bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Advances in the understanding of mantle cell lymphoma
Authors: Jares Pedro , Campo Elías
Published: April 2008

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a well‐defined lymphoid neoplasm characterized by a proliferation of mature B lymphocytes expressing CD5 that may show a spectrum of morphological and phenotypic features broader than initially described. Although some patients may follow an indolent clinical evolution, in most of them the tumour has an aggressive behaviour with poor response to conventional chemotherapy. The genetic hallmark is the t(11;14)(q13;q32) translocation leading to the overexpression of cyclin D1, which is considered the initial oncogenic event. In addition to this translocation, MCL may carry a high number of secondary chromosomal and molecular alterations that target regulatory elements of the cell cycle machinery and senescence (BMI1/INK4/ARF/CDK4/RB1), DNA damage response pathways (ATM/CHK2/p53), and cell survival signals. The knowledge of these mechanisms and their influence on the behaviour of the tumour are facilitating the development of prognostic models with a more precise prediction of the clinical evolution of the patients. This information coupled with the availability of a new generation of innovative drugs targeting basic molecular process of the tumour cells, should facilitate the design of new therapeutic protocols able to overcome the resistance of this aggressive lymphoma to conventional treatments and improve the life expectancy of the patients.
The relationship between physical fitness and motor competence in children
Authors: Haga M.
Published: April 2008

Background  This study examined the relationship between physical fitness and motor competence in children aged 9–10 years.

Methods  A sample of 67 children (mean age 9.7, SD 0.3 year) participated in the study. To assess motor competence, each child completed the Movement Assessment Battery for Children. Physical fitness was measured by the Test of Physical Fitness, comprising nine different tasks including running, jumping, throwing and climbing.

Results  The results show a strong and significant correlation between motor competence and physical fitness within the sample.

Conclusions  These results are relevant to the work of maintaining and developing both sufficient physical fitness and motor competence in children as these factors are important contributors to their health and well‐being.
Healthcare needs and healthcare satisfaction from the perspective of parents of children with chronic conditions: the DISABKIDS approach towards instrument development
Authors: Schmidt S. , Thyen U. , Chaplin J. , Mueller‐Godeffroy E. , Bullinger M. ,   European DISABKIDS Group
Published: April 2008

Aim  Increasingly, families' perspectives are taken into account in the appraisal of health services. The objective of this study was to cross‐culturally analyse concepts related to healthcare needs, healthcare utilization and the appraisal and satisfaction with care of parents of children with chronic conditions with the aim of developing a cross‐cultural measure.

Methods  Several approaches were employed in the study: (i) a deductive approach integrating existing measurements; and (ii) an inductive approach based on focus groups. Focus groups were conducted in seven countries with mothers and fathers as well as their children with seven different chronic conditions, and qualitatively analysed.

Results  As a result of an evaluation of the different existing methodological approaches, the basic structural components were identified: healthcare needs, the receipt of services, problems with receiving services as well as the appraisal of and satisfaction with the quality of care. While items referring to existing healthcare services were primarily derived by the work of an expert group, items related to quality of care and satisfaction with services mainly evolved from the focus group work. From the focus groups, 367 statements were extracted, which were further processed in a Q‐sort rating by a multinational expert group in order to identify domains and salient items. The draft questionnaire to be pilot tested cross‐nationally consisted of 101 items which were reduced on the basis of psychometric findings.

Conclusion  On the basis of results of focus groups and existing evidence, a comprehensive measure should be employed in paediatric health services research including structural, process and outcome parameters of care from the perspective of parents.
Maternal and child undernutrition 2: consequences for adult health and human capital
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2008

.
 
Victora C.G.,
Adair L.,
Fall C.,
Hallal P.C.,
Martorel R.,
Richter L.,
Sachdev H.S. and
(
2008
)

,
371
,
340
–
357
.
 
DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(07)61692‐4.
The lancet series on preterm birth (3): an overview of mortality and sequelae of preterm birth from infancy to adulthood
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2008

.
 
Saigal S.,
Doyle L.W.
(
2008
)

,
371
,
261
–
269
.
 
DOI: 10.1016/S0140‐6736(08)60136‐1.
Universal parenting programme to prevent early childhood behavioural problems: cluster randomized trial
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2008

.
 
Hiscock H.,
Bayer J.K.,
Price A.,
Ukuomunne O.C.,
Rogers S.,
Wake M
(
2008
)

,
336
,
318
–
321
.
 
DOI: 10.1136/bmj.39451.609676.AE.

Objective  To determine whether a parenting programme, offered universally in primary care, can prevent behavioural problems in children and improve parenting and maternal mental health.

Design  Cluster randomized trial.

Setting  Forty primary care nursing centres (clusters) in Victoria, Australia.

Participants  A total of 733 English speaking mothers of 8‐month‐old children sequentially recruited from well child appointments; 656 retained at 24 months.

