bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Marine carbonate systems in the Sarmatian (Middle Miocene) of the Central Paratethys: the Zsámbék Basin of Hungary
Authors: CORNÉE JEAN‐JACQUES , MOISSETTE PIERRE , SAINT MARTIN JEAN‐PAUL , KÁZMÉR MIKLÓS , TÓTH EMŐKE , GÖRÖG ÁGNES , DULAI ALFRÉD , MÜLLER PÁL 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe study of eight stratigraphic sections at the margin of the semi‐enclosed Zsámbék Basin (Hungary) allows the sedimentary anatomy of oolitic–bioclastic systems in the Sarmatian of the Central Paratethys to be reconstructed. The mollusc, foraminiferal and ostracod associations indicate that the carbonate systems are Latest Badenian to Late Sarmatian in age. The Lower–Upper Sarmatian deposits are organized in superimposed subaqueous dunes prograding towards the basin on a low‐angle ramp. During the Late Sarmatian, the ramp underwent subaerial erosion linked to a moderate relative fall in sea‐level. Lagoonal deposits were later formed and microbial–nubeculariid–bryozoan–serpulid buildups were emplaced. The ‘abnormal’ marine conditions of the Sarmatian, conducive to the development of a poorly diversified flora and fauna and dominant non‐skeletal grains, are linked to fluctuating salinities, mesotrophic to eutrophic conditions and perhaps high alkalinity.
Effects of the spread of the algaCaulerpa racemosavar.cylindraceaon the sponge assemblage from coralligenous concretions of the Apulian coast (Ionian Sea, Italy)
Authors: Baldacconi Rossella , Corriero Giuseppe 
Published: March 2009

AbstractThe present work investigated the modifications induced by the spread of the green macroalgaCaulerpa racemosavar.cylindracea(Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) on the sponge assemblage of Apulian coralligenous concretions (Ionian Sea – Torre Ovo, Italy). The study of qualitative and quantitative sponge composition was carried out before (2004) and after (2006) the spread of this invasive alga by means of traditional (quadrat scraping) and photographic sampling methods. Results indicate that the spread of the green alga is concomitant with a significant decrease in percentage sponge cover both on horizontal‐ and on vertical‐oriented substrates. In addition, strong modifications to the structure of the community in terms of repartition of the available substrate have been observed since the algal spread. Conversely, no major changes have affected the specific composition of the sponge assemblage, suggesting that at this stage of colonization the algal spread has not produced a loss of sponge biodiversity. However, there is a clear need to monitor closely theC. racemosainvasion to verify its long‐term impact on the sponge assemblage.
Reduced oxygen protocol decreases the incidence of threshold retinopathy of prematurity in infants of <33 weeks gestation
Authors: Tokuhiro Yumiko , Yoshida Tomoko , Nakabayashi Yoshinobu , Nakauchi Shohei , Nakagawa Yumi , Kihara Minako , Mitsufuji Nobuto , Kizaki Zenro 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  The relationship between oxygen and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has been studied frequently, and a pulse oximeter has the potential to facilitate the control of oxygen fluctuation in neonates. The objective of the present study was to compare the incidence of threshold ROP (stage 3 requiring laser treatment and stage 4) in infants of <33 weeks gestation after implementing a new clinical O2 management practice.Methods:  A retrospective study of data from the Kyoto First Red Cross Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) from 1 July 2004 to 31 October 2007 (closed 1 December 2006–30 March 2007 for reconstruction). A reduced oxygen protocol was implemented to maintain oxygen saturation (SpO2) values using a pulse oximeter between 88% and 92%. The incidence of threshold ROP in the earlier period (1 July 2004–31 December 2005) and the later period (1 January 2006–31 October 2007) were compared.Results:  The incidence of threshold ROP significantly decreased from 32.2% to 16.7%, after changing to the reduced oxygen protocol (P < 0.05).Conclusion:  A significant decrease in the rate of threshold ROP in infants of <33 weeks gestation was observed after implementation of the new clinical O2 management practice.
Prevalence of Mycoplasma IgM in children with lower respiratory tract illness
Authors: Higashigawa Masamune , Kawasaki Yukako , Yodoya Noriko , Omori Yusuke , Nashida Yuji , Amemiya Yoshio , Fujiwara Takashi , Inoue Masakazu 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackground:  Few data are available for the recent occurrence of Mycoplasma infections in children in Japan. The purpose of the present study was therefore to identify the prevalence of Mycoplasma infections in children in Japan.Methods:  IgM antibodies to M. pneumoniae were prospectively determined using the Meridian ImmunoCard Mycoplasma test in hospitalized patients with lower respiratory tract infections between January 2004 and June 2007. A total of 858 hospitalized patients aged 0–15 years (445 male, 413 female), diagnosed as having acute pneumonia or bronchitis, were enrolled. The number of patients with pneumonia or bronchitis was 331 (male/female, 167/164) and 527 (male/female/ 278/249), respectively. Two hundred and five of the 858 patients (23.9%) were ImmunoCard positive. Of the 205 patients, 121 children and 84 children were diagnosed as having pneumonia and bronchitis, respectively. One hundred and forty‐three of the 727 patients (19.7%) <5 years of age were ImmunoCard test positive.Conclusions:  M. pneumoniae infection is not rare in children aged <5 years in Japan.
The morphology of the bioluminescent tissue of the cephalopod Japetella diaphana (Octopoda: Bolitaenidae)
Authors: Herring P. J. , Dilly P.N. , Cope Celia 
Published: March 2009

