds but apparently not transmitted to gulls on their nesting grounds in Lake Ontario. Skrjabinoclava horrida may not be able to utilize fish paratenic hosts and this could limit its establishment in piscivorous birds.
Double-crested Cormorants of the Great Lakes: egg-laying parameters, reproductive failure, and contaminant residues in eggs, Lake Huron 1972–1973
Authors: Weseloh D. Vaughn , Teeple Stanley M. , Gilbertson Michael
Published: January 2010

During the 1960s Double-crested Cormorants breeding on Lake Huron experienced a decline in numbers and an elevation in body and egg contaminant burdens. In 1972 and 1973 the Canadian Wildlife Service visited their colonies to collect demographic data and eggs for residue analysis. In 1972, colonies were small. They suffered high egg breakage and loss (95%) and nearly total reproductive failure (0.06–0.11 young per nest). Eggshells were 23.9% thinner than normal. Clutch size (2.0 ± 1.2 eggs) was low but egg production (4.1 ± 1.9 eggs) appeared normal. Subsequent clutches appeared in 45% of the nests. Levels of DDE (14.5 ± 5.6 ppm, wet weight) and PCBs (23.8 ± 9.6 ppm) in the eggs were higher than in other cormorant populations in Canada. Levels of DDT, DDD, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide, hexachlorobenzene, and mercury were less than 1 ppm. Organochlorine levels in eggs from Georgian Bay were similar to those from the North Channel, but mercury levels were higher. Colony size continued to decline in 1973, although reproductive success improved (0.3 young per nest). These data may be used to assess subsequent changes in the status of Lake Huron cormorants which unpublished observations indicate are now recovering rapidly.
Reproductive success and mate choice in the johnny darter, Etheostoma nigrum (Pisces: Percidae)
Authors: Grant James W. A. , Colgan Patrick W.
Published: January 2010

The mate choice of female johnny darters (Etheostoma nigrum) was investigated with respect to quality of male parental behaviour. Females apparently preferred males that moved farther out from their nests to respond to intruders. Maximum distance of response to females (MDR to females) was the best predictor of a male's success in acquiring eggs. By choosing a more aggressive male (one with high MDR to females), females increased their fitness because males with a high MDR to females were better able to defend their eggs.
Une étude des comportements parentaux de l'avocette en colonie de reproduction. Organisation spatiale inter- et intra-familiale
Authors: Adret Patrice
Published: January 2010

The social structure of the avocet, Recurvirostra avosetta, was investigated during the young rearing period. In the two colonies studied on the French Atlantic coast, in Vendée, family groups leave the nest site a few hours after hatching and go to the feeding areas. There, contiguous territories are vigourously defended by the two attentive adults for at least 6 weeks. Territory size, ranging from 260 to 5200 m2, according to the family, shows no clear temporal variation. However, these values are positively correlated with brood size. Within each family, differential use of the rearing territory as a structured area is revealed. (i) Daily distribution of the birds' activities such as feeding, resting, preening, watching is patchy; (ii) for a given activity, adults and chicks tend to use different areas, especially when foraging. The analysis of social relationships indicates that the two attentive adults spend little time near each other, whereas chicks tend to remain close to one another and adult behaviour varies according to the distance from the brood. Moreover, chicks are synchronized whereas the two parents tend to carry out different activities simultaneously. Social structure is viewed as a compromise between the territorial and the colonial types.
Coextensive sarcoplasmic reticulum in larval muscle cells of a didemnid ascidian, Diplosoma macdonaldi
Authors: Cavey Michael J.
Published: January 2010

The larval muscle cells of the didemnid ascidian Diplosoma macdonaldi exhibit perifibrillar and coextensive forms of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). Perifibrillar cisternae of SR invest the myofibrils and establish dyadic couplings with longitudinal invaginations of the sarcolemma. Coextensive cisternae neither embrace the contractile apparatus nor couple to the cellular membrane. They occur in multilaminar aggregates subjacent to the perifibrillar cisternae. Based on the packing density of cisternae, the coextensive aggregates of D. macdonaldi can be classed as diffuse or compact.
Occurrence, distribution, and feeding habits of juvenile lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus L. in the Bay of Fundy
Authors: Daborn Graham R. , Gregory Robert S.
Published: January 2010

