bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Home range and movements of male feral cats (Felis catus) in a semiarid woodland environment in central Australia
Authors: Edwards G. P. , De Preu N. , Shakeshaft B. J. , Crealy I. V. , Paltridge R. M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThere is a paucity of data on the movement patterns of feral cats in Australia. Such data can be used to refine control strategies and improve track‐based methods of monitoring populations of feral cats. In this study the home ranges and movements of male feral cats were examined over 3.5 years in a semiarid woodland environment in central Australia. Two home range estimators were used in the examination: (i) minimum convex polygon (MCP); and (ii) fixed kernel. The most widely used method of estimating home range in feral cats is MCP, while the fixed kernel method can be used to identify core areas within a home range. On the basis of the MCP method, the long‐term home ranges of feral cats in central Australia were much larger than those recorded elsewhere (mean, 2210.5 ha). Twenty‐four hour home ranges were much smaller (mean, 249.7 ha) and feral cats periodically shifted their 24 h ranges within the bounds of their long‐term home ranges. Core area analysis indicated marked heterogeneity of space use by male feral cats. Several instances where feral cats moved large distances (up to 34 km) were recorded. These long distance movements may have been caused by nutritional stress. Using data from the literature, it is shown that prey availability is a primary determinant of long‐term home range size in feral cats. The relevance of the results to the design of management strategies for feral cats in central Australia is also discussed.
Food Value and tree selection by Glossy Black‐Cockatoos Calyptorhynchus lathami
Authors: Crowley Gabriel M. , Garnett Stephen T. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractGlossy Black‐Cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami) appear to maximize dry matter intake by selecting feeding trees that have the most profitable seed crops as indicated by Clout’s Index (seed weight/total cone weight). However, as it is unlikely that cockatoos can directly assess Clout’s Index, the mechanism for such selection is unclear. Moreover, as cockatoos consume only the kernels, and not all seeds contain kernels, better estimates of food value are required. Therefore, we examine seed and cone characteristics and establish that Seed Fill (percentage of seeds containing kernels) and Kernel Ratio (average kernel weight/average cone weight) contribute significantly to Food Value (weight of kernels/total cone weight). We propose that these factors can be rapidly assessed by cockatoos, and show that selection of feeding trees can be more accurately predicted using discriminant analysis with a combination of Seed Fill and Kernel Ratio than with either Food Value or Clout’s Index alone. Along with most other characteristics, Seed Fill and Kernel Ratio were consistent between the two years of study, enabling foraging cockatoos to return to profitable trees annually, without sampling. Where sampling is undertaken, rapid assessment of profitability by sampling cone ends is possible, as kernels are randomly distributed through the cone. Also, a decline in Food Value, Seed Fill and Kernel Ratio with cone age, means that cockatoos could also assess profitability on the basis of cone colour. We show that concentrations of individual nutrients are unlikely to contribute to tree selection, previous reports of such selection being caused by the predominance of protein and oils in the kernels, and of ash, fibre and carbohydrates in the samara. We therefore conclude that cockatoos select feeding trees primarily on the basis of optimizing kernel intake.
Biotic resistance to Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera in Tasmania
Authors: SCURR GRANT , KIRKPATRICK J. B. , DANIELS G. D. , MCQUILLAN P. B. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBoneseed, Chrysanthemoides monilifera ssp. monilifera (Asteraceae) is concentrated in and near cities and towns on the north and east coasts of Tasmania. Its absence from intervening rural and bushland areas cannot be attributed to environmental conditions or a lack of time for dispersal from introduction points. The hypothesis tested in the present paper is that the range of boneseed in Tasmania is limited by biotic resistance through herbivory. Cafeteria experiments and field observations showed that sheep (Ovis aries), cattle (Bos taurus), Tasmanian pademelons (Thylogale billardierii), Bennett's wallabies (Macropus rufogriseus), garden weevils (Phlyctinus callosus) and native invertebrates all consumed boneseed, while common brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) did not. A boneseed population subjected to sheep grazing for 168 days suffered high mortality, while an adjacent ungrazed population survived intact. A replicated exclosure experiment showed that 75 days of grazing by cattle reduced the size of boneseed plants. Observations of a population subject to Bennett's wallaby and Tasmanian pademelon grazing over 1 year and 2 months showed consistently high leaf damage to foliage within pademelon reach and a decline in population, with high mortality rates in the driest and coldest times. Leaf loss attributable to invertebrates did not prevent a nearby population without wallabies from growing. The distributions of the taxa were consistent with biotic resistance, with those demonstrating no severe effect on boneseed individuals widespread, while those with evidence of severe effects more common in rural areas than in urban areas. Boneseed seemed unlikely to survive for very long at normal stocking levels. Macropod grazing, particularly that of T. billardierii, may also inhibit the invasion of boneseed. Thus, the recent introduction of foxes to Tasmania may not only cause the extinction of species such as T. billardierii, but also may cause an expansion of the range of boneseed.
