scholarly journals Previous flight facilitates partner finding in female crickets

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maxim Mezheritskiy ◽  
Dmitry Vorontsov ◽  
Dmitry Lapshin ◽  
Varvara Dyakonova

AbstractIn the cricket Gryllus bimaculatus, flying occurs soon after the last imaginal molt and precedes the mating behavior in natural conditions. Here, we tested the hypothesis that flying may improve subsequent behavioral performance in a novel environment in female crickets. We developed a behavioral set-up to test female cricket responsiveness to male calling song as well as their ability to locate and find the source of the song. The male song was produced by a loudspeaker hidden behind the fabric wall of a spacious square arena. Forced flight prior to the test promoted female sexual searching behavior in the novel environment. After the flight, more females reached the hidden source zone, spent more time near the source and finally more of them climbed over the wall section immediately in front of the hidden loudspeaker. At the same time, their behavior in the arena did not differ from the control group when the calling song was not delivered, suggesting that flight exerts its behavioral effects by influencing sexual motivation. Our results support the suggestion that preceding intense locomotion facilitates sexual searching behavior of females in a novel environment.

2018 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 172334 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. J. Sarmiento-Ponce ◽  
M. P. F. Sutcliffe ◽  
B. Hedwig

Field crickets are extensively used as a model organism to study female phonotactic walking behaviour, i.e. their attraction to the male calling song. Laboratory-based phonotaxis experiments generally rely on arena or trackball-based settings; however, no attention has been paid to the effect of substrate texture on the response. Here, we tested phonotaxis in female Gryllus bimaculatus , walking on trackballs machined from methyl-methacrylate foam with different cell sizes. Surface height variations of the trackballs, due to the cellular composition of the material, were measured with profilometry and characterized as smooth, medium or rough, with roughness amplitudes of 7.3, 16 and 180 µm. Female phonotaxis was best on a rough and medium trackball surface, a smooth surface resulted in a significant lower phonotactic response. Claws of the cricket foot were crucial for effective walking. Females insert their claws into the surface pores to allow mechanical interlocking with the substrate texture and a high degree of attachment, which cannot be established on smooth surfaces. These findings provide insight to the biomechanical basis of insect walking and may inform behavioural studies that the surface texture on which walking insects are tested is crucial for the resulting behavioural response.


2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 55-69 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giancarlo Chiatti ◽  
Ornella Chiavola ◽  
Fulvio Palmieri ◽  
Roberto Pompei

Background:The paper deals with a diesel common rail nozzle in which a novel orifice layout is implemented.Objective:Its influence on the nozzle mechanical-hydraulic behavior and on the spray shape transient development is experimentally investigated.Methods:In the research, a solenoid injector for light duty diesel engines is equipped with the novel nozzle prototype and tested. The prototype layout is described, pointing out the features of the nozzle orifices, in which a Slot cross-section is adopted; the investigation is accomplished extending the hydraulic tests and the spray visualizations to a reference nozzle with standard holes. The influence of the hole layout on the mechanical-hydraulic behavior of the nozzle is assessed by experimental analysis based on the rate of injection measurement, in comparison with the reference nozzle. Once the hydraulic behavior of the novel nozzle has been characterized in terms of mass flow rate, the slot influence on the spray shape is assessed analyzing the macroscopic features such as the penetration distance and the spray angle, in non evaporative conditions. The study is carried out under transient injection conditions, for different injection pressures, up to 1400 bar.Results:The results on spray characteristics also provide reference information to set up spray models suited to take the Slot orifice into account.


2002 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-189
Author(s):  
O. U. Manafa ◽  
T. S. Awolola ◽  
A. N. Isamah

A study in human Onchocerciasis was undertaken in four endemic communities in Ondo State, Nigeria. In-depth interviews were conducted on peoples' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding Onchocerciasis aetiology, treatment, prevention, and symptoms. These were complemented by key informant interviews and focus group discussions. Based on this information, an educational program was set up which included the training of selected villagers (motivators) and community intervention organized by these motivators. Evaluation used a control group where intervention was focused on other health problems in the area. Onchocerciasis education took place only with the intervention group. At the start of the project, peoples' knowledge about Onchocerciasis, its cause, treatment, prevention, and symptoms were varied and only a small proportion could link the bite of the blackfly to Onchocerciasis. The educational intervention achieved a high level of participant satisfaction which was expressed in continuous attendance at workshops and keeping appointments with motivators. The intervention helped to bring a significant improvement in the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of the respondents. The knowledge of Onchocerciasis aetiology increased to 79.8 percent, 71.5 percent, and 74 percent from 48.5 percent, 48.7 percent, 34 percent, and 45 percent pre-intervention in the four study areas used. The project demonstrated that a community-based health education can be effective in Onchocerciasis control.


