Hasil untuk "Zoology"

Maher Alnajjar, Zsófia Fekete, Tibor Nagy et al.

Allele-specific expression (ASE) reflects the unequal expression of the parental alleles and can imply functional variants in cis-regulatory elements. The conventional ASE detection methods often depend on the presence of heterozygous variants in transcripts or sequencing a large number of individuals, both of which are often limited. In this study, we present a family-based strategy for detecting ASE and potential cis-regulatory elements utilizing both RNA-seq and whole-genome sequencing (WGS) from a pedigree. Using a rabbit family consisting of two divergent parents and their eight offspring, we identified 913 ASE genes by analyzing inheritance patterns of gene expression levels. Expression was classified into three levels—high, medium, and low—and used to define seven distinct expression groups across the family (e.g., H_L: high in the mother, low in the father, and intermediate in the offspring). Many ASE genes lacked heterozygous exonic variants, and inference was achieved via RNA read count patterns. We also pinpointed conserved transcription factor binding sites (TFBS) with sequence variants showing similar inherited genotypic patterns (e.g., AAxBB), suggesting their regulatory roles as eQTLs. Differential gene expression (DEG) analysis between the parents highlighted some candidate genes related to meat production and quality traits. Our findings show that the family-based method using RNA-seq and WGS data is promising for exploring ASE and mapping possible eQTLs.

Tian Han, Wei Cao, Lize San et al.

Japanese flounder is usually gonochoristic, with gonads that are either testes or ovaries. Here, we report an unusual case of hermaphroditism in Japanese flounder captured from the Bohai Sea. In the intersex flounder, the membrane of the upper ovary was closely connected to the abdominal muscles and internal organs, and the eggs filled the entire abdomen. The lower ovary was small and closely connected to the testes. The testes contained few fully mature sperm. Both eggs and sperm were capable of fertilization. The levels of several reproduction-related hormones (17β-estradiol, 11-ketotestosterone, 17α, 20β-dihydroxyprogesterone, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and testosterone) in the intersex flounder were intermediate, between those in females and males. The results showed that the heterozygosity of the intersex flounder was 0.632, and there were 28 single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the <i>cyp21a</i> gene. Compared with that of wild flounder, the activity of 21-hydroxylase was reduced by approximately 20.0%, and expressions of <i>cyp19a</i>, <i>amh</i>, and <i>dmrt1</i> differed. We present the first report of its kind, detailing the anatomy, hormonal endocrinology, molecular biology, and physiology of the intersex Japanese flounder.

Yishi Shen, Shi Zhang, Weimin Huang et al.

Birds have remarkable flight capabilities due to their adaptive wing morphology. However, studying live birds is time-consuming and laborious, and obtaining information about the complete wingbeat cycle is difficult. To address this issue and provide a complete dataset, we recorded comprehensive motion capture wing trajectory data from five free-flying pigeons (Columba livia). Five key motion parameters are used to quantitatively characterize wing kinematics: flapping, sweeping, twisting, folding and bending. In addition, the forelimb skeleton is mapped using an open-chain three-bar mechanism model. By systematically evaluating the relationship of joint degrees of freedom (DOFs), we configured the model as a 3-DOF shoulder, 1-DOF elbow and 2-DOF wrist. Based on the correlation analysis between wingbeat kinematics and joint movement, we found that the strongly correlated shoulder and wrist roll within the stroke plane cause wing flap and bending. There is also a strong correlation between shoulder, elbow and wrist yaw out of the stroke plane, which causes wing sweep and fold. By simplifying the wing morphing, we developed three flapping wing robots, each with different DOFs inside and outside the stroke plane. This study provides insight into the design of flapping wing robots capable of mimicking the 3D wing motion of pigeons.

