Introduction California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) health is severely compromised by domoic acid toxicosis, which occurs in high levels during harmful algal blooms of Pseudonitzschia australis along the coast of California. Current diagnostic protocols are often inconclusive due to a 2-48 hour window of detectability within the urinary, circulatory, and gastric systems (Cook, et al. 2011 and Monte, Pers Comm, 2012). Past studies suggest that Z. californianus, with domoic acid toxicosis, commonly display abnormal behaviors (Goldstein, et al. 2008). However, many of these abnormal behaviors are also associated with other diagnoses and are therefore unreliable as diagnostic indicators. This study fills in a knowledge gap relating to abnormal behavior types and their correlation to domoic acid toxicosis and helps solve the problem of current, inconclusive, diagnostic protocols. In this study, my objectives were to identify abnormal behaviors correlated to domoic acid toxicosis, create a diagnostic ethogram, determine the applicability of the method in the field, and determine the applicability of triage based on the relationship between abnormal behaviors and domoic acid levels. Methods I conducted focal animal continuous scans (continuous observation of a single animal at a time, for a set period) with continuous data entry, on animals admitted to the Marine Mammal Center (main study location during 2011-2013) and the Marine Mammal Care Center (comparison location, 2013). I conducted my observations from behind a blind to prevent both human habituation and behavioral influence of the observer. Observations lasted between 10-15 minutes (10 minutes per pen in 2011, 15 minutes per animal in 2012-2013). Subjects were selected based on an admit date no later than 7 days from the observation date. I conducted focal animal continuous scans at Pier 39, a haul out location, in the San Francisco Bay. Animals included in the study had identifying marks or were isolated from other animals (making them easy to identify). I observed animals once per observation day with a total observation period not exceeding 15 minutes per animal. I logged domoic acid levels in feces, urine, and serum (collected by veterinary staff and analyzed with liquid chromatography and bioassays for the presence of domoic acid). I then compared these results to the types and severity of abnormal behaviors displayed by the domoic acid toxicosis sample. Results Results from data collected at the Marine Mammal Center suggest that head weaving (Wilcoxon, p Results from the Pier 39 study suggest that behavioral criteria may be applicable for ruling out domoic acid toxicosis in groups of animals. However, I did not test the method during times of harmful algal blooms. Therefore, the applicability of the method for use as a diagnostic tool in the field is unknown and further research is required. Results for the triage study were inconclusive. The number of animals that tested positive for domoic acid was small and not suitable for statistical analysis. I suggest further research into triage abilities. Conclusion Based on the results of these studies, I can conclude that behavioral analysis offers a reliable diagnostic tool for rescued Z. californianus. Practitioners can use behavioral diagnostic criteria with confidence for the diagnosis of domoic acid toxicosis in Z. californianus.

La dynamique des matières en suspension joue un rôle primordial au sein de la zone côtière en étant le principal vecteur de matière particulaire depuis les sources (rivières) vers les puits (marges continentales, canyons sous-marins, océan profond). Le suivi de cette dynamique, notamment pendant les évènements de crues des fleuves et des tempêtes, est primordial afin d’estimer les budgets sédimentaires des marges continentales, de suivre l’évolution des habitats benthiques et de déterminer le rôle de cette dynamique dans le transport de contaminants. Cette thèse a pour objet l’étude des impacts de tels évènements sur la dynamique des particules en suspension au sein du Golfe du Lion (Méditerranée). Une approche multiplateforme, couplant les différentes plateformes de mesures existantes (campagne en mer, glider, satellite, mouillage, bouée côtière) et basée sur la mesure de la turbidité en terme quantitatif et qualitatif a été adoptée. Les résultats ont permis de décrire 1) la dynamique des néphéloïdes en fonction des forçages (vents, vagues, courants) durant des évènements de crue du Rhône et de tempête marine, 2) la variabilité spatiale et temporelle de l’assemblage particulaire lors de ces mêmes évènements par une caractérisation in situ et 3) de montrer le rôle des plateformes autonomes du type gliders dans le suivi de la dynamique des matières en suspension en zone côtière. / Coastal suspended particulate matter dynamics play a main role in the fate of land-derived material from the source (rivers) to sink (continental margins, submarine canyons, deep sea). The monitoring of this dynamic, especially during flooding and storm conditions, is decisive to understand factors impacting sedimentary budgets of continental margins, health of benthic habitats and spread of contaminants. The aim of this PhD is to study the impacts of such events on the suspended particles dynamics over the shelf of the Gulf of Lions (NW Mediteranean). A multi-platform approach, combining existing observation platforms (survey, glider, satellite, mooring and coastal buoy) and based on the measurement of the turbidity was adopted. Results enabled to describe 1) the impacts of forcings (winds, waves, currents) on the dynamics of nepheloid layers during flooding and storm conditions, 2) the variability of the particle assemblage during such events through an in situ characterization and 3) the role of gliders in the monitoring of suspended particles dynamics within the coastal zone.

