Volatile substances in feces, urine and urine-marked feces of feral horses

2001 ◽  
Vol 81 (3) ◽  
pp. 411-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rikako Kimura

The identity and amount of volatile substances in the feces, urine and feces scent-marked with urine (i.e., feces mixed with urine) of feral horses was determined by acid/steam distillation and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The frequency of excretion and scent marking, as evaluated in the breeding and non-breeding seasons, showed clear evidence of seasonal behavioral differences. The concentration of each substance (fatty acids, alcohols, aldehydes, phenols, amines and alkanes) in the feces differed according to maturity, sex and stage in the reproductive process. They had a characteristic chemical fingerprint. Although the levels of tetradecanoic and hexadecanoic acids in the feces of estrous mares were significantly higher than the respective levels in the feces of non-estrous mares, in the case of scent-marked feces by stallions, the levels of them in the feces from estrous mares had decreased to levels similar to those in non-estrous mares. The concentration of these substances in mares were not significantly different. The presence of a high concentration of cresols in the urine of stallions in the breeding season suggests that one role of scent marking by stallions is masking the odor of the feces produced by mares. Key words: Odors (volatile), excrement, scent-marking, masking, horse (feral), (releaser) pheromone

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alice C Poirier ◽  
John S Waterhouse ◽  
Jacob C Dunn ◽  
Andrew C Smith

Abstract Olfactory communication is an important mediator of social interactions in mammals, thought to provide information about an individual’s identity and current social, reproductive, and health status. In comparison with other taxa such as carnivores and rodents, few studies have examined primate olfactory communication. Tamarins (Callitrichidae) conspicuously deposit odorous secretions, produced by specialized scent glands, in their environment. In this study, we combined behavioral and chemical data on captive cotton-top tamarins, Saguinus oedipus, and bearded emperor tamarins, S. imperator subgrisescens, to examine the role of olfactory communication in the advertisement of species, sex, and reproductive status. We observed no difference in scent-marking behavior between species; however, females marked more frequently than males, and reproductive individuals more than non-reproductive ones. In addition, tamarins predominantly used their anogenital gland when scent-marking, followed by the suprapubic gland. We collected swabs of naturally deposited tamarin anogenital scent marks, and analyzed these samples using headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Despite a limited sample size, we established differences in tamarin anogenital mark chemical composition between species, sex and reproductive status, and identified 41 compounds. The compounds identified, many of which have been reported in previous work on mammalian semiochemistry, form targets for future bioassay studies to identify semiochemicals. Our non-invasive method for collecting deposited scent marks makes it a promising method for the study of olfactory communication in scent-marking animal species, applicable to field settings and for the study of elusive animals.


2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 462-476
Author(s):  
Alexander A. Ushkarev ◽  
Galina G. Gedovius ◽  
Tatyana V. Petrushina

The technological revolution of recent decades has already brought art to the broadest masses, and the unexpected intervention of the pandemic has significantly accelerated the process of migration of theatrical art to the virtual space, causing the corresponding dynamics of the audience. What is the theater audience in the era of digitalization and the spread of alternative forms of cultural consumption? How does the theater build its relationship with the audience today? In search of answers, we conducted a series of sociological surveys of the Chekhov Moscow Art Theater’s audience — both at the theater’s performances and in the online community of its fans. The purpose of this phase of the study was to answer the fundamental questions: do spectators surveyed in the theater and those surveyed online represent the same audience; what are their main differences; and what are the drivers of their spectator behavior? The article presents the main results of a comparative analysis of two images of the Moscow Art Theatre’s audience based on a number of content parameters by two types of surveys, as well as the results of a regression analysis of the theater attendance. The study resulted in definition of the qualitative and behavioral differences between the theater visitors and the viewers surveyed online, and identification of the factors of theater attendance for both of the represented audience groups. The study made it possible to clarify the role of age and other socio-demographic parameters in cultural activity, as well as the influence of preferred forms of cultural consumption (live contacts or online views) on one’s attitude to art, motivation and spectator behavior. The conclusions of the study, despite the uniqueness of the object, reflect the general patterns of the modern art audience’s dynamics.


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Molinari ◽  
Jonathan P. Mailoa ◽  
Boris Kozinsky

<div> <div> <div> <p>The model and analysis methods developed in this work are generally applicable to any polymer electrolyte/cation-anion combination, but we focus on the currently most prominent polymer electrolyte material system: poly(ethylene) oxide/Li- bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonamide (PEO + LiTFSI). The obtained results are surprising and challenge the conventional understanding of ionic transport in polymer electrolytes: the investigation of a technologically relevant salt concentration range (1 - 4 M) revealed the central role of the anion in coordinating and hindering Li ion movement. Our results provide insights into correlated ion dynamics, at the same time enabling rational design of better PEO-based electrolytes. In particular, we report the following novel observations. 1. Strong binding of the Li cation with the polymer competes with significant correlation of the cation with the salt anion. 2. The appearance of cation-anion clusters, especially at high concentration. 3. The asymmetry in the composition (and therefore charge) of such clusters; specifically, we find the tendency for clusters to have a higher number of anions than cations.</p> </div> </div> </div>


