African mole-rats (Bathyergidae) are subterranean hystricomorph rodents offering an excellent system with which to test theories relating to the evolution and maintenance of sociality in mammals. The aridity food distribution hypothesis (AFDH) suggests that, within the bathyergids, sociality has evolved in response to patterns of rainfall, its effects on food distribution, and the subsequent costs and risks of foraging and dispersal. Here, in the first detailed study of burrow architecture in a social mole-rat species, with data from 32 burrows, we show that in the giant mole-rat Fukomys mechowii, burrow fractal dimension increases with colony size and is higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. The mass of food in the burrow increases with fractal dimension and is higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. These results link for the first time colony size, burrow architecture, rainfall and foraging success and provide support for two assumptions of the AFDH, namely that (1) in arid conditions burrowing may be severely constrained by the high costs of digging; and (2) the potential risks of failing to locate food may be mitigated by increases in colony size. It was also fundamental in this study to assess whether the Fukomys mechowii is (1) An aseasonal or seasonal breeder (2) To investigate whether non-reproductive female giant mole-rats exhibit induced or spontaneous ovulation and finally (3) To estimate the age variation and sexual dimorphism of this little studied giant mole-rat species. Thus in a field study that involved the complete excavation of 32 burrow systems with a mean colony size of 9.9 individuals (range 7-16), it was evident that Fukomys mechowii is a cooperatively breeding mole-rat exhibiting a reproductive division of labour in which usually one, or occasionally two, females are responsible for procreation. Pregnant reproductive females were found throughout the study period (September 2005 until June 2006), supporting preliminary evidence that reproduction occurs throughout the year. Of the 32 colonies sampled, 14 of 18 (87.5%) in which the reproductive female could be identified as pregnant contained a single reproductive female, while four (12.5%) had two females breeding simultaneously (plural breeding). The population sex ratio was skewed towards females at 1:1.46. Autopsy of pregnant reproductive females (n=18) revealed that the production of two (10/18 pregnancies) or three (7/18) offspring was the norm, with one case of four embryos being present. These new data increase our fragmentary knowledge of the natural history of this little studied species. Six non-reproductive females were removed from their natal colonies and housed individually without a male for a period of 12 weeks as a control group. They were then subsequently housed for a further 6 weeks as experiment 1, on their own before being allowed non-physical contact in experiment 2, with a mature adult male for a further 6 weeks. The non-reproductive females were given a further period of isolation for a month prior to being physically paired with vasectomized males, in experiment 3. Urine was collected every second day for all three experiments and urinary progesterone profiles were generated. The progesterone values measured during the first part of Experiment 2 and 3 were markedly higher than those measured during the first part of Experiment 1 (Z= -2.201, p=0.028 for both comparisons), however, this was not significant after Bonferroni correction. Similarly progesterone values tended to be elevated during the second phase of Experiment 2 and 3 but not significantly so (Experiment 1 vs. 2: Z=-1.782, p=0.075, Experiment 1 vs. 3: Z=-2.201, p=0.028). Thus, chemical or physical stimulation by a male does not appear to be necessary for ovulation in female giant mole-rats. The giant mole-rat is a spontaneous ovulator. Due to difficulties in estimating absolute age in mammals, different methods for its estimation have been proposed, and among these, the degree of molar eruption and wear are considered to be one of the most reliable indicators of relative age. Consequently, maxillary molar tooth-row eruption and wear were used to assign individuals of the giant mole-rat, Fukomys mechowii (Peters, 1881) from two geographically proximal and ecologically similar localities in the Copper-belt Province of Zambia to 9 relative age classes. These were in turn used to assess the nature and extent of sexual dimorphism and age variation in this little-studied social mole-rat based on cranial morphometric data, reference to body mass and a series of both univariate and multivariate statistical analyses. Both univariate