Maturing females of the octopod Japetella diaphana (Hoyle) develop a luminous oral ring. Studies of specimens of different size show that this structure develops from a muscular ring which undergoes great cellular proliferation, associated with gradual degeneration of the original muscle. The light‐producing cells (photocytes) have a relatively uniform cytoplasm whose most characteristic components are small mitochondria, granular aggregates and microtubular or microfibrillar bundles. It is concluded that the original muscle tissue is not transformed directly into luminous tissue.Possible uses of the luminescence are discussed, based on the postures adopted by live specimens in shipboard aquaria.
Quantitative aspects of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) play
Authors: Renouf D. , Lawson J. W. 
Published: March 2009

Harbour seal play behaviour was investigated from pupping through mating seasons using videotaping techniques which permitted more refined data acquisition than in our earlier study. Calculation of age class play rates confirmed a large proportion of adult play, but showed that juveniles played only marginally more frequently than adults. Adults increased their playing during the weaning/mating season, whereas that of juveniles and subadults declined over the observation period. Play between mothers and pups increased as weaning drew near, and weaners played at a consistently high rate thereafter. As in our earlier study, solitary play proved to be far more frequent than social play, with adults playing socially only during the mating season, and weaners never doing so. The implication of our earlier report and of the literature, that mothers, pups and weaners play rarely, was proven incorrect. Females played more often than males, and the type of playing displayed by each sex differed.SummaryThe play behaviour of harbour seals was analysed on videotape, which allowed the determination of rates of play per age class relative to the population of seals of the same age, and sex of the player in 190 episodes. The majority of the results of our earlier study were confirmed in that adult play was unusually common, and most play was solitary rather than social. However, the reason for the apparent predominance of juvenile play in our 1986 study was most likely because of a large number of juvenile seals present in the herd at that time. Similarly, mothers, pups and weaners proved to play at high rates when population size was taken into account. Adults' playing increased during the weaning/mating period, whereas juveniles and subadults played progressively less over time. Mothers and pups played more near weaning, after which time the youngsters played at a steady high rate, though never socially. Adult social play was only evident during the mating period. The play of males and females differed qualitatively and quantitatively.
Morphometric variation of the common shrew (Sorex araneus) in Britain, in relation to karyotype and geography
Authors: Searle J. B. , Thorpe R. S. 
Published: March 2009

SummaryA multivariate study of variation in mandible dimensions was conducted to determine whether common shrews of different karyotypic race (Aberdeen, Oxford, Hermitage) in Britain differ in morphology. Differences between samples from north and south Britain suggest that geography is more important than karyotype as a morphological determinant. However, the distinctiveness of hybrids in the ‘Oxford‐Hermitage’ hybrid zone raises the possibility that there are genetic differences between the races.
Pre‐ and postnatal growth of the Cape porcupine Hystrix africaeaustratis
Authors: VAN AARDE R. J. 
Published: March 2009

