Nest Type Research Articles

Hormone -Refractory Prostatic Adenocarcinoma Mimicking Basal Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report

Abstract Prostate cancer is an androgen-driven malignancy. Patients with late-stage prostate cancer often receive androgen-deprivation therapy to suppress the disease progression. Under the selection pressure, some prostate cancers transform to androgen-independent cancers. Treatment-induced small cell neuroendocrine carcinoma is one of the examples. In the last decade, patients with disseminated prostate cancer frequently received second-generation androgen-deprivation agents, such as abiraterone, enzalutamide, and apalutamide. Those more potent drugs have led to an emergence of a novel type of androgen-independent carcinoma named “double-negative” prostate cancer, which is immunohistochemically negative for both neuroendocrine markers and androgen targets. In this report, we present a typical case of “double-negative” end-stage prostate cancer that morphologically resembled basal cell carcinoma of prostate, basaloid large nest type.

Nesting behavior of reintroduced Bornean Orangutan in Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia

Abstract. Nayasilana IN, Atmoko SS, Suyoko A, Hadisusanto S. 2020. Nesting behavior of reintroduced Bornean Orangutan in Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 21: 2088-2096. Great apes such as orangutans build a nest to rest in every night. Orangutan’s nest making skills correlate with their adaptability in a new habitat. Here we analyzed the nest skill on the reintroduced orangutan. Skills process and thought training there is a back to remembers in forest school and pre-release islands in the rehabilitation center. The study aimed to observe the skill adaptation of reintroduced orangutans (semi-wild and ex-rehabilitate) for nest building and the characteristic of the tree chosen for their nests in a new habitat. The study was 16 individuals (8 semi-wild and 8 ex-rehabilitate) from February 2012 to November 2014 at the release site of Bukit Batikap Conservation Forest, Central Kalimantan. The method used in the study was instantaneous focal animal sampling, which follows the behavior of each orangutan from the morning nest to the night nest. Non-parametric statistics test (Kruskal-Wallis) was used to nesting behavior, Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) is used to determine the relationship between nesting behavior and nesting tree species, and ArcMap GIS 10.3 to find out the distribution of nest trees in the research location. The result of the study revealed that reintroduced orangutan prefers to build a nest to rest at night rather than day nest. Semi-wild orangutans prefer tree species with dense canopy and branching, while ex-rehabilitation orangutans pay less attention to this. Mostly, reintroduced Bornean orangutan created new nests rather than reusing and/or repairing old nests. Species of Syzygium sp. Lithocarpus sp. and Xanthophyllum sp. are a preferred species of the nest tree, the nest position of 2 (nests are constructed on the main side-branch) and 3 (the crown of the tree) is dominance. Orangutan prefer height tree species between 26-30m for day nests, are selectively determined as part of the adaptation process. However, each individual will choose the nest type species of tree, positions, and height according to their characteristics of the nest tree.

A primary neuroendocrine tumor of the left ventricle presenting with diarrhea\u2014an unusual experience and literature review

BackgroundNeuroendocrine tumors (NETs) can secrete bioactive amines in the bloodstream, resulting in the carcinoid syndrome characterized by diarrhea and flushing. The frequency of occurrence of primary cardiac neuroendocrine neoplasms is lesser than that of metastases, and hence, metastases must be adequately ruled out before diagnosis. Cardiac tumors, both primary and metastatic, mainly result in heart-related symptoms, such as heart failure and acquired valvular dysfunction. Here, we report a unique case of a primary left ventricular neuroendocrine tumor presenting with diarrhea.Case presentationA 51-year-old female complaining of intermittent diarrhea for 2 years was admitted to our hospital. Enhancement of total abdominal computed tomography scan, echocardiography, and magnetic resonance imaging indicated a mass in the left ventricle. The indexes of myocardial enzymes were normal. Histologically, round cells with well-differentiated neuroendocrine morphology were arranged in typical pseudo-glandular, trabecular, ribbon-like, and solid nest patterns. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were positive for cytokeratin, chromogranin, synaptophysin, and CD56. However, they were negative for caudal type homeobox 2, S100, paired box gene 8, thyroid transcription factor 1, and CD20, which ruled out the origin of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, lung, and Merkel cell carcinomas. The symptoms of diarrhea disappeared after the operation. The patient was asymptomatic at the 9-month follow-up.ConclusionCardiac neuroendocrine tumors with diarrhea are considerably rare and related clinical research is limited. We presented a case and reviewed related articles to improve the identification, diagnosis, and management of patients with cardiac neuroendocrine tumors. The site of origin of a neuroendocrine tumor is clinically vital, and identification of an occult primary tumor using imaging modalities is necessary. Immunohistochemistry is well-suited to indicate the origin of the tumor. Regular follow-up is necessary for both poorly differentiated and well-differentiated cardiac neuroendocrine tumors. It is suggested to detect some neuroendocrinal markers for patients with unexplained reasons of diarrhea.

