scholarly journals How Can We Record Reliable Information on Animal Colouration in the Wild?

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (8) ◽  
pp. 356
Author(s):  
Enrico Lunghi ◽  
Francesco Bacci ◽  
Yahui Zhao
Keyword(s):  
Reliable Information ◽  
Phenotypic Trait ◽  
Complete Darkness ◽  
Blue Channel ◽  
Animal Colouration ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Analysis Of The Images ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Species Ecology

Animal colouration is a phenotypic trait that can provide important information on species ecology and adaptation. Describing animal colours can be very challenging, and digital images may help in this difficult task. Obtaining an image with colours similar to those observed in nature is not trivial, as many factors can alter the final result. Some studies highlighted the importance of a proper post-production and analysis of the images to obtain the best results, but unfortunately very little attention has been paid to how to obtain standardised images suitable to be employed in zoological and ecological studies. This study aims to give evidence about the importance of shooting pictures in standardised condition to obtain reliable data on animal colourations. We provide a method that allows to obtain standardised pictures with colours that are comparable to those observed on wild animals. We used a method that creates an in situ standardised environment to shoot photos of relatively small animals. Our method allows to fully control lights, the factor that affect pictures the most. We also provided a test on the efficiency of this method. Using a colour checker card as reference, we compared the divergence of the Red-Green-Blue channel values obtained from pictures shot in complete darkness with those read by a colorimeter. The average divergence in RGB values between the colorimeter and the RAW images was about 4%. This divergence increased when light disturbance occurred. Our method highlighted the importance of the moment in which pictures are taken, and demonstrated that a fully controlled method is essential for obtaining reliable information on animal colourations, data that can be employed in ecological and evolutionary studies.

THE ESSENTIAL CONTRIBUTION OF CAPTIVE SUMATRAN ELEPHANT IN ELEPHANT TRAINING CENTER, WAY KAMBAS NATIONAL PARK FOR WILDLIFE GENETICS CONSERVATION

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Elly Lestari Rustiati ◽  
Priyambodo Priyambodo ◽  
Yanti Yulianti ◽  
Eko Agus Srihanto ◽  
Dian Neli Pratiwi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
In Situ Conservation ◽  
Training Center ◽  
Conservation Effort ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Wildlife Genetics ◽  
Way Kambas National Park ◽  
Human Conflict ◽  
Essential Contribution

Way Kambas National Park (WKNP) is home of five protected big mammals including sumatran elephants.  It shares its border with 22 of 37 villages surrounding the national park.  Understanding their existence in the wild is a priority, and  wildlife genetics is a crucially needed. Besides poaching and habitat fragmentation, wildlife-human conflict is one big issue.  Elephant Training Center (ETC) in WKNP is built for semi in-situ conservation effort on captive sumatran elephants that mainly have conflict histories with local people.  Participative observation and bio-molecular analysis were conducted to learn the importance of captive Sumatran elephant for conservation effort.  Through captive sumatran elephants, database and applicable methods are expected to be developed supporting the conservation of their population in the wild.  Participative observation and molecular identification was carried on captive sumatran elephants in ETC, WKNP under multiple year Terapan grant of Ministry of Research and Technology Higher Education, Indonesia. Gene sequence and cytological analyses showed that the captive sumatran elephants are closely related and tend to be domesticated.  Translocation among ETC to avoid inbreeding, and maintaining the captive sumatran elephant as natural as possible are highly recommended. Developing genetic database can be a reference for both captive and wild sumatran elephants.

scholarly journals Chromatin fibers observed in situ in frozen hydrated sections. Native fiber diameter is not correlated with nucleosome repeat length.

1994 ◽  
Vol 125 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
C L Woodcock
Keyword(s):  
Cell Types ◽  
Repeat Length ◽  
Strong Positive Correlation ◽  
Whole Cells ◽  
Chromosome Architecture ◽  
Chromatin Fibers ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Chicken Erythrocytes ◽  
Patiria Miniata