Intervention  Structured three session programme at age 8–15 months, co‐led by well child providers and a parenting expert. The programme covered normal development and behaviour, strategies to increase desired behaviour and strategies to reduce unwanted behaviour.

Main outcome measures  Maternal report of child externalizing behaviour (child behaviour checklist 1.5–5 year old), parenting (parent behaviour checklist), and maternal mental health (depression anxiety stress scales) at 18 and 24 months.

Results  At 18 months, child behaviour and parenting scores were similar in the two groups. At 24 months, externalizing scores in the intervention and control groups were similar [mean 11.9 (SD 7.2) vs. 12.9 (7.4)]; however, on the parent behaviour checklist subscale scores, intervention group parents were less likely to report harsh/abusive parenting [mean 38.9 (SD 7.7) vs. 40.5 (8.8); adjusted mean difference –1.83, 95% confidence interval −3.12 to −0.55] and unreasonable expectations of child development [40.9 (9.9) vs. 42.7 (9.6); −2.18, −3.74 to −0.62]. Mean scores for nurturing parenting and maternal mental health were similar in the two groups at both times.

Conclusions  A universal parenting programme resulted in modest improvement in parenting factors that predict behavioural problems in children but did not reduce externalizing behavioural problems or affect maternal mental health at 2 years.
IGF system and peripheral arterial disease: relationship with disease severity and inflammatory status of the affected limb
Authors: Brevetti Gregorio , Colao Annamaria , Schiano Vittorio , Pivonello Rosario , Laurenzano Eugenio , Di Somma Carolina , Lombardi Gaetano , Chiariello Massimo
Published: April 2008

Objectives IGF‐1 and its binding proteins are involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. We designed this study to unravel the relationship of the IGF system with peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

Design Case‐control, cross‐sectional study.

Measurements Serum levels of IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3 and acid labile subunit (ALS) were measured in 96 PAD patients and 89 controls. In 28 patients who underwent peripheral angiography, C‐reactive protein (CRP), IGF‐1, IGFBP‐3 and ALS were measured in blood from femoral vein of the affected limb and aorta.

Results Compared to controls, PAD patients showed lower levels of IGFBP‐3 (3569 ± 115vs.3106 ± 107 µg/l,P < 0·01), and ALS (12·2 ± 0·5vs.8·3 ± 0·5 mg/l,P < 0·01). In PAD, concentrations of IGFBP‐3 and ALS were significantly lower in patients with ankle/brachial index less than median than in those with a less severe PAD. In the affected limb, CRP venous‐arterial difference correlated negatively with that of IGF‐1 (ρ = −0·57,P < 0·01), and positively with that of IGFBP‐3 (ρ = 0·63,P < 0·01). At multivariate analysis, a high transfemoral gradient of CRP was independently associated with a low transfemoral gradient of IGF‐1 (β coefficient = −0·48,P < 0·01), and a high transfemoral gradient of IGFBP‐3 (β coefficient = 0·22,P < 0·05).

Conclusions This study is the first to demonstrate that the systemic levels of IGF axis components are associated with the presence and severity of PAD, and that the inflammatory status of the ischaemic limb affects the transfemoral concentrations of IGF‐1 and IGFBP‐3. Due to the importance of IGF axis in modulating atherosclerotic plaque progression, our data may contribute to a better understanding of PAD pathophysiology.
Effect of pretreatment conditions on physicochemical parameters of carrot juice
Authors: Sharma Harish Kumar , Kaur Jasmeet , Sarkar Bhavesh Chandra , Singh Charanjv , Singh Bahadur
Published: April 2008

Carrot juice obtained by hydraulic press with wooden set‐up was subjected to pretreatments (temperature, time and pH) prior to extraction process. Their effects on the most important quality parameters of carrot juice, such as beta‐carotene, reducing sugars, pectin, vitamin C, viscosity, pH and acidity were studied. Response surface methodology was employed, where the experiment was carried out according to a central composite rotatable design. The variables ranges used were 61.50–98.50 °C (temperature), 124.55–595.45 s (time) and 2.31–6.69 (pH – concentration of citric acid). The results showed that beta‐carotene extraction was significantly increased (52.9%) with these pretreatments in comparison to control samples. All the derived mathematical models for the responses were found to be fit significantly to predict the data. The responses were optimised by numerical method and were found to be 7190 μg per 100 g beta‐carotene, 3.41% reducing sugars, 4.96 mg per 100 g vitamin C, 0.59% pectin, 1.64 × 103 Ns m−2 viscosity, 5.26 pH and 4.97% acidity at optimum input variables of 75.26 °C (temperature), 349.89 s (time) and 3.2 (pH). The desirability for all the responses was found to be 83.8%.
Effects of historical and contemporary factors on global patterns in avian species richness
Authors: Qian Hong
Published: April 2008

Aim The aim of this study was to determine how regional and historical factors influence global patterns in avian species richness.

Location Global.

