Comparative Visual Function in Predatory Fishes from the Indian River Lagoon

Visual temporal resolution and spectral sensitivity of three coastal teleost species (common snook [Centropomus undecimalis], gray snapper [Lutjanus griseus], and pinfish [Lagodon rhomboides]) were investigated by electroretinogram. Temporal resolution was quantified under photopic and scotopic conditions using response waveform dynamics and maximum critical flicker fusion frequency (CFFmax). Photopic CFFmax was significantly higher than scotopic CFFmax in all species. The snapper had the shortest photoreceptor response latency time (26.7 ms) and the highest CFFmax (47 Hz), suggesting that its eyes are adapted for a brighter photic environment. In contrast, the snook had the longest response latency time (36.8 ms) and lowest CFFmax (40 Hz), indicating that its eyes are adapted for a dimmer environment or nocturnal lifestyle. Species spectral responses ranged from 360 to 620 nm and revealed the presence of rods sensitive to dim and twilight conditions, as well as multiple cone visual pigments providing the basis for color and contrast discrimination. Collectively, our results demonstrate differences in visual function among species inhabiting the Indian River Lagoon system, representative of their unique ecology and life histories

Effect of pectin, lecithin, and antacid feed supplements (Egusin®) on gastric ulcer scores, gastric fluid pH and blood gas values in horses

BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of two commercial feed supplements, Egusin 250(®) [E-250] and Egusin SLH(®) [E-SLH], on gastric ulcer scores, gastric fluid pH, and blood gas values in stall-confined horses undergoing feed-deprivation. METHODS: Nine Thoroughbred horses were used in a three-period crossover study. For the three treatment groups, sweet feed was mixed with E-250, E-SLH, or nothing (control group) and fed twice daily. Horses were treated for 21 days, then an additional 7 days while on an alternating feed-deprivation model to induce or worsen ulcers (period one). In periods two and three, horses (n=6) were treated for an additional 7 days after feed-deprivation. Gastroscopies were performed on day -1 (n=9), day 21 (n=9), day 28 (n=9) and day 35 (n=6). Gastric juice pH was measured and gastric ulcer scores were assigned. Venous blood gas values were also measured. RESULTS: Gastric ulcers in control horses significantly decreased after 21 days, but there was no difference in ulcer scores when compared to the Egusin® treated horses. NG gastric ulcer scores significantly increased in E-250 and control horses on day 28 compared to day 21 as a result of intermittent feed-deprivation, but no treatment effect was observed. NG ulcer scores remained high in the control group but significantly decreased in the E-SLH- and E-250-treated horses by day 35. Gastric juice pH values were low and variable and no treatment effect was observed. Mean blood pCO(2) values were significantly increased two hours after feeding in treated horses compared to controls, whereas mean blood TCO(2) values increased in the 24 hour sample, but did not exceed 38 mmol/l. CONCLUSIONS: The feed-deprivation model increased NG gastric ulcer severity in the horses. However, by day 35, Egusin(®) treated horses had less severe NG gastric ulcers compared to untreated control horses. After 35 days, Egusin(®) products tested here ameliorate the severity of gastric ulcers in stall-confined horses after feed stress

A Physiological Analysis of Color Vision in Batoid Elasmobranchs

The potential for color vision in elasmobranchs has been studied in detail; however, a high degree of variation exists among the group. Evidence for ultraviolet (UV) vision is lacking, despite the presence of UV vision in every other vertebrate class. An integrative physiological approach was used to investigate color and ultraviolet vision in cownose rays and yellow stingrays, two batoids that inhabit different spectral environments. Both species had peaks in UV, short, medium, and long wavelength spectral regions in dark-, light-, and chromatic-adapted electroretinograms. Although no UV cones were found with microspectrophotometric analysis, both rays had multiple cone visual pigments with λmax at 470 and 551 nm in cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) and 475, 533, and 562 nm in yellow stingrays (Urobatis jamaicensis). The same analysis demonstrated that both species had rod λmax at 500 and 499 nm, respectively. The lens and cornea of cownose rays maximally transmitted wavelengths greater than 350 nm and greater than 376 nm in yellow stingrays. These results support the potential for color vision in these species and future investigations should reveal the extent to which color discrimination is significant in a behavioral context

CF3 Rotation in 3-(Trifluoromethyl)phenanthrene. X-ray Diffraction and ab Initio Electronic Structure Calculations

