bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction
Authors: Baccarelli Andrea , Cassano Patricia A. , Litonjua Augusto , Park Sung Kyun , Suh Helen , Sparrow David , Vokonas Pantel , Schwartz Joel
Published: April 2008

Background—

Particulate air pollution is associated with cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. To help identify mechanisms of action and protective/susceptibility factors, we evaluated whether the effect of particulate matter <2.5 μm in aerodynamic diameter (PM
2.5
) on heart rate variability was modified by dietary intakes of methyl nutrients (folate, vitamins B
6
and B
12
, methionine) and related gene polymorphisms (C677T methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase [
MTHFR
] and C1420T cytoplasmic serine hydroxymethyltransferase [
cSHMT
]).

Methods and Results—

Heart rate variability and dietary data were obtained between 2000 and 2005 from 549 elderly men from the Normative Aging Study. In carriers of [CT/TT]
MTHFR
genotypes, the SD of normal-to-normal intervals was 17.1% (95% CI, 6.5 to 26.4;
P
=0.002) lower than in CC
MTHFR
subjects. In the same [CT/TT]
MTHFR
subjects, each 10-μg/m
3
increase in PM
2.5
in the 48 hours before the examination was associated with a further 8.8% (95% CI, 0.2 to 16.7;
P
=0.047) decrease in the SDNN. In [CC]
cSHMT
carriers, PM
2.5
was associated with an 11.8% (95% CI, 1.8 to 20.8;
P
=0.02) decrease in SDNN. No PM
2.5
-SSDN association was found in subjects with either [CC]
MTHFR
or [CT/TT]
cSHMT
genotypes. The negative effects of PM
2.5
were abrogated in subjects with higher intakes (above median levels) of B
6
, B
12
, or methionine. PM
2.5
was negatively associated with heart rate variability in subjects with lower intakes, but no PM
2.5
effect was found in the higher intake groups.

Conclusion—

Genetic and nutritional variations in the methionine cycle affect heart rate variability either independently or by modifying the effects of PM
2.5
.
Impact of Ethnicity and Gender Differences on Angiographic Coronary Artery Disease Prevalence and In-Hospital Mortality in the American College of Cardiology–National Cardiovascular Data Registry
Authors: Shaw Leslee J. , Shaw Richard E. , Merz C. Noel Bairey , Brindis Ralph G. , Klein Lloyd W. , Nallamothu Brahmajee , Douglas Pamela S. , Krone Ronald J. , McKay Charles R. , Block Peter C. , Hewitt Kathleen , Weintraub William S. , Peterson Eric D.
Published: April 2008

Background—

Although populations referred for coronary angiography are increasingly diverse, there is limited information on coronary artery disease (CAD) prevalence and in-hospital mortality other than for predominately white male patients.

Methods and Results—

We examined gender and ethnic differences in CAD prevalence and in-hospital mortality in a prospective cohort of patients referred for angiographic evaluation of stable angina (n=375 886) or acute coronary syndromes (ACS; unstable angina or myocardial infarction, n=450 329) at 388 US hospitals participating in the American College of Cardiology–National Cardiovascular Data Registry, an angiographic registry. Univariable and multivariable (with covariates that included risk factors, symptoms, and comorbidities) logistic regression models were used to estimate significant CAD, defined as ≥70% stenosis, and in-hospital mortality. Within stable angina and ACS cohorts, 7% of patients were black, 2% were Hispanic, 0.3% were Native American, 1% were Asian, and 90% were white, respectively. In stable angina, the risk-adjusted OR for significant CAD was 0.34 for women compared with men (
P
<0.0001), with black women having the lowest risk-adjusted odds (
P
<0.0001) compared with other females. Among ACS patients, the risk-adjusted OR of significant CAD was 0.47 for women compared with men (
P
<0.0001); similarly, black women had the lowest risk-adjusted odds (
P
<0.0001) compared with other females. Higher in-hospital mortality was reported for white women presenting with stable angina (
P
<0.00001). White women had a 1.34-fold (95% CI 1.21 to 1.48) higher risk-adjusted odds ratio for mortality than white men with stable angina (
P
<0.0001), with higher rates noted for white women who were older or had significant CAD (both
P
<0.0001). Lower utilization of elective coronary revascularization, aspirin, and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitors (all
P
<0.0001) may have contributed to higher in-hospital mortality for white women. In ACS, higher in-hospital mortality was reported for Hispanic (
P
=0.015) and white (
P
<0.0001) women; however, neither white (
P
=0.51) or Hispanic (
P
=0.13) women had higher in-hospital risk-adjusted mortality.

Conclusions—

The likelihood for significant CAD at coronary angiography and for in-hospital mortality varied significantly by ethnicity and gender. Future clinical practice guidelines should be tailored to gender subsets of the population, in particular for black women, to improve the efficient use of angiographic laboratories and to target at-risk populations of women and men.
Cardiovascular Risk of Celecoxib in 6 Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors: Solomon Scott D. , Wittes Janet , Finn Peter V. , Fowler Robert , Viner Jaye , Bertagnolli Monica M. , Arber Nadir , Levin Bernard , Meinert Curtis L. , Martin Barbara , Pater Joseph L. , Goss Paul E. , Lance Peter , Obara Stefanie , Chew Emily Y. , Kim Jonghyeon , Arndt Gretchen , Hawk Ernest
Published: April 2008

Background—Observational studies and randomized trials have reported increased cardiovascular risk associated with cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors. Prior placebo-controlled randomized studies had limited ability to assess the relationship of either celecoxib dose or pretreatment cardiovascular status to risk associated with celecoxib. Our aim was to assess the cardiovascular risk associated with celecoxib in 3 dose regimens and to assess the relationship between baseline cardiovascular risk and effect of celecoxib on cardiovascular events.

