bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methods and ethical considerations of pitfall trapping for the western pygmy possum (Cercartetus concinnus Gould) (Marsupialia:Burramyidae), with observations on capture patterns and nest sites
Authors: Pestell Angela J. L. , Petit Sophie
Published: August 2011

In order to enhance future trapping of the western pygmy possum (Cercartetus concinnus) and minimise the capture of non-target species in the context of animal ethics, we examined the effectiveness of several pitfall-trap capture methods and described capture patterns at Innes National Park, South Australia. For 2606 trap-nights, 78 (2.99 per 100 trap-nights) captures were pygmy possums (70 individuals). They represented 69% of the 113 vertebrates captured, followed by house mice (Mus domesticus) (22%). Nocturnal captures of pygmy possums varied with season (5.21 per 100 trap-nights in spring and summer, and 1.02 in autumn and winter). Males were more commonly captured than females. Half of the pygmy possums used the artificial shelters provided in the traps. We alternated 39-cm-deep and 31-cm-deep pitfall traps along trap lines, with and without drift netting. Pitfall depth did not significantly affect the capture rate of pygmy possums, but house mice were captured significantly more often in deep pitfalls. Use of a drift net did not affect the capture of pygmy possums, but increased mouse captures. These results have significant ethical implications because the use of ‘shallow’ traps and the elimination of the drift net minimised the capture of non-target mice. We recommend reporting trapping details precisely, because a difference of only 8 cm in trap depth can have a significant impact on species selected for capture. Our study also showed that pygmy possums are able to use a range of structures for daily shelter and are not dependent on hollows.
Penetration of remnant edges by noisy miners (Manorina melanocephala) and implications for habitat restoration
Authors: Clarke Michael F. , Oldland Joanne M.
Published: August 2011

The noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala) is a large, communally breeding colonial native honeyeater renowned for aggressively excluding virtually all other bird species from areas they occupy. In the woodlands of southern and eastern Australia, numerous studies have identified the domination of remnants by noisy miners as having a profound negative effect on woodland bird communities. Despite this, very little is known about the habitat characteristics that make domination of a site by noisy miners more likely. This study investigated the depth from edges that noisy miners penetrated into large woodland remnants (>48 ha) within Victoria and attempted to identify habitat characteristics that influenced the depth to which they penetrated. Penetration depth differed significantly across four broad habitat types but commonly ranged from 150 m to more than 300 m from the remnant edge. If noisy miners colonise a site, their capacity to penetrate in from a remnant edge has implications for the size that remnants need to be (>36 ha) to contain any core ‘noisy-miner-free’ habitat and the width that habitat corridors need to be to avoid domination by noisy miners (>600 m). Broad differences in habitat type and the abundance of noisy miners at a site were the most powerful predictors of penetration distance. The density of canopy trees on a site was the only other habitat variable contributing to the most parsimonious model of penetration depth. Decreasing density of trees was associated with increasing penetration depth by noisy miners.
Long-term decline of the European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) in south-western Spain
Authors: Moreno Sacramento , Beltrán Juan F. , Cotilla Irene , Kuffner Beatriz , Laffite Rafael , Jordán Gloria , Ayala José , Quintero Carmen , Jiménez Antonio , Castro Francisca , Cabezas Sonia , Villafuerte Rafael
Published: August 2011

The European wild rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is a species native to the Iberian Peninsula, where it was once extremely abundant. It is considered the most important prey item for the peninsula’s assemblage of Mediterranean vertebrate predators, which includes two endangered specialist rabbit feeders, the Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) and the Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus). However, rabbit population trends in Spain have not been accurately documented. In the present study, we analysed trends in a population of European rabbits monitored over 23 years in the Doñana National Park, home to one of the most diverse and densest predator communities in Europe. Rabbit abundance and population trends were estimated using roadside counts. Results show that the rabbit population declined sharply by ~60% during the first wave of epizootic rabbit hemorrhagic disease (RHD) in 1990. Since then, rabbit numbers have declined at a relatively constant rate and the species has become progressively scarcer in the area. The current population is less than 10% of that before the arrival of RHD. However, after the RHD epizootic we observed increasing intra-annual population recruitment. We hypothesise that density-dependent factors caused by enzootic viral diseases (myxomatosis, RHD) and higher predation of rabbits are the main factors preventing recovery of rabbit numbers. The effects of a decline in the prey species on the ecology of sympatric rabbit predators are discussed, and measures to improve ongoing rabbit conservation efforts are suggested.
On the use of pharmacological sterilisation to control feral pigeon populations
Authors: Giunchi D. , Baldaccini N. E. , Sbragia G. , Soldatini C.
Published: August 2011