Methods Using a comprehensive data set including 710 World Wildlife Fund terrestrial ecoregions covering nearly all the land surface of the Earth, avian species richness was compared among six biogeographical regions after accounting for sample area, elevational range and climate. Analysis of variance and multiple regressions were used. Spatial autocorrelation in model residuals was accounted for.

Results Significant effects of region on avian species richness were found in nearly all comparisons between biogeographical regions.

Main conclusions Regional and historical processes have played a role in regulating large‐scale avian species richness patterns across the globe. Avian species richness in different regions of the world cannot be accurately predicted by a single global model. Avian species richness in areas of similar environments may differ substantially between regions, and thus avian species richness in one biogeographical region cannot be predicted using the richness–environment relationship derived from the data of another biogeographical region, even one with similar environments.
Using rainout shelters to evaluate climate change effects on the demography of Cryptantha flava
Authors: Lucas Richard W. , Forseth Irwin N. , Casper Brenda B.
Published: April 2008

Precipitation in arid regions is temporally variable with much of it arriving in discrete, unpredictable pulses. Climate change models predict an increase in the variation of precipitation, with longer droughts and larger rainfall events, in addition to increased temperatures.

A life table response experiment (LTRE) was conducted with the herbaceous arid‐land perennial Cryptantha flava (Boraginaceae) from 1997 to 2000, in order to determine how variation in precipitation affects asymptotic population growth (l) and vital rates. Variation in precipitation took two forms, through rainout shelters erected just before and during the 1999 spring growing season, and through naturally occurring variation over the 4 years.

An unexpected effect of rainout shelters on l was observed that could not be attributed to drought. The l value decreased greatly in control census plots in the 1998–99 transition but did not decrease in sheltered of plots. The 1999 spring, when shelters were in place, was unusually cold, resulting in frost damage to unsheltered plants. Plants under shelters experienced elevated nighttime temperatures and escaped frost damage. The greater value of l in the sheltered plots is attributable almost entirely to greater contributions of survival, growth and stasis.

There were residual effects of the 1999 drought treatment in the 1999–2000 transition as l decreased in the sheltered populations while l increased in control populations. Compared to controls, there were large negative effects of survival, growth, and stasis and a large positive effect of retrogression in the droughted plots.

Natural variation in fecundity contributed considerably to inter‐annual variation in l in control plots. Annual variation in fecundity strongly paralleled annual variation in seedling establishment. The relative contributions of other vital rates varied greatly among the annual transitions.

Synthesis. The study illustrates the sensitivity of this arid‐land species to early season frost events and to variation in precipitation. It suggests the importance of considering the seasonal timing of precipitation events when projecting the population‐level consequences of global climate change, with particular attention given to precipitation that triggers germination and seedling establishment. Researchers using shelters to create drought treatments should consider their nighttime warming effects.
Games roots play: effects of soil volume and nutrients
Authors: O’Brien Erin E. , Brown Joel S.
Published: April 2008

A growing body of literature suggests that some plants may engage in a game of Tragedy of the Commons when competing for soil resources. Two annual plants sharing a whole space will produce more roots per individual and less reproductive yield per individual than one plant with half the space to itself.

Several papers have recently suggested that the increase in soil volume in going from a single plant to two competitor plants (as has been the case in empirical tests of the above prediction) may produce the increased root proliferation independent of the competitor.

We extend the Tragedy of the Commons model of Gersani et al. (2001) to explicitly consider the separate effects of volume per plant (V) and nutrient concentration per unit volume (N) on root proliferation and yield of plants that ‘own’ their space relative to plants that share their space with a competitor. We then use simulations resulting from the model to evaluate existing data and the new perspectives provided by recent challenges to the conceptual basis for the Tragedy of the Commons.

When N is held constant, increasing V should produce an almost linear increase in root proliferation and net nutrient profit for reproduction. The increase in roots should be more pronounced for two plants sharing their space, and the increase in yield should be more pronounced for plants with exclusive access to half the space. When V ¥ N is held constant, roots per plant should at first increase and then decline with increased volume. The difference between a plant that ‘owns’ its space vs. one that shares its space with a competitor should be less pronounced as V increases.

Synthesis. We use this model to help clarify some confusion surrounding the Tragedy of the Commons theory of below‐ground competition by showing how issues raised by others are not incompatible with the approach used to generate the Tragedy of the Commons theory and highlight future opportunities for research on root growth strategies.
From vulnerable plaque to atherothrombosis
Authors: Thim T. , Hagensen M. K. , Bentzon J. F. , Falk E.
Published: April 2008

Plaque rupture precipitates approximately 75% of all fatal coronary thrombi. Therefore, the plaque prone to rupture is the primary focus of this review. The lipid‐rich core and fibrous cap are pivotal in the understanding of plaque rupture. Plaque rupture is a localized process within the plaque caused by degradation of a tiny fibrous cap rather than by diffuse inflammation of the plaque. Atherosclerosis is a multifocal disease, but plaques prone to rupture seem to be oligofocal at most.
The molecular mechanisms of the thrombotic complications of atherosclerosis
Authors: Libby P.
Published: April 2008