Methods and Results—We performed a patient-level pooled analysis of adjudicated data from 7950 patients in 6 placebo-controlled trials comparing celecoxib with placebo for conditions other than arthritis with a planned follow-up of at least 3 years. Patients were administered celecoxib in 3 dose regimens: 400 mg QD, 200 mg BID, or 400 mg BID. From the pooled data, we calculated a hazard ratio for all dose regimens combined and individual hazard ratios for each dose regimen and examined whether celecoxib-related risk was associated with baseline cardiovascular risk. The primary end point was the combination of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, heart failure, or thromboembolic event. With 16 070 patient-years of follow-up, the hazard ratio for the composite end point combining the tested doses was 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.3). The risk, which increased with dose regimen (P=0.0005), was lowest for the 400-mg-QD dose (hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% CI, 0.6 to 2.0), intermediate for the 200-mg-BID dose (hazard ratio, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1), and highest for the 400-mg-BID dose (hazard ratio, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.5 to 6.1). Patients at highest baseline risk demonstrated disproportionately greater risk of celecoxib-related adverse events (Pfor interaction=0.034).

Conclusions—We observed evidence of differential cardiovascular risk as a function of celecoxib dose regimen and baseline cardiovascular risk. By further clarifying the extent of celecoxib-related cardiovascular risk, these findings may help guide treatment decisions for patients who derive clinical benefit from selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibition.
Telemedicine Home Blood Pressure Measurements and Progression of Albuminuria in Elderly People With Diabetes
Authors: Palmas Walter , Pickering Thomas G. , Teresi Jeanne , Schwartz Joseph E. , Field Lesley , Weinstock Ruth S. , Shea Steven
Published: April 2008

We assessed whether home blood pressure monitoring improved the prediction of progression of albuminuria when added to office measurements and compared it with ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in a multiethnic cohort of older people (n=392) with diabetes mellitus, without macroalbuminuria, participating in the telemedicine arm of the Informatics for Diabetes Education and Telemedicine Study. Albuminuria was assessed by measuring the spot urine albumin:creatinine ratio at baseline and annually for 3 years. The ambulatory sleep:wake systolic blood pressure ratio was categorized as dipping (ratio: ≤0.9), nondipping (ratio: >0.9 to 1.0), and nocturnal rise (ratio: >1.0). In a repeated-measures mixed linear model, after adjustment that included office pulse pressure, home pulse pressure was independently associated with a higher follow-up albumin:creatinine ratio (
P
=0.001). That association persisted (
P
=0.01) after adjusting for 24-hour pulse pressure and nocturnal rise, which were also independent predictors (
P
=0.02 and
P
=0.03, respectively). Cox proportional hazards models examined the progression of albuminuria (n=74) as defined by cutoff values used by clinicians. After the adjustment for office pulse pressure, the hazards ratio (95% CI) per 10-mm Hg increment of home pulse pressure was 1.34 (range: 1.1 to 1.7;
P
=0.01). Home pulse pressure was not an independent predictor in the model including ambulatory monitoring data; a nocturnal rise was the only independent predictor (
P
=0.035). Cox models built separately for home pulse pressure and ambulatory monitoring exhibited similar calibration and discrimination. In conclusion, nocturnal blood pressure elevation was the strongest predictor of worsening albuminuria. Home blood pressure measurements added to office measurements and may constitute an adequate substitute for ambulatory monitoring.
Heterosexism and the Interpretation of Romans 1:18-32
Authors: Martin Dale B.
Published: April 2008

This article, concentrating on two articles by Richard Hays, critiques recent interpretations of Rom. 1:18-32. Modern interpreters, influenced more by particularly modern forms of heterosexism and its construction of homosexuality, desire, and "nature" than by a straightforward historical-critical reading of Paul's letter, portray Paul as referring to the "Fall" of Genesis 1-3 in Romans 1. Paul, it is assumed, takes homosexuality to be a sign of "humanity's fallen state." These interpreters, therefore, inscribe homosexual desire into universal fallen humanity in a way that Paul does not do. For one thing, Paul is referring not to the Fall in Romans 1 but to the invention of idolatry and polytheism by the Gentiles; homosexual intercourse is therefore not a symptom of "the Fall" but of Gentile polytheism. For another, Paul is not giving an etiology of homosexual desire, which for him as for most ancients was not different from heterosexual desire, but an etiology of homosexual intercourse. Furthermore, modern scholars misconstrue Paul's references to "nature" and acts "contrary to nature" because they import into Paul's discourse particularly modern notions of "natural" and "unnatural" not available in the ancient world. Heterosexist scholars interpret Paul the way they do not because they are simply and objectively "reading the text," as they claim, but because of their implication in homophobia, a particularly modern ideological system that constructs desire, "nature," and sexuality in particular ways.
At the Beginning: the Status of Women in Neolithic and Shang China*
Authors: Keightley David N.
Published: April 2008

