bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinship alters the effects of forced cohabitation on body weight, mate choice and fitness in the rat-like hamster Tscheskia triton
Authors: Rao Xiaoping , Zhang Jian-Xu , Liu Dingzhen , Cong Lin 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
It has been documented that social isolation imparts deleterious effects on gregarious rodents species, but caging in group imparts such effects on solitary rodents. This study was attempted at examining how kinship to affect body weight, behavioral interaction, mate choice and fitness when we caged male and female rat-like hamsters Tscheskia triton in pair, a solitary species. We found that females paired with nonsibling males became heavier than the females paired with sibling males, but both agonistic and amicable behavior between paired males and females did not differ between sibling and nonsibling groups. This indicated that kinship might reduce females’ obesity in response to forced cohabitation, and dissociation might exist between physiological and behavioral responses. Furthermore, binary choice tests revealed that social familiarity between either siblings or nonsiblings decreased their investigating time spent in opposite sex conspecific of cage mates and/ or their scents as compared with those of non-mates, suggesting effects of social association on mate and kin selection of the hamsters. On the other side, both females and males caged in pair with siblings show a preference between unfamiliar siblings or their scents and the counterparts of nonsiblings after two month separation, indicating that the kin recognition of the hamsters might also rely on phenotype matching. In addition, cohabitation (or permanent presence of fathers) elicited a lower survival of pups in nonsibling pairs than sibling pairs, but did not affect litter size, suggesting that kinship affects fitness when housing male and female ratlike hamsters together. Therefore, inbreeding might be adapted for rare and endangered animals.
Activity budgets in a group of Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys in Shennongjia Nature Reserve, China
Authors: Li Yiming 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We examined time allocation by Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana in the montane, temperate and highly seasonal forests of the Shennongjia Nature Reserve in China, in order to improve our understanding of the ecological and social influences on monkey behavior. We collected data on activity budgets in relation to food availability in a group of monkeys from July 2003 to September 2004 (except February 2004), using instantaneous scan samples. The monkeys spent 36.21% of daytime moving (n = 2l, 269 records), 24.39% foraging, 9.33% inactive, 11.7% performing social behaviors, and 18.38% performing other behaviors. There were seasonal and annual variations in the proportions of time devoted to some activities. These variations were largely attributed to seasonal or annual fluctuations in the distribution and quality of food resources. Adult males spent more time moving, searching, and displaying other behaviors' but less time feeding and performing social behaviors than adult females. Adults performed other behaviors more often and moving less often than juveniles. These differences in activity budgets may reflect fundamental differences in reproductive biology, parental investment, and development among the different age/sex classes.
Adaptive changes of gastro-entero-pancreatic system endocrine cells in the black-spotted pond frog Rana nigromaculata after fasting
Authors: Pan Hongzhen , Chen Honghong , Zhu Lianjiu , Li Yang , Li Changchun , Zhang Shengzhou 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Changes in distribution density, morphology and secretory content of endocrine cells in the gastro- entero-pancreatic system of black-spotted frogs Rana nigromaculata before and after fasting were investigated using immunohistochemistry and antisera to six gut hormones. Six types of endocrine cells were detected in the digestive tract of Rana nigromaculata, including 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), gastrin (GAS), somatostatin (SOM), glucagon (GLU), pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) cells. After fasting, the density of 5-HT cells in the esophagus, cardia and fundus, GAS cells in the fundus and pylorus, PP cells in the fundus decreased significantly (P < 0.01), while SOM cells in the cardia, GLU cells in the rectum increased significantly (P < 0.01). The cytoplasmic processes of 5-HT cells became shorter or not detectable. The secretory content of GAS cells reduced in the cardia. The positive immunostaining reaction in the perinuclear region of SOM cells in the cardia, fundus and pylorus became weaker, while the staining intensity in the periphery of these cells became stronger. VIP cells were not detectable in the whole digestive tract after fasting. Five types of endocrine cells were found in the pancreas of Rana nigromaculata, including 5-HT, GAS, SOM, GLU and PP cells. After fasting, the density of 5-HT cells decreased slightly (P > 0.05), while SOM, GAS, GLU and PP cells increased significantly (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the secretory content of GLU cells increased significantly. Considering their functionalities, our results indicate that the changes of GEP endocrine cells in Rana nigromaculata responded adaptively to starvation-induced stress.