The use of chemosterilisation for controlling feral pigeon populations was investigated by: (1) quantifying the reproductive activity of pigeons in two Italian cities; (2) testing the efficacy of nicarbazin, an anticoccidial drug with rapid and reversible effects on the reproduction of laying hens, on groups of paired pigeons maintained in open aviaries; and (3) simulating the effects of the use of nicarbazin on a hypothetical population, allowing for the reproductive productivity recorded in (1) and the efficacy of this drug as obtained in (2). Breeding attempts were recorded all year round in both study sites with a minimum peak in September–October, a maximum in March–July, but with active nests in winter too. In terms of the sterility activity of the drug, the results showed only a partial inhibition of reproduction of pigeons fed ~38–82 mg nicarbazin day–1 (kg bodyweight)–1 (500 and 800 ppm in feed), which, according to the simulations, would produce only a fleeting reduction of their abundance in the field. Data do not seem to support the use of this drug as an effective control method for feral pigeons, and they cast doubts on the opportunity to make use of chemosterilants, which produce only partial and reversible effects. The use of this drug could perhaps be considered only as part of an integrated pest-management program, which necessarily has to include the reduction of carrying capacity of the urban environment.
Prey selection by the dasyurid Ningaui yvonneae
Authors: Bos Darren , Carthew Susan M.
Published: August 2011

We know little about the availability of potential prey and patterns of prey consumption by Ningaui yvonneae in a natural environment. This information is important to understanding how the species is able to exploit its semiarid environment. Here, we examine the diet of N. yvonneae inhabiting a semiarid mallee community in South Australia using a combination of faecal analysis and observations of nocturnally foraging animals. Prey consumption was compared with the availability of prey types in the environment, and comparisons made between habitat components, across seasons and between sexes. N. yvonneae was found to include a range of prey types in its diet, with 11 invertebrate taxa recorded from direct observation and eight of these detected in the scats. Prey taxa consumed most often by freely foraging ningauis were Araneae, Blattodea and Orthoptera, while those most commonly detected in scats were Hymenoptera and Araneae. In comparison, 22 invertebrate taxa were recorded in pitfall traps, although many of these were recorded infrequently. Taxa most commonly recorded in traps were Hymenoptera, Collembola, Coleoptera and Acariformes. Observational data also indicated that consumption of prey taxa differed significantly between sexes and among seasons. Males generally consumed a more diverse array of prey, with both observational and scat data showing that they were more likely to consume Hymenoptera and Isoptera, while females were more likely to consume Lepidoptera and Hemiptera. Variability between seasons was evident in consumption of invertebrate grubs (recorded only during ‘growth’; February–April), Orthoptera (recorded most often during ‘breeding’, August–October), and Araneae (recorded more often during ‘maturation’, May–July). However percentage occurrence data from the scats lacked this seasonality, possibly because of the smaller array of prey taxa recorded. N. yvonneae captured prey from all available habitat components, with five of the most frequently recorded prey taxa being recorded from all components. Leaf litter and Triodia were the most commonly recorded capture sites (45% and 22% of captures respectively), and males and females used the habitat components in a similar manner. Although N. yvonneae is like many other dasyurids in having a largely generalist insectivorous diet, comparisons of prey consumed with their availability in the environment indicated that individuals did show some selectivity towards certain taxa, particularly Blattodea, Orthoptera, Chilopoda, Lepidoptera and Araneae.
The ecological context and consequences of colonisation of a site by bell miners (Manorina melanophrys)
Authors: Dare Amanda J. , McDonald Paul G. , Clarke Michael F.
Published: August 2011

Bell miner (Manorina melanophrys) colonies are closely associated with decreased avian abundance and diversity and an apparently associated increase in psyllid abundance. However, a causative link between the presence of bell miners and increased psyllid abundance has yet to be established. We took advantage of the movement of bell miners into two new areas to investigate the ecological consequences of bell miner occupation on both avian and psyllid abundance. We monitored the number of bell miners and other avian species, using area searches, and psyllid abundance by monthly counts of lerp on leaves. Bell miner presence alone had limited effect on either bird diversity or abundance. However, when miners were also giving their distinctive ‘tink’ vocalisation, a significant decrease in avian abundance and diversity was observed. This evidence supports the hypothesis that ‘tink’ vocalisations are used by interspecific competitors to detect bell miner colonies. At the time of initial occupation, new sites did not have significantly elevated levels of psyllids compared with surrounding areas unoccupied by bell miners. Six months later one of the two newly occupied sites had significantly more Cardiaspina spp. than either the long-established colony or an unoccupied control site. In contrast, infestations of Glycaspis spp. remained significantly lower at both new sites when compared with the long-established colony, but equivalent to unoccupied areas. Given this, we conclude that bell miner occupation does not necessarily lead to an increase in psyllid abundance, characteristic of tree dieback in some colonies, and that a causative link between bell miner presence and declining tree health remains to be demonstrated.
Ecological factors facilitating city-dwelling in red-rumped parrots
Authors: Lowry Hélène , Lill Alan
Published: August 2011