The abundance, distribution and structural characteristics of tree‐holes inNothofagusforest, New Zealand
Authors: BLAKELY TANYA J. , JELLYMAN PHILLIP G. , HOLDAWAY ROBERT J. , YOUNG LAURA , BURROWS BEN , DUNCAN PATRICK , THIRKETTLE DANIEL , SIMPSON JAMIE , EWERS ROBERT M. , DIDHAM RAPHAEL K. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTree‐holes provide an important microhabitat that is used for feeding, roosting and breeding by numerous species around the world. Yet despite their ecological importance for many of New Zealand's endangered species, few studies have investigated the abundance or distribution of tree‐holes in native forests. We used complementary ground and climbed tree surveys to determine the abundance, distribution and characteristics of tree‐holes in undisturbedNothofagusforest in the Lewis Pass, New Zealand. We found that hole‐bearing trees were surprisingly abundant compared with many other studies, including AustralianEucalyptusspecies and American beech. In fact, we estimated as many as 3906 tree‐holes per hectare, of which 963 holes per hectare were potentially large enough to provide roost sites for hole‐nesting bats in New Zealand, while only eight holes per hectare were potentially suitable for specialist hole‐nesting birds. This was of great interest as primary cavity‐excavating animals are absent from New Zealand forests, compared with North America and Australia. Moreover, tree‐hole formation in New Zealand is likely to be dominated by abiotic processes, such as branch breakage from windstorms and snow damage. As has been found in many other studies, tree‐holes were not uniformly distributed throughout the forest. Tree‐holes were significantly more abundant on the least abundant tree species,Nothofagus fusca,than on eitherN. menziesiiorN. solandri.In addition to tree species, tree size was also an important factor influencing the structural characteristics of tree‐holes and their abundance in this forest. Moreover, these trends were not fully evident without climbed tree surveys. Our results revealed that ground‐based surveys consistently underestimated the number of tree‐holes present onNothofagustrees, and illustrate the importance of using climbed inspections where possible in tree‐hole surveys. We compare our results with other studies overseas and discuss how these are linked to the biotic and abiotic processes involved in tree‐hole formation. We consider the potential implications of our findings for New Zealand's hole‐dwelling fauna and how stand dynamics and past and future forest management practices will influence the structural characteristics of tree‐holes and their abundance in remnant forest throughout New Zealand.
REVIEW ARTICLE: Mid‐urethral synthetic slings for female stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Fong Eva D.M. , Nitti Victor W. 
Published: August 2010

Mid‐urethral synthetic slings (MUSS) have grown in acceptance and popularity to gain a foremost position in stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery.
There are numerous studies that provide a large amount of Level 1 and 2 evidence that support the concept of a sling placed at the level of the mid‐urethra.
Long‐term follow‐up has been published for the original tension‐free vaginal tape (TVT) procedure with the most recent publication providing Level 2 evidence with mean follow‐up of 11.5 years of 69/91 (77%) of patients from the original series. There was objective cure was in 90% of women and 77% considered themselves subjectively cured, based on the Patient Global Impression of Improvement.
Level 1 evidence with long‐term follow‐up has been provided comparing colposuspension to TVT at 2 and 5 years. At 5 years for the primary efficacy variable of a negative 1 h stress pad test, there was no difference in success (81% vs 90%).
