bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Invertebrate prey and predatory behaviour of the omnivorous African tortoiseKinixys spekii
Authors: Hailey Adrian , Coulson Ian M. , Mwabvu Tarombera 
Published: September 2009

AbstractInvertebrates form an important part of the diet in the omnivorous African tortoises of the genusKinixys. Millipede prey ofKinixys spekiiin Zimbabwe had a mean volume of 0.9 ml, and made up 64.7% of invertebrate food by volume; beetles made up most of the remainder and had a mean volume of 1.4 ml. The mean mass of invertebrate prey was 0.19% of tortoise mass, a similar value of relative prey mass to many insectivorous lizards. Tortoises preferentially attacked moving millipedes at or just behind the head, but predatory behaviour was otherwise unspecialized, with tortoises killing millipedes by ingesting them in pieces. Handling times of millipede prey varied significantly with relative prey mass, defensive behaviour, and direction of ingestion. The profitability (mass intake/handling time) of millipedes was maximal at a relative prey mass of 0.2%; the basis on which prey are selected is discussed.
Common use of sleeping sites by two primate species in Tana River, Kenya
Authors: Wahungu Geoffrey M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractChoice of sleeping sites by two species of primates sharing two adjacent patches of gallery forest in Tana River, Kenya, was studied between August 1992 and February 1993. One group each of the Tana crested mangabey, Cercocebus galeritus galeritus Peters, and yellow baboon, Papio cynocephalus cynocephalus L., interchangeably shared nine sleeping sites distributed among four tree species, Acacia robusta Burch., Ficus sycomorus L., Abizzia gummifera (J. F. Gmel.) E. A. Sm. and Pachystela msolo (Engl.) Engl. The trees used by both species as sleeping sites were mainly tall trees with canopy level or emergent crowns. The trees had relatively larger crowns and lower percentage canopy cover compared to other trees at the site and were characterized by poor to moderate accessibility. Overlap in use of sleeping sites was never simultaneous and baboons occasionally supplanted mangabeys. Site choice by these two primates appeared to be influenced by predation risk, the feeding area used in the late afternoon, daily range and the availability of trees with the preferred structural characteristics. Sleeping sites appeared to be limited during and immediately after the wet season, when the frequency of supplantings increased. This observation is attributed to an increase in percentage canopy cover.
Seasonality in elephant dung decay and implications for censusing and population monitoring in south‐western Cameroon
Authors: Nchanji Anthony Chifu , Plumptre Andrew J. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDung decay rates have been used in the past to correct elephant dung counts to estimates of population numbers. These assume that the dung is in a ‘steady state’ where production rates are equal to disappearance rates. The inter‐seasonal variation in decay rates, however, has never been fully investigated for elephant dung. This study, in the Banyang‐Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary in SW Cameroon, investigated whether a single dung decay rate is really appropriate when converting dung counts to population density estimates. A total of 870 fresh elephant dung‐piles were monitored until they had completely decayed, with at least 60 fresh dung piles located each month of the year between July 1994 to June 1995. The elephant dung decay rate obtained was 55.6% to 66.7% lower than those obtained for the rainforests of Gabon. This has implications for using decay rates obtained elsewhere to compute elephant densities from dung counts. Statistically significant differences were found in the mean duration of dung‐piles between different months and different seasons. Environmental variables, with the exception of rainfall, did not aid in predicting the duration of elephant dung‐piles. The model of Plumptre & Harris was used to estimate the standing crop of dung at any particular time of the year. The results show that, if there was no emigration of elephants from the population, then there was only a three‐month period when the dung was in a ‘steady state’. If emigration occurred during the wet season as is thought to occur then there was no period of ‘steady state’.
How reliable are dung counts for estimating elephant numbers?
Authors: Barnes R. F. W. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractDung counts are the most commonly used techniques for estimating elephant numbers in forests, yet there is considerable scepticism concerning their accuracy. Published accounts of dung counts show that they give estimates similar to those from other methods for vertebrates ranging in size from lizards to elephants. For ungulates, macropods and elephants there are strong correlations between estimates from dung counts and other methods. Thus, dung counts are as accurate or inaccurate as other methods for estimating vertebrate numbers, including elephants. Dung counts for elephants give estimates that are as precise as, and sometimes more precise than, those from aerial surveys of elephants. This is because the variance in dung density is usually low and results in a lower than expected variance for the final elephant estimate when combined with the variances of defecation and decay rates. Dung counts may be more appropriate than aerial surveys for monitoring small or declining elephant populations.