The red-rumped parrot (Psephotus haematonotus), which appears to be undergoing range expansion, started colonising metropolitan Melbourne ~30 years ago. The factors that have facilitated this colonisation have not been evaluated. We investigated aspects of the parrot’s ecology at six parkland sites through late autumn and winter 2006 to elucidate these factors. The predominantly ground-feeding red-rumped parrot consumed mainly seeds of exotic grass and herb species, four of which were particularly important in providing a continuous winter food resource. Two of these species were common turf grasses and their visible and concealed seeds provided >50% of the diet. Sites occupied by parrots had relatively more native trees, tall trees and dense canopy cover than unoccupied sites; this may be important in providing suitable daytime and nocturnal roost sites. Little aggressive interference competition occurred with other ground-feeding birds. Mean population density in occupied sites was 1.3 parrots ha–1. Mean flock size was 10 ± 6 and, on average, males comprised 67 ± 19% of a flock’s members. We suggest that abundant, continuously available food (seed) resources, apparently limited competition for food and the presence of suitable roosting sites are probably important in facilitating winter occupancy of parkland by red-rumped parrots in Melbourne.
Using population genetic tools to develop a control strategy for feral cats (Felis catus) in Hawai'i
Authors: Hansen Heidi , Hess Steven C. , Cole David , Banko Paul C.
Published: August 2011

Population genetics can provide information about the demographics and dynamics of invasive species that is beneficial for developing effective control strategies. We studied the population genetics of feral cats on Hawai‘i Island by microsatellite analysis to evaluate genetic diversity and population structure, assess gene flow and connectivity among three populations, identify potential source populations, characterise population dynamics, and evaluate sex-biased dispersal. High genetic diversity, low structure, and high number of migrants per generation supported high gene flow that was not limited spatially. Migration rates revealed that most migration occurred out of West Mauna Kea. Effective population size estimates indicated increasing cat populations despite control efforts. Despite high gene flow, relatedness estimates declined significantly with increased geographic distance and Bayesian assignment tests revealed the presence of three population clusters. Genetic structure and relatedness estimates indicated male-biased dispersal, primarily from Mauna Kea, suggesting that this population should be targeted for control. However, recolonisation seems likely, given the great dispersal ability that may not be inhibited by barriers such as lava flows. Genetic monitoring will be necessary to assess the effectiveness of future control efforts. Management of other invasive species may benefit by employing these population genetic tools.
Eye gaze and verb agreement in German Sign Language
Authors: Hosemann Jana
Published: August 2011

Eye gaze as a nonmanual component of sign languages has not yet been investigated in much detail. The idea that eye gaze may function as an agreement marker was brought forward by Bahan (1996) and Neidle et al. (2000), who argued that eye gaze is an independent agreement marker occurring with all three verb types (plain verbs, spatial verbs, and agreeing verbs) in American Sign Language (ASL). Thompson et al. (2006) conducted an eye-tracking experiment to investigate the interdependency between eye gaze and ASL verb agreement in depth. Their results indicate that eye gaze in ASL functions as an agreement marker only when accompanying manual agreement, marking the object in agreeing verbs and the locative argument in spatial verbs. They conclude that eye gaze is part of an agreement circumfix. Subsequently, I conducted an eye-tracking experiment to investigate the correlation of eye gaze and manual agreement for verbs in German Sign Language (DGS). The results differ from Thompson et al.’s, since eye gaze with agreeing verbs in the DGS data did not occur as systematically as in ASL. Nevertheless, an analysis of verb duration and the spreading of a correlating eye gaze suggests that there is a dependency relation between eye gaze and manual agreement.
Interpreting accent in the courtroom
Authors: Hale Sandra , Bond Nigel , Sutton Jeanna
Published: August 2011

Findings from research conducted into interpreted court proceedings have suggested that it is the interpreters’ rendition that the judiciary and jurors hear and upon which they base their evaluations of witnesses’ testimony. Previous research into the effect of foreign accent of witnesses indicated particular foreign accents negatively influence mock jurors’ evaluations of the testimony. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of interpreters’ foreign accents on the evaluation of witnesses’ testimony. Contrary to previous research, our results indicated that participants rated the witness more favourably when testimony was interpreted by an interpreter with a foreign language accent. Accented versions were all rated as more credible, honest, trustworthy and persuasive than the non-accented versions. This paper discusses the findings in the light of methodological concerns and limitations, and highlights the need for further research in the area.
Habitat Suitability Index for Largemouth Bass in Tidal Rivers of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed
Authors: Love Joseph W.
Published: August 2011

The largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides is arguably the most sought fish species by inland anglers in North America. The suitability of inland habitats for supporting largemouth bass populations can differ remarkably but is difficult to quantify. I developed and evaluated the utility of a habitat suitability index (HSI) for largemouth bass in tidal freshwater portions of selected drainages in the Chesapeake Bay. The HSI comprised suitability scores ranging from 0 (not suitable) to 1 (perfectly suitable) and was calculated from seven separate suitability models in which suitability scores were functions of summer water temperature (°C), summer dissolved oxygen (mg/L), summer pH, maximum monthly salinity (‰), submerged aquatic vegetation coverage (%), monthly average water clarity, and stream discharge (m3/s) during the spawning season. Some of the suitability models that contributed to the HSI were modified to reflect species–habitat relationships observed for largemouth bass in drainages of the Chesapeake Bay from 2003 to 2008. Based on the HSI, drainages ranged from moderately suitable (HSI = 0.57) to highly suitable (HSI = 0.84). Spatial and monthly differences in HSI were positively correlated with relative abundance of largemouth bass; similar habitat conditions among years led to low interannual variation in HSI, which was not correlated with annual differences in relative abundance. Although the HSI may be useful in summarizing habitat suitability for a species, it may obscure important physical and biotic interactions that could affect the species’ distribution.
Comparison of Fish Assemblages in Two Disjoined Segments of an Oxbow Lake in Relation to Connectivity
Authors: Dembkowski Daniel J. , Miranda L. E.
Published: August 2011

