Habitat Selection in Birds and the Role of Early Experience

The role of early experience in habitat selection in linnets (Acanthis cannabina) was tested in automatic habitat cages. Young linnets were kept in groups under three different habitat conditions: spruce-, foliage- and plastic-perches. In a choice test the members of the spruce- and the foliage-group preferred their familiar habitat whereas the “plastic”-group showed this preference only on the first experimental day and then behaved at random on the following days. In a further aviary experiment the females of the spruce-group constructed nests in small spruce trees, whereas the females of the foliage-group constructed nests in small foliage bushes. The early habitat experience seems strongly to influence later habitat and nest-site selection in the linnets.     

Differential Role of Passerine Birds in Distribution of Borrelia Spirochetes, Based on Data from Ticks Collected from Birds during the Postbreeding Migration Period in Central Europe

Borrelia spirochetes in bird-feeding ticks were studied in the Czech Republic. During the postbreeding period (July to September 2005), 1,080 passerine birds infested by 2,240 Ixodes ricinus subadult ticks were examined. Borrelia garinii was detected in 22.2% of the ticks, Borrelia valaisiana was detected in 12.8% of the ticks, Borrelia afzelii was detected in 1.6% of the ticks, and Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto was detected in 0.3% of the ticks. After analysis of infections in which the blood meal volume and the stage of the ticks were considered, we concluded that Eurasian blackbirds (Turdus merula), song thrushes (Turdus philomelos), and great tits (Parus major) are capable of transmitting B. garinii; that juvenile blackbirds and song thrushes are prominent reservoirs for B. garinii spirochetes; that some other passerine birds investigated play minor roles in transmitting B. garinii; and that the presence B. afzelii in ticks results from infection in a former stage. Thus, while B. garinii transmission is associated with only a few passerine bird species, these birds have the potential to distribute millions of Lyme disease spirochetes between urban areas.     

Acoustic Behaviour of Birds and Mammals in the Predator Context; I. Factors Affecting the Structure of Alarm Signals. II. The Functional Significance and Evolution of Alarm Signals

I. 7 vocalizations emitted in the predator context are defined in terms of their function. The physical and physiological constraints on the evolution of the physical structure of alarm calls with respect to detectability and localizability are discussed. Detection of various calls depends on signal amplitude, environmental attenuation, signal-to-noise ratio, discrimination of the receiver against background noise, and absolute auditory sensitivity of the receiver. The combined effect of these factors is discussed for an exemplary predator-prey system, in which the hearing of both, predator and prey is known. Localizability of an alarm call is determined by its frequency, bandwidth, and possibly its amplitude relative to the auditory threshold of the receiver. Crude differentiation between localizable and non-localizable signals is not possible, and localizability of particular sounds varies between species. In some cases the question of detectability may render the problem of localizability unimportant. Besides detectability and localizability, other factors such as the acoustic background formed by the alarm calls of sympatric species and by the species' own repertoire of calls are discussed. II. Requisite conditions and available evidence for the evolution of alarm calls through individual selection and kin selection are described. Five types of alarm calls are discussed individually:

• 1 The occurrence of mobbing calls indicates that a major function of these calls is predator deterrence (“move on”), although the calls also alert other prey and promote cultural transmission of the predator's characteristics.
• 2 Alarm calls associated with evasive actions of the prey cause the predator to give up the hunt or diminish its hunting success by warning other prey, which only in some cases are closely related to the caller.
• 3 Distress calls of a seized prey either attract other prey which then mob the predator, or attract other predators, which presumably attack the first predator. In both cases the chances to escape are enhanced because the predator's attention is diverted.
• 4 Defence calls are used to threaten a predator. These calls often mimic sounds of other predators.
• 5 Distraction calls may enhance the effect of distraction display.

Although the different functions of various alarm calls are treated individually, certain of the calls may have more than one function and may be employed in nonpredator contexts as well.     

Differential Transmission of the Genospecies of Borrelia burgdorferi Sensu Lato by Game Birds and Small Rodents in England

The genetic diversity of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato was assessed in a focus of Lyme borreliosis in southern Britain dominated by game birds. Ticks, rodents, and pheasants were analyzed for spirochete infections by PCR targeting the 23S-5S rRNA genes, followed by genotyping by the reverse line blot method. In questing Ixodes ricinus ticks, three genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu lato were detected, with the highest prevalences found for Borrelia garinii and Borrelia valaisiana. B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was rare (<1%) in all tick stages. Borrelia afzelii was not detected in any of the samples. More than 50% of engorged nymphs collected from pheasants were infected with borreliae, mainly B. garinii and/or B. valaisiana. Although 19% of the rodents harbored B. burgdorferi sensu stricto and/or B. garinii in internal organs, only B. burgdorferi sensu stricto was transmitted to xenodiagnostic tick larvae (it was transmitted to 1% of the larvae). The data indicate that different genospecies of B. burgdorferi sensu lato can be maintained in nature by distinct transmission cycles involving the same vector tick species but different vertebrate host species. Wildlife management may have an influence on the relative risk of different clinical forms of Lyme borreliosis.     

