Juvenile Females Research Articles

Network integration and limits to social inheritance in vervet monkeys.

Social networks can be adaptive for members and a recent model (Ilany and Akçay 2016 Nat. Comm.7, 12084 (doi:10.1038/ncomms12084)) has demonstrated that network structure can be maintained by a simple process of social inheritance. Here, we ask how juvenile vervet monkeys integrate into their adult grooming networks, using the model to test whether observed grooming patterns replicate network structure. Female juveniles, who are philopatric, increased their grooming effort towards adults more than males, although this was not reciprocated by the adults themselves. While more consistent maternal grooming networks, together with maternal network strength, predicted increasing similarity in the patterning of mother-daughter grooming allocations, daughters' grooming networks generally did not match closely those of their mothers. However, maternal networks themselves were not very consistent across time, thus presenting youngsters with a moving target that may be difficult to match. Observed patterns of juvenile female grooming did not replicate the adult network, for which increased association with adults not groomed by their mothers would be necessary. These results suggest that network flexibility, not stability, characterizes our groups and that juveniles are exposed to, and must learn to cope with, temporal shifts in network structure. We hypothesize that this may lead to individual variation in behavioural flexibility, which in turn may help explain why and how variation in sociability influences fitness.

Categorizing experience-based foraging plasticity in mites: age dependency, primacy effects and memory persistence.

Behavioural plasticity can be categorized into activational (also termed contextual) and developmental plasticity. Activational plasticity allows immediate contextual behavioural changes, whereas developmental plasticity is characterized by time-lagged changes based on memory of previous experiences (learning). Behavioural plasticity tends to decline with age but whether this holds true for both plasticity categories and the effects of first-in-life experiences is poorly understood. We tackled this issue by assessing the foraging plasticity of plant-inhabiting predatory mites, Amblyseius swirskii, on thrips and spider mites following age-dependent prey experience, i.e. after hatching or after reaching maturity. Juvenile and young adult predator females were alternately presented thrips and spider mites, for establishing 1st and 2nd prey-in-life experiences, and tested, as gravid females, for their foraging plasticity when offered both prey species. Prey experience by juvenile predators resulted in clear learning effects, which were evident in likelier and earlier attacks on familiar prey, and higher proportional inclusion of familiar prey in total diet. First prey-in-life experience by juvenile but not adult predators resulted in primacy effects regarding attack latency. Prey experience by adult predators resulted mainly in prey-unspecific physiological changes, with easy-to-grasp spider mites providing higher net energy gains than difficult-to-grasp thrips. Prey experience by juvenile, but not adult, predators was adaptive, which was evident in a negative correlation between attack latencies and egg production. Overall, our study provides key evidence that similar experiences by juvenile and adult predators, including first-in-life experiences, may be associated with different types of behavioural plasticity, i.e. developmental and activational plasticity.

Does the wild-caught Chinese mitten crab megalopae perform better than the hatchery-produced seed during the juvenile culture?

Although wild Yangtze Eriocheir sinensis juveniles (coin‐sized seed) have better culture performance than the pond‐reared juveniles during the adult crab culture stage, the culture performance of wild‐caught megalopae (WC) remains unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to compare the growth, survival rate, crab yield, feed conversion rate (FCR), precocity, final weight and size distribution between WC and hatchery‐produced megalopae (HP) during the juvenile culture stage. Wild‐caught megalopae had significantly higher body weight, weight gain rate (WGR) and specific growth rate (SGR) during 0–4 weeks but lower WGR and SGR than HP during 4–8 weeks (p < .05). Although WC had a significantly lower survival rate and yield of normal juvenile crabs than HP, total yields of normal juveniles and precocious crabs were similar. Wild‐caught megalopae had a significantly higher precocious rate and yield of precocious crabs than HP (p < .05). Regardless of sex, no significant differences were found in the gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and final weight of normal juveniles and precocious crabs between WC and HP. As for the size distribution of normal crabs, WC had a higher percentage of small female juveniles (<3 g) but a lower proportion of middle size ranges (3–5.99 g and 6–8.99 g) than HP for females (p < .05), and there was no significant difference for males. In conclusion, wild megalopae of the Yangtze E. sinensis had worse culture performance than the hatchery‐produced seeds; therefore, wild megalopae would not be recommended for commercially juvenile culture of E. sinensis.

