bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Home range and movements of male feral cats (Felis catus) in a semiarid woodland environment in central Australia
Authors: Edwards G. P. , De Preu N. , Shakeshaft B. J. , Crealy I. V. , Paltridge R. M.
Published: August 2010

There is a paucity of data on the movement patterns of feral cats in Australia. Such data can be used to refine control strategies and improve track‐based methods of monitoring populations of feral cats. In this study the home ranges and movements of male feral cats were examined over 3.5 years in a semiarid woodland environment in central Australia. Two home range estimators were used in the examination: (i) minimum convex polygon (MCP); and (ii) fixed kernel. The most widely used method of estimating home range in feral cats is MCP, while the fixed kernel method can be used to identify core areas within a home range. On the basis of the MCP method, the long‐term home ranges of feral cats in central Australia were much larger than those recorded elsewhere (mean, 2210.5 ha). Twenty‐four hour home ranges were much smaller (mean, 249.7 ha) and feral cats periodically shifted their 24 h ranges within the bounds of their long‐term home ranges. Core area analysis indicated marked heterogeneity of space use by male feral cats. Several instances where feral cats moved large distances (up to 34 km) were recorded. These long distance movements may have been caused by nutritional stress. Using data from the literature, it is shown that prey availability is a primary determinant of long‐term home range size in feral cats. The relevance of the results to the design of management strategies for feral cats in central Australia is also discussed.
Food Value and tree selection by Glossy Black‐Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus lathami
Authors: Crowley Gabriel M. , Garnett Stephen T.
Published: August 2010

Glossy Black‐Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami) appear to maximize dry matter intake by selecting feeding trees that have the most profitable seed crops as indicated by Clout’s Index (seed weight/total cone weight). However, as it is unlikely that cockatoos can directly assess Clout’s Index, the mechanism for such selection is unclear. Moreover, as cockatoos consume only the kernels, and not all seeds contain kernels, better estimates of food value are required. Therefore, we examine seed and cone characteristics and establish that Seed Fill (percentage of seeds containing kernels) and Kernel Ratio (average kernel weight/average cone weight) contribute significantly to Food Value (weight of kernels/total cone weight). We propose that these factors can be rapidly assessed by cockatoos, and show that selection of feeding trees can be more accurately predicted using discriminant analysis with a combination of Seed Fill and Kernel Ratio than with either Food Value or Clout’s Index alone. Along with most other characteristics, Seed Fill and Kernel Ratio were consistent between the two years of study, enabling foraging cockatoos to return to profitable trees annually, without sampling. Where sampling is undertaken, rapid assessment of profitability by sampling cone ends is possible, as kernels are randomly distributed through the cone. Also, a decline in Food Value, Seed Fill and Kernel Ratio with cone age, means that cockatoos could also assess profitability on the basis of cone colour. We show that concentrations of individual nutrients are unlikely to contribute to tree selection, previous reports of such selection being caused by the predominance of protein and oils in the kernels, and of ash, fibre and carbohydrates in the samara. We therefore conclude that cockatoos select feeding trees primarily on the basis of optimizing kernel intake.
Influence of fire severity on the regeneration, recruitment and distribution of eucalypts in the Cotter River Catchment, Australian Capital Territory
Authors: VIVIAN LYNDSEY M. , CARY GEOFFREY J. , BRADSTOCK ROSS A. , GILL A. MALCOLM
Published: August 2010

Abstract  Plant responses to fire are variable between and within species and are influenced by numerous factors including fire severity. This study investigated the effects of fire severity on the regeneration and recruitment of forest eucalypts in the Cotter River Catchment, Australian Capital Territory (ACT). This study also examined the potential for the obligate seeder Eucalyptus delegatensis R.T. Baker (Myrtaceae) to expand into adjacent stands dominated by the facultative resprouter Eucalyptus fastigata H. Deane & Maiden (Myrtaceae) by seed shed and seedling establishment beyond the pre‐fire boundary. Sites were located in areas of either higher or lower fire severity, and transects were placed across the boundary of stands of E. delegatensis and E. fastigata. Species distributions, tree survival and seedling densities and heights were recorded, and the location of each boundary was determined as the region of maximum change in species composition along the transects. Eucalyptus delegatensis was the only eucalypt killed by higher severity fire. However, E. delegatensis seedling density was greater at higher severity sites than lower severity sites. Eucalyptus fastigata seedling density was low across all sites, with other eucalypts producing few, if any, seedlings. There was no evidence that E. delegatensis had increased its range into downslope stands dominated by E. fastigata. Patterns of vegetative recovery and seedling recruitment may be related to a number of factors, including differences in allocation patterns between seeders and sprouters, and the effects of overstory and understory competition. It is unclear what processes impede E. delegatensis seedling establishment beyond the stand boundary, but may involve an inability of E. delegatensis to shed seed sufficiently far downslope; unsuitable conditions for germination beyond the boundary; or, competition from a retained or resprouting overstory, despite the potential for increased dispersal distance soon after fire.
Patterns and mechanisms of masting in the large‐seeded southern hemisphere conifer Araucaria araucana
Authors: SANGUINETTI JAVIER , KITZBERGER THOMAS
Published: August 2010

