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This page shows you the most recent publications within this specialty of the MedWorm directory. This is page number 2.

Spontaneous melanotic lesions in axillary seabream, Pagellus acarne (Risso)
Abstract In this article, we describe spontaneous melanotic lesions in the skin of axillary seabream, Pagellus acarne (Risso), from a defined area of the Portuguese Coast, located in Cabo da Roca and Foz do Arelho. The lesions corresponded to the black pigmentation spots on the skin of the head, fins, lips and conjunctiva and, additionally, black nodules on the skin of the head and lips. In some specimens, the nodular formations in the head changed their anatomical conformation. Histologically, there were melanophores scattered along the basement membrane or forming aggregates in the dermis, infiltrating the subcutaneous t...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - February 6, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: P Ramos, P Victor, S Branco Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Reliability of individual and pooled test procedures for detecting the pathogenic agent for clinical infectious salmon anaemia
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - February 6, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: M Hall, I S Wallace, L A Munro, E S Munro, R McIntosh, P Cook, C E T Allan, A G Murray Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Evaluation of fixation methods for demonstration of Neoparamoeba perurans infection in Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., gills
This study used a general approach to evaluate five different fixatives for Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., gills. Neutral‐buffered formalin and seawater Davidson's, formaldehyde‐based fixatives commonly used in fish histopathology, were compared to formalin‐free commercial fixatives PAXgene®, HistoChoice™MB* and RNAlater™. Each fixative was assessed by a suite of analyses used to demonstrate AGD including routine histochemical stains, immunohistochemical stains, ISH and DNA extraction followed by PCR. All five fixatives were suitable for histological examination of Atlantic salmon gills, with seawater Davidson...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - February 6, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: K Cadoret, A R Bridle, M J Leef, B F Nowak Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Evolutionary history of relict Congeria (Bivalvia: Dreissenidae): unearthing the subterranean biodiversity of the Dinaric Karst
Conclusions: Following the turbulent evolution of the Dreissenidae during the Tertiary and major radiations in Lake Pannon, species of Congeria went extinct. One lineage survived, however, by adopting a unique life history strategy that suited it to the underground environment. In light of our new data, an alternative scenario for its colonisation of the karst is proposed. The extant Congeria comprises three sister species that, to date, have only been found to live in 15 caves in the Dinaric karst. Inter-specific morphological stasis and intra-specific ecophenotypic plasticity of the congerid shell demonstrate the contras...
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - February 6, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Helena Biland¿ijaBrian MortonMartina PodnarHelena ¿etkovi¿ Source Type: research

Synergistic interaction of an endo-β-1,4-glucanase and a β-glucohydrolase leads to more efficient hydrolysis of cellulose-like polymers in the gecarcinid land crab, Gecarcoidea natalis
Benjamin J. Allardyce, Stuart M. Linton
Source: Australian Journal of Zoology - February 6, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Benjamin J. AllardyceStuart M. Linton Source Type: research

Issue Information
Source: Animal Science Journal - February 5, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: Issue Information Source Type: research

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) transfer tokens repeatedly with a partner to accumulate rewards in a self-control task.
Abstract There has been extensive research investigating self-control in humans and nonhuman animals, yet we know surprisingly little about how one's social environment influences self-control. The present study examined the self-control of chimpanzees in a task that required active engagement with conspecifics. The task consisted of transferring a token back and forth with a partner animal in order to accumulate food rewards, one item per token transfer. Self-control was required because at any point in the trial, either chimpanzee could obtain their accumulated rewards, but doing so discontinued the food accumula...
Source: Animal Cognition - February 5, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Parrish AE, Perdue BM, Evans TA, Beran MJ Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Zoological nomenclature in the digital era
Alessandro Minelli calls for radical changes to zoological nomenclature and envisages a future where the act of registering a name, with accompanying taxonomic data, would confer the availability of that name in the same way that publication does currently.
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - February 4, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Alessandro Minelli Source Type: research