Dissociation of Puberty and Adolescent Social Development in a Seasonally Breeding Species

Alongside the development of sexual characteristics and reproductive competence, adolescents undergo marked cognitive, social, and emotional development [1]. A fundamental question is whether these changes are triggered by activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis at puberty (puberty dependent) or whether they occur independently of HPG activation (puberty independent). Disentangling puberty-dependent from puberty-independent mechanisms is difficult because puberty and adolescence typically proceed concurrently. Here, we test a new approach that leverages natural adaptations of a seasonally breeding species to dissociate pubertal status from chronological age. Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) reared in a long, summer-like day length (LD) exhibit rapid pubertal development, whereas those reared in a short, winter-like day length (SD) delay puberty by several months to synchronize breeding with the following spring [2, 3]. We tested whether the SD-induced delay in puberty delays the peri-adolescent decline in juvenile social play and the rise in aggression that characterizes adolescent social development in many species [4-6] and compared the results to those obtained after prepubertal gonadectomy. Neither SD rearing nor prepubertal gonadectomy altered the age at which hamsters transitioned from play to aggression; SD-reared hamsters completed this transition prior to puberty. SD rearing and prepubertal gonadectomy, however, increased levels of play in male and female juveniles, implicating a previously unknown role for prepubertal gonadal hormones in juvenile social behavior. Levels of aggression were also impacted (decreased) in SD-reared and gonadectomized males. These data demonstrate that puberty-independent mechanisms regulate the timing of adolescent social development, while prepubertal and adult gonadal hormones modulate levels of age-appropriate social behaviors.

Ontogeny of long-range vocalizations in a Neotropical fossorial rodent: the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco (Ctenomys sp.).

Tuco-tucos (Ctenomys spp.) are subterranean rodents that produce territorial, high intensity long-range vocalizations (LRVs) of broadband and low frequency that are essential for long-distance communication between individuals in different tunnel systems. Despite their importance, the development of LRVs remains poorly understood. In adult Anillaco Tuco-Tucos (Ctenomys sp.) the LRV is composed by two types of syllables (series and individual notes) that are repeated a variable number of times. We studied the development of the LRVs in eight juveniles of the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco ranging from 14–28 to 104–118 days after birth. We (1) tested whether the syllables followed any of three alternative developmental modes (retention of juvenile vocalizations, modification of juvenile precursors or de novo appearance in adults), (2) evaluated the development of structural and acoustic features of syllables, and (3) tested the prediction that juveniles should produce a greater proportion of atypical series in precursors of the LRV than adults, due to lack maturation and/or precise coupling of neuromuscular and anatomical structures. The LRV of the Anillaco Tuco-Tuco exhibited a mixed developmental mode: while series developed from juvenile precursors whose acoustic features gradually approached those of adults, individual notes appeared later in the ontogeny and de novo with acoustic features indistinguishable from those of adults. The number of series per vocalization increased through development and varied from one to 25 in juvenile males and from one to six in juvenile females. The structure of the most common series type (triad) did not exhibit ontogenetic changes and was present as such at the onset of the emission of vocalizations. On the contrary, acoustic features of juvenile triad notes changed with age in both sexes (duration 90% increased through development, while bandwidth 90% and peak frequency decreased). Furthermore, juveniles emitted a higher proportion of atypical series than adults (7.4% vs. 0.3%), as expected in the development of any complex behavior that requires practice to be mastered. The maturation of the LRV occurred well before the sexual maturation, presumably due to the protracted time needed to acquire or build a burrow system long before mating is possible. We propose that protracted vocal development is another component in the slow developmental strategy of Ctenomys and subterranean rodents in general.

Seroprevalence for Brucella spp. in Baltic ringed seals (Phoca hispida) and East Greenland harp (Pagophilus groenlandicus) and hooded (Cystophora cristata) seals

Zoonotic infections transmitted from marine mammals to humans in the Baltic and European Arctic are of unknown significance, despite given considerable potential for transmission due to local hunt. Here we present results of an initial screening for Brucella spp. in Arctic and Baltic seal species. Baltic ringed seals (Pusa hispida, n = 12) sampled in October 2015 and Greenland Sea harp seals (Pagophilus groenlandicus, n = 6) and hooded seals (Cystophora cristata, n = 3) sampled in March 2015 were serologically analysed for antibodies against Brucella spp. The serological analyses were performed using the Rose Bengal Test (RBT) followed by a confirmatory testing of RBT-positive samples by a competitive-enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (C-ELISA). Two of the Baltic ringed seals (a juvenile male and a juvenile female) were seropositive thus indicating previous exposure to a Brucella spp. The findings indicate that ringed seals in the Baltic ecosystem may be exposed to and possibly infected by Brucella spp. No seropositive individuals were detected among the Greenland harp and hooded seals. Although our initial screening shows a zoonotic hazard to Baltic locals, a more in-depth epidemiological investigation is needed in order to determine the human risk associated with this.