Our evolving knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis has helped uncover the underlying causes behind thrombotic complications of this disease. Most fatal coronary thrombosis result from fibrous cap rupture or superficial erosion. Recent research has established a role for matrix metalloproteinases in the regulation of aspects of plaque structure related to propensity to disrupt and provoke thrombosis. Inflammatory pathways impinge on proteinase activity and aspects of oxidative stress that may favour plaque disruption. Novel molecular imaging strategies may permit visualization of proteinase activity in vivo, providing a new functional window on pathophysiology.
Functional status of masticatory system, executive function and episodic memory in older persons
Authors: SCHERDER E. , POSTHUMA W. , BAKKER T. , VUIJK P. J. , LOBBEZOO F.
Published: April 2008

Summary  Findings from human experimental studies suggest that mastication positively influences cognitive function. The participants in those studies were relatively young. The goal of this study was to examine the relationship between the functional status of the masticatory system, episodic memory, and executive functions in elderly people.

The participants, elderly people living independently at home, were divided into two groups. One group had a full complement of natural teeth (n = 19) and the other group had full dentures (n = 19). The functional status of the masticatory system was assessed by measuring mandibular excursions (i.e. the distances over which the mandible can move in the open, lateral, and forward directions), bite force, number of occluding pairs and complaints of the masticatory system (facial pain, headaches/migraine). Executive functions and episodic memory were assessed by neuropsychological tests.

Backward regression analysis showed that only in the group of elderly people with full dentures, 22% of executive functions were predicted by complaints of the masticatory system and 19·4% of episodic memory was predicted by masticatory performance (composed of mandibular excursions and bite force).

The conclusion of this study is that only in older persons with full dentures the relationship between mastication, episodic memory, and executive function becomes evident when the functional status of the masticatory system decreases.
3D morphological assessment of occlusal treatment by measuring dental casts with a micro‐focus X‐ray CT
Authors: KAMEGAWA M. , NAKAMURA M. , KITAHARA K. , OHTOMO H. , HASEGAWA T. , NAKAKURA T. , TSUTSUMI S.
Published: April 2008

Summary  The analysis of occlusal relationship is important for the success of dental treatment. Three‐dimensional (3D) computer models of upper and lower dental casts can play a significant role. In this study, we proposed and applied a new method in actual clinical assessment to measure dental casts with occlusal relationship by using a micro‐focus X‐ray CT system. We examined the modelling accuracy by comparing multiple 3D images taken by shifting the dental cast position. Modelling accuracy was confirmed as 0·03 mm. One occlusal treatment in clinical practice was selected as a case example. The dental casts and bite impression, taken before treatment, were scanned and the occlusal contacts and distance distribution between the upper and lower casts were visualized by a coloured map and overlaid on the computer models. Distances between the upper and lower casts of selected points were compared before and after the treatment. Initially, the subject had early contact on the anterior teeth, where distance was measured as 0·04 mm, and only one area measured less than 0·15 mm. After treatment, five areas measured less than 0·15 mm. Also, by comparing the dental cast models taken before and after occlusal adjustment of the tooth, the position and amount of adjustment were visualized. We successfully demonstrated the quantitative clinical assessment of occlusal treatment.
Distribution and speciation of some Carnivores
Authors: BRINK F.‐H. VAN DEN
Published: April 2008

Starting from the hypothesis of evolution of species as being the product of adaptive selection and isolation, and the past and present distribution of the species of the genera Canis and Lynx, the author deduces the theory that the very near species of both genera originated (that is: separated from each other) early in the Tertiary. One supporting fact, the specific independence of Lynx lynx and L. pardinus, is discussed in greater detail.

Prenant comme point de départ l'hypothèse selon laquelle l'évolution des espèces est le résultat de sélection adaptive et d'isolement; et la répartition passée et actuelle des espéces des genres Canis et Lynx, l'auteur déduit la théorie que les espèces très proches de ces deux genres respectits ont leur ongine (ou bien: se sont séparés) assez tôt au Tertiaire. Un des faits servant comme appui de cette théorie, l'indépendance spécifique de Lynx lynx et L. pardinus, est commenté en détail.
The oestrous cycle with particular reference to the neural control of the ovary
Authors: HUTCHINSON J. S. M.
Published: April 2008

