bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rhythmic behaviour of intestinal helminths in rodents
Authors: KERBOEUF D. , LEWIS J. W.
Published: April 2008

Intestinal helminths exhibit two types of circadian rhythms, either involving the migration of adults worms (Hymenolepis and Syphacia) within the gut or periodic release of eggs by female worms (Aspiculuris and Heligmosomoides) to the exterior of the host to maximize transmission efficiency. By modifying the feeding regimes of rodents, there is clear evidence that these rhythmic processes are directly linked with the digestive and defaecating activities of the host with neurohormonal control mechanisms likely to be involved at least in the migratory behaviour of adult worms. Furthermore, in Heligmosomoides polygyrus rhythmic egg output appears to be dependent upon parasite age and the population density of the host and parasite. A brief reference is also made to studies on long‐term rhythms of egg output by intestinal nematodes and their effect on patterns of host faecal production.
Biology of the Polecat Mustela putorius: a literature review
Authors: BLANDFORD P. R. S.
Published: April 2008

The available literature on the biology of the European Polecat (Mustela putorius) is collated. Aspects covered are general biology and systematics, distribution, physical characteristics, variation, skeletal characteristics, habitat, general behaviour, diet and predatory behaviour, breeding, juvenile development, population structure, mortality, parasites and diseases, relations with man, and history in Britain. Notes on field signs are also included. Recent and current research on Polecats both in Great Britain and on the European continent are then reviewed and some new information is reported. An extended bibliography lists all major and many minor publications onM. putorius, together with selected references to feral Ferrets (M. furo) and Polecat‐Ferrets (M. putoriusxM.furo).
Dynamics of tuberculosis in a naturally infected Badger population
Authors: CHEESEMAN C. L. , WILESMITH J. W. , STUART F. A. , MALLINSON P. J.
Published: April 2008

The dynamics of bovine tuberculosis infection in a wild Badger population have been studied since 1981. Faeces are sampled regularly to determine the distribution of infection in the study area. Badgers in known infected social groups, plus the neighbouring groups, are periodically caught and subjected to full clinical and bacteriological examination to monitor the progression of infection within and between groups of Badgers. The interim results of this study are presented and discussed. During 5 years (1981–1985), the temporal spread of infection between social groups in the study area was slow and restricted. Some clinically affected Badgers have survived for long periods. Evidence of infection in individual Badgers indicates that pseudo‐vertical (mother to cub) transmission may be important in the maintenance of infection in the Badger population. There is also evidence of horizontal transmission by bite wounding and aerosol infection. Badger mortality due to Mycobacterium bovis infection was low, and the prevalence of infection in male Badgers is greater than in females. The data accumulated so far show no apparent relationship between Badger population density and the prevalence of M. bovis infection, nor is there any evidence to support the hypothesis that M. bovis infection acts to depress Badger population density significantly below disease‐free levels. Cattle and infected Badgers can co‐exist for long periods without the disease necessarily being transmitted to cattle.
An enquiry into the changing status of the Water Vole Arvicola terrestris in Britain
Authors: JEFFERIES D. J. , MORRIS P. A. , MULLENEUX J. E.
Published: April 2008

An enquiry was conducted into the changing status of the Water Vole Arvicola terrestris in Britain using an analysis of the data contained in County Mammal Reports. These were supplemented by a questionnaire survey and site descriptions from the Waterways Bird Survey organized by the British Trust for Ornithology. There was close conformity between the results obtained from these differing sources. There are indications that the Water Vole population has suffered a long‐term decline this century, possibly due to adverse habitat changes. Pollution of rivers in the 1950s by organochlorine insecticides, compounded in the 1960s and ′70s by the spread of the introduced American Mink Mustela vison have apparendy exacerbated the situation in recent years. All sources agreed that predation by Mink was considered to be the most important single threat to the Water Vole population. An objective survey is required to form the basis for a conservation plan and future monitoring of the Water Vole's status.
Escaped exotic mammals in Britain
Authors: BAKER SIMON J.
Published: April 2008

The status of the 15 species of exotic mammals naturalized in Britain is briefly reviewed along with the problems they cause and the costs of control. The legislation governing the keeping of exotic mammals is discussed and an assessment is made of the number of mammals kept in Britain for purposes other than food production. These include 3 200 000 kept for experimental purposes, over 12 848 in zoos, 100 000 Mink on farms and over 11 million households with at least one pet. The results of a recent survey of animals held in Britain under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976 are presented; nearly 1000 individuals of at least 76 species are held under this legislation.