The effects of scaling on age, sex and size relationships in Red-legged Partridges

Wild birds differ in size according to their age and sex, adult birds being larger than juveniles. In the galliforms, males are larger than females, in contrast to some groups, such as the raptors, in which the females are larger. Size generally influences the rank hierarchy within a group of birds, although the age, sex, temperament and behaviour of an individual may override its size related rank order. The scaled size of birds according to age and sex affects their physiology and behaviour. Precise details of body-size differences by age and sex are poorly known in most partridge species. We measured 13,814 wild partridges in a homogenous population over 14 years of study to evaluate size differences within a uniform habitat and population management regime. We show that wild Red-legged Partridges have scaled mass, and body- and wing-lengths consistent with age/sex classes. Power functions between mass and body-length (as a proxy for walking efficiency), and between mass and wing-length (for flight efficiency) differ between juvenile females and males, and adult females and males. We discuss these findings and their physiological, behavioural and ecological implications.

Juvenile convicts and their colonial familial lives

Convicts were transported from Britain to Van Diemen’s Land from 1803 until 1853. Approximately 10 000–13 000 juveniles were among the 148 000 convicts transported. This article has traced the lives of female and male juvenile convicts transported, who were sentenced at the Old Bailey (the Central Criminal Court in London), and voyaged to Van Diemen’s Land. By exploring individual lives, and contextualising their experiences, it is possible to go beyond the circumstances of offending–through to their punishment period, to their lives upon release. This article will focus on one aspect of juvenile convict lives post-transportation–their familial life. The method of nominal record-linkage has been used across a variety of criminal and non-criminal records (including civil records and newspapers) in order to build up a picture of these young offenders. Going beyond the institution and focusing directly on female and male juveniles is important in understanding the lives of this unique group. From the behaviour of the juvenile convicts themselves, to the decisions of the administrators and the conditions of the penal colony into which they were thrust; were these female and male juvenile convicts able to form ‘settled’ colonial lives and which factors inhibited or facilitated this process?

Contested Commitment: Policing Black Female Juvenile Delinquency at Efland Home, 1919–1939

The North Carolina Industrial School for Negro Girls was established in 1925 by the local branch of the National Federation of Colored Women’s Clubs. Also known as Efland Home, this institution, like others across the South, was designed to rehabilitate young black women “destined for pregnancy, prostitution, or prison.” The quasi-private reformatory negotiated its relationship with the state, receiving inconsistent and nominal funding for roughly a decade. By the mid-to-late 1930s, Efland Home functioned as a penal institution as the ideals of its clubwomen founders crumbled under financial and logistical pressures. State-sanctioned investigations and inquiries wrought mixed messages concerning the utility of the reformatory. During the last five years of its existence, Efland Home became a contested site of policing as matrons, superintendents, and others replaced rehabilitative ideologies with violence and (corporeal) punishment. To express their discontent, young women sentenced to the institution ran away in larger numbers and with greater frequency during these years, encountering local authorities in the process. The young women’s experiences thus reveal complex negotiations regarding the power of black clubwomen and the state to regulate black female adolescents’ behaviors.