Abstract  Masting, the intermittent and synchronous production of large seed crops, may result from either of two major processes: resource matching and economy of scale. Components of cone production in Araucaria araucana were partitioned among populations and trees to ascertain the existence of masting and the processes involved. Cone production data from seven populations were obtained during a 9‐year period and seed gathering data were available for an 18‐year time series from six sites in an area of more than 7600 km2. Araucaria araucana showed environmentally triggered, intermittent, moderately fluctuating, and highly regionally synchronous reproduction. The mean pairwise correlations of cones production among populations and seed gathering sites were 0.89 and 0.74, respectively, suggesting synchrony in reproduction. Among trees we observed a mean correlation of 0.74 with values ranging from 0.66 to 0.81 for the analysed populations. The existence of negative autocorrelation in seed production between year 0 and year −2 at the individual tree level suggests the presence of ‘switching’ or internal resource allocation, thus discarding the Resource Matching hypothesis. Mean coefficient of variation (CVp) among populations was moderate (0.95) and similar to the modal CVp values reported in the published reports. Mean CVi among individual trees was 1.16, suggesting a large number of equally and synchronously fluctuating trees, rather than a few largely fluctuating individuals. These results suggest that pollination efficiency and/or predator satiation hypotheses could be responsible for the masting cycles in this conifer. Ancillary data about limitation of airborne pollen dispersion and temporal variation in the amount of seeds per cone and about seed predator satiation, also support both proposed mechanisms.
Biotic resistance to Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera in Tasmania
Authors: SCURR GRANT , KIRKPATRICK J. B. , DANIELS G. D. , MCQUILLAN P. B.
Published: August 2010

Boneseed, Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera (Asteraceae) is concentrated in and near cities and towns on the north and east coasts of Tasmania. Its absence from intervening rural and bushland areas cannot be attributed to environmental conditions or a lack of time for dispersal from introduction points. The hypothesis tested in the present paper is that the range of boneseed in Tasmania is limited by biotic resistance through herbivory. Cafeteria experiments and field observations showed that sheep (Ovis aries), cattle (Bos taurus), Tasmanian pademelons (Thylogale billardierii), Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus), garden weevils (Phlyctinus callosus) and native invertebrates all consumed boneseed, while common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) did not. A boneseed population subjected to sheep grazing for 168 days suffered high mortality, while an adjacent ungrazed population survived intact. A replicated exclosure experiment showed that 75 days of grazing by cattle reduced the size of boneseed plants. Observations of a population subject to Bennett's wallaby and Tasmanian pademelon grazing over 1 year and 2 months showed consistently high leaf damage to foliage within pademelon reach and a decline in population, with high mortality rates in the driest and coldest times. Leaf loss attributable to invertebrates did not prevent a nearby population without wallabies from growing. The distributions of the taxa were consistent with biotic resistance, with those demonstrating no severe effect on boneseed individuals widespread, while those with evidence of severe effects more common in rural areas than in urban areas. Boneseed seemed unlikely to survive for very long at normal stocking levels. Macropod grazing, particularly that of T. billardierii, may also inhibit the invasion of boneseed. Thus, the recent introduction of foxes to Tasmania may not only cause the extinction of species such as T. billardierii, but also may cause an expansion of the range of boneseed.
The abundance, distribution and structural characteristics of tree‐holes inNothofagusforest, New Zealand
Authors: BLAKELY TANYA J. , JELLYMAN PHILLIP G. , HOLDAWAY ROBERT J. , YOUNG LAURA , BURROWS BEN , DUNCAN PATRICK , THIRKETTLE DANIEL , SIMPSON JAMIE , EWERS ROBERT M. , DIDHAM RAPHAEL K.
Published: August 2010

Tree‐holes provide an important microhabitat that is used for feeding, roosting and breeding by numerous species around the world. Yet despite their ecological importance for many of New Zealand's endangered species, few studies have investigated the abundance or distribution of tree‐holes in native forests. We used complementary ground and climbed tree surveys to determine the abundance, distribution and characteristics of tree‐holes in undisturbedNothofagusforest in the Lewis Pass, New Zealand. We found that hole‐bearing trees were surprisingly abundant compared with many other studies, including AustralianEucalyptusspecies and American beech. In fact, we estimated as many as 3906 tree‐holes per hectare, of which 963 holes per hectare were potentially large enough to provide roost sites for hole‐nesting bats in New Zealand, while only eight holes per hectare were potentially suitable for specialist hole‐nesting birds. This was of great interest as primary cavity‐excavating animals are absent from New Zealand forests, compared with North America and Australia. Moreover, tree‐hole formation in New Zealand is likely to be dominated by abiotic processes, such as branch breakage from windstorms and snow damage. As has been found in many other studies, tree‐holes were not uniformly distributed throughout the forest. Tree‐holes were significantly more abundant on the least abundant tree species,Nothofagus fusca,than on eitherN. menziesiiorN. solandri.In addition to tree species, tree size was also an important factor influencing the structural characteristics of tree‐holes and their abundance in this forest. Moreover, these trends were not fully evident without climbed tree surveys. Our results revealed that ground‐based surveys consistently underestimated the number of tree‐holes present onNothofagustrees, and illustrate the importance of using climbed inspections where possible in tree‐hole surveys. We compare our results with other studies overseas and discuss how these are linked to the biotic and abiotic processes involved in tree‐hole formation. We consider the potential implications of our findings for New Zealand's hole‐dwelling fauna and how stand dynamics and past and future forest management practices will influence the structural characteristics of tree‐holes and their abundance in remnant forest throughout New Zealand.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Mid‐urethral synthetic slings for female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Fong Eva D.M. , Nitti Victor W.
Published: August 2010

