bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biology, conservation and status of the Amazonian Manatee Trichechus inunguis
Authors: ROSAS FERNANDO CÉSAR WEBER 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Amazonian Manatee Trichechus inunguis (Natterer, 1883) is the only exclusively freshwater sirenian and the smallest of the living species. Its inability to reduce peripheral heat loss limits its distribution to tropical waters. The species is endemic to the Amazonian region, being distributed throughout the Amazon basin, occurring mainly in calm waters and lakes. The species has been commercially exploited since 1542, with the meat and hide being the main products extracted. This commercial exploitation, combined with their very low reproductive rate, has seriously reduced the manatee population. Therefore the Amazonian Manatee is now considered an endangered species. Although it is protected by most of the countries where it occurs, there is no law enforcement, and the species is still captured throughout the Amazon. Data on general biology, physiology and management of the Amazonian Manatee, as well as its status and recommendations for its conservation, are presented.
Patterns of distribution in Japanese land mammals
Authors: DOBSON MIKE 
Published: April 2008

AbstractDistribution patterns among the terrestrial mammal species of Sakhalin and the main islands of Japan are shown to fall into 12 clear groups. The most fundamental distributional break (Blakiston's Line) is that separating Hokkaido and Sakhalin to the north, with their boreal fauna typical of northern Eurasia, from ‘Hondo’ (Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu) to the south, which demonstrates a high degree of endemism and supports a small number of Indo‐Malayan elements. Distribution patterns may be explained by considering the Quaternary geohistory of the area, particularly the formation of land bridges and the changes in climatic conditions during this period. A dynamic classification based upon origin of the fauna recognizes seven categories, although on evidence currently available the allocation of some species to categories is not yet possible.Hondo underwent two main periods of land bridge connection to the Asiatic mainland. The first, prior to the Pleistocene, allowed immigration of forms which have since developed into distinctive elements of the endemic fauna (‘Old Hondo Endemics’). The second, during the Middle Pleistocene, brought in widespread Palaearctic species as well as components from South‐East Asia (‘Early Colonists’), some of which have since undergone vicariant speciation (‘New Hondo Endemics’); it also allowed several of the Old Hondo Endemics to extend their range to the mainland and Hokkaido (‘Expanding Hondo Endemics’).Sakhalin and Hokkaido have been more intimately connected to the mainland (most recently until less than 10 000 years ago), such that endemism is very restricted. Species groups here are the ‘Late Colonists’, cold‐adapted tundra species which expanded with the glacial advances, but which are now restricted in distribution, and ‘Recent Colonists’, postglacial forest species which recolonized before the severance of land bridges. Moving the other way were ‘Expanding Northern Endemics’, which arose in Hokkaido or Sakhalin during the last glacial and colonized the adjacent mainland before severance of land links. There are, additionally, several possible Expanding Hondo Endemics in Hokkaido, although human intervention in determining their current distributions cannot be ruled out.Bats, to which the sea barriers of the Japanese area are less complete, exhibit somewhat different patterns of distribution, confirming predictions about the role of even narrow marine straits in restricting ranges of nonflying mammals.
Distribution of the Forest Dormouse Dryomys nitedula (Pallas, 1779) (Rodentia, Myoxidae) in Europe
Authors: KRYŜTUFEK B. , VOHRALIK V. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractA spot distribution map of Dryomys nitedula in Europe is presented, based on a critical evaluation of published information from the various countries of Europe. In addition, maps which are numbered to identify localities were prepared for regions where Dryomys nitedula distribution was largely unknown until now. The species has a unique distribution, ranging from the Alps in the west to the foothills of the Urals in the east, and from southern Latvia in the north as far south as Calabria and Peloponnisos. The species' reported vertical range is from sea level in the Balkans to the subalpine belt in the Alps. The presence of Dryomys nitedula in Europe can be traced back to the beginning of the Pleistocene, but its recent distributional area does not coincide with climatic factors, nor with the distribution of vegetation communities. Possible competition with Eliomys quercinus is discussed as a factor affecting the peripheral range distribution of Dryomys nitedula.