ЗМІНИ ПОТУЖНОСТЕЙ ЕЛЕКТРИЧНОЇ АКТИВНОСТІ МОТОРНОЇ ЗОНИ КОРИ ГОЛОВНОГО МОЗКУ САМОК ЩУРІВ РІЗНОГО ВІКУ

Introduction . The electrical activity of the cerebral cortex reflects complex processes of reception and processing of afferent information, as well as the functional state of the organism and the level of metabolic processes. At present bioelectric activity of the motor zone of the cerebral cortex of rats during the age-related involution is not sufficiently investigated. Since most authors investigate only rats of juvenile and young age. The question of the dynamics of the indicators of electrocorticogram is a promising and relevant direction of research, which allows us to reveal the general physiological mechanisms that arise in the process of ontogenesis. Purpose To establish age changes of indicators of bioelectric activity of the motor zone of the cerebral cortex of female rats. Methods . Experiments were performed on white nonlinear, non-racially mature female rats divided into four groups by age. The registration of the electrocortichogram of the motor zone of the cerebral cortex was carried out by the method of removing the stereotactic potential, on a standard electrophysiological device. A needle unipolar electrode (nichrome diameter of 100 μ m) was used. In the total amount of electro corticochograms, the indicators of absolute and normalized power of the electric activity of the neocortex were analyzed. Results The analysis of the results of the studies showed that beta-like activity dominated among females of all age groups, in addition to the group of females of juvenile age, based on the absolute power of the motor zone of the cerebral cortex. Absolute power of delta rhythm among females of a mature age significantly increased in 3 and 7,3 times relative to the parameters of this rhythm of females of juvenile and young age. In the group of pre-adolescence, this rhythm was 32% lower than that of females of mature age. The highest rate of absolute power of theta-rhythm was among females of mature age. In the juvenile and pre-elder age, the absolute power of alpha-like activity was similar and was 3,76 ± 1.3 μ V 2 . This indicator among females of young age was significantly higher in 5,9 times with respect to juvenile age groups. In the mature age, the absolute index of alpha-like rhythm is 3,7 times higher in relation to the juvenile age group and 57% lower than in the group of younger females. Beta-like activity at the younger age decreased by 16,6% relative to females of juvenile age. In the mature age, this indicator is significantly higher at 3,5 and 4,25 times with respect to the juvenile and younger age groups. In pre-instar age, the absolute power of beta-like activity is reliably higher than 4,6 and 1,32 times in relation to the parameters of juvenile and mature age females. For normalized indices, juvenile females were dominated by delta activity of 51,1% and synchronization of rhythms was observed. The beta-like rhythm predominated in the following three age groups, the highest value of which was in rats of pre-instinctive age – 70,18%. Due to the dominance of high-frequency low-amplitude waves, females of young, mature, and pre-adolescent age observed desynchronization of rhythms. Originality The absolute and normalized indices of the motor zone of the cerebral cortex of female rats of juvenile, young, mature and pre-period periods were studied. Conclusion For indicators of absolute and normalized power, females of the juvenile age were dominated by delta activity and synchronization of biorhythms of the motor zone of the cerebral cortex was observed. At young age, the values of absolute power declined and beta-like activity predominated as a percentage, resulting in desynchronization of rhythms. In mature and pre-adulthood, females had high activity in the delta and beta-like rhythm. For normed indicators, beta-like activity and desynchronization of rhythms of neocortex in rats of mature and pre-instar age predominated.

Validation of a blubber-based endocrine pregnancy test for humpback whales.

Baleen whales have few identifiable external indicators of pregnancy state, making it challenging to study essential aspects of their biology and population dynamics. Pregnancy status in other marine mammals has been determined by measuring progesterone concentrations from a variety of sample matrices, but logistical constraints have limited such studies in free-swimming baleen whales. We use an extensive blubber sample archive and associated calving history data to retrospectively identify samples that correspond to pregnant females and develop a progesterone-based pregnancy test for humpback whales. The lowest pregnant blubber progesterone concentration was 54.97 ng g-1, and the mean for the known-pregnant group was 198.74 ± 180.65 ng g-1. Conversely, females known to be below the minimum age of sexual maturity (juvenile females) had an overall low mean progesterone concentration (0.59 ± 0.25 ng g-1), well below the known-pregnant range. Of the mature females that did not return with a calf (n = 11), three fell within the known-pregnant range (320.79 ± 209.34 ng g-1), while the levels for the remaining eight were two orders of magnitude below the lowest known-pregnant level (1.63 ± 1.15 ng g-1). The proportion of females that did not return with a calf but had values similar to known-pregnant females are consistent with rates of calf mortality, but other potential explanations were considered. Our findings support a validated blubber endocrine assignment of pregnancy corroborated with field life history information, a first for any baleen whale species. The progesterone values we measured were similar to those found in different pregnancy states of other cetaceans and support using blubber biopsy samples for assigning pregnancy in humpback whales. This method can be applied to existing archives or new samples to better study life history and population demography broadly across species and populations.

Nutrition and growth: assessing the impact of regional nutritional intake on childhood development and metacarpal parameters.