Despite the local and frequently disparate nature of the evidence, both archaeological and inscriptional, and despite the difficulties involved in interpreting that evidence, the study of particular topics-such as secondary burial, following-in-death, sex ratios, marriage patterns, childbearing, Shang royal consorts, Shang ancestresses, and lineage terminology-permits the general conclusion that from at least the Late Neolithic until the Late Shang the political and economic status of most women in China, as represented in burial practices and recorded religious beliefs, was, despite some significant exceptions, inferior to that of most men. The present article provides an initial exploration of how such status distinctions emerged and how they functioned.
Anat-Yahu, Some Other Deities, and the Jews of Elephantine
Authors: Van Der Toorn Karel
Published: April 2008

This contribution discusses the problem of the origin of the goddess Anat-Yahu and the related issue of the cultural background of the Jewish colony at Elephantine. It is argued that Anat-Yahu has been modeled after Anat-Bethel. Contrary to a current opinion, neither Bethel nor Anat-Bethel can be regarded as Phoenician gods. They are late Aramaean gods whose cult is confined to North Syria. Anat-Yahu must be regarded as an Aramaean creation, elicited by the identification of Yahu with Bethel. The latter identification was one of the results of the Aramaean migration to Samaria, either enforced or voluntary, at the end of the 8th century. The theory here proposed assumes that the Jews and Aramaeans of the colonies at Elephantine and Syene originated predominantly from Northern Israel. The ultimate origins of the Aramaean settlers go back to North Syria. The Jewish character of the Elephantine colony is secondary. It can be accounted for by the Judaean transit of Israelite colonists on their way to Egypt and the secondary influx of actual Judaeans. Yet, despite the common designation of the Elephantine colony as "Jewish", its religion is in fact Israelite.
Attitudes toward Animals: Species Ratings
Authors: Driscoll Janis Wiley
Published: April 2008

A questionnaire was used to assess people's attitudes toward 33 species of animals on six dimensions (useful-useless, smart-stupid, responsive-unresponsive, lovable-unlovable, safe-dangerous, and important-unimportant). A cluster analysis resulted in five groups of animals with similar ratings on these dimensions. Respondents were also asked about their attitudes toward hunting, fishing, and medical, scientific and product-testing research using animals.
Pet Ownership and Adults' Views on the Use of Animals
Authors: Hepper Peter G. , Wells Deborah L.
Published: April 2008

Four hundred and twenty-two adults completed a postal questionnaire in which they provided information regarding pet ownership and their attitudes toward 13 issues involving the use of animals. Over 63% of the sample owned a household pet, with the dog being the most common. Household pets were more commonly owned by respondents who were married, younger than 65 years of age, living in detached houses, or with a child/children present in the home. Most concern was expressed toward those types of animal uses which lead to death or injury, especially dog fighting. Females expressed more disagreement than males with most of the uses o f animals examined. Dog owners expressed more approval offox-hunting and hare-coursing than non-dog owners, and horse owners expressed more approval offox-hunting than non-horse owners. This study reveals that some of the ways in which people use animals are considered more acceptable than others, and suggests that it is incorrect to group different kinds of animal use into one broad category. The authors argue that future years may see a shift in the way society uses animals, from manipulation toward care for their well-being.
Health Correlates of Compatibility and Attachment in Human-Companion Animal Relationships
Authors: George Ross St. , Jones Boyd , Spicer John , Claire Budge R.
Published: April 2008

The relationship between animal ownership and owners' health has received increasing attention in the recent human-companion animal literature. This article considers a new aspect of the human-companion animal relationship, that of compatibility between pet and owner. Compatibility is viewed as the fit between the animal and the owner on physical, behavioral, and psychological dimensions. A postal survey was used to test the hypothesis that compatibility has influences on physical and mental health that are independent of those due to owners' level ofpet attachment and human social support. A sample group of 176 pet owners completed a questionnaire containing a new measure of compatibility as well as standard measures of pet attachment, human social support, and mental and physical health. Results of multiple regression analyses indicated that people who are relatively more compatible with their pets report better mental health overall and fewer physical symptoms. Social support was positively associated with mental health. Pet attachment was also positively associated with mental health, but negatively with physical health.
Good Dog: Aspects of Humans' Causal Attributions for a Companion Animal's Social Behavior
Authors: Sanders Clinton R. , Lee Rasmussen Jeffrey , Modlin Susan J. , Holder Angela M. , Rajecki D.W.
Published: April 2008

Lay theories or assumptions about nonhuman animal mentality undoubtedly influence relations between people and companion animals. In two experiments respondents gave their impressions of the mental and motivational bases of companion animal social behavior through measures of causal attribution. When gauged against the matched actions of a boy, as in the first experiment, respondents attributed a dog's playing (good behavior) to internal, dispositional factors buta dog's biting (bad behavior) to external, situational factors. A second experiment that focused on a dog's bite revealed clear attributional process on the part of observers. Higher ratings of a dog as the cause of a victim's distress predicted higher ratings of a dog's guilt. Higher ratings that a dog had an excuse predicted stronger recommendations for forgiveness. Individual differences in seeing the actor as a "good dog" systematically predicted judgments of severity of the outcome and recommendations for punishment. Discussion of these attributional findings referred to tolerance for companion animal misbehavior and relinquishment decisions. This article illustrates the utility of causal attribution as a tool for the study of popular conceptions of nonhuman animal mind and behavior.
Notes On the Analects
Authors: Leslie D.
Published: April 2008

