Functional implications of enamel thickness in the lower molars of red colobus (Procolobus badius) and Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata)

The purpose of this study is to determine whether teeth are likely to retain their functional efficiency throughout an individual's life time. This was done by comparing the enamel volume, the cross-sectional enamel area and the pattern of enamel distribution on unworn M(2)s of folivorous (Procolobus badius: red colobus; n=8) and frugivorous (Macaca fuscata: Japanese macaque; n=6) cercopithecids. The enamel volume of M. fuscata is significantly greater than that of P. badius. As the lower molars of colobines become worn, the dentine is exposed on the buccal cusps and narrow enamel rims are formed around the dentine exposures. The buccal enamel rims are especially well-developed and sharp, a pattern that has probably been selected for as being advantageous for shredding fibrous plant materials. The results of this study demonstrate that the enamel on the lingual side of the protoconid, where dentine exposure occurs first, is much thinner in P. badius than it is in M. fuscata. In addition, the dentine is exposed and thin enamel rims are formed faster in P. badius than in M. fuscata. Also, P. badius has significantly thinner and more uniform enamel distribution on the buccal wall of the crown and a higher protoconid. The buccal flare is well-developed in M. fuscata, but poorly developed in P. badius. It is tentatively suggested that the undeveloped flare and thinner enamel of P. badius combine to enable this species to maintain narrow rims, even after dental attrition, while the high cusps may be an adaptation for providing narrow enamel rims throughout life.     

Morphological studies ofMacaca fuscata

Dermatoglyphics of the foot of two groups of Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata fuscata of Takasakiyama, Oita Prefecture andMacaca fuscata yakui of Yakushima, Kagoshima Prefecture) were examined. All the fingerprints of the foot consist of a whorl type. Concerning plantar patterns and ridge directions in the sole, there are some differences between both groups. Common to both groups, we find that three kinds of interdigital pattern (II, III, and IV) and proximal thenar pattern (Th^p) are usually of the non-whirling type. This comparatively low frequency of occurrence of a whirling type may be regarded as a characteristic of this species (Macaca fuscata).     

The Evolution of Dental Eruption Sequence in Artiodactyls

The sequence of eruption of the second generation of teeth varies across taxa, is highly functional, and is strongly influenced by genetic effects. We assessed postcanine dental eruption sequence across artiodactyls in order to test two hypotheses: 1) dental eruption sequence is a good phylogenetic character for artiodactyls; and, 2) eruption sequence is adaptive and associated with life history variables like postnatal growth and longevity in artiodactyls (Schultz’s Rule). We examined postcanine eruption sequence in 81 genera (100 species) spanning ten families of Artiodactyla. Our ancestral state reconstruction supports the interpretation that the third molar erupted last in the ancestor of Artiodactyla, and that the fourth premolar erupted after the third molar in the ancestor of Ruminantia. Our results indicate that eruption of the third molar last evolved secondarily in the caprines, likely sometime in the Miocene. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that dental eruption sequence is phylogenetically conserved in artiodactyls. Caprines occupy high elevation habitats, and we hypothesize that evolution of their unique dental eruption sequence may be associated with limited resource availability in high elevation mountain systems and the necessity to process a wide range of vegetation types.     

Radiation and phylogeography in the Japanese macaque, Macaca fuscata

The Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata) presumably differentiated from eastern rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) populations during the Pleistocene and the two species are closely related. In order to analyse speciation and subspeciation events in the Japanese macaque and to describe historical and current relationships among their populations, we sequenced and analysed a fragment of 392bp of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) control region in 50 individuals belonging to six populations of Japanese macaque and compared these sequences with 89 eastern rhesus macaque control region sequences from GenBank/EMBL database. There were high genetic similarities between both species and only two positions were fixed within each species, which supports the inclusion of the Japanese macaque in a single species with eastern populations of rhesus macaques. Japanese macaque ancestors colonised Japan after the separation of the two species, estimated at between 0.31 and 0.88 million years ago (Mya). The star-like phylogeny, multimodal mismatch distribution, and lack of correlation between geographic and genetic distances are in accordance with a rapid dispersion of macaques throughout the archipelago after the arrival into Japan. The species shows low genetic variation within populations and high levels of genetic differentiation among populations with no mtDNA haplotype shared across populations. Genetic distances between Yakushima macaques (Macaca fuscata yakui) and any other population of Macaca fuscata fuscata subspecies are comparable to the distances between populations of Honshu, Awajishima, and Kyushu, not supporting the classification of Yakushima macaques as a different subspecies.     