Life histories of Clethrionomys and Microtus (Microtinae)
Authors: INNES DUNCAN G.L. , MILLAR JOHN S. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractAlthough there have been numerous life‐history reviews of mammals at high taxonomic levels (e.g. among families within orders), there are far fewer studies at lower taxonomic levels (e.g. among species within genera). Data on adult weights, litter size, gestation length, neonate weight, age and weight at weaning, growth rate to weaning, maximum life span, and length of the breeding season were compiled from the literature on five species of Clethrionomys and 33 species of Microtus. Variability in litter size and male body weights was not significantly different when compared between cyclic and non‐cyclic populations. Coefficients of variation were also calculated for the three species with the most data (C. gapperi, C. glareolus and M. pennsylvanicus). These values showed that the amount of intraspecific variation differed among traits as well as among species. Gestation length was the most invariable of all traits and variation in adult weights, neonate weight, gestation length, and litter size had similar values to those reported for Peromyscus maniculatus. Five and eight traits differed among Clethrionomys and Microtus species, respectively. Differences in litter size, adult weights and length of the breeding season were common to both genera. Male weight, gestation length and neonate weight as well as length of the breeding season were different between genera. Very few traits covaried within C. gapperi, C. glareolus or M. pennsylvanicus. Similarly, few traits covaried among all Clethrionomys populations. However, among all Microtus populations and Microtus species, 11 and 12 correlations were significant. Many of the patterns found in Microtus involved positive relationships between female weight and some other trait. These patterns have also been found by broader surveys at higher taxonomic levels. Large species of Microtus had larger offspring, a greater litter size and occurred in short‐season environments relative to small species of this genus.
The biology of Elephantulus brachyrhynchus in natural miombo woodland in Tanzania
Authors: LEIRS H. , VERHAGEN R. , VERHEYEN W. , PERRIN M.R. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTField expeditions between 1986 and 1989 yielded information about the distribution of macroscelids in Tanzania. The rare Elephantulus brachyrhynchus was captured in a natural habitat complex of miombo woodland, Combretum savanna and grassland in Dakawa, Tanzania. Basic ecological data for this species were obtained from 46 animals in a removal‐trapping study and 58 in a live‐trapping study.Sex ratio was near to parity. There was no evidence of a restricted reproductive period, although pregnancy incidence was higher around January‐February. Litters in utero comprised one or two embryos. E. brachyrhynchus had a preference for the transitional Combretum savanna. Stomach contents analysis showed a remarkably high proportion of green plant material in the diet.
Use of space by the African Striped Ground Squirrel Xerus erythropus
Authors: LINN IAN , KEY GILLIAN 
Published: April 2008

AbstractFive Striped Ground Squirrels Xerus erythropus were radio‐tracked at Katumani, Kenya, for periods of up to 10 days. The results were used to explore their short‐term use of space. Definitions of the terms ‘home range’ and ‘core’, and some aspects of the methodology of home‐range analysis are discussed. In an area of low‐productivity bushland, subject to intermittent drought, where their food supply was patchy and unpredictable, the squirrels travelled about 1.5 km per day, and occupied rather large home ranges averaging 12.4 ha. Levels of aggression between conspecifics was low, home ranges were not defended, and there was considerable range overlap. Nights were spent in burrows which were commonly shared with conspecifics. On most days a single relatively long exploratory excursion was made outside the home range, extending the average area of the total range to some 40 ha. Despite the presence of major environmental features which might have been expected to affect the squirrels' foraging behaviour, such as cultivated fields, home range use was very symmetrical, suggesting that essential resources (food, shade, burrows) were widely dispersed throughout the range. Squirrels foraged alone, harvesting small, scattered, high‐quality food items, mainly vegetable. Activity was interrupted from time to time to retire to the shade to lose heat, and a midday rest was taken. Only part of the home range was used each day. A variable degree of central concentration of activity could be observed. The squirrels' use of space enabled them to exploit available food resources opportunistically and efficiently, and made them difficult to control effectively.
