bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analyses towards determining Madagascar’s place in global biogeography
Authors: Procheş Şerban , Ramdhani Syd 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The relationships of Madagascan plant and animal taxa have been the object of much fascination, Madagascar sharing numerous lineages with Africa, others with Asia, Australia, or the Americas, and many others being of uncertain relationships. In commonly accepted global regionalization schemata, Madagascar is treated together with Africa for animals, and with Africa, tropical Asia and the Pacific islands in the case of plants. Here we examine the similarities between the biotic assemblages of (i) tropical Africa, (ii) Madagascar, and (iii) the rest of the world, on a basic taxonomic level, considering the families of vascular plants and vertebrates as analysis units. The percentages of endemic families, families shared pair-wise between regions, or present in all three, are roughly similar between the two broad groups, though plant families with ranges limited to one region are proportionally fewer. In dendrograms and multidimensional scaling plots for different groups, Madagascar clusters together with Africa, Asia or both, and sometimes with smaller Indian Ocean Islands, but quite often (though not in plants) as a convincingly separate cluster. Our results for vertebrates justify the status of full zoogeographic region for Madagascar, though an equally high rank in geobotanical regionalization would mean also treating Africa and Tropical Asia as separate units, which would be debatable given the overall greater uniformity of plant assemblages. Beyond the Madagascan focus of this paper, the differences between plant and vertebrate clusters shown here suggest different levels of ecological plasticity at the same taxonomic level, with plant families being much more environmentally-bound, and thus clustering along biome lines rather than regional lines.
Mate choice decisions by searchers
Authors: Wiegmann Daniel D. , Angeloni Lisa M. , Seubert Steven M. , Gordon J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
For more than two decades rudimentary versions of the fixed sample and sequential search strategies have provided the primary theoretical foundation for the study of mate choice decisions by searchers. The theory that surrounds these models has expanded markedly over this time period. In this paper, we review and extend results derived from these models, with a focus on the empirical analysis of searcher behavior. The basic models are impractical for empirical purposes because they rely on the assumption that searchers—and, for applied purposes, researchers—assess prospective mates based on their quality, the fitness consequences of mate choice decisions. Here we expound versions of the models that are more empirically useful, reformulated to reflect decisions based on male phenotypic characters. For some organisms, it may be possible to use preference functions to derive predictions from the reformulated models and thereby avoid difficulties associated with the measurement of male quality per se. But predictions derived from the two models are difficult to differentiate empirically, regardless of how the models are formulated. Here we develop ideas that illustrate how this goal might be accomplished. In addition, we clarify how the variability of male quality should be evaluated and we extend what is known about how this variability influences searcher behavior under each model. More general difficulties associated with the empirical study of mate choice decisions by searchers are also discussed.
Evolutionary implications of deception in mimicry and masquerade
Authors: Nelson Ximena J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Aggressive mimicry occurs when an organism resembles some aspect of another organism (the model) in order to obtain prey through its deceptive resemblance. This may function either through the overt response of the receiver or through the lack of response of the receiver. Reviewing selected examples, I discuss some of the difficulties in ascribing a model for the mimic. I also discuss how a single animal can have multiple ploys in its armoury of deceptive signals, thus belonging within two or more categories of deceptive signalling. In addition to aggressive mimicry, these may include crypsis or camouflage, masquerade (mimicry of inanimate objects), and Batesian or protective mimicry. Each of these examples of deception has multiple evolutionary pathways, and some deceptive signals may be more costly to receivers than others, but no single organism is subject to a single selection pressure, leading to the reality that many evolutionary pathways contribute to the diversity we see around us. New technologies are opening new channels of investigation into deceptive signaling in many different sensory modalities, and this is reflected in the recent increase in studies investigating the structure and function of deceptive signals. In turn, these studies are beginning to expose the fascinating complexity of deceptive signaling systems, allowing us to discover the myriad, non-mutually exclusive, solutions that can be selected for to obtain prey.
Interspecies variation in DNA damage induced by pollution
Authors: Sebbio Claudia , Carere Claudio , Nascetti Giuseppe , Bellisario Bruno , Mosesso Pasquale , Cimmaruta Roberta , Angeletti Dario 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The choice of a suitable species to translate pollution signals into a quantitative monitor is a fundamental step in biomonitoring plans. Here we present the results of three years of biomonitoring at a new coal power plant in central Italy using three different aquatic and terrestrial wildlife species in order to compare their reliability as sentinel organisms for genotoxicity. The comet assay was applied to the common land snail Helix spp., the lagoon fish Aphanius fasciatus, and the green frog Rana esculenta sampled in the area potentially exposed to the impact of the power station. The tissue concentration of some expected pollutants (As, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr) was analysed in parallel samples collected in the same sampling sites. The three species showed different values in the comet assay (Tail Intensity) and different accumulation profiles of heavy metals. Aphanius fasciatus showed an increasing genotoxic effect over time that paralleled the temporal increase of the heavy metals, especially arsenic, and the highest correlation between heavy metals and DNA damage. Helix spp. showed levels of damage inversely related to the distance from the source of pollution and in partial accordance with the total accumulation of trace elements. On the contrary, Rana esculenta showed a low capability to accumulate metals and had inconsistent results in the comet test. The fish appeared to be the most efficient and sensitive species in detecting chemical pollution. Overall, both the fish and the snail reflected a trend of increasing pollution in the area surrounding the power plant across time and space.