Chromatin fibers have been observed and measured in frozen hydrated sections of three types of cell (chicken erythrocytes and sperm of Patiria miniata and Thyone briareus) representing an approximately 20-bp range of nucleosomal repeat lengths. For sperm of the starfish P. miniata, it was possible to obtain images of chromatin fibers from cells that were swimming in seawater up to the moment of cryo-immobilization, thus providing a record of the native morphology of the chromatin of these cells. Glutaraldehyde fixation produced no significant changes in the ultrastructure or diameter of chromatin fibers, and fiber diameters observed in cryosections were similar to those recorded after low temperature embedding in Lowicryl K11M. Chromatin fiber diameters measured from cryosections of the three types of nuclei were similar, a striking contrast to the situation for chromatin isolated from these cell types, where a strong positive correlation between diameter and nucleosomal repeat length has been established. The demonstration of chromatin fibers in unfixed whole cells establishes an unequivocal baseline for the study of native chromatin and chromosome architecture. The significant differences between chromatin fibers in nucleo and after isolation supports a previous observation (P. J. Giannasca, R. A. Horowitz, and C. L. Woodcock. 1993. J. Cell Sci. 105:551-561), and suggests that structural studies on isolated material should be interpreted with caution until the changes that accompany chromatin isolation are understood.

scholarly journals Transposable Elements in the Organization and Diversification of the Genome of Aegilops speltoides Tausch (Poaceae, Triticeae)

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Olga Raskina
Keyword(s):  
Transposable Elements ◽  
Mobile Element ◽  
Plant Genome ◽  
Aegilops Speltoides ◽  
Genome Architecture ◽  
Different Types ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Species Specific ◽  
Current Species

Repetitive DNA—specifically, transposable elements (TEs)—is a prevailing genomic fraction in cereals that underlies extensive genome reshuffling and intraspecific diversification in the wild. Although large amounts of data have been accumulated, the effect of TEs on the genome architecture and functioning is not fully understood. Here, plant genome organization was addressed by means of cloning and sequencing TE fragments of different types, which compose the largest portion of the Aegilops speltoides genome. Individual genotypes were analyzed cytogenetically using the cloned TE fragments as the DNA probes for fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The obtained TE sequences of the Ty1-copia, Ty3-gypsy, LINE, and CACTA superfamilies showed the relatedness of the Ae. speltoides genome to the Triticeae tribe and similarities to evolutionarily distant species. A significant number of clones consisted of intercalated fragments of TEs of various types, in which Fatima (Ty3-gypsy) sequences predominated. At the chromosomal level, different TE clones demonstrated sequence-specific patterning, emphasizing the effect of the TE fraction on the Ae. speltoides genome architecture and intraspecific diversification. Altogether, the obtained data highlight the current species-specific organization and patterning of the mobile element fraction and point to ancient evolutionary events in the genome of Ae. speltoides.

Abstract 427: Sudden ECG Rhythm Changes After Return of Spontaneous Circulation in Porcine Models of Cardiac Arrest

Circulation ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 140 (Suppl_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Allison C Koller ◽  
David D Salcido ◽  
Cornelia Genbrugge ◽  
James J Menegazzi
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Venous Pressure ◽  
Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Illustrative Case ◽  
Interesting Phenomenon ◽  
Return Of Spontaneous Circulation ◽  
Medical Interventions ◽  
Blue Channel ◽  
Experimental Protocols ◽  
The Moment

Background: Observation of the electrocardiogram (ECG) immediately following return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in resuscitated swine has revealed the interesting phenomenon of sudden ECG rhythm changes (SERC) that occur in the absence of pharmacological, surgical, or other medical interventions. Objective: We sought to identify, quantify, and characterize post-ROSC SERCs in successfully resuscitated swine. Methods: We reviewed all LabChart data from resuscitated approximately four-month-old swine used for various experimental protocols from 2006 to 2019. We identified those that achieved sustained ROSC and analyzed the entire post-ROSC period for evidence of a SERC in the ECG, arterial and venous pressure tracings. Presence or absence of a SERC was confirmed independently by two reviewers (ACK, DDS). We measured the time from ROSC to first SERC, analyzed the following metrics and calculated the change from 60 sec pre-SERC (or from ROSC if less than 60 sec) to 60 sec post-SERC: heart rate, central arterial pressure (CAP), and central venous pressure (CVP). Results: A total of 52 pigs achieved and sustained ROSC. Of these, we confirmed at least one SERC in 25 (48.1%). Two pigs (8%) had two unique SERC events. Median (IQR) time from ROSC to first SERC was 3.8 (1.0-6.9) min (range: 16 sec to 67.5 min). Mean (SE) heart rate changed by 51.7 (6.22) bpm. Mean heart rate decreased in 60% of cases. Mean (SE) CAP changed by 20.9 mmHg and mean (SE) CVP changed by 1.1 (0.24) mmHg. Mean CAP decreased in 72% of cases and mean CVP increased in 68%. Figure 1 shows an illustrative case with: red channel CAP (top), blue channel CVP (second from top), green channel CPP (second from bottom), and pink channel ECG (bottom). Conclusions: SERC occurs in nearly half of all cases with sustained ROSC and can occur multiple times per case. First SERC occurs within the first 4 minutes following ROSC. Heart rate, CAP and CVP change around the moment of SERC. Figure 1. SERC Case