Two recent meta‐analyses provide Level 1 evidence comparing outcomes for retropubic vs transobturator MUSS. One included 18 studies, randomized and cohort: cohort studies had a 12.3% failure rate for transobturator and 13.7% failure for the retropubic approach, randomized studies showed 5.7% failure in the transobturator vs 7.8% in the retropubic group. The other meta‐analysis included 11 studies published 2008–2009, which found that the short‐term cure rate was borderline inferior for the transobturator tape group (odds ratio 0.62; 95% confidence interval 0.37–1.00), nearly reaching statistical significance (P= 0.05).
This review details further comparator evidence and evidence for use in specific patient groups (elderly, obese, intrinsic sphincter deficiency, mixed UI).
Shear resistance in two bivalve molluscs: role of hinges and interdigitating margins
Authors: Coen Loren D. 
Published: August 2010

Hypotheses relating the form and function of bivalve hinge and marginal dentition were examined using experimental manipulations of shell sculpture. Experiments were designed to estimate relative resistance proffered by these two sculpture types in the absence of the adductor‐ligamentum complex. Forces required to shear two species of bivalve molluscs (with altered sculpture) were measured in the plane of the commissure, using an Instron materials testing machine.Noetia ponderosa and Mercenaria mercenaria were chosen for their divergent morphology. Interpretation of results on the relative importance of hinge and commissure interdigitation in preventing shear suggests that crenulated margins, whether weakly or strongly elaborated, contribute little direct resistance to shear stress. By comparison, results for hinge dentition (taxodont or heterodont) support previous conclusions concerning their functional importance. For example, the ‘primitive’ taxodont hinge of Noetia withstood forces five times those for Mercenaria, which has a heterodont hinge type.Further observations and qualitative results are given comparing different hinge types and marginal modifications. Teeth pattern breakage for Noetia suggests that certain teeth may function differently, depending on the direction in which forces are applied. Search of the literature yielded no examples of predators capable of exerting sufficient forces to shear bivalve organisms. Though the data are not comprehensive, and are intended only to demonstrate relative differences in shell (sculpture) resistance to shear, much insight can be gained from these results for future studies.
Egg‐hatching in thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera)
Authors: Kirk W. D. J. 
Published: August 2010

The hatching of eggs of thrips (Insecta: Thysanoptera) was investigated for three thripids, Thrips tabuci Lindeman, Frankliniella fusca (Hinds) and Kakothrips pisivorus (Westwood), and for a phlaeothripid, Haplothrips leucanthemi (Schrank). An embryonic cuticle with hatching spines was found in these thripids, and distinct lids were discovered on eggs of the first two species of thripid. At least one species of phlaeothripid lacks hatching spines. Haplothrips leucanthemi eggs did not have a distinct lid; the eggs split along lines of weakness following the pattern left by the follicle cells. Kakothrips pisivorus was observed and photographed during hatching. The larva emerged most of the way out of the egg while still enclosed in embryonic cuticle. Expansion and contraction of the pronotum split the embryonic cuticle, which was then forced down to the tip of the abdomen by peristaltic movements, freeing in turn the antennae and legs. The embryonic cuticle was left poking out of the oviposition hole.
The habitat and behaviour of Cephalodiscus gracilis (Pterobranchia, Hemichordata) from Bermuda
Authors: Dilly P. N. 
Published: August 2010

Cephalodiscus gracilis lives in shallow water around Bermuda. The zooids secrete a transparent coenecium. Several zooids can be attached to a common point. The zooids may be of differing maturity, having from none to five pairs of arms. The mature zooids feed by extending their arms like meridians around a globe with the tentacles of adjacent arms interdigitating to make a spherical filter net. Feeding currents are induced by cilia. The mucus flows along the external surfaces of the arms, around the collar and into the mouth. The rejection current runs on the inside surface of the arms. The rejected material is stored in pellets near the arm tips. It is‘flicked’away at intervals.The larvae are found in densely pigmented stalks attached to the common sucker. The zooids also reproduce by budding.
