Particle size distribution of diet, feces, and change from diet to feces, as well as apparent digestibility (aDig, %) of selected nutrients, and novel fecal microbiome identification of mature female leopard tortoises (Stigmochelys pardalis, n = 16) fed exclusively one of three, nutritionally complete, pelleted diets were evaluated in a blind, complete randomized design study. Two diets included insoluble fiber (powdered cellulose) consisting of either 2.0 mm or 0.2 mm length. Insoluble fiber provides nutritional and physical benefits to both the animal host and the microorganisms that inhabit the gastrointestinal tract. Insoluble fiber length was used as a means of evaluating a physically effective fiber (peNDF) definition for hindgut-fermenting vertebrates. Numerical trends of each diet particle size distribution indicated a greater amount of particle recovery on the 2.0 mm sieve for the 2.0 mm diet, and a greater particle recovery on the 0.125 mm sieve for the 0.2 mm diet, both as expected based on the added fiber lengths. Fecal particle size distributions were not different between diets, however, distributions of the change in particle size from diet to feces were different between diets. Similar fecal particle size distributions across diets suggests both cellulose lengths are below the peNDF threshold of the leopard tortoise. Apparent digestibility (aDig, %) of dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) was not different based on diet, method, or a diet and method interaction; aDig (%) of neutral detergent fiber (aNDF) and sequential acid detergent fiber (sADF) was different based only on diet. These results suggest that while aDig (%) of OM did not change, the source of OM digestibility shifted, as both aNDF and sADF digestibility increased with the cellulose-added diets compared to the control diet. An increase in insoluble fiber digestibility suggests an "effectiveness" of the cellulose lengths. At both bacterial phyla and genera levels, fecal microbiomes were more similar between tortoises fed the cellulose-added diets versus the control diet, suggesting that the hindgut microbial communities adjusted in the hindgut of the tortoises fed the cellulose-added diets by shifting proportions of microbes, based on their role in the hindgut (i.e., cellulose digestion), to accommodate for the addition of cellulose in the two treatment diets. This may explain the similarity among fecal particle size distributions, and suggests that adaptability of the hindgut microbial communities should be considered when defining peNDF for hindgut-fermenting vertebrates.

The colloquially named leopard rock of the Holder and Laborcita formations (Late Pennsylvanian-Early Permian) is an algal/foraminiferal boundstone that occurs within a cyclic, interfingered, carbonate siliciclastic system in the Sacramento Mountains of southeastern New Mexico) and often accompanies phylloid algal mounds. This project is the first to fully characterize and evaluate the evidence that leopard rock is microbial in origin and assess the potential influence of methane seeps and deltaic organics on its genesis. Characterization of the algal-foraminiferal boundstone revealed a highly variable expression in outcrop based on geolocated photo imagery, hand samples, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) data. Leopard rock is interpreted as microbial in origin based upon all features observed in aggregate, particularly upward-oriented concentric gradational laminae and striking clusters of segmented curvilinear cylinders (~1000 nm long). Leopard rock is best described as thrombolytic. A comprehensive categorization into thrombolite types was conducted and field and analytical data were used in creating a geospatial data base. The data was evaluated spatially in ArcMap for co-occurrence, trends, and possible associations within, and between, categorizations and formations. Distribution and associations of dome (1-3 m), small coniform (< 1 m), and planar outcrop structures and thrombolite types reflect a hierarchy of complexity and prevalence that would be expected from a microbial system. An extensive multi-scale feature comparison of potential modern analogues from Australia, the Bahamas, and Canada, in conjunction with contiguous paleo-analogues, support the interpretation of a highly adaptable complex microbial ecosystem. Results were also consistent within the global chemical, biologic, and physical context at the time of deposition. Evidence for methane seep contribution support the plausibility of supplemental microbial energy sources based on modern examples and limited paleo-analogues. Stratigraphic position and a paucity of data do not support a significant role for deltaic bathymetry or organic influx in leopard rock genesis. The results of this study provide robust evidence that leopard rock is a multi-faceted complex microbial thrombolite that displays a continuum of expression not represented by one all-encompassing term and illustrates the value of multi-parameter analyses augmented across time and space using analogues and geospatial software.