Between January 1970 and October 1989, 293 exotic mammals, of 39 species not normally kept as household pets, were recorded out of captivity on 127 occasions. An analysis of the sources of these exotics and their subsequent fate is presented. It is suggested that monitoring the occurrence of exotic species out of captivity provides information on which species are most likely to establish feral populations in the future. This will allow preventive measures to be planned and their efficacy to be assessed before a new exotic species becomes established.
The past history and recent decline of Badgers Meles tneles in Essex: an analysis of some of the contributory factors
Authors: SKINNER CHRISTINE , SKINNER PAUL , HARRIS STEPHEN
Published: April 2008

The past history of the Badger in Essex is reviewed. It is shown that the population has fluctuated in the past, and that heavy gamekeeping pressure probably reduced numbers at the turn of the century, although Badgers were probably never as rare as early recorders believed. In recent years Badgers have been rare or absent in many areas of the county because they did not afford suitable sett sites, and the county as a whole is not particularly good for Badgers. Against this already low‐density Badger population, in the 20 years up to the mid‐1980s, 36 % of known setts had disappeared, with agricultural activities being the major cause of sett losses, and of the remaining setts there was a 14 % reduction in the number occupied by Badgers. Also, the modal sett size was reduced from six holes to three. Direct disturbance affected nearly a quarter of all viable setts in Essex. The significance of these findings is evaluated, and the effects of changing land use, sett disturbance, Badger digging, road deaths and sub‐lethal levels of agricultural chemicals on Badger numbers are discussed and quantified where possible. The possible effects of a continued fragmentation of the Badger population in Essex is reviewed. The need for further research on particular aspects of the problem, and the value of such data in understanding the population pressures facing the Badger elsewhere in Europe, are highlighted.
A review of Killer Whale interactions with other marine mammals: predation to co‐existence
Authors: JEFFERSON THOMAS A. , STACEY PAM J. , BAIRD ROBIN W.
Published: April 2008

Killer Whales are well‐known as predators of other marine mammals, including the large Sperm and baleen whales. Members of all marine mammal families, except the river dolphins and manatees, have been recorded as prey of Killer Whales; attacks have been observed on 20 species of cetaceans, 14 species of pinnipeds, the Sea Otter, and the Dugong. Ecological interactions have not been systematically studied and further work may indicate that the Killer Whale is a more important predator for some populations than previously believed. Not all behavioural interactions between Killer Whales and other marine mammal species result in predation, however. Some involve ‘harassment’ by the Killer Whales, feeding by both species in the same area, porpoises playing around Killer Whales, both species apparently ‘ignoring’ each other, and even apparently unprovoked attacks on Killer Whales by sea lions. These non‐predatory interactions are relatively common. We conclude that interactions between Killer Whales and marine mammals are complex, involving many different factors that we are just beginning to understand.
The Black Rat Rattus rattus in the United Kingdom in 1989
Authors: I. TWIGG G.
Published: April 2008

The loss of ground by the Black Rat in the late 1950s continued through the next decade. Since then the number of site records has fluctuated and there has been less constancy in the places recording the presence of the rat. This impermanence of populations together with their small size suggests that introductions are short lived and that the species has only a tenuous foothold in the United Kingdom today. Port records show that rats are still arriving regularly by ship and it is suggested that future developments in climate and trade might further assist entry and make the environment more favourable for the Black Rat.
Zooarchaeology and the biogeographical history of the mammals of Corsica and Sardinia since the last ice age
Authors: VIGNE JEAN‐DENIS
Published: April 2008

This paper presents the main results of a 10‐year zooarchaeological study on the origin of the present‐day terrestrial mammals of Corsica. Thousands of teeth and bones from Corsican archaeological sites comprise an almost complete succession from the end of the Pleistocene (c. 10,000 years BP) to the present. Human activities brought about the extinction of the entire autochthonous mammalian fauna and the gradual introduction of more than 25 taxa which constitute the present wild and domestic fauna. Such a complete turnover has also been recorded on other large Mediterranean islands and on some of the smaller ones. Preliminary data indicate how these events may have occurred in Corsica. This article emphasizes the important role which zooarchaeology can play in biogeographical research.
World distribution of the Rabbit Oryctolagus funiculus on islands
Authors: FLUX JOHN E.C. , FULLAGAR PETER J.
Published: April 2008

Both domestic and wild‐type European RabbitsOryctolagus cuniculus(L.) have been liberated on islands all over the world for a variety of reasons: for sport, to farm for meat or fur, as food for other animals or bait for lobster pots, to control vegetation, amuse tourists, and even to conserve representative populations from myxomatosis. Results of these introductions have likewise varied, from complete failure to densities so high as to denude completely the island of vegetation and soil. Some interesting populations have survived remarkably adverse conditions for up to 100 years before becoming extinct. Others provide natural experiments on the effects of introduced predators, competitors, or diseases like myxomatosis.

We list 800 islands or island groups on which Rabbits have been liberated, giving name, location, latitude and longitude, and area, followed by date of introduction, type of rabbit, population changes, present status, and effects of the Rabbits on their environment. For many islands information is still meagre or completely lacking; we hope that this provisional list will stimulate readers to send us additions and corrections, or to publish the data themselves.
Estimating the impact of past persecution and habitat changes on the numbers of Badgers Meles meles in Britain
Authors: REASON PAOLA , HARRIS STEPHEN , CRESSWELL PENNY
Published: April 2008