Juvenile lumpfish (< 55 mm length) occur in near-surface waters of the Bay of Fundy from July to September. Samples collected simultaneously with neuston and subsurface nets indicate that the juveniles occur primarily in the top few centimetres of the water column. Seasonal changes in distribution may be related to wind drift of surface waters and the residual circulation of the inner Bay. The length–weight relationship (W = 8.7 L3.36 × 10−6) indicates allometric growth up to 50 mm, at which time lumpfish probably leave surface waters and adopt a pelagic or benthic existence. Juvenile lumpfish feed on a wide range of near-surface plankton, shifting with growth from harpacticoid copepods (particularly Harpacticus chelifer) to the amphipods Calliopius laeviusculus and Parathemisto gaudichaudi.
Demography of southern red-backed voles (Clethrionomys gapperi) and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) after logging in north-central Ontario
Authors: Martell Arthur M.
Published: January 2010

Populations of Clethrionomys gapperi and Peromyscus maniculatus were investigated on newly harvested upland black spruce (Picea mariana) clear-cuttings and in control areas (uncut, selective cut, older clear-cuttings) near Manitouwadge, Ontario. On control areas Clethrionomys had increased breeding intensity, better summer survival rates, and a relatively greater number of young in 1978 relative to 1976 and 1977. Those conditions appeared to be unrelated to summer weather and occurred after a cold, wet spring with a delayed snowmelt. Numbers of Clethrionomys on new clear-cuttings declined to nil over the first two summers following timber harvest. Demography on new clear-cuttings was similar to that on control areas except for poorer juvenile survival rates and fewer young. The disappearance of Clethrionomys from recent clear-cuttings was likely due to direct mortality. Demography of Peromyscus on control areas was similar each year except in 1978 when there was an increase in the breeding intensity of males and a decrease in the proportion of young. Numbers of Peromyscus on new clear-cuttings increased over the 3 years. Demography was similar on clear-cuttings and control areas in 1978, but in 1976 and 1977 the clear-cutting population had an excess of males, greater reproductive intensity of both males and females, more wounding of males, and less wounding of females. A highly mobile, young, male-dominated population with a high reproductive rate and a good summer survival rate was present on the 1- and 2-year-old cuts. Recent clear-cuttings in upland black spruce act as dispersal sinks for Peromyscus and provide new habitat for colonization by presaturation dispersers.
New Rhagidiidae (Acarina: Prostigmata) from Oregon
Authors: Zacharda Miloslav
Published: January 2010

Krantzia quadriseta sp. n., gen. n., Poecilophysis oregonensis sp. n., P. affinis sp. n., Rhagidia ponderosae sp. n., and Foveacheles bentonensis sp. n. are described as the new taxa. Robustocheles mucronata (Willmann), R. hilli (Strandtmann), Poecilophysis saxonica (Willmann), P. melanoseta Zacharda and Elliott, and Coccorhagidia clavifrons (Canestrini) are newly recorded from Oregon.
Zoogeography and taxonomy of Dirofilaria scapiceps (Leidy, 1886) and D. uniformis Price, 1957 (Nematoda: Filarioidea) of lagomorphs in North America
Authors: Bartlett Cheryl M.
Published: January 2010

Dirofilaria scapiceps (Leidy, 1886) was found in 62% of 404 Lepus americanus, 27% of 89 Sylvilagus floridanus, 13% of 31 Orytolagus cuniculus (domestic), 4% of 26 L. capensis, and none of 15 L. timidus, 2 L. californicus, and 50 L. townsendii collected in various regions of North America. Dirofilaria scapiceps in L. capensis is a new host record. The two species of Dirofilaria, D. scapiceps and D. uniformis Price, 1957, known from lagomorphs are redescribed. Dirofilaria scapiceps occurs predominantly in connective tissue surrounding tendons in the ankle region and rarely in intermuscular fascia near the knee joint of the hind leg; D. uniformis occurs in subcutaneous tissues of the trunk. Both D. scapiceps and D. uniformis are known only from lagomorphs in North America, D. scapiceps from L. americanus, L. capensis, S. floridanus, S. palustris and O. cuniculus and D. uniformis from S. floridanus, S. palustris and O. cuniculus. Dirofilaria scapiceps is present in lagomorphs in Alaska, Canada, eastern United States and Wyoming whereas D. uniformis is known only from lagomorphs in southeastern and south central United States. Dirofilaria uniformis may have evolved, through paedomorphosis, from D. scapiceps.
The digenean parasites of Littorina neritoides (L.) in relation to microhabitat on the Plymouth breakwater
Authors: Davey J. T.
Published: January 2010

