bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The ecology of a Mediterranean tortoise (Testudo hermanni): Reproduction
Authors: Swingland I. R. , Stubbs D. 
Published: August 2010

A three‐year study on reproduction in wild populations of Testudo hermanni has shown that:(a) sexual activity occurs between March and October, except the nesting season (May and June), and is most frequent in August and September,(b) tortoises are promiscuous in their mating habits, there is no evidence of mate selection in relation to size,(c) nest site selection is correlated to ground temperature and nesting itself mainly occurs in the early evening before dark, when the ground temperature characteristics are most indicative of a specific site's relative temperature,(d) incubation takes about three months and is probably temperature dependent,(e) most nests are preyed upon by mammalian predators within a few days after laying (> 90% being destroyed), the main cue being the smell of the eggs,(f) average clutch size in Greece is higher than in France, while mean egg weight in France is higher than in Greece, and there is no strong relationship between body size or weight and egg or clutch weight in either country,(g) in contrast to other studies, there is no apparent correlation between rainfall and reproduction parameters,(h) some females nest in successive years, and more than once in a year, with a laying interval of 10–20 days,(i) mean size of sexually active individuals is not significantly different from the mean size of adults, although nesting females are significantly bigger; the minimum size for sexually active males is about 120 mm and for females 130 mm.The discussion examines these observations in an evolutionary context.
Morphometric variation in the Hooded seal (Cystophora cristata)
Authors: Wlig Øystein 
Published: August 2010

Intra‐ and intersexual variation in 16 skull dimensions and total body length of 233 aged Hooded seals caught in the north‐west Atlantic were investigated. Absolute growth was described by asymptotic growth curves applied to single dimensions, as well as to scores on the first principal component of logarithmically transformed cranial data, which are believed to reflect the multivariate nature of growth. All dimensions were found to be fully developed later in males than in females. The growth of the male skulls was found to continue for more than 20 years, while the females approach final size about–7 years earlier than males, according to the scores on the first principal component. Female seals were found to reach 86 % of final total body length at the time of maturation, which is a generalized pinniped pattern. In both sexes, a yearling skull was characterized by a large brain‐case, which decreased relatively with growth. The male skulls were further characterized by an increase in zygomatic width and orbital width in relation to basal length, a pattern which was not found in females.All the asymptotic values were significantly larger in males than in females. The dimorphism develops mainly as a result of prolonged growth of males after the attainment of sexual maturity.
Crab carapace hydrodynamics
Authors: Blake R. W. 
Published: August 2010

The hydrodynamic properties of the carapace of the swimming crab, (Callinectes sapidus, Portunidae) and two dissimilar benthic species, Cancer productus and Lopholithodes mandtii, are investigated employing flow visualization and low‐speed wind tunnel techniques. Drag and lift forces for different orientations are determined for angles of attack ranging from 0–20. For Callinectes and Cancer productus drag is least at all angles of attack for sideways placement of the carapace, which corresponds to the position during locomotion in both species. Values of the drag Coefficient (based on plan form area) for Reynolds numbers greater than 104 for C. sapidus and C. productus are of the order of 0.2 0.35. Maximum values of the lift coefficient are of the order of 1.2 and 0.6 ‐0.7 for C. supidus and C.productus, respectively, giving maximum lift to drag ratios of about 4.0 for C. sapidus and 2.0 for C. productus. In contrast, L. mandtii is characterized by relatively high drag coefficients, low lift coefficients (about 1.0 and 0.2, respectively) and a lift to drag ratio that is an order of magnitude less than that of C. productus.The adaptive significance of the different lift to drag ratios of the animals is discussed in the context of simple hydromechanical models of carapace design in relation to flow velocity. It is argued that the carapace of Callinectes is adapted for minimum resistance and to generate sufficient lift to counter excess weight over buoyancy (specific gravity, S.G. = 1.14) at low forward speeds. Assuming that all of the lift required is produced passively by the carapace, minimum swimming speeds of the order of 0.15 ms‐1 are calculated.The model applied to the benthic species focuses on two critical velocities, the slipping speed (speed at which lateral displacement first occurs) and the lift‐off speed (speed at which the animal is lifted off the bottom). The ratio of lift‐off speed to slipping speed for C. productus is approximately 1.9 and similar to that for plaice. Values for L. mandtii are about 3.3. It is suggested that the carapace of C. productus is adapted to maximize slipping speed and that displacement in L. mandtii is resisted actively by holding on to the substratum. The influence of flow on crabs in general is briefly discussed in relation to morphological design and habitat.
The early development of the quail (Coturnix c. japonica) furcula reconsidered
Authors: Russell A. P. , Joffe D. J. 
Published: August 2010

