bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The otter (Lutra lutra L.) in western France
Authors: GREEN J. , GREEN R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn a survey of western France during October‐November 1980, signs of otters were found at 46 (15%) of the 315 sites investigated. Otters were largely restricted to four areas, three of these being in the uplands (of Brittany, the Massif Central and the Pyrenees) and one in the coastal lowlands (of the Landes‐Gironde). The average number of signs found per successful site was 1 6, significantly lower than for Scodand and Ireland but similar to the figure for England. The percentage of positive sites and the scattered nature of the signs in western France was also broadly comparable witJi the English situation. This is surprising since most of the factors which adversely affect otters appear to be less oppressive there dian in England. Only water pollution is noticeably more extreme and this seems to offer the best, overall explanation for the nature of the decline in the area studied.
The status of the otter (Lutra lutra) in the British Isles
Authors: MACDONALD S. M. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractNational field surveys for otters were carried out between 1977 and 1981. The species is apparently absent from large areas of England, although healthy populations still occur in the south‐west. In many other areas, populations are isolated and fragmented and there is some evidence for continuing declines. In Wales the otter is rare or absent from the south and parts of the north. Healthy populations are present in the Highland Region of Scotland, on the north and west coasts and in the islands but there is evidence of a decline in the south and east‐central lowlands. Otters are widespread and common in Ireland which sustains the best of the known populations in Europe.Pollution by pesticides probably caused the initial rapid decline of the species but habitat destruction is increasingly important and where habitat is poor, human disturbance assumes greater significance. There is no evidence of competition with mink. The otter is now a protected species but if it is to recover some of its former range, remaining habitat must be retained.While otter populations have decreased over much of northern Europe, the animal survives, albeit somewhat precariously, in a few southern parts of the continent.
Winter energy requirements of soricine shrews
Authors: W. AITCHISON C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe energy requirements of shrews under snow cover have not been determined. This is an expository paper attempting to ascertain the daily energy budget of a soricine in subnivean conditions. By means of extrapolation from past work (Morrison, Ryser & Dawe, 1959; Gebczynski, 1965, 1971), a winter individual of Sorex cinereus (mean weight of 2–6 g) in southern Manitoba has a rather high energy budget at 2oC of about 38‐6 kj or 9‐2kcal per day. It is assumed that winter prey include invertebrates and small mammals, and their biomass and energy content are estimated. Compensatory factors reducing energy needs are considered, i.e. Dehnel's Phenomenon, extended periods in the nest, low population densities and adequate snow cover. We can probably reduce the above figure for a daily energy budget when considering all the above factors, so that about 30 kj are required daily at the mean subnivean temperature of – 4–5oC.
Interactions between the parasitic protozoa of small mammals
Authors: COX F. E. G. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractIn the wild, small mammals are frequently infected with more than one parasite. Laboratory studies have revealed complex interactions between parasites and also between parasitic protozoa and viruses or bacteria. In general, infection with many parasites is accompanied by a period of immunodepression during which superimposed infections are favoured, giving rise to more intense and prolonged secondary infections while the original infection is unaffected. On the other hand, organisms that activate macrophages may protect die host against a subsequent infection. These kinds of interactions have been investigated in the laboratory using Trypanosoma musculi, T. lewisi, Giardia muris, Spironucleus muris, Babesia microti and Heligmosomoides polygyrus, all of which occur in British small mammals, suggesting that such interactions occur in the field, are worth investigating and should be considered in epidemiological studies.
Comparison of dispersal and other movements in two Badger (Meles meles) populations
Authors: CHEESEMAN C. L. , CRESSWELL W. J. , HARRIS S. , MALLINSON P. J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe dispersal and other movement patterns in two Badger populations, one in rural Gloucestershire and the other in suburban Bristol, are described and categorized into nine different types of movement. Movements were less common in the high density Badger population in Gloucestershire, but disturbance increased the likelihood of movements occurring. In the lower density Bristol population, where the social structure was more fluid, movements were more common. However, in both populations truly itinerant Badgers appeared to be rare. More male than female Badgers moved, but for each type of movement there was no difference in the distance moved by males and females. Movements were rare in animals less than a year old; most movements occurred in sexually mature animals, i.e. those more than 2 years old.