Validation of observer and aircraft calibration for aerial surveys of animals
Authors: Ottichilo Wilber K. , Khaemba Wilson M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCalibration procedures to determine strip widths for use by the Department of Resource Surveys and Remote Sensing (DRSRS) in its aerial surveys are validated by statistical analysis. Tests were made for differences in observer, aircraft and between using photography (camera) and direct observation (naked eye) in the determination of strip widths on the ground. The relationship between strip widths measured on the ground and in the air was determined using regression analysis. Tests were also made for differences between population estimates reported by DRSRS and those recalculated using reported strip widths for elephant, kongoni, wildebeest and cattle. There appears to be no significant differences between observer performance and between reported and recalculated population estimates for all species except cattle. A significant difference was found between strip widths obtained by photography and those through direct observation, with photography values being 14% higher at ground level. Strip widths measured while the aircraft was in the air were highly correlated to those measured while on the ground (r = 0.97). Overall, it can be concluded that the DRSRS standardization of observers, calibration of the aircraft and calculation of population estimates were carried out correctly. Finally, it is recommended that the difference in strip widths determined from photography and through direct observation needs to be considered in the final calculation of population estimates.
Regeneration of indigenous trees in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park, Uganda
Authors: Lejju Julius B. , Oryem‐Origa Hannington , Kasenene John M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis study examines the regeneration of indigenous tree species in the formerly encroached area in Mgahinga Gorilla National Park (MGNP), south‐western Uganda. Before gazetting in 1992, MGNP had basically been agricultural land for well over 50 years. The distribution of exotic vegetation was established using a Geographical Positioning System receiver and indigenous vegetation was sampled by establishment of quadrats along transect lines.Observations indicated that approximately 2% of the old cropland was covered by exotic woodlots. Black wattle (Acacia mearnsii) and Eucalyptus trees were found to be the most widely distributed and Pinus patula the least distributed species in the park. Species numbers of indigenous trees (n = 26) were high in the old cropland, compared with twelve species observed in exotic woodlots. The natural forest supported the highest (75%) stem density and the lowest (4%) stem density was recorded in exotic woodlots. Seedling class (< 2 cm, d.b.h.) accounted for the majority of juveniles, with the lowest stem density (1350 seedlings ha−1) recorded in exotic woodlots compared with 6609 seedlings ha−1 in the old cropland and 24,625 seedlings ha−1 in the natural forest. The levels of tree diversity and stocking characteristics recorded under the exotic species suggest that a low diverse community of native species may exploit this environment.
Breeding birds in the tropical rain forests of Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Dranzoa Christine 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA combination of trapping and foot surveys was used to assess the breeding status of birds in unlogged and logged sites in the tropical rain forest of Kibale National Park, Uganda. Breeding of forest edge and gap species was greatly enhanced by logging, whereas crevice and hole nesting specialist breeders were adversely affected. Egg‐laying periods corresponded to higher rainfall regimes at the nearby field station. The relevance of these findings to bird conservation is discussed.
An ecological basis for large group size in Colobus angolensis in the Nyungwe Forest, Rwanda
Authors: Fimbel Cheryl , Vedder Amy , Dierenfeld Ellen , Mulindahabi Felix 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAngolan black‐and‐white colobus monkeys (Colobus angolensis, Sclater 1980) in the Nyungwe Forest Reserve, Rwanda, are anomalous compared with conspecifics and congeners elsewhere, because they form exceptionally large groups, in excess of 300 individuals, and because of their unusually high consumption of mature leaves (∼40% of annual diet). Site factors at the Nyungwe Forest in southern Rwanda are believed to contribute to the unusual socio‐ecology of the C. angolensis residing there. Foremost, the forest provides an abundance of mature leaves that are higher in nutritional quality (protein : fibre) compared with mature leaves analysed at other African sites. The combination of a cool high elevation locale, and a relatively open canopy, may contribute to the production of high quality mature leaves at ground level and in the canopy at the Nyungwe Forest. We believe that the almost unrestricted availability of acceptable foods for Nyungwe's folivorous colobines minimizes the potential for exploitation competition for food, and is a key factor in allowing them to form exceptionally large groups.