Are flight paths of nocturnal songbird migrants influenced by local coastlines at a peninsula?
Authors: Nilsson Cecilia , Bäckman Johan , Alerstam Thomas 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
By recording nocturnally migrating passerines with tracking radar we have investigated how coastlines affect the migrants’ flight paths. Birds could use coastlines as an orientation aid or as a reference cue to compensate for wind drift while migrating. However, on the small scale of Falsterbo Peninsula in southern Sweden, we found very little effect of coastlines on migrants flight paths, irrespective of altitude. We tracked 2 930 migrants in three autumn and two spring seasons, at altitudes from 60 up to 3 000 meters. We compared tracks of migrants flying in three different areas, which correspond to the three main coastlines, and can demonstrate that the orientation of the tracks did not differ in a way consistent with the coastlines between the areas in autumn, and showed only a slight effect in spring. This is in accordance with earlier infrared device monitoring in Fals-terbo, but contrary to earlier visual observations. It supports the view of nocturnally migrating passerines as mainly broad-front migrants. Even though the coastlines on the scale of the peninsula affected the flight paths very little, it is possible that the coastline has an effect on a larger regional scale, by migrants avoiding long sea crossings and thereby being funneled towards the peninsula, but this remains to be investigated.
Combining spatial modelling and radar to identify and protect avian migratory hot-spots
Authors: Desholm Mark , Gill Rashpal , Bøvith Thomas , Fox Anthony D. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Migrating landbirds are known to follow coast lines and concentrate on peninsulas prior to crossing water bodies, especially during daylight but also at night, creating enhanced potential collision hazards with man-made objects. Knowing where these avian migration “hot-spots” occur in time and space is vital to improve flight safety and inform the spatial planning process (e.g. environmental assessments for offshore windfarms). We developed a simple spatial model to identify avian migration hot-spots in coastal areas based on prevailing migration orientation and coastline features known, from visual and radar observations, to concentrate migrating landbirds around land masses. Regional scale model validation was achieved by combining nocturnal passerine movement data gathered from two tier radar coverage (long-range dual-polarization Doppler weather radar and short-range marine surveillance radar) and standardised bird ringing. Applied on a national scale, the model correctly identified the ten most important Danish coastal hot-spots for spring migrants and predicted the relative numbers of birds that concentrated at each site. These bird numbers corresponded well with historical observational data. Here, we provide a potential framework for the establishment of the first three-dimensional avian airspace sanctuaries, which could contribute to more effective conservation of long-distance migratory birds.
Age of maturation and behavioral tactics in male yellow ground squirrel Spermophilus fulvus during mating season
Authors: Vasilieva Nina A. , Pavlova Ekaterina V. , Naidenko Sergey V. , Tchabovsky Andrey V. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Life-history theory predicts that in hibernators age of maturation is related positively to body size and negatively to the duration of active season aboveground. Yellow souslik is a large-sized ground squirrel with long hibernation, which suggests late maturation. We used four-year field observations of marked individuals to determine the age of maturation in males through analysis of age-dependent variation in body size, mass, androgen status, timing of spring emergence, ranging patterns and social behavior during the mating season. Yearling males were smaller, lighter, had lower level of fecal testosterone, emerged later and had smaller home ranges than older males. Social activity and the number of females encountered did not differ between age classes. After the second hibernation none of the studied parameters varied with age. Cluster analysis revealed two behavioral tactics: “active” males (adults only) emerged earlier, ranged more widely, initiated more contacts, encountered more females and were heavier than “passive” males (both yearling and adult). Thus, males of S. fulvus reached adult size and matured after two hibernations, which is relatively fast for such a big species with short active period. Indirect evidence for copulations and high variation among yearlings in all parameters suggest that some of them might successfully compete with adults. Active tactic of wandering and searching for females is energetically costly, and probably only adult males in good physical condition can afford it, whereas passive tactic of residing is energy saving and good for adults in poor condition and for yearlings that are continuing to grow.
Plasticity as panacea? Nerves, hormones, and the currencies of trade-offs
Authors: Bastiaans Elizabeth , Bastiaans Elizabeth 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity is nearly universal among organisms, and evidence indicates that plasticity can exhibit additive genetic variation and respond to selection. These findings have important implications for our understanding of how plasticity may be constrained and how its mechanistic structure may affect its evolution. Many life history trade-offs may be conceptualized as plastic traits, with individuals varying in their position along trade-off axes due to genetic differences, developmental plasticity, or short-term plasticity occurring throughout an individual’s lifetime. Behavioral plasticity is key to understanding when organisms are likely to encounter trade-offs, whether those trade-offs can be mitigated, and how the trade-offs affect the ecology and evolution of populations. In this review, we discuss hormonal and neural mechanisms that may influence how plastic behavioral traits are expressed and evolve. We also outline a classification of life history trade-offs and their mechanistic bases and discuss the currencies most likely to mediate each category of trade-off and how they are tied to the mechanisms by which animals express their behaviors.
Preliminary notes on brain weight variation across labrid fish species with different levels of cooperative behaviour