The Plymouth breakwater affords an artificial rocky shore environment with an east–west increasing exposure gradient, a uniquely uniform profile, and a highly restricted splash zone. A population of Littorina neritoides, elsewhere characteristic of splash zones, is found on the breakwater divided between two contrasting niches. Some live submerged in small, deep, permanent pools along the top of the breakwater, while others cluster in splash zone crevices on the walls of a few isolated shelter block structures. The occurrence in submerged snails of both Microphallus similis cercariae and the cysts of an unidentified metacercaria shows an inverse correlation with the degree of exposure to wave action at any place along the breakwater. Splash zone snails have very few infections with M. similis, but marked differences in infection rates with the metacercarial cysts can be correlated with the relative moisture-retaining properties of the stonework faces of each shelter block.
Water and electrolyte imbalances associated with laboratory manipulation of a marine teleost involve the gut
Authors: Sleet R. B. , Weber L. J.
Published: January 2010

The effects of arterial and esophageal cannulation, esophageal occlusion, and in situ gut perfusion on water–electrolyte balance of the buffalo sculpin (Enophrys bison), a marine teleost, were examined. The water–electrolyte balance was monitored before, during, and after the above-mentioned manipulation by measurement of blood constituents which indicated changes in the osmotic status (plasma osmolality and sodium and chloride levels) and vascular volume (plasma protein, red blood cells, and hematocrit). After arterial cannulation, disturbances in the osmotic status and vascular volume were manifested by a hyperosmotic hemodilution that appeared to result from an influx of hyperosmotic fluid. The osmotic imbalance was corrected within 24 h whereas the volume disturbance persisted. When gut perfusion was started after arterial and esophageal cannulation, a hyperosmotic hemodilution resulted. With esophageal occlusion, a hemodilution without a concurrent osmotic imbalance followed arterial and esophageal cannulation. A gut origin for both the osmotic and volume disturbances was indicated.
An evaluation of fecal analysis for determining food habits of insectivorous bats
Authors: Kunz Thomas H. , Whitaker Jr. John O.
Published: January 2010

To evaluate the reliability of fecal analysis in determining food habits of insectivorous bats, individual insects were identified to major taxa by the first author, weighed, enumerated, and fed to 14 female little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). Fecal pellets were collected from these bats and sent to the second author without informing him of the insects which had been fed to the bats. The second author identified the insect fragments from the feces and determined the percent volume and percent frequency for each taxon. The four most common insect taxa recovered in the feces were the same as those in the diet and occurred in the same order of importance when expressed as percent volume and percent frequency. This blind test is the first to demonstrate that fecal analysis can yield reasonable estimates of food eaten by insectivorous bats, but it also indicates the amount of "error" that one can expect in these kinds of analysis.
Little-known and new heliozoeans: Pinaciophora triangula Thomsen new to North America and a description of Pinaciophora pinea sp. nov.
Authors: Nicholls K. H.
Published: January 2010

Scales of the heliozoeans Pinaciophora fluviatilis Greeff and P. triangula Thomsen found in Ontario are compared with descriptions of these species from other parts of the world (P. triangula was known previously only from a single lake in Sweden). A new species, Pinaciophora pinea sp. nov., is described from a softwater lake in Muskoka, Ontario. Pinaciophora pinea differs from its closest relative, P. monopora Thomsen, mainly in the structure of the plate-scales which in P. pinea have a thickened rim between the central hole and the outer margin.
Structure and stability of humpback whale groups off Newfoundland
Authors: Whitehead Hal
Published: January 2010