and multivariate analyses showed morphological differences between individuals of age classes 1–3 and those of age classes 5–9, while individuals of age class 4 were intermediate between these age class groupings, suggesting that this age class lies at a point on a hypothetical growth curve where it begins to stabilize. The analysis of the nature and extent of sexual dimorphism revealed its absence in the younger individuals of age classes 1–4 and its presence in older age classes 5–9. These results may allow an insight into our understanding of the population social structure, and reproductive strategies in the giant mole-rat. In conclusion, it is worth mentioning that; (1) A number of studies have examined burrow architecture, although not necessarily fractal dimensions in the Bathyergidae but the majority of these have concentrated on solitary species in which when there is plural occupancy it is during the breeding season or when the mother has a litter. This study is thus the first to examine in detail the dynamic nature of social mole-rat burrows, with respect to seasonal changes. The burrow fractal dimension is a good indication of the mole-rats ability to burrow to find food and thus results support the critical assumption which underlies the aridity food distribution hypothesis. The results accord well with previous data in social mole-rats indicating that larger colonies have greater survival and link colony size, burrow architecture and foraging success for the first time; (2) the giant mole-rat is an aseasonal breeder which in a few instances can have two queens per colony; (3) the giant mole-rat is a spontaneous ovulator and finally (4) the giant mole-rat Fukomys mechowii exhibits a sexual dimorphism amongst its older age classes 5-9. Suggesting that there are different growth curves in males versus females, whereby males attain much larger size (skull size and body mass) than females after puberty and finally intimating that opportunistic mating competition among males is very high. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Zoology and Entomology / Unrestricted

Naked mole-rats live in large colonies and exhibit a strict reproductive hierarchy. Each colony has 1 breeding female and 1-3 breeding males; all other individuals are non-reproductive subordinates. Subordinates show a remarkable lack of sex differences in behavior and anatomy, but can become reproductive if removed from the colony. The striated perineal muscles and their innervating motoneurons, which are sexually dimorphic in all other mammals examined, are not dimorphic in subordinate naked mole-rats. Here I asked whether sexual differentiation of this neuromuscular system occurs when subordinates become breeders. Sex differences in perineal motoneurons were not observed, regardless of social status. To my surprise counts of motoneurons in Onuf’s nucleus were increased in breeders of both sexes. This was accompanied by a reciprocal decrease in cells in Onuf’s nucleus that were characterized by small soma size. The neuronal changes correlate with increased perineal muscle volumes in breeders. Although not exhibiting typical motoneuron morphology, some small cells fit a neurochemical or functional definition of a motoneuron. I propose that small cells are recruited to the pool of large Onuf’s nucleus motoneurons when subordinate naked mole-rats become breeders. I then looked at naked mole-rats of varying status (subordinates, paired animals that have never reproduced, intact breeders, and gonadectomized breeders) to determine which cues elicit changes in perineal muscles and small cells in Onuf’s nucleus. I found that pairing is sufficient to cause decreases in the population of small cells in Onuf’s nucleus, while production of litters is necessary for increasing in perineal muscle size. The gonads were not necessary to maintain changes in small cells or perineal muscles. I hypothesized that the lack of sex differences in naked mole-rats might be related to their unusual social structure. To test this, I compared the genitalia and perineal muscles in three African mole-rat species: the naked mole-rat, the solitary silvery mole-rat, and the Damaraland mole-rat, a species considered to be eusocial, but with less reproductive skew than naked mole-rats. My findings support a relationship between social structure, mating system, and sexual differentiation.

The magnetic orientation was study in several species of rodents. Aim of this work was verify magnetic sense in two species of subterranean rodents: the giant mole-rat and the silvery mole-rat. A spontaneous directional preference in the magnetic field was tested in circular arena.

Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-10-01T17:39:29Z No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTONIO CRISTINO DA CONCEIÇÃO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGECA 1977..pdf: 27409984 bytes, checksum: 5912f51eef9d8359747739e237cf1e66 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-01T17:39:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 ANTONIO CRISTINO DA CONCEIÇÃO - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGECA 1977..pdf: 27409984 bytes, checksum: 5912f51eef9d8359747739e237cf1e66 (MD5) Previous issue date: 1977-07 / Este praqalho, trata do estudo dos parâmetros de resistência e consolidação de uma argila mole que faz parte do subsolo da cidade de João Pessoa. Da literatura consultada, apresentam-se dados e conclusões de estudos realizados em outras regiões, relacionados com o presente trabalho, onde destacamos principalmente os fatores fundamentais que influenciam sobre a resistência ao cisalhamento e a compressibilidade do solos argiloso. presenta-se uma pequena descrição dos aspectos geológicos do subsolo da região em estudo. Em uma camada de 12.00 metros de espessura, foram colhidas amostras do subsolo a cada metro de profundidade pelo uso de tubos de paredes finas tipo Shelby. Os ensaios de laboratório consistiram de: ensaio de caracterização do solo, ensaio de palheta (Vane Test), consolidação, compressão não confinada, triaxial não consolidado não drenado e consolidado drenado. As avaliações de resistência no campo, foram efetuadas através de três tipos de ensaios: ensaio de palheta (Vane Test), penetrõmetro estático (Deep Sounding) e o penetrômetro dinâmico (SPT). O solo é caracterizado como uma argila siltosa, apresentando alta plasticidade e compressibilidade. 0 estudo mostra ainda, que a argila apresenta um pequeno aumento da resistência ao cisalhamento ao longo da profundidade. A argila exibe baixa permeabilidade. Utilizou-se o processo estatístico de regressão linear, para analisar possíveis correlações entre os parâmetros encontrados in situ e no laboratório. Esta análise mostra que dentro das limitações do estudo, existem boas correlações entre alguns parâmetros determinados. / his research studies the strength and consolidation parameters of a soft clay that forms part of the subsoil of the city of João Pessoa. From the literature consulted those topics which have direct bearing on this study were presented, the funda mental factors which influence the shear strength and the compressibility of this soil were elaborated. The geological aspects of the sub soil are described briefly. From a soil layer of 12.00 m thickness samples were collected from each meter of depth using thinwalled Shelby tubes. The laboratory tests consisted of: vane shear, consolidation , unconfined compression, unconsolidated undrained and Consolidated drained triaxial tests, soil classification tests were also performed. In the field: vane shear, static ánd dynamic penetrometer tests were carried out. The soil was classified as a silty clay, having a high plasticity and compressibi1ity. The 1ow shear strength increased slightly with depth. The clay exhibited a low permeability.

7 pp. / This article introduces the popular mole (pronounced: MOH-lay) sauces that are typically served in three regions (the North, Central, and South) of Mexico. It also discusses how this popular Mexican food can promote healthy meal cooking, which can reflect traditional foods of the land.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Science, 2000.

Entre os problemas fitossanitários da maçã (Malus spp) estão o superbrotamento e o lenho mole, doenças associadas a fitoplasma. Para o caso do lenho mole, ainda não é totalmente aceito que um fitoplasma seja o agente causal. No entanto, vários trabalhos, usando microscopia eletrônica e enxertia de tecidos, têm apontado para a natureza fitoplasmática da doença. Mais recentemente, um fitoplasma do grupo 16SrI foi detectado em plantas de maçã cultivadas no Canadá e na República Checa. No Brasil, o lenho mole ocorre em vários estados do sul do país, sendo que pesquisas conduzidas com microscopia eletrônica e testes biológicos de transmissão por enxertia também têm evidenciado um possível fitoplasma associado à doença. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi contribuir para o conhecimento da etiologia destas doenças. Para isto, três plantas de maçã com sintomas de lenho mole, cultivadas em pomar instalado na região de Vacaria/RS, foram amostradas visando a detecção de fitoplasma, bem como a sua identificação e posterior classificação. Para detecção, foi empregada a técnica de PCR duplo com os oligonucleotídeos R16mF2/mR1 e R16F2n/R2. A identificação foi através de PCR com os oligonucleotídeos R16(III) F2/R1 e da técnica de RFLP com as enzimas de restrição AluI, HhaI, KpnI, HinfI, HpaII, MseI, RsaI e Sau3AI. Os resultados mostraram a presença de fitoplasma em 29 das 54 amostras coletadas durante o ano de 2000. As amostras de ramos e raízes coletadas no período de janeiro - abril e setembro - outubro apresentaram consistentemente fitoplasma em seus tecidos. Nas amostras colhidas em junho - agosto não houve detecção do microrganismo. A identificação molecular revelou que o fitoplasma presente em plantas sintomáticas pertencia ao grupo 16SrIII, sendo os resultados de PCR confirmados pela aplicação de RFLP. As análises de RFLP permitiram também determinar que este fitoplasma é, possivelmente, um membro do sub-grupo B. A constatação de um fitoplasma de grupo 16SrIII associado ao lenho mole em plantas de maçã cultivadas no Brasil, reforça as evidências relatadas em outros trabalhos, de que um fitoplasma seja o agente causal da doença. O fato de um fitoplasma diverso do grupo 16SrI estar associado ao lenho mole no Brasil pode ser justificado pela diversidade destes molicutes, em função da região geográfica e da variedade do hospedeiro. / The proliferation and rubbery wood diseases which are associated with phytoplasma are some of the diseases that occur in apple trees (Malus spp). In the case of rubbery wood disease, phytoplasm is not totally accepted as its causal agent. However, several researches by using electron microscopy and tissue grafting, have been able to show the phytoplasma associated with that disease. Recently, a phytoplasma from group 16SrI was detected in apple plants grown in Canada and Czech Republic. In Brazil, rubbery wood occurs in several states of the south region. Results obtained through electron microscopy and transmission biological tests using grafiting have shown a possible phytoplasma associated to the disease. The purpose of the present work was to contribute for the knowledge of that disease aetiology. Thus tissue samples from three apple plants exhibiting rubbery wood symptoms, grown at an orchard installed in the region of Vacaria/RS, were obtaind for phytoplasma detection, identification and classification. Nested PCR technique with R16mF2/mR1 and R16F2n/R2 primers was emploed to detect phytoplasma. PCR with R16(III) F2/R1 primers and RFLP technique with the restriction enzymes Alu I, Hha I, Kpn I, Hinf I, Hpa II, Mse I, Rsa I and Sau 3AI were used to phytoplasma indentification. The results showed that phytoplasma occurred in 29 of the 54 samples collected in the year of 2000. Branches and root samples obtained from January to April and from September to October exhibited phytoplasma in their tissues. In tissue samples collected from June to August, the microorganism has not been detected. The molecular identification revealed that the phytoplasm from symptomatic plants belonged to the group 16SrIII and the PCR results were confirmed by RFLP technique. Based upon the RFLP analyses it can be suggested that this phyoplasma is a member of the sub-group B. The occurrence of a phytoplasm of group 16SrIII associated to rubbery wood in apple plants grown in Brazil, reinforces the evidences related in other works, that a phytoplasm is the causal agent of that disease. The fact that a phytoplasm diferent from 16SrI group is associated to rubbery wood diseases in Brazil can be justified for the diversity of these mollicutes, due to geographical area and host.

Pectobactérias (Pectobacterium spp. e Dickeya spp.) são os agentes causais da canela-preta e podridão-mole, e Ralstonia solanacearum da murcha bacteriana. A principal fonte de inóculo dessas doenças é o tubérculo-semente assintomático. As importações brasileiras de tubérculo-semente podem representar um risco à cultura. Tubérculos-semente livres de patógenos é considerada a melhor estratégia para manejar essas doenças. Entrentanto, métodos sensíveis para detecção desses patógenos são necessários. Sendo assim, o principal objetivo dessa pesquisa foi desenvolver e validar um método para detecção de pectobactérias e R. solanacearum presentes em baixa densidade populacional em tubérculos de batata, através de qPCR. A qPCR foi realizada com sondas de hidrólise (sondas TaqMan® MGB) e fluoróforo intercalante de DNA fita-dupla (SYBR Green I). Esse método poderá ser utilizado como uma ferramenta em estudos epidemiológicos, programas de certificação e inspeção quarentenária. O uso de cartões FTA para a coleta e extração do DNA dos tubérculos foi testado, utilizando três métodos de transferência de amostras: pressão direta; cone triturado em PBS; e fragmentos retirados com seringa e triturados em PBS. O primeiro método foi o mais sensível, proporcionando um limite de detecção por PCR de 1x102 UFC.mL-1. Oligonucleotídeos iniciadores foram desenhados para as bactérias-alvo, exceto para R. solanacearum, na qual se usou os oligonucleotídeos iniciadores