Mid‐urethral synthetic slings (MUSS) have grown in acceptance and popularity to gain a foremost position in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery.

There are numerous studies that provide a large amount of Level 1 and 2 evidence that support the concept of a sling placed at the level of the mid‐urethra.

Long‐term follow‐up has been published for the original tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure with the most recent publication providing Level 2 evidence with mean follow‐up of 11.5 years of 69/91 (77%) of patients from the original series. There was objective cure was in 90% of women and 77% considered themselves subjectively cured, based on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement.

Level 1 evidence with long‐term follow‐up has been provided comparing colposuspension to TVT at 2 and 5 years. At 5 years for the primary efficacy variable of a negative 1 h stress pad test, there was no difference in success (81% vs 90%).

Two recent meta‐analyses provide Level 1 evidence comparing outcomes for retropubic vs transobturator MUSS. One included 18 studies, randomized and cohort: cohort studies had a 12.3% failure rate for transobturator and 13.7% failure for the retropubic approach, randomized studies showed 5.7% failure in the transobturator vs 7.8% in the retropubic group. The other meta‐analysis included 11 studies published 2008–2009, which found that the short‐term cure rate was borderline inferior for the transobturator tape group (odds ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval 0.37–1.00), nearly reaching statistical significance (P= 0.05).

This review details further comparator evidence and evidence for use in specific patient groups (elderly, obese, intrinsic sphincter deficiency, mixed UI).
Shear resistance in two bivalve molluscs: role of hinges and interdigitating margins
Authors: Coen Loren D.
Published: August 2010

Hypotheses relating the form and function of bivalve hinge and marginal dentition were examined using experimental manipulations of shell sculpture. Experiments were designed to estimate relative resistance proffered by these two sculpture types in the absence of the adductor‐ligamentum complex. Forces required to shear two species of bivalve molluscs (with altered sculpture) were measured in the plane of the commissure, using an Instron materials testing machine.

Noetia ponderosa and Mercenaria mercenaria were chosen for their divergent morphology. Interpretation of results on the relative importance of hinge and commissure interdigitation in preventing shear suggests that crenulated margins, whether weakly or strongly elaborated, contribute little direct resistance to shear stress. By comparison, results for hinge dentition (taxodont or heterodont) support previous conclusions concerning their functional importance. For example, the ‘primitive’ taxodont hinge of Noetia withstood forces five times those for Mercenaria, which has a heterodont hinge type.

Further observations and qualitative results are given comparing different hinge types and marginal modifications. Teeth pattern breakage for Noetia suggests that certain teeth may function differently, depending on the direction in which forces are applied. Search of the literature yielded no examples of predators capable of exerting sufficient forces to shear bivalve organisms. Though the data are not comprehensive, and are intended only to demonstrate relative differences in shell (sculpture) resistance to shear, much insight can be gained from these results for future studies.
The effects of environment upon shell construction and strength in the Rough periwinkle Littorina rudis Maton (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Authors: Brandwood A.
Published: August 2010

The interrelationships between environment, shell construction and shell strength of the Rough periwinkle Littorina rudis are investigated in samples of shells taken from a range of shores differing in exposure and salinity level. The effects of different aspects of shell construction upon shell strength are evaluated. Shell strength is compared to chelar bite force of the predatory crab Carcinus maenas. The results are discussed in terms of a theory of factors of safety, and the observed patterns of variation in shell strength and construction with respect to environment are found to be consistent with the predictions of the theory.
Defecation frequency in Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in relation to the accumulation rates of faecal deposits
Authors: Mitchell B. , Rowe Judith J. , Ratcliffe P. , Hinge M.
Published: August 2010

Average defecation frequencies of Roe deer in Britain seem to vary from around 17 faecal deposits/deer/day in ‘poor’ habitats to about 23/deer/day in ‘good’ habitats. Although it is not yet known if there are appreciable seasonal variations, these average values can be used in estimating site occupation and population density from observations on the rates of accumulation of faecal deposits in sample areas of ground. The ‘faecal accumulation method’ requires semi‐permanent plots which are first cleared of old faeces and then checked after a set time to measure the accumulated new deposits. Uncorrected measurements can be used as comparative indices of animal abundance, but being able to convert them into more meaningful units is of greater value in ecological studies.
The mammalian postorbital bar as a torsion‐resisting helical strut
Authors: Greaves W. S.
Published: August 2010