Temporal activity and dietary selection in two coexisting desert snakes, the Saharan sand viper (Cerastes vipera) and the crowned leafnose (Lytorhynchus diadema).
Abstract The Saharan sand viper (Cerastes vipera) and the crowned leafnose (Lytorhynchus diadema) are two snake species well adapted to desert sand dunes and, in Israel, coexist in the western Negev Desert. C. vipera is a sit-and-wait ambusher while L. diadema is an active hunter. We studied the seasonal and diel activity patterns and dietary selection of these two species while free-living in the field. Both species were active from early spring until late fall but displayed (i) different seasonal activity patterns -C. vipera was bimodal with peaks in spring and autumn whereas L. diadema was basically unimodal wit...
Source: Zoology - February 2, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Sivan J, Kam M, Hadad S, Degen AA, Rozenboim I, Rosenstrauch A Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Reciprocal inhibition of in vitro substrate movement into avian skeletal muscle.
Abstract Plasma glucose and ketone concentrations are much higher in birds than in humans and birds exhibit resistance to insulin-mediated glucose uptake into muscle. Therefore, birds may offer a model in which to examine the effects of high plasma glucose and free fatty acid (FFA) concentrations on substrate preference. The present study examined the uptake of radiolabeled oleic acid (OA; C18:1) and radiolabeled glucose by skeletal muscle isolated from the forewing of English sparrows (Passer domesticus). In dose-response studies, unlabeled glucose and OA (20mM each) inhibited the uptake of their respective radiol...
Source: Zoology - February 2, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Sweazea KL, Braun EJ Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Somatosensation, echolocation, and underwater sniffing: adaptations allow mammals without traditional olfactory capabilities to forage for food underwater.
Abstract Animals rely mainly on olfaction to locate and track food sources. However, mammals that have evolved to live partially or fully underwater are unable to use traditional olfaction in the foraging process. These animals have subsequently developed alternative underwater foraging techniques. Cetaceans (e.g. dolphins) live exclusively underwater, and most utilize a highly developed sonar system for navigation and tracking of prey. Pinnipeds (e.g. seals) live on land, but forage underwater. These animals' highly sensitive whiskers allow them to locate food sources. Sirenians (e.g. manatees), the only herbivoro...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Marriott S, Cowan E, Cohen J, Hallock RM Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Two Patterns of Parasitic Male Mating Behaviors and their Reproductive Success in Japanese Medaka, Oryzias latipes.
Abstract We found two patterns of parasitic mating behaviors by male in Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes, in the spawning by one female and two males in the aquarium condition. In the first type of parasitic mating behavior, the unpaired male would rush toward the closely adhering female and paired male, and simultaneously perform emission behavior with close adhesion to the female (simultaneous emission). The second type of parasitic mating behavior was that the unpaired male would rush toward the female with spawned eggs hanging down from the genital pore several seconds after pair-spawning, perform emission beha...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Koya Y, Koike Y, Onchi R, Munehara H Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Genetic diversity and population structure of two lancelets along the coast of china.
Abstract The western Pacific lancelet, once recognized as a monospecies, Branchiostoma belcheri, is a frequently used model in evolutionary and developmental studies, and researchers usually collect samples from the field without consideration of species identification and genetic divergence. However, recent studies found divergence of the lancelets from different localities and divided this monospecies into two separate species (S. belcheri and B. japonicum). To further estimate the genetic diversity of lancelet populations and the cause of their formation, we sampled 70 individuals from four major distribution ar...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Li W, Zhong J, Wang Y Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Reproduction and Morphology of the Common Lizard (Zootoca vivipara) from Montane Populations in Slovakia.