Disconnection between adjacent habitat patches is one of the most notable factors contributing to the decreased biotic integrity of global ecosystems. Connectivity is especially threatened in river–floodplain ecosystems in which channel modifications have disrupted the lateral links between the main river channel and floodplain lakes. In this study, we examined the interaction between the interconnectedness of floodplain lakes and main river channels and fish assemblage descriptors. Fish assemblages in two segments of an oxbow lake, one connected to and the other isolated from the Yazoo River, Mississippi, were estimated with daytime boat electrofishing during 2007–2010. The frequency of connection for the connected segment ranged from zero to seven individual events per year (mean, ∼2). The timing of most connection events reflected regional precipitation patterns. Greater species richness, diversity, and evenness were observed in the connected segment. Additionally, the connected segment had a greater abundance of piscivores and periodic life history strategists. All fishes collected solely in the connected segment were typically riverine in nature, whereas fishes collected only in the disconnected segment were more lacustrine adapted. These results suggest that periodic connection and the associated habitat heterogeneity that it provides are important for maintaining fish species richness and diversity in large‐river floodplain lakes. We suggest that maintenance or restoration of connection be an integral part of fluvial ecosystem management plans.
Evidence of exercise‐induced muscle damage following a simulated rugby league match
Authors: Twist Craig , Sykes Dave
Published: August 2011

This study investigated symptoms of exercise‐induced muscle damage following a simulated rugby league game. Ten male participants were assessed before, immediately after (0 h), and 24 and 48 h after the simulated game. Perceived muscle soreness was higher at all time points (P=0.001) and creatine kinase values were increased at 24 h following the simulated game (P=0.001). Peak knee extensor torque at 60 deg · s−1 was reduced up to 48 h (P =0.04) but was unchanged at 240 deg · s−1. Similarly, peak knee flexor torque at 60 deg · s−1 was lower than baseline up to 24 h, while at 240 deg · s−1 it was reduced at 24 h only (P=0.045). Correlations between changes in strength loss of the knee extensors and fat mass to fat‐free mass ratio reveleaved no significant relationship between variables (P >0.05). In addition, countermovement jump performance was reduced at 0 and 24 h following the simulated game (P=0.008). Our results suggest that symptoms of exercise‐induced muscle damage occur up to 48 h following a simulated rugby league match. Coaches should be cognisant of the large increases in muscle soreness and reductions in slow velocity force generation, and should adapt training accordingly in the 48 h period following a game.
The effects of dehydration and rehydration on electrocardiographic and echocardiographic parameters in Greco‐Roman wrestlers
Authors: Roshan Valiollah Dabidi , Hosseinzadeh Mahdi , Saravi Mehrdad
Published: August 2011

The effects of exercise training on heart have been widely explored. However, less understood are the effects of dehydration and rehydration on electrocardiographic (ECG) and echocardiographic (Echo) parameters in wrestlers. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dehydration and rehydration on some ECG and Echo parameters. Fourteen healthy high school wrestlers (age 18.1±2.6 years, weight 77.2±10.2 kg, BMI 25.2±2.9 kg · m−2; mean±s) were randomly assigned to an experimental (loss of 3–4% of their weight through 10‐min bouts in dry sauna) or a control (dry sauna exposure with mineral water proportionate to their body weight loss) group. Blood and urine sampling, 12‐lead ECG, and echocardiogram were recorded in euhydration, dehydration, and 18 h after sauna. Moreover, a 6‐min high‐intensity arm ergometer cranking test (8×15 s intervals at maximum workload and 30 s active recovery) was completed in each of the three stages. Data were analysed with repeated‐measures analysis of variance, independent t‐tests, and Pearson correlations. Dehydration by 3–4% of body weight in sauna resulted in augmentation of the sum of amplitudes of P waves and QRS complexes (mm), but decreased left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), and stroke volume (ml). As expected, rehydration was associated with recovery of the P wave and ECG parameters. In general, QRS amplitude correlated poorly with LVESV, LVEDV, and P wave, but was inversely related to stroke volume (r=–0.387, P=0.011). In conclusion, dehydration in Greco‐Roman wrestlers results in physiological alterations (amplitude of the P wave and QRS complex, LVESV, LVEDV, and stroke volume) of the electrical properties of the passive volume conductor. Further research is necessary to assess the potential for adverse events and appropriateness of this short‐term weight loss strategy for young wrestlers or other populations.
Logarithmic fluctuations for internal DLA
Authors: Jerison David , Levine Lionel , Sheffield Scott
Published: August 2011

