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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 13.

Efficacy of Antibiotic-Impregnated Polymethylmethacrylate Beads in a Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) with Osteomyelitis.
Abstract Here we describe the successful surgical implementation of antibiotic-impregnated polymethylmethacrylate beads in a rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) with marked osteomyelitis. The macaque presented to the veterinary clinic with grossly contaminated bite wounds in the left ankle secondary to conspecific trauma. Radiographic findings were highly suggestive of osteomyelitis. Additional differential diagnoses included bony infarct, fracture, and cellulitis. In light of the location of the lesion and extensive tissue trauma, the animal had a poor prognosis. Systemic, broad-spectrum antibiotics were instituted. A...
Source: Comparative Medicine - October 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Kelly KR, Kapatkin AR, Zwingenberger AL, Christe KL Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

An Outbreak of Tularemia in a Colony of Outdoor-Housed Rhesus Macaques (Macaca mulatta).
Abstract Since an epizootic and detection of clinical cases of tularemia (Francisella tularensis) in 1996 at the Oregon National Primate Research Center, only 8 cases were identified in the succeeding 13 y. However, within a period of 7 mo, primarily during Winter 2010, 6 rhesus macaques were confirmed positive for Francisella tularensis type B by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention by culture and fluorescent antibody testing. All cases had similar gross pathologic findings, which included necrotizing splenitis and lymphadenitis. Recent colony management efforts have focused on minimizing nonhuman primat...
Source: Comparative Medicine - October 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Ferrecchia CE, Colgin LM, Andrews KR, Lewis AD Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Cerebrovascular accident (stroke) in captive, group-housed, female chimpanzees.
Abstract Over a 5-y period, 3 chimpanzees at our institution experienced cerebrovascular accidents (strokes). In light of the increasing population of aged captive chimpanzees and lack of literature documenting the prevalence and effectiveness of various treatments for stroke in chimpanzees, we performed a retrospective review of the medical records and necropsy reports from our institution. A survey was sent to other facilities housing chimpanzees that participate in the Chimpanzee Species Survival Plan to inquire about their experience with diagnosing and treating stroke. This case report describes the presentati...
Source: Comparative Medicine - October 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Jean SM, Preuss TM, Sharma P, Anderson DC, Provenzale JM, Strobert E, Ross SR, Stroud FC Tags: Comp Med Source Type: research

Changing use of camera traps in mammalian field research: habitats, taxa and study types
Abstract Camera traps are automated cameras, triggered by movements, used to collect photographic evidence of the presence of animals in field research. I asked whether the use of camera traps in mammalian field research is distributed evenly and increasing equally in a range of habitats, taxa and study types. I aimed to understand where camera traps are used and for what purposes. I identified the population of papers published since 1994 in which camera trap methodology was used. I then explored the population for defined habitats, taxa and study types. I tested the derived data for growth and distribution. Over 96% of ...
Source: Mammal Review - October 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Jamie Mccallum Tags: Review Source Type: research

Migration and dispersal patterns of bats and their influence on genetic structure
Abstract Bats are important ecosystems service providers, make a significant contribution to biodiversity and can be important pests and disease vectors. In spite of this, information on their migration and dispersal patterns is limited. In temperate bats, migration is most evident in females. This reflects seasonal differences in their habitat requirements, and the fact that seasonally suitable sites can be geographically distant. Tropical bats mainly migrate to track variation in food availability. Little direct information is available on the patterns and drivers of bat dispersal, although drivers may include mate c...
Source: Mammal Review - October 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Caroline Moussy, D.J. Hosken, F. Mathews, G.C. Smith, J.N. Aegerter, S. Bearhop Tags: Review Source Type: research

Brain anatomy in Diplura (Hexapoda)
Conclusions: Mushroom body and central body structure shows a high correspondence between japygids and campodeids. Some unique features indicate that neuroanatomy further supports the monophyly of Diplura. In a broader phylogenetic context, however, the polarization of brain characters becomes ambiguous. The mushroom bodies and the central body of Diplura in several aspects resemble those of Dicondylia, suggesting homology. In contrast, Archaeognatha completely lack mushroom bodies and exhibit a central body organization reminiscent of certain malacostracan crustaceans. Several hypotheses of brain evolution at the base of ...
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - October 11, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Alexander BöhmNikolaus SzucsichGünther Pass Source Type: research