Fibrinopeptides A and B of Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata) and patas monkey (Erythrocebus patas): their amino acid sequences, restricted mutations, and a molecular phylogeny for macaques, guenons, and baboons

Amino acid sequences of fibrinopeptides A and B from the macaque, Macaca fuscata (Japanese monkey) and the guenon, Erythrocebus patas (patas monkey) were established. Fibrinopeptides A of the monkeys had a sequence identical with those of baboons: Ala-Asp-Thr-Gly-Glu-Gly-Asp-Phe-Leu-Ala-Glu-Gly-Gly-Gly-Val-Arg. Fibrinopeptides B were 9-residue, "short," peptides with the sequences Asn-Glu-Glu-Ser-Leu-Phe-Ser-Gly-Arg for M. fuscata and Asn-Glu-Glu-Val-Leu-Phe-Gly-Gly-Arg for E. patas. The sequence of the B peptide of M. fuscata differed from that of a close-related species, M. mulatta (rhesus monkey), at a single site, Leu (M.f.)----Pro (M.m.). A single replacement between the B peptides of E. patas and Cercocebus aethiops (green monkey), Val (E.p.)----Gly (C.a.), was detected. A phylogenic relationship of macaques, guenons, and baboons, named Cercopithecinae (Old World monkey), was deduced from the sequence data. A selective rather than random amino acid replacement was observed in the B peptides of these Old World monkeys, suggesting a restricted mutation of their fibrinopeptides during primate evolution.     

Effects of an intrauterine copper device on serum copper, endometrial histology, and ovarian, hepatic, and renal functions in the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata fuscata).

A copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) was inserted transabdominally into the uterine cavity of eight Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata) for 4 to 6 months, and effects on various organ functions were examined. Results showed no significant effects on the menstrual cycle length, serum levels of LH, estradiol-17 beta, progesterone or clinical biochemical data such as serum copper, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, glutamic pyruvic transaminase, lactic dehydrogenase, and blood urea nitrogen. Histology revealed edema and infiltration of eosinophilic leukocytes in the endometrium treated with a Cu-IUD.     

Clinical examinations of the Japanese monkey (Macaca fuscata)

Since 1962 clinical examinations have been performed on all 466 Japanese monkeys from the troops of the western part of Japan.During the external inspection we found a few cases of malformation of the hand and foot in some troops, but except for these they were in good physical condition, negative in tuberculin test and in Shigella and Salmonella infection.In all troops a high rate of helminthic infection was detected and there was a difference in the rate of occurrence of certain helminths betweenMacaca fuscata fuscata andM. fuscata yakui. No single case with the antibody to the B Virus was encountered, and it seems that no infection of the B Virus is present among the Japanese monkey.The free-ranging condition under which the Japanese monkey inhabits in troops seems to be satisfactory and they seem to have no serious problem of any kind at present.     

Differences in hair density of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata) with locality and age

The hair density of free-ranging Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata) living in three different areas was investigated. The Japanese monkeys had thicker hair than other macaques. The hair density in the Japanese monkeys varied with locality: the northern monkeys had thicker hair than the southern ones. The density did not vary markedly with age up to 3 years of age, but then decreased gradually up to adult age (≧7 years old). The remarkable growth of the trunk suggested that the total number of hairs increased with age, especially during the period as a juvenile.     

Sequential analysis of the social behavior of infants in groups of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata)

We employed techniques of behavioral entropy to carry out a quantitative analysis of sequences of behavioral patterns evident in the interaction between infants and other members of a group of Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata). The group concerned included examples both of monkeys in captivity and in the wild state. The results were examined as a function of the animal age and environmental differences (cage-field). An example is given to illustrate the use of information theory. Findings partially confirmed that the variability of social behavior decreases as the age of the animals increases.     