Why are Dormice rare? A case study in conservation biology
Authors: BRIGHT P. W. , MORRIS P. A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the last 100 years, the Dormouse Muscardinus avellcmarius has disappeared from about half its geographical range in Britain. Evidence is presented which indicates that declining range and numbers are due to a complex interplay of factors which include fragmentation, deterioration and loss of specialized habitat. The Dormouse is unusual in being a relatively A‐selected small mammal, with exacting ecological requirements which render it very vulnerable, particularly to habitat fragmentation. The Dormouse is also sensitive to climate, both directly and probably indirectly through the effects of weather on the timing and abundance of food (insects, flowers and fruits). Combined with low population density and low intrinsic rate of population increase, this makes the Dormouse highly vulnerable, not just to absolute climatic measures (e.g. temperature, rainfall), but especially to climatic stochasticity, particularly at the edge of its range. There are strong associations between the distribution and changing status of the Dormouse and various climatic parameters, and clear parallels with other climate‐sensitive taxa, notably bats and butterflies.The Dormouse is a very specialized species, highly sensitive to environmental change, resulting in its piecemeal, progressive extinction, particularly in northern counties. It is likely to be a very sensitive indicator species for monitoring future changing environments and an excellent model for studying the effects of habitat fragmentation, climatic shifts and climatic stochasticity.
Review of cetaceans stranded on the Irish coast, 1901–95
Authors: BERROW SIMON D. , ROGAN EMER 
Published: April 2008

Published records of cetaceans stranded on the Irish coast during the period 1901–95 are reviewed. In this review the number of stranding events has been used in the analysis and includes both live strandings and those animals washed up dead. There were 529 records involving 21 species. The Harbour Porpoise (27%) was the most frequently reported species, followed by Common Dolphins (16%) and Pilot Whales (15%). Minke Whales (8%) were the most frequently reported mysticete. The number of reported strandings has increased since the 1960s which is thought to be mainly due to increased observer effort. Cetaceans have stranded on all Irish coasts but mainly along the south coast and along the western seaboard but with no apparent overall seasonal trend. There was a peak in the strandings of Common Dolphins during 1991–92 when 27% (28 records) of all strandings were reported and of White‐sided Dolphins when 60% (28 records) were reported, both of which were attributed to possible interactions with fisheries. The number of Striped Dolphins stranded on the Irish coast has increased steadily since the 1980s and may reflect increasing water temperatures.These stranding records are considered inadequate to determine the status of most species of cetaceans in Irish waters but are sufficient to identify unusual stranding events such as high mortalities due to fisheries interactions or epizootics. More observer coverage is required before the stranding data are adequate for monitoring the status of most species but a stranding scheme is considered the most effective and efficient method of long‐term monitoring of cetaceans in Irish waters.
The history of the Eurasian Beaver Castor fiber in Scotland
Authors: KITCHENER A.C. , CONROY J.W.H. 
Published: April 2008

In 1995 Scottish Natural Heritage proposed a feasibility study to examine the case for reintroducing the Eurasian Beaver Castor fiber to Scotland. Following IUCN guidelines, an important first step is to demonstrate that the Beaver was once a native of Scotland and that the causes of its extinction no longer pose any threat to reintroduced animals. Therefore, palaeontological, archaeological and historical evidence for the former existence of the Beaver in Scotland and the causes of its extinction are reviewed.Palaeontological and archaeological evidence suggest that the Eurasian Beaver was once widely distributed throughout mainland Scotland. Historical evidence suggests that although it was once probably fairly common, it became extinct between the twelfth and sixteenth centuries, most probably towards the latter. The main cause of its decline and extinction was probably hunting for its pelt, meat and castoreum, but habitat destruction may have been important in the loss of some small isolated populations.Given that the causes of extinction of the Beaver in Scotland now no longer exist or can be effectively controlled, there is no reason why a feasibility study cannot proceed to assess the practicalities of a reintroduction.