Abstract The common lizard, Zootoca vivipara (Lichtenstein, 1823), shows high variation in life histories and morphology across its range, which comprises almost the entire Palearctic region. However, this variation is not congruent with the species phylogeny. This suggests an important role of the environment in shaping the variation in morphology and life histories of this species. As most data on life histories originate from only a small number of populations and do not cover the species' geographic range and phylogenetic diversity, to fill a gap and provide more information for future comparative studies we in...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Horváthová T, Baláž M, Jandzik D Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Oriental Orchid (Cymbidium floribundum) Attracts the Japanese Honeybee (Apis cerana japonica) with a Mixture of 3-Hydroxyoctanoic Acid and 10-Hydroxy- (E)-2-Decenoic Acid.
Abstract The flower of the oriental orchid Cymbidium floribundum is known to attract the Japanese honeybee Apis cerana japonica. This effect is observed not only in workers but also drones and queens; that is, it attracts even swarming and absconding bees. A mixture of 3-hydroxyoctanoic acid (3-HOAA) and 10-hydroxy-(E)-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA) was identified as the active principles from the orchid flower, whereas these compounds individually have no such activity. Both compounds are also mandibular gland components of worker honeybees with related compounds. This strongly supports the idea that orchid flowers mimi...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Sugahara M, Izutsu K, Nishimura Y, Sakamoto F Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Comparative Cytogenetics among Populations of Hollandichthys multifasciatus (Teleostei: Characidae).
Abstract Two populations of Hollandichthys multifasciatus from headwaters of adjacent river coastal basins in Paraná state, southern Brazil, were cytogenetically studied in order to evaluate intraspecific divergences. Both populations presented 2n = 50 chromosomes, divided into 14m + 18sm + 18st in the sample from Antonina and 14m + 20sm + 16st for the population from Guaraqueçaba. Analyses of active nucleolar organizer regions (Ag-NORs) and fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) with 18S rDNA probes revealed a single metacentric pair bearing marks at proximal positions on the short arms. The location of the 5S...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Balen RE, Noleto RB, Vicari MR, Artoni RF, Cestari MM Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Comparative study of the pheromone-manufacturing femoral glands in two sympatric species of lacertid lizards (acanthodactylus).
Abstract Femoral glands are holocrine structures that produce compounds used by lizards as pheromones. Few studies have investigated the morphology and ultrastructure of these glands. We chose a closely related species pair from a lizard family having femoral glands in male and female of both species to illustrate comparative morphology and ultrastructure and their implications for the mechanism of secretion dispersal to the environment. We also aimed to test whether the structure and mechanism of secretion production differ between related species. In addition, we sought to gain a better understanding of the holoc...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Khannoon ER, Dollahon NR, Bauer AM Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Thermographic analysis of body surface temperature of mammals.
This study tested the possibility that body surface temperature (Tbs), responsible for heat loss through radiation and convection, may vary systematically with the animal's body mass (M). Tbs was measured by whole body thermography in 53 specimens from 37 eutherian mammals ranging in M from a few grams to several tons. Numerous thermographs were taken from all angles, indoor, with the animals standing still in absence of air convection and of external radiant sources, at the ambient temperature of 20-22°C, 22-25°C, or 25-27°C. Data were analysed as whole body surface average, as average of the "effective" body surface a...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Mortola JP Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Gonadal sex differentiation in frogs: how testes become shorter than ovaries.
We described the morphology of developing testes in Rana temporaria and Hyla arborea, and made careful histology and ultrastructure in Pelophylax lessonae. The developing testis was divided into 10 stages (I-III, undifferentiated gonad, IV-X, testis). The earliest morphological symptoms of testis differentiation were observed in 4- to 5-week-old tadpoles at Gosner stage 27-28. At that time an undifferentiated gonad, composed of 6-9 metameres, differentiates into a testis. The proximal metameres (2-3 in the right gonad and 3-4 in the left one) differentiate into a functional testis, while the distal ones degenerate. The dif...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Haczkiewicz K, Ogielska M Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

The Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH)-Like Molecule in Prosobranch Patella caerulea: Potential Biomarker of Endocrine-Disrupting Compounds in Marine Environments.
Abstract It has been reported that endocrine disrupter compounds (EDCs) interfere with the endocrine system, mimicking the action of sex steroid hormones in different species of mollusks. Prosobranchs are frequently used as a reliable bioindicator to evaluate EDC exposure. In this article, we evaluate the effects of the xenoestrogen 4-n-nonylphenol (NP) in the prosobranch gastropod Patella caerulea, which exhibits protandrous hermaphroditism as its reproductive strategy. We isolated a partial sequence of a GnRH-like molecule from the gonads of Patella caerulea. The deduced amino acid sequence is highly homologous t...
Source: Zoological Science - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Lisa ED, Carella F, Vico GD, Cosmo AD Tags: Zoolog Sci Source Type: research

Polymorphism of the Melatonin Receptor Genes and its Relationship with Seasonal Reproduction in the Gulin Ma Goat Breed
Contents Melatonin is thought to be the main molecule that transmits the signal of seasonal change to the neuroendocrine system in seasonal breeding species. Melatonin exerts its effects through specific melatonin receptors, MTNR1A and MTNR1B. In the present study, six native goat breeds in China and one introduced goat breed were analysed to investigate the relationship between the genetic polymorphism of receptor genes and seasonal reproduction. Sequencing results showed that there were five polymorphic mutations in the MTNR1A gene and two in the MTNR1B gene. In the MTNR1A gene, genotypes AA, AB and BB for 424C>T and ...
Source: Reproduction in Domestic Animals - February 1, 2013 Category: Reproduction Medicine Authors: P Lai, BY Zhang, PQ Wang, MX Chu, WJ Song, BJ Cai Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

A study of Newcastle disease virus obtained from exotic caged birds in Tehran between 2009 and 2010.
In this study, the PCR test was found to be a more sensitive and powerful method than the HA and HI tests for detection of NDV reservoirs and carrier status in exotic birds. Also, the frequency of infection with the virulent type showed that the exotic birds should probably be considered one of the main causes of recurrent annual epidemics of Newcastle disease in endemic regions. PMID: 23391178 [PubMed - in process]
Source: Avian Pathology - February 1, 2013 Category: Pathology Authors: Madadgar O, Karimi V, Nazaktabar A, Kazemimanesh M, Ghafari MM, Azimi Dezfouli SM, Hojjati P Tags: Avian Pathol Source Type: research

Purification of white spot syndrome virus by iodixanol density gradient centrifugation
Abstract Up to now, only a few brief procedures for purifying white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) have been described. They were mainly based on sucrose, NaBr and CsCl density gradient centrifugation. This work describes for the first time the purification of WSSV through iodixanol density gradients, using virus isolated from infected tissues and haemolymph of Penaeus vannamei (Boone). The purification from tissues included a concentration step by centrifugation (2.5 h at 60 000 g) onto a 50% iodixanol cushion and a purification step by centrifugation (3 h at 80 000 g) through a discontinuous iodixanol gradient (phospha...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: J J Dantas‐Lima, M Corteel, M Cornelissen, P Bossier, P Sorgeloos, H J Nauwynck Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Olfactory Snake‐Predator Discrimination in the Cape Ground Squirrel
Abstract Small mammals have a number of means to detect and avoid predators, including visual, auditory and olfactory cues. Olfactory cues are particularly important for nocturnal or fossorial species where visual cues would not be as reliable. The Cape ground squirrel (Xerus inauris) is a semi‐fossorial, diurnal mammal from southern Africa. Cape ground squirrels encounter multiple species of predatory snake that pursue individuals underground where visual and social cues are limited. We assessed whether Cape ground squirrels use odours to discriminate between snakes by presenting a non‐venomous snake, a venomous snake...
Source: Ethology - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Molly A. Phillips, Jane M. Waterman Tags: Research Paper Source Type: research

Understanding Mimicry – with Special Reference to Vocal Mimicry
Abstract The term mimicry was introduced to biology in 1862 by Henry Walter Bates in his evolutionary explanation of deceptive communication in nature, based on a three‐part interaction system of a mimicked organism or object (called model), a mimicking organism (called mimic), and one or more organisms as selecting agents. Bates gave two incongruous definitions of mimicry: one from the viewpoint of a natural agent that selects for, and in consequence is deceived by, the close resemblance of a toxic model's warning signal and the similar appearance of a palatable mimic, and another one from the viewpoint of a human taxon...
Source: Ethology - February 1, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Wolfgang Wickler Tags: Current Issues – Perspectives and Reviews Source Type: research

Effects of agricultural intensification and temperature on immune response to phytohemagglutinin in Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor)
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 56-63, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - January 31, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

