In this thesis are described the populations of waders (Aves: Charadrii) occurring on the Ribble Estuary, Lancashire, special reference being made to the eleven species comprising the bulk of the shore wader population. The daily routine of these birds is described including the time spent in feeding. The feeding areas are described together with the foods taken from gut and pellet analysis and direct observation. The distributions of invertebrates, and especially those of major importance as wader food, are described as well as the factors affecting these distributions. Variations in density of prey in relation to O. D., general geography of the estuary, and time of year are included. Depth distribution and variations in prey size are outlined for the main species. Food intake was studied in the eight main waders. Daily intake through the year is described. in relation to energy requirements. Variations of feeding rates with several factors are included. All data are combined to enable calculation of the total biomasses of the main prey taken by waders in the course of a year. These are compared with total minimum annual production of the prey. Future work, including a computer study based on these and extra data, is outlined.

Made available in DSpace on 2014-06-11T19:22:55Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2012-02-29Bitstream added on 2014-06-13T19:49:19Z : No. of bitstreams: 1 gomes_ca_me_sjrp.pdf: 926724 bytes, checksum: e9b41eae78efd1d63fed2a2a6e39e0f5 (MD5) / Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) / Serpentes dos gêneros Echinanthera e Taeniophallus pertencem à família dipsadidae e estão alocadas na tribo Echinantherini. Esses gêneros possuem características morfológicas similares entre si, incluindo o porte médio (comprimento total < 850 mm) e o corpo delgado, a dentição áglifa e a pupila circular. Além disso, compartilham semelhanças ecológicas como o hábito critozóico e diurno, a dieta baseada em anfíbios anuros e a reprodução, aparentemente restrita à estação chuvosa (setembro a março). O reconhecimento de Echinanthera e Taeniophallus como linhagens filogenéticas distintas tem sido controverso, mas a hipótese mais recente considera a existência de ambos os gêneros. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi caracterizar de forma mais detalhada a história natural de Echinanthera e Taeniophallus para avaliar semelhanças e possíveis diferenças entre esses gêneros. Foram examinados e dissecados espécimes preservados depositados em coleções herpetológicas para coleta de dados de dieta e reprodução. Foi analisado um total de 240 espécimes de E. undulata para caracterização do ciclo reprodutivo e dieta. Outras espécies (T. affinis e T. occipitalis) tiveram exemplares dissecados somente para exame do conteúdo alimentar. Dados da literatura disponíveis para outras espécies também foram incluídos para comparação. Echinanthera undulata apresentou dimorfismo sexual, com fêmeas apresentando comprimento rosto-cloacal maior e tamanho relativo da cauda menor que machos. Duas características (comprimento da cabeça e diâmetro do olho) são similares entre os sexos. Essa serpente apresentou cauda longa, correspondente a cerca de 45% do tamanho total. Com relação à dieta foram encontrados 12 itens, todos anfíbios anuros. A dieta de espécies do gênero Taeniophallus foi mais diversificada. Apenas três... / Dipsadid snakes of the genera Echinanthera and Taeniophallus belong to the Echinantherini tribe. These genera have similar morphological features, including the medium size (total length < 850 mm) and slender body, the aglyph dentition, and round pupil. Furthermore, they share ecological similarities such as the cryptozoic habit and day time activity, diet based on amphibians anurans and reproduction apparently restricted to the rainy season (September to March). The recognition Echinanthera and Taeniophallus as distinct phylogenetic lineages has been controversial, but the most recent hypothesis considers the existence of both genera. The objective of this study was to describe the natural history of Echinanthera and Taeniophallus to evaluate possible similarities and differences between these genera. This study was based on the dissection of preserved specimens from herpetological collections. We analyzed a total of 240 specimens of E. undulata to characterize the reproductive cycle and diet. Individuals of the other species (T. affinis and T. occipitalis) were dissected only to examine gut contents. Literature data for other species were included for comparison. Echinanthera undulata presented sexual dimorphism, females have larger snout vent-length and smaller tail than males. Two variables (head length and eye diameter) are similar between the sexes. This snake had long tail, corresponding to about 45% of the total size. All the prey items (n = 12) found in the gut of E. undulata were anurans. The diet of species from the genus Taeniophallus was more diverse. Only three specimens of T. affinis contained food vestiges (one lizard, one amphibians anurans and one rodent). In T. occipitalis were 12 items (one amphibians anurans and 11 lizards). The reproduction of both genera is similar. Testicular volume... (Complete abstract click electronic access below)