1959 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 471-478
Author(s):  
B. C. Das

Three synthetic growth-promoting substances were administered to cauliflower plants (Brassica oleracea) to determine their effect on flower weight and flower growth. A Youden square experimental design was employed to set up treatment groups for all possible combinations of three substances at four concentration levels and three frequencies of application, and an untreated control group. The substances employed were 3-indolylbutyric acid (IBA), 2,3,5-tri-iodobenzoic acid (TIBA), and β-naphthoxyacetic acid (NOXA); concentrations used were 0.01, 0.2, 4.0, and 80.0 parts per million; and frequencies adopted were 2, 3, and 6 times in a 12-day period. Final flower weights were analyzed by an analysis of variance which showed that the treatments differed significantly (P <.01). Treatments with NOXA and IBA produced flowers weighing significantly more than those of the control group. Flower growth was characterized by a rapid initial rise, which subsequently levelled off in the control group. For treated groups, the initial rise continued throughout the flowering period. The results suggest that the use of certain synthetic growth-promoting substances may be feasible commercially for enhanced production of cauliflower crops.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 2081-2086
Author(s):  
Bin Qiu ◽  
Hui Zhong ◽  
Shenqiu Ming ◽  
Chunxia Zhu

Abnormal LncRNA HOTAIR level is correlated with various cancers and miR-761 can inhibit cancers. LncRNA HOTAIR targets miR-761 by StarBase 2.0 analysis. Our study investigated whether LncRNA HOTAIR can affect cervical cancer cells by regulating miR-761. The control group (NC group), LncRNA HOTAIR group and LncRNA HOTAIR + miR-761 Mimics group were set up to measure LncRNA HOTAIR and miR-761 level by qRT-PCR. Dual fluorescein reporter assay assessed whether miR-761 binds LncRNA HOTAIR. Western blot was used to measure Cyclin D1, Bcl-2 and Tubulin expression and clone formation assay was to assess cell proliferation and Annexin VFITC/PI staining was to detect cell apoptosis. Compared with normal tissues, LncRNA HOTAIR level was significantly higher in cervical cancer tissues, while miR-761 was lower (P < 0.01). LncRNA HOTAIR targets miR-761. Compared with NC group, CyclinD1 and Bcl-2 in LncRNA HOTAIR group were significantly increased (P < 0.01), which were significantly lower in LncRNA HOTAIR + miR-761 Mimics group (P < 0.05). Compared to NC group, miR-761 in LncRNA HOTAIR group was significantly reduced (P < 0.01) and elevated by miR-761 Mimics. In addition, compared to NC group, the number of cell clones in LncRNA HOTAIR group was increased, cell proliferation was increased, and number of apoptotic cells was decreased, which were all reversed in the LncRNA HOTAIR + miR-761 Mimics group. LncRNA HOTAIR targets miR-761, promotes cell proliferation and reduces cell apoptosis. miR-761 mimics can partially prevent the effects of LncRNA HOTAIR.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yang Cao ◽  
fei song ◽  
Xingtang Zhao ◽  
Liming He ◽  
Yaguang Zhan

Abstract Background: In this study, sodium nitrate (SNP, a donor of nitric oxide) and methyl jasmonate (MJ) were used as exogenous hormones. The experiment was conducted with the offspring (interspecific hybrid) D110 of ash and ash, and their respective parents (non-interspecific hybrid) D113 and 4-3 as experimental materials. The experiment set up three experimental groups of drought stress, exogenous hormone SNP and MJ, and a control group under normal growth (non-drought stress), to study the physiological indicators and gene expression of manchurian ash. Result: The results showed that under drought stress and exogenous application of hormone SNP or MJ, there were significant differences between hybrids and parents in plant growth, photosynthesis, defense enzyme activity, hormone content and gene expression.Conclusions: This experiment provides a new theoretical support for the existing hormone breeding methods of manchurian ash, which can improve the drought resistance of manchurian ash and increase its survival rate in the wild. Increasing the growth rate and breeding efficiency of manchurian ash brings new ideas.


2002 ◽  
Vol 48 (12) ◽  
pp. 2131-2140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chikh Bengra ◽  
Theodore E Mifflin ◽  
Yuri Khripin ◽  
Paolo Manunta ◽  
Scott M Williams ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Human hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disease with a heritability of more than 30–50%. A genetic screening test based on analysis of multiple single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess the likelihood of developing hypertension would be helpful for disease management. Methods: Tailed allele-specific primers were designed to amplify by PCR six biallelic SNP loci [three in G protein-coupled receptor kinase type 4 (GRK4): R65L, A142V, and A486V; two in angiotensinogen: −6G→A and M235T; and one in aldosterone synthase: −344C→T] associated with essential hypertension. PCRs of SNP loci were coupled (via a common sequence of 21 nucleotide tails) to incorporate Universal Amplifluor™ primers labeled with fluorescein or sulforhodamine in a homogeneous format. Use of Amplifluors in SNP PCRs produced labeled amplicons, the fluorescence of which was quantified by a microplate reader and then analyzed via an Excel macro to provide genotypes for all six SNP loci. Unique restriction endonucleases were identified for five SNP loci that could independently confirm homogeneous PCR results when needed. Results: We developed six homogeneous PCR assays that were set up, performed, and fluorometrically analyzed in 96-well microplates. Allele frequencies were determined for six SNPs in 60 Italian hypertensive patients and a control group of 60 normotensive persons. A significant correlation (P = 0.034) between one SNP [GRK4 (A486V)] and the hypertensive patients was observed. Genotyping results for five of six SNPs were confirmed by digesting corresponding amplicons with locus-specific restriction endonucleases. Conclusions: We developed a simple and homogeneous fluorescent protocol that has been used to determine the SNP genotype for six loci in a population of hypertensive and normotensive persons. We also observed a significant association (P = 0.034) between one SNP (A486V) and an Italian population of mildly hypertensive patients.