Seasonal changes in habitat preferences of two closely related millipede species
Authors: Greyling M. D. , Van Aarde R. J. , Ferreira S. M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe habitat preferences of two closely related millipede species,Centrobolus richardiiandC. fulgidus, were investigated on three different seral stages of a coastal dune forest successional sere north of Richards Bay, South Africa. Fixed‐width transects were used to survey millipedes in three habitats of different ages. Habitat preference occurred on both inter‐ and intra‐site levels and was influenced by season. A habitat shift was recorded forC. richardii, whileC. fulgiduswas dormant during the winter months, reflecting two different strategies used by these closely related species to meet their resource requirements. Successional changes previously reported are masked by these differential responses.
Clinical trial: the efficacy and safety of routine bowel cleansing agents for elective colonoscopy in persons with spinal cord injury – a randomized prospective single‐blind study
Authors: ANCHA H. R. , SPUNGEN A. M. , BAUMAN W. A. , ROSMAN A. S. , SHAW S. , HUNT K. K. , POST J. B. , GALEA M. , KORSTEN M. A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  As difficulty with evacuation is a common occurrence in individuals with spinal cord injury, preparation prior to colonoscopy may be suboptimal and, perhaps, more hazardous.Aim  To assess the safety and efficacy of bowel cleansing regimens in persons with spinal cord injury.Methods  Randomized, prospective, single blind study comparing polyethylene glycol (PEG), oral sodium phosphosoda (OSPS) and combination of both for colonic preparation prior to colonoscopy in subjects with spinal cord injury.Results  Thirty six subjects with eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were randomized to PEG or OSPS or PEG+OSPS. Regardless of bowel preparation employed, >73% of subjects had unacceptable colonic cleansing. No subject in the OSPS preparation group demonstrated a decrease in eGFR or an increase in serum creatinine concentration from the baseline. OSPS and PEG+OSPS preparations caused a transient change in serum potassium, phosphate and calcium concentrations, but no change in electrolytes was noted in the PEG group.Conclusions  Neither OSPS alone, PEG alone nor their combination was sufficient to prepare adequately the bowel for colonoscopy in most patients with spinal cord injury. However, administration of OSPS and/or PEG appears to be safe in the spinal cord injury population, provided adequate hydration is provided.
Systematic review: caspase‐cleaved fragments of cytokeratin 18 – the promises and challenges of a biomarker for chronic liver disease
Authors: YILMAZ Y. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  Biomarkers hold great promise for detecting chronic liver disease without the use of liver biopsy.Aim  To review the usefulness of cytokeratin (CK) 18 fragments, a marker of hepatocyte apoptosis, to predict the presence of chronic liver injury.Methods  Available literature identified from PubMed was reviewed.Results  Levels of CK18 fragments have been shown to be elevated in hepatocellular carcinoma, viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and cholestatic liver disease. In the setting of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, CK18 fragments may distinguish nonalcoholic steatohepatitis from simple fatty liver.Conclusions  Undoubtedly, the most promising application of CK18 fragments is currently in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and especially for distinguishing patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis vs. those with simple steatosis. Further investigations and technical improvements are required to cross the boundary from research to the clinical application of CK18 fragments as a marker of chronic liver disease.