Geographical variation in body size of the Wood Mouse Apodemus sylvaticus L.
Authors: ALCÁNTARA MANUEL 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThis paper analyses the geographical variation in body size of the Wood Mouse. A size increase is observed from north to south, contrary to Bergmann's rule. This increase is related to regions of sympatry and allopatry with the Yellow‐necked Mouse, a closely related, potentially competing species. The possibility of character displacement playing an important role in determining the observed variation in body size is discussed.
The genus Sorex (Mammalia, Soricidae)–distribution and evolutionary aspects of Eurasian species
Authors: DANNELID ERLAND 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThere are about 60 species of shrews of the genus Sorex distributed over the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions; these are usually divided into the subgenera Sorex, Otisorex and Microsorex. The Old World species are listed and their phylogeny discussed, with special emphasis laid on the karyotypes. It is proposed that the Old World forms should be divided into the subgenera Homalurus, Sorex and Otisorex. It is also suggested that the subgenus Sorex could be divided into at least three taxonomic units.
The European Pine Marten Martes martes in the Balearic Islands, Spain
Authors: CLEVENGER ANTHONY P. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTBetween March and December 1990, a survey of Pine Marten Martes martes L. on the Balearic Islands of Minorca and Majorca was carried out. Pine Marten were found distributed over 55% of Minorca and occupied Aleppo Pine and Holm Oak forests, mediterranean shrublands and riparian/ cliff habitats. In Majorca, Pine Marten were found on 48% of the island and three broad physiographic areas, the Sierra de Tramuntana, Sierra de Levant and the Massif de Randa. Droppings were collected along four designated routes during five bimonthly intervals in Minorca to describe the Pine Marten's differential use of habitat types. The upland/open pine forest had the highest use index while the Holm Oak forest had the lowest. The number of Pine Marten faeces collected was greatest during the months of July‐August. The Balearic Island Pine Marten populations were once on the verge of extinction; however, protection during the last 20 years has enabled the species to recover throughout most of the forested habitats on both islands. Resource managers must carefully monitor the Pine Marten populations to provide the species and its habitat with adequate protection and management in the future.
Caching behaviour of Red Squirrels Sciurus vulgaris under conditions of high food availability
Authors: RICE‐OXLEY SUSAN B. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTMembers of the genus Sciurus store seed when plentiful by scatterhoarding. Such caches are impossible to defend and vulnerable to both interspecific and intraspecific competitors. In view of the delicate position held by Red Squirrels Sciurus vulgaris L. in Britain it is of value to extend to this species studies of the methods whereby such competition is reduced. Caching behaviour in a population of Red Squirrels living in a protected reserve and receiving supplementary food was studied for 18 months. Two main aspects were investigated; their ability to find caches they had not made, and their efforts to reduce competition for caches they did make. Stapanian & Smith (1978) predicted that caches are made at an optimal density and that the entire 360d̀ arc around a resource is used. This study upheld this second prediction but not the first for the population of Red Squirrels in question. In addition, it is suggested that caching cannot be considered to be permanent under conditions of surplus food.