Data from a Badger sett survey undertaken in the mid‐1980s were used to calculate the effects of past persecution and land‐use changes on Badger numbers. The current British Badger population was estimated to be 41,894 ± 4404 social groups; if the effects of past persecution were eliminated, the population could be 43,437 ± 4731 social groups, an increase of 3.7%. Most of this increase relates to persecution in Norfolk and Suffolk last century. In Britain the Badger population is largely confined to those areas which are intensively managed, and the numbers and distribution of Badgers reflect patterns of agricultural activity. However, over‐intensive use of the landscape is detrimental to Badger numbers. To quantify the impact of land‐use changes on the British Badger population, a number of habitat features favourable to Badgers were identified; 1‐km squares that contained five or more such features had significantly higher mean Badger densities. If all the 1‐km squares were managed to include five or more of the habitat features favoured by Badgers, and the effects of persecution were eliminated, the Badger population could be 58,284 ± 5640 social groups, an increase of 39%. The absence of semi‐natural broadleaved woodlands in a 1‐km square had the greatest effect in reducing Badger numbers, and tree‐planting schemes may be beneficial in providing potential new sett sites. However, Badgers are poor colonists, and the construction of artificial setts and the translocation of displaced social groups of Badgers will greatly facilitate the colonization process. The value of such an approach for predicting the effects of future land‐use policy on Badgers and other species, and for managing the British wildlife resources, is discussed.
The status of the Badger Meles meles (L., 1758) (Carnivora, Mustelidae) in Europe
Authors: GRIFFITHS H.I. , THOMAS D.H.
Published: April 2008

The Eurasian Badger occurs throughout the Palaearctic, and in all states of Europe west of the border with the former Soviet Union. Within this area it is absent only from the arctic zones, high‐altitude areas, and some islands. The Badger is currently a protected species in the UK, the Irish Republic, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Albania, Greece, Estonia, Luxembourg and Hungary, but Luxembourg and Hungary are to reconsider protected status. Elsewhere, the species is either considered as small‐game or as a pest, hunting being regulated by closed seasons. At present Finland and Burgenland (Austria) afford protection to breeding females, whilst Bulgaria, Macedonia and the Austrian Bundesländer of Steiermark and Salzburg permit Badger hunting throughout the year. Where the species is protected, provisions usually exist for the removal or culling of ‘pest’ individuals. The official European game‐bag currently totals about 118,000 Badgers, but poaching is common, particularly in the UK and Ireland. Published population estimates, coupled with national population minima obtained by extrapolation from game‐bag statistics, indicate a minimum European Badger population of 1,220,000; the true figure may exceed this considerably. Badger populations appear to be either stable or increasing throughout much of Europe, although no data are currently available for the populations of Greece, Italy, Spain, Croatia, Bosnia‐Hercegovina and Portugal. Badgers are uncommon in the Netherlands, Estonia, Belgium, the Slovak Republic, and possibly Poland. Only the populations of Albania and possibly of some parts of the former Yugoslavia appear to be decreasing. The Dutch population remains at considerable risk, despite modest recent increases. The population status of the endemic sub‐species of Crete and Rhodes remain uncertain and require urgent clarification. A series of management recommendations are proposed to improve the status of the Badger in Europe.
Fluctuations in the Dutch Badger Meles meles population between 1960 and 1990
Authors: WIERTZ J.
Published: April 2008

The size of the Badger population in the Netherlands is estimated on the basis of sett surveys in 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1990. The numbers of used important setts were 588,640,405 and 606, respectively. So there were strong fluctuations especially due to the drop (‐36%) in 1980. In 1990 the number of used important setts nearly returned to the level of 1960. However, there were important regional differences. There was a strong increase in areas with large woodlands, mainly in the central part of the country. In the south, with more traffic, farming and urbanization, the numbers remained 20–30% lower than in 1960, despite the fact that traditionally these were the best Badger areas. Only 25% of the important setts used in 1960 were still in use in 1990. The growth of the number of collapsed or lost setts increased considerably during those 30 years, indicating a rather large sett turnover probably due to disturbance or a related stress factor. Some possible causes of the fluctuations are discussed. It is recommended that a monitoring scheme be carried out every 2 or 3 years in some key areas, in order to get a better idea of the short‐term fluctuation range of the population. For one‐off, single‐observation surveys, a simpler and more‐robust sett classification is desirable, based on the number of intact holes, instead of on ‘main setts’.
Rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus populations in Scotland since the introduction of myxomatosis
Authors: KOLB HUGH H.
Published: April 2008

A Rabbit survey of Scotland was carried out in 1991 following the methods used for previous surveys in 1969, 1970, 1973 and 1974. The survey was split into direct field and postal questionnaire sections, and the results from the two were compared. Rabbit infestations were categorized as slight and serious. Slight infestation proved to be an inconsistent indicator of Rabbits, but the percentage of serious infestations was highly correlated across sampling areas, and was also related to the average loss estimated by farmers. The pattern of recovery of Rabbit populations after myxomatosis varied between different parts of the country. In the East, Northeast and eastern Highlands the percentage of serious infestations was 26.5% in 1991, as compared to previous survey estimates of 55.9% before 1954 and 1.5% in 1969/70. In the Central, West, South and South‐west serious Rabbit problems disappeared after 1954 and are now only at the level of 5 %. It is estimated that Rabbits caused £11,790,000 worth of damage to agriculture in Scotland during 1990/91.
The status of the European Mole Talpa europaea L. as an agricultural pest and its management
Authors: ATKINSON R.P.D. , MACDONALD D.W. , JOHNSON P.J.
Published: April 2008

Although the pest status of the European Mole Talpa europaea L. in Britain has never been adequately assessed, it is perceived as being a pest of agricultural and amenity land and is widely persecuted. We review the Mole's pest status, and evaluate current and proposed control methods.