Food of the Kestrel in Winter and Early Spring

Although the Kestrel has a preference for Short-tailed Voles where they are obtainable, it is an opportunist hunter and will exploit local abundance of other kinds of prey, even earthworms during spring ploughing. Small birds figure most importantly in the diet during periods of severe weather.     

Differential Expression of Toll-like Receptors in Dendritic Cells of Patients with Dengue during Early and Late Acute Phases of the Disease

Background

Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) is observed in individuals that have pre-existing heterotypic dengue antibodies and is associated with increased viral load and high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines early in infection. Interestingly, a recent study showed that dengue virus infection in the presence of antibodies resulted in poor stimulation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), thereby facilitating virus particle production, and also suggesting that TLRs may contribute to disease pathogenesis.

Methodology/Principal Findings

We evaluated the expression levels of TLR2, 3, 4 and 9 and the co-stimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86 by flow cytometry. This was evaluated in monocytes, in myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (mDCs and pDCs) from 30 dengue patients with different clinical outcomes and in 20 healthy controls. Increased expression of TLR3 and TLR9 in DCs of patients with dengue fever (DF) early in infection was detected. In DCs from patients with severe manifestations, poor stimulation of TLR3 and TLR9 was observed. In addition, we found a lower expression of TLR2 in patients with DF compared to DHF. Expression levels of TLR4 were not affected. Furthermore, the expression of CD80 and CD86 was altered in mDCs and CD86 in pDCs of severe dengue cases. We show that interferon alpha production decreased in the presence of dengue virus after stimulation of PBMCs with the TLR9 agonist (CpG A). This suggests that the virus can affect the interferon response through this signaling pathway.

Conclusions/Significance

These results show that during dengue disease progression, the expression profile of TLRs changes depending on the severity of the disease. Changes in TLRs expression could play a central role in DC activation, thereby influencing the innate immune response.     

Behavioral and Electrophysiological Evidence for the Differential Functions of TRPV1 at Early and Late Stages of Chronic Inflammatory Nociception in Rats

We previously reported that vanilloid receptor type 1 (VR1, or TRPV1) was up-regulated in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and the spinal dorsal horn after chronic inflammatory pain produced by complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) injection into the plantar of rat hind paw. In the present study, we found that subcutaneous or intrathecal application of capsazepine (CPZ), a TRPV1 competitive antagonist, could inhibit thermal hyperalgesia on day 1 and on day 14 but not on day 28 after CFA injection. With extracellular electrophysiological recording, the effect of CPZ on noxious electrical or heat stimulation evoked responses of wide dynamic range (WDR) neurons in the deep layers of the spinal dorsal horn was evaluated. Under noxious electrical stimulation to sciatic nerve, CPZ applied to the spinal cord produced an inhibition on Aδ- and C-fiber evoked responses of WDR neurons on day 1 and 14, but not on day 28. Under radiant heat stimulation to the receptive field skin, subcutaneous application of CPZ significantly inhibited the background activity and extended the response latency of WDR neurons on day 14. These results provide new evidence for the functional significance of TRPV1 at the early stage, but not the late stage, in the rat model of CFA-induced inflammatory pain. Special issue article in honor of Dr. Ji-Sheng Han. Hao Luo, Isabella Shi Xu, Yi Chen are Co-first authors.     

云南高黎贡山中段鸟类多样性和垂直分布特征

由于较难到达等客观原因,以往对高黎贡山中段的鸟类调查比较缺乏。2011年8月至2014年7月,采用样线法对高黎贡山中段六库-姚家坪-风雪垭口-片马一线鸟类多样性进行了调查,旨在完善该区域不同海拔和生境的鸟类信息。野外共观察到225种鸟类,其中有3个高黎贡山新纪录鸟种。结合以往资料,高黎贡山中段共记录鸟类357种,隶属于18目60科,占云南省鸟类903种的39.53%。其中,留鸟282种,占78.99%。该区鸟类垂直分布呈单峰型,以2300~2800 m的中山湿性常绿阔叶林中分布的种类最多。该区域鸟类G-F指数高,多样性十分丰富,而且受危和特有现象明显,保护鸟类42种,横断山区特有鸟类57种,分别占所记录鸟类的11.76%和15.97%。结合该区域鸟类的垂直分布特征,提出保护中山湿性常绿阔叶林对该区域鸟类多样性的保护至关重要。此外,我们建议以后也应对该区域低海拔生境的鸟类进行调查。     