Woodland small mammal population ecology in Britain: a preliminary review of the Mammal Society survey of Wood Mice Apodemus sylvaticus and Bank Voles Clethrionomys glareolus, 1982–87
Authors: MALLORIE H. C. , FLOWERDEW J. R. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe Mammal Society has co‐ordinated a population survey of Wood Mice Apodemus sylvaticus and Bank Voles Clethrionomys glareolus in 13 0.81 ‐hectare sites in Britain. Numbers of mice and voles live‐trapped using standard methods were collated every May/June and November/December from 1982 to 1987. The data were analysed with results from four independent studies in England and the corresponding assessments of tree seed crop size. Wood Mouse numbers are usually higher in winter than in summer but Bank Vole fluctuations are less regular. In deciduous woodland, Wood Mouse mean relative densities are significantly greater in the winter and the following summer after a good seed crop than after a poor one; rates of population change from summer to winter are significantly higher when a good seed crop falls. Bank Vole relative densities are significantly greater in the summer following a good seed crop than after a poor one, and rates of change from winter to summer are significantly higher. In Wood Mouse populations, tests for density dependence suggest that it is strong from summer to winter but absent from winter to summer; in Bank Voles weaker density dependence is present in both halves of the year. Thus, Wood Mouse numbers are regulated in autumn but are also influenced by seed crop size in winter and the following summer; Bank Vole numbers are less strongly regulated during both autumn and spring and are influenced by seed crop size in the following summer. Evidence is presented suggesting that populations of each species in deciduous woodlands are synchronized over the country in summer and that Wood Mice are also synchronized in winter; highs and lows tend to coincide between different sites. The yield of tree seed is shown to vary significantly from year to year and may be the cause of the synchrony, but weather effects may also be involved.
The Round‐eared Elephant‐Shrew Macroscelides proboscideus (Macroscelidea) as an omnivore
Authors: KERLEY GRAHAM I. H. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTElephant‐shrews were classified as Insectivora and were traditionally considered to be insectivorous, although ancestral forms were herbivorous. Despite the presence of a functional caecum, many authors still describe elephant‐shrews as insectivorous. Three data sets, totalling 143 samples, of the Round‐eared Elephant‐Shrew Macroscelides proboscideus diet from the semi‐arid Karoo, South Africa, were analysed. Results indicate that this species is largely insectivorous, although plant matter makes up almost 45% of the diet by volume. Diet varies seasonally, with the intake of herbage peaking in winter, when herbage may comprise up to 97% of the diet The contribution of insects to the diet was not related to either insect availability (as indexed by pit‐trapping) or body condition, suggesting that Round‐eared Elephant‐Shrews may be true omnivores, selecting a diet of both insects and herbage. The relatively long large intestine of this species of elephant‐shrew may not be related to the water requirements, but may be a plesiomorphic character that has been retained as a consequence of the higher degree of omnivory displayed by Round‐eared Elephant‐Shrews, which appear to consume more plant matter than the other elephant‐shrews.
The distribution of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon (L.) in Portugal
Authors: BORRALHO R. , REGO. F. , PALOMARES F. , HORA A. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractThe current range and relative abundance of the Egyptian Mongoose Herpestes ichneumon (L.) in Portugal were studied using data obtained through direct field observations, personal communications and answers to enquiries. The present northern limit of its distribution has extended well beyond the Tagus River in most of its Portuguese range, indicating a probable expansion in recent years. A consistent increase in abundance was detected from north to south, latitude being highly correlated with computed indices of Mongoose abundance. The best‐fit model for predicting Mongoose relative abundance in the country considers latitude and human population density simultaneously. Altitude is the only environmental variable significantly correlated with the Mongoose abundance once the influence of latitude is discounted. Available information appears to indicate that the Portuguese Mongoose population is increasing, nevertheless research is needed in order to assess the impact of current predator control schemes on local populations.
Comparison of methods for obtaining population estimates for Red Squirrels in relation to damage due to bark stripping.
Authors: BRYCE J. , PRITCHARD J. S. , WARAN N. K. , YOUNG R. J. 
Published: April 2008

ABSTRACTThe relation between population density and the extent of damage incurred by bark stripping behaviour was investigated in a Scots Pine plantation known to have suffered considerable damage. Population density was estimated by three non‐interventionist methods that could potentially be applied elsewhere: line surveys, drey counts and cone counts. The different methods of estimating the population size proved to be consistent and produced an unusually high value of four Red Squirrels per hectare. Within the study area, fresh damage was related to local population densities.