While there has been a recent decline in the demand for strychnine, abuse of this poison leads annually to the death of many wild and domestic animals. The need remains for a humane, practical and safe alternative. If strychnine were banned without such an alternative being available, the use of mole‐traps would probably increase. Through post‐mortem examination of trapped Moles we evaluate the humaneness of these traps.

Our returned questionnaires showed that, while most farmers perceive Moles as pests, the damage which is attributed to them is slight on the great majority of farms. Control of Moles was none the less common and widespread, and was undertaken by 49.5% of respondents in 1992. Perceived pest status and the favoured method of control varied regionally; these trends may be related to soil quality and cultivation type.

Silage pollution was the most widely cited agricultural problem attributed to Moles. Practical measures to reduce silage pollution by Moles are discussed, particularly with regard to silage collection and treatment using bacteriophages. The efficiency of these additives merits detailed study because they have the potential, regardless of whether pollution has occurred or not, to improve the quality of the silage to an extent that killing Moles may be unnecessary; less than 1% of respondents reported that 10% or more of their silage was seriously affected by Mole activity.
Fossil Macroscelidea
Authors: BUTLER P. M.
Published: April 2008

The fossil record of elephant‐shrews, confined to Africa, goes back to the Eocene, but only three pre‐Miocene genera have been described. The two existing subfamilies, Rhynchocyoninae and Macroscelidinae, were clearly distinct in the Miocene and must have diverged much earlier, but their relationships with the Eocene Herodotinae (Chambius, Herodotius) and the Oligocene Metoldobotes are unclear. The Herodotinae have primitive characters which seem to link them with hyopsodontid condylarths. The Rhynchocyoninae have undergone only minor change since the Early Miocene. On the other hand, the Macroscelidinae, which appear in the record only in the Middle Miocene, diversified to produce at least five species in South Africa in the Pliocene. The Early Miocene Myohyracinae appear to be the sister‐group of the Macroscelidinae, with the dentition specialized for a herbivorous or seed‐eating diet. The origin of Macroscelididae is uncertain: some shared cranial characters suggest a common origin with anagalids, lagomorphs and rodents, but the dentition and eye‐lens proteins suggest condylarth relationships.
Comparative ecology of two elephant‐shrew species in a Kenyan coastal forest
Authors: FITZGIBBON CLARE D.
Published: April 2008

The Four‐toed Elephant‐Shrew Petrodromus tetradactylus is one of the most widely distributed elephant‐shrew species, ranging from Kenya to South Africa, while the Golden‐rumped Elephant Shrew Rhynchocyon chrysopygus has a limited distribution, being found only on the north Kenya coast. This paper compares the behaviour and ecology of the two species in Arabukc‐Sokoke Forest, Kenya. Compared with Four‐toed Elephant‐Shrews, Golden‐rumped Elephant‐Shrews have larger home ranges and maintain lower densities, as predicted from their greater body size. Both species prefer areas with dense vegetation cover, avoiding open areas, but the Four‐toed ElephantShrew shows a greater preference for dense thicket areas. Territory size was inversely correlated with dry‐season spider abundance in Golden‐rumped Elephant‐Shrews, and with dry‐season ant abundance in Four‐toed Elephant‐Shrews. Differences in activity patterns, as well as body size, may contribute to niche separation between the two species. Both species appear to be monogamous, with males and females defending overlapping territories. Male Golden‐rumped Elephant‐Shrews range over slightly larger areas than females, and are more likely to trespass into neighbouring territories. The less specific habitat requirements of Four‐toed Elephant‐Shrews and their higher densities are probably the two most important factors resulting in their wide distributional range.
Comparative aspects of the metabolism and thermal biology of elephant‐shrews (Macroscelidea)
Authors: PERRIN M. R.
Published: April 2008

The metabolic rates of elephant‐shrews are typical of eutherian mammals and follow allometric relationships. They do not exhibit ‘primitive’ characteristics in relation to thermal biology as shown by other insectivores, and their reduced metabolic rates are interpreted as adaptive responses to habitat variables. Stable body temperatures are maintained over a wide range of environmental extremes. Hyperthermia is prevented by evaporative water loss and peripheral vasodilation, whereas hypothermia is probably more widespread than current data suggest. Elephantulus rozeti from the Atlas Mountains of North Africa has been shown to exhibit spontaneous daily torpor. Although the metabolic rates of macroscelids approximate those of tupaiids, they differ in maintaining a high stable body temperature below the thermoneutral zone.

The ecophysiology of the species comprising the three genera studied are different. Petrodromus (tetradactylus) maintains a relatively low body temperature and metabolic rate, but has the lowest relative evaporative water loss and the highest absolute thermal conductance. These characteristics are correlated with a thermally stable but warm, humid environment, and are not explained by taxonomy. The thermal biology and metabolism of species of the other two genera, Macroscelides and Elephantulus, are interpreted as adaptations to thermally variable, arid environments. Although physiologically well adapted, the thermal and metabolic strategy of Macroscelides (proboscideus) is greatly influenced by its nocturnal behaviour and use of a burrow. The body temperatures and metabolic rates of Elephantulus species are markedly similar, and evaporative water loss varies with water availability in their respective habitats. Species differences are discussed in relation to habitat, behaviour and taxonomy.