Humpback whales off Newfoundland in summer formed groupings containing from 1 to over 10 animals. The size of feeding groups was closely related to the horizontal size of the prey school, whereas nonfeeding humpbacks were generally found in pairs. Small groups were considerably more stable than larger ones. Apart from mothers and their 1st-year calves, there were no indications of preferred companionships over more than 1 day, although during a day particular pairings would maintain their identities when within a larger group. The humpbacks often stayed in groups while at depth. Individuals in larger groups produced faeces more frequently. Other displays (side flukes, flipperings, and lunges) were associated with group instability.
Étude du marquage olfactif chez la marmotte commune (Marmota monax) en captivité
Authors: Hébert Paule , Prescott Jacques
Published: January 2010

The study of a captive group of woodchucks (Marmota monax) has confirmed the occurrence in this species of a cheek- and chin-rubbing behaviour associated with scent marking. The frequency of this behaviour is high in the spring breeding season and decreases markedly during summer, following a similar decrease in breeding activities. We found no direct relation between hierarchical status and scent-marking rates of individual woodchucks whereas a positive correlation was found between monthly rates of scent marking and agonistic interactions. Dominant individuals sometimes scent marked after agonistic encounters. Scent marking occurred most often during exploration and all individuals used the same marking sites: along paths between burrows and at burrow entrances. Despite the limitations imposed by our captivity conditions, our results seem to agree with the following hypotheses: (i) scent marking could contribute to inform conspecifics about the breeding status of each individual; (ii) in certain circumstances, it may constitute an agonistic signal and enhance the expression of dominance; (iii) it could contribute to the familiarization of the individual with its own environment.
Selenium, vitamin E, and trace elements in the plasma of wild and farm-reared alligators during the reproductive cycle
Authors: Lance Valentine , Joanen Ted , McNease Larry
Published: January 2010

Eggs produced by farm-reared alligators have lower fertility and hatchability than eggs collected from wild alligators and incubated under identical conditions. To assess the effect of diet on trace elements essential for reproduction, plasma samples from farm-reared alligators fed fish (Micropogon undulatus) or nutria (Myocastor coypus) meat, and from wild alligators caught during the reproductive cycle (April–July) were assayed for vitamin E, selenium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, iron, total protein, cholesterol, and estradiol-17β. Calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, total protein, cholesterol, vitamin E, and estradiol-17β all showed significant increases in females during vitellogenesis (April–May), and all returned to levels not significantly different from males by July. There were no significant differences between the captive alligators fed fish or nutria, or between either group and wild alligators for any of these plasma constituents. Selenium and copper did not increase during egg production and were similar in males and females. There were significant differences due to diet in plasma selenium and vitamin E in female alligators. Fish-fed alligators had significantly higher plasma selenium and significantly lower vitamin E levels than nutria-fed and wild females which were not significantly different from one another.
Demography of an introduced population of white-tailed ptarmigan
Authors: Hoffman Richard W. , Giesen Kenneth M.
Published: January 2010

Forty wild-trapped white-tailed ptarmigan (Lagopus leucurus) were released onto Pike's Peak, Colorado, in June (six mated pairs) and September (9 males, 7 females, 12 juveniles) 1975. Numbers declined 37.5% by the first spring (1976) after the introduction. Spring densities gradually recovered, increasing from 3.4 grouse per 100 ha of breeding habitat in 1976 to 8.4 in 1979, then declined to 7.4 in 1980. Mean distance of territories from the release area increased only 0.86 km (p = 0.44) from 1976 to 1980, reflecting a slow process of expansion. Reproduction was documented in all years including 1975. Survival of released birds until 1976 was 93.3% for males, 46.1% for females, and 33.3% for juveniles. Time of release did not influence survival. Average annual survival (1976–1980) was 64.9% for adult males, 60.3% for adult females, and 43.1% for juveniles. Yearlings comprised 39.7% (range, 20.0 to 54.9%) of all birds (N = 219) identified exclusive of juveniles. Of the 219 birds identified, 137 (62.6%) were males.
The abdominal musculature associated with oviposition in two gall-forming tephritid fruit flies in the genus Urophora
Authors: Berube D. E. , Zacharuk R. Y.
Published: January 2010