A Quantitative Test of the Predicted Relationship between Countershading and Lighting Environment
William L. Allen, Roland Baddeley, Innes C. Cuthill and Nicholas E. Scott-Samuel, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

The Contrasting Roles of Growth Traits and Architectural Traits in Diversity Maintenance in Clonal Plant Communities
Radka Wildová, Deborah E. Goldberg and Tomáš Herben, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Male Pregnancy and Biparental Immune Priming
Olivia Roth, Verena Klein, Anne Beemelmanns, Jörn P. Scharsack and Thorsten B. H. Reusch, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

At which surface roughness do claws cling? Investigations with larvae of the running water mayfly Epeorus assimilis (Heptageniidae, Ephemeroptera).
Abstract Tarsal claws, which are common attachment devices in arthropods, interlock with the surface irregularities of the substrata. Most insects have two tarsal claws, but the larvae of some aquatic insects, such as Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera, bear only one claw on their tarsi. The range of surface roughness that is sufficient for the function of the single claws of aquatic invertebrates has not yet been investigated. In the present study, we investigated the surface texture required for the function of the claws of larvae of the mayfly, Epeorus assimilis. We conducted attachment experiments using replications...
Source: Zoology - October 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Ditsche-Kuru P, Barthlott W, Koop JH Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Terrestrial vertebrate richness of the inhabited Torres Strait Islands, Australia
Tyrone H. Lavery, Justin J. Watson, Luke K.-P. Leung
Source: Australian Journal of Zoology - October 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Tyrone H. LaveryJustin J. WatsonLuke K.-P. Leung Source Type: research

Distinct patterns of notochord mineralization in zebrafish coincide with the localization of Osteocalcin isoform 1 during early vertebral centra formation
Conclusions: If notochord mineralization occurs prior to arch formation, mineralization of the notochord sheath is ring-shaped. If notochord mineralization occurs after cartilaginous arch formation, mineralization of the notochord sheath starts at the insertion point of the arches, with a basiventral origin. The presence of ALP and Oc1, not only in cells outside the notochord, but also in the notochord epithelium, suggests an active role of the notochord in the mineralization process. The same may apply to Col II-positive chondrocytes of the caudalmost haemal arches that show ALP activity and Oc1 accumulation, since these ...
Source: BMC Developmental Biology - Latest articles - October 9, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Anabela Bensimon-BritoJoão CardeiraLeonor CancelaAnn HuysseuneEckhard Witten Source Type: research

Performance, Personality, and Energetics: Correlation, Causation, and Mechanism*
Vincent Careau and Theodore Garland Jr. Physiological and Biochemical Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: Physiological and Biochemical Zoology - October 8, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Positive Relationships between Association Strength and Phenotypic Similarity Characterize the Assembly of Mixed-Species Bird Flocks Worldwide
Hari Sridhar, Umesh Srinivasan, Robert A. Askins, Julio Cesar Canales-Delgadillo, Chao-Chieh Chen, David N. Ewert, George A. Gale, Eben Goodale, Wendy K. Gram, Patrick J. Hart, Keith A. Hobson, Richard L. Hutto, Sarath W. Kotagama, Jessie L. Knowlton, Tien Ming Lee, Charles A. Munn, Somchai Nimnuan, B. Z. Nizam, Guillaume Péron, V. V. Robin, Amanda D. Rodewald, Paul G. Rodewald, Robert L. Thomson, Pranav Trivedi, Steven L. Van Wilgenburg and Kartik Shanker, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 8, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Short-Lived Ants Take Greater Risks during Food Collection
Dawid Moroń, Magdalena Lenda, Piotr Skórka and Michał Woyciechowski, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 8, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Relationships between morphometric variables and age for captive individuals may not accurately estimate the age of free-ranging juvenile koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus)
Gail M. Tucker, I. Delma Clifton, Stephen C. McKillup
Source: Australian Journal of Zoology - October 8, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Gail M. TuckerI. Delma CliftonStephen C. McKillup Source Type: research