Reconciling historical processes and population structure in the sooty tern Sterna fuscata

To test the influence of past vicariant events on population genetic structure of the sooty tern Sterna fuscata , we examined sequence variation in the mitochondrial control region of individuals from the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Our analyses indicate a rapid population expansion at a global scale during the last 100 000 years, consistent with global recolonisation during the interstade following the Pleistocene glacial maxima (125 000–175 000 years bp). We estimate islands of the Great Barrier Reef and Coral Sea were colonised no more than 16 000 years ago, most likely in association with the appearance of new breeding habitat following the final Pleistocene glacial retreat (19 000–22 000 years bp). Our results suggest that ice sheets linked to major glacial events not only impact genetic structuring in temperate seabirds, but that sea level changes in the tropics associated with these same events have also significantly impacted contemporary genetic structuring in tropical seabird species.     

Expression and identification of HERV-W family in Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata)

We investigated structural genes (gag, pol, env) of HERV-W family in the Macaca fuscata (Japanese monkey). Those genes are expressed in various tissues (testis, prostate, kidney, cerebellum, thymus, pancreas, intestine, stomach, ovary) of the Japanese monkey in RT-PCR and sequencing analyses. Nine clones for gag, thirty-one clones for pol and thirty-four clones for env fragments of the HERV-W family in monkey tissues were identified and analyzed. These clones showed a high degree of sequence similarity, 82.2-84.7% for gag, 88.4-91.7% for pol, and 90.8-95.4% for env, to those of HERV-W family. Translation to amino acids in all clones derived from the monkey indicated that they showed multiple interruptions of frameshifts and termination codons by deletion/insertion or point mutation. Identical sequences from different tissues of the monkey were found in env and pol clones of the HERV-W family.     

The eruption times of permanent teeth in boys and girls in the Stormarn District, Schleswig-Holstein (Germany)

In a longitudinal study in two small towns in southern Schleswig-Holstein (Ammersbek and Ahrensburg, District Stormarn; 9155 inhabitants) we investigated 2832 oral findings of 1396 patients (711 males, 685 females). The minimum age was 1.51 years, and the maximum age was 25.50 years. The dental findings were collected over a period of about 20 years (1982-2002). The oral findings per child were assessed between one and eight times. The eruption times of teeth in females are earlier than those for the same teeth in males. Further, the permanent dentition in females is completed earlier than in males. In both sexes the tooth eruption occurs symmetrically in both jaws. The comparison of both jaws revealed a slightly advanced eruption of the lower jaw teeth in both sexes. There is a noteworthy change in the eruption sequence of the teeth. In contrast to other reports we observed that the eruption of the canine proceeds the eruption of the second molar. We found no acceleration of the dentition when compared with other reports and could confirm the rules of tooth eruption in man. Conclusion: Oral examination of teeth is a simple tool to calculate tooth eruption intervals. This first investigation on a population of Schleswig-Holstein revealed a change in the eruption sequence of permanent teeth. These findings are relevant for dental treatment planning and should be reconfirmed at certain intervals.     

The eruption pattern of the permanent incisors and first permanent molars in Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus

This study aims to reassess the claim that the eruption sequence of the permanent incisor and first permanent molar teeth of Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus is identical with that in modern Homo sapiens. Eight fossil hominid mandibles of equivalent dental developmental age were chosen for comparative study. Emphasis has been placed upon the comparative timing of events within the growth period rather than eruption sequence alone. The results of this study indicate that Homo sapiens and Australopithecus (Paranthropus) robustus share the same pattern of permanent molar and incisor eruption and that this is significantly different from the pattern of eruption shared by the great apes, Australopithecus africanus and Australopithecus afarensis.     

Characterization of polymorphic loci for two cicada species: Cryptotympana atrata and Hyalessa fuscata (Hemiptera: Cicadoidae)

Molecular Biology Reports - The cicada species Cryptotympana atrata and Hyalessa fuscata are abundant in metropolitan Seoul where their population densities are positively correlated with local...     

Cervical ripening and uterine contraction induced by prostaglandin E2-gel in pregnant Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata)

Effects of intracervical administration of PGE₂-gel were studied in pregnant Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata) near term. Administration of PGE₂-gel induced cervical ripening and an increase in maternal plasma PGE₂ but no change in PGF_2α. Ultrastructural observations of the connective tissue of the cervix after PGE₂-gel treatment revealed a decrease in the number of collagenous fibers. These results show that intracervical administration of PGE₂-gel induces cervical ripening without induction of labor in the Japanese monkey.     