Pre‐ and postnatal growth of the Cape porcupine Hystrix africaeaustralis is evaluated by means of the Huggett & Widdas equation, a modification thereof, and the von Bertalanffy equation. Specific foetal growth velocity for the Cape porcupine is higher than that recorded for most other hystricomorph rodents, but similar to that recorded for large‐bodied rodents of the same group. Relatively high foetal growth velocity in porcupines is ascribed to their relatively short gestation period, the latter being longer than expected for mammals of equal size, but shorter than expected for a hystricomorph rodent.Postnatal growth is nearly linear up to the age of 20 weeks and asymptotic body weight is attained at an age of 52 weeks, this coinciding with the observed age at sexual maturity. Growth rates of males and females are similar. Their high rate of postnatal growth and development results in an extended reproductive period, thereby enhancing individual reproductive values by counteracting the effects of seasonal breeding and small litter size.
Partial albinism and natural selection in the hooded crow Corvus corone cornix
Authors: Slagsvold T. , Rofstad G. , Sandvik J. 
Published: March 2009

We studied the frequency of partial albinism amongst hooded crows in Norway, mostly in a population at Trondheim. A total of 3461 birds were collected from the field. About 5% of fledged young showed albinoid markings on their third right‐hand primary; the frequency decreased to 2% among yearling birds and to only 1% among birds that had acquired their adult plumage. No significant difference was found in relation to sex. The partially albinoid birds were typically small‐sized, both as regards their bone structure (ulna, tibia, tarsus) and feathers (wing, tail). Their feathers bore more defective markings than those of birds of normal plumage coloration. A study of the plumage of preserved specimens of hooded crows in the collections of Natural History museums in Norway also indicated that a differential mortality takes place in the wild, such albinoid birds disappearing rapidly from the population.Experimental interchanges of eggs and hatchlings between nests indicated that the occurrence of partial albinism may be related to the feeding conditions during the nestling stage, rather than to any genetical differences. It is not known, however, whether the former was due to starvation, to an unbalanced diet, or to eating poisonous food.
Feather structure in flightless birds and its bearing on the question of the origin of feathers
Authors: MCGOWAN C. 
Published: March 2009

Of several hypotheses proposed for the origin of feathers two predominate: feathers evolved for flight, or for thermal insulation. The argument is sometimes made that since wing feathers degenerate with flightlessness, their primary function is aerodynamic, supporting the flight hypothesis. Examination of the primary feathers of flightless carinates reveals little evidence of degeneration. Notwithstanding the impropriety of deducing original from present‐day functions, feather structure in flightless carinates does not support one evolutionary hypothesis over any other.Ratites have markedly different primary feathers from flightless carinates and this might be attributable to the longer time since the loss of flight.
Morphological and biochemical variation in populations of Dugesia (G.) tigrina (Turbellaria, Tricladida, Paludicola) from the western Mediterranean: biogeographical and taxonomical implications
Authors: RIBAS MARIA , RIUTORT MARTA , BAGUÑA JAUME 
Published: March 2009

Dugesia (Girardia) tigrina is a Nearctic freshwater triclad native to North America, now amply distributed in most European countries as the result of a reportedly unique introduction into north‐west Europe early this century and its dispersal southwards and eastwards in the last decades. All European populations described so far are externally spotted, with a pigmented pharynx, and, apart from two sexual populations recently described in England, they are fissiparous. This uniformity contrasts with the variability reported in its native area, thus supporting the hypothesis of a single introduction. However, thorough morphological, karyological and biochemical comparative studies of European populations have never been properly done.We have undertaken such a study comparing 24 populations present in a restricted area of the western Mediterranean. The results show an unexpectedly ample variation in external and pharyngeal pigmentation patterns, the presence of sexually reproducing populations, and ample variation in their biochemical patterns as revealed by isoelectric‐focusing. This is an indication that European Dugesia (G.) tigrina is far more diverse than previously thought, suggesting that several, independent introductions from its native area have recently occurred, and the implications of these findings in biogeographical and taxonomic terms are discussed.
Development of electrical signalling in larvae of the African fish, Pollimyrus adspersus (Mormyridae, Teleostei): the patterns of interdischarge intervals
Authors: Kramer Bernd , Postner Martin 
Published: March 2009