Whether or not they are to be looked on as of Taoist origin, Analects XIV 39-42 and XVIII 5-8 are clearly associated and need to be read in conjunction. In particular, XIV 39, 40 and XVIII 8 are intimately connected. Of the various suggestions for the "seven who did this" (i.e., withdrew) of XIV 40, only Wang Pi's suggestion, expanded by Leslie-Porat, that the seven names of XVIII 8 are intended, merits serious consideration. A careful examination of the two passages, together with parallels and early commentators, suggests that (XIV 39) and (XVIII 8) both mean "avoid speech", "banish speech" (or at least "refrain from speech"), a far more radical interpretation than orthodox Confucianism allows. Analysis of the seven names favours the view that Chu Chang, I-i, and perhaps Shao-lien and (less likely) Yü-chung, never existed ; they were invented to find seven names to fit XIV 40. The close parallels in Mencius suggest that XVIII 8 originally mentioned merely Po-i (and Shu-ch'i ?) and possibly Liu-hsia Hui, the remainder of the text being made up of later accretions, approximately as reconstructed by Leslie-Porat.
A Consideration of Hebrew 1)
Authors: Macintosh A.A.
Published: April 2008

By way of summary, we may state that denotes in origin an aspect of the physical expression of anger; it is used to denote angry protest: when God is the subject its connotation is both his anger and the effective working out of his anger. An extension of such meaning, which is consistent with later Jewish understanding of God, is that of authoritative moral reprimand 4), and in this way the word was mostly interpreted and understood in ancient times.
The Dream of the Biocentric Community and the Structure of Utopias1
Authors: Anker Peder , Witoszek Nina
Published: April 2008

This paper examines the ideal of community as imagined by Arne Naess and the Deep Ecology Movement. In particular the authors address such questions as: Is pluralism of lifestyles reconcilable with the main ideas of the biocentric community? Is liberal justice possible within it? And how realistic is the proposal of education towards a 'biocentric identity'? The analysis shows that, while the deep ecological vision is by no means 'fascist' as some of its critics insist, its inconsistencies, silences and omissions point to an incomplete project which has a dystopian conclusion written into its scenario.
Some Thoughts about the Philosophical Underpinnings of Aboriginal Worldviews
Authors: Graham Mary
Published: April 2008

Indigenous Australian philosophy is more than just a survivalist kit to understanding nature, human or environmental, but is also a system for realising the fullest potential of human emotion and experience. This paper explores elements of indigenous philosophy, focusing on indigenous views that maintain human-ness is a skill, not developed in order to become a better human being, but to become more and more human. In this context, the paper considers indigenous understandings of the land as a spiritual entity and human societies as dependent upon the land.
Cosmology, Worldview and Gender-based Knowledge Systems among the Tanimuka and Yukuna (Northwest Amazon)
Authors: Reichel Elizabeth
Published: April 2008

In this article gender-based knowledge systems are related to the cosmology and worldview held by hunter-gatherer men and by female swidden cultivators among the Tanimuka and Yukuna Indians of the Northwest Amazon in Colombia. The terms 'cosmology' and 'worldview' are differentiated conceptually, to distinguish the scales of cosmoview and worldview as Amerindians contrast these. The positions of each gender in knowledge politics, property rights, environmental management strategies and in chiefdom polities are analysed to inquire why the cosmology and worldview asymmetrically empower the men and women to recreate social and environmental sustainability, endorse consciousness of ethno-eco-cosmic linkages and foster respect for life-enhancing dynamics. An analysis of the concepts of Thought or of Knowledge as the basis of existence itself across society, nature and cosmos is made to inquire why this Amerindian theory of knowledge and its application by gender-based agency consolidates ethnic alterity and a wise use of resources. The Tanimuka and Yukuna rejection of alien or unwanted Thought-Knowledge of other cultures and of rainforest forces is interpreted as a politics of distantiation. This affirms notions of a negotiatory universe with long term communitarian and environmental well-being, as the knowledge claims of the cosmology and worldview resist hegemonic ecocidal and ethnocidal dynamics.
The Northernmost Population of Podarcis muralis (Lacertilia, Lacertidae)
Authors: Strijbosch H. , Bonnemayer J.J.A.M. , Dietvorst P.J.M.
Published: April 2008

In a one year study we collected ecological data of the northernmost population of P. muralis in Maastricht (50° 51' N. Lat. in the Netherlands). This population consisted of about 100 adult lizards. It was probably definitely divided in two subpopulations situated close to each other which were subdivided into 5 and 2 colonies respectively, between which there was no or hardly any exchange. Sex ratio did not significantly differ from 1.0. Compared with the wall lizards of more southern populations they were found to be rather small and to grow more slowly. The age structure of the population was out of balance on account of the small numbers of some younger year classes. Only good, i.e. warmer years are likely to enable a reasonable reproduction success. The total period of activity does not differ from that in more southern regions but the reproduction period is clearly retarded and the incubation period of eggs is distinctly longer. The frequent partial reproduction failure is probably compensated by a rather high longevity, which, however, renders the population very sensitive to each factor that increases mortality. The animals have home ranges of 15-25 m2 (no significant differences between sexes) and they have a considerable home range overlap. These home range sizes do not differ from those in more southern regions but the overlaps are much more frequent and therefore it can be concluded that there is a strong concentration on ecologically suitable and spatially very restricted spots. From a list of prey species based on faeces analysis P. muralis appears to be a non-selective feeder. On two adult specimens we found the acarine ectoparasite Ophionyssus lacertinus.
C-Banded Karyotype and Cytotaxonomy of Mertensiella caucasica (WAGA, 1876) (Caudata: Salamandridae)
Authors: Ragghianti Matilde , Bucci-Innocenti Stefania , Mancino Giorgio
Published: April 2008