The ontogenetic ritualization of bonobo gestures.
Abstract Great apes communicate with gestures in flexible ways. Based on several lines of evidence, Tomasello and colleagues have posited that many of these gestures are learned via ontogenetic ritualization-a process of mutual anticipation in which particular social behaviors come to function as intentional communicative signals. Recently, Byrne and colleagues have argued that all great ape gestures are basically innate. In the current study, for the first time, we attempted to observe the process of ontogenetic ritualization as it unfolds over time. We focused on one communicative function between bonobo mothers ...
Source: Animal Cognition - January 31, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Halina M, Rossano F, Tomasello M Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Taking personality selection bias seriously in animal cognition research: a case study in capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella).
In this study, we trained eighteen zoo-housed capuchin monkeys (Sapajus apella) for two experiments, under conditions of positive reinforcement (i.e. food rewards) and free-choice participation. Using a combination of behavioral and rater-based methods, we identified and validated five personality dimensions in these capuchins (Assertiveness, Openness, Neuroticism, Sociability, and Attentiveness). Scores on Openness were positively related to individual differences in monkey task participation, reflecting previous work showing that such individuals are often more active, curious, and willing to engage in testing. We also f...
Source: Animal Cognition - January 31, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Morton FB, Lee PC, Buchanan-Smith HM Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Ovary organization and oogenesis in two species of Lumbriculida (Annelida, Clitellata).
Abstract The aim of the present study is to describe the organization of the ovary and mode of oogenesis at the ultrastructural level in two representatives of Lumbriculida -Lumbriculus variegatus and Stylodrilus heringianus. In both species studied, the ovaries are small and conically shaped structures that are attached to the intersegmental septum via a thin ligament. The ovaries are composed of germline cysts formed by germ cells interconnected by stable cytoplasmic bridges. As a rule, the cyst center is occupied by a poorly developed anuclear cytoplasmic mass, termed a cytophore, whereas the germ cells are loca...
Source: Zoology - January 31, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Urbisz AZ, Swiątek P Tags: Zoology (Jena) Source Type: research

Dynamics of symbiont-mediated antibiotic production reveal efficient long-term protection for beewolf offspring
Conclusions: The antibiotic production by the beewolf symbionts serves as a reliable protection for the wasp offspring against pathogenic microorganisms during the long and unpredictable developmental phase in the subterranean brood cells. Thus, the beewolf-Streptomyces symbiosis provides one of the rare examples of antibiotics serving as an efficient defense in the natural environment and may aid in devising new strategies for the utilization of antibiotic combination therapies in human medicine against increasingly resistant bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - January 31, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Sabrina KoehlerJan DoubskýMartin Kaltenpoth Source Type: research

Circulating carotenoid levels are negatively associated with previous reproductive success in Florida Scrub-Jays (Aphelocoma coerulescens)
Canadian Journal of Zoology, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page 64-70, e-First articles.
Source: Canadian Journal of Zoology - January 30, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

Zoology: Turtle arrested development
Nature 493, 7434 (2013). doi:10.1038/493581d Some reptile species give birth to live young, but turtles have never evolved to do so — perhaps because of low oxygen levels in their egg-laying tubes, or oviducts.Anthony Rafferty at Monash University in Clayton, Australia, and his group show that oxygen diffused more
Source: Nature - January 30, 2013 Category: Research Tags: Research Highlights Source Type: research

Evolutionary origins of ultrasonic hearing and laryngeal echolocation in bats inferred from morphological analyses of the inner ear
Conclusions: The two main groups of echolocating bat were found to display highly variable inner ear morphologies. Ancestral reconstructions and rate shift analyses of ear morphology point to a complex evolutionary history, with the former supporting ultrasonic hearing in the common bat ancestor but the latter suggesting that morphological changes associated with echolocation might have occurred later. These findings are consistent with theories that sophisticated laryngeal echolocation, as seen in modern lineages, evolved following the divergence of the two main suborders.
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - January 30, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Kalina DaviesIbnu MaryantoStephen Rossiter Source Type: research

