bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hematological and Body-Mass Changes of Small Passerines Overwintering in South-Eastern Australia
Authors: Breuer K , Lill A , Baldwin J
Published: June 2005

Haematological parameters and body mass of four passerine bird species resident in south-eastern Australia were compared in winter and summer to determine whether there were changes indicative of metabolic adjustments associated with seasonal acclimatisation. Haematocrit and whole-blood haemoglobin content did not change seasonally, but erythrocyte numbers increased (by 45-72%) and erythrocyte volume decreased (by 40-73%) significantly in winter in all species. The greater surface area to volume ratio and shorter diffusion pathway of smaller erythrocytes in winter should enhance blood oxygen transport efficiency and thus potentially facilitate metabolic acclimatisation to cold stress. Only one species showed a significant, but small (3%), increase in body mass in winter, suggesting only a minor role for winter fattening in any such seasonal metabolic adjustments in the species studied. The findings contrast with those for some passerines overwintering in the north temperate zone, but the generality of these possible north-south differences needs further investigation.
Diets and Reproductive Phenologies of the Introduced Ground Beetles Harpalus-Affinis and Clivina-Australasiae (Coleoptera, Carabidae) in New-Zealand
Authors: Sunderland KD , Lovei GL , Fenlon J
Published: June 2005

The diet and reproductive periods of Harpalus affinis (= Harpalus aeneus) and Clivina australasiae, collected by pitfall trapping from graminaceous and legume crops at four sites on the North Island of New Zealand, were determined by dissection. H. affinis was predominantly phytophagous, with a liking for weed seeds; its main animal foods were Aphididae and Diptera. Females were gravid in spring (September-November) and summer (December-February) whilst tenerals were found mainly in autumn (March-May). Diet and phenology were similar in New Zealand, Europe and North America. C. australasiae was a polyphagous carnivore, consuming 11 categories of animal food (the most frequent being Enchytraeidae and Lumbricidae) and six categories of plant food. Females contained eggs from August to March. The food and reproductive period of C. australasiae in New Zealand were similar to those previously reported for Clivina fossor in Europe and North America. Overall, both species are considered likely to play a beneficial role in New Zealand agriculture. Opportunities are identified to study further the biocontrol potential and role in ecosystem function (e.g. community assembly rules) of these species, by means of translocation experiments.
Spatial-Organization and Movement Patterns of Adult Male Platypus, Ornithorhynchus-Anatinus (Monotremata, Ornithorhynchidae)
Authors: Gardner JL , Serena M
Published: June 2005

Home-range size and overlap and movement patterns of adult male platypus, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, occupying streams in southern Victoria were investigated near the start of the breeding season using radio-tracking techniques. On the basis of a sample of males monitored for four or more complete activity periods, home-range size varied from 2.9 to 7.0 km, with individuals (n = 4) moving a mean net distance of 2.0 +/- 1.4 km per activity period. Longer-range movements were also observed, with one male travelling at least 15 km from one stream catchment to another via an intervening stretch of river. Some home ranges of males were mutually exclusive whereas others overlapped substantially; in the latter case, males largely avoided each other, spending most of their time in different parts of the shared area. All home ranges of males apparently overlapped those of two or more adult females. Three patterns of travel over complete activity periods were recognised, including unidirectional travel (point A to B), return travel (A to B to A) and multidirectional travel with multiple, relatively short-range backtracking. Males occupying overlapping areas often moved multidirectionally and rarely undertook unidirectional travel, whereas the converse applied to males occupying exclusive areas.
Digesta Passage Times in the Dugong
Authors: Lanyon JM , Marsh H
Published: June 2005

The retention times of particulate digesta were measured in two captive dugongs, Dugong dugon (Muller 1776) using inert plastic markers. The mouth-to-anus retention times (146-166 h) were similar to those of the West Indian manatee, and much longer than those of most other herbivorous mammals. This slow gut passage rate may be explained by the dugong's long digestive tract, the low fibre level of the diet and the low food intake. Like the manatee, the dugong appears to have a digestive strategy that is atypical of hindgut fermenters: low-fibre material is retained for extended periods within the long hindgut and almost completely digested.
The Effect of Temperature and Hypoxia Hypercapnia on the Respiratory Pattern of the Unrestrained Lizard, Pogona Vitticeps
Authors: Crafter S , Soldini MI , Daniels CB , Smits AW
Published: June 2005

The effect of altering body temperature and the oxygen and carbon dioxide composition of inspired air on the respiratory pattern of the unrestrained lizard Pogona vitticeps was determined using pneumotachometry that did not require restraining the animal. P. vitticeps demonstrated a typical reptilian breathing pattern of groups of breaths separated by periods of breath-holding. Respiratory patterns were measured at 18 degrees C and at 37 degrees C. Minute ventilation decreased at the lower temperature as a result of a decrease in average frequency. Tidal volume was temperature independent. The change in average frequency resulted from both a decrease in the instantaneous inspiratory time and an increase in the time spent in a non-ventilatory period. As a result, the work of breathing was less at 18 degrees C than at 37 degrees C. With the exception of tidal volume, breathing patterns were independent of changes to the composition of inspired air. At both 18 degrees C and 37 degrees C, inspiring a 5% CO2/13% O-2/82% N-2 gas mixture increased tidal volume but did not increase minute ventilation.
The Molecular Relationships of Possum and Glider Families as Revealed by Dna-Dna Hybridizations
Authors: Edwards D , Westerman M
Published: June 2005