Trophic status and feeding habits of the European Polecat Mustela putorius L. 1758
Authors: LODÉ T. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTThe trophic status of the European Polecat Mustela putorius was studied through a review of the diets of 18 different populations in Europe. Rodents represented the principal prey in 10 sites (55.5%) and were a prey of secondary importance in seven sites (38.8%). Anurans prevailed in three sites (17%) but constituted the second food category in eight others (44%). The ascendant hierarchical classification showed a relatively unvarying diet in Europe. The frequency of birds and invertebrates were important in the diversification of the diet, indicated by the value of the food niche index, whereas rabbits were more significant in southern regions. The constant incidence of predation on woodland rodents and amphibians gave a particular status to the Polecat and showed it to be a generalist feeder well adapted to the mid‐European region.
Recent divergence with gene flow in Tennessee cave salamanders (Plethodontidae:Gyrinophilus) inferred from gene genealogies
Authors: NIEMILLER MATTHEW L. , FITZPATRICK BENJAMIN M. , MILLER BRIAN T. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractCave organisms occupy a special place in evolutionary biology because convergent morphologies of many species demonstrate repeatability in evolution even as they obscure phylogenetic relationships. The origin of specialized cave‐dwelling species also raises the issue of the relative importance of isolation vs. natural selection in speciation. Two alternative hypotheses describe the origin of subterranean species. The ‘climate‐relict’ model proposes allopatric speciation after populations of cold‐adapted species become stranded in caves due to climate change. The ‘adaptive‐shift’ model proposes parapatric speciation driven by divergent selection between subterranean and surface habitats. Our study of the Tennessee cave salamander complex shows that the three nominal forms (Gyrinophilus palleucus palleucus,G. p. necturoides, andG. gulolineatus) arose recently and are genealogically nested within the epigean (surface‐dwelling) species,G. porphyriticus. Short branch lengths and discordant gene trees were consistent with a complex history involving gene flow between diverging forms. Results of coalescent‐based analysis of the distribution of haplotypes among groups reject the allopatric speciation model and support continuous or recurrent genetic exchange during divergence. These results strongly favour the hypothesis that Tennessee cave salamanders originated from spring salamanders via divergence with gene flow.
The A1 (B) phenomenon: a monoclonal anti‐B (BS‐85) demonstrates low levels of B determinants on A1 red cells
Authors: Voak D. , Sonneborn H. , Yates A. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. A monoclonal anti‐B (BS 85) that reacts strongly with red cells from weak B variants (B3, Bint and Bv) has demonstrated the presence of a trace of B on A1 red cells. The agglutination of group A1 red cells by an anti‐B antibody is called the A1 (B) phenomenon and is the converse of the B(A) phenomenon seen with certain monoclonal anti‐A antibodies.Fragile A1 (B) agglutination is best seen by spin‐tube techniques and A1 red cells negative in saline tests are agglutinated by albumin and protease enzyme‐enhanced tests, but no reactions are seen with A2 red cells. The A1 (B) reaction is specifically inhibited by B substance, and D‐galactose and the galactose‐containing sugars melibiose and lactose. Red cells from B variants showed differential inhibition patterns with various sugars.A1 transferase levels were normal even in the strongest A1 (B) reactive blood samples, although the plasma H transferase levels and H status of these red cells were elevated. This is in contrast to the B(A) phenomenon which is associated with elevated levels of B transferase. It is suggested that A1(B) overlapping specificity can occur because of a combination of higher H activity (and thus more H sites) together with normal levels of A transferase activity as they are 20% higher than normal levels of B transferase.The production of anti‐B reagents free of the A1 (B) phenomenon with BS‐85 is achieved by suitable dilution using quality control tests with protease‐treated A1 red cells. BS 85 anti‐B supernatant binds so strongly to B cells that it elutes only weakly by heat methods and therefore the B antigen cannot be demonstrated by the elution technique.
