Wavelet analysis and hierarchical clustering of ofm phenotypic population's variations originated from southern america and europe and attempts of a first relation to molecular divergence.

In this work we compare Grapholita molesta Busck (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) populations originated from Brazil, Chile, Spain, Italy and Greece using power spectral density and phylogenetic analysis to detect any similarities between the population macro- and the molecular micro-level. Log-transformed population data were normalized and AR(p) models were developed to generate for each case population time series of equal lengths. The time-frequency/scale properties of the population data were further analyzed using wavelet analysis to detect any population dynamics frequency changes and cluster the populations. Based on the power spectral of each population time series and the hierarchical clustering schemes, populations originated from Southern America (Brazil and Chile) exhibit similar rhythmic properties and are both closer related with populations originated from Greece. Populations from Spain and especially Italy, have higher distance by terms of periodic changes on their population dynamics. Moreover, the members within the same cluster share similar spectral information, therefore they are supposed to participate in the same temporally regulated population process. On the contrary, the phylogenetic approach revealed a less structured pattern that bears indications of panmixia, as the two clusters contain individuals from both Europe and South America. This preliminary outcome will be further assessed by incorporating more individuals and likely employed a second molecular marker.

Internationales Otolithen-Symposium in Australien

The Third International Symposium on Fish Otolith Research and Application in Townsville, Australia, from 11 to 16 July 2004, gathered around 300 scientists from 30 nations (http://www.otolith2004.com). Mayor topics were: structure of otoliths and function; micro-Chemitry and composition; determination of age and growth and their validation; de-termination of age in fish from tropical habitats; influence of climate, ecology and population biology; statistik and modelling; stock assessment and fishery management; quality control in institutions carrying out age determinations, and data processing; and development of technologies. The symposium was preceeded by a workshop at the James Cook University, Townsville, to enhance the knowledge and skill of participants in theoretrical and practical aspects for prearation of otoliths and interpretation of annuli; difficulties in interpreting age in tropical fish; daily increments as well as shape and image analysis.

Avian piscivores: basis for policy.

In Britain, many birds eat fish in fresh waters but only three species, cormorant, red-breasted merganser and goosander, are commonly perceived to present serious problems for freshwater fisheries. Complaints are mainly that cormorants eat large fish and that all three bird species eat so many juvenile fish, that there are subsequently fewer fish to be harvested or angled, but also that persistent predation by birds changes fish behaviour so that they are less 'catchable'. To this end, this report reviews existing information on the current status, foraging ecology, and population biology of the three bird species as background to their potential impact on fisheries. Discusses fish population dynamics within the context of predation effects. Reviews existing experimental evidence for impacts on fish populations and fisheries; and describes current legislation, discusses potential criteria for serious damage to a fishery, and suggests ways forward for NRA policy and research.

Ekologia-datuak aztertzeko aldagai anitzeko analisiaren aplikazioa

[EUS] Aldagai anitzeko analisiak aplikazio ugari ditu zientzia esperimentaletan, hala nola biologian eta ekologian. Hala ere, ekologia-datuek zailtasun batzuk aurkezten dituzte estatistika-teknikak aplikatu ahal izateko. Gradu Amaierako Lan honetan, aldagai anitzeko analisiko teknika ezberdinetan sakonduko dugu eta ekologia-datuetan aplikatuko ditugu. Kasu bakoitzean dauden zailtasunak nabarmenduko ditugu eta estatistika-teknika egokiena aukeratzen saiatuko gara.

The effect of timing of tagging on streamer-tag recapture rates for American lobster (Homarus americanus)