Measuring skeletal development throughout juvenile growth can provide a greater understanding into the health, hormonal function and genetics of children. The metacarpals have been of interest for their potential to provide insights into healthy juvenile skeletal development. This study investigated the growth patterns of developing females from isolated communities who had varied diets. Anthropometrical measurements and hand-wrist X-rays were taken of 353 juvenile females from three populations: Pari Coastal Village and Bundi Highlands Village, Papua New Guinea (PNG); and Brisbane, Australia between 1968 to 1983. Radiographs were digitized, and the length and width of the second and third metacarpals compared to each subject's height and weight. As subject heights increased, metacarpal length and width increased. However, stature and second metacarpal length indicated the strongest correlation (P<0.01), compared to third metacarpal length (P<0.01) or width. From 11 to 13 years of age, Brisbane subjects were significantly heavier and taller in comparison to subjects from PNG, and coastal females were heavier and taller than the highland females. A prominent difference between the two PNG populations was the regional intake of protein in their diets. The second metacarpal presents particularly accurate measurements when determining the height or development of a child. Nutritional intake appears to have a major influence normal childhood growth, with a potential for protein deficiency to strongly inhibit growth. Any delayed growth is particularly evident in the child's stature, as well as in the development of the metacarpal long bones of the hand.

الصفحة النفسية للمراهقين والمراهقات الجانحين کما تظهر في اختبار الشخصية المتعدد الأوجه ( نسخة المراهقين )

تهدف الدراسة الحالیة إلى التعرف على الاضطرابات النفسیة للمراهقین والمراهقات الجانحین کما یظهر فی احتبار الشخصیة المتعدد الأوجه للمراهقین ومقارنتهم بالمراهقین والمراهقات الاسویاء.وقد تمت الدراسة على عینة من الجانحین والجانحات المودعین بمؤسسات رعایة الأحداث بمنطقة المرج بالقاهرة والزقازیق محافظة الشرقیة قوامها 117 ، 49 من الاناث بمتوسط عمری 16.42 وانحراف معیاری 1.33 وعینة من الذکور والإناث غیر الجانحین عددها 96، 46 من الاناث بمتوسط عمری 16.68 بانحراف معیاری 1.56 و 50 من الذکور بمتوسط عمری 16.89 بانحراف معیاری 1.63 من بعض مدارس محافظة القاهرة.وتم تطبیق المقاییس الإکلینیکیة التی تضم العشر مقاییس اکلینیکیة وست مؤشرات الصدق والمقاییس التکمیلیة التی تضم 11 مقیاسا فرعیا ،ومقاییس المحتوى والتی تضم 15 مقیاس فرعی، من مقیاس الشخصیة المتعدد الأوجه للمراهقین ، وقد اظهرت نتائج الدراسة وجودفروق بین الاناث الجانحات وغیر الجانحات على مقاییس القلق A.NXIETY والاغتراب A.LAN ومقیاس غرابة التفکیر BIZ ومستوى الطموح A.LAS وعدم الارتیاح الاجتماعی A.SOD والمشکلات الاسریة A.FAM والمشکلات المدرسیة A.SCH ومقیاس مقاومة العلاج النفسیA.TRT وعدم التهدید DISC وانخفاض الوجدان الایجابی INTR والهستیریا HY والانحراف السیکوباتی PD والبارانویاPA والفصام SC والهوس الخفیف MA وعدم النضج الاجتماعیIMM وجمیعها لصالح الجانحات.کما أظهرت النتائج وجود فروق بین الذکور الجانحین وغیر الجانحین فی مقاییس مشکلات المسلک CON والمشکلات الاسریةA.FAM ومؤشرات مقاومة العلاج النفسی A.TRT ومقیاس عدم التهدید DISC والانحراف السیکوباتی PD والهوس MA وتوهم المرض HS والهستیریا HY والفصام SC والاعتراف بتعاطی المخدرات والکحول ACKA وجمیعها فی اتجاه المراهقین الجانحین.فی حین کانت الفروق فی اتجاه الذکور غیر الجانحین على مقیاس الانطواء الاجتماعیSI . کما أظهرت النتائج فروق بین الذکور الجانحین والإناث الجانحات على مقاییس القلق A.ANXIETY ومقیاس الذکورة - الانوثة MF فی اتجاه المراهقات الجانحات ، بینما کانت الفروق على مقاییس مشکلات المسلک CON وعدم التهدید DISC وماک اندرو للإدمان MAC-R لصالج الذکور. The Psychological Profile for Male and Female Juvenile Delinquents as They Appear in the Multiphasic Personality Inventory (Adolescent Version) Maryam Saleh Hassan ABSTRACT This study aims to identify the psychological disorders among juvenile delinquents as they appear in the Multiphasic Personality Inventory and compare them with normal adolescents. The study used a sample of juvenile delinquents detained in a correctional facility in Al Marg area in Cairo and Zagazig in the Eastern region. The sample of the study was 117, 49 female delinquents with a mean age of 16.42 and a standard deviation of 1.33, and a sample of 46.96 male and female adolescents, the mean age of females in the sample is 16.68 and a standard deviation of 1.56, 50 males with a mean age of 16.89 and a standard deviation of 1.63 from some schools in Cairo. The ten clinical measures were administered as well as sis validity indicators and the supplementary measures which include elven sub-measures and content measures which include fifteen sub-measures from the Multiphasic Personality Inventory for adolescents. The results of this study showed difference between female delinquents and female non-delinquents in scales, A.NXIETY, A.LAN, BIZ, A.LAS, A.SOD, A.FAM, A.SCH, A.TRT, DISC, INTR, HY, PD, PA, SC, MA, IMM, for female delinquents. The study also showed differences between male delinquents and male non-delinquents in scales, CON, A.FAM, A.TRT, DISC, PD, MA, HS, HY, SC, ACKA, for male delinquents. The study also showed differences between male and female delinquents in scales, A.ANXIETY, MF, for female, while CON, DISC, MAC-R, for male.