We have described the abdominal musculature of female Urophora affinis and Urophora quadrifasciata. Early reports that the ovipositor in tephritids is controlled by the regulation of fluid pressure within the abdomen are confirmed. The myology of the Urophora species differs from that of Ceratitis capitata and Rhagoletis pomonella reported by earlier investigators. These differences appear to be the result of real anatomical variation within the Tephritidae as well as various inadequacies in the earlier studies. We did not identify any morphological adaptations specific to the gall-forming habit in the above Urophora species.
The ultrastructure of a novel muscle attachment in the Tephritid fruit fly Urophora affinis
Authors: Berube D. E. , Zacharuk R. Y.
Published: January 2010

The tergosternal abdominal muscles in segments 1–6 of the tephritid fly Urophora affinis have lateral insertions into the pleura as well as terminal insertions into the terga and sterna. The lateral attachments occur at each Z band along the length of the muscle fiber. At the level of each Z band, there is a transverse row of large sockets on the lateral side of the muscle fiber which extend as far as the central nuclei. Fingerlike extensions of the epidermal cells penetrate these myoepidermal sockets and junctions connect them to the sarcolemmal membrane. The epidermal–cuticular junctions at these insertions involve no muscle attachment fibers; instead, cuticular "microapodemes" extend into the epidermal cell. Hemidesmosomes line the epidermal membrane attaching it to these microapodemes. Microtubules extend between the myoepidermal junctions and the epidermal–cuticular junctions though in lower densities than is typical of muscle insertions. These lateral insertions are believed to be a modification of the transverse tubule system. This unique muscle attachment appears to be an adaptation to prevent protrusion of the pleural walls of the abdomen when the tergosternal muscles contract.
Limb regeneration in the narrow-mouthed toad, Gastrophryne carolinensis, (Amphibia; Anura; Microhylidae)
Authors: Scadding Steven R.
Published: January 2010

This paper reports the response of the narrow-mouthed toad, Gastrophryne carolinensis, to forelimb amputation. The amputation wound was closed by epidermal migration within 24 h. Within the 1st week, the epidermis thickened, and a layer of fibrous connective tissue developed between the end of the bone stump and the overlying epidermis. Distal portions of muscle disappeared and their place was taken by fibrous connective tissue. By about 3 weeks postamputation, a blastemalike mass of cells had formed on the end of the stump, consisting of fibroblastlike cells in a matrix of fibrous extracellular material. By 5 weeks, a cartilaginous collar and cap could be seen around the distal end of the bone shaft. Subsequently, the cartilage cap elongated into a distal outgrowth of about 2.5 mm in length by 14 weeks after amputation. At later stages the histological appearance of these heteromorphic regenerates was quite uniform, consisting of a cartilaginous extension of the bone shaft, a layer of fibrous connective tissue surrounding the cartilage, with this in turn covered by the skin. All toads observed at 55 days or later after amputation through the radius-ulna, exhibited heteromorphic regenerative outgrowths.
Plasma thyroxine levels and thyroid gland histology in Baltic salmon (Salmo salar L.) during smoltification
Authors: Lindahl K. , Lundqvist H. , Rydevik M.
Published: January 2010

Plasma thyroxine (T4) levels in Salmo salar L. showed a clearly defined surge which coincided with a rapid rise in the ambient water temperature and with the period of natural seaward migration. It is sugggested that the elevation of T4 levels has a major role in the completion rather than the onset of the smoltification in Baltic salmon parr. The body coloration (i.e., smolt or parr appearance) could not be correlated to the levels of plasma T4 and silvering does not at all times reflect the degree of smoltification. A relationship between size (length and weight) and plasma levels of T4 was not detected for smolting Baltic salmon parr. Increased circulating levels of T4 is not reflected by an overall morphological change of the thyroid cells during smoltification.
The population dynamics of Solenopotes ferrisi (Anoplura: Linognathidae) on the Columbian black-tailed deer Odocoileus hemionus columbianus
Authors: Westrom Dale R. , Anderson John R.
Published: January 2010