Streamer tags are commonly used to study the ecology and population biology of the American lobster (Homarus americanus). Aquarium observations suggest that streamer tag loss, either through tag-induced mortality or tag shedding, is related to the molt stage of the lobster at the time of tagging, and the molting event itself. Tag-induced mortality, where lobsters did not molt, occurred within eleven and sixteen days following tagging for lobsters tagged in postmolt (4%) and late premolt (10%) stages, respectively; whereas no lobsters tagged in early premolt or intermolt stages died. Taginduced mortality at time of molting was observed for lobsters tagged in late premolt stage (11%), and tag shedding was observed for lobsters tagged both in early (25%) and late premolt (11%) stages, but was significantly higher (P=0.014) for lobsters tagged in early premolt stages. Autopsies revealed that lobsters died mainly of organ perforations (hepato-pancreas and pericardial sac) following the tagging process, and rupture of the dorsal thoraco-abdominal membrane during the molting process. The total tag loss was estimated at 4% for lobsters tagged after molting, and 27% and 31% for lobsters tagged in early and late premolt stages, respectively. There was no tag loss for lobsters tagged in the intermolt stage during four months of laboratory observations (July−October). To minimize streamer tag loss, lobsters should be tagged during the intermolt or postmolt stage. Based on field studies, recapture rates for lobsters tagged in premolt stage are always lower than those of lobsters tagged in postmolt stage. Furthermore, recapture rates during the second year, for lobsters that molt in the year following tagging, were drastically reduced, and no lobster was recaptured after four years at large. Finally, to account for tag loss during the first year at large, a minimal adjustment of 24.9% (SD 2.9%) and 4.4% (SD 1.6%) for the recapture rate of lobsters tagged immediately before and after the molting season, respectively, is recommended. Adjustments beyond one year at large are not recommended for the American lobster at this time.