Den use, home range and territoriality of the koomal (Trichosurus vulpecula hypoleucus) with implications for current forest management strategies
Jennyffer Cruz, Duncan R. Sutherland, Luke K.-P. Leung
Source: Australian Journal of Zoology - October 8, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Jennyffer CruzDuncan R. SutherlandLuke K.-P. Leung Source Type: research

Retinoic acid synthesis and metabolism are concurrent in the mouse uterus during peri-implantation
Abstract Vitamin A (retinol) and its active metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), serve dual roles in the female reproductive tract. Cytochrome P450 26A1 (Cyp26a1), an RA-metabolizing enzyme, is involved in mammalian early pregnancy. In order to investigate the role of RA synthesis and metabolism during embryo implantation, we first investigated the spatiotemporal expression of RA-signal in the mouse uterus during the peri-implantation period. RA-signal-related molecules, including binding proteins, synthesizing enzymes, catabolizing enzymes and receptors, were all expressed in the mouse uterus during embryo impla...
Source: Cell and Tissue Research - October 6, 2012 Category: Cytology Tags: Cell and Tissue Research Source Type: research

Testing Metabolic Theories
Michael R. Kearney and Craig R. White, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 5, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

The Vitamin A–Redox Hypothesis: A Biochemical Basis for Honest Signaling via Carotenoid Pigmentation
Geoffrey E. Hill and James D. Johnson, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 5, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article E-Article Source Type: research

Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary: Pressures on Biodiversity
Trevor D. Price, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 5, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

In vivo and in vitro expression of the plasminogen activators and urokinase type plasminogen activator receptor (u-PAR) in the pig oviduct.
In conclusion, plasminogen activation system components might cooperate in the oviductal lumen to control plasmin generation. PMID: 23103014 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - October 5, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Roldán-Olarte M, García DC, Jiménez-Díaz M, Valdecantos PA, Miceli DC Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Differential sensitivity of honey bees and bumble bees to a dietary insecticide (imidacloprid).
Abstract Currently, there is concern about declining bee populations and the sustainability of pollination services. One potential threat to bees is the unintended impact of systemic insecticides, which are ingested by bees in the nectar and pollen from flowers of treated crops. To establish whether imidacloprid, a systemic neonicotinoid and insect neurotoxin, harms individual bees when ingested at environmentally realistic levels, we exposed adult worker bumble bees, Bombus terrestris L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), and honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), to dietary imidacloprid in feeder syrup at dosag...
Source: Zoology - October 5, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Cresswell JE, Page CJ, Uygun MB, Holmbergh M, Li Y, Wheeler JG, Laycock I, Pook CJ, de Ibarra NH, Smirnoff N, Tyler CR Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Histone acetylation mediates epigenetic regulation of transcriptional reprogramming in insects during metamorphosis, wounding and infection
Conclusions: Our study provides for the first evidence that pathogenic bacteria can interfere with the regulation of HDACs and HATs in insects which appear to manipulate host immunity and development. We conclude that histone acetylation/deacetylation in insects mediates transcriptional reprogramming during metamorphosis and in response to wounding and infection.
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - October 4, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Krishnendu MukherjeeRainer FischerAndreas Vilcinskas Source Type: research

Species diversity and genetic differentiation of stygofauna (Syncarida:Bathynellacea) across an alluvial aquifer in north-eastern Australia
B. D. Cook, K. M. Abrams, J. Marshall, C. N. Perna, S. Choy, M. T. Guzik, S. J. B. Cooper
Source: Australian Journal of Zoology - October 4, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: B. D. CookK. M. AbramsJ. MarshallC. N. PernaS. ChoyM. T. GuzikS. J. B. Cooper Source Type: research