Although the avian furcula is generally regarded as a dermal bone, this view was challenged by Lansdown (1968a), who postulated that it is a cartilage bone. His reinterpretation was predicated upon histochemical data, derived from embryological observations made on the Japanese quail, and is deserving of further investigation as it bears importantly upon the interpretation of the homology of the furcula, and upon aspects of avian phylogeny and the origin of the flight apparatus.Employing the same investigative methods as Lansdown (1968a), together with additional techniques, his interpretations have been reconsidered and no support for his suggestions has been found. The furcula of the quail, instead, has the early developmental characteristics of a typical dermal bone and conforms with the developmental details seen in the chicken.
Variation in plumage colour of the Great tit Parus major in relation to habitat, season and food
Authors: Slagsvold T. , Lifjeld J. T. 
Published: August 2010

The plumage colour of nestling and adult Great tits Parus major major L. was studied at Trondheim (63 °N, 10 °E), Norway. Nestlings reared in deciduous woodland were yellower than those reared in coniferous woodland, those reared in 1983 were yellower than those in 1982, and the later in the breeding season they were reared the more yellow they were. Furthermore, adults were yellower than nestlings, and for both groups the males were yellower than the females. Experimental interchange of eggs between nests showed that the variation in plumage colour observed between broods was related primarily to the food and not to genetic differences. Sampling, by the neck‐collar method, of the food brought by the parent birds showed that the yellower nestlings received a greater proportion of lepidopteran larvae, in particular greenish‐coloured ones, than did the nestlings with a paler plumage. A speculation is whether or not the variation in plumage colour has some adaptive value (viz. background matching).In avian systematics, plumage coloration has been used to distinguish and describe subspecies. The present study shows that such a classification should only be made with certain reservations, until possible variation in the food quality of the subspecies is known to have no influence on plumage coloration.
Developmental constraints on limb growth in domestic and some wild canids
Authors: Wayne Robert K. 
Published: August 2010

The domestic dog varies remarkably in limb size. Presumably, such differences in limb size stem from inequities in postnatal specific growth rate. I test this hypothesis by examining the postnatal growth of limb bones (40–250 days post‐partum) in four dog breeds of dramatically different adult size; Lhasa Apso, Cocker Spaniel, Labrador Retriever and Great Dane. The results show that the limb bones of these four breeds have similar specific growth rates throughout most of postnatal development. Thus, proportionate differences in limb bone length are established during perinatal growth (0–40 days post‐partum) or before birth.Comparisons of postnatal growth in the Great Dane and two wild canids of dramatically different leg length, the Bush dog (Speothos venaticus) and the Maned wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) also show a near congruency of specific growth rate curves. However, despite these similarities, the adult limb proportions of small dogs and small wild canids are different. Dogs also differ from wild canids in the relative variability of gestation time. All dogs have a similar gestation period of 60–63 days which is independent of birth weight, whereas the two are directly related in wild canids. I suggest that small dogs may differ in limb proportions from small wild canids because the latter have a shorter gestation period. Thus, the relative invariability of gestation time in domestic dogs may act as a fundamental constraint on their morphologic variability.
Materialism and conspicuous consumption in China: a cross‐cultural examination
Authors: Podoshen Jeffrey S. , Li Lu , Zhang Junfeng 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWith the growing rise in consumer spending and economic power in Asian societies, it is increasingly important to explore the implications of these developments on consumer culture. This cross‐cultural study first discusses the rise of materialism and conspicuous consumption in post‐revolution China then examines differences in these phenomena between young adult consumers, aged 18–35, living in urban China and the United States. Utilizing survey data from over 600 respondents, significant differences were found in both materialism and conspicuous consumption, with Chinese young adults scoring higher in both variables. The findings show, that compared with past comparative studies, it appears both materialism and conspicuous consumption are on the rise among urban Chinese consumers.
The role of endogenous serotonin in methamphetamine‐induced neurotoxicity to dopamine nerve endings of the striatum
Authors: Thomas David M. , Pérez Mariana Angoa , Francescutti‐Verbeem Dina M. , Shah Mrudang M. , Kuhn Donald M. 
Published: August 2010