The ontogenetic development of the overt motor and the electrical signalling behaviour in larvae of a West African elephantfish, Pollimyrus adspersus, were studied. At an age of 35–40 days, hovering in mid‐water was first observed. Before that time, the larvae moved only occasionally and rested in the nest that was guarded by the male parent. The very low electric organ discharge (EOD) rate of 2.4 ± 0.9 Hz observed in 8‐ to 10‐day‐old larvae (that generate their first EODs on day 8) increased to an adult rate of 8.4 ± 1.7 Hz in 21‐ to 25‐day‐old larvae. Even 8‐ to 10‐day‐old larvae generated a trimodal inter‐EOD interval distribution (with three distinct discharge rates), similar to that observed in adults, although larval interval modes were of much longer duration. For the first (high rate) mode, the trend towards shortening stabilized already at the age of 21–25 days, whereas for the second and third (low rate) modes, this occurred only at an age of around 61–70 days.Inter‐EOD interval patterns recorded during swimming behaviour of 8‐ to 10‐day‐old larvae closely resembled that observed in juveniles (exceeding 100 days): there was a single mode only, and EOD rate was increased (13.1 ± 3.2 Hz).Artificial stimulation with natural inter‐EOD interval patterns previously recorded from other larvae or the nest‐guarding male did not evoke any responses in 14‐day‐old larvae, apart from a brief EOD stop response to stimulus onset. However, even in larvae as young as 11 days, Preferred Latency Responses of their EODs to an artificial series of stimulus pulses (constant rate of 5 Hz) were observed at a stimulus intensity of 120 μVp‐p/cm. In the youngest larvae, 36‐ms latencies were most frequent; this shortened to 19 ms in 31‐day‐old larvae (approaching the adult value; Kramer, 1978). The time pattern of EOD generation in P. adspersus larvae resembled that in mature specimens even before the adult electric organ became functional.
Habitat relationships of the lizard fauna in the Ramon erosion cirque, Negev Highlands (Israel)
Authors: Shenbrot G. , Krasnov B. 
Published: March 2009

Lizards were censused in the Ramon erosion cirque (Central Negev. Israel) in 1994 on 24 one‐ha plots. Fifteen quantitative habitat variables, describing soil and vegetation structure, were measured at 25 points of each plot. Data were analysed to examine a classification of habitat types based on lizard species composition and the sets of environment variables influencing density of each lizard species. Three hundred and fifty three individuals of 14 lizard species were recorded on the sampling plots. Of these species, only one (Acanihodactylus boskianus) was abundant, eight (Plyodactylus gultatus, Stenodactylus sthenodactylus. Mesalina guttulata, M. olivieri, Ophisops elegans, Ablepharus kitaibellii, Chalcides ocellatus, Eumesces schneiderii) were common, and five (Laudukia stellio, Pseudotrapelus sinaitus, Trapelus pallidus, Hemidactylus turcicus, Tropiocolotes steudneri) were rare.Four main habitat types and two sub‐types were distinguished: wadis among loess hills (I); rock outcrops among loess hills (II); rock outcrops among gravel plains (III); wadis among gravel plains (IVa); open gravel plains (IVb), and sand dunes (IVc). Lizard density and biomass were greatest (15‐19 ind./ha; about 200 g/ha) in IVb, and IVc, and least (3.7 ind./ha; 38 g/ha) in III. Lizard species richness and diversity were low (three species) in IVc and higher and similar (6‐10 species) in all other habitat types.Among common and abundant species, densities of three (A. boskianus, O. elegans, A. kitaibellii)were highly (30‐60% of density dispersion) affected by habitat variables and densities of six (P. guttatus, S. sthenodactylus, M. guttulata, M. olivieri, C. ocellatus, E. schneiderii) were weakly (13‐30% of dispersion) affected. Densities of S. sthenodactylus, A. boskianus, and M. guttulata were determined mainly by soil structure, of M. olivieri and O. elegans mainly by structure of annual vegetation, and of C. ocellatus, A. kitaibellii, and E. schneiderii mainly by the structure of shrub vegetation. Density of P. guttatus was determined by both soil and annual vegetation structure.
Reproductive strategies and the influence of date of birth on growth and sexual development of an aseasonally‐breeding ungulate: Reeves' muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi)
Authors: Chapman Norma G. , Furlong M. , Harris S. 
Published: March 2009