Single layer centrifugation (SLC) improves sperm quality of cryopreserved Blanca-Celtibérica buck semen.
Abstract The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of sperm selection by means of single layer centrifugation (SLC) on sperm quality after cryopreservation, either when SLC is used before freezing or after thawing, using Blanca-Celtibérica buck semen collected by electroejaculation (EE). Ejaculates from six bucks were collected by EE and divided into two aliquots. One of them (unselected) was diluted with Biladyl(®) by the two-step method and frozen over nitrogen vapor. The other aliquot was selected by the SLC technique and subsequently frozen in the same way as the unselected samples (SLC before f...
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - October 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Jiménez-Rabadán P, Morrell JM, Johannisson A, Ramón M, García-Álvarez O, Maroto-Morales A, Alvaro-García PJ, Pérez-Guzmán MD, Fernández-Santos MR, Garde JJ, Soler AJ Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Sexual selection in a polygynous rodent (Ctenomys talarum): an analysis of fighting capacity.
Abstract The South American subterranean rodent genus Ctenomys (Caviomorpha: Octodontoidea), which uses both claws and teeth to dig, shows striking morphological adaptations to its specialized mode of life. Among other traits, the genus has evolved a powerful jaw musculature and procumbent incisors that are used for dento-excavation. Behavioral observations indicate that these traits are also used during male aggressive encounters, which characterize the polygynous mating system of one of the species of the genus, Ctenomys talarum. A question emerges about sexual selection: could it have induced further changes in ...
Source: Zoology - October 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Becerra F, Echeverría AI, Marcos A, Casinos A, Vassallo AI Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Spatial learning and memory retention in the grey bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium griseum).
This study investigated memory retention capabilities of spatial learning tasks in the grey bamboo shark (Chiloscyllium griseum, n=8) after behavioural training in a two-choice experiment (T-maze). Sharks learned to obtain food at a goal location, either by performing a specific turn response or by using a variety of external landmarks for guidance. Following successful training, sharks were subjected to several training breaks ranging from one to six weeks, after which they were tested again for memory retention capabilities. Sharks successfully mastered the spatial tasks after 5-21 sessions and retained this knowledge in...
Source: Zoology - October 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Schluessel V, Bleckmann H Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Hollowing or cavitation during follicular lumen formation in the differentiating thyroid of grass snake Natrix natrix L. (Lepidosauria, Serpentes) embryos? An ultrastructural study.
Abstract The mechanism of follicular lumen differentiation during thyroid gland morphogenesis in vertebrate classes is still unclear and the current knowledge regarding the origin and the mechanism of follicular lumen formation during thyroid differentiation in reptiles is especially poor. The present study reports on an ultrastructural investigation of thyroid follicle formation and follicular lumen differentiation in grass snake (Natrix natrix L.) embryos. The results of this study show that the earliest morphogenesis of the presumptive thyroid follicles in grass snake embryos appears to be similar to that descri...
Source: Zoology - October 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Rupik W Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Morphology matches mtDNA lineages in the southern smooth snake (Coronella girondica) from Iberia.
We examined the discriminative power of morphological characters between four mitochondrial clades covering almost the entire distribution area of the smooth snake Coronella girondica in the Western Mediterranean. We detected three characters showing sexual dimorphism (relative tail length, number of ventral and of subcaudal scale counts) and, more interestingly, two characters (number of subcaudal and of dorsal rows) displaying interclade differences. Almost all C. girondica examined had 21 dorsal rows except those from a narrow coastal belt in the south-eastern Iberian Peninsula, which had 19 dorsal rows. The distributio...
Source: Zoology - October 3, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Santos X, Rato C, Carranza S, Carretero MA, de la Vega JP, Pleguezuelos JM Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Zoology: Mother's stress slows learning
Nature 490, 7418 (2012). doi:10.1038/490008c Female sticklebacks that are confronted by predators while producing eggs generate offspring with impaired learning abilities.Katie McGhee of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and her colleagues used a fake predator to repeatedly chase one set of female threespined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus;
Source: Nature - October 3, 2012 Category: Research Tags: Research Highlights Source Type: research