The differing types of oestrous cycle found in mammals seem to be manifestations of the degree to which the external environment participates in the control of the three main phases of the ovarian cycle, the follicular phase, ovulation, corpus luteum phase. The question of the importance of the external and the internal environment for the manifestations of cyclicity has been discussed by reference to the factors involved in the control of ovarian function. The control of the ovarian cycle involves an interrelated fluctuation in the secretion of the anterior pituitary gonadotrophins FSH and LH, and in certain species LTH, which are under the control of hypophysiotrophic hormones produced in the hypothalamus. The production of these hormones is modified by other hypothalamic and extra–hypothalamic mechanisms, including a probable preoptic cycling mechanism controlling the ovulatory surge of gonadotrophins. These mechanisms can be triggered and timed by means of nervous reflexes arising from a variety of sensory end organs. Also this brain–hypothalamus–pituitary unit appears to contain sex steroid and gonadotropin sensitive elements through which these factors can influence the system. The additional luteotrophin and luteolytic factors involved in corpus luteum control have not been discussed. A brief idea as to how all these factors are integrated for the control of ovarian cyclicity is presented.
Seasonal breeding in female mammals
Authors: CLARKE J. R.
Published: April 2008

Study of the causation of seasonal breeding can be subdivided into a consideration of external or ecological, and internal or physiological, factors. Of the ecological ones, the role of day–length has been most extensively studied. Subjecting appropriate animals to different photoperiods should give fresh insight into mechanisms of the central nervous system. Alterations in day–length may produce changes in the C.N.S. and pituitary quite quickly, say within 24 to 48 hours. But there is still uncertainty about such basic problems as the relative significance of abrupt and gradual changes in day–length for the alteration of gonadal activity; and the existence of an annual endogenous physiological rhythm which may provoke the gonads into activity at the appropriate time. In addition, for some small rodents physical environmental factors apparently are not always equally efficient in stopping breeding in the winter, and it may be that length of breeding season is also influenced by biotic factors, such as the phase of a population cycle. Susceptibility to the effects of short photoperiods (“winter”) may be to some extent genetically controlled. Possibly then genotypes allowing winter breeding may be favoured at some, but not other, phases of population cycles.
Seasonal changes in the gonads and accessory glands of male mammals
Authors: CHAPMAN D. I.
Published: April 2008

The seasonal or cyclical changes in the size, histology and secretions of the male reproductive organs and accessory glands of certain mammals are reviewed briefly. Some mammals such as man and the laboratory rat are fertile throughout the year whereas others such as the Red deer stag and the mole are fertile only at certain periods. The male's cycle cannot necessarily be inferred from the female's cycle in those mammals that have a seasonal cycle, neither can it be inferred from rutting or copulatory behaviour. In some species the male is fecund throughout the year whereas the female has a well defined breeding season or seasons, which is defined as the period between conception and parturition. It is stressed that morphological changes, whether macroscopic or histological, do not necessarily reflect the secretory activity of the gland and that the presence of spermatozoa indicates fecundity, not fertility.

The information available on the reproductive organs, accessory glands and breeding cycles of mammals which occur in Britain is summarized. The majority of these mammals exhibit a seasonal cycle. The reproductive cycle of Fallow, Red and Sika deer, which are temperate species, can be correlated with the shedding and growth of antlers; for Red and Sika deer this is controlled by changes in the photoperiod. Two tropical mammals, the wildebeest and the hippopotamus, are considered and in the wildebeest we may have an animal which has a well–defined rutting period although spermatogenesis proceeds throughout the year. Although the male hippopotamus is sexually active throughout the year, there are peaks in the calving season which can be correlated with the rainy seasons. In some hibernating insectivores and rodents, recrudescence of the gonads and accessory glands begins before hibernation finishes. In temperate bats insemination usually takes place in the Autumn and this is followed by hibernation, fertilization not taking place until the Spring. Fertilization in some species of Miniopterus takes place after copulation but growth of the embryo is retarded during hibernation.

Finally, the causes of the cyclical waxing and waning of the reproductive organs and accessory glands and the effects of various external stimuli are considered. Very little experimental work has been done in this field apart from that on the effect of light on some domesticated species.
A yardstick for measuring populations of small rodents
Authors: SOUTHERN H. N.
Published: April 2008

(1) Six‐monthly trappings (summer and winter) were done between 1952 and 1969 of Wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) and Bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) in Wytham Woods, near Oxford. One hundred and fifty Longworth live traps were used on two 2‐acre grids in oak‐ash‐sycamore woodland.

(2) The traps were pre‐baited for 48 hours and then set. The catch was examined on the evening of the same day and on the following morning. The total of animals caught during the 24 hours was used as an index to the actual numbers present. Animals retrapped in the morning (identified by a simple method of marking) were omitted from the total.

(3) Between 1969 and 1972 the same procedure was used but trapping, evening and morning, was continued for 3‐4more days until some 75–80% of the catch consisted of marked animals.

(4) This enabled estimates to be made of the actual numbers of voles and mice present at each trapping and so to assess the proportion of the total present which was caught ring the first 24 hours.

(5) These estimates were made by (Method la) a straight Lincoln Index, (Method lb) a Lincoln Index method as modified by Hayne (1949) and (Method 2) by Hayne's trap‐out method. Over six trappings the estimates by these methods showed reasonable agreement.