Variation in the timing of river entry of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) in the Baltic
Authors: Kuparinen Anna , Merilä Juha 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The timing of river entry in the Atlantic salmon is known to depend on genetic, demographic and environmental factors, but little is known about the relative magnitude of among population and among year variation and covariation in this respect in natural state Atlantic salmon rives. To investigate this, variability in the timing of river entry in three historical Finnish Atlantic salmon populations were analyzed using salmon trap data collected during 1870 - 1902. The analyses reveled that 1) the timing of river entry differed substantially and consistently among the rivers, and that 2) variation among the rivers was much larger than variation among years. Annual variations were not explained by regional environmental conditions, whereas in one river the timing of the local flood peak was a significant predictor of the timing of river entry. Differences in the timing of salmon entry to geographically closely situated rivers suggests that a regionally fixed opening date for coastal fisheries might not be the best management strategy as it may lead to uneven exploitation of salmon populations from different rivers
Breeding strategy of Acrossocheilus fasciatus in the Puxi Stream of the Huangshan Mountain
Authors: Yan Yunzhi , Guo Lili , Xiang Xiuying , Xi Yilong , Chen Yifeng 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Breeding strategies of Acrossocheilus fasciatus were studied from 592 specimens collected monthly during May 2007 and April 2008 in the Puxi Stream of the Huangshan Mountain. Sex ratio of the studied population was 0.90 : 1 (♀ : ♂), not significantly different from 1:1. Both sexes reached their first sexual maturity at age 2 (the second calendar year of their birth). Fifty percent of females and males reached maturity at a total length of 69.75 mm and 69.36 mm respectively, and the minimum total length was 61.54 mm and 58.96 mm, respectively. Based on the monthly changes in gonado-somatic index and egg-development process, the breeding season of the population was from May to August, with one obvious interval (in June) occurring in the breeding activity for the females. The nonsynchronous development of oocytes observed in mature ovaries indicated that A. fasciatus is a batch spawner. Absolute fecundity of A. fasciatus ranged from 308 to 2002 eggs with a mean of 857 eggs, increased significantly with total length, and was significantly different among three age groups. Relative fecundity ranged from 38.63 to 71.70 egg/g with a mean of 53.29 egg/ g, and was not significantly different among the three age groups. It was suggested that these reproductive characteristics were adaptive strategies for A. fasciatus to acclimatize to lotic water where environmental factors were unstable but predictable.
Using endocarp-remains of seeds of wild apricot Prunus armeniaca to identify rodent seed predators
Authors: Zhang Hongmao , Wang Wei 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Some rodent-dispersed seeds have a hard seed-coat (e.g.woody endocarp). Specific scrapes or dental marks on the hard seed-coat left by rodents when they eat these seeds can be used to identify seed predators. In this study we measured the morphological traits of endocarp-remains of seeds of wild apricot Prunus armeniaca used by Chinese white-bellied rats Niviventor confucianus and Korean field mice Apodemus peninsulae. We established their Fisher’s linear discriminant functions to separate endocarp-remains between the two predators. A total of 90.0% of the endocarp-remains left by Korean field mice and 88.0% of those left by Chinese white-bellied rats were correctly classified. The overall percentage of correct classification was 89.0%. One hundred and sixty endocarp-remains of unknown what species predated them were classified using the functions. The method may allow more reliable quantitative studies of the effects of Chinese white-bellied rats and Korean field mice on seed consumption and dispersal of wild apricot and this study might be used for reference in other studies of seed predators identification on hard seeds.
Fuel load and flight ranges of blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla in northern Iberia during autumn and spring migrations
Authors: Arizaga Juan , Barba Emilio 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Fuel accumulation, mainly as fatty acids, is one of the main characteristics of migratory birds. Studying to what extent each population or species manages fuel load and how it varies along routes of migration or between seasons (autumn and spring migrations) is crucial to our understanding of bird migration strategies. Our aim here was to analyse whether migratory blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla passing through northern Iberia differ in their mean fuel loads, rate of fuel accumulation and ‘potential’ flight ranges between migration seasons. Blackcaps were mist netted for 4 h-periods beginning at dawn from 16 September to 15 November 2003 - 2005, and from 1 March to 30 April 2004 - 2006 in a European Atlantic hedgerow at Loza, northern Iberia. Both fuel load and fuel deposition rate (this latter assessed with difference in body mass of within-season recaptured individuals) were higher in autumn than in spring. Possible hypotheses explaining these results could be seasonal-associated variations in food availability (likely lower during spring than during autumn), the fact that a fraction of the migrants captured in spring could breed close to the study area and different selective pressures for breeding and wintering.
