Plant chemical discriminations by an herbivorous iguanid lizard, Sauromalus ater

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Cooper ◽  
Matthew Flowers
Keyword(s):  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Natural Populations ◽  
Romaine Lettuce ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Plant Chemical ◽  
Chemical Discrimination ◽  
The Common ◽  
Chemical Stimuli ◽  
Tongue Flicking ◽  
And Control

AbstractWe experimentally studied the ability of the iguanid lizard Sauromalus ater to discriminate between plant and animal foods and control stimuli using only chemical cues. When chemicals were presented on cotton swabs, the lizards exhibited stronger responses, as indicated by tongue-flicking and biting, to chemical stimuli from romaine lettuce than from crickets and control substances. Responses to plant and animal food did not differ significantly in S. ater, which eats animal prey only occasionally in natural populations. Although there were no significant differences between responses to cricket chemicals and other stimuli for the entire data set, those individuals that ate or attacked crickets tongue-flicked at high rates in response to cricket chemicals. Based on the presence of herbivory and plant chemical discrimination in three iguanid genera, it is likely that plant chemical discrimination is ubiquitous in iguanids. Given the uncertainty of iguanian phylogeny, the evolution of herbivory and response to plant chemicals cannot be traced with confidence. However, it appears very likely that lingually mediated plant chemical discriminations evolved in the common ancestor of Iguanidae or earlier in iguanian history in response to a shift to an herbivorous diet.

Omnivorous lacertid lizards (Gallotia) from El Hierro, Canary Islands, can identify prey and plant food using only chemical cues

2001 ◽  
Vol 79 (5) ◽  
pp. 881-887 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E Cooper, Jr. ◽  
Valentín Pérez-Mellado
Keyword(s):  
Tomato Fruit ◽  
Tongue Flick ◽  
Plant Food ◽  
El Hierro ◽  
Plant Chemical ◽  
Lacertid Lizards ◽  
Chemical Discrimination ◽  
Chemical Stimuli ◽  
Tongue Flicking ◽  
The One

We studied lingual and biting responses to food chemicals by two species of omnivorous lacertid lizards, the Canary Island endemics Gallotia simonyi (the giant lizard of El Hierro) and Gallotia caesaris (Boettger's lizard), to ascertain their ability to discriminate between prey and plant food chemicals on the one hand and control stimuli on the other. We recorded frequencies of tongue-flicking and latency to bite in 60-s trials in which chemical stimuli on cotton-tipped applicators were presented to the lizards. Both species exhibited prey-chemical discrimination, as indicated by elevated tongue-flick rates and higher proportions of individuals biting in response to surface chemicals from crickets. Both species exhibited plant-chemical discrimination, as indicated by significantly greater tongue-flick rates and biting frequency in response to chemicals from tomato fruit than to the control stimuli. Juvenile G. simonyi responded much more strongly to chemical stimuli from tomato fruit than from leaves of Psoralea bituminosa, which is not a preferred food for juveniles. The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that chemosensory discrimination evolves in omnivorous lizards to permit evaluation of food quality, resulting in correspondence between plant diet and plant-chemical discrimination, both being absent in insectivores. The results are also consistent with the hypothesis that prey-chemical discrimination is retained and plant-chemical discrimination evolves in the omnivorous lizards derived from actively foraging insectivores.

Prey chemical discrimination by a diploglossine lizard, the giant Hispaniolan galliwasp (Celestus warreni)

2009 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 135-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Cooper ◽  
Kelly Bradley
Keyword(s):  
Composite Index ◽  
Response Strength ◽  
Tongue Flick ◽  
Foraging Mode ◽  
Plant Chemical ◽  
Prey Chemicals ◽  
Chemical Discrimination ◽  
Active Forager ◽  
Tongue Flicking ◽  
And Control

AbstractPrey chemical discrimination, the ability to respond differentially to prey chemicals and control stimuli, enables many squamate reptiles to locate and identify prey using chemical cues sampled by tongue-flicking and analyzed by vomerolfaction. Among lizards this ability is limited to species that are active foragers having insectivorous/carnivorous diets and to omnivores and herbivores, even those derived from ancestral ambush foragers. We experimentally studied responses by hatchlings of giant Hispaniolan galliwasps, Celestus warreni, which appear to have a strict animal diet and are putatively active foragers, to prey chemicals and control substances. More individuals tongue-flicked in the cricket condition than the water condition. Response strength indicated by the tongue-flick attack score, a composite index of response strength based on number of tongue-flicks, biting (one lizard) and latency to bite, was greater in response to cricket stimuli than plant (lettuce) stimuli, cologne or distilled water. Thus, the galliwasps exhibited prey chemical discrimination. Celestus warreni, the first representative of Diploglossinae to be tested, exhibits chemosensory behavior similar to that of other anguids. Although no quantitative data on foraging mode are available, another diploglossine, Diploglossus vittatus, is an active forager. The limitation of prey chemical discrimination to active foragers among lizards with animal diets lend further support to the likelihood that C. warreni is an active forager. The galliwasps did not exhibit plant chemical discrimination.