Unlike most species of deer, Reeves' muntjac does not have a seasonal reproductive cycle. Births are equally distributed throughout the year and, irrespective of season of birth, females start breeding when they have reached a minimum body weight of about 10 kg. A significantly smaller proportion of females is born in the autumn/winter than the spring/summer, but there is no effect of maternal age or condition on foetal sex ratios for first or subsequent pregnancies. Whilst aseasonal breeding increases female productivity, males are only able to hold territories encompassing the ranges of a number of does for a relatively short period of time. It is argued that for muntjac there is much less inter‐sexual variation in lifetime reproductive success than for seasonally‐breeding polygynous cervids. Hence, although muntjac are sexually dimorphic and polygynous, females do not invest preferentially in male offspring.Young males can be fertile from 36 weeks of age, when their first antlers are still in velvet. Whilst season of birth has no effect on the rate of sexual development in females, it does for males, with autumn‐born male fawns attaining sexual maturity earliest. This accelerated development occurs in the period following independence from the mother, and there is no evidence of a maternal cost in producing male fawns. Since the canine tusks are the main weapons for intra‐sexual conflict, there could be clear gains in terms of reproductive success for males that attain sexual maturity, adult weight and adult tusk size quickly, even though their first antlers are much smaller than those of older bucks. The hypothesis is presented that, for muntjac, the majority of a male's lifetime reproductive success is achieved relatively early in life when the canine tusks are in pristine condition, and that bucks lose their territories, and associated access to oestrous does, once the canines are broken.
Plasma androgen, social position, and response to GnRH in the marsupial sugar glider Petaurus breviceps (Marsupialia: Petauridae)
Authors: Bradley A. J. , Stoddart D. M. 
Published: March 2009

The effect of gonadotrophin‐releasing hormone GnRH on plasma testosterone was examined in male sugar gliders Petaurus breviceps that were judged to occupy either the highest or lowest position in stable colonies consisting of up to four males and two females. Experiments were carried out at a time when breeding occurred in two of the three colonies, as evidenced by the presence of pouch young.GnRH was either injected i.p. or as a single pulse via the i.v. route. Blood samples were collected using infra‐orbital sinus puncture when GnRH was injected i.p. but samples were collected from the jugular catheter when the GnRH was administered via the i.v. route.Males that were judged to occupy the lowest position in each colony consistently had basal plasma testosterone concentrations which were lower than males judged to occupy the highest position. After GnRH administration, the plasma testosterone concentration rose markedly in all males, however, the highest plasma testosterone concentrations in a social group were, without exception, found to occur only in socially dominant males.GnRH challenge of a dominant male from one colony introduced into an unfamiliar colony caused a marked decline both in its basal and stimulated plasma testosterone concentration within 24 hours of introduction. The body weight of the introduced male also decreased markedly.Analysis of plasma testosterone concentrations in serially collected blood samples following i.v. injection of a single pulse of 10 μg GnRH showed that plasma testosterone concentration reached a peak at approximately 60 minutes after injection and had returned again to pre‐treatment levels after 3h. Both the basal and GnRH‐stimulated plasma testosterone concentrations were higher in the socially dominant males than they were in socially subordinate males.GnRH injected i.p. into males captured in a wild population caused plasma testosterone concentrations to rise, however, considerable differences were found between males in both the basal and GnRH‐stimulated plasma testosterone concentrations. These differences in basal and stimulated testosterone concentrations are consistent with the sampling of males representing a range of positions in the hierarchy in several different social groups.