2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicola Molinari ◽  
Jonathan P. Mailoa ◽  
Boris Kozinsky

<div> <div> <div> <p>The model and analysis methods developed in this work are generally applicable to any polymer electrolyte/cation-anion combination, but we focus on the currently most prominent polymer electrolyte material system: poly(ethylene) oxide/Li- bis(trifluoromethane) sulfonamide (PEO + LiTFSI). The obtained results are surprising and challenge the conventional understanding of ionic transport in polymer electrolytes: the investigation of a technologically relevant salt concentration range (1 - 4 M) revealed the central role of the anion in coordinating and hindering Li ion movement. Our results provide insights into correlated ion dynamics, at the same time enabling rational design of better PEO-based electrolytes. In particular, we report the following novel observations. 1. Strong binding of the Li cation with the polymer competes with significant correlation of the cation with the salt anion. 2. The appearance of cation-anion clusters, especially at high concentration. 3. The asymmetry in the composition (and therefore charge) of such clusters; specifically, we find the tendency for clusters to have a higher number of anions than cations.</p> </div> </div> </div>


Author(s):  
Emily C. Whipple ◽  
Camille A. Favero ◽  
Neal F. Kassell

Abstract Introduction Intra-arterial (lA) delivery of therapeutic agents across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is an evolving strategy which enables the distribution of high concentration therapeutics through a targeted vascular territory, while potentially limiting systemic toxicity. Studies have demonstrated lA methods to be safe and efficacious for a variety of therapeutics. However, further characterization of the clinical efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors and refinement of its potential applications are necessary. Methods We have reviewed the preclinical and clinical evidence supporting superselective intraarterial cerebral infusion (SSJACI) with BBB disruption for the treatment of brain tumors. In addition, we review ongoing clinical trials expanding the applicability and investigating the efficacy of lA therapy for the treatment of brain tumors. Results Trends in recent studies have embraced the use of SSIACI and less neurotoxic chemotherapies. The majority of trials continue to use mannitol as the preferred method of hyperosmolar BBB disruption. Recent preclinical and preliminary human investigations into the lA delivery of Bevacizumab have demonstrated its safety and efficacy as an anti-tumor agent both alone and in combination with chemotherapy. Conclusion lA drug delivery may significantly affect the way treatment are delivered to patients with brain tumors, and in particular GBM. With refinement and standardization of the techniques of lA drug delivery, improved drug selection and formulations, and the development of methods to minimize treatment-related neurological injury, lA therapy may offer significant benefits for the treatment of brain tumors.


2020 ◽  
Vol 234 (7-9) ◽  
pp. 1395-1426 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Sela ◽  
Sebastian Peukert ◽  
Jürgen Herzler ◽  
Christof Schulz ◽  
Mustapha Fikri

AbstractShock-tube experiments have been performed to investigate the thermal decomposition of octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4, Si4O4C8H24) and hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3, Si3O3C6H18) behind reflected shock waves by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and high-repetition-rate time-of-flight mass spectrometry (HRR-TOF-MS) in a temperature range of 1160–1600 K and a pressure range of 1.3–2.6 bar. The main observed stable products were methane (CH4), ethylene (C2H4), ethane (C2H6), acetylene (C2H2) and in the case of D4 pyrolysis, also D3 was measured as a product in high concentration. A kinetics sub-mechanism accounting for the D4 and D3 gas-phase chemistry was devised, which consists of 19 reactions and 15 Si-containing species. The D4/D3 submechanism was combined with the AramcoMech 2.0 (Li et al., Proc. Combust. Inst. 2017, 36, 403–411) to describe hydrocarbon chemistry. The unimolecular rate coefficients for D4 and D3 decomposition are represented by the Arrhenius expressions ktotal/D4(T) = 2.87 × 1013 exp(−273.2 kJ mol−1/RT) s−1 and ktotal/D3(T) = 9.19 × 1014 exp(−332.0 kJ mol−1/RT) s−1, respectively.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigimaria Borruso ◽  
Alice Checcucci ◽  
Valeria Torti ◽  
Federico Correa ◽  
Camillo Sandri ◽  
...  

AbstractHere, we investigated the possible linkages among geophagy, soil characteristics, and gut mycobiome of indri (Indri indri), an endangered lemur species able to survive only in wild conditions. The soil eaten by indri resulted in enriched secondary oxide-hydroxides and clays, together with a high concentration of specific essential micronutrients. This could partially explain the role of the soil in detoxification and as a nutrient supply. Besides, we found that soil subject to geophagy and indris’ faeces shared about 8.9% of the fungal OTUs. Also, several genera (e.g. Fusarium, Aspergillus and Penicillium) commonly associated with soil and plant material were found in both geophagic soil and indri samples. On the contrary, some taxa with pathogenic potentials, such as Cryptococcus, were only found in indri samples. Further, many saprotrophs and plant-associated fungal taxa were detected in the indri faeces. These fungal species may be involved in the digestion processes of leaves and could have a beneficial role in their health. In conclusion, we found an intimate connection between gut mycobiome and soil, highlighting, once again, the potential consequent impacts on the wider habitat.


Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 156
Author(s):  
Manjing Lu ◽  
Jiaqi Wang ◽  
Yuzhong Wang ◽  
Zhengguang He

Chemical synthetic pharmaceutical wastewater has characteristics of high concentration, high toxicity and poor biodegradability, so it is difficult to directly biodegrade. We used acid modified attapulgite (ATP) supported Fe-Mn-Cu polymetallic oxide as catalyst for multi-phase Fenton-like ultraviolet photocatalytic oxidation (photo-Fenton) treatment with actual chemical synthetic pharmaceutical wastewater as the treatment object. The results showed that at the initial pH of 2.0, light distance of 20 cm, and catalyst dosage and hydrogen peroxide concentration of 10.0 g/L and 0.5 mol/L respectively, the COD removal rate of wastewater reached 65% and BOD5/COD increased to 0.387 when the reaction lasted for 180 min. The results of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) indicated that Fenton-like reaction with Fe-Mn-Cu@ATP had good catalytic potential and significant synergistic effect, and could remove almost all heterocycle compounds well. 3D-EEM (3D electron microscope) fluorescence spectra showed that the fluorescence intensity decreased significantly during catalytic degradation, and the UV humus-like and fulvic acid were effectively removed. The degradation efficiency of the nanocomposite only decreased by 5.8% after repeated use for 6 cycles. It seems appropriate to use this process as a pre-treatment for actual pharmaceutical wastewater to facilitate further biological treatment.


Behaviour ◽  
1976 ◽  
Vol 56 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 286-297 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Adams

AbstractThe temporal sequences of acts and postures of rats during tests for isolation-induced fighting were recorded and analyzed. Scent-marking and olfactory investigation, which have been related to fighting by previous studies, were particularly emphasized. From the data a model was constructed for the sequence of behaviors which lead to and maintain isolation-induced fighting. The typical sequence begins with olfactory investigation and scent-marking; the home rat initially investigates the intruder, and the intruder initially investigates the cage. The combination of olfactory perception of a strange male and a familiar environment, it was suggested, serves to trigger an offensive mechanism in the home rat which leads to bite-and-kick attack and offensive sideways posture. The pain of the attack then triggers defensive mechanism in the intruder rat which leads to defensive upright posture and submissive posture. Whereas the functional role of the bite-and-kick attack appears to be simply the infliction of pain and elicitation of defense in the intruder, the function of offensive sideways posture as a threat behavior may be more complex. It is possible that it becomes a conditioned pain stimulus due to its close temporal pairing with bite-and-kick attack, but it is more likely that it produces defense by a process of sensitization. In any case, following the initial attack, the offensive sideways posture continues to elicit defensive behavior by the intruder even when there are no further attacks. The functional roles of the defensive postures were interpreted as positioning the intruder in such a way that the home rat cannot assume the aggressive posture from which attack is launched. Scent-marking behavior was consistent within strains, within individuals, and across different types of measures (accumulation of scent-marking marking material and performance of the stereotyped scent-marking act, crawl-over-dish). Amount of scent-marking was not correlated with attack, however, and its role in isolation-induced fighting remains unclear. In parallel to findings in other rodents, it was observed that scent-marking was diminished in animals after they had been subjected to attack.


2007 ◽  
Vol 79 (4) ◽  
pp. 481-490 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelo Fontana ◽  
Giuliana d'Ippolito ◽  
Adele Cutignano ◽  
Antonio Miralto ◽  
Adrianna Ianora ◽  
...  

Oxylipins are important signal transduction molecules widely distributed in animals and plants where they regulate a variety of events associated with physiological and pathological processes. The family embraces several different metabolites that share a common origin from the oxygenase-catalyzed oxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The biological role of these compounds has been especially studied in mammalians and higher plants, although a varied and very high concentration of these products has also been reported from marine macroalgae. This article gives a summary of our results concerning the oxylipin chemistry of marine diatoms, a major class of planktonic microalgae that discourage predation from their natural grazers, zooplanktonic copepods, using chemical warfare. These apparently harmless microscopic cells produce a plethora of oxylipins, including short-chain unsaturated aldehydes, hydroxyl-, keto-, and epoxyhydroxy fatty acid derivatives, that induce reproductive failure in copepods through abortions, congenital malformations, and reduced larval growth. The biochemical process involved in the production of these compounds shows a simple regulation based on decompartmentation and mixing of preexisting enzymes and requires hydrolysis of chloroplast-derived glycolipids to feed the downstream activities of C16 and C20 lipoxygenases.


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