The mammalian skull is asymmetrically loaded during mastication because most of these animals chew on only one side at a time. This loading regime tends to twist the braincase relative to the rostral, tooth bearing part of the skull at the zone of potential weakness between the orbits. This torsional effect is exaggerated, and a postorbital bar is present, in those animals with very large masseter and pterygoid muscles. The lines of action of these muscles are oriented at large angles to the long axis of the skull in lateral view, providing large components of force that twist the skull segments relative to one another. When the temporalis is the dominant muscle, the torsional effect is usually less important, and the bar is absent, because this muscle acts at a smaller angle to the skull axis. The postorbital bar exhibits the predicted three dimensional spatial orientation required to resist torsional forces: it is a segment of an imaginary 45° helix that is wound around the skull, if the skull is idealized as a cylinder. This orientation is significant because, in general, maximum compressive and tensile shear stresses lie along 45° helices on a cylinder loaded in torsion; to resist torsion, material should be placed far from the axis of torsion and along a helix oriented at 45° to the deforming forces. Each half of a supraorbital ridge is also a segment of a 45° helix that is perpendicular to the helix passing through the postorbital bar. This model suggests that the postorbital bar is loaded in compression on the chewing side and in tension on the non‐chewing side; the supraorbital ridge is loaded in tension on the chewing side and in compression on the non‐chewing side.
Egg‐hatching in thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera)
Authors: Kirk W. D. J.
Published: August 2010

The hatching of eggs of thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) was investigated for three thripids, Thrips tabuci Lindeman, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) and Kakothrips pisivorus (Westwood), and for a phlaeothripid, Haplothrips leucanthemi (Schrank). An embryonic cuticle with hatching spines was found in these thripids, and distinct lids were discovered on eggs of the first two species of thripid. At least one species of phlaeothripid lacks hatching spines. Haplothrips leucanthemi eggs did not have a distinct lid; the eggs split along lines of weakness following the pattern left by the follicle cells.

Kakothrips pisivorus was observed and photographed during hatching. The larva emerged most of the way out of the egg while still enclosed in embryonic cuticle. Expansion and contraction of the pronotum split the embryonic cuticle, which was then forced down to the tip of the abdomen by peristaltic movements, freeing in turn the antennae and legs. The embryonic cuticle was left poking out of the oviposition hole.
The habitat and behaviour of Cephalodiscus gracilis (Pterobranchia, Hemichordata) from Bermuda
Authors: Dilly P. N.
Published: August 2010

Cephalodiscus gracilis lives in shallow water around Bermuda. The zooids secrete a transparent coenecium. Several zooids can be attached to a common point. The zooids may be of differing maturity, having from none to five pairs of arms. The mature zooids feed by extending their arms like meridians around a globe with the tentacles of adjacent arms interdigitating to make a spherical filter net. Feeding currents are induced by cilia. The mucus flows along the external surfaces of the arms, around the collar and into the mouth. The rejection current runs on the inside surface of the arms. The rejected material is stored in pellets near the arm tips. It is‘flicked’away at intervals.

The larvae are found in densely pigmented stalks attached to the common sucker. The zooids also reproduce by budding.
Mites of the genus Eupodes (Acari, Prostigmata) from maritime Antarctica: a biometrical and taxonomic study
Authors: Booth R. G. , Edwards Marion , Usher M. B.
Published: August 2010

A series of 40 male and 40 female mites of the prostigmatid genus Eupodes from the maritime Antarctic were each scored for 58 morphological characters, and principal co‐ordinate analyses were performed on each data set. The analyses produced three clusters of points, which were interpreted as representing three species. One of these species, identified as Eupodes minutus (Strandtmann), the only species of Eupodes currently known from the maritime Antarctic, is redescribed. The other two species, E. exiguus up. and E. parvus nsp., are described. Two subspecies are recognized for the latter species, E. p. parvus from the South Orkney Islands, and E. p. grahamensis nsp. from the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. The geographical distribution and habitat preferences of the four text are discussed, and a key to the species is presented.
Ontogenetic and individual variation in size, shape and speed in the Australian agamid lizard Amphibolurus nuchalis
Authors: Garland Theodore
Published: August 2010

The present study investigates relationships among size, shape and speed in the Australian agamid lizard Amphibolurus nuchalis. Maximal running speed, body mass, snout‐vent length, tail length, fore‐ and hind limb spans and thigh muscle mass were measured in 68 field‐fresh individuals spanning the entire ontogenetic size range (1.3 48 g). Relative lengths of both foreand hind limbs decrease with increasing body mass (= negative allometry), whereas relative tail length and thigh muscle mass increase with body mass (= positive allometry). Repeatable and significant differences in maximal running speed exist among individuals. Maximal running speed scales as (body mass)0.161, and 59% of the variation in maximal speed was related to body mass. Based on the results of the present and previous studies, data on scaling of body proportions alone appear inadequate to infer scaling relationships of functional characters such as top speed.