J. Neurochem.(2010)115, 595–605.AbstractMethamphetamine (METH) is a neurotoxic drug of abuse that damages the dopamine (DA) neuronal system in a highly delimited manner. The brain structure most affected by METH is the striatum where long‐term DA depletion and microglial activation are maximal. Endogenous DA has been implicated as a critical participant in METH‐induced neurotoxicity, most likely as a substrate for non‐enzymatic oxidation by METH‐generated reactive oxygen species. The striatum is also extensively innervated by serotonin (5HT) nerve endings and this neurochemical system is modified by METH in much the same manner as seen in DA nerve endings (i.e., increased release of 5HT, loss of function in tryptophan hydroxylase and the serotonin transporter, long‐term depletion of 5HT stores). 5HT can also be modified by reactive oxygen species to form highly reactive species that damage neurons but its role in METH neurotoxicity has not been assessed. Increases in 5HT levels with 5‐hydroxytryptophan do not change METH‐induced neurotoxicity to the DA nerve endings as revealed by reductions in DA, tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter levels. Partial reductions in 5HT withp‐chlorophenylalanine are without effect on METH toxicity, despite the fact thatp‐chlorophenylalanine largely prevents METH‐induced hyperthermia. Mice lacking the gene for brain tryptophan hydroxylase 2 are devoid of brain 5HT and respond to METH in the same manner as wild‐type controls, despite showing enhanced drug‐induced hyperthermia. Taken together, the present results indicate that endogenous 5HT does not appear to play a role in METH‐induced damage to DA nerve endings of the striatum.
Are Suicidal Phenomena in Children Different to Suicidal Phenomena in Adolescents? A Six‐Year Review
Authors: Sarkar Manas , Byrne Patricia , Power Lorna , Fitzpatrick Carol , Anglim Margo , Boylan Carole , Morgan Sophia 
Published: August 2010

Background:  There has been little published about the nature and frequency of suicidal phenomena in children compared to that of adolescents.Method:  Standardised information on all presentations with suicidal phenomena to the Children’s University Hospital, Dublin from 2002 to 2008 were retrospectively analysed from a centralised database.Results:  During the time period of the study, 401 young people presented for assessment, of whom 21.9% (N = 88) were under 12 years of age. Children differed from adolescents in terms of gender distribution, method of self‐harm, and risk factors present.Conclusion:  Children under 12 are capable of displaying suicidal phenomena and differ considerably to adolescents in this regard.
Presidential Address: The Visible or Invisible Hand? The Balance Between Markets and Regulation in Agricultural Policy
Authors: Blandford David 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe recent crisis in global financial markets has brought into question reliance on markets to determine the conduct of economic affairs and generated pressure for greater regulation and government control. Neither a neoliberal nor a neoregulatory approach is likely to be able to solve pressing problems affecting agriculture and natural resources, such as a deterioration in environmental quality and the challenge of climate change. To find solutions we need to employ a more realistic behavioural model than that typically used in economic analysis, and to recognise the key role played by values in individual and collective decision making. A more devolved approach to policy formation based on collective action seems to offer the greatest chance of success. More effort needs to be directed to understanding the drivers and processes of collective decision making, and how it can be harnessed to address pressing policy issues.
Recovery and Management Committees for Lion Tamarins: Partnerships in Conservation Planning and Implementation
Authors: Kleiman Devra G. , Mallinson Jeremy J. C. 
Published: August 2010