Dispersal and gene flow in free-living marine nematodes
Dispersal and gene flow determine connectivity among populations, and can be studied through population genetics and phylogeography. We here review the results of such a framework for free-living marine nematodes. Although field experiments have illustrated substantial dispersal in nematodes at ecological time scales, analysis of the genetic diversity illustrated the importance of priority effects, founder effects and genetic bottlenecks for population structuring between patches
Source: Frontiers in Zoology - January 28, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Sofie DeryckeThierry BackeljauTom Moens Source Type: research

Sensitivity and specificity of a commercial BSE kit for the detection of ovine scrapie
Abstract To examine the sensitivity of a commercially available bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) kit (NippIBL) for the detection of ovine scrapie, 50 scrapie‐positive ovine samples from the UK, and 54 scrapie‐negative ovine samples from Japan were obtain and tested using this kit. The sensitivity and specificity of NippIBL for ovine samples were 96% and 100%, respectively. The detection limit of the abnormal isoform of prion protein (PrPSc) of NippIBL was examined using diluted scrapie‐positive samples. The sensitivity of NippIBL to ovine scrapie was 3–10 times superior to that of another commercial BSE diagn...
Source: Animal Science Journal - January 27, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Takuji Yamamoto, Yuko Ushiki‐Kaku, Takashi Yokoyama, Shunji Hattori Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Comparison of the effects explained by variations in the bovine PLAG1 and NCAPG genes on daily body weight gain, linear skeletal measurements and carcass traits in Japanese Black steers from a progeny testing program
This study aimed to compare the effects of the two QTL on growth and carcass traits using 768 Japanese Black steers from a progeny testing program and to determine whether a genetic interaction was present between them. The FJX_250879 SNP representing the stature QTL was associated with linear skeletal measurements and average daily body weight gain at early and late periods during adolescence. A genetic interaction between FJX_250879 and NCAPG c.1326T>G was detected only for body and rump lengths. Both were associated with increased carcass weight and Longissimus muscle area, and NCAPG c.1326T>G was also associated ...
Source: Animal Science Journal - January 27, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Hiroshi Hoshiba, Kouji Setoguchi, Toshio Watanabe, Akihiro Kinoshita, Kazunori Mizoshita, Yoshikazu Sugimoto, Akiko Takasuga Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Measurement of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies in serum and colostrum of Holstein and Japanese Black cows
Abstract Anti‐ferritin autoantibody is a ferritin‐binding protein commonly found in mammals; it is thought to form an immune complex with ferritin and thereby mediate the rapid clearance of circulating ferritin. The aim of this study is to determine concentrations of ferritin and anti‐ferritin autoantibodies (immunoglobulin (Ig)M, IgG and IgA) in serum and colostrum of Holstein (H) and Japanese Black (JB) cows within 24 h of normal calving. Blood and colostrum samples were collected from cows of various ages (2–11 years) and calving number (1–8 live births). Mean ferritin concentrations were higher in colostrum...
Source: Animal Science Journal - January 27, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Yoshiya Kanno, Hiromichi Ohtsuka, Yasunaga Yoshikawa, Kiyotaka Watanabe, Koichi Orino Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Recent progress in bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer
Abstract Bovine somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos can develop to the blastocyst stage at a rate similar to that of embryos produced by in vitro fertilization. However, the full‐term developmental rate of SCNT embryos is very low, owing to the high embryonic and fetal losses after embryo transfer. In addition, increased birth weight and postnatal mortality are observed at high rates in cloned calves. The low efficiency of SCNT is probably attributed to incomplete reprogramming of the donor nucleus and most of the developmental problems of clones are thought to be caused by epigenetic defects. Applications of SC...
Source: Animal Science Journal - January 27, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Satoshi Akagi, Masaya Geshi, Takashi Nagai Tags: Review Article Source Type: research

Production of bioactive bovine fibroblast growth factor 4 in E. coli based on the common nucleotide sequence of its structural gene in three breeds
In conclusion, the present study provides a simple method for the production of a bioactive bovine FGF4 derivative in E. coli utilizing its structural gene elucidated by us.
Source: Animal Science Journal - January 27, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Saiko Sugawara, Toshihiko Ito, Sho Sato, Mari Yokoo, Yuki Mori, Kano Kasuga, Ikuo Kojima, Tomokazu Fukuda, Ken‐ichi Yamanaka, Miki Sakatani, Masashi Takahashi, Masayuki Kobayashi Tags: Rapid Communication Source Type: research