Authors: Soares Marta C. , André Gonçalo I. , Paula José R. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Brain size and weight vary tremendously in the animal kingdom. It has been suggested that brain structural development must evolve balanced between the advantages of dealing with greater social challenges and the energetic costs of maintaining and developing larger brains. Here we ask if interspecific differences in cooperative behaviour (i.e. cleaning behaviour) are related to brain weight variations in four close-related species of Labrid fish: two are obligatory cleanerfish throughout their entire life (Labroides dimidiatusand L. bicolor), one facultative cleaner fish Labropsis australisand one last species that never engage in cleaning Labrichthys unilineatus. We first search for the link between the rate of species’ cooperation and its relative brain weight, and finally, if the degree of social complexity and cooperation are reflected in the weight of its major brain substructures. Overall, no differences were found in relative brain weight (in relation to body weight) across species. Fine-scale differences were solely demonstrated for the facultative cleaner L. australis, at the brainstem level. Furthermore, data visual examination indicates that the average cerebellum and brainstem weights appear to be larger for L. dimidiatus. Because variation was solely found at specific brain areas (such as cerebellum and brainstem) and not for the whole brain weight values, it suggests that species social-ecological and cognitive demands may be directly contributing to a selective investment in relevant brain areas. This study provides first preliminary evidence that links potential differences in cognitive ability in cooperative behaviour to how these may mediate the evolution of brain structural development in non-mammal vertebrate groups.
The heart rate - breathing rate relationship in aquatic mammals: A comparative analysis with terrestrial species
Authors: Mortola Jacopo P. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals, while resting at the water surface or ashore, breathe with a low frequency (f) by comparison to terrestrial mammals of the same body size, the difference increasing the larger the species. Among various interpretations, it was suggested that the low-f breathing is a consequence of the end-inspiratory breath-holding pattern adopted by aquatic mammals to favour buoyancy at the water surface, and evolved to be part of the genetic makeup. If this interpretation was correct it could be expected that, differently from f, the heart rate (HR, beats/min) of aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals at rest would not need to differ from that of terrestrial mammals and that their HR-f ratio would be higher than in terrestrial species. Literature data for HR (beats/min) in mammals at rest were gathered for 56 terrestrial and 27 aquatic species. In aquatic mammals the allometric curve (HR=191·M-0.18; M= body mass, kg) did not differ from that of terrestrial species (HR=212·M-0.22) and their HR-f ratio (on average 32±5) was much higher than in terrestrial species (5±1) (P&lt;0.0001). The comparison of these HR allometric curves to those for f previously published indicated that the HR-f ratio was body size-independent in terrestrial species while it increased significantly with M in aquatic species. The similarity in HR and differences in f between aquatic and terrestrial mammals agree with the possibility that the low f of aquatic and semi-aquatic mammals may have evolved for a non-respiratory function, namely the regulation of buoyancy at the water surface.
Male-like testosterone levels inhibit oviposition in a female parrot: A breeding experiment in budgerigars
Authors: Lahaye Stefanie E. P. , Eens Marcel , Darras Veerle M. , Pinxten Rianne 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Studies in several songbird species have shown that treating females with the androgenic steroid hormone testosterone (T) can negatively affect female reproductive behaviors and breeding success. As the effects of T on females appear to be species-specific, it is not clear if similar effects of high T occur in non-songbird species. Here, we studied the effects of T supplementation on female reproductive behavior and oviposition in the budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus, a small monogamous parrot species with distinct sex differences in parental behavior. We experimentally increased T concentrations to male-like levels in T-treated females compared to controls and we allowed females to breed. We found no significant effects of treatment on the latency to enter the nestbox but T treatment significantly interfered with oviposition. Our results show that T-treated females were seven times less likely to produce a clutch than control females. As we found that T treatment had a strong inhibitory effect on oviposition, our results indicate that female budgerigars suffer fitness costs from male-like plasma T levels. Therefore, it may be possible that, also in non-songbird species, selection for higher T levels in males is constrained by a correlated response to selection which imposes fitness costs on females in terms of reproduction. Evaluating whether or not this is indeed the case requires further work combining different approaches to the study of the evolution of male and female testosterone levels.
Why not to avoid the smell of danger? Unexpected behavior of the Cypriot mouse surviving on the island invaded by black rats
Authors: Frynta Daniel , Baladová Margaréta , Eliášová Barbora , Lišková Silvie , Landová Eva 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Mus cypriacus is a recently discovered endemic species that evolved about half a million years ago on the Cyprus Island in an absence of most mammalian predators and competitors. As on other Mediterranean islands, the faunal composition was dramatically changed by the invasion of commensal and domestic species following Holocene colonization by humans. We examined the behavioral responses of the Cypriot mouse to the odors of these new competitors (black and Norway rat, house mouse and spiny-mouse) and predator (domestic cat) as well as controls (Herb-field mouse, guinea pig). We compared them with those of mainland population of house mouse from Syria with different coexistence history. Surprisingly, the Cypriot mouse failed to avoid the odor of its current main competitor, the black rat. Moreover, the response patterns of both the Cypriot and Syrian house mice to the examined odor sources appeared fairly comparable. There was a clear tendency to prefer odors of other murids over unscented sawdust as well as to avoid the odor of a domestic cat. In conclusion, neither the long-term isolation from predators nor the recent strong competition with black rats affected mice competitory and antipredatory responses fundamentally.
Health Care Experiences of Latino Children in Emerging and Traditional Destinations
Authors: Saloner Brendan , Gresenz Carole Roan 
Published: February 2016