The extant species of possums and gliders (Marsupialia : Diprotodontia) can be classified into one or other of six families-Acrobatidae, Phalangeridae, Burramyidae, Petauridae, Pseudocheiridae or Tarsipedidae. On the basis of morphological and albumin serology studies, these families have been assigned to two superfamilies: the Phalangeroidea (Phalangeridae) and the Petauroidea (all five other families). It has been suggested, however, that the Burramyidae should be placed in the superfamily Phalangeroidea and not in the Petauroidea. We report here on DNA-DNA hybridisation comparisons using representatives from all six extant families of possums and gliders. Phylogenetic analysis of these data was unable to resolve the precise relationships of the Burramyidae viz a viz other families, but the family appeared to be no more closely related to the Phalangeridae than to the four other families. The Burramyidae would probably be best assigned, at present, to a third superfamily. The radiation of the possum and glider families appears to be linked to the change in vegetation associated with the separation of Australia from Antarctica in the early-to-mid Eocene.
Correspondence Between Plight Morphology and Foraging Ecology in Some Palaeotropical Bats
Authors: Mckenzie NL , Gunnell AC , Yani M , Williams MR
Published: June 2005

Analysis revealed a tight, functionally appropriate relationship between the flight morphology and foraging ecology of bats on Lombok I., Indonesia, that crossed family-level phylogenetic relationships in some instances. While aspect ratio, wing loading and tip shape were all important in separating microbat foraging strategies on Lombok I., the megabats were arrayed on differences in wing loading and tip shape related to solitary versus colonial foraging strategies. Flight morphology is a useful tool for studying ecological structure in the organisation of megabat as well as microbat communities.
Determining Platypus Relationships
Authors: Gemmell NJ , Grant TR , Western PS , Walmsley J , Watson JM , Murray ND , Graves JAM
Published: June 2005

In the summer of 1990-91 the first captive breeding of platypus (Omithorhynchus anatinus) in 47 years, and only the second ever, occurred in a small resident population at Warrawong Sanctuary, South Australia. DNA fingerprinting and analyses employing the maternally inherited mitochondrial genome have been used to determine family relationships within this population Using hypervariable DNA sequences cloned from other species to probe blots of DNA from the Warrawong platypuses, individual-specific banding patterns have been observed that allow the identification of family relationships within the population. A novel method for detecting maternal relationships within platypus populations, based on polymerase chain reaction analyses of the highly polymorphic mitochondrial control region, is also presented.
Morphological Variation Among Populations of the Mountain Brushtail Possum, Trichosurus-Caninus Ogilby (Phalangeridae, Marsupialia)
Authors: Lindenmayer DB , Viggers KL , Cunningham RB , Donnelly CF
Published: June 2005

The results are described of a study of morphometric variation among populations of the mountain brushtail possum, Trichosurus caninus Ogilby. Trapping surveys were completed at seven sites from southern Victoria to central Queensland. The variables measured from each of the 102 animals captured included head length, skull width, total body length, tail length, pes length, length of the ear conch, body girth, belly girth and the pelage colour. Canonical variate analysis highlighted the existence of a marked separation between populations in Victoria and those in New South Wales and Queensland. The first canonical variate accounted for 89% of the variation between the populations and was dominated by the length of the ear conch, tail length and pes length. There also were differences between the populations for several other morphometric measures including the head and body length. We recorded considerable variation in the fur colour of T. caninus both within and between the populations surveyed. However, no consistent pattern in the geographic variation of fur coloration was evident. We do not know the ecological or evolutionary causes underlying the observed differences in morphological characteristics amongst the populations of T. caninus. Further work is planned to examine the genetic variability of the populations and to assess the taxonomic significance of our findings.
Organization of the Epidermal Syncytial Mosaic in Diceratocephala-Boschmai (Temnocephalida, Platyhelminthes)
Authors: Joffe BI , Solovei IV , Sewell KB , Cannon LRG
Published: June 2005

The epidermis of Diceratocephala boschmai Baer, 1952 (Temnocephalida : Platyhelminthes) was studied using silver-nitrate staining and electron microscopy. The epidermis consists of six syncytia separated by lateral membranes: the frontal, trunk, stalk, adhesive disc syncytia, and a pair of post-tentacular syncytia. Neighbouring syncytia differ in many characters including (1) the presence or absence of locomotory cilia, (2) the degree of the differentiation of the apical cytoplasm layer, (3) the presence or absence of bundles of cytoskeletal filaments, imaginations of basal membrane and other specialised cytoplasmatic structures, (4) the abundance of hemidesmosomes at the basal membrane, and (5) the abundance and nature of gland ducts penetrating the syncytium. These structural differences reflect functional differences between the syncytia. Thus, multisyncytial organisation of the epidermis may be explained by functional differences between the syncytia. Only between the frontal and trunk syncytia has no apparent ultrastructural difference been found.
Diurnal and Nocturnal Grouping and Foraging Behaviors of Free-Ranging Eastern Grey Kangaroos
Authors: Clarke JL , Jones ME , Jarman PJ
Published: June 2005

