bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acacia seed survival, seed germination and seedling growth following pod consumption by large herbivores and seed chewing by rodents
Authors: MILLER MAXINE F. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThis study investigated Acacia seed survival, germination and seedling growth following pod consumption by large herbivores and seed chewing by rodents. Acacia pod ingestion by captive herbivorous mammals caused substantial seed destruction. The number of Acacia seeds surviving passage through the gut usually, but not always increased with large mammal body mass. Ingested seeds exhibited a greater germination than uningested seeds when germinated on filter paper or in dung and soil media. Seed germination in soil exceeded that in dung whereas seedling growth in dung and soil did not differ. Seeds from the crop of ostrich and stomach of kudu germinated more than uningested seeds but less than seeds retrieved from dung. Additionally Acacia seeds that had been chewed and discarded by rodents germinated better than unchewed seeds. A crude estimate of the germination of eaten and uneaten Acacia seeds reveals that more seeds can potentially germinate following seed ingestion by large herbivores compared to uningested seeds. Seed ingestion therefore may be potentially advantageous to seed germination, although this depends upon rates of seed germination, seedling survival and establishment in the wild.RésuméCette éude a analysé la survie des semences d'Acacia, leur germination et la croissance des jeunes pousses suite à la consommation des gousses par les grands herbivores et au grignotage des semences par des rongeurs. L'ingestion des gousses d'Acacia par des mammifères herbivores en captivité a entraîné une destruction substancielle des semences. Le nombre de semences d'Acacia qui survivent au passage dans le tractus digestif augmente généralement mais pas toujours avec le poids corporel du grand mammifère. Les semences ingérées présentent une meilleure germination que celles qui ne l'ont pas été lorsqu'on les fait germer sur du papier filter ou dans de la terre ou des excréments. La germination dans la terre est meilleure que dans les exréments alors que la croissance des jeunes pousses ne diffère pas dans les deux substrats. Les semences récoltées par les autruches et dans l'estomac des koudous germent mieux que les semences non ingérées, mais moins bien que les semences retirées des excréments. De plus, les semences d'Acacia qui ont été mâchées puis rejetées par les rongeurs germent mieux que celles qui n'ont pas été mâchées. Une estimation grossière de la germination des semences ingérées ou non d'Acacia révèle que l'ingestion par de grands herbivores permet la germination d'un plus grand nombre de semences. C'est pourquoi on peut considérer que l'ingestion des semences peut être bénéfique pour leur germination encore que ceci dépende des taux de germination des semences, de la survie des pousses et de l'implantation dans la nature.
Diet, seasonal abundance and microhabitats of Praomys (Mastomys) natalensis (Rodentia: Muridae) and other small rodents in a Kenyan sub‐humid grassland community
Authors: OGUGE N. O. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe diet, seasonal abundance and microhabitats of Praomys natalensis, Tatera robusta, Mus minutoides and M. triton, live‐trapped on a five ha grid over an eight‐month period, were studied in a dry sub‐humid grassland in Kahawa, Kenya.All the species were found to be omnivorous, feeding mainly on seeds and arthropods, with herbage forming a small but regular part of their diet. The diet of Praomys, though similar to that of M. minutoides, was significantly (P<0·01) different from those of Tatera and M. triton.Rodent populations were low with trapping success for all the species ranging from 0·4 to 4·7% with Praomys being 73% of total captures.Habitat association among the rodents was evident given that Praomys was strongly (P<0·01) associated with Panicum maximum, and Tatera with Hyparrhenia spp. and Themeda triandra, respectively (P<0·05). Praomys and Tatera were not only negatively associated (P<0·01), but also showed a low overlap value (0·2) in their use of the