The Nambiti Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa is a nature reserve that aids in the conservation of some of the world’s most renown species. This includes members of the "Big Five," which is comprised of the African lion (Panthera leo), the African elephant (Loxidonta africana), the Cape buffalo (Syncerus caffer), the black & white rhinoceroses (Diceros bicornis and Ceratotherium simum, respectively), and the African leopard (Panthera pardus pardus). These animals represent the top five African animals desired by trophy hunters and by tourists hoping to view wildlife (Caro & Riggio, 2014). While studies concerning the African leopard population status have been completed on surrounding game reserves (Balme et al., 2009; Chapman & Balme, 2010), there have not been any studies done investigating the African leopard population on Nambiti. It is important that the population on Nambiti be identified since conservation management of leopards is largely influenced by their population numbers. For example, southern African countries rely on population estimates to establish trophy hunting quotas (Balme et al., 2010). Furthermore, knowledge on the reserve's leopard population can also lead to ecotourism benefits by attracting tourists to visit areas of known leopard activity (Lindsey et al., 2007). This case study investigated baited camera trapping footage, obtained by Nambiti rangers between May 2015 – May 2017, to determine the African leopard population on Nambiti. Camera footage results revealed that there were four leopards identified in six different locations on the reserve between May 2015 – May 2017. Baited Location J in the Western region of the reserve showed the greatest amount of leopard activity, indicating that it is the baited location most likely to provide ecotourism benefits. Furthermore, 23 non-target species were identified from the camera trapping footage, providing insight into the reserve's biodiversity, prey availability, and competition among predators.

During 2000-2004 I studied the population status of the Formosan clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa brachyurus) and the ecology of its prey and other sympatric carnivores in the largest remaining lowland primary forest in southern Taiwan. My research team and I set up 232 hair snare stations and 377 camera trap sites at altitudes of 150-3,092m in the study area. No clouded leopards were photographed in total 13,354 camera trap days. Hair snares did not trap clouded leopard hairs, either. Assessment of the prey base and available habitat indicated that prey depletion and habitat loss, plus historical pelt trade, were likely the major causes of extinction of clouded leopards in Taiwan. Using zero-inflated count models to analyze distribution and occurrence patterns of Formosan macaques (Macaca cyclopis) and 4 ungulates, we found habitat segregation among these 5 herbivore species. Formosan macaques, Reeve's muntjacs (Muntiacus reevesi micrurus), and Formosan serows (Nemorhaedus swinhoei) likely were the most important prey species of Formosan clouded leopards given their body size and high occurrence rates in lower altitudes. In contrast, sambar deer (Cervus unicolor swinhoii) tended to occur more frequently as altitude increased. Formosan macaques exhibited seasonal differences in occurrence rates and were absent at altitudes > 2,500m in winter. Only Formosan serows showed preference for cliffs and rugged terrain, while the other 4 species, except wild boars (Sus scrofa taivanus), avoided these areas. Habitat segregation in forest understory and structure were more pronounced among the 4 ungulates. Forest structure rarely affected occurrence rates of Formosan macaques on the ground. Niche relationships of the other sympatric carnivores were studied through habitat, diet, and temporal dimensions. Resource partitioning by carnivores was observed. Altitude was the strongest factor explaining the composition of the carnivore community in the local study-area scale and in the landscape scale across Taiwan. Carnivores could be divided into 2 groups: low-mid altitude consisting of Formosan ferret badgers (Melogale moschata subaurantiaca), gem-faced palm civets (Paguma larvata taivana), lesser oriental civets (Viverricula indica taivana), crab-eating mongooses (Herpestes urva formosanus), leopard cats (Prionailurus bengalensis chinensis), and feral cats (Felis catus), and the mid-high altitude group consisting of yellow-throated martens (Martes flavigula chrysospila), Siberian weasels (Mustela sibirica taivana), and