bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SEASONAL CHANGES IN BLUBBER DISTRIBUTION IN ATLANTIC HARBOR SEALS: INDICATIONS OF THERMODYNAMIC CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: ROSEN DAVID A. S. , RENOUF DEANE 
Published: August 2006

ABSTRACTAmong its functions, the hypodermal blubber layer of pinnipeds serves as both an energy reserve and insulation. This study examined seasonal changes in blubber distribution and body morphology in a group of captive changesharbor seals to test whether these changes were designed to maximize insulative effectiveness. Seasonal changes were found in girth, blubber volume, mean blubber depth, and the ratio of blubber depth to body radius (d/r ratio). These changes were more evident in older seals. The d/r ratio demonstrated a smaller relative annual change than mean blubber depth. The d/r ratio also exhibited less variation along the length of the seal than blubber depth at any given time. Similar to reports for ringed seals, and contrary to those for southern elephant seals, the harbor seals preferentially lost blubber from overinsulated areas of the body. These results suggest that core tissue and blubber mass are lost in a manner that maximizes insulative effectiveness.
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION OF IN VITRO MATURED MINKE WHALE (BALAENOPTERA ACUTOROSTRATA) FOLLICULAR OOCYTES
Authors: Fukui Yutaka , Mogoe Toshihiro , Ishikawa Hajime , Ohsumi Seiji 
Published: August 2006

Abstract In vitro fertilization of follicular oocytes harvested from ovaries and matured in vitro was attempted for 55 minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) captured for Japanese research purposes in the Antarctic Ocean during the period from November 1995 to March 1996. In Experiment 1, effects of culture duration (96 h or 120 h) on maturation of follicular oocytes and addition of caffeine (5 mM) and/or heparin (100 pg/ml) on sperm penetration and pro‐nuclear formation were investigated. Spermatozoa recovered from the vasa deferentia of four mature males were diluted (5‐fold) and frozen at ‐ 80°C. The post‐thawed and pooled spermatozoa were used for in vitro insemination. A higher (P < 0.05) proportion of the oocytes cultured for 120 h (34.2% of 260) progressed beyond the second metaphase stage than of the oocytes cultured for 96 h (26.0% of 262). For the matured oocytes, higher rates of penetration (P < 0.05) and pronuclear formation (P < 0.01) were obtained in the oocytes cultured for 120 h (55.1% and 40.4%) than in those cultured for 96 h (32.4 % and 20.6%). Addition of caffeine and heparin did not show a significant effect. In Experiment 2, follicular oocytes matured for 120 h and then inseminated were cultured to examine the subsequent development in two culture systems (with and without co‐cultured cumulus cells). Of 448 inseminated oocytes, cleaved embryos (2–16 cells) were observed with (5.8%) and without (4.9%) co‐cultured systems. No cleavage was observed in 54 ova without insemination. These results indicate that in vitro fertilization of minke whale in vitro matured follicular oocytes with cryopreserved spermatozoa is possible, yielding cleaved embryos.
NEMATODE (OTOSTRONGYLUS CIRCUMLITUS) INFESTATION OF NORTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS (MIROUNGA ANGUSTIROSTRIS) STRANDED ALONG THE CENTRAL CALIFORNIA COAST
Authors: Gulland F. M. D. , Beckmen K. , Burek K. , Lowenstine L. , Werner L. , Spraker T. , Dailey M. , Harris E. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBetween 1 January 1992 and 31 December 1995, 73 of 487 (15%) juvenile northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) that stranded along the central California coastline and were transported to a rehabilitation center had similar clinical signs. These signs included anorexia, depression, dehydration, and epistaxis, and were accompanied by a neutrophilia. Coagulation assays on five of these animals indicated all five were in a state of disseminated intra‐vascular coagulation. Sixty‐five of the 73 animals died, and post‐mortem examination revealed heavy burdens of Otostrongylus circumlitas in the right ventricle and atrium of the hearts and pulmonary arteries, with occasional nem‐atodes in the bronchi and bronchioles. Histologic examination of 33 of these seals showed multiple pulmonary thromboses associated with a suppurative arteritis and occasionally intravascular nematodes, suggesting disseminated intravascular coagulation triggered by an arteritis may be important in causing mortality of elephant seals infested with O. circumlitus. This pathology, combined with the observation that death of juvenile northern elephant seals infected with O. circumlitus usually occurs prior to the parasite reaching reproductive maturity, suggests this is a relatively recent host‐parasite association.
