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Temporal accuracy is a fundamental characteristic of logging technology and is needed to correlate data streams. Single biologgers sensing animal movement (accelerometers, gyroscope, magnetometers, collectively inertial measurement unit; IMU) have been extensively used to study the ecology of animals. To better capture whole body movement and increase the accuracy of behavior classification, there is a need to deploy multiple loggers on a single individual to capture the movement of multiple body parts. Yet due to temporal drift, accurately aligning multiple IMU datasets can be problematic, especially as deployment duration increases. In this paper we quantify temporal drift and errors in commercially available IMU data loggers using a combination of robotic and animal borne experiments. The variance in drift rate within a tag is over an order of magnitude lower (σ = 0.001 s h−1) than the variance between tags (σ = 0.015 s·h−1), showing that recording frequency is a characteristic of each tag and not a random variable. Furthermore, we observed a large offset (0.54 ± 0.016 s·h−1) between two groups of tags that had differing recording frequencies, and we observed three instances of instantaneous temporal jumps within datasets introducing errors into the data streams. Finally, we show that relative drift rates can be estimated even when deployed on animals displaying various behaviors without the tags needing to be simultaneously moved. For the tags used in this study, drift rates can vary significantly between tags, are repeatable, and can be accurately measured in the field. The temporal alignment of multiple tag datasets allows researchers to deploy multiple tags on an individual animal which will greatly increase our knowledge of movement kinematics and expand the range of movement characteristics that can be used for behavioral classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Headstarting involves ex situ rearing of vulnerable life stages, then releasing individuals into the wild once they are larger and less vulnerable to predation. Sometimes, headstarted animals display underdeveloped behaviors that may lead to an acclimation period of reduced survival and growth after release. Using data from a 6‐year headstarting program, we tested whether the early release condition affected survival, body condition, and somatic growth rate in 2 groups of headstarted Blanding's turtles (Emydoidea blandingii) released into Rouge National Urban Park (RNUP) in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The first group included turtles released directly into the wild (i.e., hard release). The second group included turtles released into an in situ enclosure in which individuals remained for a week without food supplementation before being fully released into the wild (i.e., delayed release). Release condition did not affect survival or growth rate. In the delayed‐release group, body condition initially declined rapidly and remained low for up to 1 year after release. Given the lack of wild juveniles in RNUP, we compared body condition of headstarted turtles at various time points since release to similar‐sized wild juveniles from 2 other Ontario populations, one from Algonquin Provincial Park (APP) and one near Lake Erie (LE). Body condition of headstarted turtles was similar to those of wild APP turtles regardless of release method, and higher than those of wild LE turtles. Our results indicate that delayed release did not improve post‐release outcomes for headstarted turtles in an urban landscape and headstarted turtles sustain similar health metrics as wild turtles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • IN sertraline administration demonstrates sustained brain delivery, and reduced lung exposure. • A 14-day IN treatment translates into improved depressive-like behavior, unlike oral administration. • IN sertraline reduced adrenaline and increased serotonin in prefrontal cortex. • Melatonin plasma concentrations enhanced with sertraline IN administration. • IN sertraline emerges as a promising therapeutic strategy against depression. The pursuit of more potent and efficacious antidepressant therapies is of utmost significance. Herein, the intranasal (IN) route was investigated for sertraline brain delivery, encompassing a comparative pharmacokinetic study after a single-dose administration to mice by IN, intravenous (IV) (4.87 mg/kg) and oral (10 mg/kg) routes, and an efficacy/toxicity study to explore the therapeutic effect in mice subjected to the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) protocol. Neurotransmitters and melatonin were quantified in prefrontal cortex and plasma, respectively. A different drug biodistribution behavior was unveiled for a CNS-acting drug administered by means of the IN route. For the first time, IN administration of sertraline exhibited heightened systemic exposure (bioavailability = 166 %), and a sustained drug release into the brain, in opposition to IV and oral routes, avoiding drug fluctuation. The lower lung exposition (given by normalized area under the curve) observed after IN instillation envisions the reduction of sertraline pulmonary side effects and similarly other peripheral side effects. IN sertraline treatment displayed significant efficacy in ameliorating anhedonia after one week of administration while the 14-day IN treatment regimen translated into decreased immobility time and increased swimming time in the forced swimming test, suggesting an improvement of the depressive-like behavior displayed by the animal depressive-model. Remarkably, these effects were absent with oral sertraline, despite the