Effect Of Oxygen-Limiting Tidal Conditions On Muscle Metabolism And Structure In The Giant Acorn Barnacle, Balanus Nubilus,
2016
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Effect Of Oxygen-Limiting Tidal Conditions On Muscle Metabolism And Structure In The Giant Acorn Barnacle, Balanus Nubilus, Katie O. Grady
Master's Theses
Crustacean muscle fibers are some of the largest cells in the animal kingdom, with fiber diameters in the giant acorn barnacle (Balanus nubilus) exceeding 3 mm. Sessile animals with extreme muscle sizes and that live in the hypoxia-inducing intertidal zone – like B. nubilus – represent ideal models for probing the effects of oxygen limitation on muscle cells. We investigated changes in metabolism and structure of B. nubilus muscle in response to: normoxic immersion, anoxic immersion, or air emersion, for acute (6h) or chronic (6h exposures twice daily for 2wks) time periods. Following exposure, we immediately measured hemolymph …
Exploring The Relationship Between Behaviour And Neurochemistry In The Polyphenic Spider, Anelosimus Studiosus (Araneae: Theridiidae),
2016
East Tennessee State University
Exploring The Relationship Between Behaviour And Neurochemistry In The Polyphenic Spider, Anelosimus Studiosus (Araneae: Theridiidae), Jennifer B. Price
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
The importance of social behaviour is evident in human society, but there are both costs and benefits associated with cooperation and sociality throughout the animal kingdom. At what point do the benefits outweigh the costs, and when do selective pressures favour sociality and colonization over solitude and independence? To investigate these questions, we have focused on an anomalous species of spider, Anelosimus studiosus, also known now as the northern social spider. Throughout its broad range, A. studiosus is solitary and aggressive, but recently, colonies of cooperative and social individuals have been observed at northern latitudes. This leads to two …
Duplication And Remolding Of Trna Genes In The Mitochondrial Genome Of Reduvius Tenebrosus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae),
2016
China Agricultural University, China
Duplication And Remolding Of Trna Genes In The Mitochondrial Genome Of Reduvius Tenebrosus (Hemiptera: Reduviidae), Pei Jiang, Hu Li, Fan Song, Yao Cai, Jianyun Wang, Jinpeng Liu, Wanzhi Cai
Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications
Most assassin bugs are predators that act as important natural enemies of insect pests. Mitochondrial (mt) genomes of these insects are double-strand circular DNAs that encode 37 genes. In the present study, we explore the duplication and rearrangement of tRNA genes in the mt genome of Reduvius tenebrosus, the first mt genome from the subfamily Reduviinae. The gene order rearranges from CR (control region)-trnI-trnQ-trnM-ND2 to CR-trnQ-trnI2-trnI1-trnM-ND2. We identified 23 tRNA genes, including 22 tRNAs commonly found in insects and an additional trnI (trnI2), which has high sequence similarity to trnM. We found several …
Total Energy Expenditure In Captive Sapajus Apella,
2016
CUNY Hunter College
Total Energy Expenditure In Captive Sapajus Apella, Wren Edwards
Theses and Dissertations
Primates expend approximately 50% less energy (kcal/day) for their body size than other eutherians. Using the doubly labeled water method, I investigated total energy expenditure (TEE) and physical activity in Sapajus apella. S. apella TEE was similar (p=0.67) to other platyrrhines, but 54% lower than expected for body mass.