利用mRNA差别显示技术分析枸杞体细胞胚发生早期基因的差别表达

本研究选用枸杞体细胞胚发生体系中的继代愈伤组织(对照)、胚性愈伤组织和早期胚体为实验材料,提取细胞总RNA,在12种锚定真核生物mRNA3'末端的OligodT12VN中,随机选用OligodT12GA为引物合成了以上三种材料的cDNA第一链,以此cDNA为模板,用随机引物进行PCR扩增,选择差别表达的片段。我们选用了OPA、OPH、OPK和OPB四组的60个随机引物对所得的c DNA进行了PCR扩增,得到了三个在体细胞胚发生早期组织中基因特异表达的片段。结果表明,在体细胞胚发生早期有胚胎发生特异性基因的表达,而且这种特异表达的基因在继代愈伤组织中没有表达,说明植物的体细胞胚发生过程就是细胞内基因差别表达的结果。 Abstract:Embryogenic calli and early embryo can be obtained from both auxin and auxin-free medium.The analysis of differential gene expression in early somatic embryogenesis has been hindered by above-mentioned material.The modifications of the recently described mRNA differential display method were reported and differential gene expression in early slmatic embryogenesis was analyzed.We have obtained three differential bands of cDNA in early somatic embryogenesis.The results indicate that gene expression has temperal and spalil order in early somatic embryogenesis of Lycium barbarum L.Plant somatic embryogenesis is the results of differential gene expression in cell.     

中国近海浮游植物生产的二甲基硫和二甲基硫丙酸的分布状况及其影响因素

于1994～1998年期间调查了浮游植物生产的生源气候气体二甲基硫(DMS)及其前身二甲基硫丙酸(DMSPp)在我国胶州湾、芝罘湾、东海的分布状况及其影响因素.结果表明,自然海区中二者浓度都存在明显的时空变化.地理分布规律是,高值出现在沿岸海区和陆架海区,低值出现在外海特别是贫营养海区.就不同季节而言,高值出现在春季或夏季,低值出现在秋季.DMS或DMSPp的分布在大尺度上主要受海流和水团的影响,而在小尺度上营养条件和生物因子则更重要.在近岸海区,硅藻是DMS和DMSPp的重要贡献者.研究海区硝酸盐与DMSPp的关系有两种情况:当硝酸盐浓度低于1μmol/L时,二者为正相关,硝酸盐浓度高于这个阈值时,二者为负相关.表明浮游植物细胞中二甲基硫丙酸作为渗透压调节物质其含量受到氮源可得性的调控.此外,研究结果还显示,生活污水入海、海水养殖等也对DMS和DMSPp的浓度分布有一定影响.     

中国近海浮游植物生产的二甲基硫和二甲基硫丙酸的分布状况及其影响因素

于1994-1998年期间调查了浮游植物生产的生源气候气体二甲基硫(DMS)及其前身二甲基硫丙酸(DMSPp)在我国胶州湾、芝罘湾、东海的分布状况及其影响因素。结果表明,自然海区中二者浓度都存在明显的时空变化。地理分布规律是,高值出现在沿岸海区和陆架海区,低值出现在外海特别是贫营养海区。就不同季节而言,高值出现在春季或夏季,低值出现在秋季。DMS或DMSPp的分布在大尺度上主要受海流和水团的影响,而在小尺度上营养条件和生物因子则更重要。在近岸海区,硅藻是DMS和 DMSPp的重要贡献者。研究海区硝酸盐与DMSPp的关系有两种情况：当硝酸盐浓度低于1 μmol／L时,二者为正相关,硝酸盐浓度高于这个阈值时,二者为负相关。表明浮游植物细胞中二甲基硫丙酸作为渗透压调节物质其含量受到氮源可得性的调控。此外,研究结果还显示,生活污水入海、海水养殖等也对DMS和DMSPp的浓度分布有一定影响。     