Community-Level Consequences of Cannibalism
Jan Ohlberger, Øystein Langangen, Nils C. Stenseth, and L. Asbjørn Vøllestad, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Models of Experimental Competitive Intensities Predict Home and Away Differences in Invasive Impact and the Effects of an Endophytic Mutualist
Sa Xiao, Ragan M. Callaway, George Newcombe and Erik T. Aschehoug, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - October 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

No effect of sperm interactions or egg homogenate on sperm velocity in the blue mussel, Mytilus edulis (Bivalvia: Mytilidae)
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 1291-1296, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - October 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Feasibility of salvaging genetic potential of post-mortem fawns: Production of sperm in testis tissue xenografts from immature donor white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in recipient mice.
This study demonstrated, for the first time, that testis tissue xenografting from immature deer donors into recipient mice can successfully result in testicular maturation and development of spermatogenesis in the grafts up to the stage of sperm production. These results may therefore provide a model for salvaging genetic material from immature male white-tailed deer that die before reaching sexual maturity. PMID: 23084760 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Source: Animal Reproduction Science - October 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Abbasi S, Honaramooz A Tags: Anim Reprod Sci Source Type: research

Feeding biomechanics and theoretical calculations of bite force in bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas) during ontogeny.
In this study, we investigated biting performance and feeding biomechanics of immature and mature individuals from an ontogenetic series of an apex predator, the bull shark, Carcharhinus leucas (73-285cm total length). Theoretical bite force ranged from 36 to 2128N at the most anterior bite point, and 170 to 5914N at the most posterior bite point over the ontogenetic series. Scaling patterns differed among the two age groups investigated; immature bull shark bite force scaled with positive allometry, whereas adult bite force scaled isometrically. When the bite force of C. leucas was compared to those of 12 other cartilagin...
Source: Zoology - October 2, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Habegger ML, Motta PJ, Huber DR, Dean MN Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Polyandry in Bicyclus anynana Butterflies Results from Sexual Conflict over Mating
Abstract Although only one or just a few matings are considered sufficient to maximise a female's reproductive success, polyandry is a common mating system in insects and other animals. Female polyandry may either result from direct or indirect benefits of mating multiply, or from male harassment and thus sexual conflict over mating. Here, we test whether the latter is involved in determining female mating frequency in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana. We used a full‐factorial design with three different sex ratios and densities each, resulting in a total of nine treatment groups. Sex ratio but not density affected female ...
Source: Ethology - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Susann A. Janowitz, Klaus Fischer Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Comparative morphology of the tentorium and hypopharyngeal–premental sclerites in sporophagous and non‐sporophagous adult Aleocharinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae)
Abstract We elucidate the configuration of the tentorium and the sclerites of the hypopharynx–prementum complex in selected spore‐ (pollen‐) and non‐spore‐feeding Aleocharinae (Staphylinidae) by presenting the first comparative 3D reconstructions of these structures for 19 staphylinoid beetle species (six outgroups, 13 Aleocharinae). General organization of the tentorium follows the groundplan previously proposed for adult Staphylinidae, although some taxa have reduced or lost the dorsal (all Aleocharinae studied, Agathidium mandibulare [Leiodidae]) or anterior (Omalium rivulare [Omaliinae], Anotylus sculpturatus...
Source: Acta Zoologica - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Daniela Weide, Margaret K. Thayer, Oliver Betz Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

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Source: Journal of Exotic Pet Medicine - October 1, 2012 Category: Veterinary Research Authors: Dan Johnson Tags: Literature Review Source Type: research