Bench‐top validation testing of selected immunological and molecular Renibacterium salmoninarum diagnostic assays by comparison with quantitative bacteriological culture
Abstract No gold standard assay exhibiting error‐free classification of results has been identified for detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum, the causative agent of salmonid bacterial kidney disease. Validation of diagnostic assays for R. salmoninarum has been hindered by its unique characteristics and biology, and difficulties in locating suitable populations of reference test animals. Infection status of fish in test populations is often unknown, and it is commonly assumed that the assay yielding the most positive results has the highest diagnostic accuracy, without consideration of misclassification of results. In...
Source: Journal of Fish Diseases - January 26, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: D G Elliott, L J Applegate, A L Murray, M K Purcell, C L McKibben Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Chickadees fail standardized operant tests for octave equivalence.
Abstract Octave equivalence occurs when an observer judges notes separated by a doubling in frequency perceptually similar. The octave appears to form the basis of pitch change in all human cultures and thus may be of biological origin. Previously, we developed a nonverbal operant conditioning test of octave generalization and transfer in humans. The results of this testing showed that humans with and without musical training perceive the octave relationship between pitches. Our goal in the current study was to determine whether black-capped chickadees, a North American songbird, perceive octave equivalence. We cho...
Source: Animal Cognition - January 26, 2013 Category: Zoology Authors: Hoeschele M, Weisman RG, Guillette LM, Hahn AH, Sturdy CB Tags: Anim Cogn Source Type: research

Experimental Test of an Eco-evolutionary Dynamic Feedback Loop between Evolution and Population Density in the Green Peach Aphid
Martin M. Turcotte, David N. Reznick and J. Daniel Hare, The American Naturalist, Volume 0, Issue 0, Page S000, Ahead of Print.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Source Type: research

How Did the Swiss Cheese Plant Get Its Holes?
Christopher D. Muir The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page 273-281, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Notes and Comments Source Type: research

The Predictive Adaptive Response: Modeling the Life-History Evolution of the Butterfly Bicyclus anynana in Seasonal Environments.
Joost van den Heuvel, Marjo Saastamoinen, Paul M. Brakefield, Thomas B. L. Kirkwood, Bas J. Zwaan, and Daryl P. Shanley The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page E28-E42, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article E-Articles Source Type: research

Sexually Antagonistic Coevolution for Sexual Harassment Can Act as a Barrier to Further Invasions by Parthenogenesis.
Kazutaka Kawatsu The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page 223-234, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Articles Source Type: research

Large-Scale Natural Disturbance Alters Genetic Population Structure of the Sailfin Molly, Poecilia latipinna.
Joseph J. Apodaca, Joel C. Trexler, Nathaniel K. Jue, Matthew Schrader, and Joseph Travis The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page 254-263, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Natural History Miscellany Source Type: research

Female Mate Fidelity in a Lek Mating System and Its Implications for the Evolution of Cooperative Lekking Behavior.
E. H. DuVal The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page 213-222, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Articles Source Type: research

Genetic Constraints on Dishonesty and Caste Dimorphism in an Ant.
Luke Holman, Timothy A. Linksvayer, and Patrizia d’Ettorre The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page 161-170, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Articles Source Type: research

Limited Oxygen Availability In Utero May Constrain the Evolution of Live Birth in Reptiles.
Anthony R. Rafferty, Roger G. Evans, T. Franciscus Scheelings, and Richard D. Reina The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page 245-253, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Articles Source Type: research

A Novel Report of Hatching Plasticity in the Phylum Echinodermata.
A. Frances Armstrong, Holly N. Blackburn, and Jonathan D. Allen The American Naturalist, Volume 181, Issue 2, Page 264-272, February 2013.
Source: The American Naturalist - January 24, 2013 Category: Zoology Tags: article Natural History Miscellany Source Type: research