A digestion technique was used to quantitatively analyze the absolute sucking louse population on 71 Columbian black-tailed deer from northern California over a 3-year period. Infestations were compared on the basis of host anatomy, age, sex, habitat, and season of collection. The distribution of lice was determined by dividing the host into six regions. A total of 19 598 Anoplura (all Solenopotes ferrisi) was collected from 51 of 71 deer sampled with a mean infestation of 389 lice per infested deer and a range of 1 to 3968. These prevalence and abundance figures are much higher than previously recorded for Solenopotes on black-tailed deer. Lice were more abundant on fawns and on deer shot in the winter and spring. Lice exhibited a marked preference for the anterior regions of hosts, particularly when few lice were present.
The influence of host density and gall shape on the survivorship of Diastrophus kincaidii Gill. (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae)
Authors: Jones D.
Published: January 2010

Parasite frequency has been examined in multilocular galls of the cynipid wasp, Diastrophus kincaidii. Large, round galls with many cynipid larvae show lower parasite frequency than small, or narrow galls with few larvae. The arrangement of the larvae within the galls may provide protection from parasite attack. The interiormost larvae are infrequently parasitized and the surrounding host larvae may serve as a screen between the interiormost larvae and parasites. Diastrophus kincaidii adults have behavioural and anatomical traits which maximize the probability that large, round galls will form. Female D. kincaidii are flightless, and exhibit communal oviposition with up to three females seen ovipositing at the same site. Oviposition is not always at a single insertion site on the stem, but usually at multiple sites girdling the stem. The females' egg load exceeds 200.
Inter- and intra-specific agonistic behavior of Ospreys (Pandion haliaetus) near their nest sites
Authors: Jamieson Ian G. , Seymour Norman R.
Published: January 2010

Behavioral observations were conducted on nine pairs of nesting Ospreys in northeastern Nova Scotia. Thirty-eight and 99 incidents of inter- and intra-specific interactions, respectively, were recorded. Eighty-seven percent of the interspecific interactions involved Common Crows and Bald Eagles. Single-bird intruders made up 76% of the conspecific encounters. When both were present at nest sites males chased intruders and females remained at or near their nests. When females were alone chasing and remaining at nests occurred with equal frequency.
Food-niche relationships and guild structure of diurnal birds of prey: competition versus opportunism
Authors: Jaksić Fabian M. , Braker H. Elizabeth
Published: January 2010

Food-niche relationships of diurnal raptors have been claimed to be shaped by either competitive interactions or opportunistic feeding. We confront these alternatives by analyzing the patterns of prey use of five assemblages of falconiforms. Our results show that food-niche breadth is not a species property but is determined by the food resources locally available; neither does it become narrower in larger assemblages nor is it correlated with raptor size. Food-niche overlaps are frequently very high and do not become smaller in larger assemblages. Mean weight of prey taken is positively correlated with raptor weight within assemblages, but varies widely across assemblages, with a single species showing manyfold differences. Weight ratios between raptors contiguous in the size axis fall well below the 2.2–3.4 expected figures, nor are they negatively correlated with the amount of food-niche overlap. Normalized distance ratios (d/w) of spacing between raptors along the food-size axis are usually smaller than the expected 1. The five assemblages are organized in feeding guilds whose size is larger where fewer prey categories are available per raptor species. In most cases we found little support for predictions based on competition-structured assemblages. This is probably because of the opportunistic feeding behavior of raptors, and perhaps also because food might not be a limiting resource for them.
The influence of rock surface area on the microdistribution and sampling of attached riffle dwelling Trichoptera in Hartley Creek, Alberta
Authors: McElhone M. J. , Davies Ronald W.
Published: January 2010