Physico-Chemical Aspects and Complete Bacterial Community Composition Analysis of Wasp Nests

Wasps are a group of social insects that build a house, known as a nest, from locally available building materials cemented by their saliva and secretions. Similar to termite nests, there could be many beneficiary bacteria present in their house that can play an important part in maintaining sustainability in soil ecosystems. Thus, the present study was initiated with a physico-chemical characterization of wasp nests collected from residential and forest zones, followed by unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis to identify major associated minerals. Further, MiSeq Illumina sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene (V3–V4 regions) was carried out to analyze complete bacterial community composition of wasp nests. The resulting data showed a dominance of Actinobacteria followed by Proteobacteria in both nests. Kaistobacter and Phycicoccus were the dominant genera in each type of wasp nest. It was concluded that wasp nests are an abundant source to isolate bacteria that can potentially be helpful in soil biogeochemical cycling and fertility, antibiotics production and bioremediation.

Isolation and Characterization of Antibiotic Producing Actinomycetes from Mud Nest of Wasps

The recent increase in antibiotic resistance demands the discovery of novel antibiotics. Hence, this project was designed to explore novel antibiotic producing Actinomycetes from mud nest of wasps. For this, 9 types of active mud nests of wasp available in Rajshahi, Bangladesh were collected. For each nest, nest material was aseptically homogenized with a 1X saline solution and then diluted homogenate was plated in Actinomycetes Isolation Agar medium to isolate Actinomycetes. Total 27 purified cultures of bacteria were isolated from 9 collected mud nests of wasp. To collect the extract of mud nest, homogenate was filtered and centrifuged. Then, the extracts were assessed for their efficacy to inhibit bacterial growth with disc diffusion method. However, only extract of nest number 9 (N9) showed antimicrobial efficacy against tested bacteria, E. coli. Then antimicrobial efficacy of the 27 isolates was assessed using an agar cross-streak method and disc diffusion method. It was found that among the 27 isolates; only the isolate N9C2 was able to inhibit the growth of studied bacteria, E. coli. Then, 16S rDNA was isolated, amplified and sequenced from the isolate N9C2 for its identification. According to NCBI blast, the highest similarity of sequence (99%) of 16S rDNA of the isolate N9C2 was shown to that of Streptomyces coelescens strain AS 4.1594. Then, the isolate N9C2 was characterized. It was found that the isolate was a gram positive filamentous bacterium. It was found that the isolate N9C2 was resistant to Amoxicillin, Ampicillin and Cephalexin while it was sensitive to Tetracycline, Erythromycin and Ciprofloxacin. It was also found that the isolate N9C2 can grow optimally at pH 7 and at 37ºC. Finally, it can be concluded that mud nests of wasp is a vital source of antibiotic producing Actinomycetes such as Streptomyces coelescens strain AS 4.1594.

Swim bladder enhances lagenar sensitivity to sound pressure and higher frequencies in female plainfin midshipman (Porichthys notatus).