(6) Comparison of the index trapping (i.e. the numbers caught during the first 24 hours) with the estimates of the total numbers present showed that, on all occasions, more than half of the mice and voles present entered the traps during the first 24 hours. With Bank voles there was a tendency for about half of them to be trapped during this time during the winter and about three‐quarters of them during the summer.

(7) With Wood mice the figures are more variable but, again, never less than half were trapped during the first 24 hours and, on some occasions, nearly the whole of the population.

(8) These results show that reasonably accurate estimates of the numbers of these rodents can be achieved within 3–4 days' trapping (estimates that can be cross‐checked by different methods) by using a high density of traps (see (1) above). Furthermore, trapping for 24 hours only will always catch at least half of the population present and, on occasions, considerably more than half.
Radioactive Marking of Small Mammals
Authors: BAILEY G. N. A. , LINN I. J. , WALKER P. J.
Published: April 2008

The literature on the use of radioactive materials in various kinds of ecological work on small mammals is reviewed under three main headings–inert implants used as markers for tracing movements, external radioactive tags used for similar purposes, and metabolizable radionuclides introduced into the animals' bodies not only for direct tracing of movements of the marked individuals, but for indirect tracing by detecting radioactive excreta, and by automatic marking of offspring and ectoparasites, which can in turn be identified and traced. A comprehensive table summarizes the literature reviewed, and summarizes also the characteristics of the various radioactive isotopes used or suggested for use.

Tests were carried out on various possible methods of using iodine‐131 as a marker for small mammals. Intraperitoneal injection of 131‐iodide as silver iodide or bound to an ion‐exchange resin gave an unsatisfactorily short biological half‐life for direct tracing but might be useful for detecting excreta. Silver 131‐iodide incorporated in epoxy resin and encapsulated in metal or plastic could prove to be a useful implant.

Silver 131 ‐iodide paint was quickly removed from the animals' fur by grooming, but might be useful for insects.

Silver‐131‐iodide–Araldite mixture on a leg ring proved useful, despite the inherent disadvantages of leg rings.
The role of photoperiodism in the seasonal breeding of tropical African ungulates
Authors: SPINAGE C. A.
Published: April 2008

Records of ungulate calving peaks, from different latitudes within the African tropics, are reviewed. Converting these peaks to conception dates, and plotting them against latitude, reveals whether the initiation of conception may be connected with a photoperiodic response. The north‐south plots of a short‐day species should lie in diagonally‐opposed quadrants, and those of long‐day species in the opposite quadrants. The analysis suggests that a photoperiodic stimulus could be a factor initiating conception in some species, but others lack any apparent relationship.
Reproductive physiology in relation to deer management
Authors: CHAPMAN D. I.
Published: April 2008

One of the more important aspects of deer management is the regulation of the number of animals in the herd. It is the fertility and fecundity of the female, rather than the male, that affects the rate of increase and the number of female deer that affects the size of the population. The various parameters of reproductive physiology of female deer are discussed and the information available with regard to the species of deer occurring wild in Britain is reviewed and summarized.

The time of year to cull deer and the importance of the female as well as the male for selection for breeding are briefly discussed.
Deer farming
Authors: BLAXTER K. L.
Published: April 2008

The reasons for undertaking work designed to explore the possibilities of developing a system of farming on poor land based on meat production from the Red deer are outlined. A description is given of the joint project commenced in 1970 by the Rowett Research Institute and the Hill Farming Research Organisation. Since the farm was stocked with calves, no meat production has yet commenced, emphasis being placed on building up a breeding herd. Calving hinds at 2 years of age has proved to be possible, ninety‐one live calves being born per 100 hinds put to the stag. Calf mortality has been much lower than in the wild. There is reason to believe that farming of the Red deer will prove to be technically feasible.
Harvest mice as Barn owl prey in the British Isles
Authors: GLUE DAVID E.
Published: April 2008

The value of Bam owl pellet analysis for monitoring elusive small mammal species is emphasized and the occurrence of Harvest mouse remains in Barn owl pellets is reviewed for the British Isles. It is suggested that, as a result of changes in agricultural practice, there have been significant changes in the habitat of both Harvest mouse and Barn owl such that neither common name is now strictly appropriate.
Trends in the strandings of Cetacea on the British Coasts 1913‐72
Authors: SHELDRICK M. C.
Published: April 2008

Records of Cetacea stranded on the British coasts have been maintained in the British Museum (Natural History) since they were started in 1913. Investigations have now been made into the possibility of trends of developments in these strandings. The data have been arranged in groups appertaining to 5‐year periods for all species combined, round the entire British coastline, also in relation to the coast on which the animals were stranded. For this purpose the coast of Great Britain has been divided into three separate areas. In addition, three species have been selected and treated separately to demonstrate the different trends.