Chromosome number, karyotype and chromosomal banding pattern of Mertensiella caucasica were studied in differentially stained mitotic preparations. The main feature of the C-banded appearance concerns the centromere regions, which are heavily stained by the Giemsa and are outlined by proximal C-bands. This morpho-structural character seems to be peculiar of the genome of M. caucasica, when compared with the C-banding pattern shown by the chromosomes of Salamandra, considered the most closely related form. Therefore, a preliminary cytotaxonomic survey seems to support the opinion that the Caucasian salamander can be referred to a well defined genus Mertensiella rather than a subgenus of Salamandra.
The snapping response of the toad, Bufo bufo, towards prey dummies at very low light intensities
Authors: Larsen Lis Olesen , Pedersen Jan Nyholm
Published: April 2008

Field studies showed that toads may snap at prey at light intensities at which human beings can no longer see. Experiments in the laboratory showed that snapping towards black mealworm dummies moved on a white background was independent of light intensities, from 1000 mlux to about 30-280 μlux. At lower intensities light seemed to be a limiting factor in the response. The level at which no response could be elicited was below 10 μlux. The day before and during a moult the snapping intensity was often low. It is concluded that toads can use visual cues for feeding at very low light intensities.
Thermal Relations of Testudo hermanni robertmertensi WERMUTH in S. France
Authors: Pulford Elizabeth , Hailey Adrian , Stubbs David
Published: April 2008

The mean body temperature of T. hermanni in woodland in France was 28.5 °C (August 1981). Body temperatures were elevated above air temperature and indirect evidence for basking and selection of an optimal microenvironment is discussed.
Evolutionary Origins of Viviparity in the Reptilia. II. Serpentes, Amphisbaenia, and Ichthyosauria
Authors: Blackburn Daniel G.
Published: April 2008

Superimposition of reproductive mode data from the literature over phylogenetic classification systems reveals that viviparity (live-bearing reproduction) has evolved on at least 35 independent occasions among the Serpentes, once in the Amphisbaenia, and once in the Ichthyosauria. Of the ophidian origins of the live-bearing mode, at least fourteen have occurred in the Colubridae, twelve in the Viperidae, three in the Hydrophiidae (used in the sense of Smith et al., 1977), and one in each of the following groups: Boidae, Acrochordidae, Tropidophiidae, Uropeltidae, Typhlopidae, and Elapidae. Previous analysis has distinguished and defined 45 origins of viviparity among the lizards. Here, ten additional saurian origins are recognized on the basis of unpublished and recently published evidence, three in the Iguanidae, two in the Scincidae, and one in each of the following groups: Agamidae, Chamaeleontidae, Anguidae, Xenosauridae, and Anniellidae. As phylogenetic relationships are clarified, further origins seem likely to be detected, particularly in the Colubridae, Hydrophiidae, Scincidae, and Iguanidae. At present, however, at least 92 origins of viviparity can be recognized within the class Reptilia. Reptilian viviparity has arisen on multiple occasions in each of the six major biogeographic regions, with a majority of the origins having occurred in the Old World. Nearly 19% of the extant reptile species are probably live-bearers, including more than 20% of the snakes and over 19% of the lizards. About 71 % of the viviparous species belong to either the Scincidae, Colubridae, Viperidae, or Iguanidae. The discontinuous distribution of the origins of viviparity among the reptilian families supports the hypothesis that selective pressures, preadaptations, and constraints vary at high taxonomic levels.
Courtship, mating and agonistic behaviour in a free-living population of adders, Vipera berus (L.)
Authors: Andrén Claes
Published: April 2008

Courtship, mating and agonistic behaviour in free living adders, Vipera berus, are described. Temporal associations between behaviour patterns within and between individuals are analyzed to test motivation and signal functions. Differences in combat behaviour in males meeting for the first time and later are examined. The function of combats and territorial defence is discussed.
Croissance et cycle des voies génitales femelles de Typhlonectes compressicaudus (Duméril et Bibron, 1841), amphibien apode vivipare
Authors: Exbrayat J.M.
Published: April 2008

In Typhlonectes compressicaudus the female genital ducts consist of an oviduct and a uterus. A longitudinal groove runs parallel to the oviduct, instead of a funnel. It's only during the second year after birth that modifications in genital ducts prepare the reproductive cycle. In female adults, funnel and oviduct are provided with cilia as early as October. Glands are developing at the level of the oviduct in which we observe 3 types of cells. After the ovulation (at the end of April), these structures set in rest again. From October to December we observe the development of the uterine wall in which are found also three types of cells, provided with cilia or glandular secretions. In pregnant females, this uterine wall undergoes modifications which are linked to the stages of the embryo's development. From July to October (after parturition) the uterus set in rest again; it's the same for the females without ovulation. Structural modifications of the female genital ducts are linked to the evolution and biennial cycle of the ovary at the level of which we detect steroidogenic activity.
The annual cycle of oviduct in Tarentola m. mauritanica L. (Reptilia, Gekkonidae)
Authors: Picariello O. , Ciarcia G. , Angelini F.
Published: April 2008