Nucleus accumbens mu opioid receptors regulate context-specific social preferences in the juvenile rat

The μ opioid receptor (MOR) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) is involved in assigning pleasurable, or hedonic value to rewarding stimuli. Importantly, the hedonic value of a given rewarding stimulus likely depends on an individual’s current motivational state. Here, we examined the involvement of MORs in the motivation to interact with a novel or a familiar (cage mate) conspecific in juvenile rats. First, we demonstrated that the selective MOR antagonist CTAP administered into the NAc reduces social novelty preference of juvenile males, by decreasing the interaction time with the novel conspecific and increasing the interaction time with the cage mate. Next, we found that a 3-h separation period from the cage mate reduces social novelty preference in both juvenile males and females, which was primarily driven by an increase in interaction time with the cage mate. Last, we showed that MOR agonism (intracerebroventricularly or in the NAc) restored social novelty preference in juvenile males that did not show social novelty preference following social isolation. Taken together, these data support a model in which endogenous MOR activation in the NAc facilitates the relative hedonic value of novel over familiar social stimuli. Our results may implicate the MOR in neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by altered social motivation, such as major depression and autism spectrum disorder.

5 Live Offspring Produced from Reproductive Material Recovered During the Annual Cull of Bison from Yellowstone National Park

Bison from Yellowstone National Park (YNP) have a unique genetic history that makes them a conservation priority for the species. Unfortunately, there is a high prevalence of the zoonotic disease brucellosis in the herd. Part of the management strategy for controlling the disease and herd size in YNP is an annual culling process. This culling may result in loss of valuable genetic material and, until now, has been a missed opportunity to recover and preserve those genetics. The goal of this project was to demonstrate the feasibility of producing healthy offspring from reproductive material collected during the nonbreeding season from bison postmortem and to determine effects of donor parameters, including sexual maturity and pregnancy status on IVF outcomes. Oocytes were collected from ovaries harvested from bison within 2 h of slaughter during winters of 2014 to 2017 for use in in vitro embryo production (IVP). Frozen-thawed semen from 7 YNP bulls collected via electroejaculation in vivo or from epididymal flushes postmortem was used for IVF. Embryos were produced using standard cattle IVP procedures. On Days 7, 7.5, and 8 of in vitro culture, embryos were assessed for developmental stage and quality, and Grade 1 and 2 embryos were vitrified on Cryotops® (Kitazato, Tokyo, Japan) in a two-step equilibration process. Embryos were then stored until the breeding season when they were warmed, cultured for 6 h, evaluated for survival, and transferred to healthy bison recipients. Data were analysed using a Student’s t-test. Age did not affect the mean number of oocytes collected from a mature female (n = 254) v. juvenile (n = 27; 24 ± 16 v. 24 ± 13), embryo cleavage rates (54 ± 24% v. 45 ± 24%), or the rate of blastocyst development (8 ± 12% v. 7 ± 8%, respectively). Pregnancy status did have a significant effect on the number of oocytes collected per female (pregnant 22 ± 15%, n = 258; nonpregnant 26 ± 20%, n = 82; P = 0.04) and the percent of oocytes that cleaved (pregnant 56 ± 23%, n = 189; nonpregnant 47 ± 24, n = 61; P = 0.005). No difference was detected in the percent of embryos that reached the blastocyst stage of development (pregnant 8 ± 10%, nonpregnant 8 ± 15%). In August 2016, 12 embryos were transferred singly or in pairs to 10 recipient bison synchronized using a standard synch protocol. Ten days following removal of the CIDR, embryos were transferred to recipient bison with a palpable corpus luteum. In spring of 2017, a healthy female calf was born to a recipient who had received 2 Grade-2 blastocysts as graded at the end of the 6-h incubation period. The genetic dam of the calf was a pregnant adult bison cow. This calf demonstrates that live offspring can be generated from oocytes collected from bison postmortem in the nonbreeding season. Although cleavage rates were higher with oocytes from pregnant bison, viable embryos were generated from nonpregnant adults and juvenile females, warranting continued collection of their oocytes and banking of resulting embryos. To our knowledge, this is the first bison calf produced by in vitro production using postmortem reproductive material.