Asiatic black bears (Ursus thibetanus formosanus). Carnivore richness was higher at mid altitudes where these 2 groups overlapped (i.e. mid-domain effect). The low-mid altitude carnivores were more nocturnal and tolerant of human activity and forest alteration except crab-eating mongooses, which were diurnal and avoided human encroachment. Similar to crab-eating mongooses, the mid-high altitude carnivores also avoided human encroachment and were diurnal except for Siberian weasels, which were more nocturnal. Diet summary based on their major food items for all sympatric carnivores revealed 3 groups of foragers which foraged on: invertebrates, small mammals, and plant fruits. Felidae, yellow-throated martens, and Siberian weasels preyed on small mammals. Asiatic black bears and gem-faced palm civets ate mostly plant fruits. The other 3 carnivores were mainly invertebrate foragers. These 9 carnivores partitioned resource uses in the 3 niche dimensions except for some overlap in resource use by leopard cats and feral cats. Prey base for Formosan clouded leopards and the carnivore richness in Taiwan were found to be lower in areas with higher levels of human activity. On the other hand, Formosan macaques and ungulates could become over-abundant without human hunting and top carnivore predation. Mesopredator release may occur because of vanishing top carnivores, causing reduction of the lower trophic level prey species. It is important to assess the cascading impacts of the loss of the Formosan clouded leopards and Eurasian otters (Lutra lutra chinensis) and the declining Asiatic black bears and to consider reintroduction of Formosan clouded leopards, as well as active management of the other larger mammals. These results provided baseline information for reintroduction of clouded leopards and management of their prey and generated new hypotheses regarding the ecology of these large mammals for future investigation. / Ph. D.

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome de Noonan é uma doença autossômica dominante caracterizada por baixa estatura, dismorfismos faciais (hipertelorismo ocular, inclinação para baixo das fendas palpebrais, ptose palpebral, palato alto e má-oclusão dentária), pescoço curto e/ou alado, defeitos cardíacos, principalmente a estenose pulmonar valvar, deformidade esternal e criptorquia nos pacientes do sexo masculino. O gene PTPN11, localizado no braço longo do cromossomo 12 (12q24.1), é responsável por aproximadamente 50% dos casos de síndrome de Noonan. OBJETIVO: Detectar a freqüência de mutações no gene PTPN11 em uma amostra de pacientes os quais preenchiam os critérios clínicos para a síndrome de Noonan e síndromes Noonan-like e estabelecer uma correlação genótipo-fenótipo. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta probandos com síndrome de Noonan, 3 com síndrome de LEOPARD, 3 com síndrome de Noonan-like/lesões múltiplas de células gigantes e 2 com neurofibromatose-Noonan foram incluídos nesse estudo. O estudo molecular foi realizado através da técnica da cromatografia líquida de alta precisão desnaturante e, naqueles com um perfil anormal, a técnica do seqüenciamento do éxon em questão foi concretizada. RESULTADOS: Mutações missense no gene PTPN11 foram identificadas em 21 probandos com síndrome de Noonan (42%), em todos os três pacientes com a síndrome de LEOPARD, em um caso com síndrome de Noonan-like/lesões múltiplas de células gigantes e em um paciente com síndrome da neurofibromatose-Noonan. Este último probando também apresentava uma mutação no gene NF1. A única anomalia que atingiu uma diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparados os grupos de pacientes com e sem mutação foi o grupo de distúrbios hematológicos. Um paciente com síndrome de Noonan que apresentou uma doença mieloproliferativa possuía a mutação T73I. CONCLUSÃO: A síndrome de Noonan é uma doença heterogênea, uma vez que mutações no gene PTPN11 são responsáveis por 42% dos casos. Uma correlação genótipo-fenótipo definitiva não foi estabelecida, mas a mutação T73I parece predispor a distúrbios mieloproliferativos. Com relação às síndromes Noonan-like, o gene PTPN11 é o principal responsável pela síndrome de LEOPARD e também desempenha um papel na síndrome da neurofibromatose-Noonan. A síndrome de Noonan-like/lesões múltiplas de células gigantes, a qual faz parte do espectro da síndrome de Noonan, é também uma doença heterogênea. / INTRODUCTION: Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder comprising short stature, facial dysmorphisms (ocular hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, palpebral ptosis, high arched palate and dental malocclusion), short and/or webbed neck, heart defects, mainly valvar pulmonary stenosis, sternal deformity and cryptorchidism in males. The PTPN11 gene, localized in the long arm of chromosome 12 (12q24.1), is responsible for approximately 50% of the cases. OBJECTIVE: To detect the PTPN11 gene mutation rate in a cohort of clinically well-characterized patients with Noonan and Noonan-like syndromes and to study the genotype-phenotype correlation. METHODS: Fifty probands with Noonan syndrome ascertained according to well-established diagnostic criteria, 3 with LEOPARD syndrome, 3 with Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome and 2 with neurofibromatosis/Noonan were enrolled in this study. Mutational analysis was performed using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography followed by sequencing of amplicons with an aberrant elution profile. RESULTS: Missense mutations in the PTPN11 gene were identified in 21 probands with Noonan syndrome (42%), in all three patients with LEOPARD syndrome, in one case with Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome and in one with neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome. This last patient also showed a NF1 gene mutation. The only anomaly that reached statistical significance when comparing probands with and without mutations was the hematological abnormalities. A Noonan syndrome patient presenting a myeloproliferative disorder showed a T73I mutation. CONCLUSION: Noonan syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder, once PTPN11 gene mutations is responsible for 42% of the cases. A definitive genotype-phenotype correlation is not established, but the T73I mutation seems to predispose to a myeloproliferative disorder. Regarding Noonan-like syndromes, the PTPN11 gene is the main one in LEOPARD syndrome and also plays a role in neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome. Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome, part of the spectrum of Noonan syndrome, is also heterogeneous.

INTRODUÇÃO: A síndrome de Noonan é uma doença autossômica dominante caracterizada por baixa estatura, dismorfismos faciais (hipertelorismo ocular, inclinação para baixo das fendas palpebrais, ptose palpebral, palato alto e má-oclusão dentária), pescoço curto e/ou alado, defeitos cardíacos, principalmente a estenose pulmonar valvar, deformidade esternal e criptorquia nos pacientes do sexo masculino. O gene PTPN11, localizado no braço longo do cromossomo 12 (12q24.1), é responsável por aproximadamente 50% dos casos de síndrome de Noonan. OBJETIVO: Detectar a freqüência de mutações no gene PTPN11 em uma amostra de pacientes os quais preenchiam os critérios clínicos para a síndrome de Noonan e síndromes Noonan-like e estabelecer uma correlação genótipo-fenótipo. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta probandos com síndrome de Noonan, 3 com síndrome de LEOPARD, 3 com síndrome de Noonan-like/lesões múltiplas de células gigantes e 2 com neurofibromatose-Noonan foram incluídos nesse estudo. O estudo molecular foi realizado através da técnica da cromatografia líquida de alta precisão desnaturante e, naqueles com um perfil anormal, a técnica do seqüenciamento do éxon em questão foi concretizada. RESULTADOS: Mutações missense no gene PTPN11 foram identificadas em 21 probandos com síndrome de Noonan (42%), em todos os três pacientes com a síndrome de LEOPARD, em um caso com síndrome de Noonan-like/lesões múltiplas de células gigantes e em um paciente com síndrome da neurofibromatose-Noonan. Este último probando também apresentava uma mutação no gene NF1. A única anomalia que atingiu uma diferença estatisticamente significante quando comparados os grupos de pacientes com e sem mutação foi o grupo de distúrbios hematológicos. Um paciente com síndrome de Noonan que apresentou uma doença mieloproliferativa possuía a mutação T73I. CONCLUSÃO: A síndrome de Noonan é uma doença heterogênea, uma vez que mutações no gene PTPN11 são responsáveis por 42% dos casos. Uma correlação genótipo-fenótipo definitiva não foi estabelecida, mas a mutação T73I parece predispor a distúrbios mieloproliferativos. Com relação às síndromes Noonan-like, o gene PTPN11 é o principal responsável pela síndrome de LEOPARD e também desempenha um papel na síndrome da neurofibromatose-Noonan. A síndrome de Noonan-like/lesões múltiplas de células gigantes, a qual faz parte do espectro da síndrome de Noonan, é também uma doença heterogênea. / INTRODUCTION: Noonan syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder comprising short stature, facial dysmorphisms (ocular hypertelorism, downslanting palpebral fissures, palpebral ptosis, high arched palate and dental malocclusion), short and/or webbed neck, heart defects, mainly valvar pulmonary stenosis, sternal deformity and cryptorchidism in males. The PTPN11 gene, localized in the long arm of chromosome 12 (12q24.1), is responsible for approximately 50% of the cases. OBJECTIVE: To detect the PTPN11 gene mutation rate in a cohort of clinically well-characterized patients with Noonan and Noonan-like syndromes and to study the genotype-phenotype correlation. METHODS: Fifty probands with Noonan syndrome ascertained according to well-established diagnostic criteria, 3 with LEOPARD syndrome, 3 with Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome and 2 with neurofibromatosis/Noonan were enrolled in this study. Mutational analysis was performed using denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography followed by sequencing of amplicons with an aberrant elution profile. RESULTS: Missense mutations in the PTPN11 gene were identified in 21 probands with Noonan syndrome (42%), in all three patients with LEOPARD syndrome, in one case with Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome and in one with neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome. This last patient also showed a NF1 gene mutation. The only anomaly that reached statistical significance when comparing probands with and without mutations was the hematological abnormalities. A Noonan syndrome patient presenting a myeloproliferative disorder showed a T73I mutation. CONCLUSION: Noonan syndrome is a heterogeneous disorder, once PTPN11 gene mutations is responsible for 42% of the cases. A definitive genotype-phenotype correlation is not established, but the T73I mutation seems to predispose to a myeloproliferative disorder. Regarding Noonan-like syndromes, the PTPN11 gene is the main one in LEOPARD syndrome and also plays a role in neurofibromatosis-Noonan syndrome. Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome, part of the spectrum of Noonan syndrome, is also heterogeneous.

<p>Den här uppsatsen behandlar stridsvagn122 och Remote Weapon Station (RWS). Det finns ett verkansglapp mellan dagens kalibrar 120 mm och 7,62 mm. Observationsmöjligheterna i vissa situationer är begränsade. Syftet med uppsatsen är att undersöka vilka nya förmågor och möjligheter till ytterligare ett verkansalternativ en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform kan tillföra stridsvagn 122. De frågeställningarna som behandlas är: Vad kan en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform tillföra inom området stridsteknik? Vem i besättningen skall bemanna systemet? Vad kan en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform tillföra inom området graderad verkan? Metoden som används är kvalitativ textanalys. Materialet som analyseras består av reglementen ochinstruktionsböcker från Försvarsmakten, information från försvarsindustrin samt facklitteratur om vapen och stridsvagnar. Slutsatserna som dras är att en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform kan bidra med förbättringar inom området stridsteknik. Inom området graderad verkan kan en fjärrstyrdvapenplattform tillföra olika förmågor beroende på vilket vapensystem som väljs. Moduläriteten medför att verkan kan situationsanpassas. Jag bedömer att den i besättningen som lämpligen ska bemanna systemet är laddaren, men en större flexibilitet uppnås om även vagnchefen kan operera systemet, eftersom vissa situationer kräver att laddarens hela uppmärksamhet är fokuserad på kanonen.</p> / <p>This essay studies the Swedish main battle tank stridsvagn 122 and Remote Weapon Station. There is a gap between 120mm and 7.62mm. The observation possibilities in certain situations is limited. The purpose of this essay is to investigate which new abilities a remote weapons station can bring. The following issues are investigated: How does a Remote Weapon Station affect tactics on squad level? Who in the crew is most suited to man the system? Which scalable effects can a remote weapon station bring? The method used is qualitative text analysis. The analyzed material consists of regulations and manuals from the Armed Forces, information from the defence industry. Literature about Weapons and tanks written by civilian authors will be used in order to get a source from outside the Armed Forces. The conclusions drawn are that a remote weapons platform can contribute to enhancements of battle tactics on squad level. A Remote Weapons Station can introduce different new scalable effects depending on the weapon chosen for the specific task. I believe that the loader is the person in the crew that is most suited to man the RWS-system, but a higher degree of flexibility would be reached if also the tank commander could operate the system, since the loader in some situations must direct his full attention to the canon.</p>