2021 ◽  
Vol 30 (2) ◽  
pp. 99-106
Author(s):  
Nancy Collins ◽  
Carlos Gerardo Velazco-Macias

A new species of tree cricket, Neoxabea mexicanasp. nov., is described from northeast Mexico. Although it has morphological similarities to two other species found in Mexico, there are distinguishing characters, such as a well-developed tubercle on the pedicel, black markings on the maxillary palpi, one of the two pairs of spots on the female wings positioned at the base of the wings, stridulatory teeth count, and the pulse rate of the male calling song. The calling song description and pre-singing stuttering frequencies are provided. Character comparisons that rule out other species in the genus are presented. The common name given to this new species is Mexican tree cricket. Sound recordings and video are available online. We also make some clarification of the status of Neoxabea formosa (Walker, 1869), described as Oecanthus formosus, and present a key of Neoxabea in North and Central America.


Author(s):  
Yu. G. Kropyvka ◽  
V. S. Bomko ◽  
S. Y. Kropyvka

The article deals with the results of research on the economic efficiency of the use of mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt in the feeding rations of highlyproductive cows of Ukrainian Red-Spotted Dairy breed in the first 100 days of lactation. The research was performed on five groups (one control and four experimental) of analogous cows in the conditions of ALC “Terezyne” Bila Tserkva district of Kyiv region. The control was the optimal dose of mixed ligand complexes of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt, which was previously established with a concentration of 1 kg of dry matter (DM) of the feed mixture (FM), mg: Zinc – 60.8; Manganese – 60.8 and Cobalt – 0.78. For the 2nd experimental group, the concentration of these trace elements was increased by 10 %, and in the 3rd, 4th and 5th experimental groups – on the contrary, the concentration of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt in 1 kg of DM of feed mixture was reduced by 10 %, 20 and 30 %, respectively, compared with the control. The best results on milk yield of natural and basic fat content were got from cows of the 4th experimental group, where the concentration of Zinc, Manganese and Cobalt due to their mixed ligand complexes in 1 kg of DM of feed mixture was, mg: Zinc – 48.6; Manganese – 48.6; Cobalt – 0.62. The cost of products got from experimental cows ranged from UAH 12702.3 up to UAH 13783.7 and it was the highest in the 4th experimental group. It was set up that for cows of Ukrainian Red-Spotted Dairy breed in the first 100 days of lactation the most economically advantageous was the dose of mixed ligand complexes, in which the concentration of Zinc and Manganese was 48.6 mg, and Cobalt – 0.62 mg/kg DM, which allowed to obtain a profit of 14.37 % more than in the control group. Doses of mixed ligand complexes with a concentration of Zinc and Manganese – 66.9 mg; 54.7 and 42.6 mg, and Cobalt – 0.86 mg; 0.7 and 0.55 mg/kg CF gave a much lower economic effect. Additional profit in the 2nd experimental group amounted to UAH 66.8 or 1.34 %; in the 3rd – UAH 95.6 or 1.92 % and in the 5th – UAH 561.6 or 11.28 %, compared with the control group.


Parasite ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
pp. 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eric Tielemans ◽  
Tomoko Otsuki ◽  
Tara Cheesman ◽  
Fiona Selmes ◽  
Anthony Pfefferkorn ◽  
...  

Esafoxolaner is a purified afoxolaner enantiomer with insecticidal and acaricidal properties. It is combined with eprinomectin and praziquantel, nematodicidal and cestodicidal compounds, in a novel topical endectoparasiticide formulation for cats. This novel formulation was tested in four field studies, in the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia. In all studies, naturally flea-infested domestic cats were treated with the novel formulation at the label dose and conditions of use. The main objective, identical in the four studies, was to assess efficacy on fleas, based on comparison of mean number of fleas found on infested cats before and one month after treatment. Tolerance to the product was also evaluated in the four studies. Otherwise, the studies had some differences in their design and secondary objectives, for example testing for a reduction in flea infestation-related cutaneous signs, testing of one treatment or of three monthly treatments, and use of a positive control group. In the four studies, a total of 307 cats were treated with the novel formulation. The reduction of fleas one month after treatment was 97.7%, 98.8%, 100% and 99.7% in the United States, Europe, Japan and Australia, respectively. There were no significant health abnormalities attributed to treatment in any of the studies.


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