Ontogenetic and individual variation in size, shape and speed in the Australian agamid lizard Amphibolurus nuchalis
Authors: Garland Theodore 
Published: August 2010

The present study investigates relationships among size, shape and speed in the Australian agamid lizard Amphibolurus nuchalis. Maximal running speed, body mass, snout‐vent length, tail length, fore‐ and hind limb spans and thigh muscle mass were measured in 68 field‐fresh individuals spanning the entire ontogenetic size range (1.3 48 g). Relative lengths of both foreand hind limbs decrease with increasing body mass (= negative allometry), whereas relative tail length and thigh muscle mass increase with body mass (= positive allometry). Repeatable and significant differences in maximal running speed exist among individuals. Maximal running speed scales as (body mass)0.161, and 59% of the variation in maximal speed was related to body mass. Based on the results of the present and previous studies, data on scaling of body proportions alone appear inadequate to infer scaling relationships of functional characters such as top speed.Surprisingly, individual variation in maximal speed is not related to individual variation in shape (relative limb, tail and body lengths). These components of overall shape are not independent; individuals tended to have either relatively long or relatively short limbs, tails and bodies for their body mass. Even the significant difference in multivariate shape between adult males and females has no measurable consequences for maximal speed. Speeds of field‐fresh animals did not vary on a seasonal basis, and eight weeks of captivity had no effect on maximal running speeds. Gravid females and long‐term (obese) captive lizards were both approximately 12% slower than field‐fresh lizards.
The pattern of gill perfusion in two species of Corophium (Crustacea: Amphipoda) and its relation to environmental salinity
Authors: Taylor P. M. 
Published: August 2010

Total surface area of the ion‐permeable lamellar gills of Corophium volutator and Corophium curvispinum is 0·81 mm2mg‐1 and 0·78 mm2mg‐1 (wet weight), respectively. In both species, haemolymph flow (as visualized by haemocyte movements) is rapid through the peripheral canal and central luminal lacunae of each gill, general flow being from posterior to anterior margin of the gill. There appears to be countercurrent flow of haemolymph and ventilatory current water over the gill integument, which may facilitate dissolved‐gas exchange.Rate of haemolymph flow (perfusion) through the gills of the euryhaline C. volutator is markedly reduced immediately following transfer to a considerably hyperosmotic salinity (e.g. 15% S.W. to 85% S.W. transfer). No reduction in the rate of gill perfusion occurs following transfer of C. volutator to hypoosmotic salinity. The freshwater C. curvispinum does not tolerate hyperosmotic salinity transfers, but does exhibit a similar immediate gill perfusion restriction. The onset of gill perfusion restriction is dependent on a change in the magnitude of the ionic ([NaCl]), not the osmotic, gradient across the integument. In C. volutator only, normal rate of gill perfusion is eventually restored (within 24 hours of transfer), but can be immediately restored if the animal is transferred back to the acclimation salinity.In C. volutator, branchial perfusion pattern is postulated to be regulated in relation to environmental salinity by a mechanism operating under neural control. The possible significance of gill perfusion restriction to C. volutator as a short‐term adaptive osmoregulatory response is considered. Perfusion restriction in the gills of C. curvispinum is considered to be a relic of a recent estuarine ancestry.
Temporal patterns of circulating LH and steroid hormones in a brood parasite, the Brown‐headed cowbird,Molothrus ater.
Authors: Dufty, A. M. , Wingfield J. C. 
Published: August 2010

The reproductive cycle of monogamous passerines is characterized by a sequence of events leading from courtship and pair formation through nest building, egg laying and incubation, and ending with the care of young. Each of these stages is accompanied by equally predictable changes in the pattern of hormone secretion. This report describes endocrine changes in the plasma of free‐living Brown‐headed cowbirds,Molothrus uter, during a breeding season. Changes in some morphological parameters are also presented.Cowbirds are brood parasites that show no parental behaviour and lay eggs almost daily for approximately eight weeks. Males are not territorial, but they mate guard extensively. Hcncc, their breeding biology is quite different from that of the nesting species described above. They are hormonally distinct, as well. Luteinizing hormone rises in the spring and remains elevated throughout May and most of June. By July, when breeding has ceased, plasma luteinizing hormone levels are at pre‐breeding values. Plasma androgens are also maintained at peak levels for an extended period of time, although they decline briefly between the establishment of dominance hierarchies and the onset of breeding. Circulating levels of corticosterone are elevated until the middle of the breeding season, when they begin to fall, although here, too, there is a transient depression just prior to breeding. In the light of the studies on nesting species, these data suggest that hormone profiles are closely correlated with the breeding and social activities that characterize the species under investigation.