Den här uppsatsen behandlar stridsvagn122 och Remote Weapon Station (RWS). Det finns ett verkansglapp mellan dagens kalibrar 120 mm och 7,62 mm. Observationsmöjligheterna i vissa situationer är begränsade. Syftet med uppsatsen är att undersöka vilka nya förmågor och möjligheter till ytterligare ett verkansalternativ en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform kan tillföra stridsvagn 122. De frågeställningarna som behandlas är: Vad kan en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform tillföra inom området stridsteknik? Vem i besättningen skall bemanna systemet? Vad kan en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform tillföra inom området graderad verkan? Metoden som används är kvalitativ textanalys. Materialet som analyseras består av reglementen ochinstruktionsböcker från Försvarsmakten, information från försvarsindustrin samt facklitteratur om vapen och stridsvagnar. Slutsatserna som dras är att en fjärrstyrd vapenplattform kan bidra med förbättringar inom området stridsteknik. Inom området graderad verkan kan en fjärrstyrdvapenplattform tillföra olika förmågor beroende på vilket vapensystem som väljs. Moduläriteten medför att verkan kan situationsanpassas. Jag bedömer att den i besättningen som lämpligen ska bemanna systemet är laddaren, men en större flexibilitet uppnås om även vagnchefen kan operera systemet, eftersom vissa situationer kräver att laddarens hela uppmärksamhet är fokuserad på kanonen. / This essay studies the Swedish main battle tank stridsvagn 122 and Remote Weapon Station. There is a gap between 120mm and 7.62mm. The observation possibilities in certain situations is limited. The purpose of this essay is to investigate which new abilities a remote weapons station can bring. The following issues are investigated: How does a Remote Weapon Station affect tactics on squad level? Who in the crew is most suited to man the system? Which scalable effects can a remote weapon station bring? The method used is qualitative text analysis. The analyzed material consists of regulations and manuals from the Armed Forces, information from the defence industry. Literature about Weapons and tanks written by civilian authors will be used in order to get a source from outside the Armed Forces. The conclusions drawn are that a remote weapons platform can contribute to enhancements of battle tactics on squad level. A Remote Weapons Station can introduce different new scalable effects depending on the weapon chosen for the specific task. I believe that the loader is the person in the crew that is most suited to man the RWS-system, but a higher degree of flexibility would be reached if also the tank commander could operate the system, since the loader in some situations must direct his full attention to the canon.

No description available.

Landscape genetic approaches allow to study effects of landscape to population microevolution. Landscape can influence gene flow even in large carnivores with good dispersal ability. Understanding the influence of landscape to the gene flow between populations is crucial for species conservation, especially in the species with low population densities. Aim of the study was to describe genetic structure of the grey wolf (Canis lupus) and snow leopard (Panthera uncia) in selected areas and to determine the influence of the landscape features on observed structure. Non-invasive genetic samples of snow leopard from Nepal were analysed, as well as invasive and non-invasive samples of grey wolf from Central Europe. Population structure was determined a posteriori using Bayesian clustering approaches that integrate genetic and geographical data, and compared to landscape connectivity models. Population structure of snow leopards is mostly influenced by human presence and presence of frequented roads, which represent a substantial dispersal barrier. Habitat suitable for this species is greatly restricted by altitude, however, during dispersal they are able to overcome areas with higher elevation than what is optimal for them. Pronounced genetic difference was found between central European and Carpathian...