Background:
Latino populations have disproportionately moved to areas in the Southeast and Midwest (emerging destinations), outside traditional Latino enclaves, in recent years.

Objective:
To examine whether health care experiences differ between traditional and emerging destinations for Latino children.

Research Design:
We defined traditional and emerging destination counties based on levels and changes in the Latino population between 2000 and 2010. Measures were linked to the restricted National Survey of Children’s Health along with county-level data from the Area Resource File and Census of State and Local Governments. To compare outcomes among Latino children across destinations, linear probability models adjusted for individual-level characteristics, area-level characteristics, and state fixed effects.

Measures:
Outcomes were access to a usual source of care, unmet health care needs, preventive health visit in prior year, and family-centered care.

Results:
Compared with traditional destination counterparts, Latino children in emerging destinations tended to be younger, healthier, and more likely to be in families speaking English at home. Latino children in emerging destinations were significantly less likely to have a usual source of care adjusting for individual-level and county-level variables, but other dimensions of access were similar between destinations.

Conclusions:
Differences in usual source of care may reflect lower supply of culturally competent providers or limited information about where and how to seek care. For realized access to care, protective factors in emerging destinations, such as higher average incomes in the area and lower community uninsurance rates, might counteract any negative effects of emerging destinations.
Performance of government linked companies and private owned companies in Malaysia
Authors: Bhatt Padmanabha Ramachandra 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– The purpose of this study was to find whether there was any significant difference in performance between government-linked companies (GLCs) and private-owned companies (POCs) and there was any significant improvement in performance of GLCs after Malaysian Government
'
s initiatives to transform the GLCs to high-performance companies.

Design/methodology/approach
– Panel data estimation techniques were used to run the regression in this study.

Findings
– It was found that there was no significant difference in performance level between GLCs and POCs. It was also found that the performance level of GLCs had improved significantly after the initiation of GLCs
'
transformation programme by the Malaysian Government.

Originality/value
– The implication of the results of this study is that state-owned enterprises in developing countries like Malaysia can be relevant and important to take care of social responsibilities and needs, as also they can perform at par with private companies. There is no need for privatization of government-owned enterprises; rather, it needs corporatization. Government-owned enterprises can play an important role to drive national development.