Background: Spina bifida (SB) is monitored through birth defects surveillance across the United States and in most developed countries. Although much is known about the management of SB and its many comorbid conditions in affected individuals, there are few systematic, longitudinal studies on population-based cohorts of children or adults. The natural history of SB across the life course of persons with this condition is not well documented. Earlier identification of comorbidities and secondary conditions could allow for earlier intervention that might enhance the developmental trajectory for children with SB. Objective: The purpose of this project was to assess the development, health, and condition progression by prospectively studying children who were born with SB in Arizona and Utah. In addition, the methodology used to collect the data would be evaluated and revised as appropriate. Methods: Parents of children with SB aged 3-6 years were eligible to participate in the study, in English or Spanish. The actual recruitment process was closely documented. Data on medical history were collected from medical records; family functioning, child behaviors, self-care, mobility and functioning, and health and well-being from parent reports; and neuropsychological data from testing of the child. Results: In total, 152 individuals with SB were identified as eligible and their parents were contacted by site personnel for enrollment in the study. Of those, 45 (29.6%) declined to participate and 6 (3.9%) consented but did not follow through. Among 101 parents willing to participate, 81 (80.2%) completed the full protocol and 20 (19.8%) completed the partial protocol. Utah enrolled 72.3% (73/101) of participants, predominately non-Hispanic (60/73, 82%) and male (47/73, 64%). Arizona enrolled 56% (28/50) of participants they had permission to contact, predominately Hispanic (18/28, 64%) and male (16/28, 57%). Conclusions: We observed variance by site for recruitment, due to differences in identification and ascertainment of eligible cases and the required institutional review board processes. Restriction in recruitment and the proportion of minorities likely impacted participation rates in Arizona more than Utah.

Leishmania parasites are digenetic protozoans which infect human hosts and are causative agents of a series of diseases known under the name of leishmaniasis. Macrophages represent the main host. Hence the interaction between Leishmania and macrophages is a fundamental step in the development of the disease. Many studies have been undertaken to understand early stages of the parasite interaction with macrophages; however, few have investigated the later stages of infection. This study was undertaken to develop an experimental model to examine the fate of the parasites when they leave the safe environment represented by their host macrophage. Primarily, the study investigated how Leishmania spread to neighbouring cells without being recognized and killed by the immune system defences. Three Old World species of Leishmania parasites: L. aethiopica, L. major and L. tropica, all responsible for the cutaneous form of the disease, were used. A model of infection was described using two cell lines well known for supporting infection: THP-1 and U937. Axenic amastogotes for L. aethiopica parasites were obtained and used to identify drugs active against the infection. On the basis of the information available in the literature, a model was suggested involving interaction of intracellular parasites with the host cells’ apoptotic machinery. Specifically it was suggested that Leishmania parasites were able to induce incomplete activation of apoptosis in the host cells. This hypothesis was confirmed by the findings that during infection an increased number of host cells showed two features associated with early apoptosis but not the one associated with the later stage. Results were validated in peripheral blood derived human macrophages. The information obtained from comparative proteomics analysis of the infection confirmed that Leishmania regulates apoptotic processes. On the basis of the results obtained a model was presented to explain how induction of apoptosis allows intracellular amastigotes to spread unrecognised to uninfected macrophages without inducing an inflammatory response or losing the host cell’s protection.

A study into the role of secreted CLIC3 in tumour cell invasion The initiation and progression of cancers is thought to be linked to their relationship with a population of activated fibroblasts, which are associated with tumours. I have used an organotypic approach, in which plugs of collagen I are preconditioned with fibroblastic cells, to characterise the mechanisms through which carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) influence the invasive behaviour of tumour cells. I have found that immortalised cancer-associated fibroblasts (iCAFs) support increased invasiveness of cancer cells, and that this is associated with the ability of CAFs to increase the fibrillar collagen content of the extracellular matrix (ECM). To gain mechanistic insight into this phenomenon, an in-depth SILAC-based mass proteomic analysis was conducted, which allowed quantitative comparison of the proteomes of iCAFs and immortalised normal fibroblast (iNFs) controls. Chloride Intracellular Channel Protein 3 (CLIC3) was one of the most significantly upregulated components of the iCAF proteome. Knockdown of CLIC3 in iCAFs reduced the ability of these cells to remodel the ECM and to support tumour cell invasion through organotypic plugs. A series of experiments, including proteomic analysis of cell culture medium that had been preconditioned by iCAFs, indicated that CLIC3 itself was a component of the iCAF secretome that was responsible for the ability of iCAFs to drive tumour cell invasiveness. Moreover, addition of soluble recombinant CLIC3 (rCLIC3) was sufficient to drive the extension of invasive pseudopods in cancer cell lines, and to promote disruption of the basement membrane in a 3D in vitro model of the ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) transition. My investigation into the mechanism through which extracellular CLIC3 drives tumour cell invasiveness led me to focus on the relationship between CLIC3 and the ECM modifying enzyme, transglutaminase-2 (TG2). Through this, I have found that TG2 physically associates with CLIC3 and that TG2 is necessary for CLIC3 to drive tumour cell invasiveness. These data identifying CLIC3 as a key pro-invasive factor, which is secreted by CAFs, provides an unprecedented mechanism through which the stroma may drive cancer progression.