Group size, methods of surveillance and foraging rates of free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos, Macropus giganteus, were compared between night and day, from data on 24-h followings of 24 individuals. Kangaroos occurred in smaller groups in the dark but the reduction in group size took place before or around dusk, and could not be attributed to animals drifting apart after dark. Instead, changes in group size coincided with much movement by animals around dusk. Both males and females tended to spend less time surveying after dark, but females surveyed in fewer bouts at night than in the day. Females used the upright posture more at night than in the day; this is a conspicuous posture but one that probably enhanced their view of the surroundings. Foraging rates of kangaroos were lower after dark than before dusk because of an increased search time per bite. There was no evidence that other foraging parameters, such as rare of movement whilst feeding, were affected by darkness. Eastern grey kangaroos are one of the most social and diurnally active species of macropod and their highly flexible social system of open-membership groups appears to allow individuals to join and leave groups according to their foraging and safety requirements.
Phylogeny, Molecules Versus Morphology, and Rates of Character Evolution Among Fruitbats (Chiroptera: Megachiroptera)
Authors: Springer MS , Hollar LJ , Kirsch JAW
Published: June 2005

Andersen's 1912 monograph on megachiropterans remains the definitive work on the systematics of this group. Andersen argued that the Macroglossinae, containing the eonycterine and notopterine sections, are a monophyletic sister-group to other fruitbats (i.e. Andersen's Rousettus, Cynopterus and Epomophorus sections). Two recent molecular studies (DNA hybridisation and restriction mapping of ribosomal cistrons), as well as an analysis of female reproductive characters, challenge the monophyly of the Macroglossinae and several of Andersen's other conclusions such as the phylogenetic position of Nyctimene. We performed a cladistic analysis on 36 morphological characters, including 33 that were gleaned from Andersen, to determine whether phylogenetic hypotheses based on modem phylogenetic methods are in agreement with Andersen's original conclusions and to compare morphological and molecular phylogenetic hypotheses. Minimum-length trees based on parsimony are largely consistent with Andersen and support (1) a monophyletic Macroglossinae, within which the eonycterine section is paraphyletic with respect to a monophyletic notopterine section, (2) a monophyletic Cynopterus section, excepting the exclusion of Myonycteris, (3) a monophyletic Epomophorus section, excepting the exclusion of Plerotes, and (4) a paraphyletic Rousettus section, with several of the Rousettus-like forms branching off near the base of the tree. Bootstrapping analyses on a reduced data-set that included taxa shared in common with the DNA hybridisation study did not provide strong support (greater than or equal to 95%) for any clades but did provide moderate support (greater than or equal to 70) for several clades, including a monophyletic Macroglossinae. These findings are in marked contrast to the DNA hybridisation phylogeny. A high index of between-data-set incongruence is further evidence for the clash between DNA hybridisation and morphology. A phylogenetic framework was constructed on the basis of morphological data and DNA hybridisation data using a criterion of moderate support and shows little resolution, whereas employing a criterion of strong support produced a framework resolving several additional nodes. One implication of this framework is that characteristic macroglossine features such as a long tongue with a thick carpet of filiform papillae have evolved independently on several occasions (or evolved once and were lost several times). Rates of character evolution for the morphological characters employed in our analysis were calculated using divergence times estimated from DNA hybridisation data. Rates have apparently been fastest in the interior branches, and slower along the external branches, which suggests an early adaptive radiation in the history of fruitbats.
The Structure of the Epidermis in Didymorchis (Temnocephalida: Platyhelminthes)
Authors: Joffe BI , Solovei IV , Cannon LRG
Published: June 2005

The epidermis of four species of Didymorchis ('Turbellaria', Temnocephalida) was studied using silver nitrate staining and electron microscopy. The epidermis is composed of 12-14 syncytia separated by lateral membranes. The organisation of the epidermal mosaic is almost identical for all species studied. Neighbouring syncytia (or groups of syncytia) differ in the presence (or absence) and density of locomotory cilia, in the structure of the cytoplasm, and in the abundance and nature of the gland ducts that penetrate them. The dorsal syncytia differ from the ventral ones in the form of the electron-dense inclusions in the modified mitochondria present throughout the epidermis. Multisyncytial organisation of the epidermis supports the placement of Didymorchis in the Temnocephalida rather than in the Dalyellioida. Three other features of the epidermis are apomorphies of Didymorchis. Presence of borders between syncytia with the same structure cannot be explained on a functional basis. We suggest that it represents a relatively primitive stage in the evolution of the multisyncytial epidermis. In this regard Didymorchis is different from more specialised temnocephalids (e.g. Diceratocephala) in which the separation of syncytia (with one exception) reflects functional differences between syncytia.
Use of the Metabolisable Energy Coefficient in Bird Studies: Statistical Power in Taxa and Food Comparisons
Authors: van Tets IG , Sanson G
Published: June 2005