Residency and long-distance movements of sevengill sharks (Notorhynchus cepedianus) tagged in San Francisco Bay

BackgroundSevengill sharks are common inhabitants of estuaries and coastal areas and particularly abundant in San Francisco Bay (SFB). There is limited knowledge about the level of residency and migratory movements of this species. We describe the degree of residence of sevengill sharks in SFB and nearby locations, using ultrasonic tags and automated listening stations.ResultsSevengills showed a high degree of residency in SFB, particularly to the Golden Gate (GG) area where they have a strong site preference, both seasonally and inter-annually. Site fidelity was also the highest at the GG. In sharks with deployment times longer than 300 days, we found that > 80% of visits of all mature males were at GG, 80% of visits of a single mature female occurred there, > 85% of visits of most juvenile males, and > 70% of visits of most juvenile females. At GG, sharks moved into the range of the receiver day and night without a strong preference for a particular time of the day, which implies movements up and down the area day and night. At most other locations within the bay, sharks were present during daytime hours, while at Point Reyes during nighttime hours. Sharks moved into SFB during early spring and summer, and moved out of SFB to Point Reyes during late spring and fall. Three sevengill sharks migrated roughly 800 km southeastward along the coastline from SFO, one making three trips back and forth between the sites.ConclusionsThere was strong evidence of residency of sharks within SFB, and sharks repeatedly returned to the same region of the bay with some sharks making long-distance movements.

Hematologic and biochemical differences between two free ranging Yangtze finless porpoise populations: The implications of habitat.

The goals of this study were to compare the serum chemistry and hematology values of wild and semi-natural free-ranging Yangtze Finless Porpoises (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis ssp. asiaeorientalis) populations and to ascertain how these values change with the different environmental condition. For this study, samples were collected from 81 YFPs, 35 living in the wild and 46 living in a semi-natural reserve. Each population was divided into 8 life history categories; Male Calf, Female Calf, Juvenile Male, Juvenile Female, Adult Male, Pregnant, Lactating and Pregnant plus Lactating. Statistically significant differences in the various parameters were observed in the same life history categories for both populations. Generally, Lipid Profile, Hepatic Enzymes, Creatine Kinase, Red Blood Cells, Hemoglobin, Hematocrit and Neutrophils were significantly higher in the Tian-E-Zhou Oxbow population while, Creatinine, Phosphate, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Bilirubin and Lymphocytes were significantly higher in the Poyang Lake YFPs. Across the groups in the Tian-E-Zhou Oxbow population, a significant decrease in serum Albumin, Alkaline Phosphatase and Calcium, while a significant increase in the Neutrophils and Platelets was observed. Similarly, in the Poyang Lake, Alkaline Phosphatase levels in the Female Calves group, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol in Lactating group, basophil counts in Pregnant plus Lactating group, lymphocytes counts in Juvenile Females group and Globulin and Total Protein levels in Pregnant group were significantly higher. This study in health assessments can help us to understand the effect of sex, age, reproductive status and environmental conditions on the well-being of Yangtze Finless Porpoises.