Genetic discontinuity, breeding‐system change and population history of Arabis alpina in the Italian Peninsula and adjacent Alps
Authors: ANSELL S. W. , GRUNDMANN M. , RUSSELL S. J. , SCHNEIDER H. , VOGEL J. C. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractArabis alpina is a widespread plant of European arctic and alpine environments and belongs to the same family as Arabidopsis thaliana. It grows in all major mountain ranges within the Italian glacial refugia and populations were sampled over a 1300 km transect from Sicily to the Alps. Diversity was studied in nuclear and chloroplast genome markers, combining phylogeographical and population genetic approaches. Alpine populations had significantly lower levels of nuclear genetic variation compared to those in the Italian Peninsula, and this is associated with a pronounced change in within‐population inbreeding. Alpine populations were significantly inbred (FIS = 0.553), possibly reflecting a change to the self‐incompatibility system during leading edge colonization. The Italian Peninsula populations were approaching Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium (outbreeding, FIS = 0.076) and genetic variation was highly structured, consistent with independent local ‘refugia within refugia’ and the fragmentation of an established population by Quaternary climate oscillations. There is very little evidence of genetic exchange between the Alps and the Italian Peninsula main distribution ranges. The Alps functioned as a glacial sink for A. alpina, while the Italian Peninsula remains a distinct and separate long‐term refugium. Comparative analysis indicated that inbreeding populations probably recolonized the Alps twice: (i) during a recent postglacial colonization of the western Alps from a Maritime Alps refugium; and (ii) separately into the central Alps from a source outside the sampling range. The pronounced geographical structure and inbreeding discontinuities are significant for the future development of A. alpina as a model species.
Characterization and mapping of a gene controlling shoot regeneration in tomato
Authors: Koornneef Maarten , Bade Jacob , Hanhart Corrie , Horsman Karin , Schel Jan , Soppe Wim , Verkerk Ruud , Zabel Pim 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe superior regeneration capacity of Lycopersicon peruvianum was introduced into the cultivated tomato Lycopersicon esculentum by backcrossing hybrid material with the tomato genotype VF11. In segregating material derived from these backcrosses, the ability to regenerate shoots on root explants cultured on a zeatin‐containing medium, was highly correlated with the ability to regenerate shoots on established callus cultures. The efficient shoot‐regenerating root explant system permitted us to study the genetics of this trait and to locate the genes involved, using a set of morphological markers defining all 12 tomato chromosomes. Depending on the tomato genotype, mono, ‐di‐ or trigenic ratios were observed. It is concluded that a dominant L. peruvianum allele at a locus (Rg‐1) near the middle of chromosome 3 determines efficient shoot regeneration on root explants in tomato in combination with dominant alleles at one or two other loci of either L. peruvianum or L. esculentum origin. The map location of the Rg‐1 locus was refined further using a number of chromosome‐3‐specific RFLPs. The addition of new classical and RFLP linkage data to existing literature data and subsequent processing resulted in a revised and integrated map of tomato chromosome 3. From a morphological and physiological analysis of genotypes differing in Rg phenotype, it is concluded that the genetic component associated with regeneration determines the maintenance of morphogenetic competence and not the sensitivity to hormones.
Characterization of new murine monoclonal antibodies directed against glycophorins C and D
Authors: Loirat M. J. , Dahr W. , Muller J. Y. , Blanchard D. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. Six new murine monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) directed to the erythrocyte membrane glycophorins C (GPC) and D (GPD) were obtained from splenocytes of different BALB/c mice immunized with human red blood cells, and fully characterized. The mAbs were selected by agglutination tests with control and Gerbich‐negative cells, and by immunoblotting analysis. They showed specificity for the N‐terminal domain(s) of GPC (and GPD) and were classified into three categories by competitive analysis using 125Ilabelled antibodies and real‐time biospecific interaction. The first group (NaM10‐7G11, NaM70‐1G4 and NaM77‐7B6) compete for epitope(s) located at the N‐terminal portion of GPC. Agglutination‐inhibition tests revealed that the 7G11 epitope involves the amino group of Met1 and sialic acid residue(s) whereas the 1G4 and 7B6 epitopes contain O‐glycans. NaM89‐2G11 belongs to a second group; its epitope is located in a region including Glu17, Asp19 and (an) O‐glycan(s). The third group comprises mAbs NaM19‐3C4 and NaM98‐3Cl which bind to both GPC and GPD in proximity of the binding site of human anti‐Ge:3 antibodies.In addition, mAb 3C4 (anti‐GPC/GPD) was found to bind to approximately 125 000 sites per red cell. Considering that the ratio of the GPC to GPD is about 3–4 to 1, the number of GPC and GPD molecules was estimated as 95 000 and 35 000, respectively.