Let each of

n
n

particles starting at the origin in

Z

2

\mathbb Z^2

perform simple random walk until reaching a site with no other particles. Lawler, Bramson, and Griffeath proved that the resulting random set

A
(
n
)

A(n)

of

n
n

occupied sites is (with high probability) close to a disk

B

r

\mathbf {B}_r

of radius

r
=

n

/

π

r=\sqrt {n/\pi }

. We show that the discrepancy between

A
(
n
)

A(n)

and the disk is at most logarithmic in the radius: i.e., there is an absolute constant 

C
C

such that with probability

1
1

,
\[

B

r
−
C
log
⁡
r

⊂
A
(
π

r
2

)
⊂

B

r
+
C
log
⁡
r

 for all sufficiently large 

r

.

\mathbf {B}_{r - C\log r} \subset A(\pi r^2) \subset \mathbf {B}_{r+ C\log r} \quad \mbox { for all sufficiently large $r$}.

\]
Complete, accurate, mammalian phylogenies aid conservation planning, but not much
Authors: Rodrigues Ana S. L. , Grenyer Richard , Baillie Jonathan E. M. , Bininda-Emonds Olaf R. P. , Gittlemann John L. , Hoffmann Michael , Safi Kamran , Schipper Jan , Stuart Simon N. , Brooks Thomas
Published: August 2011

In the face of unprecedented global biodiversity loss, conservation planning must balance between refining and deepening knowledge versus acting on current information to preserve species and communities. Phylogenetic diversity (PD), a biodiversity measure that takes into account the evolutionary relationships between species, is arguably a more meaningful measure of biodiversity than species diversity, but cannot yet be applied to conservation planning for the majority of taxa for which phylogenetic trees have not yet been developed. Here, we investigate how the quality of data on the taxonomy and/or phylogeny of species affects the results of spatial conservation planning in terms of the representation of overall mammalian PD. The results show that the better the quality of the biodiversity data the better they can serve as a basis for conservation planning. However, decisions based on incomplete data are remarkably robust across different levels of degrading quality concerning the description of new species and the availability of phylogenetic information. Thus, given the level of urgency and the need for action, conservation planning can safely make use of the best available systematic data, limited as these data may be.
Global habitat suitability models of terrestrial mammals
Authors: Rondinini Carlo , Di Marco Moreno , Chiozza Federica , Santulli Giulia , Baisero Daniele , Visconti Piero , Hoffmann Michael , Schipper Jan , Stuart Simon N. , Tognelli Marcelo F. , Amori Giovanni , Falcucci Alessandra , Maiorano Luigi , Boitani Luigi
Published: August 2011

Detailed large-scale information on mammal distribution has often been lacking, hindering conservation efforts. We used the information from the 2009 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as a baseline for developing habitat suitability models for 5027 out of 5330 known terrestrial mammal species, based on their habitat relationships. We focused on the following environmental variables: land cover, elevation and hydrological features. Models were developed at 300 m resolution and limited to within species' known geographical ranges. A subset of the models was validated using points of known species occurrence. We conducted a global, fine-scale analysis of patterns of species richness. The richness of mammal species estimated by the overlap of their suitable habitat is on average one-third less than that estimated by the overlap of their geographical ranges. The highest absolute difference is found in tropical and subtropical regions in South America, Africa and Southeast Asia that are not covered by dense forest. The proportion of suitable habitat within mammal geographical ranges correlates with the IUCN Red List category to which they have been assigned, decreasing monotonically from Least Concern to Endangered. These results demonstrate the importance of fine-resolution distribution data for the development of global conservation strategies for mammals.
Governance factors in the identification of global conservation priorities for mammals
Authors: Eklund Johanna , Arponen Anni , Visconti Piero , Cabeza Mar
Published: August 2011

Global conservation priorities have often been identified based on the combination of species richness and threat information. With the development of the field of systematic conservation planning, more attention has been given to conservation costs. This leads to prioritizing developing countries, where costs are generally low and biodiversity is high. But many of these countries have poor governance, which may result in ineffective conservation or in larger costs than initially expected. We explore how the consideration of governance affects the selection of global conservation priorities for the world's mammals in a complementarity-based conservation prioritization. We use data on Control of Corruption (Worldwide Governance Indicators project) as an indicator of governance effectiveness, and gross domestic productper capitaas an indicator of cost. We show that, while core areas with high levels of endemism are always selected as important regardless of governance and cost values, there are clear regional differences in selected sites when biodiversity, cost or governance are taken into account separately. Overall, the analysis supports the concentration of conservation efforts in most of the regions generally considered of high priority, but stresses the need for different conservation approaches in different continents owing to spatial patterns of governance and economic development.
Community structure and diversity of tropical forest mammals: data from a global camera trap network
Authors: Ahumada Jorge A. , Silva Carlos E. F. , Gajapersad Krisna , Hallam Chris , Hurtado Johanna , Martin Emanuel , McWilliam Alex , Mugerwa Badru , O'Brien Tim , Rovero Francesco , Sheil Douglas , Spironello Wilson R. , Winarni Nurul , Andelman Sandy J.
Published: August 2011