Association between androgens, intima‐media thickness and the metabolic syndrome in obese adolescent girls
Authors: De Sousa Gideon , Brodoswki Christian , Kleber Michaela , Wunsch Rainer , Reinehr Thomas 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBackground  While an association between androgens and the metabolic syndrome (MS) is well established in obese women, studies concerning this relationship are scarce in obese adolescent girls. Therefore, we analysed the relationships between androgens, MS and intima‐media thickness (IMT) in this age‐group.Methods  In 160 obese girls (aged 12–18 years, mean BMI: 32·6 ± 5·0 kg/m2), androgens [testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA‐S), androstenedione], SHBG and the components of MS (waist circumference, blood pressure (BP), lipids, uric acid, insulin, glucose, 2 h glucose in oral glucose tolerance test (oGTT)) were studied. Furthermore, IMT was determined in a subgroup of 71 randomly chosen girls.Results  Testosterone correlated significantly to systolic BP (r = 0·20), diastolic BP (r = 0·24), 2 h glucose in oGTT (r = 0·30), triglycerides (r = 0·19), uric acid (r = 0·17), waist circumference (r = 0·25) and IMT (r = 0·54). These relationships (except for waist circumference and uric acid) were independent of BMI and insulin resistance index homeostasis model assessment. In contrast to testosterone, DHEA‐S, androstenedione and SHBG showed no or weaker correlations to any parameter of MS. The 48 girls with MS demonstrated significantly higher testosterone (1·8 ± 0·7 nmol/l; P = 0·025) and DHEA‐S (4·7 ± 2·3 μmol/l; P = 0·008) concentrations as compared with the 112 girls without MS (mean testosterone 1·5 ± 0·7 nmol/l, mean DHEA‐S 3·6 ± 2·3 μmol/l).Conclusions  Testosterone was significantly related to MS and its components in obese adolescent girls independently of BMI and insulin resistance. As IMT was significantly associated with testosterone, this supports the clinical relevance of this finding.
Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal (HPA) axis functioning in relation to body fat distribution
Authors: Rutters Femke , Nieuwenhuizen Arie G. , Lemmens Sofie G. T. , Born Jurriaan M. , Westerterp‐Plantenga Margriet S. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjective  To relate hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis functioning and HPA feedback functioning to body fat distribution in normal weight to obese subjects.Patients  91 men and 103 women [age 18–45 years, BMI 19–35 kg/m2, waist‐to‐hip ratio (WHR) 0·6–1·1]Measurements  Anthropometry, body composition using hydrodensitometry and deuterium dilution method, cortisol variability by measuring 5‐h cortisol concentrations, HPA axis feedback functioning using a dexamethasone suppression test, and HPA axis functioning under a challenged condition consisting of a standardized high‐intensity test with ingestion of 4 mg dexamethasone.Results  In men, an inverse relationship was observed between 5‐h cortisol exposure (nmol/ml) and fat mass index (FMI) (kg/m2) (r = −0·55, P < 0·001). In women, relationships were observed between 5‐h cortisol exposure (nmol/ml.min) and WHR (r = −0·49, P < 0·001), maximal workload (r = 0·32, P < 0·001) as well as oral contraceptive use (r = 0·38, P < 0·001). Similarly, in men, an inverse relationship was observed between negative feedback expressed as baseline concentrations minus post dexamethasone cortisol concentrations (nmol/ml) and FMI (r = −0·53, P < 0·001). In women, relationships were observed between negative feedback expressed as baseline concentrations minus post dexamethasone cortisol concentrations (nmol/ml) and WHR (r = −0·43, P < 0·001), maximal workload (r = 0·30, P < 0·001) as well as oral contraceptive use (r = 0·43, P < 0·001) in women. Moreover, an inverse relationship was observed between HPA axis functioning in a challenged condition expressed as percentage increase of cortisol concentrations after standardized high‐intensity test with ingestion of 4 mg dexamethasone (%) and waist circumference (r = −0·21, P < 0·10) in men and WHR (r = −0·21, P < 0·05) in women. In men, strong positive relationships were observed between FMI and waist circumference (r = 0·85, P < 0·001), as well as waist‐to‐hip ratio (r = 0·70, P < 0·001).Conclusion  Disturbance of HPA axis functioning under basal and challenged conditions is related to visceral fat accumulation.