Surprisingly, individual variation in maximal speed is not related to individual variation in shape (relative limb, tail and body lengths). These components of overall shape are not independent; individuals tended to have either relatively long or relatively short limbs, tails and bodies for their body mass. Even the significant difference in multivariate shape between adult males and females has no measurable consequences for maximal speed. Speeds of field‐fresh animals did not vary on a seasonal basis, and eight weeks of captivity had no effect on maximal running speeds. Gravid females and long‐term (obese) captive lizards were both approximately 12% slower than field‐fresh lizards.
Fish fed to young Guillemots, Uria aalge, and used in display on the Isle of May, Scotland
Authors: Harris M. P. , Wanless S.
Published: August 2010

Guillemots on the Isle of May fed their young on Sandeels and Sprats, the proportion of the latter being highest late in the day and the season. There was a peak of feeding after dawn when many large Sandeels were brought. Weather had no effect on feeding rate but this did increase with the chicks age. Food appeared to be abundant. A large Sprat was the most efficient return for effort and Guillemots may select the most energy‐rich prey. Display fish (mainly small Sandeels) were brought throughout the season, mostly by females which often ate them later. The significance of the fish‐carrying display is obscure.
Moults and plumages and testicular regression of post‐breeding male Blue‐winged teal (Anas discors) and Northern shovelers (Anas clypeata)
Authors: DuBowy P. J.
Published: August 2010

Moults and plumages and testicular regression were compared in post‐breeding male Northern shovelers (Anus clypeala) and Blue‐winged teal (A. discors). Sequence of moults and plumages was similar between species, except that Northern shovelers became flightless before completion of pre‐basic moult and initiated pre‐alternate moult before complete regrowth of primaries. Testicular regression was similar in both species, occurring in a two‐stage process of from four to six weeks. In all cases, both species had finished testes regression before the initiation of the flightless period. In both species, the lcft testis was larger in spring, regressed slower, and was larger after regression than the right testis.
Elastic structures in the back and their rôle in galloping in some mammals
Authors: Alexander R. McN. , Dimery Nicola J. , Ker R. F.
Published: August 2010

A study of Fallow deer (Dma dama) and Domestic dog (Canis familiaris) leads to identification of an aponeurosis in the back as an important elastic strain energy store in galloping. Kinetic energy lost by the body, as the forelegs end their backward swing and the hind legs end their forward swing, is stored briefly as elastic strain energy, and recovered in an elastic recoil. Thus energy is saved, making galloping the most economical gait for high speeds. Some strain energy is also stored in muscle fibres and in the vertebral column. Mechanical tests on the aponeurosis and vertebrae lead to estimates of the quantities of energy involved.
An unrecorded specimen of the Javan rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
Authors: Cave A. J. E.
Published: August 2010

An hitherto unpuhlicized specimen of the Javan (Sondaic) rhinoceros in the Manchester Museum is briefly described.
The pattern of gill perfusion in two species of Corophium (Crustacea: Amphipoda) and its relation to environmental salinity
Authors: Taylor P. M.
Published: August 2010

Total surface area of the ion‐permeable lamellar gills of Corophium volutator and Corophium curvispinum is 0·81 mm2mg‐1 and 0·78 mm2mg‐1 (wet weight), respectively. In both species, haemolymph flow (as visualized by haemocyte movements) is rapid through the peripheral canal and central luminal lacunae of each gill, general flow being from posterior to anterior margin of the gill. There appears to be countercurrent flow of haemolymph and ventilatory current water over the gill integument, which may facilitate dissolved‐gas exchange.

Rate of haemolymph flow (perfusion) through the gills of the euryhaline C. volutator is markedly reduced immediately following transfer to a considerably hyperosmotic salinity (e.g. 15% S.W. to 85% S.W. transfer). No reduction in the rate of gill perfusion occurs following transfer of C. volutator to hypoosmotic salinity. The freshwater C. curvispinum does not tolerate hyperosmotic salinity transfers, but does exhibit a similar immediate gill perfusion restriction. The onset of gill perfusion restriction is dependent on a change in the magnitude of the ionic ([NaCl]), not the osmotic, gradient across the integument. In C. volutator only, normal rate of gill perfusion is eventually restored (within 24 hours of transfer), but can be immediately restored if the animal is transferred back to the acclimation salinity.