microhabitats.It would appear that differences in microhabitat use and dietary habits among the rodents were important factors in resource partitioning. Availability of adequate cover associated with rainfall was a notable component influencing Praomys abundance in this habitat.RésuméOn a étudié le régime alimentaire, l'abondance saisonnière et le micro‐habitat de Praomys natalensis, Tatera robusta, Mus minutoides et M. triton, attrapés vivants sur un terrain de 5 ha, pendant une période de huit mois, dans une savane semihumide asséchée de Kahawa, au Kenya. On a trouvé que toutes les espèces étaient omnivores, se nourrissant principalement de graines et d'arthropodes, et l'herbe consituant une part restreinte mais régulière de leur régime alimentaire. Le régime alimentaire de Praomys, assez semblable à celui de M. minutoides, était significativement différent (p<0,01) de celui de Tatera et de M. triton. Les populations de rongeurs éttaient réduites, avec un taux de piégeage variant selon les espèces de 0,4 à 4,7%, Praomys constituant 73% du total des captures. L'association des rongeurs avec un habitat particulier était évidente, à savoir que Praomysétait fortement (p<0,01) associéàPanicum maximum, et Tatera avec Hyparrhenia spp. et Themeda triandra respectivement (p<0,05). Praomys et Tatera n'étaient pas seulement négativement associés (p<0,01), mais présentaient aussi une basse valeur de recouvrement (0,2) dans leur utilisation des microhabitats. It semblerait que les différences dans l'utilisation des micro‐habitats et les habitudes alimentaires soient des facteurs importants pour le partage des ressources. La présence d'un couvert adéquat, associéà des chutes de pluie, était un élément important qui influençait l'abondance de Praomys dans cet habitat.
Habitat selection and group foraging of the springhare,Pedetes capensis larvalisHollister, in East Africa
Authors: AUGUSTINE D. J. , MANZON A. , KLOPP C. , ELTER J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryHabitat selection and group foraging of the East African springhare,Pedetes capensis larvalis, were examined under post‐rainy season conditions on a game ranch in southern Kenya. Spotlight counts along fixed transects revealed that springhare occurrence was significantly greater inCynodon/Themedagrasslands and that the size and frequency of group formation was similar to the observed grouping behaviour in southern African populations. A quantitative study of specific foraging locations revealed significant differences in both grass height and species composition between foraging positions and unutilized areas. A combination of reduced visibility for predator avoidance and lower forage quality inThemeda‐dominatedgrasslands appears to restrict the distribution of springhare populations. Preferred habitat was typically associated with areas of intensive grazing by cattle and native ungulate species, indicating that the foraging requirements of springhare are compatible with modern ranching and pastoral land‐use practices.RésuméOn a examiné la sélection de l'habitat et la formation des groupes du lièvre d'Afrique de l'Est dans des conditions qui suivent la saison des pluies, dans une rèserve de faune du sud du Kenya. Des comptages effectués au moyen de spots le long de transects fixes ont révélé que les lièvres fréquentent, les prairies àCynodon/Themeduet que la taille et la fréquence des groupes étaient comparables à celles observées dans le conportement de regroupement des populations du sud de l'Afrique. Une étude quantitative des endroits spécifiques de nourrissage a revelé des différences significatives de la hauteur de l'herbe et de la composition des espèces entre les endroits de nourrissage et les endroits délaissés. Une combinaison de la visibilité reduite face à des prédateurs et d'une moins bonne qualité du fourrage dans les prairies dominées parThemedasemble réduire la distribution des populations de lièvres. L'habitat préféréétait typiquement associéà des endroits intensément broutés par le bétail et par les espéces locales d'ongulés, ce qui indique que les exigences alimentaires des lièvres sont compatibles avec les techniques modernes d'élevage et avec les pratiques pastorales d'utilisation des terres.