广西猫儿山地区鸟类组成及垂直分布格局

猫儿山是华南地区的最高峰,为了了解其鸟类随着海拔高度变化的规律,利用网捕法和样线法对猫儿山地区的鸟类组成及分布格局进行了研究。结果表明,猫儿山地区共有鸟类268种,隶属于16目51科,其中留鸟130种,夏候鸟51种,冬候鸟15种,旅鸟72种。依据不同海拔的典型植被类型把猫儿山地区分成7类生境,其中低海拔的农田生境鸟类多样性最丰富,有156种。随着海拔的升高,猫儿山鸟类种数逐渐减少,G-F指数也表现相似的规律。猫儿山鸟类在区系组成上主要以东洋界鸟类为主,在181种繁殖鸟中,东洋界鸟类有149种,古北界鸟类有15种,其余为广布种。随着海拔的升高,东洋界的鸟类所占的比例逐渐降低,而古北界的鸟类所占的比例逐渐升高。猫儿山鸟类组成的垂直分布格局的形成是多种因素共同作用的结果。     

Disentangling the Evolution of Early and Late Life History Traits in Humans

Some aspects of human life history are unique among primates. Most notably, humans have a younger weaning age, a later age at first parturition, a shorter female reproductive period, and a longer lifespan than other living hominoid species. Obtaining a better understanding of when and how life history changed during human evolution is important to those studying the evolutionary developmental biology of extinct hominins, as life history traits pace developmental processes. Life history traits are thought to be linked via tradeoffs, such that changes in early life history traits directly affect those that follow later in life, and vice versa. However, it is also worth considering how changes to a single life history trait may indirectly affect other traits by way of modifying selective pressures acting on individuals and groups. For example, because they affect the size and demographic structure of a group, late life history traits (e.g., lifespan) may also affect the evolution of life history traits that occur earlier in life, but by modifying selective pressures acting on juveniles rather than by triggering a physiological tradeoff. This review marks an effort to begin to disentangle the ways in which early and late life history traits may affect each other both directly and indirectly. We concentrate on female life history characteristics. First, we review previous research on the evolution of the postmenopausal lifespan in women. Next we discuss recent findings concerning the relationship between the optimal length of the female reproductive period, mortality, and weaning age that show that selection favors a shorter female reproductive period in the presence of a younger weaning age. We discuss the implications this finding holds for understanding the evolution of life history traits that are of particular interest to developmental biologists.     

A Test of the Utility of Exotic Tree Plantations for Understory Birds and Food Resources in the Colombian Andes1

The spatial distribution and abundance of animals are in part determined by the distribution and abundance of their resource base. In the Central Andes of Colombia, monospecific tree plantations have been used to recover vegetative cover in watershed protection programs, but these plantations differ from natural forests in structure, composition, and resources available to wildlife. To evaluate these plantations as habitat for wildlife, we compared the diversity and abundance of understory birds, flowers, and fruits between juxtaposed 40‐yr‐old patches of exotic Chinese ash (Fraxinus chinensis) plantations and naturally regenerated forest of the same age. We observed more fruiting species in the regenerated forest, but there were no differences in total flower and fruit availability between habitat types. We also observed differences between habitats in the size of some understory shrubs, but these differences did not lead to differences between habitats in the diversity and abundance of birds. Capture rates of nectarivores correlated with resource abundance at sampling plot scale, but no such correlation was found for frugivores. Understory frugivorous birds are apparently functioning at a larger spatial scale than the patchiness created by the two habitats. Nectarivorous birds are responding to small‐scale patchiness in resource availability, but not to the different habitats. These results indicate that at small scales, the ash plantation understory provides adequate habitat for birds.     

四川美姑大风顶国家级自然保护区鸟类物种及垂直多样性研究

2016年12月—2018年6月采用样带法和样点法对四川美姑大风顶国家级自然保护区的鸟类资源进行了调查,根据调查并结合相关文献记录,统计出保护区分布有鸟类268种,隶属17目56科。其中,留鸟146种(54.5%)、夏候鸟91种(34.0%)、冬候鸟18种(6.7%)、旅鸟13种(4.9%),以繁殖鸟为主。繁殖鸟类中,以东洋界物种为主(67.5%)。保护区的珍稀濒危鸟类物种数量较多,有国家Ⅰ级重点保护野生鸟类2种、国家Ⅱ级重点保护野生鸟类16种;列入濒危野生动植物种国际贸易公约附录Ⅰ1种、附录Ⅱ12种;列入世界自然保护联盟濒危物种红色名录濒危(EN)1种、易危(VU)3种、近危(NT)2种;中国特有种14种。各生境类型中的鸟类丰富度为针叶林>阔叶林>针阔混交林>灌丛及灌草丛>高山灌丛草甸>水域;针叶林、阔叶林、针阔混交林之间的鸟类群落结构相似性最高,水域与其他生境的最低。保护区鸟类物种丰富度在2600~3000m的中海拔地区最高,在高海拔和低海拔较低,物种垂直分布呈中峰模式。本研究丰富了保护区和凉山山系的鸟类资料,为鸟类垂直多样性研究提供了重要案例。