In C. volutator, branchial perfusion pattern is postulated to be regulated in relation to environmental salinity by a mechanism operating under neural control. The possible significance of gill perfusion restriction to C. volutator as a short‐term adaptive osmoregulatory response is considered. Perfusion restriction in the gills of C. curvispinum is considered to be a relic of a recent estuarine ancestry.
Patterns of growth in primates
Authors: Kirkwood James K.
Published: August 2010

A model is developed which demonstrates the pattern of the relationship between growth rate. body weight, proportion of adult weight attained, and time taken to mature in animals. The relationships of growth rate and time taken to mature, to body weight in primates are examined in relation to this model. Within each of the taxonomic groups: prosimians, New World monkeys, Old World monkeys and great apes, growth rate quite closely parallels the three‐quarter power of weight. After accounting for size, growth rate clearly decreases through this taxonomic list. Man has the slowest growth rate of all primates in relation to his size. The model predicts that, after accounting for differences in size, the daily energy intake during growth may, like growth rate, decrease considerably through the taxonomic groups from prosimians to man. The results form a basis from which to account for the differences due to size and taxonomic position when using monkeys as models for human physiology or disease during growth.
Muscle and sarcomere lengths in the hind limb of the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) during a galloping stride
Authors: Dimery Nicola J.
Published: August 2010

Rabbits were filmed galloping, and the length changes of the principal hind limb muscles were determined. Sarcomere lengths were measured in carcasses set by rigor mortis in four of the positions adopted during a stride. These sarcomere lengths were measured by means of a diffraction technique, devised for the purpose, using an ordinary microscope. Expected sarcomere lengths for three of the positions were predicted from that observed in the fourth, together with muscle length changes. A theoretical length‐tension curve for rabbit muscle was constructed, using A and I filament lengths, it was shown that when the muscles were active, their sarcomere lengths corresponded to the plateau of the length‐tension curve.
Reproduction in the Indian pigmy pipistrelle bat, PipistreUus mimus
Authors: Krishna A.
Published: August 2010

PipistreUus mimus Wroughton exhibits a clearly defined breeding season at Varanasi (25°N, 83°E). Morphological specializations of the Graafian follicles consist of a hypertrophied discus proligerus resulting in the reduced antral cavity, and post‐partum oestrus. The females appear to store spermatozoa in their genital tracts during November and December. Other interesting features associated with reproduction in this species are that the corpus luteum regressed soon after implantation and there is a very short period of lactation.
Linear relations in biomechanics: the statistics of scaling functions
Authors: RAYNER J. M. V.
Published: August 2010

The problem of fitting a linear relation to a bivariate data cluster obtained from morphometric measurement or from experiment is formulated rigorously, and a family of solutions (thegeneral structural relation, g.s.r.) is derived. The regression, reduced major axis and major axis models are special cases of this model; it permits a more realistic treatment of the errors in the variates, in particular when the errors are correlated, which is particularly important in the many biological situations in which the variates contain uncontrolled real variation in addition to measurement errors. The analysis is particularly directed to the testing of hypotheses about scaling relations derived from biomechanical theory. By making different assumptions about the configuration of the errors, the g.s.r. can also be used to test for transposition allometry and for the significance of an estimated or hypothesized gradient. The model generalizes simply to multivariate problems. Application is demonstrated with examples drawn from the study of bird flight mechanics. Finally, it is demonstrated that since observed quantities correspond to peaks of adaptation or of selective fitness, scaling relations are determined primarily by scale variation of constraints on adaptation and behaviour, and are the result of a variety of interacting factors rather than a response to a single selective force described by one simple hypothesis.
Temporal patterns of circulating LH and steroid hormones in a brood parasite, the Brown‐headed cowbird,Molothrus ater.
Authors: Dufty, A. M. , Wingfield J. C.
Published: August 2010

The reproductive cycle of monogamous passerines is characterized by a sequence of events leading from courtship and pair formation through nest building, egg laying and incubation, and ending with the care of young. Each of these stages is accompanied by equally predictable changes in the pattern of hormone secretion. This report describes endocrine changes in the plasma of free‐living Brown‐headed cowbirds,Molothrus uter, during a breeding season. Changes in some morphological parameters are also presented.

Cowbirds are brood parasites that show no parental behaviour and lay eggs almost daily for approximately eight weeks. Males are not territorial, but they mate guard extensively. Hcncc, their breeding biology is quite different from that of the nesting species described above. They are hormonally distinct, as well. Luteinizing hormone rises in the spring and remains elevated throughout May and most of June. By July, when breeding has ceased, plasma luteinizing hormone levels are at pre‐breeding values. Plasma androgens are also maintained at peak levels for an extended period of time, although they decline briefly between the establishment of dominance hierarchies and the onset of breeding. Circulating levels of corticosterone are elevated until the middle of the breeding season, when they begin to fall, although here, too, there is a transient depression just prior to breeding. In the light of the studies on nesting species, these data suggest that hormone profiles are closely correlated with the breeding and social activities that characterize the species under investigation.
Interaction sites of ruthenium red on the renal epithelium of Helix aspersa (Mollusca: Gastropoda)
Authors: Sánchez‐Aguayo I. , Hidalgo J. , Gonzalez‐Utor A. L. , López‐Campos J. L.
Published: August 2010