The advertisement call of the giant spiny frog Paa spinosa
Authors: Yu Baogen , Zheng Rongquan 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
We analyzed the advertisement call of Paa spinosa at Yuliang Mountain, Lanxi, Zhejiang Province, in eastern China. Temporal and spectral call parameters were analyzed, along with call intensity. Calls comprised of three to seven notes, the last of which had the longest duration. Three formants (harmonics) were clearly distinguishable from the audio spectrogram. The dominant frequency ranged from 411 - 1534 Hz, and was either the first or the second formant. The number of notes within a call was positively correlated to air temperature, so that calls contained more notes during the day. Also, the dominant frequency appeared to be lower at the highest temperature.
Shark scavenging behavior in the presence of competition
Authors: Gerry Shannon P. , Scott Andrea J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The distribution of organisms within a community can often be determined by the degree of plasticity or degree of specialization of resource acquisition. Resource acquisition is often based on the morphology of an organism, behavior, or a combination of both. Performance tests of feeding can identify the possible interactions that allow one species to better exploit a prey item. Scavenging behaviors in the presence or absence of a competitor were investigated by quantifying prey selection in a trophic generalist, spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias, and a trophic specialist, smooth-hounds Mustelus canis, in order to determine if each shark scavenged according to its jaw morphology. The diet of dogfish consists of small fishes, squid, ctenophores, and bivalves; they are expected to be nonselective predators. Smooth-hounds primarily feed on crustaceans; therefore, they are predicted to select crabs over other prey types. Prey selection was quantified by ranking each prey item according to the order it was consumed. Dietary shifts were analyzed by comparing the percentage of each prey item selected during solitary versus competitive scavenging. When scavenging alone, dogfish prefer herring and squid, which are easily handled by the cutting dentition of dogfish. Dogfish shift their diet to include a greater number of prey types when scavenging with a competitor. Smooth-hounds scavenge on squid, herring, and shrimp when alone, but increase the number of crabs in the diet when scavenging competitively. Competition causes smooth-hounds to scavenge according to their jaw morphology and locomotor abilities, which enables them to feed on a specialized resource.
Effects of excluding bottom-disturbing mobile fishing gear on abundance and biomass of groundfishes in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, USA
Authors: Brown Briana K. , Soule Elizabeth , Kaufman Les 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary (southern Gulf of Maine, northwest Atlantic) is partially overlapped by the Western Gulf of Maine Closure Area (WGMCA). This is a region in which mobile, bottom-disturbing fishing gear has been banned by the New England Fishery Management Council to facilitate the rebuilding of depleted groundfish populations. We assessed the effects and effectiveness of the WGMCA on groundfish assemblages using habitat-stratified (gravel, sand, mixed benthic habitats) sampling by means of a commercial trawler, inside and outside of the WGMCA. Sampling occurred over three month-long sampling periods in 2004-2005, two during the spring seasons and one during the fall season. A total of 18 species were analyzed for protection effects. After controlling for substratum, location and sampling season, eight groundfish species exhibited higher mean proportional abundance inside than outside the WGMCA while two were proportionally more abundant on average outside of the closure. Four species had higher mean proportional biomasses on average inside the closure and three outside. We conclude that the WGMCA may be achieving its goal of rebuilding abundance and biomass for some commercially targeted groundfishes but not all. This study, six to seven years post-closure establishment, reveals fine-scale spatial and taxonomic complexity which will require a very different monitoring protocol than the one currently in place if adaptive management is to be successful in the region.
Postconflict behavior among female Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana within one-male units in the Qinling Mountains, China
Authors: Zhang Jian , Zhao Dapeng , Li Baoguo 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
For group-living primates, the information on postconflict management is crucial for understanding primate competition and cooperation. However, such information is poorly known for snub-nosed monkeys, especially for wild populations. In this study, from September 2007 to June 2008, we investigated postconflict behavior among adult females Sichuan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus roxellana within one-male units in a wild, provisioned group in the Qinling Mountains of China by means of the time-rule method and the PC-MC method. We obtained a total of 81 PC-MC pairs and each individual was involved in only 0.004 aggressive behavior per observation hour. The first affiliative behavior was more likely to occur within the first minute after a conflict. The postconflict affiliative behaviors most often seen were contact-sit, embrace and grooming. The affiliative contacts between adult females occur due to selective attraction, i.e. reconciliation. The pattern of postconflict affiliation demonstrates that the R. roxellana belongs to a tolerant species.