Farmland birds in Europe have declined as agriculture has intensified, with granivorous specialists disproportionately affected. Despite grassland based farming being widespread, farmland bird research to date has focussed on mixed and arable farms. Yellowhammers are a red-listed species in the UK. This study investigated year round habitat requirements, diet, and movements of yellowhammers at four grassland dominated farms in Ayrshire, Scotland. Data were obtained via field surveys and trials, radio-tracking and faecal analysis. Fine scale breeding season foraging habitat requirements were studied by comparing invertebrate and vegetation communities at foraging sites with paired controls across all four farms. A small scale winter supplementary feeding trial was conducted on one farm. Breeding yellowhammers were distributed throughout the study sites; average density was low at 0.11 pairs per hectare (range 0.06 to 0.15), half the densities reported in arable and mixed regions. Yellowhammers preferentially foraged within 10m of field margins. Grassland summer foraging sites contained significantly higher invertebrate diversity and more large invertebrates than control sites. Faecal analysis revealed that adults ate significantly more cereal than nestlings, with both including more invertebrate material than observed in previous studies. Diptera, Coleoptera and Araneae were key orders, with Lepidoptera larvae additionally important for nestlings. A low proportion of cereal was found in nestling diet, suggesting that the invertebrate dominated diet provided was of high quality. In contrast to summer diet, and despite grassland being the dominant habitat, cereal dominated winter diet; grass seeds and invertebrates accounted for <1% of diet in winter. Winter yellowhammer density at each farm was positively correlated with stubble availability. Radio-tracking found yellowhammers significantly selected stubble in early winter and game managed habitat in late winter. Supplementary feeding attracted an estimated 247 to 267 yellowhammers at a site where the previous year’s winter surveys recorded only 5 birds despite holding a good breeding population. Survival rates of 1st years at the supplementary fed site appeared higher than elsewhere in the landscape, and a small increase in breeding density was observed post feeding. As winter progressed, the use of the grain provided increased, suggesting that the late winter period was the most crucial time for the birds regarding food supply. Providing supplementary food represents a cheap and easy solution that could be utilised by agri-environment schemes to tackle late winter farmland bird food shortages. Alternatively, increasing winter stubble in grassland dominated regions should provide additional biodiversity benefits associated with increased landscape heterogeneity as well as increased winter food availability. This study highlights differences in breeding density, habitat selection, movements and diet of yellowhammers on grassland farms compared to arable and mixed farm populations. Restricted winter stubble habitat limits winter food availability, and hence the likely overall size of the population able to subsist in this habitat.

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The study will investigate the creation and manipulation of experience in interior space. With phenomenology as the premise, the object becomes secondary to the experience. The site will be an unutilized vault structure on the Ditsong: National Museum of Natural History grounds in Pretoria. To give expression to experience, the program chosen is an experience based exhibition that adds onto the current exhibition at the museum. The exhibition will change annually to ensure variation for yearly visitors. To facilitate changing the exhibition, the spaces will be designed with the senses as base layers. Each space will be experienced primarily through one of the senses, so that the user becomes more aware of the specific sense in that space. The exhibition that layers onto the sense layer can focus on that sense to convey facts about the subject. The chosen subject for the exhibition detailed in the project is the insect collection. The purpose of the exhibition will be to show how insects use their senses. The senses of the insect will layer onto the basis layer of human senses. Because everything we experience is through our own senses, we can only get an idea of what the insect would experience. There will always be the interlayer of our own senses. Hierdie studie ondersoek die skep en manipulasie van ervaring in die binneruim. Met fenomenologie as uitgangspunt word die objek sekondêr tot die ervaring. Die perseel sal ‘n ongebruikte gewelf struktuur op die Ditsong: Nationale Museum van Natuurlike Geskiedenis se gronde in Pretoria wees. Om uitdrukking te gee aan ervaring is die gekose program ‘n ervaring gebaseerde uitstalling wat toevoeg tot die huidige uit-stalling by die museum. Die uitstalling sal jaarliks verander word om variasie te verseker vir gereelde besoekers. Om die verandering van die uitstalling te vergemaklik, word die ruimtes ontwerp met die sintuie as basis laag. Elke ruimte sal primêr ervaar word deur een van die sintuie sodat die gebruiker bewus word van die spesifieke sintuig in daardie ruimte. Die uitstalling wat gebaseer is op die sintuigbasis kan fokus op daardie sintuig om feite oor die onderwerp oor te dra. Die gekose onderwerp vir die uitstalling uiteengesit in die projek is die insekversameling. Die doel van die uitstalling sal wees om te wys hoe insekte gebruik maak van hulle sintuie. Die sintuie van die insek sal bo op die basis laag van menslike sintuie gevoeg word. Omdat alles wat ons ervaar deur ons eie sintuie geskied, kan ons slegs ‘n idee kry van wat die insek sal ervaar. Daar sal altyd die tussenlaag van ons eie sintuie wees. / Mini Dissertation (MInt (Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Architecture / unrestricted