Four international recovery and management committees act as official technical advisors to the Brazilian federal environmental agency—the Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis—with respect to the conservation and management of both the in situ and ex situ populations of the endangered lion tamarins ( Leontopithecus). The committees promote lion tamarins as “flagship” species, the ultimate intent being the preservation of the unique Atlantic rain forest (Mata Atlântica) ecosystem and its many endemic plants and animals. We summarize the history, organization, structure, and functioning of these oversight management committees and their current role in guiding, motivating, and focusing conservation efforts for the Mata Atlântica of Brazil and the four endangered Leontopithecus species therein. We discuss the role of science in conservation planning for the species, funding mechanisms, the decision‐making process, conflicts and their resolution, and criteria used for evaluating success. The benefits of this particular species recovery process include the establishment of collaborative partnerships between the Brazilian government and a multitude of individuals and organizations and the use of multidisciplinary, semi‐autonomous teams to implement conservation activities. The major limitation of the management committees is their lack of a formal budget and permanent staff.Comites de Recuperación y Manejo de León Tamarins: Colaboraciones en Planeación e Implementación de la ConservaciónCuatro comités de recuperación y manejo actúan como asesores técnicos del Instituto Brasileño del Medio Ambiente y Recursos Naturales Renovables en lo concerniente a la conservación y manejo de poblaciones del león tamarins ( Leontopithecus) tanto in situ como ex situ. Los comités promueven al león tamarins como una especie “bandera”, con la intensión de preservar el peculiar ecosistema de bosque lluvioso del Atlántico (Mata Atlântica) así como sus plantas y animales endémicos. Resumimos la historia, organización, estructura y funcionamiento de estos comites de manejo, así como su papel actual en la conducción, motivación y enfoque de los esfuerzos de conservación del Mata Atlântica del Brasil y de las cuatro especies amenazadas de Leontopithecus. Discutimos el papel de la ciencia en la planeación de la conservación de las especies, los mecanismos de financiamiento, los procesos de toma de decisiones, los conflictos y sus soluciones y los criterios empleados para la evaluación de los avances. Los beneficios del proceso de recuperación de esta especie en particular incluyen el establecimiento de trabajo en colaboración entre el gobierno de Brasil y una gran cantidad de individuos y organizaciones, además del empleo de grupos multidisciplinarios semiautónomos para la implementación de actividades de conservación. Las mayores limitantes para los comités de manejo han sido la carencia de un presupuesto formal y de trabajadores permanente.
Geographic Isolation of Hector’s Dolphin Populations Described by Mitochondrial DNA Sequences
Authors: Pichler F. B. , Dawson S. M. , Slooten E. , Baker C. S. 
Published: August 2010