Responses to prey and plant chemicals by three iguanian lizards: relationship to plants in the diet

2001 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 349-361 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Espinoza ◽  
Jason Habegger ◽  
William Cooper
Keyword(s):  
Ceramic Tiles ◽  
Plant Chemical ◽  
Plant Chemicals ◽  
Prey Chemicals ◽  
Chemical Discrimination ◽  
Chemical Stimuli ◽  
And Control

AbstractWe examined responses of three iguanian lizards, the phrynosomatid Sceloporus poinsettii and the tropidurids Tropidurus hispidus and Phymaturus punae, to prey chemicals and plant chemicals. When chemical stimuli were presented on cotton swabs or on ceramic tiles, neither S. poinsettii nor T. hispidus discriminated among prey, plant, and control stimuli. In contrast, an individual of P. punae discriminated both prey and plant chemicals from control stimuli in swab tests, typically biting swabs bearing prey or plant cues. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that plant chemical discrimination evolves in herbivorous iguanians such as P. punae. Sceloporus poinsettii, which appears to be entirely insectivorous at some times, but eats substantial quantities of flowers at others, did not discriminate among the stimuli. Because all previously tested herbivores and omnivores responded strongly to prey and plant chemicals, the absence of such discriminations by S. poinsettii raises questions about the degree and regularity of herbivory that may be required for plant chemical discrimination to evolve. The results extend the absence of prey chemical discrimination in ambush foragers to T. hispidus.

scholarly journals New diagnostic approach of the different types of isolated craniosynostosis

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophia A. J. Kronig ◽  
Otto D. M. Kronig ◽  
Henri A. Vrooman ◽  
Jifke F. Veenland ◽  
Léon N. A. Van Adrichem
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Approach ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Skull Shape ◽  
Anterior Plagiocephaly ◽  
Different Types ◽  
The Common ◽  
Diagnostic Flowchart ◽  
And Control ◽  
Ct Slices

Abstract In this study, we diagnose skull shape deformities by analysing sinusoid curves obtained from standardized computed tomography (CT) slices of the skull for the common craniosynostoses (scaphocephaly, brachycephaly, trigonocephaly, right- and left-sided anterior plagiocephaly). Scaphocephaly has a high forehead peak and low troughs, in contrast to brachycephaly. Anterior plagiocephaly has asymmetry and shifting of the forehead peak. Trigonocephaly has a high and narrow frontal peak. Control patients have a symmetrical skull shape with low troughs and a high and broader frontal peak. Firstly, we included 5 children of every group of the common craniosynostoses and additionally 5 controls for extraction and calculation of characteristics. A diagnostic flowchart was developed. Secondly, we included a total of 51 craniosynostosis patients to validate the flowchart. All patients were correctly classified using the flowchart. Conclusion: Our study proposes and implements a new diagnostic approach of craniosynostosis. We describe a diagnostic flowchart based on specific characteristics for every type of craniosynostosis related to the specific skull deformities and control patients. All variables are expressed in number; therefore, we are able to use these variables in future research to quantify the different types of craniosynostosis. What is Known:• Premature fusion of one or more cranial sutures results in a specific cranial shape.• Clinical diagnosis is relatively simple; however, objective diagnosis based on distinctive values is difficult. What is New:• Using external landmarks and curve analysis, distinctive variables, and values for every type of craniosynostosis related to the specific skull deformities were determined and used to create a diagnostic flowchart for diagnosis.• Validation with an independent data set of 51 patients showed that all patients were correctly classified.

scholarly journals Major components in the KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2-ligand signaling pathway are conserved in the liverwort, Marchantia polymorpha

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yohei Mizuno ◽  
Aino Komatsu ◽  
Shota Shimazaki ◽  
Xiaonan Xie ◽  
Kimitsune Ishizaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase ◽  
Common Ancestor ◽  
Marchantia Polymorpha ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Knock Out ◽  
Ubiquitin Ligase Complex ◽  
The Common ◽  
F Box Protein ◽  
And Control

AbstractKARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2) was first identified in Arabidopsis thaliana as a receptor of karrikin, a smoke-derived germination stimulant. KAI2 is also considered a receptor of an unidentified endogenous molecule called the KAI2-ligand (KL). Upon KAI2 activation, signals are transmitted through degradation of D53/SMXL proteins via ubiquitination by a Skp-Cullin-F-box (SCF) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. All components in the KL signaling pathway exist in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha, namely MpKAI2A and MpKAI2B, MpMAX2 encoding the F-box protein, and MpSMXL, indicating that the signaling pathway became functional in the common ancestor of bryophytes and seed plants. Genetic analysis using knock-out mutants of these KL signaling genes, produced using the CRISPR system, indicated that MpKAI2A, MpMAX2 and MpSMXL act in the same genetic pathway and control early gemma growth. Introduction of MpSMXLd53, in which a domain required for degradation is mutated, into wild-type plants caused phenotypes resembling those of the Mpkai2a and Mpmax2 mutants. In addition, Citrine fluorescence was detected in tobacco cells transiently transformed with the 35S:MpSMXL-Citrine gene construct and treated with MG132, a proteasome inhibitor. On the other hand, introduction of 35S:MpSMXLd53-Citrine conferred Citrine fluorescence without MG132 treatment. These findings imply that MpSMXL is subjected to degradation, and that degradation of MpSMXL is crucial for KL signaling in M. polymorpha. We also showed that MpSMXL is negatively regulated by KL signaling. Taken together, this study demonstrates that basic mechanisms in the KL signaling pathway are conserved in M. polymorpha.

Food-chemical discrimination and correlated evolution between plant diet and plant-chemical discrimination in lacertiform lizards

2002 ◽  
Vol 80 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
William E Cooper Jr., ◽  
Janalee P Caldwell ◽  
Laurie J Vitt ◽  
Valentín Pérez-Mellado ◽  
Troy A Baird
Keyword(s):  
Chemical Cues ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Correlated Evolution ◽  
Plant Foods ◽  
Plant Chemical ◽  
Chemical Discrimination ◽  
Herbivorous Species ◽  
Quality Of Food ◽  
Tongue Flicking

Lizards use chemical cues to locate and identify prey and plant food, assess the nutritional quality of food, and detect plant toxins. Among insectivorous lizards, all actively foraging species studied respond strongly to prey chemicals sampled lingually, but ambush foragers do not. Much recent research has been devoted to assessing differential responses to food and nonfood chemicals (i.e., food-chemical discrimination) by omnivorous and herbivorous species and determining whether correlated evolution has occurred between plant diet and plant-chemical discrimination. We conducted experimental studies of food-chemical discrimination by two species of teiid lizards, the omnivorous Cnemidophorus murinus and the actively foraging insectivorous Ameiva ameiva. The omnivore distinguished both prey and plant chemicals from control substances. The insectivore exhibited prey-chemical, but not plant-chemical, discrimination, as indicated by tongue-flicking and biting. A comparative analysis using concentrated-changes tests showed that correlated evolution has occurred between plant consumption and plant-chemical discrimination in a major lizard taxon, Lacertiformes. These results extend and strengthen previous findings of similar correlated evolution to a new group and add to a growing database indicating that omnivorous lizards use chemical cues to assess both prey and plant foods.

scholarly journals Do predators prefer toxic animals? A case of chemical discrimination by an asian snake that sequesters firefly toxins

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Masaya Fukuda ◽  
Rinako Ujiie ◽  
Takato Inoue ◽  
Qin Chen ◽  
Chengquan Cao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Chemical Cue ◽  
Behavioral Experiments ◽  
Proximate Mechanisms ◽  
The Third ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Y Maze ◽  
Chemical Discrimination ◽  
Chemical Stimuli ◽  
Tongue Flicking

Abstract Several Asian natricine snakes of the genus Rhabdophis feed on toads and sequester steroidal cardiac toxins known as bufadienolides (BDs) from them. A recent study revealed that species of the R. nuchalis Group ingest lampyrine fireflies to sequester BDs. Although several species of fireflies are distributed in the habitat of the R. nuchalis Group, only lampyrine fireflies, which have BDs, included in the diet of these snakes. Thus, we hypothesized that the R. nuchalis Group chemically distinguishes fireflies that have BDs from those that do not have BDs. We also predicted that the R. nuchalis Group detects BDs as the chemical cue of toxin source. To test these predictions, we conducted three behavioral experiments using R. chiwen, which belongs to the R. nuchalis Group. In the first experiment, R. chiwen showed a moderate tongue flicking response to cinobufagin, a compound of BDs. On the other hand, the snake showed a higher response to the chemical stimuli of lampyrine fireflies (BD fireflies) than those of lucioline fireflies (non-BD fireflies). In the second experiment, in which we provided live BD and non-BD fireflies, the snake voluntarily consumed only the former. In the third, a Y-maze experiment, the snake tended to select the chemical trail of BD fireflies more frequently than that of non-BD fireflies. These results demonstrated that R. chiwen discriminates BD fireflies from non-BD fireflies, but the prediction that BDs are involved in this discrimination was not fully supported. To identify the proximate mechanisms of the recognition of novel toxic prey in the R. nuchalis Group, further investigation is necessary.