It is suggested that the common metabolic characteristics of elephant‐shrews were evolved in a stem ancestor, whereas adaptive characters include physiological and behavioural responses to control evaporative water loss and thermal conductance. The metabolic strategy of elephantshrews contributes to their ecological and evolutionary success.
Conservation issues and strategies for elephant‐shrews
Authors: RATHBUN GALEN B.
Published: April 2008

The recommendations and implementation of the IUCN conservation plan for African Insectivora and elephant‐shrews (Nicoll & Rathbun, 1990) are reviewed. Of the 33 species and subspecies of elephant‐shrews, only six forest‐dwelling taxa are threatened. Until additional status data are gathered, assessed, and published no changes in the IUCN threatened categories should be made: Rhynchocyon chrysopygus is ‘vulnerable’; Rhynchocyon petersi petersi and Rhynchocyon petersi adersi are ‘rare’; and Rhynchocyon cirnei cirnei, Rhynchocyon cirnei hendersoni, and Petrodromus tetradactylus sangi are ‘insufficiently known’. Implementing status surveys that have not been completed, especially for the forms of R. petersi and P. t. sangi, are a high priority. Rhynchocyon petersi and R. chrysopygus densities are lower in altered and trapped forests compared with undisturbed forests. Because undisturbed forests in eastern Africa are highly fragmented, small, and disappearing due to human encroachment, it is important to determine the population dynamics of Rhynchocyon spp. that occupy degraded forest habitats, such as plantations, follow agricultural lands, and coastal scrub. In the face of the expanding human population, with its increasing need for land and natural resources, Rhynchocyon populations that occur in these degraded habitats may be all that remain in the future.
Reintroducing the European Beaver to Britain: nostalgic meddling or restoring biodiversity?
Authors: MACDONALD D.W. , TATTERSALL F.H. , BROWN E.D. , BALHARRY D.
Published: April 2008

The European Beaver Castor fiber once occurred throughout Europe, but in many countries was exterminated or greatly reduced by over‐hunting. In the UK, Beavers were last recorded in Scotland in the sixteenth century. Thirteen countries have carried out reintroduction programmes to restore the range of the Beaver in Europe, We provide a basis for discussing the feasibility and desirability of reintroducing the Beaver to Britain. The basic biology of the Beaver is described, followed by summaries of reintroductions in Europe and an evaluation of their successes and failures. We address the fundamental questions of propagule size, habitat requirements, habitat size and provenance of Beavers to be released, before examining in theory whether reintroducing Beavers to Britain is likely to fulfil UKCINC and IUCN criteria relating to environmental impact, socioeconomics and conservation. We then make suggestions as to how a reintroduction to Britain could proceed. Essential work outstanding includes site assessment and public consultation. The restoration of the Beaver to Britain could be a fitting start to the millennium.
Place‐name evidence for the former distribution and status of Wolves and Beavers in Britain
Authors: AYBES C. , YALDEN D.W.
Published: April 2008

Place‐name evidence includes over 200 places in England named after Wolves, but only 20 named for Beavers. A few places named for other wild mammals are noted, but coverage of these is less thorough, and is less certain because of either linguistic confusion or confusion with domestic mammals.

In England, Wolf place‐names are most frequent in upland counties, but are not related to the counties which had most woodland at the time of the Domesday survey (as a nearest available date), despite the frequent allusions in the place‐names themselves to woodland. Most Beaver placenames are compounded with some reference to water, but are not associated with the fenland areas where archaeological remains of Beavers are most frequent.

It appears that Wolves were still numerous and widespread when the Anglo‐Saxons (mostly) were naming our countryside, but Beavers were already scarce.
Relative roles of density‐dependent and density‐independent factors in population dynamics of British deer
Authors: PUTMAN R.J. , LANGBEIN J. , M. HEWISON A.J. , SHARMA S.K.
Published: April 2008

It has become increasingly clear that both density‐dependent and density‐independent factors may influence the dynamics of mammalian populations; it remains more difficult, however, to determine which factors may play the more significant role in influencing population number in any particular case. In this paper we review published and unpublished data in an analysis of the various factors affecting population size and trend in three European species of deer: Red Deer (Cervus elaphus), Fallow Deer (Dama damd) and Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus). We select these species deliberately because they span a range of body size and reproductive strategy ‐ it seems that different demographic parameters might thus play different roles in the dynamics of the three‐which may also be differentially sensitive to the effects of density‐dependent and density‐independent factors. For each species we examine the available evidence to determine the relative roles and effects of density‐dependent feedback mechanisms and density‐independent factors such as climate on recruitment and mortality.