This masters project was undertaken to have a better knowledge of the female lion reproductive tract and to equip the author for future surgical studies on this organ system. The objectives of this study were to describe the arterial supply and histology of the female reproductive organs of the African lion. The reproductive organs of three embalmed cadavers and two fresh carcasses from three-year-old known aged nulliparous lionesses weighing between 120 kg and 140 kg were studied. The project was approved by the Animal Use and Care Committee and Research Committee of the University of Pretoria (protocol number V038-09). The arterial supply of the reproductive organs was studied and described in situ and after removal and histology was subsequently performed. A novel technique in Veterinary anatomy involving the maceration of a silicone cast was used in the two fresh carcasses and all five specimens were incorporated in the comparative and arterial studies. Histology was performed on organs from the three embalmed cadavers. The anatomical information obtained during this study was subsequently applied in a surgical study on sixteen lionesses using laparoscopy to perform laparoscopic ovariectomy and salpingectomy. The availability of these two laparoscopic procedures subsequently led to a wider interest to its application in population control of lions in the smaller national parks of South Africa. / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2013. / gm2014 / Anatomy and Physiology / unrestricted

In this diploma thesis I will deal with symbolism and meanings of exotic cat beasts in different spheres of the Roman Empire. First part will emphasize cat beasts in general. Familiarization with species and subspecies of these beasts and their appearance in time of the greatest territorial expansion of the Roman Empire. In the next main chapter, which contain several sections, I will look into their effect on different parts of people's life (art, funerary context, entertainment etc.). Part of these chapters will be also comparation of the impact of cat beasts on cultures around Roman Empire, on the basis of which I want to evaluate which parts of this impact Romans could adopt and which part are their own. In the end part of thesis, I will focus on archaeological findings related directly with exotic cat beasts. In the very end this work contain also bibliography list of used literature and list of illustrations. Key words Cat beasts, Roman Empire, culture, art, propaganda, arena, gladiator, lion, leopard, tiger, impact.

This study analyzes the appearance of the myth of Heracles and the Nemean lion on a lekythos from the Uppsala University Museum Gustavianum collection in Uppsala. The lekythos is a small oil vessel generally associated with fifth century B.C. burials. Heracles and the Nemean lion’s commonly found depiction in this context is not obvious on a superficial level, requiring further analysis to answer the question how the motif can be related to the object’s specific context. To investigate the complex relationship between myth and object the study uses the theoretical approach of a myth’s depiction on object’s being highly relevant to how the myth is viewed and consumed, being determined by its context and observer. The thesis approaches the individual artifact through an iconographic analysis and analyzes additional black-figure lekythoi produced between 550–475 B.C. to establish a chronological context of progression in the motif. The study uses ancient literary sources to further establish a societal context. Through the analysis the examination can determine a probable date of the lekythos and a context surrounding its production. Furthermore, the study concludes that the relevance of Heracles is partly based on his relevance in society overall and his role as a figure representing the male ideal and immortality.

This paper presents the first analysis of dental microwear textures of carnivorans. Carnassial microwear is examined for three large carnivorans, the cheetah Acinonyx jubatus, African lion Panthera leo and spotted hyaena Crocuta crocuta using dental microwear texture analysis, which combines confocal microscopy with the study of scale-sensitive fractal geometry. Results indicate significant differences in the microscopic wear textures of these carnivores consistent with dissimilarities in their reported feeding behaviours. Acinonyx jubatus carnassial shearing facets are characterized by low surface texture complexity and high anisotropy, while P. leo and C. crocuta evince less wear texture anisotropy and more complexity. Panthera leo and C. crocuta have more heavily pitted surfaces, a wider size range of wear features and scratches that vary in their orientations relative to the long axis of the carnassial blade. Further, C. crocuta is most variable in overall surface complexity and also has the highest average complexity values. These results are consistent with differences in bone consumption rates among the three species, wherein cheetahs typically avoid bone, lions triturate it on occasion and spotted hyaenas comminute it more often. Incidences of bone consumption in carnivores reflect degree and/or type of carcass utilization and can be used as a general guide for niche partitioning. Thus, the application of microwear analyses to carnivores can be used to interpret competition and niche position within a guild of fossil carnivores across space and through time.