The plainfin midshipman fish (Porichthys notatus) is an established model for investigating acoustic communication because the reproductive success of this species is dependent on the production and reception of social acoustic signals. Previous work showed that female midshipman have swim bladders with rostral horn-like extensions that project close to the saccule and lagena, while nesting (type I) males lack such rostral swim bladder extensions. The relative close proximity of the swim bladder to the lagena should increase auditory sensitivity to sound pressure and higher frequencies. Here, we test the hypothesis that the swim bladder of female midshipman enhances lagenar sensitivity to sound pressure and higher frequencies. Evoked potentials were recorded from auditory hair cell receptors in the lagena in reproductive females with intact (control condition) and removed (treated condition) swim bladders while pure tone stimuli (85-1005 Hz) were presented by an underwater speaker. Females with intact swim bladders had auditory thresholds 3-6 dB lower than females without swim bladders over a range of frequencies from 85 to 405 Hz. At frequencies from 545 to 1005 Hz, only females with intact swim bladders had measurable auditory thresholds (150-153 dB re. 1 µPa). The higher percentage of evoked lagenar potentials recorded in control females at frequencies >505 Hz indicates that the swim bladder extends the bandwidth of detectable frequencies. These findings reveal that the swim bladders in female midshipman can enhance lagenar sensitivity to sound pressure and higher frequencies, which may be important for the detection of behaviorally relevant social signals.

Nest characteristics of the Eastern Rock Nuthatch (Sitta tephronota) in southwestern Iran

In the springs of 2015–2017, the population size and nest characteristics of the Eastern Rock Nuthatch (Sitta tephronota) were investigated. The study was conducted in a 400 hectare area of the mountainous region of southwestern Iran. In 2016, the population of the Eastern Rock Nuthatch was estimated at 33 pairs and its density was 8.25 breeding pairs per 100 ha of the study area. During the study, 45 nuthatch nests were investigated, of which 15 (33%) were found in cliffs and 28 (62%) were located in tree holes; 2% were built in house and bridge walls. The height of the nest was 214.3±112.3 cm above ground level. The mean of the horizontal and vertical depths of the nest chambers in trees was 17.8±3.7 and 12.6±3.2 cm respectively, and statistically differed from those in rocky nests (respectively 23.9±5.5 and 10.8±4.6 cm). However, chamber volumes did not statistically differ between these two nest type categories. The inner entrance areas of rocky nests were significantly smaller than those located in tree holes (respectively 11.1±2.3 and 15.3±5.5 cm2). Our findings suggest that differences in nest characteristics may be an adaptation of the Eastern Rock Nuthatch to predation.

Differences in the niches of keratin/chitin feeding moths (Lepidoptera: Tineidae) in bird nests in central Japan

Some moth larvae feed not on plants but on keratin and/or chitin produced by animals. These substances are polymers and are commonly found in bird nests as feathers and raptor pellets. Many qualitative studies have examined the association of keratin/chitin feeding moths with bird nests. However, few studies have quantified the species composition with respect to type of nest and habitat. Hence, we have studied the degree to which the niches of these moths differ in terms of type of nest and habitat. We set-up open-top nest boxes for the Ural owl Strix uralensis (damp exposed nests from which owl chicks were fledged successfully) and artificial bird nests (mesh bags filled with duck down to imitate dry exposed nests) in a deciduous forest and artificial bird nests in an urban setting in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, and collected the contents of the nests every two months from June to December 2014. We recorded 592 individuals of five keratin/chitin feeding moth species (Tineidae, Tineinae) from the contents. Using non-metric multidimensional scaling and cluster analysis of the relative abundances of individual species in each type of nest in forest and urban settings, these species were classified into three groups: (1) Monopis longella and M. congestella inhabiting forest, (2) M. flavidorsalis and Niditinea tugurialis mainly in damp exposed nests in forest and (3) N. piercella mainly in dry exposed nests in urban areas. This classification was compared with findings of other studies. As a result, these moths probably have different niches with respect to nest type (damp or dry), keratin/chitin as a source of food (raptor pellets or feathers), and habitat (forest or urban area). Furthermore, we suggest that the evolution of larviparity in M. congestella might be related to its preference for feathers as a source of food for the development of its larvae.