The oviduct of Tarentola mauritanica from southern Italy can be divided cranio-caudally into 5 regions: infundibulum that opens into the coelomic cavity, tuba, isthmus, uterus and vagina which opens into the cloaca. The changing morphology of these regions during the reproductive cycle is described. Unlike the male, the genital duct (epididymis) which is fully developed and secretory throughout the year, the oviduct shows a marked annual cycle with maximum activity in May-July. Seasonality would allow optimization of the reproductive effort. This gecko shows three ovulatory waves, namely in late May, June and July; at each time one calcareous cgg is produced per ovary. There is a short period of egg retention in the oviduct. The main breeding period takes place in spring; sometimes a second optional breeding may occur in autumn. Sperm is preserved inside the crypts of the tuba until the next spring.
Observations on mating, oviposition, egg sac formation and development in the egg-brooding frog, Fritziana goeldii
Authors: Weygoldt Peter , de Carvalho e Silva Sergio Potsch
Published: April 2008

The oviposition behaviour of the egg brooding hylid frog, Fritziana goeldii, is essentially similar to that seen in the genera Gastrotheca and Flectonotus. At the beginning of oviposition, the female extrudes a mucous secretion which is beaten into a foam surrounding all eggs. This later hardens and forms an egg sac which is firmly glued onto the female's back. If it is removed, the lateral partitions which form between embryos disappear immediately. Intracapsular development on the female's back takes 17 days, larval development takes 21 to 24 days. The larvae hatch at stages 30 to 33 and feed on dead conspecific larvae and undeveloped eggs. The observations are discussed with regard to the hypothesis that direct development is the plesiomorphic reproductive mode in hemiphractine frogs and that development through free living larvae is derived. It is our opinion that, as far as Fritziana and Flectonotus are concerend, the evidence in favour of the above hypothesis is not sufficient.
A field study of survival, growth, biomass and temperature dependence of Rana dalmatina and Rana temporaria larvae
Authors: Riis Niels
Published: April 2008

The ecology of eggs and tadpoles of the European brown frogs Rana dalmatina and Rana temporaria was investigated in six Danish ponds. Developmental time of eggs was a logarithmic function of temperature with the same exponents for both species. However the time constant was double in the early breeding R. dalmatina so hatching appears contemporarily at the actual temperatures. Tadpole growth was fitted better by the logistic than the Gompertz function. Transformation size diverged by a factor of 2 among populations intraspecifically; this is explained by food limitation. It is suggested that interspecific competition might have contributed to present distribution. Population sizes declined exponentially. Overall survival from eggs to froglets ranged from 1.8 to 6.7 % with the highest survival in the fast-growing R. temporaria. Interspecific differences in mortality rates remained inappreciable. Since mortality does not seem to be size-limited, factors influencing developmental time might affect populations appreciably. The importance of the tadpole phase in population regulation is stressed, especially in R. dalmatina, in which survival during the first 3 month nearly equalled survival during next 33 months from froglets to adults in females.
Phylogeny and systematics of viperine snakes. III: resurrection of the genus Macrovipera (Reuss, 1927) as suggested by biochemical evidence
Authors: Herrmann Hans-Werner , Joger Ulrich , Nilson Göran
Published: April 2008

The phylogenetic relationships of the large Palaearctic vipers (Daboia sensu Obst, 1983) and Eristicophis were investigated using immunological comparisons of blood serum albumin and blood serum electrophoresis. The genus Echis was used for outgroup comparisons. Daboia was found to be polyphyletic. The name Daboia should be restricted to the type species russelli which was found to have the same immunological distance to the lebetina group as the monophyletic Pseudocerastes-Eristicophis group. The lebetina group was found to consist of the four species lebetina, schweizeri, mauritanica and deserti. For this group the generic name Macrovipera is revalidated. The taxa schweizeri and deserti are treated as full species. Vipera palaestinae was found to be the closest relative of the V. xanthina group. Nomenclatural history and distribution of the involved taxa is reviewed. Descriptions and diagnoses for the genus Macrovipera and the included species are given.
Studies on the growth and longevity of the yellow-bellied toad, Bombina variegata, in natural environments
Authors: Plytycz Barbara , Bigaj Janusz
Published: April 2008

Yellow-bellied toads were studied in their natural environment in a mountain locality in southeastern Poland. 608 specimens were captured, marked by yellow skin autografts placed in different parts of their dorsal surface according to body length, and released. Some of them were recaptured and measured from one to nine years later to estimate their growth and longevity. Yellow-bellied toads grew rapidly in early life; thereafter their growth was very limited. Body size was not an accurate age indicator of an individual of this species. The body length 51-55 mm was maximal in this locality. Yellow-bellied toads were long-lived in nature, some individuals surviving for much more than ten years, and perhaps even more than 20 years. The skeletochronological technique (counting the growth lines in phalangeal cross-sections of the clipped toes of some marked individuals) underestimated the actual age of these animals.
Water and energy balance of the thorny devil Moloch horridus: is the devil a sloth?
Authors: Withers P.C. , Bradshaw S.D.
Published: April 2008