A review of the human activities impacting cetaceans in the eastern tropical Atlantic
Abstract 1. The eastern tropical Atlantic (ETA), extending from Mauritania south to Angola, is inhabited by at least 34 cetacean species. Knowledge of cetaceans and the human activities affecting them in the ETA is scant. 2. Available literature was reviewed over three eras of ETA cetacean research: the whaling era (1700s–1950s); the stranding and specimen era (1950s–70s); and the modern field research era (1980s–present). Eight human activities were documented to impact ETA cetacean species: directed takes (whaling and small cetaceans); by‐catch or entanglement in fishing gear; the ETA tuna purse seine fisher...
Source: Mammal Review - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Caroline R. Weir, Graham J. Pierce Tags: Review Source Type: research

Structural organization of the toe pads in the amphibian Philautus annandalii (Boulenger, 1906)
We describe the morphology of toe pads in the Himalayan tree frog Philautus annandalii. These are expanded tips of digits and show modifications of their ventral epidermis for adhesion. The outer cells of toe pad epidermis (TPE) bear surface microstructures (0.7 × 0.2 μm), which are keratinized. Their cytoplasm contains no organelles, but pleomorphic nuclei and mucous granules (0.4–0.5 μm) that glue the keratin filaments. In the intermediate cell layer of TPE, similar keratinized microstructures as in the outer cells are present, so that when the outer layer is shed, it is ready with features for adhesion. These c...
Source: Acta Zoologica - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Saurabh Chakraborti, Debasish Das, Subrata K. De, Tapas C. Nag Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Ultrastructure and distribution of sensilla on the antennae of female fig wasp Eupristina sp. (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae)
We described external morphology, abundance, distribution, ultrastructure and discussed putative functions. We inferred from their ultrastructures as chemoreceptors that two types of multiporous placoid sensilla, BS and CoS, were innervated by sensory neurons. The aporous type ST, ChS, and SO were not innervated by dendrites which may function as mechanoreceptor/proprioceptor. These results were also discussed in relation to the interaction between Eupristina sp. and its host fig.
Source: Acta Zoologica - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Zongbo Li, Pei Yang, Yanqiong Peng, Darong Yang Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Seromucous anal gland in a New World hystricognath rodent Thrichomys apereoides (Lund, 1839)
In this study, the anal gland of nineteen adult individuals (11 males and 8 females) was analysed through histological and histochemical techniques. The gland was located in the submucosal of the anal region, cranial to the anus, and had an opening located dorsally in the rectum mucosa at approximately 1 mm from the anus. The gland was characterized as seromucous, secreting neutral glycoprotein. Not all individuals studied presented secretion in the glandular ducts, indicating a possible functional variation in the gland. This was the first record of an anal gland of the seromucous type in rodents.
Source: Acta Zoologica - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Sônia A. Talamoni, Miguel Angelo C. Assis, Melina Maciel F. Freitas, Hugo Pereira Godinho, Nilo Bazzoli Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Ultimate and proximate mechanisms underlying the occurrence of bears close to human settlements: review and management implications
Abstract 1. Large carnivores (LCs), such as bears (Ursidae), are commonly believed to occur near human settlements because they have a learned tolerance of humans (human habituation) and because they associate humans with accessible high‐quality foods (food conditioning). Young bears and females with cubs are often overrepresented among ‘problem’ bears near settlements. 2. We review the mechanisms underlying the occurrence of brown and black bears (Ursus arctos, Ursus americanus, Ursus thibetanus) near settlements, and consider four hypotheses designed to separate ultimate and proximate mechanisms. 3. Increase...
Source: Mammal Review - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Marcus Elfström, Andreas Zedrosser, Ole‐Gunnar Støen, Jon E. Swenson Tags: Review Source Type: research

Arctic ground squirrels Urocitellus parryii as drivers and indicators of change in northern ecosystems
Abstract Global warming and increasing human activity are altering northern ecosystems. In these strongly seasonal environments, small herbivorous mammals may have a significant role in determining the trajectory of ecosystem transitions from one state to another. Arctic ground squirrels Urocitellus parryii are a key component of northern terrestrial food webs and are considered ecosystem engineers, exerting a large impact on their habitat through bioturbation. We review and synthesize diverse information about current and past distribution and density of arctic ground squirrels, their physiology and ecological interactio...
Source: Mammal Review - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Helen C. Wheeler, David S. Hik Tags: Review Source Type: research