鼠尾藻的生理生态和繁殖生物学研究

鼠尾藻 [Sargassum thunbergii (Mert.) O’Kunte] 是北太平洋西部特有的一种暖温性大型经济褐藻，在我国沿海地区北起辽东半岛南至雷州半岛的硇州岛，都有广泛分布。鼠尾藻在食品和医药领域的应用开发在我国有悠久历史。近年来，随着水产动物养殖业迅速发展，其应用领域得到了进一步拓展，发现鼠尾藻是海参、鲍鱼等水产动物的优质天然饵料。 受海参和鲍鱼产业发展影响，鼠尾藻的市场需求量成倍增加。目前鼠尾藻的供应全部依赖自然资源。掠夺式的采收方式导致鼠尾藻的野生资源遭到了很大破坏，种群规模和数量不断减小，生态环境也发生了变化。近年来鼠尾藻供需矛盾已经非常突出，如何保护和有效利用该海藻资源已经成为海藻科研和产业界的一个重要话题。 以往对鼠尾藻的生态学和人工育苗技术方面的比较深入的研究工作很少，许多基础科学问题研究不够，人工繁殖技术没有很好地掌握，已经不能满足产业发展需求并限制了鼠尾藻应用价值的发挥。为此，有必要系统性研究鼠尾藻原生态环境、野生状态下生长发育的年际交替规律、鼠尾藻有性生殖过程、人工育苗方法途径、鼠尾藻吸收无机营养能力、以及在调控藻际菌群能力等基础科学技术问题，带动鼠尾藻饵料规模的良性健康扩大，并进一步推动海参和鲍鱼等水产业的发展。 本文以青岛汇泉角的鼠尾藻为基本实验材料，通过野外实地周年观察并结合实验室工作，对上述问题初步进行了初步探索，主要获得如下结果： （1）在青岛地区海滨岩石地带，全年都可观察到鼠尾藻藻体，藻体的形态大小和生理发育状况随季节变化表现出很大的差别性。夏季藻体黄褐色，初生分枝伸展，有次生分枝、生殖枝和气囊的发育，而冬季的藻体黑褐色，初生分枝粗短，没有次生分枝、生殖枝和气囊的发育。6月鼠尾藻出现有性生殖器官生殖托，到7月生殖托发育成熟，7月藻体最长，平均在50厘米左右，11月可观察到有性生殖和假根产生的幼苗。假根营养繁殖再生苗是鼠尾藻种群新苗源的主体，在维持种群自然繁衍和发展中起主导作用。 （2）有性生殖过程是鼠尾藻个体发育的大事件，精卵结合产生幼苗的潜力巨大，是开展未来规模化人工育苗的希望依托。鼠尾藻初生分枝长度和外形株间差异较大，每株鼠尾藻平均大约有20个初生分枝，约一半初生分枝可发育成熟，充分发育的初生分枝可产生30－50个次生分枝，每个次生分枝上又有大约20－30个生殖枝，每个生殖枝上生殖托数量一般为1－3个，雌托长度大多在3－5mm，雄托长度在10－15mm。生殖托的成熟度由基部向顶端递减。一个雌托排卵量平均为400多粒。以此计算，每株雌性鼠尾藻在生殖季节可产生200多万个卵。 卵从生殖窝孔排出后粘附于雌托表面，雄托排精时间稍晚于雌托挂卵时间，精子游动到卵周围与之结合完成受精过程。受精卵大约在受精后1小时分裂为两个大小相近的细胞，2小时后再进行第二次分裂，其中一个细胞横裂为两个细胞：一个细胞较大，另一个细胞较小，另一个细胞的分裂面与第一次分裂垂直，等分为两个细胞，随后细胞不断分裂。在受精后48小时左右，胚苗一端产生出假根。胚苗从雌托脱落的第一周内，尽管细胞数量增加较快，但新细胞体积减小，使得胚苗的体积增加不多。从第二周开始幼苗的体积出现明显的增加。此时，无机营养盐的有效补充对鼠尾藻幼苗培养长大是十分必要的。下海后的管理是保障幼苗成活的关键，此时常常发生脱苗现象。 （3）鼠尾藻对无机氮、磷都有较强的吸收能力，鼠尾藻从海水中吸收无机氮和无机磷的能力分别为75.1mg/kg/day和36.2mg/kg/day，鼠尾藻对氮、磷吸收的质量浓度比例接近5：1。 （4）鼠尾藻具有调节藻际微生物种群的能力，鼠尾藻对弧菌和总异养菌菌群都有一定程度的抑制作用，研究发现鼠尾藻抑制弧菌的能力存在种的差异，其中对鳗弧菌65#显示的抑制作用最强，鼠尾藻的抑菌能力的强弱还与其生理状态的好坏有显著关系。 通过上述研究结果，我们认为：鼠尾藻通过有性生殖过程培育种苗在理论上具有可行性，发展潜力很大。而解决幼苗后期培养中的脱苗问题、提高苗的成活率是下一步需要研究攻克的关键技术；假根营养繁殖再生苗源是维持该藻自然种群的主要方式，也是目前开展人工养殖获得健壮苗种的重要途径，连根采收方式对鼠尾藻野生资源破坏严重；建议野生鼠尾藻在7月底到8月初（水温27℃左右）采收（此时藻体生物量接近最大、并完成生殖过程），采用剪切方式保留假根和幼小的初生枝收获，该方式还可以应用到收获人工筏式养殖的鼠尾藻中，这对保证假根的完整性，大量获得下一个栽培季节的健壮新苗有实际意义；建议进一步开发鼠尾藻吸收富营养化物质、净化养殖环境水质的能力，以及对弧菌和总异养菌的抑制能力，建立海参、鲍鱼和鼠尾藻生态互补、环境友好的养殖模式，控制病害发生，提高水产品产量和质量。