Terrestrial mammals are a key component of tropical forest communities as indicators of ecosystem health and providers of important ecosystem services. However, there is little quantitative information about how they change with local, regional and global threats. In this paper, the first standardized pantropical forest terrestrial mammal community study, we examine several aspects of terrestrial mammal species and community diversity (species richness, species diversity, evenness, dominance, functional diversity and community structure) at seven sites around the globe using a single standardized camera trapping methodology approach. The sites—located in Uganda, Tanzania, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Suriname, Brazil and Costa Rica—are surrounded by different landscape configurations, from continuous forests to highly fragmented forests. We obtained more than 51 000 images and detected 105 species of mammals with a total sampling effort of 12 687 camera trap days. We find that mammal communities from highly fragmented sites have lower species richness, species diversity, functional diversity and higher dominance when compared with sites in partially fragmented and continuous forest. We emphasize the importance of standardized camera trapping approaches for obtaining baselines for monitoring forest mammal communities so as to adequately understand the effect of global, regional and local threats and appropriately inform conservation actions.
The changing fates of the world's mammals
Authors: Hoffmann Michael , Belant Jerrold L. , Chanson Janice S. , Cox Neil A. , Lamoreux John , Rodrigues Ana S. L. , Schipper Jan , Stuart Simon N.
Published: August 2011

A recent complete assessment of the conservation status of 5487 mammal species demonstrated that at least one-fifth are at risk of extinction in the wild. We retrospectively identified genuine changes in extinction risk for mammals between 1996 and 2008 to calculate changes in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List Index (RLI). Species-level trends in the conservation status of mammalian diversity reveal that extinction risk in large-bodied species is increasing, and that the rate of deterioration has been most accelerated in the Indomalayan and Australasian realms. Expanding agriculture and hunting have been the main drivers of increased extinction risk in mammals. Site-based protection and management, legislation, and captive-breeding and reintroduction programmes have led to improvements in 24 species. We contextualize these changes, and explain why both deteriorations and improvements may be under-reported. Although this study highlights where conservation actions are leading to improvements, it fails to account for instances where conservation has prevented further deteriorations in the status of the world's mammals. The continued utility of the RLI is dependent on sustained investment to ensure repeated assessments of mammals over time and to facilitate future calculations of the RLI and measurement against global targets.
What spatial data do we need to develop global mammal conservation strategies?
Authors: Boitani Luigi , Maiorano Luigi , Baisero Daniele , Falcucci Alessandra , Visconti Piero , Rondinini Carlo
Published: August 2011

Spatial data on species distributions are available in two main forms, point locations and distribution maps (polygon ranges and grids). The first are often temporally and spatially biased, and too discontinuous, to be useful (untransformed) in spatial analyses. A variety of modelling approaches are used to transform point locations into maps. We discuss the attributes that point location data and distribution maps must satisfy in order to be useful in conservation planning. We recommend that before point location data are used to produce and/or evaluate distribution models, the dataset should be assessed under a set of criteria, including sample size, age of data, environmental/geographical coverage, independence, accuracy, time relevance and (often forgotten) representation of areas of permanent and natural presence of the species. Distribution maps must satisfy additional attributes if used for conservation analyses and strategies, including minimizing commission and omission errors, credibility of the source/assessors and availability for public screening. We review currently available databases for mammals globally and show that they are highly variable in complying with these attributes. The heterogeneity and weakness of spatial data seriously constrain their utility to global and also sub-global scale conservation analyses.
Global patterns of fragmentation and connectivity of mammalian carnivore habitat
Authors: Crooks Kevin R. , Burdett Christopher L. , Theobald David M. , Rondinini Carlo , Boitani Luigi
Published: August 2011

Although mammalian carnivores are vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and require landscape connectivity, their global patterns of fragmentation and connectivity have not been examined. We use recently developed high-resolution habitat suitability models to conduct comparative analyses and to identify global hotspots of fragmentation and connectivity for the world's terrestrial carnivores. Species with less fragmentation (i.e. more interior high-quality habitat) had larger geographical ranges, a greater proportion of habitat within their range, greater habitat connectivity and a lower risk of extinction. Species with higher connectivity (i.e. less habitat isolation) also had a greater proportion of high-quality habitat, but had smaller, not larger, ranges, probably reflecting shorter distances between habitat patches for species with restricted distributions; such species were also more threatened, as would be expected given the negative relationship between range size and extinction risk. Fragmentation and connectivity did not differ among Carnivora families, and body mass was associated with connectivity but not fragmentation. On average, only 54.3 per cent of a species' geographical range comprised high-quality habitat, and more troubling, only 5.2 per cent of the range comprised such habitat within protected areas. Identification of global hotspots of fragmentation and connectivity will help guide strategic priorities for carnivore conservation.
Formation of Self-Generated Gradients of Iodixanol
Authors: Graham John
Published: August 2011