Silver Nanoparticles Deposited Algal Nanofibrous Cellulose Sheet for Antibacterial Activity

Nanofibrillated, intertwined, and bird’s nest type cellulose (Iα) was extracted from green filamentous seaweed Chaetomorpha crassa by using simple bleaching agent. Silver nanoparticles were grown over seaweed cellulose sheet by using single-step hydrothermal method. The nanofibrillated cellulose and silver nanoparticles deposited cellulose sheets were characterized by FTIR, SEM-EDX, TGA, XRD, UV-Visible spectroscopy, and tensile strength. XRD peaks showed that seaweed cellulose was highly crystalline (crystallinity index: 83.21%) and acted as reducing agent, reducing Ag2O/Ag2CO3 to metal silver. The average diameter of seaweed nanofibrous cellulose and silver nanoparticles were 25 nm and 56 nm, respectively. The broad spectra in UV-Vis analysis indicated that silver nanoparticles had agglomerated. Silver deposited sheet was thermally stable as compared to cellulose sheet. Nanosilver-coated cellulose sheet has been found with good antimicrobial property against the gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus: 54.5%) and the gram-negative (Escherichia coli: 43.8%) microbes. The laboratory findings reveal that with the use of marine raw material along with straightforward manufacturing process, the antibacterial sheet can effectively develop for applications in pharmaceutical, biomedical, food packaging, textile, water treatment, and biotechnological industries.

Biologi Sarang Rayap Subfamili Nasutitermitinae di Stasiun Penelitian Suaq Balimbing Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser

A study had been carried out from May 2017 to February 2018 at Suaq Balimbing Research Center, Gunung Leuser National Park to determine the biology of termite nests of Nasutitermitinae subfamily. The termites were collected with Finding Colony method, while the identification of the termite types and data analysis was conducted in Zoology Laboratory, Department of Biology, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Syiah Kuala University. The results found 3 types of termite nests, i.e., (1) arboreal mounds type (N. roboratus, N. matangensis, H. bicolor and N. neoparvus) as an attempt to disguise themselves and protect their colonies from predators; (2) wood nesting type (N. havilandi, N. proatripennis, H. hospitalis, B. neopusillus, L. leucops, and Aciculitermes sp.1) that is built using drywood to form ventilation space between nests, so the nests become sturdier; and (3) subterraneannest type (L. longipes) that has a stronger construction than arborealmounds and wood nesting since it is made of soil attached by saliva liquid. Shapes of termite nest found namely a rounded shape, a cone shape, a shape that fills in hollow trees, a shape that forms a mound on the ground, and rectangular shape. Some of the termites activities were searching for food outside the nest, consuming remaining food in the nest, and making an attack. The identification results showed that there were 18 termites species from 6 genera of Nasutitermitinae subfamily namely Nasutitermes, Hospitalitermes, Leucopitermes, Longipeditermes, Bulbitermes and Aciculitermes.

Protein three-dimensional structures at the origin of life.

Proteins are relatively easy to synthesize, compared to nucleic acids and it is likely that there existed a stage prior to the RNA world which can be called the protein world. Some of the three-dimensional (3D) peptide structures in these proteins have, we argue, been conserved since then and may constitute the oldest biological relics in existence. We focus on 3D peptide motifs consisting of up to eight or so amino acid residues. The best known of these is the 'nest', a three- to seven-residue protein motif, which has the function of binding anionic atoms or groups of atoms. Ten per cent of amino acids in typical proteins belong to a nest, so it is a common motif. A five-residue nest is found as part of the well-known P-loop that is a recurring feature of many ATP or GTP-binding proteins and it has the function of binding the phosphate part of these ligands. A synthetic hexapeptide, ser-gly-ala-gly-lys-thr, designed to resemble the P-loop, has been shown to bind inorganic phosphate. Another type of nest binds iron-sulfur centres. A range of other simple motifs occur with various intriguing 3D structures; others bind cations or form channels that transport potassium ions; other peptides form catalytically active haem-like or sheet structures with certain transition metals. Amyloid peptides are also discussed. It now seems that the earliest polypeptides were far from being functionless stretches, and had many of the properties, both binding and catalytic, that might be expected to encourage and stabilize simple life forms in the hydrothermal vents of ocean depths.