Rates of turnover of water, energy and sodium were measured for free-ranging thorny devils (Moloch horridus), which are myrmecophagous agamid lizards, in a semi-arid Western Australian habitat. There were significant differences in body water content and water turnover rate (WTR) measurements for cool, wet, average and hot periods, although the field metabolic rate (FMR) and sodium turnover (NaTR) rate did not differ significantly between weather conditions. The thorny devil had a substantially lower field WTR during dry periods (10-15 ml kg-1 d-1) than expected for semi-arid and arid lizards, although the WTR was higher in wet conditions (30-35 ml kg-1 d-1). The field metabolic rate of thorny devils (0.134 ml CO2 g-1 h-1) was only slightly less than that expected for a semi-arid/lizard (0.178 ml CO2 g-1 h-1), despite the apparently slothful nature of the thorny devil. The sodium turnover rate of the thorny devil (1.5-2.5 mmol kg-1 d-1) was within the range reported for other semi-arid/arid lizards. The field metabolic rate of the thorny devils suggests that they consume about 750 ants per day. The ratio of water to energy turnover measured for thorny devils in the field (0.11 ml H2O kj-1) was the same as that predicted from the composition of ants and their digestibility by thorny devils (0.11 ml H2O kj-1). However, the ratios of sodium-to-energy turnover (30 μmol Na+ kj-1) and sodium-to-water turnover (277 μmol ml H2O-1) were substantially higher than expected ratios (10 and 89 respectively).
Preliminary reconstructions of nasal chemosensory evolution in Squamata
Authors: Cooper William E.
Published: April 2008

Squamate reptiles are known for using vomerolfaction, the sense associated with the vomeronasal organs, to detect prey, predators, and conspecifies. By comparison, olfaction has been relatively neglected, yet many squamates have highly developed olfactory systems. Data from the literature were used to make preliminary reconstructions of the evolution of the vomeronasal and olfactory systems in Squamata. Vomerolfaction is highly developed in nearly all squamates, and was enhanced progressively in the common ancestors of Scleroglossa, Autarchoglossa, and Anguimorpha, reaching peaks in two autarchoglossan clades, Varanoidea, and Lacertiformes. Olfaction also improved in the common ancestor of Scleroglossa. Olfactory receptor abundance peaked in Gekkota and Lacertoidea, but declined in Anguimorpha, with some increase in snakes. Five major clades of lizards differ in development of chemical senses. Iguanians have the least developed vomerolfaction and olfaction. Gekkotans and lacertoideans have the greatest olfactory development, with greater vomerolfactory development in Lacertoidea. Scincoideans have intermediate olfaction and vomerolfaction. Anguimorphans have the most specialized vomerolfaction coupled in snakes with apparently greater olfactory powers than in varanids.
Escalated aggressive behaviour and facultative parental care in the nest building gladiator frog, Hyla faber
Authors: Martins Marcio , Pombal José P. , Haddad Célio F.B.
Published: April 2008

Agonistic encounters and facultative parental care in Hyla faber were observed in two localities in southeastern Brazil. Maximum male density was 0.9 and 3.3 males/m2 in Campinas and Ribeirão Branco, respectively. Aggression was escalated and the highly variable aggressive calls were specific to each phase of the encounter. The last, more aggressive phases rarely occurred in Campinas; in Ribeirao Branco they occurred frequently. Male parental care (egg attendance) was common in Ribeirao Branco while it was never observed in Campinas. Egg attendance lasted one to two nights and was observed only during high male density. The main benefit of egg attendance seemed to be avoiding nest intrusion by other males (sunken eggs and/or embryos invariably die). Males may build additional nests during egg attendance, but attending males did not attract females (they did not call).
Size-dependent male reproductive success and size-assortative mating in the midwife toad Alytes obstetricans
Authors: Böll S. , Linsenmair K.E.
Published: April 2008

In a field population of the midwife toad, Alytes obstetricans, a temperate zone species with extensive paternal care, size-assortative mating was observed. During the more favourable mating season of 1987, larger males carried bigger single clutches, as expected from assortative matings. Furthermore, larger males experienced higher mating success over the whole season as well as during single egg carrying intervals. However, during the extraordinarily dry breeding period of 1988, no size-related male mating success was found. Males were in both years highly successful caretakers as far as hatching success of the tadpoles was concerned. Brood care was associated with conditional costs for egg-carrying males in 1988, but not in 1987. Neither hatching success nor hatching size of the tadpoles were correlated with male size. Possible causes, leading to the observed mating advantage of larger-sized males in some years, but not in others, are discussed.
Behaviour Components in the Feeding of Wild and Laboratory Rats
Authors: Barnett S.A.
Published: April 2008