Drought‐related mortality of wildlife in the southern Kalahari and the role of man
Authors: KNIGHT M. H. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryIn the southern Kalahari during the dry season of 1985 varying numbers of ostrich and four large indigenous ungulate species died because of drought conditions. These dry conditions had prevailed for the previous six years. Percentage estimates of each population that died were: eland 35%, wildebeest 19%, red hartebeest 12%, gemsbok 1% and ostrich 10%. This die‐off was unusual in that many eland, an intermediate feeder, succumbed to the dry conditions. This is contrary to the normal trend of large grazers suffering the greatest mortality. Mortality was least among adult females and yearlings, that would have facilitated a rapid post‐drought recovery of the populations. It is suggested that the dry season die‐off of the migrant species (particularly wildebeest and eland) was exacerbated through the provision of artificial water‐holes. This led to the attraction and concentration of animals in their summer season ranges during the dry winter. It is further suggested that poor‐quality drinking water may have increased mortality for several of the species.RésuméDans le sud du Kalahari, pendant la saison sèche de 1985, un certain nombre d'autruches et de membres de quatra espèces de grands ongules indigènes sont morts en raison des conditions de sécheresse. Ces conditions arides avaient prévalu pendant les six années précédentes. Les pourcentages estimés des morts de chaque population s'élevèrent à: 35% pour les élands, 19% pour les gnous, 12% pour les bubales caama, 1% pour les gemsboks et 10% pour les autruches. Ces partes avaient ceci d'inhabituel que les élands, qui se nourrissent de façon mixte, succombaient aux conditions arides. Ceci est contraire à la tendance normale selon laquelle les grands herbivores souffriraient de la plus forte mortalité. La mortalitéétait plus faible chez les femelles et les jeunes d'un an, ce qui pourrait avoir facilité une reconstitution rapide des populations après la sécheresse. On suggère que les pertes subies par les populations migratices en cours de saison séche (surtout les gnous et les élands) ont pu être accentuées par la provision de points d'eau artificiels. Ceux‐ci ont attiré et concentré les animaux dans leurs habitats d'été pendant la sécheresse de l'hiver. On suggére aussi que la mauvaise qualité de l'eau fornie pourrait avoir accru la mortalité de plusieurs espèces.
A new method of darting: stepping back in time
Authors: STANDER P. , GHAU X. , TSISABA D. , TXOMA X. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryJu/'Hoan Bushmen have been hunting with bow and arrow for many thousands of years. The skill is still present among many hunters that live in Namibia. Through the involvement of a local Ju/'Hoan community in a behavioural ecology study a new technique of darting was developed. Ju/'Hoan hunters modified their traditional bow and arrow to deliver a drug dose for the immobilization of large carnivores. Six lions and 17 leopards were darted. The stealth and skill of the Ju/'Hoan hunters on foot led to the darting of four animals that were unapproachable by vehicle. During a test for reliability a grouping of less than 25 cm, from the centre of a target, was maintained, up to a distance of 30 metres.RésuméLes Boshimans Ju/'Hoan chassent au moyen d'arcs et de flèches depuis des milliers d'années. De nombreux chasseurs qui vivent en Namibie possèdent encore cette habileté. On a mis au point une nouvelle technique pour envoyer des fléchettes en impliquant une communauté locale de Ju/'Hoan dans une recherche écologique sur le comportement. Des chasseurs Ju/'Hoan ont modifié leurs arcs et flèches traditionnels pour pouvoir administrer une dose de produit pour l'immobilisation de grands carnivores. On a ainsi traité six lions et 17 léopards. La discrétion et l'habileté des chasseurs Ju/'Hoan à pied a permis l'immobilisation de quatre animaux que Ton n'aurait pas pu approcher en voiture. Lors d'un test de fiabilité, on a pu constater que les flèches lancées vers le centre d'une cible restaient groupées dans un rayon de moins de 25 cm et ce jusqu'à une distance de 30 mètres.