Occupation and Emergence of Solitary Bees in Different Types of Trap Nests

The study investigated the occupation and emergence of bees that nest in trap-nests and assessed aspects of the structure of such nests, sex ratio, parasitism and mortality of bees in four areas of Baturité Massif, State of Ceará. Samples were taken using three types of trap-nests: dried bamboo internodes, cardboard tubes and rational boxes. In the four studied sites, a total of 185 artificial nests were offered monthly and 34 of them were occupied by bees. Six species of bees, distributed in five genera (Centris, Mesocheira, Euglossa, Megachile and Coelioxys) occupied the 34 trap-nests, but of this total nests, 24 presented emergence of individuals. In the rest of the nests there was mortality of the occupants. Considering the total of nests with emergence, it was obtained 139 individuals: 131 bees (28 kleptoparasite bees) and 8 coleopterans. In 34 bee nests obtained, there were constructed 162 brood cells, the number of cells per trap-nest varied from 1 to 13 brood cells and the length of these nests varied from 2.4 to 14cm. Thirteen nests were parasitized by hymenopterans (Apidae and Megachilidae) and coleopterans (Meloidae), resulting in a parasitism rate of 38.2% of the total of nests founded. In addition, mortality occurred from unknown causes in 29.4% (n=10) of individuals before reaching adult stage. This work identified the bee species that use pre-existing cavities in the Baturite Massif, determined their nesting requirements and constrains for their reproduction. This information may contribute to conservation efforts of these bee species as well as their potential use for pollination services.

Australian processionary caterpillars, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer (Lepidoptera: Notodontidae), comprise cryptic species

AbstractThe bag shelter moth, Ochrogaster lunifer Herrich‐Schäffer, 1855 (Thaumetopoeinae), is abundant and widespread throughout Australia where its larvae have been reported to feed mostly on Acacia and eucalypts. The larvae, known as processionary caterpillars, build silken nests on their host plants either on the ground at the base of the plant (Acacia) or above ground on the trunk or among the canopy (Acacia and eucalypts). The caterpillars are medically important in that they shed tiny setae that can cause dermatitis and other health problems in humans and other mammals, including amnionitis and foetal loss in horses. Despite reports of behavioural, ecological and morphological differences between ground and canopy nesters, caterpillars of all nest types and hosts are currently considered to belong to one species. Here, we use DNA sequence data from the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes of caterpillars taken from different nest types in eastern Australia to determine whether there is evidence for there being more than one species. We find significant genetic divergence between caterpillars from different nest types despite occurrence in sympatry at multiple sites, indicative of a lack of gene flow and the presence of at least two reproductively isolated species. Given the range of hosts and nest locations within hosts throughout Australia, further sampling is needed to determine just how many species there are under the current concept of O. lunifer.

Influence of nest boxes and claw abrasive devices on feather pecking and the fear responses of layer breeders in natural mating colony cages

Natural mating colony cages for parent-stock layer breeders, instead of conventional cages with artificial insemination, have been widely adopted by many commercial farms in China. Although some natural mating behaviours can be expressed and broader activity space is provided compared with that of conventional artificial insemination cages, the environment is still relatively barren. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of providing nest boxes and claw abrasive devices (CADs) in this colony cage system on feather pecking (FP), feather condition, fear and physiological stress in layer breeders. Twelve treatments were compared in a factorial arrangement, including 2 types of nests (large and small), 3 types of CADs (abrasive strips, rubber mat with grooves, and metal plates with holes), and the control (without the provision of nests and CADs). Nine cages per treatment were involved, with 10 roosters and 90 hens per cage. The results showed that the nests had a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on the frequency of severe feather pecking (SFP); environmental pecking (ENP); food pecking (FOP); back, rump, and belly coverage condition; tonic immobility (TI) duration; avoidance distance (AD); and corticosterone and 5-HT concentrations. Except for the blood parameters, the CADs had a significant effect (P ≤ 0.05) on the frequency of SFP and FOP; back, rump, tail coverage condition; duration and latency of TI test; hens’ novel object (NO) recognition score; and distance in the AD test. In addition, significant nest × CAD interactions (P ≤ 0.05) were noted for SFP, ENP, and FOP; back, rump, and tail coverage condition; duration in the TI test; hens’ novel object (NO) recognition score; distance in the AD test; and the concentration of corticosterone. Mortality was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) reduced by nests, CADs and their interaction. It was concluded that the nests and CADs that were equipped in our study could be regarded as rewarding environmental necessities that could alleviate FP activities, improve feather coverage condition, and reduce stress levels and mortality rates. Large nests and abrasive strips were the preferred choice over colony cages without nests and CADs.