A widely cited review of the digestive efficiency of birds concluded that the apparent Metabolisable Energy Coefficient (*MEC), a measure of the efficiency of energy assimilation, did not vary between bird orders. To test whether this result was due to the variation between the experimental methods of the studies chosen for the review, the *MEC was measured for four species (two galliforms and two columbiforms) fed a variety of seeds. The *MEC of the birds did not vary in any consistent manner when fed identical diets, thus supporting the review's result. However, the *MEC of each species varied consistently with change in diet. These findings can be explained by the statistical power of the *MEC comparisons. Comparisons of *MEC between bird species are less powerful than comparisons between diets.
Milk Composition in a Field Population of Red Kangaroos, Macropus Rufus (Desmarest) (Macropodidae: Marsupialia)
Authors: Muths E
Published: June 2005

The composition of milk from early pouch life (0-40 days) to weaning (360 days) was determined in samples collected from a field population of red kangaroos, Macropus rufus (n = 150). Total milk solids increased from 11% at 0-40 days to 26% at permanent emergence from the pouch (235 days), then decreased towards weaning. Compared with other macropodids, milk from red kangaroos is relatively dilute. Carbohydrate concentrations increased from 2.0 to 6.2% at about Day 235 then declined while lipid concentrations increased from 3.9 to 10.3% over the course of lactation. Protein values increased from 5.0 to 7.0% prior to pouch emergence. Whey proteins were separated by means of SDS PAGE, identifying and confirming the presence of several phase-specific proteins. These results are similar to those reported for components of milk in captive red kangaroos and therefore confirm the general macropodid pattern of changing milk composition throughout lactation for a field population of red kangaroos.
Feeding Ecology of the Tasmanian Spotted Skink, Niveoscincus Ocellatus (Squamata: Scincidae)
Authors: Wapstra E , Swain R
Published: June 2005

The feeding ecology of the spotted skink, Niveoscincus ocellatus, was examined over a 6-month period, from October to March, with additional data from one sample in midwinter. The investigation considered feeding activity, dietary composition and foraging strategy. Feeding activity,measured by stomach fullness, was unrelated to age, sex or reproductive status and showed little variation during the warmer months; in winter feeding was greatly reduced. N. ocellatus exhibits flexible foraging behaviour; a wide variety of terrestrial arthropods is taken opportunistically in accordance with a wide ranging foraging strategy. However, the consistent occurrence of cryptic and hidden prey indicates that active search foraging is also utilised. No evidence for ambush predation was found and, unlike many other small skinks, few arboreal or aerial prey are included in the diet, even though the habitat is rock scree and woodland where such prey abound. No evidence for any in a specific partitioning of diet based on kind or size of prey was obtained although a slight, but significant, correlation exists between maximum prey size and lizard size.
Systematics of the Freshwater Crayfish Genus Cherax Erichson (Decapoda: Parastacidae) in South-Western Australia: Electrophoretic, Morphological and Habitat Variation
Authors: Austin CM , Knott B
Published: June 2005

A detailed study of electrophoretic, morphological and habitat variation amongst species of Cherax in south-western Australia supported the recognition of only five of the eight species currently recognised and revealed that morphological and habitat variation within these crayfish is more extensive and complicated than was previously realised. Within several species morphological and habitat variation was found to be as great as that between species. Furthermore, a major component of the morphological variability, both within and between species, was found to be associated with habitat variation. Three of the five species of Cherax recognised in this study correspond to the consistently recognised and widespread species, C. preissii Erichson, C. quinquecarinatus (Gray) and C. tenuimanus Smith. The two other species are C. crassimantus Riek and C. glaber Riek which have restricted distributions in the extreme south-west of Western Australia. The species C. glabrimanus Riek and C. neocarinatus Riek could not be distinguished from C. quinquecarinatus, nor could C. plebejus (Hess) be distinguished from C. preissii. On a general level, the results of this study question the value of morphological information in systematic studies of freshwater crayfish. Morphologically based taxonomic studies of freshwater crayfish need to be interpreted with caution because, firstly, taxonomic characters may be far more variable than realised; secondly, morphological and habitat differences cannot necessarily be equated with specific distinctions; and thirdly, genetically distinct species that occupy similar habitats need not be morphologically distinct.
Territoriality in Honeyeaters: Reviewing the Concept and Evaluating Available Information
Authors: Pyke GH , Christy M , Major RE
Published: June 2005

We define territorial behaviour as aggressive behaviour that occurs repeatedly in about the same location with associated submissive behaviour on the part of the individuals or groups to which the aggression is directed. Of a worldwide total of about 170 honeyeater species (Meliphagidae), 36 have been described as being territorial and we consider that 28 of these have been shown to satisfy our definition of territoriality. We discuss the consequences of territorial behaviour and the determination of the boundaries and areas of territories. We also review the available information regarding territorial behaviour exhibited by the New Holland honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae), the most studied of all honeyeater species. We recommend that future descriptions of territorial behaviour attempt to determine the intensity of the behaviour, sharpness of the territory boundary, degree of exclusive use of the relevant resource, and the extent to which areas separate from the territory are used by the territory owner or owners. For territoriality to become a useful concept for honeyeaters, behaviour that leads to the label of 'territorial' must be fully documented.
Selection of Prey by Size in Ningaui Yvonneae
Authors: Woolnough AP , Carthew SM
Published: June 2005