How does cognition evolve? Phylogenetic comparative psychology.

Now more than ever animal studies have the potential to test hypotheses regarding how cognition evolves. Comparative psychologists have developed new techniques to probe the cognitive mechanisms underlying animal behavior, and they have become increasingly skillful at adapting methodologies to test multiple species. Meanwhile, evolutionary biologists have generated quantitative approaches to investigate the phylogenetic distribution and function of phenotypic traits, including cognition. In particular, phylogenetic methods can quantitatively (1) test whether specific cognitive abilities are correlated with life history (e.g., lifespan), morphology (e.g., brain size), or socio-ecological variables (e.g., social system), (2) measure how strongly phylogenetic relatedness predicts the distribution of cognitive skills across species, and (3) estimate the ancestral state of a given cognitive trait using measures of cognitive performance from extant species. Phylogenetic methods can also be used to guide the selection of species comparisons that offer the strongest tests of a priori predictions of cognitive evolutionary hypotheses (i.e., phylogenetic targeting). Here, we explain how an integration of comparative psychology and evolutionary biology will answer a host of questions regarding the phylogenetic distribution and history of cognitive traits, as well as the evolutionary processes that drove their evolution.

Novel tools for conservation genomics: comparing two high-throughput approaches for SNP discovery in the transcriptome of the European hake

The growing accessibility to genomic resources using next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies has revolutionized the application of molecular genetic tools to ecology and evolutionary studies in non-model organisms. Here we present the case study of the European hake (Merluccius merluccius), one of the most important demersal resources of European fisheries. Two sequencing platforms, the Roche 454 FLX (454) and the Illumina Genome Analyzer (GAII), were used for Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) discovery in the hake muscle transcriptome. De novo transcriptome assembly into unique contigs, annotation, and in silico SNP detection were carried out in parallel for 454 and GAII sequence data. High-throughput genotyping using the Illumina GoldenGate assay was performed for validating 1,536 putative SNPs. Validation results were analysed to compare the performances of 454 and GAII methods and to evaluate the role of several variables (e.g. sequencing depth, intron-exon structure, sequence quality and annotation). Despite well-known differences in sequence length and throughput, the two approaches showed similar assay conversion rates (approximately 43%) and percentages of polymorphic loci (67.5% and 63.3% for GAII and 454, respectively). Both NGS platforms therefore demonstrated to be suitable for large scale identification of SNPs in transcribed regions of non-model species, although the lack of a reference genome profoundly affects the genotyping success rate. The overall efficiency, however, can be improved using strict quality and filtering criteria for SNP selection (sequence quality, intron-exon structure, target region score).

Hacia una teoría de las organizaciones empresariales una mirada desde las ciencias de la complejidad y la biología

La presente investigación tiene como objetivo realizar los primeros acercamientos al management en términos de biología y la consideración de las organizaciones como sistemas vivos y complejos. Para ello, se realiza una revisión del desarrollo de la administración a través de su historia y luego se aborda la vida desde múltiples perspectivas principalmente la biológica, a nivel molecular, clásico y evolutivo. Se realiza una revisión de autores reconocidos en el tema de la vida y complejidad como Francisco Varela, Humberto Maturana, Ricard Solé, Brian Goodwin, Lynn Margulis, Kauffman, Darwin, Ilya Prigogine, Duncan Watts entre otros, para intentar acercarnos a una comprensión más clara desde diferentes disciplinas, principalmente la biología. Una vez se han hecho comprensiones sobre los fenómenos biológicos y complejos se realiza una comparación con las organizaciones y así observar si éstas pueden llegar a ser consideradas sistemas bióticos de acuerdo con las características que poseen y su similitud en procesos, elementos e interrelaciones desde la biología.

Búsqueda de selección en el polimorfismo 677C>T (c.665C>T) del gen de la metilentetrahidrofolato reductasa (MTHFR) en una población Colombiana

Se realizó un estudio genético – poblacional en dos grupos etarios de población colombiana con la finalidad de evaluar las diferencias genéticas relacionadas con el polimorfismo MTHFR 677CT en busca de eventos genéticos que soporten la persistencia de este polimorfismo en la especie humana debido que este ha sido asociado con múltiples enfermedades. De esta manera se genotipificaron los individuos, se analizaron los genotipos, frecuencias alélicas y se realizaron diferentes pruebas genéticas-poblacionales. Contrario a lo observado en poblaciones Colombianas revisadas se identificó la ausencia del Equilibrio Hardy-Weinberg en el grupo de los niños y estructuras poblacionales entre los adultos lo que sugiere diferentes historias demográficas y culturales entre estos dos grupos poblacionales al tiempo, lo que soporta la hipótesis de un evento de selección sobre el polimorfismo en nuestra población. De igual manera nuestros datos fueron analizados junto con estudios previos a nivel nacional y mundial lo cual sustenta que el posible evento selectivo es debido a que el aporte de ácido fólico se ha incrementado durante las últimas dos décadas como consecuencia de las campañas de fortificación de las harinas y suplementación a las embarazadas con ácido fólico, por lo tanto aquí se propone un modelo de selección que se ajusta a los datos encontrados en este trabajo se establece una relación entre los patrones nutricionales de la especie humana a través de la historia que explica las diferencias en frecuencias de este polimorfismo a nivel espacial y temporal.  