Garden microbiomes of Apterostigma dentigerum and Apterostigma pilosum fungus-growing ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

Fungus-growing ants share a complex symbiosis with microbes, including fungal mutualists, antibiotic-producing bacteria, and fungal pathogens. The bacterial communities associated with this symbiosis are poorly understood but likely play important roles in maintaining the health and function of fungal gardens. We studied bacterial communities in gardens of two Apterostigma species, A. dentigerum, and A. pilosum, using next-generation sequencing to evaluate differences between the two ant species, their veiled and no-veiled fungal garden types, and across three collection locations. We also compared different parts of nests to test for homogeneity within nests. Enterobacteriaceae dominated gardens of both species and common OTUs were shared across both species and nest types. However, differences in community diversity were detected between ant species, and in the communities of A. dentigerum veiled and no-veiled nests within sites. Apterostigma pilosum had a higher proportion of Phyllobacteriaceae and differed from A. dentigerum in the proportions of members of the order Clostridiales. Within A. dentigerum, nests with veiled and no-veiled fungus gardens had similar taxonomic profiles but differed in the relative abundance of some groups, with veiled gardens having more Rhodospirillaceae and Hyphomicrobiaceae, and no-veiled having more Xanthomonadaceae and certain genera in the Enterobacteriaceae C. However, bacterial communities in Apterostigma fungal gardens are highly conserved and resemble those of the nests of other attine ants with dominant taxa likely playing a role in biomass degradation and defense. Further work is required to understand and explain how bacterial community composition of fungus-growing nests is maintained.

First complete description of nest, eggs, and nestlings of the Squamate Antbird, Myrmoderus squamosus (Aves: Thamnophilidae)

Even though nest architecture has been useful for phylogenetic inferences among the Thamnophilidae (Aves: Passeriformes), the nests of only three out of five species ofMyrmoderus(Ridgway, 1909) are known to science. Here we describe the nests, eggs, and nestling of the Squamate AntbirdMyrmoderussquamosus(Pelzeln, 1868). Two nests were bulky bottom-supported cups, measuring 7.3 and 12 cm in maximum outside diameter, with a noticeably smaller egg cup, and they were placed within the crown of short, broad-leafed plants. Eggs were short-oval, with chalky white background color, and purple blotches and streaks more concentrated in the large end. One nestling was dark reddish grey, with bluish white feet, pinkish gray tarsi, and a blackish bill with bright yellow rictal flanges. In face of the great diversity of nest types found among the Thamnophilidae, we concluded that the nest ofM.squamosuswas similar to those of other congeners, giving support to this currently phylogenetically-defined genus.

White stork nest altitude decreases as global temperatures increase

Climate change causes altitudinal shifts of animal distributions and this effect can potentially be accentuated or altered due to human agricultural activities. Because of the availability of uniquely long-term monitoring data, we chose the white stork (Ciconia ciconia) as a model species. We analyzed large data sets (record cards from 1191 nests) covering the long-term period from 1875 to 2005 in the Czech Republic, central Europe. We analyzed nest altitude during years of founding of the nest, temperature, land use variables and types of nests (natural vs. human provided nest pads). Consistent with findings from previous studies we predicted a temporal increase in the altitude of white stork nests. Surprisingly, we found that the altitude of nests was decreasing, despite an increase in local mean spring temperatures. The altitude of nests was higher when the proportion of arable land, water areas and developed land was lower and when the proportion of grass and forest cover was greater. The decrease in altitude was significant in natural nests (built by storks) but non-significant in nests on nest platforms (built by humans). Thus, human agricultural activities might potentially override the opposing effects of global climate change on animal altitudinal distribution shifts.