The frequency of strandings appear to be correlated with the abundance of food fish, this in turn being related to the planktonic and nutritional values of the sea. There are one or two exceptions to this hypothesis, and it is suggested that there may be a correlation between an increase in strandings and a high mortality rate due to a lack of food fish.
Herd structure and behaviour in cetaceans
Authors: FRAZER J. F. D.
Published: April 2008

Despite the difficulties of exact observations at sea, it is clear that there are variations in the composition of herds even within the same species. In general, mixing of species is not unusual in herds, whether feeding or in transit, though smaller animals may consort with others of their own size and show fear of larger ones. Baleen whales or even ships may be accompanied by dolphins while in movement, and some species will remain with a stationary vessel while others go past. We have no evidence whether this relates to the relative size of cetacean or vessel, or anything other than the normal behaviour of the species under herding conditions.
Distribution, habitat utilization and age structure of a suburban fox (Vulpes vulpes) population
Authors: HARRIS STEPHEN
Published: April 2008

The occurrence of wild foxes in suburbia is discussed. It is shown that in London breeding populations of foxes are found 5 km from the city centre, and in the last 3 years foxes have been recorded in the very centre of the city.

The fox population in London is shown to be heavily dependent on residential habitats for both daytime harbourage and when selecting sites for natal earths. The fox population is unevenly distributed in London, with a marked clumping of the adult population during most of the year.

The age structure of the population is presented, and these data are compared with data for other canid populations. Conclusions are drawn as to the effects of conventional control techniques on the age structure of a fox population.
Aspects of the problem of variation, origin and evolution of the eutherian auditory bulla
Authors: NOVACEK MICHAEL J.
Published: April 2008

A survey of the variation in the eutherian auditory bulla and a consideration of its ontogeny and its possible mode of origin suggests that the basisphenoid bulla of insectivores, the petrosal bulla of primates, and the widely distributed ectotympanic bulla did not represent the condition of the most primitive eutherians. There is also evidence to refute the widely accepted premise that eutherians primitively had a cartilaginous bulla as adults. Instead, this condition is regarded as a secondary specialization derived from a bony entotympanic bulla. The entotympanic bulla was undoubtedly an early, but probably not the earliest, condition in the Eutheria. The contention that the most primitive eutherians lacked a bony or cartilaginous covering of the middle ear cavity ventrally between the petrosal and the nearly horizontal tympanic ring is supported by a number of lines of evidence. The cited existence of an entotympanic in marsupials is regarded as an independent acquisition, parallel with that in eutherians. Evidence is insufficient, in most cases, to determine whether the types of bullae in which an entotympanic is absent evolved through a stage where the latter was present, or arose de novo from the postulated primitive eutherian condition.
Age determination of European hares based on periosteal growth lines
Authors: FRYLESTAM B. , von SCHANTZ T.
Published: April 2008

A method for determining the absolute age of European hares (Lepus europeus) based on periosteal growth lines in the mandible was applied on thirty‐nine hares of unknown age and twenty hares of known age, captured and marked as juveniles. Annual growth lines (adhesion lines) were found in all hares except juveniles. In 85% there were agreements between numbers of annual layers and the real ages in the hares of known age examined. Previous treatment of the bone material with hydrogen peroxide complicated age determination by this method.
Serum protein analysis of Grey seals
Authors: HEATH CLARE E.
Published: April 2008

Electrophoresis provides extensive information about species relationships and subspecific structure, because taxonomically separated species are unlikely to share electrophoretic characters. The technique is best for relatively immobile species and so far fish or marine mammals have proved difficult subjects; but if interbreeding occurs only at the edges of otherwise discrete populations the technique should detect this. Transferrin polymorphisms in geographically separated populations of Weddell and southern Fur seals have been found.

Because the Grey seal returns to the same distinct localities to breed, for instance the Orkneys, Shetlands, Fames, North Rona, Hebrides, Wales and S.W. England, it seems sensible to seek such polymorphisms in this species.

In my work serum samples from eight Orkney Grey seals and thirteen Fame seals were separated on horizontal starch gels, but no polymorphisms were found. Such a small sample is however, not likely to reveal distinct or striking polymorphism.

However, a study conducted on a wider scale and with larger samples, might reveal such polymorphisms, particularly in respect of transferrins, a possibility which was suggested during the course of my work.
Population size and age determination in the Antarctic Fur seal Arctocephalus gazella
Authors: PAYNE M. R.
Published: April 2008

The population of Antarctic Fur seals Arctocephalus gazella at South Georgia is increasing rapidly and is therefore of great interest. Investigations of the population depend on two main techniques.

(1) Population assessment, because the population size is now too large for direct counts to be completely reliable, and serious underestimates are appearing in areas of high density. Aerial photography was used but needs further refinement before it becomes a consistently useful technique. Marking all pups on sample beaches was largely unsuccessful because pups moved from beach to beach before they could all be marked. A mark–recapture method was finally adopted and indicated that the numbers of pups present may be up to 54% higher than the numbers actually counted.