Despite differences in bionomic strategy between Red Deer (as essentially a K‐strategist) and the more r‐selected Roe, few differences emerge between the three species in the relative roles of density‐dependent and density‐independent factors ‐ or of the stage at the life cycle at which each factor may act. Overall, however, it is clear that variation in density‐independent factors, such as climate, appears primarily to affect levels of mortality within a population, while effects of density are particularly marked in relation to changes in recruitment.
Population genetic structure across dissolved oxygen regimes in an African cichlid fish
Authors: CRISPO ERIKA , CHAPMAN LAUREN J.
Published: April 2008

Ecological isolation is a process whereby gene flow between selective environments is reduced due to selection against maladapted dispersers, migrant alleles, or hybrids. Although ecological isolation has been documented in several systems, gene flow can often be high among selective regimes, and more studies are thus needed to better understand the conditions under which ecological gradients or divergent selective regimes should influence population structure. We test for ecological isolation in a system in which high plasticity occurs with respect to traits that are adaptive in alternate forms under different environmental conditions.Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor victoriaeis a widespread haplochromine cichlid fish in East Africa that exploits both normoxic (normal oxygen) rivers/lakes and hypoxic (low oxygen) swamps. Here, we examine population structure, using mitochondrial DNA and microsatellites, to determine if genetic divergence is significantly increased between dissolved oxygen regimes relative to within them, while controlling for geographical structure. Our results indicate that geographical separation influences population structure, while no effects of divergent selection with respect to oxygen regimes were detected. Specifically, we document (i) genetic clustering according to geographical region, but no clustering according to oxygen regime; (ii) higher genetic variation among than within regions, but no effect of oxygen regime on genetic variation; (iii) isolation by distance within one region; and (iv) decreasing genetic variability with increasing geographical distance from Lake Victoria. We speculate that plasticity may be facilitating gene flow between oxygen regimes in this system.
Alluvial architecture of the Holocene Rhine–Meuse delta (the Netherlands)
Authors: GOUW MARC J.P.
Published: April 2008

Ancient fluvial successions often act as hydrocarbon reservoirs. Sub‐surface data on the alluvial architecture of fluvial successions are often incomplete and modelling is performed to reconstruct the stratigraphy. However, all alluvial architecture models suffer from the scarcity of field data to test and calibrate them. The purposes of this study were to quantify the alluvial architecture of the Holocene Rhine–Meuse delta (the Netherlands) and to determine spatio‐temporal trends in the architecture. Five north–south orientated cross‐sections, perpendicular to the general flow direction, were compiled for the fluvial‐dominated part of the delta. These sections were used to calculate the width/thickness ratios of fluvial sandbodies (SBW/SBT) and the proportions of channel‐belt deposits (CDP), clastic overbank deposits (ODP) and organic material (OP) in the succession. Furthermore, the connectedness ratio (CR) between channel belts was calculated for each cross‐section. Distinct spatial and temporal trends in the alluvial architecture were found. SBW/SBT ratios decrease by a factor of ca 4 in a downstream direction. CDP decreases from ca 0·7 (upstream) to ca 0·3 (downstream). OP increases from less than 0·05 in the upstream part of the delta to more than 0·25 in the downstream delta. ODP is approximately constant (0·4). CR is ca 0·25 upstream, which is approximately two times larger than in the downstream part of the delta. Furthermore, CDP in the downstream Rhine–Meuse delta increases after 3000 cal yr BP. These trends are attributed to variations in available accommodation space, floodplain geometry and channel‐belt size. For instance, channel belts tend to narrow in a downstream direction, which reduces SBW/SBT, CDP and CR. Tectonics cause local deviations in the general architectural trends. In addition, the positive correlation between avulsion frequency and the ratio of local to regional aggradation rate probably influenced alluvial architecture in the Rhine–Meuse delta. The Rhine–Meuse data set can be a great resource when developing more sophisticated models for alluvial architecture simulation, which eventually could lead to better characterizations of hydrocarbon reservoirs. To aid such usage of the Rhine–Meuse data set, constraints for relevant parameters are provided at the end of the paper.
Induction of the tobacco PR‐1a gene by virus infection and salicylate treatment involves an interaction between multiple regulatory elements
Authors: van de Rhee Miranda D. , Bol John F.
Published: April 2008

Expression of the tobacco PR‐1a gene is induced by treatment of plants with salicylate or infection with tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). Cis‐acting sequences involved in regulation of the PR‐1a gene by salicylate and TMV were identified by investigating fusion constructs of PR‐1a upstream sequences with a heterologous minimal promoter and the GUS reporter gene in transformed tobacco plants. The PR‐1a promoter was found to contain a number of interacting elements which function in a context‐dependent way. A minimum of four regulatory elements was identified, located between nucleotides ‐902 to ‐691 (element 1), ‐689 to ‐643 (element 2), ‐643 to ‐287 (element 3) and ‐287 to +29 (element 4). Alone, these elements have no promoter activity and they are all four required for maximum induction of the reporter gene by salicylate or TMV. The PR‐1a promoter is positively regulated by elements 1, 2, and 3; constructs containing two of these three elements had about half of the maximum activity. Replacement of the minimal heterologous promoter by element 4 differentially affected the activity of these various constructs, suggesting that this element may be important for a correct spacing between elements 1 to 3 and the transcription start site. The observation that all PR‐1a promoter constructs respond similarly to salicylate treatment and TMV infection supports a role of salicylate in the signal transduction pathway leading to PR‐1a gene expression.
Antisense inhibition of pectin esterase gene expression in transgenic tomatoes
Authors: Hall Lisa N. , Tucker Gregory A. , Smith Christopher J.S. , Watson Colin F. , Seymour Graham B. , Bundick Yvonne , Boniwell Jeremy M. , Fletcher Jonathan D. , Ray John A. , Schuch Wolfgang , Bird Colin R. , Grierson Don
Published: April 2008

Tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill. cv. Ailsa Craig) were transformed with chimaeric pectin esterase (PE; EC 3.1.1.11) antisense RNA genes, based on a cDNA isolated from a tomato fruit library. PE enzyme activity in ripe fruit of these plants was reduced by up to 93%, as a result of inhibition of PE mRNA accumulation from an endogenous gene, or genes. No major differences in fruit development and ripening were apparent, although pectin remained more heavily esterified (methylated) at all stages of fruit development, thus confirming that PE has a role in pectin de‐esterification in vivo. PE enzyme activity was unaffected in leaves or roots of the transformants, although antisense RNA transcripts were detected. This observation, and immunological differences between PE isoenzymes in leaves and roots compared to fruit, indicate differential expression of PE isoenzymes in these organs.
Hypotensive effects of stroma‐free haemoglobin solutions attributable to adenine nucleotides
Authors: MacDonald S. L. , McLaughlin L. F. , MacGregor I. R. , Pepper D. S.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Aqueous solutions of stroma‐free human haemoglobin are being evaluated as potential oxygen‐carrying resuscitation fluids. There are indications, however, that such solutions may produce toxic side‐effects in vivo. Stroma‐free haemoglobin solution produced a 50% fall in mean arterial pressure when infused into a small animal model despite containing very low levels of non‐haem protein and phospholipid contaminants. This effect was not produced by haemoglobin solutions after extensive dialysis. Red cell‐derived adenine nucleotides were found to be present in concentrations high enough to cause such a response (80–85 μg/ml). We have developed a chromatographic assay capable of predicting hypotension in our animal model and consider that the complete absence of adenine nucleotides must be confirmed in all studies concerning the possible toxic side‐effects of stroma‐free haemoglobin solutions.
Improved in‐vitro quality of platelet concentrates stored in a dextrose‐free synthetic medium
Authors: Farrugia A. , Douglas S. , Williams S. , Kellner S. , Amerena L. , James J.
Published: April 2008

Summary. The licenced balanced salt solution Plasma‐Lyte, buffered with a clinical solution of sodium bicarbonate, was evaluated as a suspending fluid for platelet concentrates. Platelets suspended in this medium showed better pH maintenance over 5 days of storage compared to platelets stored in plasma (7·0 vs 6·45, P < 0·001). This was reflected in improvements in in‐vitro indicators of platelet viability hypotonic shock response (79 vs 48%, P < 0·05), aggregation to paired agonists (86 vs 62%, P < 0·05); and platelet size distribution (104 vs 119%, P < 0·001). Dissolved bicarbonate measurement showed less depletion of bicarbonate in the synthetic medium compared to plasma, which suggests a lower rate of lactate formation. A synthetic medium containing dextrose showed inferior platelet storage characteristics when compared to the plasmalyte/bicarbonate medium in a paired study (Day 5, pH 6·53 vs 6·9, P < 0·05). The results suggest that utilization of substrates other than dextrose allows platelets to metabolize without the accumulation of lactate that leads to pH drops during storage in plasma, and continue to support the feasibility of storing platelets in a non‐plasma environment.
The immune response to the HPA‐la antigen: association with HLA‐DRw52a
Authors: Décary F. , L'Abbé D. , Tremblay L. , Chartrand P.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Antibodies to the HPA‐la antigen can elicit a condition in the new‐born known as neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAITP). Retrospective and prospective studies have shown that there is a strong correlation between the presence of HLA‐DR3, HLA‐DRw52 in the mother and the antibody response to HPA‐la. HLA Class II molecules play an important role in the initiation of the immune response and it has been postulated that HPA‐la antibody production could be determined by the presence of a specific HLA Class II molecule at the surface of the antigen‐presenting cell. Thirty‐one HPA‐la negative women with HPA‐la antibodies (responders) and nine HPA‐la negative women without HPA‐la antibodies (non‐responders) were recruited. They were studied using serological HLA Class I and Class II typing and RFLP analysis with a DRβ probe. We found that all responders had the HLA‐DRw52a sub‐specificity confirming recently published data. Moreover, two of the nine non‐responders were also found to be HLA‐DRw52a. These results suggest that the HLA‐DRw52a molecule is necessary for HPA‐la antibody responsiveness but not sufficient. The results also indicate that in HPA‐la negative women the absence of HLA‐DRw52a is associated with a very low risk of being antibody producers and hence, is associated with a very low risk for NAITP in their new‐borns.
The abundance and organization of polypeptides associated with antigens of the Rh blood group system
Authors: Gardner B. , Anstee D. J. , Mawby W. J. , Tanner M. J. A. , Von dem Borne A. E. G. Kr.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Twelve murine monoclonal antibodies, which react with human red cells of common Rh phenotype but give weak or negative reactions with Rh null erythrocytes, were used in quantitative binding assays and competitive binding assays to investigate the abundance and organization of polypeptides involved in the expression of antigens of the Rh blood group system. Antibodies of the R6A‐type (R6A, BRIC‐69, BRIC‐207) and the 2D10‐type (MB‐2D10, LA 18.18, LA23.40) recognize related structures and 100,000–200,000 molecules of each antibody bind maximally to erythrocytes of common Rh phenotype. Antibodies of the BRIC‐125 type (BRTCs 32, 122,125, 126, 168, 211) recognize structures that are unrelated to those recognized by R6A‐type and 2D10‐type antibodies and between 10,000 and 50,000 antibody molecules bind maximally to erythrocytes of the common Rh phenotype. The binding of antibodies of the R6A‐type and the 2D10‐type, but not of antibodies of the BRIC‐125‐type could be partially inhibited by human anti‐D antibodies (polyclonal and monoclonal) and a murine anti‐e‐like antibody. These results are consistent with evidence (Moore & Green 1987; Avent el al., 1988b) that the Rh blood group antigens are associated with a complex that comprises two groups of related polypeptides of Mr 30,000 and Mr 35,000–100,000, respectively, and suggest that there are 1–2 × 105 copies of this complex per erythrocyte. The polypeptide recognized by antibodies of the BRIC‐125 type is likely to be associated with this complex.
Mechanism of cryoprecipitation of anti‐blood group B murine monoclonal antibodies
Authors: Judson P. A. , Smythe J. S.
Published: April 2008