Wiwik Swastiwi Anastasia, Febriyandi Febby YS, Angela Siringo Ringo Evy

The Siak District Government has long tried to advance the tourism sector by utilizing the rich heritage of the Malay cultural history of the Kingdom of Siak Sri Indrapura. These efforts have strengthened since the establishment of the vision of becoming the centre of Malay culture and the mission of Siak Regency to become a major tourism destination in Riau Province. This research aims to offer a development strategy for Malay historical and cultural heritage museums in Siak Regency to support the achievement of Siak's vision as a Malay cultural centre. This research uses a qualitative method to analyze the potential of Malay historical and cultural heritage in Siak for the development of the Balairung Sri Museum of Siak Regency. Data were obtained through observation, FGD, survey, literature study and documentation. The results of this study indicate that Siak Regency needs a museum that presents Malay historical and cultural heritage comprehensively, including history and 11 objects of cultural promotion, thus distinguishing it from the previous museum. The development of the museum needs to pay attention to various important aspects related to the presentation of collections, distinctiveness and the role of Balairung Sri in its time.

Никита Евгеньевич Вихрев, Михаил Николаевич Есин

A review of Eurasian fauna of Muscina is offered. In our opinion, after synonymization of the two species, Muscina pascuorum Meigen, 1826 = M. japonica Shinonaga, 1974, syn. nov. and Muscina levida Harris, 1780 = M. danubea Zielke, 2019, syn. nov., the Palaearctic fauna consists of six valid species. A detailed key for the Palaearctic Muscina is offered. New and the second European record of M. angustifrons in Mordovia is reported; the colour variability of this species is also discussed. The distribution of M. minor is clarified with the first record for Europe. Indonesian M. sumatrensis and doubtful specimens collected in Northern Vietnam are briefly discussed. New data on the habits of Muscina based on collecting by beer traps are reported.

Temple Grandin

In Europe, regulations contain guidance to maintain high standards of animal welfare. In many parts of the world, large buyers for supermarkets or restaurants are the main enforcers of basic animal welfare standards. They can have considerable influence on improving standards on large commercial farms. Research clearly shows that straw is one of the most effective environmental enrichment for pigs. On some large farms, there are concerns that straw will either clog waste management systems or bring in disease. This paper contains a review of both scientific research and practical experience with enrichment devices that are easy to implement. Pigs prefer enrichment objects that they can chew up and deform. Broiler chickens prefer to climb up on objects, hide under them or peck them. It is always essential to uphold basic welfare standards such as animal cleanliness and low levels of lameness (difficulty walking). It is also important to reduce lesions, and maintain body conditions of breeding animals. An environment enrichment device is never a substitute for poorly managed facilities. It should enhance animal welfare on well-managed farms.

A. Marins, P. F. Cristaldo, L. R. Paiva et al.

Abstract Behavioral lab bioassays involving termites must be promptly performed to allow intended observations prior to death from dissecation, typical of these soft-bodied insects. To this end, topic markers have been proposed as an alternative to histological stains which, while not always toxic are inevitably lengthy to apply. Among recommended topic markers, gouache is easy to apply, dries out quickly, but it is known affect termites in the long run, being suitable only to short-term bioassays. Its alternative, colored glue, is also easy to apply, but it takes long to dry and it is too dense and heavy, being thus prone to affect termite walking patterns. Here we tested a mix of gouache and colored glue aiming to combine the qualities of both into a suitable topical marker for Cornitermes cumulans termites. Similar patterns of survival presented by marked and unmarked termites ruled out concerns about toxicity of this mixture. Such results were consistent across distinct group densities evidencing that the mixture does not interfere with, nor it is affected by, crowding effects. Because crowding regulates interindividual interactions and these underlie most behaviors, the mixture can be thought to be suitable to behavioral studies. We argue that this 1:2 glue:gouache mixture is an excellent alternative to mark termites for lab bioassays. Being atoxic, cheap, easy to apply, and non-invasive, this mixture may happen to be useful not only for termites but also in bioassaying other similarly soft-bodied insects.

Jie Gao, Bing-Jie Ren, Ping-Ping Liu et al.