EXPERIMENTAL RETURN TO THE WILD OF TWO BOTTLENOSE DOLPHINS
Authors: Wells Randall S. , Bassos‐Hull Kim , Norris Kenneth S. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractIn the first scientific experiment of its kind, two young male bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were captured in Tampa Bay, Florida, and then returned to the wild at the same locale in October 1990, after two years in captivity. The dolphins' age/sex class and the capture and release site were selected prior to their collection. The ranging and social association patterns of the host community were examined prior to, and, including the two animals, after release. The dolphins remained together for the first month, then began interacting more with other dolphins and less with each other. Within the first year, one dolphin returned to the waters near his capture site and has remained there at least through September 1993. The other dolphin has remained in his original home range at least through June 1996. Observations of each dolphin have shown them to be fully integrated into the local dolphin societies. They displayed typical behavioral, ranging, and social association patterns. Their body condition has been excellent at each observation. They have not been observed interacting with humans. The apparent success of this experiment cannot necessarily be generalized to all potential candidates for return to the wild, but the results can be used to guide future experiments.
HEMATOLOGY AND BLOOD CHEMISTRY OF A BRYDE'S WHALE, BALAENOPTERA EDENI, ENTRAPPED IN THE MANNING RIVER, NEW SOUTH WALES, AUSTRALIA
Authors: Priddel David , Wheeler Robert 
Published: August 2006

AbstractA Bryde's whale, Balaenoptera edeni, was rescued after having been entrapped in the Manning River, Australia, for 100 d. Blood, skin, and epidermal tissue were analyzed to determine the whale's taxonomic status, gender, and health. This paper reports the results of these analyses and discusses the findings in relation to the potential physiological damage to the whale from its protracted stay in the river. Molecular genetic analysis of epidermal tissue identified the whale as a male of the rare pygmy form of Bryde's whale. The 10.3‐m whale was diagnosed as emaciated, parasitized, under stress, and in a state of profound catabolism at the time of its rescue. Although it had greatly depleted its energy reserves, the whale was rescued from the river before the onset of ill health or irreparable physiological damage. No organ dysfunction was evident with the possible exception of some deterioration in kidney function most likely caused by parasitism. The whale swam away srongly on release, and its chances of survival appeared to be good.
STABLE ISOTOPE ANALYSES OF TOOTH ANNULI REVEAL TEMPORAL DIETARY RECORDS: AN EXAMPLE USING STELLER SEA LIONS
Authors: Hobson Keith A. , Sease John L. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractStable isotope analysis of teeth of marine mammals can provide valuable information on trophic level and source of feeding. However, the isotopic analysis of whole teeth presents only an average dietary estimate for individuals across the period of growth of that tooth. While such analyses can be valuable, particularly in the case of fossil material, in contrast, isotopic analysis of individual annuli of teeth can provide dietary information for each year of tooth growth, in some cases representing the whole of the animal's life. We measured stable‐carbon isotope ratios (13C/12C) in the inorganic (hydroxyapatite) and stable‐nitrogen isotope ratios (15N/14N) in the organic (primarily collagenous) components of individual tooth annuli of 18 male Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) obtained from archived collections from the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska and from single northern fur seals (Callorbinus ursinus) and northern elephant seals (Mirounga angustirostris) from the central Aleutian Islands and eastern Gulf of Alaska, respectively. In several individuals, we detected considerable variation in stable isotope values among annuli, up to 6.1%O for δ15N and 5.1%O for δ13C values. Enrichment in δ15N and depletion of δ13C values in the first annulus may correspond to dietary inputs from mother's milk during the period of suckling. Other variations among years may be caused by dietary changes or movements of individuals between regions differing in isotopic signatures of foodweb primary production. Our study indicates that the isotopic signatures of foodweb primary production. Our study indicates that the isotopic analysis of individual tooth annuli represents a fine‐seale tool for dietary reconstructions involving marine mammals, and cautions against the use of whole‐tooth material averaged over several annuli.