Unobtrusive Observation of Cycling Tourists in the Wild

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (4) ◽  
pp. 22-42
Author(s):  
Benjamin Poppinga ◽  
Martin Pielot ◽  
Wilko Heuten ◽  
Susanne Boll
Keyword(s):  
Field Study ◽  
In Situ Observation ◽  
In Situ Techniques ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
The Individual ◽  
Post Hoc ◽  
Real Challenge ◽  
Unobtrusive Observation

The observation of cycling tourists is a real challenge. Traditional in-situ observation techniques fail as they threaten the intimateness of the experience and often interfere with the users' tasks. In post-hoc studies, like interviews, participants are unable to recap all details of their earlier experience accurately. This paper investigates how a hybrid, i.e., in-situ and post-hoc, observation approach can overcome the individual limitations and thereby provide detailed insights without disturbing the cyclists. The authors demonstrate the approach in a field study, where we observed 11 tourists with three unobtrusive in-situ techniques and used the gathered data to jog their memories in a post-hoc interview. They found that the observation technique allows to get detailed and accurate insights, and the communication between experimenter and participant becomes clearer. The authors conclude that hybrid observation would be valuable in other mobile field study settings.

scholarly journals Propagation of Threatened Nepenthes khasiana: Methods and Precautions

2015 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 313-315
Author(s):  
Jibankumar S. KHURAIJAM ◽  
Rup K. ROY
Keyword(s):  
Plant Species ◽  
Threatened Species ◽  
Ex Situ Conservation ◽  
Ex Situ ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Propagation Technique ◽  
Subsequent Propagation ◽  
Nepenthes Khasiana

Ex-situ conservation is an important key in the management of rare, endangered and threatened (RET) plant species and its effectiveness depends on several factors. Maintenance of viable germplasm and its subsequent propagation plays an important role in long term conservation of many RET species. Nepenthes khasiana is a rare and gravely threatened species in the wild due to over-collection and other threats. The species needs urgent in-situ and ex-situ conservation. Development of easy to propagate techniques would pave faster multiplication for its use of educational, medicinal and horticultural purpose. In the present paper, successful propagation technique of Nepenthes khasiana through seeds is demonstrated along with detailed information on precautions to be taken during the adoption of the techniques.

scholarly journals Re-establishment of an endangered subspecies: the Norfolk Island Boobook Owl Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata

1996 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-80 ◽  
Author(s):  
Penny D. Olsen
Keyword(s):  
New Zealand ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Female Offspring ◽  
Nest Boxes ◽  
Large Trees ◽  
Island Group ◽  
Norfolk Island ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Original Female

SummaryThe Norfolk Island Boobook Ninox novaeseelandiae undulata is confined to the small, isolated Norfolk Island group, an Australian territory. On morphological and biogeographical grounds, it is here classified as a large, distinctive subspecies of the New Zealand Morepork N. novaeseelandiae. In 1986 only one specimen, a female, survived. A shortage of large trees with suitable nesting holes appeared to be the immediate problem. The Australian Nature Conservation Agency, islanders and New Zealand wildlife authorities have cooperated in an attempt to re-establish an owl population in situ. Nest-boxes were erected in trees in the area frequented by the female and were used readily as roosts. In September 1987, two male New Zealand Moreporks were introduced. The female paired with one male and produced four hybrid F offspring (in 1989 and 1990). Two of these paired in mid-1991 and have since produced five F offspring (two in 1993 and three in 1994). The original female remains paired but now appears to be reproductively senile. At present there seems to be a shortage of mature males, since two female offspring are paired and both lay eggs and attempt to incubate them in the same nest; and a lone female has established a territory. In early 1995 all eleven owls appeared to be alive in the wild. The effort is low-cost, requires relatively little manpower, is carried out with minimal disturbance to the owls, and goes hand in hand with other conservation programmes.