Food handling in the carp (Cyprinus carpio): its movement patterns, mechanisms and limitations
Authors: Sibbing F. A. , Osse J. W. M. , Terlouw A. 
Published: August 2010

The oropharyngeal feeding mechanism of the carp was analysed as a case study for cyprinids. Light and X‐ray cinematography combined with electromyography allowed a detailed analysis of the external and internal events during processing of the following food types: radtopaque pellets, earthworms, barley, tubificids, cladoceran suspensions and food‐soil mixtures. Ten patterns of head movements serve 12 feeding actions: paniculate feeding and gulping for intake; rinsing, repositioning, selective retention and spitting for selection; gathering from the branchial sieve, transport, loading of the teeth, crushing, grinding and deglutition. Muscular cushions in the pharyngeal roof (palatal organ) and floor (postlingual organ) permit postcapture selection between food and non‐food and transport. Protrusion of the upper jaw is crucial in food processing and serves different aims in particulate intake, gulping and internal selection.The mechanism of each single pattern and its effects in manipulating the flow and particles is discussed. Restrictions for processing different types of food are formulated. Tentative limits are set to the feeding on the available food types in the environment. The feeding apparatus appears to be unsuitable for exploiting very small particles (< 250 μm), plant and other materials of fibrous content. Only slow and immobile food particles with a diameter up to c. 4% of the carp's body length are effectively processed. The carp appears to be a generalist in its diet, with specializations for the exploitation of food and non‐food mixtures from the bottom, even if the contained food is of considerable density and hardness.The distinct elements of feeding behaviour are considered to be stereotyped action patterns. They are released and steered according to the actual size, distribution, consistency and contamination of the food and integrated into varied probing and feeding sequences. Different food types require different movement patterns and ‘handling times’. Protrusion with closed mouth appears to be a core pattern in food handling as it is basic to several feeding actions (repositioning and back‐washing during purification; gathering of retained food from the branchial sieve).Protrusion and the palatal and postlingual organs in this lower teleost are basic to the substrate feeding habits of many cyprinoids and are discussed in relation to (i) the hypertrophy of the pharyngeal masticatory apparatus, (ii) the recruitment of body power for mastication, and (iii) the evolutionary loss of toothed upper pharyngeal transporting bones. A scheme connects the unique character set of cypriniform fish to the origin and evolution of their feeding mechanism.The cooperation between functional morphology, ethology and ecology for the study of niche separation between species is emphasized.
Ondansetron: A Selective 5‐HT3Receptor Antagonist and Its Applications in CNS‐Related Disorders
Authors: Ye Jiang‐Hong , Ponnudurai Rex , Schaefer Rebecca 
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACTOndansetron is a selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine3 (5‐HT3) receptor antagonist that has been introduced to clinical practice as an antiemetic for cancer treatment‐induced and anesthesia‐related nausea and vomiting. Its use under these circumstances is both prophylactic and therapeutic. It has a superior efficacy, safety and pharmacoeconomic profile compared with other groups of antiemetics, namely antidopaminergics, antihistamines and anticholinergics. However, its place in the management of anticipatory and delayed vomiting in cancer treatment and as a rescue antiemetic in surgical patients needs to be further explored. Furthermore, recent animal and human research also reflects its possible novel application in the treatment of other disease states, such as alcoholism, cocaine addiction, opioid withdrawal syndrome, anxiety disorders, gastrointestinal motility disorders, Tourette's syndrome and pruritus. This review revisits the widespread physiological and pathological effects of 5‐HT and discusses both the basic science literature and the clinical developments responsible for the conventional and novel uses of ondansetron. In addition, new discoveries relating to the effects of ondansetron on other receptors/channels and their possible therapeutic applications are presented.