Home range and abundance of Mastomys natalensis (Smith, 1834) in habitats affected by cultivation
Authors: CHRISTENSEN JENS TANG 
Published: April 2008

SummaryRodent populations in cultivated and fallow fields in Tanzania were sampled by trapping. Mastomys natalensis (Smith) was by far the most abundant rodent in these habitats (62% or more of samples). Estimates of densities of this rodent were obtained by removal trapping at scattered localities in Tanzania (range 23–236 ha‐1) and from a catch‐mark‐release (CMR) study through a seasonal cycle (range 40–384 ha‐1). Home ranges were analysed using CMR data. Seasonal variation in home‐range size was not found, but reproductive males “had larger ranges than females and subadults.RésuméOn a prélevé au moyen de piéges des échantillons des populations de rongeurs dans des champs cultivés et dans d'autres en jachère. Mastomys natalensis (Smith) était de loin le rongeur le plus abondant dans ces habitats (62% ou plus des échantillons). On a obtenu des estimations de la densité de ce rongeur au moyen de pièges dispersés dans différentes localités en Tanzanie, les animaux n'étant pas relâches (distribution 23–236/ha), et par une étude de capture‐marquage‐recapture (CMR) pendant un cycle saisonnier (distribution 40–384/ha). On a analysé les espaces vitaux en se servant des données de CMR. On n'a pas trouvé de variation saisonnière de la taille de l'espace vital mais les mâles reproducteurs ont des territoires plus vastes que les femelles et les subadultes.
Seasonal variation, distribution and interrelationships of rotifers in Opa Reservoir, Nigeria
Authors: AKINBUWA O. , ADENIYI I. F. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe seasonal variations, spatial distribution and interrelationships of rotifers in Opa Reservoir, Nigeria were studied and the relationship between rotifer species and certain physico‐chemical parameters of the water described. The population density of rotifers was maximal during the rainy season, mostly concentrated at the top of the water column. Rotifer communities in the riverine source station were different from the open lake communities and rotifer population density was poorest in the riverine section. Significant correlations were found between rotifers and several physico‐chemical parameters of which oxygen was the most pronounced. Considerable affinity and close associations were also found to exist between rotifer species.RésuméOn a étudié les variations saisonnières, la distribution spatiale et les interrelations des rotifères du réservoir Opa, au Nigeria, et on a décrit la relation entre des espèces de rotifères et certains paramètres physico‐chimiques de l'eau. La densité de population des rotifères était maximale pendant la saison des pluies, concentrée surtout au‐dessus de la colonne d'eau. Les communautés de rotiféres à la station proche de la source étaient différentes de celles du lac proprement dit, et la densité des populations de rotifères était plus faible dans la section riveraine. On a trouvé des corrélations significatives entre les rotifères et plusieurs paramètres physico‐chimiques, surtout avec l'oxygène. On a aussi découvert qu'il existe des affinités considérables et d'étroites associations entre les espèces de rotifères.
The nuclear receptor coactivator AIB3 is a modulator of HOMA β‐cell function in nondiabetic children
Authors: Burghardt Hans , López‐Bermejo Abel , Baumgartner Bernhard , Ibáñez Lourdes , Vendrell Joan , Ricart Wifredo , Palacín Manuel , Fernández‐Real José Manuel , Zorzano Antonio 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  The amplified in breast cancer‐3 protein (AIB3) is a nuclear coactivator involved in proliferation, apoptosis and development. AIB3 loss of function causes deficient insulin secretion in mice, indicating that AIB3 participates in β‐cell regulation. Our objective was to evaluate genetic variants located on AIB3 associated with β‐cell function in children and to analyse the effect of AIB3 overexpression on gene expression in insulin 1 (INS‐1) β‐pancreatic cells.Design  Polymorphisms from AIB3 were genotyped in 148 children with normal or low birthweights for gestational age. The effect of AIB3 overexpression on gene expression was analysed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in INS‐1 cells.Results  AIB3 variants were associated with homeostasis model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β‐cell) in children with normal or low birthweights for gestational age, but not with HOMA of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR), or with birthweight. AIB3 overexpression increased the expression of genes involved in signalling, such as IRS‐1, IRS‐2, IGF‐II receptor or Foxo1, or of genes that control insulin secretion, such as Cplx2, Glut2 or Kv3·1 in INS‐1 cells.Conclusions  Our results suggest that AIB3 contributes to the maintenance of β‐cell function in nondiabetic children and regulates gene expression in INS‐1 cells.