Pinnipeds exhibit a wide range of lactation strategies that vary from just a few days to nearly three years in duration. Phocids have a relatively short, intense nursing period culminating with weaning after just a few days or weeks, while dependent otariids generally take several months of consuming a combined milk and solid food diet before being completely independent. The transition to nutritional independence can be particularly challenging for newly weaned pups, which must adjust to behavioral, physiological and nutritional changes as a milk diet is replaced with solid food. An interruption in energy resources during this formative stage could result in a prioritization away from growth, maintenance, or activity resulting in suboptimal development. Three groups of ex situ California sea lion (Zalophus californianus) pups were examined during the initial period of independence after they were weaned at approximately five, seven, and nine months of age. Absolute growth rates of pups were calculated and changes in body composition were estimated using blubber depth measurements and deuterium oxide dilution to determine if weaning age had an effect on subsequent pup development and growth. Blood urea nitrogen and blood glucose levels were observed for their response to changes in body condition, while thyroid hormone levels in the blood were examined as a possible nutritional stress indicator during the pup's transition to solid food. When compared to in situ pups, the 5 month old pups in the present study had significantly greater body mass (39.6 ± 1.6 kg, p < 0.01), axillary girth (85.3 ± 2.9 cm, p < 0.01), and axillary blubber depth (2.3 ± 0.1 cm, p < 0.01) compared to 5 month old in situ pups (26.6 ± 5.2 kg / 70.6 ± 5.34 cm / 1.5 ± 0.2 cm). Nine month old ex situ pups had significantly greater axillary blubber depth (3.7 ± 0.9 cm, p < 0.01) and total body lipid percentage (24.9 ± 4.7%, p= 0.01) than in situ pups (1.5 ± 0.2 cm / 17.1 ± 4.9%). Although all pups in the present study survived the transition to solid food, there were apparent differences in how the different age groups responded physiologically. The five month old pups began the switch to solid food with the lowest overall blubber depth (2.6 ± 0.9 cm) and experienced the greatest change in body mass (-8.5 ± 1.6 kg) and composition while taking the longest to begin physiological recovery (31.7 ± 1.2 d). In contrast, the 9 month old pups entered the transition with more energy reserves (24.9 ± 4.7% TBL), began consuming solid food sooner (16.3 ± 0.6 d), and were able to utilize reserves more efficiently to minimize loss and promote faster growth.

This dissertation examines the theology of C.S. Lewis in light of the writings of Athanasius, Augustine, and Anselm. Specifically, it looks at the role that justice and mercy play in each of these theologian’s understanding of the atonement. It proceeds on the basis that Lewis does in fact have a specific, robust, and coherent understanding of the atonement, and that his theological anthropology and his understanding of sanctification are an outworking of his understanding of the atonement. Chapter 1 lays out Lewis’ theological orientation and his method. Chapter 2 engages with Athanasius, Augustine, and Anselm on the atonement, and it lays out the particular concepts that were crucial in their understanding of the atonement, namely the justice and mercy of God. It outlines the fundamental concepts that we find in seedling form in Athanasius and Augustine and that were brought to full fruition in Anselm. It also argues that Anselm’s satisfaction theory is best understood as grounded in the nature of God, rather than in Anselm’s feudal, Medieval context. Chapter 3 examines Lewis on the atonement, and it traces the concepts that Lewis uses to describe and explain Christ’s death and resurrection. While Lewis does not adhere to any one doctrine or understanding of the atonement, there is a common thread that unites the various pictures that he takes to be true representations of the atonement. Fundamentally, for Lewis, the atonement is about the restitution of proper order that was disrupted in the Fall. Chapter 3 examines which theories of the atonement Lewis accepts and which he rejects. It also traces his understanding of the atonement to his understanding of the nature of God, relying on the concept of justitia defined as proper order, which has its source in the nature of God himself. In so doing, it aims to show that Lewis’ later understanding of the atonement is fundamentally Anselmian. Chapter 4 engages with Lewis’ theological anthropology and his understanding of sanctification, focusing on the process of “good infection” and how Lewis envisions the spread of the new life made available after Christ’s act of atonement. Sanctification, for Lewis, like the atonement, is also fundamentally about proper order. This plays out in his theological anthropology largely in terms of humility and obedience to God. Finally, chapter 5 addresses Narnia specifically and traces the concepts of justitia and proper order throughout the series and aims to show that, by focusing on proper order, we can see how the series hangs together as a whole theologically as an outworking of Lewis’ understanding of the atonement. / Thesis / Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

This study sets forth events surrounding a law suit filed by Red Lion Broadcasting Co. against the Federal Communications Commission and the Democratic National Committee in 1965. The study found these events were major factors in the decision by John M. Norris, president and owner of Red Lion, to pursue his objection to the FCC's Fairness Doctrine to the U.S. Supreme Court, resulting in the court's landmark decision in Red Lion vs. FCC (1969). Research methodology combined techniques of historical research and case study. On-site research of company records, personal letters and records are included as primary sources.