The interaction sites of ruthenium red (RR) on the Helix aspersa renal epithelium are described. RR staining was located under septate junctions, at lamina densa of the basement membrane and in formations similar to intracytoplasmic vesicles and canaliculi. Digestive bodies and excretory spherules were also stained. The results are discussed in relation to the renal sac function.
Interaction of genotype and parental environment in the adaptation of wild House mice Mus musculus to cold
Authors: Barnett S. A. , Dickson R. G.
Published: August 2010

Wild House mice, Mus musculus, were bred in two laboratory environments, one warm (controls) and one cold (Eskimo). At the seventh generation, mice of both stocks were cross‐fostered at birth in both environments. In the warm environment, differences in both genotype and nest environment influenced growth: (1) Eskimo reared by Eskimo females were the heaviest of the four classes of fostered young; and (2) control foster parentage retarded growth. There was, however, no good evidence of differences in the reproductive performance of the four classes of fostered mice. In the cold environment, the effects of both genetical differences and of fostering were greater. Both the superior growth of Eskimo reared by Eskimo and the retarding effect of control foster parentage were more marked. Moreover, adult males with control foster parents had less fat than had those with Eskimo foster parents. Reproductive performance was also affected: (1) the young of the pairs with Eskimo genotype were heavier than the young of control pairs; (2) the litters of mice with Eskimo foster parents were larger than those of mice with control foster parents, and their young were heavier. Differences among the young of fostered mice represent a grandmother effect. Evidently, selection in a cold environment had led, not only to adaptive genetical changes in the ability to respond directly to cold, but also to changes in parental performance; and the latter enhanced the fitness, in the cold environment, of their offspring and grandoffspring.
Carapace and plastron sensitivity to touch and vibration in the tortoise (Testudo hermanni and T. graeca)
Authors: Rosenberg Martin E.
Published: August 2010

Neural impulses in response to tactile stimulation of the shell were recorded from afferent nerve fibres in tortoises (T. graeca and T. hermanni). It was found that there is a mechanoreceptive innervation in the superficial layers of the shell which is sensitive to transient stimuli, particularly to vibration at frequencies up to 100 Hz. Receptive fields pertaining to single and small groups of individual afferent fibres were mapped: the fields were sharply circumscribed and distributed in relation to the scutes of the shell. The tactile innervation that was found would be consistent with a capacity for recognition and accurate localization of innocuous stimuli and may play a central role in courtship and mating behaviour.
Ecology and behaviour of the Jaguar (Panthers onca) in Belize, Central America
Authors: Rabinowitz A. R. , Jr B. G. Nottingham,
Published: August 2010

Five adult male Jaguars and a translocated subadult female Jaguar were captured and followed by radio‐telemetry in Cockscomb Basin, Belize. One adult male Jaguar, two resident female Jaguars, and a Puma were followed only by their tracks. Radio‐collared males maintained overlapping ranges of 28–40 km2, while resident females moved in minimum areas of 10 km2 within the ranges of individual males. Despite range overlap, evidence of aggression or sign of more than one large cat in the same area simultaneously was uncommon. Such avoidance behaviour suggested some means of communication. Visual marking in the form of faeces and scrapes were found uncovered along roads and trails in areas of overlap between the cats; such marking could have helped in boundary delineation as well as spatial and temporal positioning. Males often remained in small areas of 2·5 km2 for up to two weeks, a behaviour made possible by abundant prey. This behaviour may have facilitated avoidance with other Jaguars. Faecal analysis indicated opportunistic feeding on 17 prey species. Armadillo, Paca and brocket deer accounted for 94% of the available terrestrial prey and comprised 70% of the identified prey in the faeces. All Jaguars were primarily nocturnal, though activity varied between animals. The translocated female showed changes in activity patterns when feeding upon cattle. At least one Puma travelled within the ranges of several male Jaguars and appeared to be feeding on smaller prey items. The behavioural and ecological plasticity exhibited by the Jaguars in this study is beneficial for an animal whose habitat is rapidly diminishing.
Food handling in the carp (Cyprinus carpio): its movement patterns, mechanisms and limitations
Authors: Sibbing F. A. , Osse J. W. M. , Terlouw A.
Published: August 2010

The oropharyngeal feeding mechanism of the carp was analysed as a case study for cyprinids. Light and X‐ray cinematography combined with electromyography allowed a detailed analysis of the external and internal events during processing of the following food types: radtopaque pellets, earthworms, barley, tubificids, cladoceran suspensions and food‐soil mixtures. Ten patterns of head movements serve 12 feeding actions: paniculate feeding and gulping for intake; rinsing, repositioning, selective retention and spitting for selection; gathering from the branchial sieve, transport, loading of the teeth, crushing, grinding and deglutition. Muscular cushions in the pharyngeal roof (palatal organ) and floor (postlingual organ) permit postcapture selection between food and non‐food and transport. Protrusion of the upper jaw is crucial in food processing and serves different aims in particulate intake, gulping and internal selection.