Comparative ultrastructure of the spermatozoa of the Majoidea (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura) with new data on six species in five genera
Abstract Comparative ultrastructure of majoid spermatozoa belonging to 23 species, in 19 genera and five families, is considered, with new data on Schizophrys aspera; S. rufescens (Majidae, Majinae); Camposcia retusa (Inachidae); Pyromaia tuberculata (Inachoididae); and Huenia heraldica and Menaethius monoceros (Epialtidae, Epialtinae). The oregoniid Chionoecetes opilio, and inachids Cyrtomaia furici, Platymaia rebierei, Macropodia longirostris and Inachus phalangium, possibly with Camposcia retusa, but not Podochela riisei, appear to form a group. Within the inachids, Macropodia and Inachus are especially close. A domed ...
Source: Acta Zoologica - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Christopher C. Tudge, David M. Scheltinga, Barrie G. M. Jamieson, Danièle Guinot, Bertrand Richer de Forges Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Marine mammal culling programs: review of effects on predator and prey populations
Abstract Culling is widely practised as a means to reduce predation effects of terrestrial carnivores, birds and marine mammals in many parts of the world. Of marine mammals, coastal pinniped species have usually been the target of culling programs, but dolphins and a large odontocete have also been culled. We reviewed the published literature on marine mammal culling programs to evaluate the extent of their efficacy as a fisheries management measure. Changes in species' distributions and abundance demonstrate that culling programs can be very effective at reducing predator density. Several conclusions from experiment...
Source: Mammal Review - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: W. D. Bowen, Damian Lidgard Tags: Review Source Type: research

Association of swine vertnin (VRTN) gene with production traits in Duroc pigs improved using a closed nucleus breeding system
Abstract Vertnin (VRTN) is involved in the variation of vertebral number in pigs and it is located on Sus scrofa chromosome 7. Vertebral number is related to body size in pigs, and many reports have suggested presence of an association between body length (BL) and meat production traits. Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between the VRTN genotype and the production and body composition traits in purebred Duroc pigs. Intramuscular fat content (IMF) in the Longissimus muscle was significantly associated with the VRTN genotype. The mean IMF of individuals with the wild‐type genotype (Wt/Wt) (5.22%) was greater than th...
Source: Animal Science Journal - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Kensuke Hirose, Satoshi Mikawa, Naohiko Okumura, Go Noguchi, Kazuo Fukawa, Naoe Kanaya, Ayumi Mikawa, Aisaku Arakawa, Tetsuya Ito, Yoichi Hayashi, Fumio Tachibana, Takashi Awata Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Character distribution maps: a visualization method for comparative cladistics
Abstract The rise of computational methods and widespread availability of phylogenetic software packages has resulted in a dramatic increase in the number of phylogenetic analyses published each year. We anticipate that as the number of workers and the number of analyses continues to increase, interest in so‐called ‘meta‐analyses’ that compare not just the resultant trees, but the data themselves, will also increase. Here, we demonstrate a simple method for authors to facilitate such comparisons by visually representing the character data included in their analyses, the Character Distribution Map (CDM).
Source: Acta Zoologica - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: John A. Whitlock, Jeffrey A. Wilson Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Histology of the venom gland of Trachinus draco (Actinopterygii, Trachinidae)
Abstract The structure of the venom gland of Trachinus draco was studied by histological techniques using light microscopy. New structures in the large glandular cells were detected, including concentric cytoplasmic laminae, basal vesicles, silver nitrate staining cytoplasmic granules, and a high affinity for wheat‐germ agglutinin lectin in the cytoplasm of mature large glandular cells.We also describe morphologic changes of the venom gland during thermal test. At low temperatures, the large glandular cells and their nuclei become enlarged, whereas at high temperatures the large glandular cells are smaller and their nucl...
Source: Acta Zoologica - October 1, 2012 Category: Zoology Authors: Andrés Portillo Strempel, Enrique Herrera Ceballos Tags: Original Article Source Type: research