Escape Strategy Of The Cockroach (Gromphadorhina Portentosa) To Heat And Looming Stimuli,
2016
James Madison University
Escape Strategy Of The Cockroach (Gromphadorhina Portentosa) To Heat And Looming Stimuli, Jiangda Ou
Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019
Escape responses to aversive stimuli have been observed in insects, including species of cricket, fly, locust, and cockroach. The goal of this study was to investigate the escape strategy of the Madagascar cockroach, Gromphadorhina portentosa. In regard to this species, Erickson and colleagues (2015) showed that electrical stimulation of both cerci and antennae together could generate an escape response. However, in other reports (Olsen and Triblehorn, 2014), it was observed that wind could not elicit the escape response. In this study, G. portentosa was stimulated by looming and heat stimuli. A 2.5’’ black ball approaching at 1 m/s was used …
Description Of Cranial Elements And Ontogenetic Change Within Tropidolaemus Wagleri (Serpentes: Crotalinae).,
2016
East Tennessee State Universtiy
Description Of Cranial Elements And Ontogenetic Change Within Tropidolaemus Wagleri (Serpentes: Crotalinae)., Nicolette L. Hill
Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Tropidolaemus wagleri is a species of Asian pitviper with a geographic range including Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Bruniei, parts of Indonesia, and the hilippines. Tropidolaemus is a member of the Crotalinae subfamily, within Viperidae. The genus Tropidolaemus includes five species, and was once included within the genus Trimeresurus. While some osteologic characteristics have been noted a comprehensive description of cranial elements has not been produced for T. wagleri. An in-depth description of the cranial skeleton of Tropidolaemus wagleri lays the foundation for future projects to compare and contrast other taxa within Crotalinae and Viperidae. The chosen reference specimen …
Validation Of The Use Of Doubly Labeled Water For Measuring Metabolic Rate In Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Horridus),
2016
University of Arkansas Fayetteville
Validation Of The Use Of Doubly Labeled Water For Measuring Metabolic Rate In Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Horridus), Caitlin Hirsh
Biological Sciences Undergraduate Honors Theses
The doubly labeled water method is an isotopic technique for measuring field metabolic rate and water flux rates of free-living animals. We present a validation of the use doubly labeled water for measuring metabolic rate and water loss in Timber Rattlesnakes (Crotalus horridus). For this study seven animals of varying body size were used with masses ranging from 148 to 650 grams. Prior to dosing, blood samples were taken to establish background isotope levels for each animal. Snakes were injected with water enriched with isotopes of oxygen (18O) and hydrogen (2H, deuterium). The injected isotopes were then allowed to equilibrate …
Elevational Variation In Body-Temperature Response To Immune Challenge In A Lizard,
2016
Dartmouth College
Elevational Variation In Body-Temperature Response To Immune Challenge In A Lizard, Francisco Javier Zamora-Camacho, Senda Reguera, Gregorio Moreno-Rueda
Dartmouth Scholarship
Immunocompetence benefits animal fitness by combating pathogens, but also entails some costs. One of its main components is fever, which in ectotherms involves two main types of costs: energy expenditure and predation risk. Whenever those costs of fever outweigh its benefits, ectotherms are expected not to develop fever, or even to show hypothermia, reducing costs of thermoregulation and diverting the energy saved to other components of the immune system. Environmental thermal quality, and therefore the thermoregulation cost/benefit balance, varies geographically. Hence, we hypothesize that, in alpine habitats, immune-challenged ectotherms should show no thermal response, given that (1) hypothermia would be …
The Influence Of Canine Aggression And Behavioral Treatment On Heart Rate Variability,
2016
Macalester College
The Influence Of Canine Aggression And Behavioral Treatment On Heart Rate Variability, Lydia Craig
Psychology Honors Projects
Dog aggression affects many, with nearly 5 million dog bites reported yearly in the United States alone. With the physical, emotional, and monetary costs of bites, it is of considerable interest to identify dogs that are likely to bite. One physiological measure that might serve as an index of aggression is heart rate variability (HRV), which refers to vagally mediated beat-to-beat change in heart rate. Low HRV has been associated with impaired emotional and behavioral regulation and stress in both humans and animals. To assess whether this measure corresponds with aggression in dogs, resting HRV was measured for dogs with …
Factors Affecting The Immune System Of The Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene Ornata),
2016
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Factors Affecting The Immune System Of The Ornate Box Turtle (Terrapene Ornata), Michelle W. Mcquinn, Abigail A. Neyer, Gwendolyn C. Bachman