Revision ofMisumessus(Thomisidae: Thomisinae: Misumenini), with observations on crab spider terminology

The widespread and previously monotypic genus Misumessus Banks, 1904 from North America is found to consist of at least seven species. The type species, M. oblongus (Keyserling, 1880), occurs from Ontario, Canada, to eastern Texas and ranges over most of the eastern and mideastern United States. Misumessus lappi sp. nov. has a midwestern range and is known from central Texas to eastern Colorado. Misumessus dicaprioi sp. nov. is recorded from western North America from California, Utah and western Colorado, south to Arizona, New Mexico, and southwest Texas. Misumessus tamiami sp. nov. occurs in the southern half of peninsular Florida. Misumessus quinteroi sp. nov. is circum-Caribbean, with records from Mexico to Panama, Trinidad, and the Greater and Lesser Antilles. Another Antillean species, M. bishopae sp. nov., is known from Puerto Rico, Dominica, and possibly the Grenadines. Misumessus blackwalli sp. nov. is known from Bermuda from a single male; it is unlikely that this species represents Thomisus pallens Blackwall, 1868, a nomen dubium based on a juvenile female, and the only thomisid previously reported from Bermuda. This name has not been used since the 19th century other than in catalogs and checklists, and since its retention could potentially create a homonym, it is declared a nomen oblitum. The epigynal ‘hood' of thomisids is considered misnamed, as it engages the retrolateral tibial apophysis (RTA), and is renamed the ‘coupling pocket' as in other RTA clade members. A hood is herein considered to be a general term that refers to an epigynal outgrowth partly enclosing a depression that engages a structure on the palpal bulb rather than the palpal tibia.

Hormonal correlates of development and natal dispersal in wild female owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) of Argentina

Pair-living and socially monogamous primates typically do not reproduce before dispersing. It is currently unclear whether this reproductive suppression is due to endocrine or behavioral mechanisms. Cooperatively breeding taxa, like callitrichids, may forego reproduction in natal groups because they reap inclusive fitness benefits and/or they are avoiding inbreeding. However, neither of these benefits of delayed reproduction appear to adequately explain the lack of reproduction prior to leaving the natal group in pair-living monogamous species. In this study, we determined whether wild Azara's owl monkeys (Aotus azarae) in the Argentinean Chaco establish reproductive maturity prior to dispersing. We utilized 635 fecal extracts to characterize reproductive hormone profiles of 11 wild juvenile and subadult females using enzyme immunoassays. Subadult females showed hormone profiles indicative of ovulatory cycling and had mean PdG and E1G concentrations approximately five times higher than juveniles. Contrary to expectations from the inbreeding avoidance hypothesis, female owl monkeys do not delay puberty, but rather commence ovarian cycling while residing in their natal group. Still, subadults appear to have a period during which they experience irregular, non-conceptive cycles prior to reproducing. Commencing these irregular cycles in the natal group may allow them to develop a state of suspended readiness, which could be essential to securing a mate, while avoiding costs of ranging solitarily. Our results indicate that reproductive suppression in female owl monkeys is not due to endocrine suppression. We suggest that adults likely use behavioral mechanisms to prevent subadults from reproducing with unrelated adult males in their natal group.

Risk-Need Profiles of Serious and Chronic Female Juvenile Offenders: Implications for Female Juvenile Correctional Programming.

Understanding differences and similarities between male and female juvenile offenders is critically important for determining the treatment needs of each group. Less is known, however, about the similarities and differences among female juvenile offenders and the variation in their needs, risks, and psychosocial profiles. Understanding the variation among female juvenile offenders could lead to improvements in gender-responsive interventions and treatment. Latent profile analysis was conducted to construct risk-need profiles in a state-based sample of incarcerated girls ( N = 203) based on a range of psychosocial subscales covering family, peer, school and cognitive and emotional processes, psychopathology, and antisocial outcomes. Findings revealed four distinct groups/profiles with varying levels of risk-needs- Aggression Only (51%), Alcohol and Drug Use (19%), Socioemotional and Family Relationship Problems (24%), and Severe Alcohol and Drug Use (6%)-warranting the need for varying levels of treatment intensity and different treatment components across subgroups, ranging from less to more extensive.