In Situ Raman Scattering Studies of the Electrochemical Intercalation of Graphite in Sulfuric Acid

1982 ◽  
Vol 20 ◽  
Author(s):  
C.H. Olk ◽  
V. Yeh ◽  
F.J. Holler ◽  
P.C. Eklund
Keyword(s):  
Sulfuric Acid ◽  
Raman Scattering ◽  
Electrochemical Synthesis ◽  
High Frequency ◽  
In Situ Raman ◽  
Lower Stage ◽  
Electrochemical Intercalation ◽  
The Moment ◽  
Sudden Transition

ABSTRACTIn situ Raman scattering studies of the high-frequency carbon intralayer modes in graphite-H2SO4 have been carried out during the electrochemical intercalation of graphite in sulfuric acid. The data show that within an optical depth of ∼ 200 Å the entire c-face undergoes a sudden transition to the next lower stage (n−1) at the moment when the bulk has just completed forming stage n. Raman data collected in the “overcharge” and “overoxidation” regimes of the electrochemical synthesis indicate rapid shifting of the peaks during these times, indicating a significant increase in the oxidation of the carbon layers.

scholarly journals Microsporidian Infection in a Free-Living Marine Nematode

2012 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1544-1551 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. M. Ardila-Garcia ◽  
N. M. Fast
Keyword(s):  
Marine Nematode ◽  
Free Living ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Infection Pattern ◽  
Transmission Electron ◽  
Muscle Tissues ◽  
Natural Hosts ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Microsporidian Infection

ABSTRACT Microsporidia are unicellular fungi that are obligate endoparasites. Although nematodes are one of the most abundant and diverse animal groups, the only confirmed report of microsporidian infection was that of the “nematode killer” ( Nematocida parisii ). N. parisii was isolated from a wild Caenorhabditis sp. and causes an acute and lethal intestinal infection in a lab strain of Caenorhabditis elegans . We set out to characterize a microsporidian infection in a wild nematode to determine whether the infection pattern of N. parisii in the lab is typical of microsporidian infections in nematodes. We describe a novel microsporidian species named Sporanauta perivermis (marine spore of roundworms) and characterize its infection in its natural host, the free-living marine nematode Odontophora rectangula. S. perivermis is not closely related to N. parisii and differs strikingly in all aspects of infection. Examination by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the infection was localized in the hypodermal and muscle tissues only and did not involve the intestines. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) confirmed infection in the muscle and hypodermis, and surprisingly, it also revealed that the parasite infects O. rectangula eggs, suggesting a vertical mode of transmission. Our observations highlight the importance of studying parasites in their natural hosts and indicate that not all nematode-infecting microsporidia are “nematode killers”; instead, microsporidiosis can be more versatile and chronic in the wild.

scholarly journals Population genetic analysis in old Montenegrin vineyards reveals ancient ways currently active to generate diversity in Vitis vinifera

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Vesna Maraš ◽  
Javier Tello ◽  
Anita Gazivoda ◽  
Milena Mugoša ◽  
Mirko Perišić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultivated Plants ◽  
Traditional Practices ◽  
Population Genetic Analysis ◽  
Local Varieties ◽  
Leading Role ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Market Trends ◽  
Genetic Profiles ◽  
High Diversity

Abstract Global viticulture has evolved following market trends, causing loss of cultivar diversity and traditional practices. In Montenegro, modern viticulture co-exists with a traditional viticulture that still maintains ancient practices and exploits local cultivars. As a result, this region provides a unique opportunity to explore processes increasing genetic diversity. To evaluate the diversity of Montenegrin grapevines and the processes involved in their diversification, we collected and analyzed 419 samples in situ across the country (cultivated plants from old orchards and vines growing in the wild), and 57 local varieties preserved in a grapevine collection. We obtained 144 different genetic profiles, more than 100 corresponding to cultivated grapevines, representing a surprising diversity for one of the smallest European countries. Part of this high diversity reflects historical records indicating multiple and intense introduction events from diverse viticultural regions at different times. Another important gene pool includes many autochthonous varieties, some on the edge of extinction, linked in a complex parentage network where two varieties (Razaklija and Kratošija) played a leading role on the generation of indigenous varieties. Finally, analyses of genetic structure unveiled several putative proto-varieties, likely representing the first steps involved in the generation of new cultivars or even secondary domestication events.

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