The mechanism of each single pattern and its effects in manipulating the flow and particles is discussed. Restrictions for processing different types of food are formulated. Tentative limits are set to the feeding on the available food types in the environment. The feeding apparatus appears to be unsuitable for exploiting very small particles (< 250 μm), plant and other materials of fibrous content. Only slow and immobile food particles with a diameter up to c. 4% of the carp's body length are effectively processed. The carp appears to be a generalist in its diet, with specializations for the exploitation of food and non‐food mixtures from the bottom, even if the contained food is of considerable density and hardness.

The distinct elements of feeding behaviour are considered to be stereotyped action patterns. They are released and steered according to the actual size, distribution, consistency and contamination of the food and integrated into varied probing and feeding sequences. Different food types require different movement patterns and ‘handling times’. Protrusion with closed mouth appears to be a core pattern in food handling as it is basic to several feeding actions (repositioning and back‐washing during purification; gathering of retained food from the branchial sieve).

Protrusion and the palatal and postlingual organs in this lower teleost are basic to the substrate feeding habits of many cyprinoids and are discussed in relation to (i) the hypertrophy of the pharyngeal masticatory apparatus, (ii) the recruitment of body power for mastication, and (iii) the evolutionary loss of toothed upper pharyngeal transporting bones. A scheme connects the unique character set of cypriniform fish to the origin and evolution of their feeding mechanism.

The cooperation between functional morphology, ethology and ecology for the study of niche separation between species is emphasized.
Effects of mammalian pituitary gonadotropins and testosterone on the testes of sexually quiescent Indian wall lizard, Hemidactylus flaviviridis (Rüppell)
Authors: Rai U. , Haider S.
Published: August 2010

Effects of mammalian FSH, LH and testosterone on sexually regressed testes of Hemidactylus flaviviridis were investigated. Quantitative as well as histochemical studies revealed that only FSH could stimulate spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis. LH showed no effect either on the spermatogenesis or on steroidogenesis. Although testosterone did not induce any change at the initial stage, when given for a longer period the division of spermatogonia was completely checked.
Elastic extension of leg tendons in the locomotion of horses (Equus caballus)
Authors: Dimery Nicola J. , Alexander R. McN. , Ker R. F.
Published: August 2010

Several of the distal leg muscles of horses have such extremely short muscle fibres that their changes of length in locomotion must be due almost entirely to elastic extension of their tendons. Films of a horse have been analysed to determine these extensions, using data obtained by experiments on dissected legs. The tendons investigated experience peak strains of 3–6% in walking, 3–7% in trotting and 4–9% in galloping. These strains occur while the foot is on the ground.
A new genus and species of a dendrochirotid holothurian from Southern Africa
Authors: Thandar Ahmed S.
Published: August 2010

A new genus and species of a dendrochirotid holothurian, Pawsonellus africanus, from shallow waters off the east coast of Southern Africa, are described. The new genus is compared with several genera within the family Cucumariidae and it is concluded that it is not closely related to any of them. Although its body wall spicules strongly resemble those of Panningia hyndmani (Thompson), notably the typical form described by Madsen (1942), there are several features which suggest that the two species are not congeneric.
Geographical variation of protein reserves in birds: the pectoral muscle mass of Dunlins Calidris alpina in winter
Authors: Davidson N. C. , Evans P. R. , Uttley J. D.
Published: August 2010

Pectoral muscle size (as an index of protein reserves) was measured in Dunlins during midwinter on five British estuaries, and examined in relation to latitude and midwinter air temperature. In adults, pectoral muscle size was greater on more northerly and colder estuaries. Pectoral muscle size of juveniles varied less than that of adults between estuaries. For both ages, pectoral muscle size correlations were stronger with temperature than with latitude. The size of protein reserves in the pectoral muscles differed by 26% (adults) and 14% (juveniles) between warmest (Menai Straits) and coldest (Firth of Forth) sites studied. Both pectoralis major and supracoracoideus muscles contributed to the protein store, but the supracoracoideus formed only 12% of the total pectoral muscle mass. The age‐difference appeared not to arise through the selective death of some juveniles. We propose that juveniles have a set‐point for pectoral muscle size in winter adapted to the broad geographical area within which they may settle. The set‐point may then be altered according to the weather conditions experienced at the site where they settle and return as adults.
The Twelfth Annual Meeting of the Winter Conference on Neural Plasticity St. Lucia, West Indies February 19–26, 2000
Authors: Petit Ted L.
Published: August 2010

The 12th Annual Meeting of the Winter Conference on Neural Plasticity was held in Reduit Bay, St. Lucia on February 19 – 26, 2000. The Conference was attended by approximately 80 participants from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, England, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia, and the United States. Most of the participants were neuroscientists from universities and basic research departments of applied institutions. The primary focus of the conference is to annually review recent advances in the area of neural plasticity from multi‐disciplinary and lifespan perspectives. There was an initial “New Concepts Session” and nine scientific sessions, each lasting two hours.