higher used dose. Noteworthy neurotransmitter alterations were observed, with IN sertraline markedly reducing adrenaline in the prefrontal cortex, while serotonin and melatonin increased following both administration routes. With its sustained brain delivery and serotonin- and melatonin-enhancing potential, the innovative strategy of IN sertraline holds the potential not only to effectively address depressive symptoms but also to mitigate challenges inherent to classic treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Empirical assessment of cetacean welfare to inform stranding interventions is lacking. Here, potential welfare indicators are described for two stranded pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata), along with euthanasia procedures and pathology of potential relevance. The animals were filmed for 3.5 and 1.5 hr, respectively, allowing assessment of 19 indicators, including animal behaviors and human interventions. Eight interventions and 19 animal behaviors were identified; 17 and 11 behaviors were displayed by animal 1 and 2, respectively. Examination of ballistics euthanasia revealed atypical projectile placement and characterized animal behavioral responses, but welfare implications could not be assessed as insensibility was not verified in-field. Pulmonary edema and renal degeneration were documented in both animals; differential etiologies include ischemia-reperfusion, shock, and/or myopathy. Potential relationships among histopathology and welfare indicators are explored to infer affective experiences. For example, simultaneous head-lifting with respiration increased over time which, alongside pulmonary edema, suggests these animals experienced breathlessness. Other likely affective states include fatigue and discomfort; there are insufficient data to estimate the intensity or duration of these experiences or to provide an overall welfare grade/score. Further data are required to validate the proposed welfare indicators and to progress development of holistic approaches to welfare assessment at cetacean strandings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endovascular middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) is a widely used experimental ischemic stroke model. However, the model carries high early mortality. Our aim was to investigate the factors that influence early mortality within 48 h of reperfusion after transient MCAO. Using C57BL/6 mice, we induced 1-hour endovascular filament MCAO. To introduce heterogeneity of infarct volumes, a subset of animals had additional tandem common carotid artery occlusion (MCAO+CCAO). Continuous video monitoring was used to gain insight into the cause of death. Mortality within 48 h was 25% in the pooled cohort. All animals with early mortality suffered from infarcts in the hippocampus, sometimes accompanied by infarcts in the thalamus and midbrain, which occurred exclusively in the MCAO+CCAO group. All animals with early mortality developed convulsive seizures captured on video monitoring. None of the animals that did not develop convulsive seizures died. Among the three regions, hippocampal infarction appeared necessary for convulsive seizures and early mortality. Our data highlight seizures as the primary cause of mortality within the first 48 h after endovascular filament MCAO, linked to hippocampal infarction. Since hippocampal blood supply is mainly from the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), avoiding concurrent PCA ischemia can decrease mortality in proximal MCAO models. • MCAO+CCAO stroke model resulted in higher mortality compared to the MCAO alone model. • All early death animals showed PCA territory infarction, especially in the hippocampus. • All early death animals displayed seizure behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Animals display various behaviors during social interactions. Social behaviors have been proposed to be driven by the internal states of the animals that reflect their emotional or motivational states. However, the internal states that drive social behaviors are complex and are often difficult to interpret. Many animals species, such as rodents, use vocalizations for communication in various social contexts. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of mouse vocal communications, its underlying neural circuitry, and the potential to use vocal communications as a readout for the animal's internal states during social interactions. • Mice display vocalizations during various social interactions. • The neural inputs from the forebrain to the periaqueductal gray control vocalizations. • Vocal communications can be used as a tool to understand the internal state of the animal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to behave in ways that benefit other individuals' well-being is among the most celebrated human characteristics crucial for social cohesiveness. Across mammalian species, animals display various forms of prosocial behaviors – comforting, helping, and resource sharing – to support others' emotions, goals, and/or material needs. In this review, we provide a cross-species view of the behavioral manifestations, proximate and ultimate drives, and neural mechanisms of prosocial behaviors. We summarize key findings from recent studies in humans and rodents that have shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying different processes essential for prosocial interactions, from perception and empathic sharing of others' states to prosocial decisions and actions. Both humans and animals display prosocial behaviors, such as comforting, helping, and resource sharing, to improve the well-being of others. Prosocial actions across species share