The small dasyurid marsupial, Ningaui yvonneae, feeds opportunistically on invertebrates dominated by the orders Hymenoptera, Coleoptera and Araneae, but is capable of, and will, consume vertebrates such as skinks. When presented with a choice of prey N. yvonneae exhibited a strong preference for prey items on the basis of size. It consistently selected small prey items over large prey items. Small prey items represented the most energy-efficient prey option as the ningaui can more efficiently capture, subdue and consume them than it can larger prey. The relationship between prey size and handling time was exponential, indicating that there is an upper limit to the ability of N. yvonneae to process prey. Moreover, smaller cockroaches provided greater energy gain than larger ones, indicating that the costs of eating larger cockroaches energetically outweighed the energy return. These results are in agreement with optimal foraging theory.
Field Metabolic Rate and Water Flux of Nectarivorous Honeyeaters
Authors: Weathers WW , Paton DC , Seymour RS
Published: June 2005

Field metabolic rate (FMR) and water influx of New Holland honeyeaters (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae), eastern spinebills (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris) and a crescent honeyeater (P. pyrrhoptera) were measured by the doubly labelled water technique. New Holland honeyeaters had just finished breeding and were beginning their summer moult. They ranged in mass from 15.4 to 21.0 g (mean = 17.3 g, n = 12) and had FMRs averaging 8.8 mt CO2 g(-1) h(-1) or 77.6 kJ day(-1), which was 2.8 times their measured basal metabolic rate (BMR). Their water influx rate averaged 10.7 mL day(-1). Eastern spinebills were still feeding young and had yet to begin moulting. They ranged in mass from 8.0 to 10.7 g (mean = 9.7 g, n = 6), had FMRs averaging 10.9 mL CO2 g(-1) h(-1) or 52.9 kJ day(-1) (2.5 times their measured BMR), and had an average water influx rate of 8.7 mL day(-1). FMR and water influx of a single 14.6-g crescent honeyeater, which was in late primary moult, were 75.9 kJ day(-1) (2.7 times measured BMR) and 12.5 mL day(-1). The FMR of New Holland honeyeaters varied inversely with mean standard operative temperature (T-es) calculated for values of T-es below 20 degrees C as follows: FMR (kJ day(-1)) = 134 - 5.47 T-es (n = 12, r(2) = 0.52). Honeyeater FMRs were much lower than would be predicted allometrically for hummingbirds of the same mass, reflecting the honeyeaters' low-cost foraging tactic of consuming nectar while perched.
Do Phalangeriforms (Marsupialia: Diprotodontia) Have a 'hypocone'?
Authors: Sanchezvillagra MR , Kay RF
Published: June 2005

The identity of some molar cusps of phalangeriform marsupials has been debated, particularly the distolingual cusp of the upper molars, called the metaconule or hypocone by different workers. Here, we examine the molar teeth of two eutherian and two phalangeriform taxa to reconstruct the positions of cusps and crests during the masticatory cycle. The major cusp on the distolingual corner of the upper cheek teeth of Trichosurus and Pseudocheirus occludes with lower molars in a manner analogous to the hypocone of Saimiri (Recent, Eutheria, Primates), and not to the metaconule of Didelphodus (Eocene, Eutheria, Insectivora). Both topographical and functional criteria support the identification of the distolingual cusp of the upper molar of phalangeriforms as a hypocone rather than a metaconule as previously proposed.
The Spermatozoon of Capilloventer Australis and the Systematic Position of the Capilloventridae (Annelida: Oligochaeta)
Authors: Ferraguti M , Erseus C , Pinder A
Published: June 2005

The spermatozoon and spermiogenesis of Capilloventer australis, an oligochaete annelid belonging to the family Capilloventridae, were examined with the aim of supplying further elements for the discussion of the phylogenetic position of the family. Capilloventer australis has a typical oligochaete spermatozoon, with an acrosome tube, mitochondria between the nucleus and flagellum, and a basal cylinder inside the basal body. The acrosome is plesiomorphic, with many characters in common with the Enchytraeidae. The nucleus is twisted, as that of most microdriles, but the middle piece is highly apomorphic in being formed by 11 mitochondria that are not in the usual radial arrangement. The basal cylinder is long and similar to that of the Enchytraeidae. Some features of spermiogenesis, including the acute angle between the nuclear and flagellar axes, are probably plesiomorphic. The spermatological study here presented supports a basal position for the Capilloventridae among the oligochaetes.
Precopulatory Behaviour of the Hermit Crabs Diogenes Avarus and Clibanarius Virescens
Authors: Hazlett BA
Published: June 2005

The precopulatory behaviour patterns of two species of hermit crab found in Australian waters are described. In Clibanarius virescens, males rotate the female's shell about an axis perpendicular to the female's shell aperture axis while holding the shell with their ambulatory legs. in Diogenes avarus, males hold the female's shell with their minor cheliped in an unusual orientation in which the female's shell aperture is facing away from the male. In D. avarus, both field and laboratory observations indicate that males in longer-spired shells such as Cerithium spp. are apparently at a disadvantage during precopulatory behaviour and obtain fewer matings than males in shorter-spired shells.
Ant Fauna of a Mangrove Community in the Australian Seasonal Tropics, With Particular Reference to Zonation
Authors: Clay RE , Andersen AN
Published: June 2005