MANDIBULAR DENTAL ONTOGENY OF RINGED SEALS (PHOCA HISPIDA)
Authors: Stewart Barbara E. , Innes Stuart , Stewart Robert E. A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractX‐rays of mandibles from ringed seal fetuses (n= 15), newborns (n= 12), and young‐of‐the‐year (n= 11), collected up to early June, were examined for the presence, location, and eruption patterns of deciduous and permanent teeth. The presence of a neonatal line and cementum in permanent canines was determined microscopically. Fetuses sampled in October‐November had only unerupted, deciduous tooth germs, but by late January there were robust, deciduous teeth at il‐2 pc2‐4 and small permanent teeth at 11‐2 Cl PCl‐5. In newborns collected in early April, 109 of 143 (76%) deciduous teeth were resorbed completely. The remaining 34 deciduous teeth were partially resorbed; six (18%) had erupted and likely would be shed. By late April young‐of‐the‐year had no deciduous teeth remaining. In newborns 54% of the permanent teeth (102/188) were erupted < 2 mm, and by late May the permanent dentition was erupted fully. The neonatal line first appeared in the canine teeth of young‐of‐the‐year collected in mid‐April and was 100% present after early May. There was no cementum apparent on any canine collected up to early June. Two seals were missing one and two permanent incisors, respectively. No supernumerary teeth or morphological variants were observed.
THE MUSCULAR HYDROSTAT OF THE FLORIDA MANATEE (TRICHECHUS MANATUS LATIROSTRIS): A FUNCTIONAL MORPHOLOGICAL MODEL OF PERIORAL BRISTLE USE
Authors: Marshall C. D. , Clark L. A. , Reep R. L. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractFacial musculature was examined in the Florida manatee, Tricbecbus manatus latirostris, in order to develop a functional model of perioral bristle use. Muscles identified include the M. levator nasolabialis, M. buccinatorius, M. maxillonasolabialis, M. centralis nasi, M. lateralis nasi, M. spbincter colli profundus pars oris, M. orbicularis oris, M. mandibularis, and M. mentalis. A new muscle, M. centralis nasi, has been named and is an integral part of perioral bristle movement. The snout of the Florida manatee is capable of performing complex movements. The prehensile ability of Florida manatees can be explained in the context of a muscular hydrostat as defined by Kier and Smith (1985). Eversion of certain bristles in the upper lip occurs by shortening longitudinal, transverse, and semicircular muscles in combination with volume displacement due to compensatory changes in the shape of the snout. Midline sweeping of these bristles is accomplished by the contraction of M. centralis nasi. Eversion of bristles on the lower jaw is a result of shortening of M. mentalis. Contraction of M. orbicularis oris pushes vegetation into the oral cavity. All observed movement patterns and uses of perioral bristles can be explained by variation of these sequences within the context of muscular hydrostat function.
PHYSICAL HABITAT OF CETACEANS ALONG THE CONTINENTAL SLOPE IN THE NORTHCENTRAL AND WESTERN GULF OF MEXICO
Authors: Davis R. W. , Fargion G. S. , May N. , Leming T. D. , Baumgartner M. , Evans W. E. , Hansen L. J. , Mullin K. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe physical habitat of cetaceans found along the continental slope in the north‐central and western Gulf of Mexico was characterized from shipboard sighting data, simultaneous hydrographic measurements, and satellite remote sensing. The study area was encompassed by the longitude of the Florida‐Alabama border (87.5°W), the southernmost latitude of the Texas‐Mexico border (26.0°N), and the 100‐m and 2,000‐m isobaths. Shipboard surveys were conducted seasonally for two years from April 1992 to May 1994. A total of 21,350 km of transect was visually sampled in an area of 154,621 km2.Sighting localities of species in the study area were differentiated most clearly with bottom depth. Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis) were consistently found in the shallowest water on the continental shelf and along the shelf break. In addition, the bottom depth gradient (sea floor slope) was less for Atlantic spotted dolphins than for any other species. Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) were found most commonly along the upper slope in water significantly deeper than that for Atlantic spotted dolphins. All the other species and species categories were found over deeper bottom depths; these were Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus), short‐finned pilot whales (Glob‐icephala macrorhynchus), pygmy/dwarf sperm whales (Kogia spp.), roughtoothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis), spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus), striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba),Mesoplodonspp., pantropical spotted dolphins (Stenella attenuata), Clymene dolphins (Stenella clymene) and unidentified beaked whales (Ziphiidae). Risso's dolphins and short‐finned pilot whales occurred along the upper slope and, as a subgroup, were significantly different from striped dolphins,Mesoplodonspp., pantropical spotted dolphins, Clymene dolphins, and unidentified beaked whales, which occurred in the deepest water. Pygmy/dwarf sperm whales, rough‐toothed dolphins, spinner dolphins, and sperm whales occurred at intermediate depths between these two subgroups and overlapped them.