Summary. In our experience, some examples of mouse monoclonal antibodies of anti‐B blood group specificity develop a precipitate when stored at 4°C. This poses problems during the preparation of blood grouping reagents containing anti‐B, and in the storage and use of such reagents. Here we show that this problem can be circumvented by alteration of the glycan moiety of the secreted immunoglobulin, either by glycosidase treatment of the partially purified immunoglobulin, or by the addition of glycan processing inhibitors to the hybridoma cell cultures. These findings have importance for the manufacture of monoclonal antibodies, and highlight a possible new role for carbohydrate in immunoglobulin interaction and immune complex formation.
Overestimation of fetomaternal haemorrhage by the acid‐elution technique in mothers with β‐thalassaemia minor
Authors: Goldman M. , Blajchman M. A. , Ali M. A. M.
Published: April 2008

Summary. In Rh‐negative women, it is important to quantify the magnitude of an Rh‐positive fetomaternal haemorrhage (FMH) so that sufficient Rh immune globulin (RhIg) can be administered early in the postpartum period to prevent alloimmunization. The standard post‐partum dose of Rhlg varies from 100 μg in the UK to 300 μg in North America. It is therefore important to identify all Rh‐negative women who have had an FMH greater than 10 ml in the UK or greater than 30 ml in North America because an FMH greater than these amounts will affect the dose of RhIg that is administered. As acid‐elution techniques can overestimate the magnitude of an FMH in the presence of an elevated maternal haemoglobin F level, we performed a prospective study to determine how often this occurred. Of 1,894 consecutive Rh‐negative mothers who delivered Rh‐positive infants, whose blood was screened for an FMH greater than 10 ml of fetal blood using an acid‐elution procedure, 11 were found to have an FMH over 10 ml. In five of these 11 women, the volume of FMH was less than 10 ml using an alternative technique (rosette test) to assess the FMH size. Six of these women were found to have β‐thalassaemia minor on the basis of a low MCV, and high haemoglobin A2 and/or high haemoglobin F levels. In five of these the FMH was significantly overestimated by the acid‐elution technique compared to the rosette technique. Therefore, in the presence of a maternal condition, which may result in an elevated haemoglobin F level, an FMH estimated to be over 10 ml in the UK or 30 ml in North America using an acid‐elution procedure, should be confirmed by an alternative technique, which does not involve the estimation, directly or indirectly, of haemoglobin F.
The pH, conductivity and osmolality of low ionic strength solutions used within the U.K. for the antiglobulin test
Authors: Phillips P. K. , Bebbington C.
Published: April 2008

Summary. Low ionic strength solutions (LISS) for use in the antiglobulin test were obtained from 356 U.K. laboratories. Of the 324 laboratories using LISS to suspend the test red cells and who returned details of their LISS technique, 15 used unequal proportions of red cell suspension and serum despite the LISS being formulated for use with equal proportions. Of the 22 laboratories mixing LISS with serum and red cells suspended in a normal ionic strength medium, four used a LISS preparation formulated for a LISS‐suspension technique and three used a commercially available LISS‐addition preparation using proportions of red cells, serum and LISS not recommended by the manufacturer. The mean (standard deviation) pH, conductivity and osmolality of the 334 LISS preparations for LISS‐suspenson was 6·9 (0·2), 4·1 (0·4) mS/cm and 298 (15) mmole/kg, respectively. It is suggested that attention should be paid to the osmolality and, particularly, conductivity during the preparation of LISS because values were observed that were clearly outside the acceptable range cited in the Guidelines for the Blood Transfusion Services in the United Kingdom, i.e. pH 6·7 ± 0·2, conductivity 3·7 ± 0·3 mS/cm and osmolality 295 ± 5 mmole/kg.