Predictive markers for hepatitis C antibody ELISA specificity in Australian blood donors
Authors: Hyland C. A. , Kearns S. , Young I. F. , Battistutta D. , Morgan C. L. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. The hepatitis C antibody reactivity rate in 91,748 blood donors tested using the ORTHO HCV C‐100 ELISA system was 0.51%. Specificity of ELISA positive reactions was measured using a recombinant immunoblot assay (RIBA). The aim of this study was to identify markers in ELISA positive donors which were predictive of a RIBA positive result.Samples from 430 ELISA positive donors were tested by the first generation RIBA, RIBA‐1, which incorporates two HCV peptides C‐100 and 5‐1–1. Fifty‐five per cent (236) were positive and 19% (83) indeterminate. Multivariate analysis of gender, age, HCV ELISA OD ratio, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) status and hepatitis B core antibody (anti‐HBc) status identified age, magnitude of HCV ELISA OD ratio and anti‐HBc status as the only independent predictors of a positive RIBA‐1 result. The relative odds of being RIBA‐1 positive were 4.6‐fold (95% CI 1.3–16.4) higher among donors aged 25–34 years compared with donors less than 25 or greater than 44; 6.1‐fold (2.1–17.9) higher if the donor was anti‐HBc positive and 273.4‐fold (30.9–2417) higher if the HCV ELISA OD ratio was greater than 5.98 compared to those with a ratio less than 1.77. Seventy‐eight of the 83 RIBA‐1 indeterminates were tested on the second generation RIBA, RIBA‐2, which includes two additional HCV peptides, C22 and C33c. Thirty‐one per cent (24) were positive and 41% (32) were negative. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of an elevated ALT level and anti‐HBc were the only independent predictors of a RIBA‐1 indeterminate result resolving as positive on RIBA‐2.
BCSH‐NIBSC anti‐D reference reagent for antiglobulin tests: the in‐house assessment of red cell washing centrifuges and of operator variability in the detection of weak, macroscopic agglutination
Authors: Phillips P. K. , Voak D. , Whitton C. M. , Downie D. M. , Bebbington C. , Oampbell J. 
Published: April 2008

Summary. A batch of an anti‐D preparation, reference 91/608, has been prepared for the preparation of red cells weakly sensitized with IgG that can reveal inhibition of the antiglobulin test by one volume of human serum, diluted 1:1000. The preparation provides an objective assessment of red cell washer efficacy and the confidential, in‐house assessment of operator variability in detecting weak but definite macroscopic agglutination by blind, replicate tests.Red cell washer efficacy and poor operator reading procedures causing disruption of weak agglutination are two major causes of false‐negative antiglobulin tests; neither are adequately detected by the common quality‐control procedure of adding strongly IgG‐sensitized red cells (‘Coombs control cells’) to apparently negative antiglobulin tests. However, weakly IgG‐sensitized red cells do offer a valuable control function that can detect some degree of cell washer inefficiency and reading errors although such cells are not a substitute for the more sensitive replicate testing.Test protocols are provided to assess the efficacy of cell washing machines and operator skills in the detection of weak but definite macroscopic agglutination.
Stablization of von Willebrand factor in banked blood by leucocyte depletion
Authors: Farrugia A. , Street A. , Douglas S. , Raines G. , Aumann H. , Whyte G. , Sykes S. , Oates A. 
Published: April 2008

Summary: The von Willebrand factor (vWf) activity, as measured by the ristocetin co‐factor (vWf:RCo) and collagen binding (vWf:CBA) assays, declined progressively in standard blood units stored at 4°C after a 2‐day storage period. This loss of activity was accompanied by a loss and degradation of high molecular weight (HMW) vWf multimers. In studies using a paired design, filtration of blood with a high efficiency leucocyte‐removal filter, prior to storage at 4°C, led to significantly improved maintenance of vWf:RCo and vWf:CBA compared with unfiltered units (P, < 0·01 after 8 days). Loss and degradation of HMW vWf decreased when blood was filtered prior to 4°C storage. Filtration had no effect on vWf‐associated activities when blood was stored at 22°C for 10 days.These results indicate that part of the storage lesion of vWf in banked blood is due to leucocyte‐mediated removal and degradation of HMW vWf. This has implications when specifying plasma for the production of vWF concentrates and may also play a role in the haemostatic lesion associated with massive transfusion of stored blood.