The formation of self-generated gradients of iodixanol from a solution of uniform concentration requires the use of vertical or near-vertical rotors. The density profile that is generated depends upon the sedimentation path length of the rotor, centrifugation time, RCF and temperature. Modulation of the starting concentration changes the density range of the gradient. This Protocol Article illustrates the effect of these parameters on gradient shape in a few selected rotors. Because the gradients are formed by the centrifugal field, they are highly reproducible and easy to execute.
IVF and ICSI in Male Infertility: Update on Outcomes, Risks, and Costs
Authors: Karpman Edward , Williams Daniel H. , Lipshultz Larry I.
Published: August 2011

Assisted reproductive technology with intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) is becoming an international panacea for couples struggling with infertility. The increasing popularity of these techniques and the data generated has given us a better understanding of the efficacy, consequences and costs of these procedures. There still remain many unanswered questions and controversies surrounding the use of IVF and ICSI. Increased experience, better refinement of these techniques and clearer indications for IVF and ICSI will inevitably minimize the risks associated with this procedure.
Evaluation of Patients with Painful Bladder Syndrome/Interstitial Cystitis
Authors: Wyndaele Jean Jacques
Published: August 2011

This review looks into the evaluation of patients with interstitial cystitis (IC). Interstitial cystitis is not easy to define. There is a lot of activity in this domain and a great international effort is made to get to a generally accepted definition and standardised protocols for diagnosis and treatment. We have not reached this point so far.

The diagnosis is still one of exclusion but search for specific markers may change this. Till then other conditions have to be looked for and the list of these is not short. A primary evaluation with history taking, symptom scores, clinical investigations, urine test can guide the physician to further testing.

Urodynamic tests, cystoscopy and hydrodistension, biopsies and pathologic evaluation are in the process of finding a place in the diagnostic tree. The potassium test seems useful for the evaluation of bladder permeability but is not specific for IC alone.

Studies on reevaluation in patients with IC show that primary misdiagnosis happens in a number of them. This is an extra motivation to continue the work towards standardization of the diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Carcinosarcoma of the Urinary Bladder: A Case Report
Authors: Gupta Limci , Elder Jacqueline
Published: August 2011

Carcinosarcomas are rare tumours containing both malignant mesenchymal and epithelial elements. This reports presents a 70-year-old man with carcinosarcoma of the urinary bladder, which is proven histologically.
Case Report: A Novel Solution to Penile Zipper Injury—The Needle Holder
Authors: McCann Philip A.
Published: August 2011

Penile injuries are relatively uncommon[1]. The crush injury mediated by entrapment of the skin between the teeth and fastener of a zipper mechanism has been described[2,3]. It is seen more commonly in uncircumcised children than adults[4]. A number of treatment methods have been mentioned in the literature[5,6]. An adult case presentation and novel method of management using two small needle holders is illustrated.
Molecular Detection of Bladder Cancer by Fluorescence Microsatellite Analysis and an Automated Genetic Analyzing System
Authors: Halachmi Sarel , Cohen Michal , Szargel Raymond , Cohen Nadin
Published: August 2011

To investigate the ability of an automated fluorescent analyzing system to detect microsatellite alterations, in patients with bladder cancer. We investigated 11 with pathology proven bladder Transitional Cell Carcinoma (TCC) for microsatellite alterations in blood, urine, and tumor biopsies. DNA was prepared by standard methods from blood, urine and resected tumor specimens, and was used for microsatellite analysis. After the primers were fluorescent labeled, amplification of the DNA was performed with PCR. The PCR products were placed into the automated genetic analyser (ABI Prism 310, Perkin Elmer, USA) and were subjected to fluorescent scanning with argon ion laser beams. The fluorescent signal intensity measured by the genetic analyzer measured the product size in terms of base pairs. We found loss of heterozygocity (LOH) or microsatellite alterations (a loss or gain of nucleotides, which alter the original normal locus size) in all the patients by using fluorescent microsatellite analysis and an automated analyzing system. In each case the genetic changes found in urine samples were identical to those found in the resected tumor sample. The studies demonstrated the ability to detect bladder tumor non-invasively by fluorescent microsatellite analysis of urine samples. Our study supports the worldwide trend for the search of non-invasive methods to detect bladder cancer. We have overcome major obstacles that prevented the clinical use of an experimental system. With our new tested system microsatellite analysis can be done cheaper, faster, easier and with higher scientific accuracy.
Transition to Adulthood in Spina Bifida: Changing Roles and Expectations
Authors: Mukherjee Shubhra
Published: August 2011