As the total rock surface area per unit area of stream bed differed significantly between riffles, comparisons between riffles for some species of Trichoptera could only be made in terms of numbers per unit rock area surface area rather than the conventional numbers per unit area of stream bed. The variance – mean density relationships of nine species of Trichoptera were constant on different sizes of rocks and from samples taken with a cylinder sampler in riffles of a brown-water stream. The number of individuals per rock was significantly greater on large rocks (surface area > 200 cm2) compared with intermediate and small rocks (40–200 cm2). The numbers of individuals per rock of Hydropsyche simulans and Glossosoma velona were greater on algae-covered rocks, whereas the numbers of Cheumatopsyche sp., Lepidostoma pluviale, and Micrasema sp. were greater on moss-covered rocks.
Timing of initiation of pharate adult development in Barbara colfaxiana (Kft.) (Lepidoptera: Olethreutidae)
Authors: Sahota T. S. , Farris S. H. , Ibaraki A.
Published: January 2010

Timing of initiation of pharate adult development in relation to 1- and 2-year pharate adult diapause of Barbara colfaxiana was investigated. Histological studies and adult emergence revealed that pharate adult development starts within 24 h after pupation both in 1- and 2-year diapause individuals.
Effects of changes in peripheral and central on ventilation during recovery from submergence in ducks
Authors: Milsom William K. , Jones David R. , Gabbott Geoffrey R. J.
Published: January 2010

The effects of increases in arterial CO2 tension at peripheral and central chemoreceptors on ventilation during recovery from submergence were studied using cross-perfusion techniques on unanaesthetized, White Pekin ducks. Immediately upon surfacing, under normal conditions, minute ventilation [Formula: see text] was elevated four to five times due to roughly equal increases in tidal volume (VT) and breathing frequency (f). Tidal volume returned to resting levels far more rapidly than breathing frequency. If only a peripheral hypercapnia was allowed to develop during diving, it produced the same maximum ventilatory reponse upon surfacing but recovery was much quicker. Central hypercapnia interacted with the peripheral hypercapnia in an additive fashion. There is evidence to suggest that hypercapnia has a greater effect in increasing VT, and hypoxia in increasing f, during the postdive recovery period. The prolonged tachypnea which normally persists after blood gas levels have returned to normal only occurs when hypoxia is allowed to develop during the dive.
Stimulation in vitro de la sécrétion de l'androgène testiculaire par une fraction purifiée de cerveaux chez Eisenia foetida f. typica Sav. (Annélide, Oligochète)
Authors: Lattaud C. , Marcel R.
Published: January 2010

It has been previously established that a fraction of the homogenate of cephalic regions of Eisenia foetida Sav. (fraction A) is responsible for the maintenance of the turgidity of the clitellum and for the inhibition of cephalic regeneration. This fraction was tested on associations of testes and ovaries maintained in organ culture and was shown to have an action comparable to that of cerebroid ganglia in that it stimulates the secretion of testicular androgen. This preliminary result suggests that development of the clitellum, inhibition of cephalic regeneration, and secretion of testicular androgen are controlled by a single substance.
Life history and microdistribution of Neureclipsis bimaculata (Trichoptera: Polycentropodidae) in a lake outflow stream of Alberta, Canada
Authors: Richardson John S. , Clifford Hugh F.
Published: January 2010

A population of Neureclipsis bimaculata was studied from November 1980 to September 1982. The life cycle was bivoltine during both years. Development was direct and the population overwintered as larvae. The summer generation took only 6 to 7 weeks to complete, while the winter generation took the remainder of the year. Adult emergence took place from late May to early September, with two distinct peaks corresponding to the two generations. In both years summer generation larvae and adults were much more numerous than the winter generation. Production of this population (both generations) was estimated at 3.43 g∙m−2∙year−1 (ash free dry mass). The type and abundance of aquatic macrophytes influenced larval microdistribution by acting as a substratum for the large capture nets of larvae. Potamogeton richardsonii and Equisetum were important substrata in summer. In winter, Chara was an important substratum, since it was the only major structural component on the mud-sand bottom during that season. Maintenance of capture nets was seasonal (May to September or early October) and appeared to be related to temperature. Cumulative degree-days were not sufficient to account for apparent differences in voltinism between populations; these differences may be a function of food supply, which in part is related to the productivity of the water body.