Disease‐specific impairments in quality of life during long‐term follow‐up of patients with different pituitary adenomas
Authors: Van Der Klaauw Agatha A. , Kars Marleen , Biermasz Nienke R. , Roelfsema Ferdinand , Dekkers Olaf M. , Corssmit Eleonora P. , Van Aken Maarten O. , Havekes Bas , Pereira Alberto M. , Pijl Hanno , Smit Johannes W. , Romijn Johannes A. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryObjective  Quality of life (QoL) is impaired in patients treated for pituitary adenomas. However, differences in age and gender distributions hamper a proper comparison of QoL. Therefore, we compared age‐ and gender‐specific standard deviations (SD) scores (Z‐scores) of QoL parameters in patients treated for pituitary adenomas.Patients and methods  We determined Z‐scores for health‐related questionnaires [the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI)‐20, Nottingham Health Profile (NHP), and Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36)] in patients during long‐term follow‐up (13 ± 8 years) after treatment for pituitary adenomas. Z‐scores were calculated by comparing the data for 403 patients with acromegaly (n = 118), Cushing's disease (CD; n = 58), prolactinoma (n = 128), and nonfunctioning macroadenoma (n = 99) with a control population (n = 440) for each subscale of the questionnaires and for total QoL score.Results  All subscales of the questionnaires and the total QoL score were negatively affected in patients compared to controls. Comparing the Z‐scores, patients treated for acromegaly reported more impairment in physical ability and functioning and more bodily pain compared to patients treated for nonfunctioning macroadenoma and those treated for prolactinoma. Patients with CD reported impairment in physical functioning compared to patients treated for nonfunctioning macroadenoma. Linear regression analysis, with correction for age and gender, confirmed these findings. Additionally, CD was associated with increased anxiety. Hypopituitarism negatively influenced multiple aspects of QoL.Conclusion  QoL is impaired in patients during long‐term follow‐up after treatment of pituitary adenomas. Patients with pituitary adenomas should be informed of these persistent adverse effects of their disease on QoL to prevent inappropriate expectations with respect to the long‐term results of treatment.
Detrimental effects of recent ocean surface warming on growth condition of Atlantic salmon
Authors: TODD CHRISTOPHER D. , HUGHES SARAH L. , MARSHALL C. TARA , MacLEAN JULIAN C. , LONERGAN MICHAEL E. , BIUW E. MARTIN 
Published: April 2008

AbstractOcean climate impacts on survivorship and growth of Atlantic salmon are complex, but still poorly understood. Stock abundances have declined over the past three decades and 1992–2006 has seen widespread sea surface temperature (SST) warming of the NE Atlantic, including the foraging areas exploited by salmon of southern European origin. Salmon cease feeding on return migration, and here we express the final growth condition of year‐classes of one‐sea winter adults at, or just before, freshwater re‐entry as the predicted weight at standard length. Two independent 14‐year time series for a single river stock and for mixed, multiple stocks revealed almost identical temporal patterns in growth condition variation, and an overall trend decrease of 11–14% over the past decade. Growth condition has fallen as SST anomaly has risen, and for each year‐class the midwinter (January) SST anomalies they experienced at sea correlated negatively with their final condition on migratory return during the subsequent summer months. Stored lipids are crucial for survival and for the prespawning provisioning of eggs in freshwater, and we show that under‐weight individuals have disproportionately low reserves. The poorest condition fish (∼30% under‐weight) returned with lipid stores reduced by ∼80%. This study concurs with previous analyses of other North Atlantic top consumers (e.g. somatic condition of tuna, reproductive failure of seabirds) showing evidence of major, recent climate‐driven changes in the eastern North Atlantic pelagic ecosystem, and the likely importance of bottom‐up control processes. Because salmon abundances presently remain at historical lows, fecundity of recent year‐classes will have been increasingly compromised. Measures of year‐class growth condition should therefore be incorporated in the analysis and setting of numerical spawning escapements for threatened stocks, and conservation limits should be revised upwards conservatively during periods of excessive ocean climate warming.