(2) The process of age determination from tooth characters, which is more difficult for Fur seals than other pinnipeds. The preparation and interpretation of the teeth of breeding cows is described, based on eleven specimens of known age. The most accurate results are obtained from whole teeth up to the age of 6, but thereafter interpretation of cement and dentine layers in thin sections must be used. It is concluded that while young animals are aged quite accurately, there is probably a tendency to underestimate the age of seals of more than 9 years.
The design, construction and use of a radio‐tracking system for some British mammals
Authors: TAYLOR K. D. , LLOYD H. G.
Published: April 2008

Radio‐tracking equipment designed by the late G. E. Ashwell is described. Detailed instructions are given for building transmitters suitable for foxes and rats so that the circuits can be made by people with only limited electronic knowledge. Constructional details are also provided for receiver aerials. The address of a firm that can supply receivers is given. The function and performance of each part of the equipment is described and details provided of the methods used by the authors to track mammals. The handling of mammals and attachment of transmitters is covered briefly. Some comments are included on the limitations of radio‐tracking as a means of studying wild mammals.
Notes on habitat relationships of ungulates in Yankari Game Reserve, Nigeria
Authors: HENSHAW JOHN
Published: April 2008

Yankari Game Reserve in northeastern Nigeria consists largely of savanna woodland with trees on the better soils growing to 15 m and with spreading crowns. On shallow and stony soils the tree height is generally less and the canopy is discontinuous. The Gaji River riparian zone supports a wide variety of vegetation types ranging from evergreen, closed canopy forest to sedge meadows and patches of open grassland.

Elephant (Loxodonta africana) range backwards and forwards along the riparian strip, feeding on perennial grasses and a variety of browse material and utilizing closed canopy forest patches for shade cover. The major movement patterns of other important herbivore species are perpendicular to the riparian strip. Areas used intensively are: waterbuck (Kobus defassa)–open savanna woodland immediately behind the riparian strip: Western hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus major)– open grassy habitat in relatively poor woodland at middle distances from the river; Roan antelope (Hippotragus equinus)–patches of well‐developed and infrequently burned woodland, often at major distances from the river. Buffalo (Syncerus caffer brachyceros) during the dry season ranged between the riparian grassland areas and the more open sections of nearby savanna woodland, but travelled out to distant sections of the reserve after rainwater pools had formed.

A major problem in management was the development of a burning policy that would maintain an appropriate balance between perennial and annual grasses and the shade providing trees.
The helminth parasites of the badger (Meles meles) in Cornwall
Authors: JONES G. W. , NEAL C. , HARRIS E. A.
Published: April 2008

The helminth parasites of 118 badgers from Cornwall are recorded. Nematode infestations are common. The five species found are Capillaria? erinacei, Molineus patens, Uncinaria stenocephala, Aelurostrongylus falciformis and Strongyloides sp. Cestode infestations appear to be rare, the species recorded being Mesocestoides lineatus and Dilepis undula. Similarly only a single trematode, Ityogonimus lorum, is recorded.
The structure and function of the tusks of babirusa
Authors: MacKINNON JOHN
Published: April 2008

An examination of twenty‐four male babirusa skulls indicates that the long tusks have an important function in intraspecific fighting. The upper tusks have developed a shielding, protective function whilst the lower tusks are offensive and daggerlike. As the upper tusks do not hone the lower canines as in other suids, the babirusa male actively sharpens his lower tusks on trees. Wear patterns on the tusks suggest that mainland babirusa use the upper tusks to interlock and hold their opponents' lower tusks during combat. In the Buru race this hooking function appears to have been lost and the upper tusks have a butting function instead.
Effects of mammalian predators on partridge populations
Authors: TAPPER S. C. , GREEN R. E. , RANDS M. R. W.
Published: April 2008

Many ecologists have argued that predation is of little consequence in the regulation of gamebird numbers and that predator control in game management is a waste of time. Their case has included two lines of evidence; firstly, gamekeepers do not appear to be reducing predator numbers significantly; secondly, mortality by predation appears to be compensatory and therefore has little impact on gamebird populations as a whole. However, a closer examination of the activities of gamekeepers indicates that they do reduce predation pressure either by reducing or completely removing some predator species, or by temporarily reducing their number on a local basis. Recent research including an investigation of partridge population processes explored with a computer simulation model indicates that predation does regulate both autumn and spring densities. Other factors play an important role only when predators are removed.
Past and present distribution of Red and Grey squirrels
Authors: LLOYD H. G.
Published: April 2008

The changing fortunes of the native Red squirrel and the introduced Grey squirrel, as revealed by surveys conducted since 1930, are described The increasing distribution of the Grey squirrel is accompanied by a decline in distribution of the Red squirrel. The Grey squirrel is now found in most parts of England and Wales south of Cumbria and Northumberland, whilst the Red is located mainly in Cumbria and Northumberland, East Anglia, parts of Wales, with smaller isolated colonies on the Isle of Wight and elsewhere. In Scotland, the Grey squirrel continues to spread slowly but it is less widely distributed than the Red squirrel.