UCARE Research Products
While many studies have detailed the complex intricacies of the endothermic immune system, relatively little is known about the immune system of ectotherms--specifically, reptiles. In an attempt to gain more knowledge about the factors affecting reptilian immune function, ornate box turtles (Terrapene ornata) were subjected to chronic stress in the form of high ambient temperatures in a semi-natural environment. It was hypothesized that chronic stress would lead to elevated levels of corticosterone in the blood, which would, in turn, suppress immune activity. It was found that body temperature and body mass in particular were significantly affected by chronic heat stress. …
The Individual And Interactive Effects Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Enrichment On Coral Reefs,
2016
Florida International University
The Individual And Interactive Effects Of Nitrogen And Phosphorus Enrichment On Coral Reefs, Andrew A. Shantz
FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations
Human domination of global nutrient cycles is profoundly altering our planet. Yet on coral reefs, the effects of changing nutrient regimes have likely been over-simplified. This dissertation investigates the complexity of animal-nutrient interactions at the organismal level and explores how the outcomes of these interactions cascade through levels of biological organization. To do so, I examined the effects of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) on corals and macroalgae, and how these effects in turn influenced reef communities and entire ecosystems. I show that P consistently increases coral growth rates while N has variable, often negative, effects on coral growth. The …
Fighting Forms Of Expression,
2016
University of Leicester
Fighting Forms Of Expression, Paul J.B. Hart
Animal Sentience
Even though Key (2016) has done a very thorough job of assembling evidence showing that fish are unlikely to have the neurological capacity to be conscious and feel pain, there will still be a significant number of behavioural biologists who want to continue maintaining that fish do have consciousness and suffer from pain. In this commentary the reasons for people resisting the conclusions of the evidence are discussed. The reasons revolve around three aspects of the debate: the overblown respect humans have for the powers of consciousness in our day-to-day behaviour, the often used assumption that the possession of complex …
Success Stories And Emerging Themes In Conservation Physiology,
2016
University of Windsor
Success Stories And Emerging Themes In Conservation Physiology, Christine L. Madliger, Steven J. Cooke, Erica J. Crespi, Jennifer L. Funk, Kevin R. Hultine, Kathleen E. Hunt, Jason R. Rohr, Brent J. Sinclair, Cory D. Suski, Craig K. R. Willis, Oliver P. Love
Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Sciences Faculty Articles and Research
The potential benefits of physiology for conservation are well established and include greater specificity of management techniques, determination of cause–effect relationships, increased sensitivity of health and disturbance monitoring and greater capacity for predicting future change. While descriptions of the specific avenues in which conservation and physiology can be integrated are readily available and important to the continuing expansion of the discipline of ‘conservation physiology’, to date there has been no assessment of how the field has specifically contributed to conservation success. However, the goal of conservation physiology is to foster conservation solutions and it is therefore important to assess whether …
A Phylogenetic Investigation Of The Spittlebug Superfamily Cercopoidea (Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) With Emphasis On The Family Machaerotidae,
2016
University at Albany, State University of New York
A Phylogenetic Investigation Of The Spittlebug Superfamily Cercopoidea (Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) With Emphasis On The Family Machaerotidae, Adam Jorgensen Bell
Legacy Theses & Dissertations (2009 - 2024)
The superfamily Cercopoidea (Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha) represents a relatively small insect lineage with just over 2600 species in five described families. Known as spittlebugs, these xylem feeding insects have the unique habit of their nymphs building a frothy matrix of partially digested, excreted plant sap and air bubbles in which they seclude themselves. Despite the size of the superfamily, the phylogenetic relationships among the described families and even the total number of families are still being debated.
The Role Of Oxidative Stress In The Mechanisms Of Ammonia-Induced Brain Swelling And Tolerance In The Goldfish (Carassius Auratus),
2016
Wilfrid Laurier University
The Role Of Oxidative Stress In The Mechanisms Of Ammonia-Induced Brain Swelling And Tolerance In The Goldfish (Carassius Auratus), David F. Jones Lisser Mr.
Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)
Toxic build-ups of ammonia can cause potentially fatal brain swelling in mammals, but such swelling is reversible in the anoxia- and ammonia-tolerant goldfish (Carassius auratus). The mechanisms of ammonia-induced brain swelling and tolerance remain elusive, but several studies have suggested a role for reactive oxygen species (ROS), which may damage proteins and lipids in the plasma membrane of astrocytes in the brain. As a result, osmotic gradients across cell membranes may be altered leading to water uptake by astrocytes and swelling. While a role for ROS has been proposed in mammals, no studies have addressed this question in …
Changes In Brain Water Content In The Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) And In The Goldfish (Carassius Auratus) Due To High External Ammonia Exposure,
2016
Wilfrid Laurier University
Changes In Brain Water Content In The Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus Mykiss) And In The Goldfish (Carassius Auratus) Due To High External Ammonia Exposure, Phillip Q.H. Pham-Ho
Theses and Dissertations (Comprehensive)
In fishes, hyperammonemia may occur following feeding or exposure to abnormally high concentrations of environmental ammonia due to sewage effluents, agricultural run-off and in crowded aquaculture pens. Increased internal ammonia can result in hyperactivity, convulsions, coma and death. In mammals, it is also associated with potentially fatal brain edema, in which the accumulation of intracellular water results in swelling, increased intracranical pressure and herniation leading to death. Recently it was shown that rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and goldfish (Carassius auratus) experience brain swelling following exposure to high external ammonia (HEA). However, the mechanism of ammonia-induced brain …
Anthropomorphic Denial Of Fish Pain,
2016
University of Liverpool
Anthropomorphic Denial Of Fish Pain, Lynne U. Sneddon, Matthew C. Leach
Animal Sentience
Key (2016) affirms that we do not know how the fish brain processes pain but denies — because fish lack a human-like cortex — that fish can feel pain. He affirms that birds, like fish, have a singly-laminated cortex and that the structure of the bird brain is quite different from that of the human brain, yet he does not deny that birds can feel pain. In this commentary we describe how Key cites studies that substantiate mammalian pain but discounts the same kind of data as evidence of fish pain. We suggest that Key's interpretations are illogical, do not …
Effects Of Supplemental Hydration On Physiology And Behavior Of Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Oreganus Oreganus),
2015
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Effects Of Supplemental Hydration On Physiology And Behavior Of Northern Pacific Rattlesnakes (Crotalus Oreganus Oreganus), Griffin D. Capehart
Master's Theses
Hydration is a critical element for many physiological processes in vertebrates, such as protein production, innate immunity, and behavioral processes such as daily activity and thermoregulation. Few studies have directly assessed the effect of hydration on these animals in nature. While it seems intuitive that drought is stressful to animals, studies examining drought are typically observational and fail to assess how the hydration state of these animals influences their physiology and behavior. We tested for an effect of hydration on several physiological and behavioral parameters in Northern Pacific rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus oreganus) by experimentally manipulating hydration levels in …
Hippocalcin Response To Calcium: Do Conserved Tryptophans – W30 Or W103 – Matter?,
2015
Rowan University
Hippocalcin Response To Calcium: Do Conserved Tryptophans – W30 Or W103 – Matter?, Sunkesula K. Sagar
Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Theses and Dissertations
Changes in intracellular calcium levels play a very important role in cell signaling, in turn, affecting neuronal functions such as memory, learning and cell death. A class of proteins called Neuronal Calcium Sensor (NCS) proteins serves to modulate the functioning of the neuronal cells in response to changes in calcium levels, and prevent neuronal apoptosis. Structurally, all NCS proteins have 4 calcium-binding EF hand motifs, although EF1 does not bind to calcium in many members. All NCS proteins have an acyl modification at the N- terminus – where a myristoyl group is added post-translationally. Hippocalcin (HPCA) is an NCS protein, …
Thermal Performance Covaries With Environmental Temperature Across Populations Of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar),
2015
The University of Western Ontario
Thermal Performance Covaries With Environmental Temperature Across Populations Of Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar), Kayla J. Harding Gradil
Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository
Global climate change is projected to have widespread effects that could threaten the viability of natural populations. Physiological processes of aquatic ectotherms critically depend on their thermal environment, such that the optima for performance often correspond to environmental temperatures. Given predicted changes in aquatic thermal environments, it is increasingly important to understand organism’s underlying physiological mechanisms utilized to cope with these changes. Here, I show that three populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are narrowly adapted to their native summer temperatures, such that thermal tolerance is optimized near average temperatures and collapses near peak temperatures. Further, I found …