Antenatal management of fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia—report of 15 affected pregnancies
Authors: Murphy M. F. , Waters A. H. , Doughty H. A. , Hambley H. , Mibashan R. S. , Nicolaides K. , Rodeck C. H. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY. The recognition that spontaneous intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) may occur in utero in fetomaternal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (FMAIT) led us to attempt to prevent this in 15 pregnancies of 11 women who had previously affected infants with FMAIT due to anti‐HPA‐la. The antenatal management included fetal platelet transfusions and maternal steroids and/or high‐dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIgG).In the first pregnancy, ICH occurred between 32 and 35 weeks' gestation before any treatment had been given, emphasizing the need for earlier intervention.Five of the 14 subsequent pregnancies in this study were considered to be severely affected (severe haemorrhagic complications in a previous infant and initial fetal platelet count < 20 times 109/L in this study); four were managed successfully with weekly fetal platelet transfusions started between 18 and 29 weeks and continued until delivery at 33–35 weeks, and one severely affected case who was referred at 36 weeks was managed successfully with a single platelet transfusion prior to delivery.Five pregnancies were considered to be mildly affected (previous infants were unaffected by severe bleeding and initial fetal platelet count > 50 times 109/L in this study). The platelet counts were maintained in one case with steroids and in three with IVIgG without the need for repeated platelet transfusions, but in the fifth the fetal platelet count fell despite steroids and IVIgG and serial platelet transfusions were required.Four pregnancies were unsuccessful; two pregnancies were terminated after severe ICH occurred at an early stage before fetal blood sampling had been carried out, one fetus died after the mother had a severe fall despite the successful initiation of fetal platelet transfusions and one died due to a cord haematoma which occurred at the time of the initial fetal blood sampling.The optimal management of FMAIT to reduce the risk of antenatal ICH remains uncertain. Steroids and IVIgG may be effective in some mildly affected cases but serial fetal platelet transfusions are the preferred therapy for those who are severely affected.
Enhanced cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are associated with ovine high and low cortisol responsiveness to acute endotoxin challenge
Authors: You Qiumei , Karrow Niel A. , Quinton Margaret , Mallard Bonnie A. , Boermans Herman J. 
Published: April 2008

AbstractInbred rodent studies have demonstrated that cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are exacerbated in stress‐susceptible, and attenuated in stress‐resistant strains of mice. This physiological response was, in part, mediated by activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis during the acute restraint stress. A study was conducted to examine whether or not cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are also associated with variable cortisol responsiveness to inflammatory stress in an outbred ovine population. High (H), medium (M), and low (L) cortisol responsive sheep were identified from a population of 110 females based on their estimated breeding values for cortisol concentration measured 4 h post‐systemic challenge with Escherichia coli endotoxin (400 ng kg−1). Cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA), 1‐chloro‐2, 4‐dinitrobenzene (DNCB), and Candida albicans cellular antigen (CAA) were measured in these variable cortisol‐responding sheep, in addition to serum interleukin (IL)‐6, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and ovalbumin (OVA)‐specific IgG concentrations. When compared to the M cortisol responders, both H and L cortisol responders had significantly greater cutaneous swelling during the elicitation phase in response to DNCB (P < 0.05) and CAA (P < 0.05); a similar but not significant trend was observed during the PHA challenge. The primary, but not the secondary, IgG response to OVA was significantly lower in the H and L cortisol responders when compared to the M cortisol responders. Differences in serum IL‐6 or IFN‐γ concentration were not observed across variable cortisol‐responsive groups. Together, these results demonstrate that cutaneous hypersensitivity reactions are enhanced in outbred H and L cortisol‐responding sheep, independent of systemic modulation by IL‐6 and IFN‐γ.