Survival to adulthood for people with Spina Bifida now exceeds 85% due to improvements in medical and surgical management. Rates remain lower than expected for community participation, healthy lifestyle choices, employment and independent living. The importance of transition programming to help adolescents with disabilities prepare for adult life roles is now understood. Literature currently is mainly conceptual or descriptive, but informs the process of developing transition program models. The need for competent and effective adult care providers is discussed. Both the transition to adulthood and the transfer of care to adult care clinics are important and distinct components of spina bifida lifespan care.
MicroRNAs in Vertebrate Synapse Development
Authors: Fiore Roberto , Schratt Gerhard
Published: August 2011

MicroRNAs are a relatively new class of small noncoding RNAs that play an important role in post-transcriptional gene regulation during development and disease. MicroRNAs are abundant in the vertebrate nervous system where they appear to function during neuronal fate determination and early differentiation. It is now becoming increasingly clear that microRNAs are also involved in later stages of neuronal development, namely, the formation and plasticity of synapses. Furthermore, first examples are emerging that microRNAs might contribute to the etiology of neuronal diseases characterized by synaptic dysfunction. This review will summarize the recent examples that describe a function of microRNAs in synapse formation, plasticity, and disease, and discuss future directions that promise to shed light on microRNA regulation by synaptic activity and microRNA function in higher cognitive functions, such as learning and memory.
MicroRNA Profiling: From Dark Matter to White Matter, or Identifying New Players in Neurobiology
Authors: Krichevsky Anna M.
Published: August 2011

Contemporary biology has been revolutionized by a recently discovered class of small regulatory RNA molecules, microRNAs (miRNAs). Missed by researchers for decades due to their tiny size, usually mapping to non-protein-coding regions of genomes, miRNAs and miRNA-mediated regulatory networks have been the “dark matter” of molecular biology. Deciphering miRNA pathways and functions in the CNS of complex organisms is tightly linked to understanding miRNA expression patterns. To facilitate these emerging studies, I here review the basic principles of medium- and high-throughput technologies available for miRNA expression profiling.
The Practice of Scottish Urologists in the Assessment and Management of Fracture Risk in the Ageing Male being Treated for Prostate Cancer
Authors: Ngu Wee Sing , Byrne Derek J.
Published: August 2011

The aim of this study was to ascertain the practice of urologists in Scotland in the assessment and prevention of fracture risk in males starting castration-type therapy for prostate cancer. A questionnaire survey was sent to all practicing consultant urologists in Scotland. A majority of urologists, 25 (64.1%), did not consider the state of their patients' bone mineral density (BMD) before commencing castration-type therapy. The rest used various methods to assess BMD, including clinical impression alone, plain bone radiographs, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). Various methods were used in the prophylaxis and treatment of osteoporosis, including avoidance of castration type therapy and the use of bisphosphonates and bicalutamide along with castration-type therapy. This study has shown that there is no consensus as to the assessment and management of fracture risk in patients with prostate cancer commencing or on established castration-type therapy. The situation needs to be addressed with some consensus guidance.
Role of microRNA Pathway in Mental Retardation
Authors: Qurashi Abrar , Chang Shuang , Jin Peng
Published: August 2011

Deficits in cognitive functions lead to mental retardation (MR). Understanding the genetic basis of inherited MR has provided insights into the pathogenesis of MR. Fragile X syndrome is one of the most common forms of inherited MR, caused by the loss of functional Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP).

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous, single-stranded RNAs between 18 and 25 nucleotides in length, which have been implicated in diversified biological pathways. Recent studies have linked the miRNA pathway to fragile X syndrome. Here we review the role of the miRNA pathway in fragile X syndrome and discuss its implication in MR in general.
Adenosine Receptor Heteromers and their Integrative Role in Striatal Function
Authors: Ferré Sergi , Ciruela Francisco , Quiroz César , Luján Rafael , Popoli Patrizia , Cunha Rodrigo A. , Agnati Luigi F. , Fuxe Kjell , Woods Amina S. , Lluis Carme , Franco Rafael
Published: August 2011

By analyzing the functional role of adenosine receptor heteromers, we review a series of new concepts that should modify our classical views of neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). Neurotransmitter receptors cannot be considered as single functional units anymore. Heteromerization of neurotransmitter receptors confers functional entities that possess different biochemical characteristics with respect to the individual components of the heteromer. Some of these characteristics can be used as a “biochemical fingerprint” to identify neurotransmitter receptor heteromers in the CNS. This is exemplified by changes in binding characteristics that are dependent on coactivation of the receptor units of different adenosine receptor heteromers. Neurotransmitter receptor heteromers can act as “processors” of computations that modulate cell signaling, sometimes critically involved in the control of pre- and postsynaptic neurotransmission. For instance, the adenosine A1-A2Areceptor heteromer acts as a concentration-dependent switch that controls striatal glutamatergic neurotransmission. Neurotransmitter receptor heteromers play a particularly important integrative role in the “local module” (the minimal portion of one or more neurons and/or one or more glial cells that operates as an independent integrative unit), where they act as processors mediating computations that convey information from diverse volume-transmitted signals. For instance, the adenosine A2A-dopamine D2receptor heteromers work as integrators of two different neurotransmitters in the striatal spine module.