GENERIC NAMES OF NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN FUR SEALS (MAMMALIA: OTARIIDAE)
Authors: Gardner Alfred L. , Robbins C. Brian 
Published: August 2006

AbstractWe have resolved a nomenclatural problem discovered during research on the northern fur seal that concerns the correct generic name for this taxon and for fur seals of the Southern Hemisphere. The unfortunate practice by some 19th‐century authors to use names in their Latinized form but to date them from their first appearance as French common names led to the use ofArctocepbalusfor southern fur seals when the name correctly applies to the northern fur seal, known today asCallorbinus ursinus. However,ArctocepbalusandCallorbinusare antedated byOtoesG. Fischer, 1817, which is the earliest available generic name for the fur seal of the northern Pacific. The earliest available generic name for southern fur seals isHalarctusGill, 1866. To avoid the confusion that would result from replacing the currently used generic names with those required by strict adherence to the Principle of Priority, we have petitioned the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature to preserveArctocepbalusandCallorbinusfor the southern and northern fur seals, respectively.
DIVE DATA FROM SATELLITE TAGS AND TIME‐DEPTH RECORDERS: A COMPARISON IN WEDDELL SEAL PUPS
Authors: Burns Jennifer M. , Castellini Michael A. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe diving behavior of juvenile Weddell seals, Leptonychotes weddellii, was monitored simultaneously with time‐depth recorders (TDRs) and satellitelinked time‐depth recorders (SLTDRs). Recovered TDRs provided a complete record of the depth and duration of all dives, while data received from SLTDR tags via the ARGOS satellite system were compressed into the number of dives in each of six depth or duration bins. The dive information from the two types of tags was compared to determine if data compression, processing, and transmission influenced the data received.While only half of the dive data collected by TDRs was also received from the SLTDR tags, the chance of receiving SLTDR data was independent of when diving occurred, when data was transmitted, and the subsequent dive activity. In addition, the number of dives in each depth and duration bin was an accurate representation of the actual dive behavior. Therefore, SLTDR tags were judged to provide data qualitatively similar to that provided by TDRs. The accuracy of seal locations provided by Service ARGOS was estimated by comparison to Global Positioning System (GPS) locations, and the average position error found to be significantly greater than predicted by Service ARGOS or reported in other studies (LCO locations ± 11.4 km, LC1 ± 5.0 km).
SPERM WHALE DISTRIBUTIONS AND COMMUNITY ECOLOGY ASSOCIATED WITH A WARM‐CORE RING OFF GEORGES BANK
Authors: Griffin Robert B. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractSperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) sighting rate in the vicinity of a thermal front on the eastern boundary of a Gulf Stream warm‐core ring was five times greater than the pooled rate in the remainder of the study area. No sperm whales were sighted within the ring away from frontal boundaries. Sperm whale distribution patterns associated with the ring were examined using hydrographic and zooplankton data.Hydrographic structure and zooplankton densities and community composition differed between the high‐use region and the remainder of the study area, suggesting that mesoscale patterns in the biological and physical environments regulate sperm whale habitat usage. Satellite thermal images indicated cool water associated with the eastern front was shelf or slope water entrained from the Scotian Shelf to the north.Interaction of the warm‐core ring with the shelf or slope water is probably indirectly responsible for greater sperm whale presence on the eastern boundary of the ring, providing suitable habitat for their squid prey. Entrainment of shelf water by warm‐core rings occurs frequently, providing potential sperm whale habitat in the vicinity of rings. Surveys of warm‐core rings and other Gulf Stream features are needed to improve accuracy of sperm whale population estimates.