Les communautés écologiques sont connues pour être des systèmes complexes composés de multiple espèces entrant en interaction les unes avec les autres. De nombreux modèles théoriques ont été développés pour étudier les communautés. Certains ont souligné l'importance des effets indirects que les espèces pouvaient avoir les unes sur les autres, tels que les chaînes d'interactions et les modifications d'interactions (par modification du trait d'une des espèces en interaction ou de l'environnement où se déroule l'interaction). Bien que la science expérimentale vienne confirmer le rôle fondamental que pourrait avoir ces effets indirects, peu d'études à l'échelle des communautés en milieu naturel ont été conduites, et encore moins chez les grands mammifères. Le Parc National de Hwange, au Zimbabwe, est un écosystème de savane arborée semiaride caractérisé par une quasi-absence d'eau de surface naturelle (point d'eau, rivière) pendant la saison sèche, et ce n'est qu'avec la création de points d'eau artificiels pompés que la richesse spécifique des communautés de grands mammifères et les fortes abondances animales sont maintenues. De plus, cet écosystème a la remarquable particularité à la fois d'abriter l'une des plus fortes densités d'éléphants, et d'être considéré comme l'un des bastions africains pour sa population de lions. Le lion est connu comme étant un chasseur à l'affût, utilisant les éléments de son habitat (fourrés, souches, hautes herbes, etc.) pour se rapprocher au maximum de sa proie et lui bondir dessus par surprise. De plus, cette espèce semble profiter de l'agrégation des herbivores aux points d'eau pendant la saison sèche pour chasser autour de ces points d'eau. L'éléphant d'Afrique quant à lui est capable d'aménager son milieu et est ainsi susceptible de favoriser l'accès à certaines ressources pour les autres espèces, telles que des abris ou au contraire une meilleure visibilité. En revanche, de par sa masse corporelle exceptionnelle et son régime alimentaire généraliste, il est possible qu'il soit un compétiteur clé pour les autres herbivores. Enfin, étant très nombreux dans l'écosystème étudié, nécessitant de grandes quantités d'eau, et devenant de plus en plus agressifs au fil de la saison sèche, les éléphants influencent l'utilisation des points d'eau par les autres herbivores. Cette thèse porte donc sur le rôle que peuvent avoir les éléphants sur les interactions trophiques entre les lions et leurs proies, via des mécanismes d'effets indirects. Différents axes de recherche sont abordés. Le premier porte sur l'effet des éléphants sur la communauté de grands herbivores aux points d'eau, et plus particulièrement comment ils peuvent influencer leur distribution spatiale, et à terme leur vulnérabilité vis-à-vis des prédateurs. Un évitement spatial des éléphants par les autres herbviores en début de saison sèche suggère fortement que les éléphants sont de potentiels compétiteurs. Cependant, à la fin de la saison sèche, le phénomène s'inverse et certaines espèces d'herbivores se rapprochent fortement des éléphants. Deux scénarios portant sur les mécanismes pouvant expliquer ce patron ont été explorés, sans succès : une nécessité croissante d'accéder à de l'eau de meilleure qualité au niveau des pompes des points d'eau, et une augmentation du risque de prédation qui pourrait rendre les éléphants « attractifs » aux yeux des herbivores, les éléphants adultes étant invulnérables à la prédation et capables de les faire fuir par des comportements de harcèlement. Le deuxième axe de recherche porte sur l'effet des éléphants sur la distribution spatiale des herbivores à l'échelles du paysage et de l'habitat, et sur les conséquences possibles que cela peut avoir sur l'écologie spatiale des prédateurs. L'absence de ségrégation entre éléphants et herbivores ne supporte pas l'hypothèse d'un effet de compétition par exploitation, et l'investigation quant à l'effet sur les prédateurs n'a pas été poussée plus avant... [etc] / Species can indirectly affect other species and their interactions. The trophic interaction between a predator and its prey can be modified by the presence of a third species either through chain interactions (e.g. successive predation link) either through interaction modification. However, these indirect received few attentions in theorical modelling of food web, and fewer studies tried to explore this phenomenon at the scale of natural complex communities of large mammals. The role of the elephants as modifier of lion’s trophic interaction is explored in the semi-arid woodland savannah ecosystem of Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe. African elephants, as key competitor (male body mass ~ 4000 kg with aggressive behaviour) shape the behaviour of herbivores at waterholes results do not allow to state on the elephant mediation of lion trophic interaction at waterholes. In addition, elephants seem to facilitate the availability of food resources for impalas, possibly by increasing regrowth of shoots by breaking twigs and stem, as these last select habitats used by elephants. However, not effect of facilitation or competition were observed for the other herbivores, which lead to think that elephants do not influence lion trophic interaction in that way. Finally, by altering the physical environment (i.e. engineer species) the elephants affect the visibility and ambush sites for lions in the woody vegetation and ultimately seem to influence the lion kill site selection. This study suggests that indirect effects may act at the community level even if their observation and quantification are difficult in natural communities. Moreover, it supports the observation that it is important to take into account these indirect effects in order to have a thorough understanding and have a better ability to predict the consequences that disruptions may have on the structure and functioning of communities