The Estrous Cycle Modulates Small Leucine-Rich Proteoglycans Expression in Mouse Uterine Tissues

In the pregnant mouse uterus, small leucine-rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) are drastically remodeled within a few hours after fertilization, suggesting that ovarian hormone levels modulate their synthesis and degradation. In this study, we followed by immunoperoxidase approach, the presence of four members of the SLRP family (decorin, lumican, biglycan, and fibromodulin) in the uterine tissues along the estrous cycle of the mouse. All molecules except fibromodulin, which predominates in the myometrium, showed a striking modulation in their distribution in the endometrial stroma, following the rise in the level of estrogen. Moreover, notable differences in the distribution of SLRPs were observed between superficial and deep stroma, as well as between the internal and external layers of the myometrium. Only biglycan and fibromodulin were expressed in the luminal and glandular epithelia. All four SLRPs were found in cytoplasmic granules of mononucleated cells. The pattern of distribution of the immunoreaction for these molecules in the uterine tissues was found to be estrous cycle-stage dependent, suggesting that these molecules undergo ovarian hormonal control and probably participate in the preparation of the uterus for decidualization and embryo implantation. In addition, this and previous results from our laboratory suggest the existence of two subpopulations of endometrial fibroblasts that may be related to the centrifugal development of the decidua. Anat Rec, 292:138-153, 2009. (c) 2008 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Developing Left Superior Cervical Ganglion of Pacas (Agouti Paca)

In this study the main question investigated was the number and size of both binucleate and mononucleate superior cervical ganglion (SCG) neurons and, whether post-natal development would affect these parameters. Twenty left SCGs from 20 male pacas were used. Four different ages were investigated, that is newborn (4 days), young (45 days), adult (2 years), and aged animals (7 years). By using design-based stereo-logical methods, that is the Cavalieri principle and a physical disector combined with serial sectioning, the total volume of ganglion and total number of mononucleate and binucleate neurons were estimated. Furthermore, the mean perikaryal (somal) volume of mononucleate and binucleate neurons was estimated using the vertical nucleator. The main findings of this study were a 154% increase in the SCG volume, a 95% increase in the total number of mononucleate SCG neurons and a 50% increase in the total volume of SCG neurons. In conclusion, apart from neuron number, different adaptive mechanisms may coexist in the autonomic nervous system to guarantee a functional homeostasis during ageing, which is not always associated with neuron losses. Anat Rec, 292:966-975, 2009. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Aquaporin 9 (AQP9) localization in the adult dog testis excurrent ducts by immunohistochemistry

Aquaporins (AQPs) are small, intrinsic membrane proteins that are present in many cell types involved in fluid transport. AQP9 is a major apical water channel that is expressed throughout the efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens, as well as in other regions of the human and rodent male reproductive tract. The target of this study was to examine the expression of AQP9 in epithelial cells in the adult dog efferent ducts, epididymis, and vas deferens. Samples of dog male reproductive tract comprising fragments of the testis; initial segment, caput, corpus, and cauda of the epididymis; and vas deferens were obtained from eight adult mongrel dogs. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting procedures were used to show AQP9 localization and distribution. AQP9 expression was not detected either in dog seminiferous tubules or rete testis. However, apical labeling for AQP9 was detected in the different regions of epididymis and vas deferens, with the reaction being less intense in the caput epididymis. Thus, AQP9 is abundantly expressed in dog male reproductive tract, in which it is an important apical pathway for transmembrane flow of water and neutral solutes.

Biological behavior of the gerbil ventral prostate in three phases of postnatal development

In this study, we characterized the gerbil's ventral prostate histology ultrastructurally and quantitatively throughout three phases of postnatal development (young, adult, and old) in order to comprehend its biological behavior and propensity to developing spontaneous lesions with aging. The gerbil prostate is composed of alveoli and ducts immersed in a stroma composed of smooth muscle, fibroblasts, collagen and elastic fibers and vessels. The prostate tissue components present morphological and quantitative aspects that vary according to age. Young animals have an immature gland with modest secretory activity. Synthetic activity remained stable in adult and old gerbil. However, prostatic morphology was altered in the aging, showing an increased epithelium and stromal fibrosis. The nuclei of the secretory cells increased with aging, whereas nucleoli presented few alterations during postnatal development. The epithelial proliferation and stromal remodeling noted in this study indicate that the gerbil prostate may respond to the androgen declines typical of senescence through epithelial proliferation and stromal remodeling.

Testosterone Promotes an Anabolic Increase in the Rat Female Prostate (Skene's Paraurethral Gland) Which Acquires a Male Ventral Prostate Phenotype

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)