Association of sex hormones and C‐reactive protein levels in men
Authors: Kupelian Varant , Chiu Gretchen R. , Araujo Andre B. , Williams Rachel E. , Clark Richard V. , McKinlay John B. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjectives  The age‐associated decline in sex hormone levels in men is paralleled by an increase in cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors including low grade chronic inflammation. The objective of this analysis was to investigate the association between sex hormone levels and C‐reactive protein (CRP) in a population‐based sample of men.Design  Population‐based, cross‐sectional observational survey.Participants  A multistage stratified design was used to recruit a random sample of 2301 racially and ethnically diverse men age 30–79 years. Blood samples were obtained on 1899 men. Analyses were conducted on 1559 men with complete data on CRP and sex hormone levels.Measurements  High‐sensitivity CRP levels. The association between CRP and sex hormone levels was assessed using multiple linear regression models.Results  An inverse association was observed, in both bivariate and multivariate analyses, between CRP and total testosterone, free testosterone and SHBG levels. These associations remained statistically significant after adjusting for age, body mass index, comorbid conditions and lifestyle factors. A positive trend between oestradiol (total and free) and CRP levels was not statistically significant.Conclusions  A robust, inverse dose–response correlation between testosterone and SHBG levels with CRP levels provides further evidence of a potential role of androgens in inflammatory processes.
Incidence of thyrotoxicosis in childhood: a national population based study in the UK and Ireland
Authors: Williamson Scott , Greene Stephen A. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryObjective  To measure the UK and Ireland incidence of childhood (<15 years) thyrotoxicosis and to describe the presenting features.Context  Incidence data on thyrotoxicosis in childhood are not available for the UK and Ireland. Recent studies have reported an apparent increase in cases in Europe.Design  A national prospective surveillance study for 12 months from September 2004, co‐ordinated by The British Paediatric Surveillance Unit (BPSU).Patients and measurements  All paediatricians across the UK and Ireland were requested monthly to report new cases. Details of presenting features were then obtained by questionnaire.Results  One hundred ten cases of acquired childhood thyrotoxicosis were identified in the UK and Ireland. The incidence of acquired thyrotoxicosis was 0·9 per 100,000 <15 years olds in the UK and Ireland, (95% CI: 0·8–1·1). Autoimmune thyrotoxicosis accounted for 96% of cases. There was an increasing incidence with age in each sex. Females have a significantly higher incidence than males in the 10‐ to 14‐year age group. A variety of presenting symptoms were reported: weight loss (64%), fatigue/tiredness (54%), change in behaviour’ (50%) and heat intolerance (47%). 4.5 % cases were asymptomatic. The commonest signs were goitre (78%) and tremor (58%). There were no cases of thyroid storm.Conclusions  This national population survey defines the incidence of thyrotoxicosis in children in the UK and Ireland during 2004–2005, which was lower than expected in comparison with other European studies. The survey illustrates contemporary presenting characteristics of the disease.
The effects of elevated CO2 on root respiration rates of two Mojave Desert shrubs
Authors: CLARK NAOMI M. , APPLE MARTHA E. , NOWAK ROBERT S. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractAlthough desert ecosystems are predicted to be the most responsive to elevated CO2, low nutrient availability may limit increases in productivity and cause plants in deserts to allocate more resources to root biomass or activity for increased nutrient acquisition. We measured root respiration of two Mojave Desert shrubs, Ambrosia dumosa and Larrea tridentata, grown under ambient (∼375 ppm) and elevated (∼517 ppm) CO2 concentrations at the Nevada Desert FACE Facility (NDFF) over five growing seasons. In addition, we grew L. tridentata seedlings in a greenhouse with similar CO2 treatments to determine responses of primary and lateral roots to an increase in CO2. In both field and greenhouse studies, root respiration was not significantly affected by elevated CO2. However, respiration of A. dumosa roots <1 month old was significantly greater than respiration of A. dumosa roots between 1 and 4 months old. For both shrub species, respiration rates of very fine (<1.0 mm diameter) roots were significantly greater than those of fine (1–2 mm diameter) roots, and root respiration decreased as soil water decreased. Because specific root length was not significantly affected by CO2 and because field minirhizotron measurements of root production were not significantly different, we infer that root growth at the NDFF has not increased with elevated CO2. Furthermore, other studies at the NDFF have shown increased nutrient availability under elevated CO2, which reduces the need for roots to increase scavenging for nutrients. Thus, we conclude that A. dumosa and L. tridentata root systems have not increased in size or activity, and increased shoot production observed under elevated CO2 for these species does not appear to be constrained by the plant's root growth or activity.