The ant fauna of Australia's tropical rainforests is composed primarily of Indo-Malayan taxa, and is remarkably disjunct from the surrounding savanna ant fauna, which is dominated by autochthonous, arid-adapted species. Mangrove communities, which like the rainforests have closed canopies, are major components of the Australian tropics; however, their ant faunas remain poorly known, despite ants being the dominant insect group in them. This paper describes the ant fauna of a mangrove community in Darwin Harbour, and compares it with the regional savanna and rainforest fauna. Ants were sampled at baits located on the ground, foliage, and tree trunks, along three transects following the elevation/tidal gradient. Sixteen ant species were recorded in mangroves, including three savanna species, six rainforest species (one, Monomorium ?turneri, not previously recorded in Northern Territory), five habitat generalists, and two species restricted to mangroves, Polyrhachis constricta and P. sokolova, which remarkably nest in intertidal sediments and are subject to inundation. Species of Crematogaster and Polyrhachis were most abundant, and Polyrhachis was the richest genus with six species. The biogeographical affinities of the ant fauna were very similar to those of local rainforest faunas, but with a higher incidence (50%) of obligately arboreal species. Five of the Polyrhachis species occurred in distinct zones along the elevational/tidal gradient, thus exhibiting the zonation so characteristic of mangrove plant species, although the ant zonation did not appear to be mediated by floristic changes. Potential causes of this zonation are both abiotic and biotic, but their relative importances remain a matter of conjecture.
Geographical Variation in Corroboree Frogs, Pseudophryne Corroboree Moore (Anura: Myobatrachidae): a Reappraisal Supports Recognition of P-Pengilleyi Wells &Wellington
Authors: Osborne WS , Zentelis RA , Lau M
Published: June 2005

The extent of divergence in morphology and colour-pattern between allopatric populations of the corroboree frog, Pseudophyrne corroboree, was assessed over three breeding seasons by examination of eggs, tadpoles and adults throughout the distributional range of the species. Advertisement calls of individuals from each of the populations also were recorded and analysed. The mean size of adults was found to vary considerably between years; however, within any one year individuals from the Snowy Mountains (southern form) were significantly larger than individuals from the Brindabella Range and Fiery Range (northern form), with the differences apparently not simply related to environmental influences. Multivariate analysis of quantitative morphological characters and colour-pattern separated the frogs into two distinct geographic groups corresponding with the northern form and southern form. Analysis of advertisement calls indicated that there were slight differences in the structure of the calls of the two forms, with the main differences being in call duration and number of pulses. These results, combined with the previously described genetic differences, support their recognition as separate species. It is recommended that the name P. corroboree be restricted to the southern form and that the northern form be referred to as P. pengilleyi Wells & Wellington.
Substrate Type Affects Partial Prey Consumption by Larvae of the Antlion Myrmeleon Acer (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)
Authors: Loiterton SJ , Magrath RD
Published: June 2005

Three types of hypotheses have been used to explain why predators often do not fully consume their prey. First, parts of the prey may be inedible. Second, physical or physiological constraints may be important. For example, gut capacity might limit the amount that can be taken in one meal, which may result in partial prey consumption. Third, individuals may choose to terminate feeding before an absolute constraint is reached. For example, some optimality models assume that partial prey consumption maximises rate of energy gain. Distinguishing between these hypotheses can be difficult because they may make qualitatively similar predictions. For example, as prey encounter rate increases, a smaller proportion of each prey item is consumed. We attempted to test between 'constraint' and 'choice' hypotheses by manipulating the expectation of capture independently of the actual capture rate for larvae of the antlion Myrmeleon acer. Ants escaped from artificial pits made in coarse sand more quickly than from pits made in fine sand, suggesting that capture success for antlions would be lower in coarse sand. Furthermore, antlions given the choice of these two substrates built their pits in fine sand. We therefore proposed that an antlion's 'expectation' of mean capture success will be lower when it is forced to build its pit in coarse sand compared with fine sand. We found that antlions in coarse sand consumed a greater proportion of their prey than did antlions in fine sand, contrary to the constraint hypotheses, but in support of choice models. Handling time did not differ between substrates, suggesting that antlion larvae may be able to modify digestion such that they can digest prey at a greater rate in poor conditions.
Spatial Distribution of Pink Wax Scale, Ceroplastes Rubens Maskell (Hemiptera: Coccidae), on Umbrella Trees in South-Eastern Queensland: the Pattern of Outbreaks
Authors: Loch AD , Zalucki MP
Published: June 2005

The spatial pattern of outbreaks of pink wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell, within and among umbrella trees, Schefflera actinophylla (Endl.), in southeastern Queensland was investigated. Pink wax scale was common on S. actinophylla, with approximately 84% of trees positive for scale and 14% of bees recording outbreak densities exceeding 0.4 adults per leaflet. Highly aggregated distributions of C. rubens occur within and among umbrella trees. Clumped distributions within trees appear to result from variable birth and death rates and limited movement of first instar crawlers. The patchy distribution of pink wax scale among trees is probably a consequence of variation in dispersal success of scale, host and environmental suitability for establishment and rates of biological control. Pink wax scale was more prevalent on trees in roadside positions and in exposed situations, indicating that such trees are more suitable and/or susceptible to scale colonisation.
Adaptation and Evolution in the Hand Muscles of Australo-Papuan Hylid Frogs (Anura: Hylidae: Pelodryadinae)
Authors: Burton TC
Published: June 2005