OLI1/Y2 em PCR e qPCR. Dickeya spp. (54,9%) e R. solanacearum (52,9%) apresentaram a maior incidência nas 206 amostras analisadas por qPCR, seguidas por P. brasiliensis (16,5%), P. atrosepticum (9,2%), P. carotovorum (6,3%) e P. betavasculorum (1,9%). Esta última trata-se do primeiro registro em batata no Brasil. Associações entre as espécies bacterianas nos tubérculos também foram verificadas, onde Dickeya spp. e R. solanacearum foram encontradas em associação (24,8%) nos tubérculos, mas estavam presentes isoladamente em 20,8 e 13,4%, respectivamente. Dentro desse contexto, a presença de uma população bacteriana heterogênea nos tecidos vasculares dos tubérculos foi demonstrada. / Pectobacteria (Pectobacterium spp. and Dickeya spp.) are the causal agent of blackleg and soft rot, and R. solanacearum of bacterial wilt, in potato crop. The main source of inocula is symptomless seed potato tuber. The Brazilian imports of seed potato may pose a risk to the crop. Pathogen-free seed is the best strategy to manage these diseases. Therefore high-sensitive methods for detection of these bacteria are mandatory. Thus, the main objective of this study was to develop and validate a method for detection of pectobacteria and R. solanacearum present in low population density in potato tubers, by qPCR (absolute quantification) in assay with hydrolysis probes (TaqMan® MGB probes) and double-stranded DNA binding dye (SYBR Green I). This method can be used as a tool in epidemiological studies, certification programs, and quarantine inspection. The use of FTA cards to collection, and DNA extraction was tested using three methods: direct pressure, cone crushed in PBS, and small pieces removed with syringe and crushed in PBS. The first method was the most sensitive, providing a limit of detection by PCR of 1x102 CFU.mL-1. Primers were designed for target bacterial species, except for R. solanacearum, in which was used OLI1/Y2 primers for PCR and qPCR. Dickeya spp. (54.9%) and R. solanacearum (52.9%) had the highest incidence in the 206 samples analyzed by qPCR, followed by P. brasiliensis (16.5%), P. atrosepticum (9.2%), P. carotovorum (6.3%) and P. betavasculorum (1.9%). The occurrence of P. betavasculorum in potato is the first record of potato in Brazil. Associations between bacterial species in the tubers were also found, where Dickeya spp. and R. solanacearum were found in association (24.8%) in the tubers, but were present alone in 20.8 and 13.4%, respectively. Within this context, the presence of a heterogeneous bacterial population in the vascular tissues of the tubers was demonstrated.

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) demonstrates a strict social and reproductive hierarchy. Oxytocin (OXT) is a peptide hormone that acts both peripherally and centrally in the regulation of a number of sexual and social behaviours. The main area of central production of this peptide is the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). The present study characterized differences that exist in OXT neurons in this region. Breeders and subordinates from established colonies were sacrificed and brains were processed for OXT-immunoreactivity. Four further groups of paired animals underwent various social and hormonal manipulations (opposite-sex paired, same sex-paired, opposite-sex/gonadectomised paired, opposite-sex/vasectomized paired) and were also used for analysis. Results showed that subordinate naked mole-rats had significantly more OXT-immunoreactive neurons in the PVN than either breeders or paired animals that had been gonadectomised. However, no differences were found on measures of OXT cell volume. Possible functional significance of these differences is discussed.

The naked mole-rat (Heterocephalus glaber) demonstrates a strict social and reproductive hierarchy. Oxytocin (OXT) is a peptide hormone that acts both peripherally and centrally in the regulation of a number of sexual and social behaviours. The main area of central production of this peptide is the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). The present study characterized differences that exist in OXT neurons in this region. Breeders and subordinates from established colonies were sacrificed and brains were processed for OXT-immunoreactivity. Four further groups of paired animals underwent various social and hormonal manipulations (opposite-sex paired, same sex-paired, opposite-sex/gonadectomised paired, opposite-sex/vasectomized paired) and were also used for analysis. Results showed that subordinate naked mole-rats had significantly more OXT-immunoreactive neurons in the PVN than either breeders or paired animals that had been gonadectomised. However, no differences were found on measures of OXT cell volume. Possible functional significance of these differences is discussed.