AluI and HaeIII restriction enzyme banding patterns of Macaca fuscata and Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus chromosomes

AluI and HaeIII restriction endonuclease banding patterns were analyzed in Macaca fuscata and Cercopithecus aethiops sabaeus chromosomes. AluI produced C-negative bands in both species of monkeys, while HaeIII induced the appearance of C-negative bands on Macaca chromosomes and of simultaneous G + C bands on Cercopithecus metaphases.     

Male external genitalia and systematic relationships of the Japanese macaque (Macaca fuscata Blyth, 1875)

Penial morphology was studied in six preserved specimens of the Japanese macaque,Macaca fuscata. Structure of the glans penis and baculum inM. fuscata is essentially similar to that in the rhesus macaque,M. mulatta. With age the skin of the penis inM. fuscata apparently becomes progressively more darkly and extensively pigmented, and the baculum becomes progressively longer. One immature specimen examined, with penial skin unpigmented and baculum cartilaginous, appears to be abnormally retarded in penial development. Penial morphology suggests that the allopatric speciesM. fuscata, M. mulatta, M. cyclopis, andM. fascicularis constitute a closely interrelated group. Contrary to a previous report, there is no evidence that penial morphology inM. fuscata is transitional to that inM. radiata andM. sinica. InM. fuscata, M. mulatta, andM. fascicularis, latitudinal variation of body size and relative tail length conforms toBergmann's rule andAllen's rule; external proportions in three specimens ofM. cyclopis only partly conform to this pattern.     

The banded karyotypes of Macaca fuscata compared with Cercocebus aterrimus

The karyotypes of Macaca fuscata and Cercocebus aterrimus are compared after G, C and AgNOR banding. Although it is often assumed that the 42-chromosome monkeys (species of the genera Macaca, Papio, and Cercocebus) are identical at the chromosomal level, a number of clear and consistent differences between the karyotypes of these two taxa are described. These differences include one pericentric inversion and differences in staining intensity, particularly in centromeric and pericentromeric areas. It is probable that high resolution chromosome techniques could reveal more differences between taxa in the 42-chromosome group than are now believed to exist. It is therefore probable that karyological data could provide insight into the phylogenetic relationships in this group of Old World monkeys.     

The Adaptive Significance of Geophagy for Japanese Macaques (Macaca fuscata) at Arashiyama,Japan

We gathered data on the amount, composition, and rate of ingestion of foods and soils by the provisioned Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata fuscata) at Arashiyama, Japan. Behavioral observations spanned one year on 8 adult females, using focal animal sampling. We analyzed a subsample of their foods for nutritional and toxic secondary compound content. We also analyzed soils eaten by the macaques for several physical-chemical properties and tested their adsorption affinity to tannins and alkaloids. Geophagy occurred at a high rate of 2.97 g/indiv./day with an elevated frequency in the afternoon. About two-thirds of their foods (by fresh weight) were provisioned items, which are extremely rich in proteins and soluble carbohydrates. The soils that they ingested were generally poor in mineral elements, the bio-availability of which was low. The soils had a high adsorption capacity for plant alkaloids but were poorly absorptive for tannins. They were rich in clay minerals of proven buffering capacity. Geophagy at Arashiyama may improve the health of macaques via buffering gastric upset. We discuss the results from the viewpoint of several hypotheses on geophagy.     

Amino acids in the plasma of fasting Japanese monkeys (Macaca fuscata fuscata andM. f. yakui)

The plasma levels of 26 amino acids and related compounds were determined in five male and five female adult members of each of the two subspecies of Japanese monkeys,Macaca fuscata fuscata andM. f. yakui. Activities of L-asparaginase and histaminase in plasma were also measured.Numerous differences in amino acid levels between the sexes in the subspeciesfuscata were noted, with the female consistently exhibiting lower values. Few differences were observed between the sexes of the subspeciesyakui or between the two subspecies of Japanese monkeys. These monkeys were similar to other previously studied nonhuman primates in exhibiting measurable levels of 3-methylhistidine in plasma. There were numerous quantitative differences among Japanese monkeys and stump-tailed macaques, rhesus monkeys, chimpanzees, and man, with the Japanese monkeys usually exhibiting higher plasma levels.L-asparaginase activity was not detectable in these Japanese monkeys. Histaminase activity was similar to that previously measured in pig-tailed macaques and chimpanzees, lower than that in rhesus monkeys and stump-tailed macaques, and higher than that in man.