The molecular and crystal structure of 3-(trifluoromethyl)phenanthrene has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The structure of the isolated molecule has been calculated using electronic structure methods at the HF/3-21G, HF/6-31G*, MP2/6-31G* and B3LYP/6-31G* levels. The potential energy surfaces for the rotation of the CF3 group in both the isolated molecule and cluster models for the crystal were computed using electronic structure methods. The barrier height for CF3 rotation in the isolated molecule was calculated to be 0.40 kcal mol-1 at B3LYP/6-311+G**//B3LYP/6-311+G**. The B3LYP/6-31G* calculated CF3 rotational barrier in a 13-molecule cluster based on the X-ray data was found to be 2.6 kcal mol-1. The latter is in excellent agreement with experimental results from the NMR relaxation experiments reported in the companion paper (Beckmann, P. A.; Rosenberg, J.; Nordstrom, K.; Mallory, C. W.; Mallory, F. B. J. Phys. Chem. A 2006, 110, 3947). The computational results on the models for the solid state suggest that the intermolecular interaction between nearest neighbor pairs of CF3 groups in the crystal accounts for roughly 75% of the barrier to rotation in the solid state. This pair is found to undergo cooperative reorientation. We attribute the CF3 reorientational disorder in the crystal as observed by X-ray diffraction to the presence of a pair of minima on the potential energy surface and the effects of librational motion

Game of Stones:feasibility randomised controlled trial of how to engage men with obesity in text message and incentive interventions for weight loss

Objectives To examine the acceptability and feasibility of narrative text messages with or without financial incentives to support weight loss for men. Design Individually randomised three-arm feasibility trial with 12 months’ follow-up. Setting Two sites in Scotland with high levels of disadvantage according to Scottish Index for Multiple Deprivation (SIMD). Participants Men with obesity (n=105) recruited through community outreach and general practitioner registers. Interventions Participants randomised to: (A) narrative text messages plus financial incentive for 12 months (short message service (SMS)+I), (B) narrative text messages for 12 months (SMS only), or (C) waiting list control. Outcomes Acceptability and feasibility of recruitment, retention, intervention components and trial procedures assessed by analysing quantitative and qualitative data at 3, 6 and 12 months. Results 105 men were recruited, 60% from more disadvantaged areas (SIMD quintiles 1 or 2). Retention at 12 months was 74%. Fewer SMS+I participants (64%) completed 12-month assessments compared with SMS only (79%) and control (83%). Narrative texts were acceptable to many men, but some reported negative reactions. No evidence emerged that level of disadvantage was related to acceptability of narrative texts. Eleven SMS+I participants (31%) successfully met or partially met weight loss targets. The cost of the incentive per participant was £81.94 (95% CI £34.59 to £129.30). Incentives were acceptable, but improving health was reported as the key motivator for weight loss. All groups lost weight (SMS+I: −2.51 kg (SD=4.94); SMS only: −1.29 kg (SD=5.03); control: −0.86 kg (SD=5.64) at 12 months). Conclusions This three-arm weight management feasibility trial recruited and retained men from across the socioeconomic spectrum, with the majority from areas of disadvantage, was broadly acceptable to most participants and feasible to deliver

Mycobacterium liflandii Infection in European Colony of Silurana tropicalis

Mycobacterium liflandii causes a fatal frog disease in captive anurans. Here we report, to our knowledge, the first epizootic of mycobacteriosis in a European colony of clawed frogs (Silurana tropicalis), previously imported from a United States biologic supply company. Our findings suggest the emerging potential of this infection through international trade

Redescription of Lemuricola (Madoxyuris) bauchoti (Nematoda, Oxyuridae) from Lemur catta in Madagascar

Lemuricola (Madoxyuris) bauchoti Chabaud, Brygoo et Petter, 1965 is redescribed from material collected from the ring-tailed lemur, Lemur catta, from the Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve in Madagascar using the scanning electron microscope. This is a new host record and the first oxyurid reported from the ring-tailed lemur. Previously, records of each species of the subgenus Madoxyuris have been restricted to a single host species, but the close relationship between these nematodes and their Strepsirrhini hosts will only be proven when additional records fill in the gaps in their distribution.Centro de Estudios Parasitológicos y de Vectore

The Grizzly, October 23, 1987

Middle States to Evaluate the Ursinus Community • Gilmore Tops Successful Homecoming • Greek Life Threatened • Letters: Pledging Restrictions Destructive?; Professor Supports Religious Understanding • Hot Entertainment to Hit Ursinus • As We Begin the World • Dance Forum Dazzles Audience • Scholars Offer Variety • Old Wine in New Bottles • Speech Exam Offered • Surf\u27s Up for the Lady Bears • Ursinus Athletes and Coach Win at Homecoming • This Run\u27s for you Vince • Athlete of the Week: Football\u27s Glenn Worgan • Grizzlies to Hang Tough • Choral Groups to Entertain Ursinus • WVOU is Back! • Ritter Center: A Beehive of Busyness the Busie Body to Premiere Oct. 29 • Owners Strike Backhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/grizzlynews/1197/thumbnail.jp