Effect of temperature on the chemical profiles of nest materials of social wasps

Social insects depend on their nests for protection against predation and abiotic threats. Accordingly, the chemical compounds present in the material wasps use to build their nests can both facilitate communication and repel predators. It is herein hypothesized that different wasp species build their nests with different structure and substrate materials and that such materials consist of chemical compounds related to unique wasp behavior and outside temperature variation. To test this hypothesis, nests were collected from three species of social wasps, the samples of which were subjected to temperature variation under laboratory conditions. The compounds present in the substrate were analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Chemical compounds identified in the nest material of the three species responded differently to temperature variation. Chemical compounds from Polybia nests were altered significantly when subjected to temperature variation, whereas the nests of Polistes versicolor did not significantly change in relation to the control. The differences found between Polistes and Polybia nests may be related to genetic factors, but also to the type of nest they construct. It is possible that divergent evolutionary strategies for maintaining colony temperature, as a function of the chemical composition of the nests, may have appeared between wasps that have open and closed nests. In relatively small colonies, nest substrate is more resistant to temperature variation because it is composed of a greater diversity of elements and thus capable of holding heavier, longer carbon chains. Our results suggest that chemical compounds in the nest material of the three wasp species analysed responded differently to fluctuating ambient temperatures and that such variation could result from the biochemical differences of unique wasp species or from thermoregulation strategies of colonies.

Carbon Nanotubes-Silica Nano Composite Synthesis By CVD Method: A Promising Composite Material Development for Lithium Ion Battery Application

Carbon-silicon material for lithium ion battery has recently been realized is promising material due to excellent lithiation property of silicon coupled with good carbon nanotube electrical conductivity in nanocomposite. In this work such material synthesis technique is described by first employing nickel silica alcogel as catalyst followed by direct chemical vapor deposition of prepared catalyst to result into nickel silicon carbon nanotubes nanocomposite. later, nickel metal which formed in-situ during CVD is successfully removed by treatment with concentrated hydrochloric acid. Thus, we have just synthesized this unique material which is promising and may be used as suitable anode material for lithium ion battery and lithium ion battery tests such as charge discharge, energy density, power density etc. will be performed and results will be presented by the time of conference. The graphitic carbon deposition was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies and field emission secondary electron microscopic (FE-SEM) images reveled the tube-like and nest type morphologies which are characteristics of MWCNTs in silica matrix. The effect of nickel content and temperature on carbon nanotubes contents in silica matrix were also studied. The carbon content in the samples was estimated with CHNS elemental analyzer. The average tube diameter of material synthesized was in the range of 30-60 nm. Moreover, it was found that 12M hydrochloric acid concentration was required to completely remove nickel content from synthesized carbon nanotubes nanocomposite which was confirmed by XRD studies. Figure 1

Male and female preferences for nest characteristics under paternal care.

Nests play a critical role for offspring development across the animal kingdom. Nest quality may contribute to the builder's extended phenotype and serve as an ornament during mate choice. We examined male and female nest choice in the common goby (Pomatoschistus microps), a benthic fish with male‐only parental care where females deposit eggs in male‐built nests. Using prebuilt nest models, we independently manipulated two candidate nest quality traits: (a) nest entrance width with a role in oxygen ventilation, and (b) extent of sand cover with a role in camouflage. In simultaneous choice trials, male gobies exhibited no preference for any nest model type. This suggests that initial characteristics of a nesting substrate have minor importance for males, which usually remodel the nest. Females were given a choice between two males occupying either entrance‐ or cover‐manipulated nests. The same pair of males was then exposed to a second female but now with alternated nest types assigned. Most females were consistent in choosing the same, typically the heavier male of the two regardless of nest properties. However, the females that chose the same nest regardless of the male preferred low over high sand coverage and narrow over wide nest entrance. Our results indicate that females base their mating decision on a combination of male phenotype and nest traits. While we found no indication that females are attracted to highly decorated nests, our study is the first in fishes to disentangle a preference for narrow (and thus more protective) nest entrances independent of nest coverage.