First evidence of prey capture and meat eating by wild Yunnan snub-nosed monkeys Rhinopithecus bieti in Yunnan, China
Authors: Ren Baoping , Li Dayong , Liu Zhijin , Li Baoguo , Wei Fuwen , Li Ming 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Most extant nonhuman primates occasionally prey on fast-moving, warm-blooded animals; however, Indriidae, Lepilemuridae, and Colobinae either scavenged for meat or did not eat meat at all. Here we report six cases of animal consumption by the snub-nosed monkey Rhinopithecus bieti in a wild, habituated group between 2004 and 2009 in Yunnan, China. At present, only males in an all-male unit within the study group were involved in active hunting. Such a male-biased activity may be related to the group structure and spatial spread of R. bieti. Two females were observed eating freshly killed birds. The findings confirmed that R. bieti engaged in scavenging and, when hunting, employed a cranio-cervical bite to kill their prey. Meat eating is likely a nutrient maximization feeding strategy in R. bieti, especially in males. A begging behavior occurred after successful prey capture. Although begging was observed, no sharing of the meat was seen. The present findings illuminate the dietary diversity of R. bieti and their ability to expand their dietary spectrum.
Vigilance behavior of pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica: Effect of sex and position in the herd
Authors: Dalmau Antoni , Ferret Alfred , Manteca Xavier 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The Pyrenean chamois Rupicapra pyrenaica pyrenaica is a mountain-dwelling ungulate with an extensive presence in open areas. Optimal group size results from the trade off between advantages (a reduction in the risk of predation) and disadvantages (competition between members of the herd) of group living. In addition, advantages and disadvantages of group living may vary depending on the position of each individual within the herd. Our objective was to study the effect of central vs. peripheral position in the herd on feeding and vigilance behavior in male and female Pyrenean chamois and to ascertain if a group size effect existed. We used focal animal sampling and recorded social interactions when a focal animal was involved. With males, vigilance rate was higher in the central part of the group than at the periphery, probably due to a higher density of animals in the central part of the herd and a higher probability of being disturbed by conspecifics. With females, vigilance rate did not differ according to position in the herd. Females spent more time feeding than males, and males showed a higher frequency of the vigilance behavior than females. We did not observe a clear relationship between group size and vigilance behavior. The differences in vigilance behavior might be due to social interactions.
Comparative studies on storage cells in tardigrades during starvation and anhydrobiosis
Authors: Reuner Andy , Hengherr Steffen , Brümmer Franz , Schill Ralph O. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The impact of starvation and anhydrobiosis on the number and size of the storage cells in the tardigrade species Milnesium tardigradum, Paramacrobiotus tonollii and Macrobiotus sapiens was investigated to gain more insight on the energetic side of anhydrobiosis. Storage cells are free floating cells within the body cavity of tardigrades and are presumed to store and release energy in form of glycogen, protein and fat to maintain a constant nutrient regime for the other tissues. The body size of the animals was not correlated with the size of the storage cells, however, M. tardigradum the largest species analysed also had the largest storage cells. A reduction in the size of the storage cells is apparent in all three species after seven days of starvation. A seven-day period of anhydrobiosis leads to a decrease in cell size in M. tardigradum but not in P. tonollii and M. sapiens. Although M. sapiens was raised on green algae, and M. tardigradum and P. tonollii were fed with rotifers and nematodes this difference in nourishment was not reflected in the response of the storage cells to anhydrobiosis.
Influence of social upbringing on the activity pattern of captive lion Panthera leo cubs: Benefits of behavior enrichment
Authors: Ncube Sibonokuhle , Ndagurwa Hilton Garikai Taambuka 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
The influence of social upbringing on the activity pattern of lion Panthera leo cubs was investigated at three sites. In this study, stimulus objects such as sticks, grass, fresh dung (elephant Loxondota africana, zebra Equus quagga, impala Aepyceros melampus, duiker Sylvicapra grimmia, kudu Tragelaphus strepsiceros, giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis and wildebeest Connochaetes taurinus) and cardboard boxes, were utilized in an enrichment program aimed at encouraging active behaviors of captive lion cubs at Antelope Park and Masuwe. Lion cubs at Chipangali were not behaviorally enriched. Activity patterns were recorded for 10 days at each site. We recorded moving, resting, playing, grooming, visual exploration and display of hunting instincts. We found that behavioral enrichment enhanced the active behaviors of captive lion cubs. Orphan-raised cubs spent more time moving, playing and displaying hunting instincts than mother-raised cubs, but the time spent grooming was similar across areas and suggests that grooming is not influenced by enrichment. Mother-raised cubs spent more time engaged in visual exploration than orphan-raised cubs and this could be a behavior acquired from mothers or a result of confidence to explore because of their presence. Activity patterns were different among time treatments across our three study sites. Based on these findings, we suggest that lion cubs raised in captivity could benefit from behavioral enrichment to encourage active behaviors essential for eventual reintroduction into the wild.