Feeding behaviour has been studied in rats (Rattus norvegicus Berkenhout) kept in small cages in which a choice of foods was offered. Most of the rats were wild, but some albinos were used for comparison. The main intention of the experiments was to elucidate the component activities which make up feeding behaviour; but some observations on food preferences were made. When offered minced liver, wheat grains, flour and sugar, rats usually ate some of each food; sugar was eaten least, and sometimes little of e i t h e r flour or wheat was taken. When offered the alternative of wheat mixed either with cod liver oil or aniseed oil, as against wheat mixed with arachis oil, consumption was almost confined to the arachis oil mixture. This was true even when, as nestlings, the rats had been given only the distasteful mixture to eat. Both wild and albino rats show very marked exploratory and sampling behaviour during feeding. Evidence is presented that this is a pattern in its own right, and not merely appetitive. Its function is to make possible the rapid learning of topography, and especially the whereabouts of food, water and shelter. Sampling is also important in enabling rats to associate particular physiological actions, whether nutrient or toxic, with different foods. Exploration and sampling occur even when the situation and the foods are familiar, and regardless of age or sex. Continued sampling makes possible regular reinforcement of learned preferences. It also enables rats to change rapidly from a familiar but distasteful food to an unfamiliar but palatable one. Sampling is not stopped by 'satiation', but is released by it. In wild rats, but not albinos, there is highly developed flight and avoidance behaviour. This tends to reduce the dangers of exploratory behaviour. Both wild and tame rats tend to feed in cover when this is practicable. This has indirect social effects, since one rat may rob another in the nest. Social influences on feeding are only incidental. Often they are a product of associative learning. There is no parental guidance of young, nor imitation by young of adults. Displacement grooming was seen when hungry rats were deterred from feeding by the unfamiliarity of the situation; and in other frustrating circumstances. It is concluded that much of the feeding behaviour of wild rats can be interpreted as a resultant of the opposed effects of exploration and sampling on the one hand, and flight and avoidance on the other.
Counting in Jackdaws
Authors: Dawson Betty V.
Published: April 2008

A preliminary investigation into 'counting' in Jackdaws using the Discrimination Box as illustrated. Shadrach was trained to the buzzer as a significant cue and Meshach to light flashes. With Shadrach results, significant at the 01 level (X2), were obtained after 300 trials, and with Meshach after 400 trials. Transfer to the other modality gave results, significant at the 01 level, after 100 trials. Transfer from light to buzzer alarmed Meshach and trial sequences became so lengthy that he was discarded. A randomised schedule of 2: 3 buzzes was given to Shadrach, B door being + 3 and - 2, A door being - 3 and +2. Learning was rapid, results being significant at the 01 level after 100 trials. A randomised schedule of 3: 4 buzzes was then given keeping B door + 3 and - 4. Results were significant at the .01 level after 100 trials suggesting that the response was not being made on the basis of 'moreness'. A 2:3:4 discrimination was then given keeping B door still + 3 and -2 and - 4. Experimental breakdown occurred and a 'side response' developed. After a three month rest away from the experimental situation he was unable to relearn the original 2:3 discrimination resorting to a 'side response' which varied from 100-trial sequence to sequence. The results obtained appear to indicate that discrimination between 2 : 3 or 3:4 was based on the discrete properties of the stimulus and not on 'moreness'. Also, that the transfer between modalities is possible where the skill transferred involves discrimination of numbers of stimuli.
Preference for Light of Short Wavelengths in Hatchling Green Sea Turtles, Chelonia Mydas, Tested On Their Natural Nesting Beaches
Authors: Mrosovsky N. , Carr Archie
Published: April 2008

Hatchling green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, preferred blue and green stimuli to red when tested in a two choice situation on their natural nesting beaches. These stimuli when used singly were also more effective than the red in distracting turtles on their way to the sea. The preference for blues and greens over red was not simply dependent on overall intensity differences between the stimuli. There were in fact two components in the reactions of the turtles to light. There was a tendency to go to lights the more intense they were. Combined with this there was a tendency to go to lights of shorter wavelengths. Since turtles, if left unrestricted in these experimental situations, would rapidly reach the sea, the experiments were likely to have been testing some aspect of sea finding ability. HOOKER'S (1911) views on the importance of photic behaviour in sea finding are therefore generally confirmed, but whether the turtle prefers lights of short wavelengths because of their colour or because they appear brighter cannot yet be said. The relevance of these behavioural results to visual mechanisms in turtles is discussed, in particular the possibility of some shift in spectral sensitivity at a peripheral level in scotopic conditions.
An Experiment On Spacing-Out as a Defence Against Predation
Authors: Tinbergen N. , Impekoven M. , Franck D.
Published: April 2008

The paper is concerned with the tracing of a selection pressure which would account for the fact (believed to be sufficiently well established) that individuals of many well-camouflaged species live further away from other individuals of their species than the distance from which even bird predators are able to detect them. Artificially camouflaged hens' eggs were laid out in plots of different densities. Wild Carrion Crows were attracted to each plot by a standard "sample egg" which, while painted in the same way as the other eggs on the uppermost half, was laid out in a more conspicuous way. In spite of the fact that the Crows spent more time searching in the "scattered" than in the "crowded" plots, the crowded eggs suffered a much higher mortality. It is concluded that even for individuals of a well-camouflaged species it must be of advantage to live further away from others than the Direct Detection Distance of their predators. However, the experiments do not show that a crowded population as a whole suffers higher predation than a scattered population; experiments to test this and other aspects of the problem are in progress. It is argued that the absolute values of the density dependent mortality scores of the experiments cannot be applied to natural populations, because their density will in most cases be determined by other ultimate factors as well.