Previously a pattern recognition receptor (PRR) from kuruma shrimp was found able to recognize bacterial glycans by the C-type lectin domain (CTLD) and to interact with Jak/Stat receptor Domeless by the interleukin-like coiled coil (cc) region. In the current study, its homolog, namely Pc-ccCL, was found important in the antiviral response in red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii. This PRR plays a role by inhibiting white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) infection in a Jak/Stat dependent manner. The CTLD can bind the viral envelope protein VP28, while the cc region determines the dependence on Jak/Stat pathway. Two anti-lipopolysaccharides factors were identified as the downstream antiviral peptides. This study provides new insights into the antiviral signaling in invertebrates. Furthermore, the mechanism that a PRR recognizes virus and directly activates Jak/Stat pathway and antiviral-effector expression represents a simple but fast antiviral strategy in crustaceans.

Sergei V. Shekhovtsov, Sergei V. Shekhovtsov, Sergei V. Shekhovtsov et al.

Eisenia nordenskioldi (Eisen, 1879) is the only autochthonous Siberian earthworm with a large distribution that ranges from tundra to steppe and broadleaved forests. This species has a very high morphological, ecological, karyological, and genetic diversity, so it was proposed that E. nordenskioldi should be split into several species. However, the phylogeny of the complex was unclear due to the low resolution of the methods used and the high diversity that should have been taken into account. We investigated this question by (1) studying the diversity of the COI gene of E. nordenskioldi throughout its range and (2) sequencing transcriptomes of different genetic lineages to infer its phylogeny. We found that E. nordenskioldi is monophyletic and is split into two clades. The first one includes the pigmented genetic lineages widespread in the northern and western parts of the distribution, and the second one originating from the southern and southeastern part of the species' range and representing both pigmented and non-pigmented forms. We propose to split the E. nordenskioldi complex into two species, E. nordenskioldi and Eisenia sp. 1 (aff. E. nordenskioldi), corresponding to these two clades. The currently recognized non-pigmented subspecies E. n. pallida will be abolished as a polyphyletic and thus a non-natural taxon, while Eisenia sp. 1 will be expanded to include several lineages earlier recognized as E. n. nordenskioldi and E. n. pallida.

Lanari Vania, Lattanzi Tania, Di Lena Bruno et al.

The double pruning on Sangiovese based on pre-pruning and finishing in March, April and May applied over three years, induced a postponement of phenological phases, with repercussions on the vine vegetative and berry growth trends, with greater effects, according to the delay in the time of hand follow up during the season. The phenological development, the canopy and berry growth of Sangiovese, subjected to the three different finishing dates for the final pruning, were recorded during three years (2014-2016) and related to day of the year (DOY) and seasonal heat accumulation (growing degree days, GDD). A sigmoid growth model with high coefficient determination (R2 between 0.96 and 0.99), described shoot elongation and herbaceous berry growth, showing a temporal and thermal shift according to the finishing times. Despite the chronological delay, the vines revealed similar thermal necessities. Leaf area evolution of April and May finished vines showed 2 steps: a slow initial development followed by a rapid growth phase (91- 97cm2/GDD) beginning when shoots reached 7–10 leaves. GDD allowed to obtain simple models of vegetative development and berry growth of Sangiovese vines based on thermal evolution.

Terrence D. Fitzgerald

During their first three larval stadia, caterpillars of Hyphantria cunea (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) are patch-restricted foragers, confining their activity to a web-nest they construct in the branches of the host tree. Activity recordings of eight field colonies made over 46 colony-days showed that the later instars become central place foragers, leaving their nests at dusk to feed at distant sites and then returning to their nests in the morning. Colonies maintained in the laboratory showed that same pattern of foraging. In Y-choice laboratory experiments, caterpillars were slow to abandon old, exhausted feeding sites in favor of new food finds. An average of approximately 40% of the caterpillars in five colonies still selected pathways leading to exhausted sites at the onset of foraging bouts over those leading to new sites after feeding exclusively at the new sites on each of the previous four days. On returning to their nests in the morning, approximately 23% of the caterpillars erred by selecting pathways that led them away from the nest rather than toward it and showed no improvement over the course of the study. The results of these Y-choice studies indicate that, compared to other previously studied species of social caterpillars, the webworm employs a relatively simple system of collective foraging.