BEHAVIORAL SAMPLING METHODS FOR CETACEANS: A REVIEW AND CRITIQUE
Authors: Mann Janet 
Published: August 2006

AbstractBehavioral scientists have developed methods for sampling behavior in order to reduce observational biases and to facilitate comparisons between studies. A review of 74 cetacean behavioral field studies published from 1989 to 1995 in Marine Mammal Science and The Canadian Journal of Zoology suggests that cetacean researchers have not made optimal use of available methodology. The survey revealed that a large proportion of studies did not use reliable sampling methods. Ad libitum sampling was used most often (59%). When anecdotal studies were excluded, 45% of 53 behavioral studies used ad libitum as the predominant method. Other sampling methods were continuous, onezero, incident, point, sequence, or scan sampling. Recommendations for sampling methods are made, depending on identifiability of animals, group sizes, dive durations, and change in group membership.
ELEMENTS IN LIVER TISSUES OF BOWHEAD WHALES (BALAENA MYSTICETUS)
Authors: Krone Cheryl A. , Robisch Paul A. , Tilbury Karen L. , Stein John E. , Mackey Elizabeth A. , Becker Paul R. , O'hara Todd M. , Philo L. Michael 
Published: August 2006

AbstractLivers from 20 bowhead whales taken in subsistence hunts at Barrow, Alaska, were analyzed for essential and non‐essential elements. Concentrations of essential elements were similar to those found in other cetaceans. Non‐essential element concentrations were generally comparable to other baleen whales and very low compared to most odontocetes. One deviation from this pattern was a relatively high level of hepatic cadmium that may be related to specific dietary factors of this krill‐dependent species. No sex‐related differences were found in element concentrations. Hepatic cadmium and mercury increased with animal length, and significant positive interelement correlations were found between copper/zinc and mercury/selenium. We found a mercury‐toselenium ratio much lower (1:40) than the frequently reported ratio of one to one. The data suggest that further studies of the postulated mercurydetoxifying role of selenium are warranted.
DEMOGRAPHY AND BREEDING BIOLOGY OF A SMALL, LOCALIZED POPULATION OF SOUTHERN ELEPHANT SEALS (MIROUNGA LEONINA)
Authors: Galimberti Filippo , Boitani Luigi 
Published: August 2006

AbstractSouthern elephant seals have been studied in depth in most of their breeding range. One notable exception is the Falkland Islands population. We present data on demography and breeding biology of elephant seals of Sea Lion Island, the main breeding site of this species in the Falklands. Sea Lion Island shelters a small, localized population of southern elephant seals (516 breeding females in 1995 and 518 in 1996). Comparison with the few available census data collected prior to our study suggests that the population has been stable in the short term (1989‐1996). Females produced pups at maximum rate and pup mortality was low (2.13%). Breeding sex ratio was strongly unbalanced, with about 14 females per breeding male and 47 females per harem‐holding male at peak haul‐out. Survival rate between breeding seasons was 67.4% for females and 50% for males. Timing of the breeding season was very similar to that recorded in other populations and was in accordance with clinal variation with latitude. Sex ratio at birth was balanced, and no significant weight dimorphism at weaning between sexes was detected (males: 135.4 kg; females: 132.0 kg). Weaning weight was correlated with size class of the mother.
RETINAL TOPOGRAPHY AND VISUAL ACUITY IN THE RIVERINE TUCUXI (SOTALIA FLUVIATILIS)
Authors: Mass Alla M. , Supin Alexander Ya. 
Published: August 2006

AbstractThe distribution and size of ganglion cells in the retina of two tucuxi were investigated. Retinal cell size varied from 10 to 50 μm with a polymodal size distribution; major groups were seen with sizes of 8‐20, 21‐35, and more than 35 μm. Ganglion cells concentrated at two spots of the highest density in the nasal and temporal quadrants, about 10 mm (60′) from the optic disk. The mean peak cell density in both spots was 188‐198 cells/mm2. With a posterior nodal distance of 9.5‐10 mm (underwater), the density at those two spots corresponded to 5.4‐5.7 cells/deg2, which provides a retinal resolution of 25′‐26′ (1.16‐1.19 cycle/deg) in water and 33′‐34′ (0.9 cycle/deg) in air.