To describe the genetic structure of Hector’s dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori) populations, we used the polymerase chain reaction to amplify and sequence a 360 base‐pair fragment of the mitochondrial DNA control region from 34 beachcast or gillnet‐caught specimens. Variation in these sequences identified 11 distinct haplotypes differing from one another by 0.28–1.67% and by an average of 4.47% from the closely related Commerson’s dolphin. The genealogical relationship of these haplotypes showed a strong concordance with the geographic origins of the samples. An analysis of variance modified for molecular data showed that 74% of the sequence variation could be explained by the three primary sampling regions: the North Island, the west coast of the South Island, and the east coast of the South Island. Such a marked segregation of maternal lineages across a small geographic range is unusual among cetaceans. The low rate of female dispersal, as indicated by this mitochondrial DNA structure, could increase the vulnerability of local populations to extinction due to fisheries‐related mortality.Aislamiento Geográfico de Poblaciones del Delfin de Hector Descritas por Secuencias Mitocondriales de ADNPara describir la estructura genética del delfín de Hector (Cephalorhynchus hectori), utilizamos la reacción de polimerasa en cadena para amplificar y secuenciar un fragmento de la región control del ADN‐mitocondrial de 360 pares de bases provenientes de 34 especímenes varados en playas o capturados en redes agalleras. La variación de las secuencias identificaron 11 haplotipos distintivos difiriendo entre ellos por un 0.28–1.67% y por un promedio de 4.47% del relativamente cercano delfin de Commerson. La relación genealógica de estos haplotipos muestran una fuerte concordancia con los origenes geográficos de las muestras. Un análisis de varianza modificado para datos moleculares mostró que 74% de la variación de las secuencias puede ser explicada por tres regiones de muestreo primarias: la isla del norte, la costa oeste de la isla del sur y la costa este de la isla del sur. Esta segregación tan marcada de linajes maternales a lo largo de un rango geográfico pequeño es inusual en cetáceos. La baja tasa de dispersión de hembras, indicada por la estructura del DNA mitocondrial, podría incrementar la vulnerabilidad de las poblaciones locales a la extinción debido a la mortalidad relacionada con pesquerías.
Phylogenetic Distinctiveness of a Threatened Aquatic Turtle (Ster nother us depressus)
Authors: Walker Deette , Ortí Guillermo , Avise John C. 
Published: August 2010

The musk turtle (Sternotherus minor) is common throughout the southeastern United States. In 1955 a morphologically atypical form confined to the Black Warrior River System in Alabama was discovered and accorded full species status asS. depressus, the “flattened musk turtle.” Questions remain about the taxonomic status and evolutionary history of the flattened musk turtle because (1) the geographic distribution ofS. depressusis nested within the range ofS. minor; (2) the flattened shell might be a recently evolved anti‐predator adaptation; and (3) reports exist of intergrades betweenS. depressusandS. minor. We generated and employed sequence data from mitochondrial DNA to address the phylogenetic distinctiveness and phylogeographic position ofS. depressusrelative to all other musk and mud turtles (Kinosternidae) in North America. The flattened musk turtle forms a well‐supported monophyletic group separate fromS. minor. Genetic divergence observed betweenS. depressusand geographic populations ofS. minoris no less than that distinguishing many kinosternid congeners from one another. These molecular genetic findings bolster rationale for the taxonomic recognition ofS. depressusand, hence, for special efforts to protect this federally threatened species.Distintividad Filogenética de una Tortuga Acuática Amenazada (Sternotherus depressus)Las tortugas acuáticas (“musk turtles”) de la especieSternotherus minor( familia Kinosternidae) están ampliamente distribuidas en la región sudeste de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica. En 1955, una variedad de musk turtle morfológicamente atípica, con el caparazón notoriamente comprimido y restringida a la cuenca del río Black Warrior en Alabama, fue descrita y asignada a una especie nueva,S. depressus(“flattened musk turtle”). Posteriormente, el origen evolutivo y el estatus taxonómico de esta nueva especie han sido cuestionados debido a: (1) su restringida distribución geográfica esta anidada dentro del rango de distribución deS. minor; (2) El caparazón aplanado podría ser una adaptación anti‐depredador recientemente evolucionada; y (3) existen reportes de morfologías intermedias entreS. depressusyS. minor. En el presente trabajo se emplean secuencias de ADN mitocondrial para evaluar la identidad genética, posición filogenética, y distribución filogeográfica deS. depressusen relación a las demás especies norteamericanas de la familia Kinosternidae. Los datos obtenidos confirman la identidad deS. depressuscomo una especie separada genéticamente de la poblaciones locales deS. minor, y de las otras especies de la familia Kinosternidae. Estos resultados sugieren el reconocimiento taxonómico deS. depressusy justifican los esfuerzos conservacionistas para proteger esta especie amenazada.