Robert Borth, Povilas Ivinskis, Aidas Saldaitis et al.

The taxonomy of the family Cossidae (Lepidoptera) of the Socotra Archipelago is revised. Five species are recognized, including two new species (Mormogystia brandstetteri and Meharia hackeri), and dubious identifications and records are discussed. Adults and genitalia are illustrated and bionomic details, molecular evidence and a synonymic checklist of Socotra Cossidae genera is provided. A review of their distribution reveals that at least 80 percent of Socotro`s Cossidae species are unique to the archipelago which is renowned for its endemism.

Michael R. Warburg

This is a long-term study (1974-1999) on the phenology of the rare, xeric- inhabiting salamander Salamandra infraimmaculata in a small isolated population during the breeding season near the breeding ponds on Mt. Carmel. This is a fringe area of the genus’ south-easternmost Palaearctic distribution. Salamanders were captured during the 25 year long study. The first years up to the 1980s the total number of salamanders increased but during the last years there seems to have been a decline. Although this could be a phase in normal population cyclic oscillations nevertheless when compared with long-term data on a European Salamandra it does not seem so. The interpretation of the species’ status is dependent on numbers of salamanders captured as well as on the duration of the study. These subjects are reviewed and discussed in this paper.

I. Garin, A. Aldezabal, R. García-González et al.

Donald S. Chandler

Wolmar B. Wosiacki, Guilherme M. Dutra, Marina B Mendonça

A new species of Ituglanis is described from the rio Tocantins basin, State of Pará, Brazil. Ituglanis ina, new species, is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a dark vertical bar over the base of the caudal-fin rays (vs. no bars over caudal-fin base); and by the presence of a middle trunk line of tiny neuromasts extending along the flank until the vertical through the dorsal fin, or near the caudal-fin base (vs. no middle trunk line of tiny neuromasts). Ituglanis ina can be further distinguished by a combination of characters related to color pattern and morphology. Comments on the relationship between Ituglanis species are presented.

Stefanescu, C., Jubany, J., Dantart, J.

Iphiclides podalirius is an oligophagous butterfly which feeds on plants of the Rosaceae family. In 2002 and 2005 in NE Spain, we recorded for the first time oviposition on two alien plant species, Cotoneaster franchetii and Spiraea cantoniensis. To ascertain if this unusual behaviour represents a broadening of host range or, alternatively, an oviposition mistake, larval performance on the new plants was investigated in the laboratory and compared with performance on the most common host plants used in the study area. Although larval performance on common hosts differed to some extent, the use of a wide range of plants of different quality at population level may in fact respond to the so-called “spreading of risk” strategy in variable environments. On the other hand, larval performance and survival to adulthood were so low on the two new hosts that our observations probably represent a case of maladaptive oviposition behaviour. This may be due to an evolutionary lag between the newly introduced plants and the insect, although other possible explanations are also taken into account.

M. del Real Fernández

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Frank Raynner V. Ribeiro, Carlos Alberto S. de Lucena

Pimelodus pohli, new species, is described from the rio São Francisco drainage. It differs from congeners by the following characters in combination: adults with dark spots on anterodorsal region of body and young specimens (up to 100 mm SL) with three rows of dark spots laterally on body; comparatively long adipose fin, more than one third of the distance between posterior end of dorsal fin base and the vertical through posterior end of anal-fin base (21.8-26.2% SL); lips poorly developed; 20-25 gill rakers; and maxillary barbels slightly surpassing the caudal-fin base. A key to the species of Pimelodus of the rio São Francisco drainage is presented.