Members of the Pelodryadinae possess a hitherto undescribed set of distal extensor muscles to the ultimate phalanges; this set is found also in the hyline frogs that formed an outgroup for this study, and also in scansorial but not terrestrial microhylids. The M. palmaris longus of Cyclorana consists of two slips, whereas in most other pelodryadines the division is three-fold. The problematic species Litoria alboguttata and L. dahlii exhibit the Cyclorana condition. The hand musculature of Litoria infrafrenata is typical of its genus, and this study gives no support to the hypothesis that this species has evolved independently of the other pelodryadines; however, there is support for the hypothesis that montane New Guinean Litoria are closely related to some members of the freycineti assemblage of mostly terrestrial frogs. The hand musculature of Nyctimystes possesses no features to distinguish it from that of a generalised Litoria species, and sheds no light on the origins of Nyctimystes.
Proximate Composition of Australian Sea Lion Milk Throughout the Entire Supra-Annual Lactation Period
Authors: Gales NJ , Costa DP , Kretzmann M
Published: June 2005

A total of 87 milk samples was collected from 47 Australian sea lions, Neophoca cinerea, with pups ranging from one day old to 471 days old. Analysis of proximate composition yielded an overall mean (+/- s.d.) of 30.82 +/- 9.84% lipid, 56.97 +/- 9.96% water, 9.97 +/- 2.52% protein, and 0.88 +/- 0.25% ash. Milk fat content increased during lactation and was inversely proportional to water content. There was a significant difference between the lipid content of milk collected during the first half of lactation (<250 days, range 1-120 days) (26.1 +/- 8.7%, n = 35) and that collected during the second half of lactation (>250 days, range 314-469 days) (39.1 +/- 5.5%, n = 12) (Mann-Whitney U-test, P < 0.0001). The relatively low lipid (energy) content of Australian sea lion milk is postulated to be, in part, an adaptive response to living in a low-energy marine environment where the rate of energy transfer from mother to young is decreased and the duration of maternal dependence of the young is increased.
Control of T helper 2 cell function and allergic airway inflammation by PKCζ
Authors: Martin Pilar , Villares Ricardo , Rodriguez-Mascarenhas Sandra , Zaballos Angel , Leitges Michael , Kovac Judit , Sizing Irene , Rennert Paul , Márquez Gabriel , Martínez-A Carlos , Diaz-Meco María T. , Moscat Jorge
Published: June 2005

Asthma is a disease of chronic airway inflammation in which T helper (Th) 2 cells play a critical role. The molecular mechanisms controlling Th2 differentiation and function are of paramount importance in biology and immunology. PKCζ has been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis and NF-κB, as well as in the control of T-dependent responses, although no defects were detected in naïve T cells from PKCζ
–/–
mice. Here, we report that PKCζ is critical for IL-4 signaling and Th2 differentiation. Thus, PKCζ levels are increased during Th2 differentiation, but not Th1 differentiation, of CD4
+
T cells, and the loss of PKCζ impairs the secretion of Th2 cytokines
in vitro
and
in vivo
, as well as the nuclear translocation and tyrosine phosphorylation of Stat6 and Jak1 activation, essential downstream targets of IL-4 signaling. Moreover, PKCζ
–/–
mice display dramatic inhibition of ovalbumin-induced allergic airway disease, strongly suggesting that PKCζ can be a therapeutic target in asthma.
Systematically perturbed folding patterns of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-associated SOD1 mutants
Authors: Lindberg Mikael J. , Byström Roberth , Boknäs Niklas , Andersen Peter M. , Oliveberg Mikael
Published: June 2005

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a neurodegenerative syndrome associated with 114 mutations in the gene encoding the cytosolic homodimeric enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD). In this article, we report that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-associated SOD mutations with distinctly different disease progression can be rationalized in terms of their folding patterns. The mutations are found to perturb the protein in multiple ways; they destabilize the precursor monomers (class 1), weaken the dimer interface (class 2), or both at the same time (class 1 + 2). A shared feature of the mutational perturbations is a shift of the folding equilibrium toward poorly structured SOD monomers. We observed a link, coupled to the altered folding patterns, between protein stability, net charge, and survival time for the patients carrying the mutations.
Smad2 and Smad3 Play Different Roles in Rat Hepatic Stellate Cell Function and α-Smooth Muscle Actin Organization
Authors: Uemura Masayuki , Swenson E. Scott , Gaça Marianna D.A. , Giordano Frank J. , Reiss Michael , Wells Rebecca G.
Published: June 2005

Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) play a central role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, transdifferentiating in chronic liver disease from “quiescent” HSC to fibrogenic myofibroblasts. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), acting both directly and indirectly, is a critical mediator of this process. To characterize the function of the TGF-β signaling intermediates Smad2 and Smad3 in HSC, we infected primary rat HSC in culture with adenoviruses expressing wild-type and dominant negative Smads 2 and 3. Smad3-overexpressing cells exhibited increased deposition of fibronectin and type 1 collagen, increased chemotaxis, and decreased proliferation compared with uninfected cells and those infected with Smad2 or either dominant negative, demonstrating different biological functions for the two Smads. Additionally, coinfection experiments suggested that Smad2 and Smad3 signal via independent pathways. Smad3-overexpressing cells as well as TGF-β-treated cells demonstrated more focal adhesions and increased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) organization in stress fibers, although all cells reached the same level of α-SMA expression, indicating that Smad3 also regulates cytoskeletal organization in HSC. We suggest that TGF-β, signaling via Smad3, plays an important role in the morphological and functional maturation of hepatic myofibroblasts.
Multiple Myosin II Heavy Chain Kinases: Roles in Filament Assembly Control and Proper Cytokinesis inDictyostelium
Authors: Yumura Shigehiko , Yoshida Masashi , Betapudi Venkaiah , Licate Lucila S. , Iwadate Yoshiaki , Nagasaki Akira , Uyeda Taro Q.P. , Egelhoff Thomas T.
Published: June 2005

Myosin II filament assembly in Dictyostelium discoideum is regulated via phosphorylation of residues located in the carboxyl-terminal portion of the myosin II heavy chain (MHC) tail. A series of novel protein kinases in this system are capable of phosphorylating these residues in vitro, driving filament disassembly. Previous studies have demonstrated that at least three of these kinases (MHCK A, MHCK B, and MHCK C) display differential localization patterns in living cells. We have created a collection of single, double, and triple gene knockout cell lines for this family of kinases. Analysis of these lines reveals that three MHC kinases appear to represent the majority of cellular activity capable of driving myosin II filament disassembly, and reveals that cytokinesis defects increase with the number of kinases disrupted. Using biochemical fractionation of cytoskeletons and in vivo measurements via fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), we find that myosin II overassembly increases incrementally in the mutants, with the MHCK A-/B-/C-triple mutant showing severe myosin II overassembly. These studies suggest that the full complement of MHC kinases that significantly contribute to growth phase and cytokinesis myosin II disassembly in this organism has now been identified.
TheSalmonellaEffector PipB2 Affects Late Endosome/Lysosome Distribution to Mediate Sif Extension
Authors: Knodler Leigh A. , Steele-Mortimer Olivia
Published: June 2005

After internalization into mammalian cells, the bacterial pathogen Salmonella enterica resides within a membrane-bound compartment, the Salmonella-containing vacuole (SCV). During its maturation process, the SCV interacts extensively with host cell endocytic compartments, especially late endosomes/lysosomes (LE/Lys) at later stages. These interactions are mediated by the activities of multiple bacterial and host cell proteins. Here, we show that the Salmonella type III effector PipB2 reorganizes LE/Lys compartments in mammalian cells. This activity results in the centrifugal extension of lysosomal glycoprotein-rich membrane tubules, known as Salmonella-induced filaments, away from the SCV along microtubules. Salmonella overexpressing pipB2 induce the peripheral accumulation of LE/Lys compartments, reducing the frequency of LE/Lys tubulation. Furthermore, ectopic expression of pipB2 redistributes LE/Lys, but not other cellular organelles, to the cell periphery. In coexpression studies, PipB2 can overcome the effects of dominant-active Rab7 or Rab34 on LE/Lys positioning. Deletion of a C-terminal pentapeptide motif of PipB2, LFNEF, prevents its peripheral targeting and effect on organelle positioning. The PipB2 homologue PipB does not possess this motif or the same biological activity as PipB2. Therefore, it seems that a divergence in the biological functions of these two effectors can be accounted for by sequence divergence in their C termini.
Differential Intranuclear Organization of Transcription Factors Sp1 and Sp3
Authors: He Shihua , Sun Jian-Min , Li Lin , Davie James R.
Published: June 2005

Sp1 and Sp3 are ubiquitously expressed mammalian transcription factors that activate or repress the expression of a variety of genes and are thought to compete for the same DNA binding site. We used indirect immunofluorescence microscopy and image deconvolution to show that Sp1 and Sp3 are organized into distinct nonoverlapping domains in human breast and ovarian cells. Domains of Sp1 and Sp3 infrequently associate with sites of transcription. Sp3 partitions with the tightly bound nuclear protein fraction of hormone responsive MCF-7 breast cancer cells, whereas only a subpopulation of Sp1 is found in that fraction. Both Sp1 and Sp3 are bound to the nuclear matrix, and the nuclear matrix-associated sites of Sp1 and Sp3 are different. Indirect immunofluorescence studies demonstrate that Sp1 and Sp3 associate with histone deacetylases 1 and 2 and with the estrogen receptor α, albeit at low frequencies in MCF-7 cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and re-ChIP assays revealed that although both Sp1 and Sp3 bind to the estrogen-responsive trefoil factor 1 promoter in MCF-7 cells, they do not occupy the same promoter. Our results demonstrate the different features of Sp1 and Sp3, providing further evidence that Sp3 is not a functional equivalent of Sp1.