A driver drowsiness and distraction warning system based on raspberry Pi 3 Kit

2019 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. 184-192
Author(s):  
Toan Dao Thanh ◽  
Vo Thien Linh
Keyword(s):  
Processing System ◽  
Warning System ◽  
Raspberry Pi ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Lower Lip ◽  
Driver Drowsiness ◽  
Image Sensing ◽  
The Face ◽  
The Common ◽  
University Laboratory

In this article, a system to detect driver drowsiness and distraction based on image sensing technique is created. With a camera used to observe the face of driver, the image processing system embedded in the Raspberry Pi 3 Kit will generate a warning sound when the driver shows drowsiness based on the eye-closed state or a yawn. To detect the closed eye state, we use the ratio of the distance between the eyelids and the ratio of the distance between the upper lip and the lower lip when yawning. A trained data set to extract 68 facial features and “frontal face detectors” in Dlib are utilized to determine the eyes and mouth positions needed to carry out identification. Experimental data from the tests of the system on Vietnamese volunteers in our University laboratory show that the system can detect at realtime the common driver states of “Normal”, “Close eyes”, “Yawn” or “Distraction”

FINANCIAL CONTROLLING IN THE SYSTEM OF FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

2018 ◽  
Vol 28 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-141
Author(s):  
Petya Yordanova – Dinova
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Financial Stability ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Innovative Approach ◽  
Financial Sustainability ◽  
The Common ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
And Control

This paper explores the comparative analysis of the financial controlling, who is a result from the common controlling concept and the financial management. In the specialized literature, financial controlling is seen as an innovative approach to financial management. It is often presented as the most promising instrument of financial diagnostics. Generally speaking, financial controlling is seen as a process of managing the company`s assets which are valued in monetary measures. The difference between the financial management and the financial controlling is that the second covers all functions of management, analysis and control of finances, aiming at maximizing their effective use and increasing the value of the enterprise. Financial controlling is often seen as a function of the common practice of financial management. Its objective is to preserve the financial stability and financial sustainability of enterprises operating in a highly aggressive business environment.

Inhibition of IL-13: A New Pathway for Atopic Dermatitis

2020 ◽  
pp. 120347542098255
Author(s):  
Kayadri Ratnarajah ◽  
Michelle Le ◽  
Anastasiya Muntyanu ◽  
Steve Mathieu ◽  
Simon Nigen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Monoclonal Antibody ◽  
Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Severity Index ◽  
Severe Atopic Dermatitis ◽  
Treatment Alternative ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Rapid Improvement ◽  
Common Receptor ◽  
The Common ◽  
And Control

Dupilumab, a monoclonal antibody against the common receptor of interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13, was the first biologic therapy approved in Canada for treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (AD). While it is considered safe and effective, dupilumab is not universally effective and 8%-38% of patients develop conjunctivitis, while some patients develop head and neck dermatitis. Thus, new therapeutic options are warranted. While both IL-4 and IL-13 play important roles in the pathogenesis of AD, it has been recently demonstrated that IL-13 is the primary upregulated cytokine in AD skin biopsy samples. A placebo-controlled phase 2b clinical trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of lebrikizumab, an IL-13 inhibitor, in AD demonstrated that, at 16 weeks, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) 75 and Investigator’s Global Assessment (IGA) 0/1 were achieved by 60.6% and 44.6% of patients taking lebrikizumab at its highest dose (vs 24.3% and 15.3% of patients taking placebo, respectively). Moreover, treatment with lebrikizumab was associated with rapid improvement of pruritus and low rates of conjunctivitis (1.4%-3.8%). Another IL-13 monoclonal antibody, tralokinumab, was evaluated for safety and efficacy in moderate-to-severe AD. By week 12, among adults receiving 300 mg tralokinumab, 42.5% achieved EASI-75 and 26.7% achieved IGA 0/1 score (vs 15.5% and 11.8% in the placebo group, respectively). Both lebrikizumab and tralokinumab demonstrated acceptable safety profiles in AD (and non-AD) trials with adverse events often being comparable between treatment and control groups. Thus, IL-13 inhibitors may provide a safe and effective treatment alternative for patients with moderate-to-severe AD.

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