core behavioral features and may have common proximate and evolutionary mechanisms. Functional neuroimaging and brain stimulation studies in humans have implicated several cortical and subcortical areas in various aspects of prosocial behavior, including attribution of others' emotional and mental states, encoding of subjective values, cognitive control, and reward processing. Application of systems-neuroscience approaches in genetically tractable rodent models enables interrogation at high spatiotemporal precision of the neural coding and control of prosocial behavior. This provides new insights into specific neuronal populations and neural circuits causally regulating comforting and helping behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] Sleep is a fundamental state for maintaining the organism homeostasis. Disruptions in sleep patterns predispose to the appearance of memory impairments and mental disorders, including depression. Recent pre-clinical studies have highlighted the antidepressant-like properties of the synthetic compound 2-phenyl-3-(phenylselanyl)benzofuran (SeBZF 1). To further investigate the neuromodulatory effects of SeBZF 1 , this study aimed to assess its therapeutic efficacy in ameliorating neurobehavioral impairments induced by sleep deprivation (SD) in mice. For this purpose, a method known as multiple platforms over water was used to induce rapid eye movement (REM) SD. Two hours after acute SD (24 h), male Swiss mice received a single treatment of SeBZF 1 (5 mg/kg, intragastric route) or fluoxetine (a positive control, 20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal route). Subsequently, behavioral tests were conducted to assess spontaneous motor function (open-field test), depressive-like behavior (tail suspension test), and memory deficits (Y-maze test). Brain structures were utilized to evaluate oxidative stress markers, monoamine oxidase (MAO) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities. Our findings revealed that SD animals displayed depressive-like behavior and memory impairments, which were reverted by SeBZF 1 and fluoxetine treatments. SeBZF 1 also reverted the increase in lipoperoxidation levels and glutathione peroxidase activity in the pre-frontal cortex in mice exposed to SD. Besides, the increase in hippocampal AChE activity induced by SD was overturned by SeBZF 1. Lastly, cortical MAO-B activity was reestablished by SeBZF 1 in mice that underwent SD. Based on the main findings of this study, it can be inferred that the compound SeBZF 1 reverses the neurobehavioral alterations induced by sleep deprivation in male Swiss mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Bengal slow loris (Nycticebus bengalensis) is one of the most confiscated and rescued primate species in China. These animals are often subject to physical issues due to poor husbandry practices in captivity. Many individuals rescued from the illegal wildlife trade are confined to captivity, leading to decreased locomotion ability and increased abnormal behavior. Recognizing the potential benefits of rehabilitation exercises, we conducted outdoor rehabilitation activities in forest environments to improve the locomotion performance of rescued Bengal slow lorises, and evaluated how individual characteristics and conditions in captivity influenced their locomotion recovery. The results of the rehabilitation exercises were promising, showing that the animals exhibited more elaborate route selection, improved action scores, longer distances traveled, and reduced periods of inactivity. Bengal slow lorises housed in larger cages and those in short-term captivity demonstrated better overall performance. Additionally, animals displaying stereotypical behavior achieved higher action scores, while male lorises had longer periods of motionlessness compared to females. These findings highlight the positive impact of rehabilitation exercises on the locomotion abilities of captive Bengal slow lorises, emphasizing the importance of enhancing animal welfare and implementing scientifically informed strategies for the successful reintroduction of pre-released animals. • Long-term confined slow lorises suffered from locomotion ability degradation. • Rehabilitation exercise plays a critical role for the pre-released animals. • The individuals displaying stereotypical behavior have better action performance. • Rehabilitation criteria are needed for the nocturnal primates in captivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wildlife biologist Douglas Chadwick provides new insight and an unconventional approach to better understanding our relationship with nature in I Four Fifths a Grizzly: A New Perspective on Nature that Just Might Save Us All i . In the first chapter (I'm at Least Four-Fifths Grizzly Bear), Chadwick dives into our genetic similarities with other creatures, focusing initially on our genetic similarities with grizzly bears. Chadwick defines the African elephant ( I Loxodonta africana i ) as a keystone species, benefiting many animals in Africa's eastern and southern savannas. [Extracted from the article]

Keywords: MRI; activity mapping; tract-tracing; brain structure; brain function; non-invasive imaging; calcium EN MRI activity mapping tract-tracing brain structure brain function non-invasive imaging calcium 1 3 3 05/19/22 20220517 NES 220517 To elucidate the functional circuitry underlying information processing in the brain, we need to monitor whole-brain activity changes when an animal displays a specific behavior or function or how these patterns are disturbed in neurological disorders. Moreover, AIM-MRI makes it possible to record the history of neural activity throughout the brain of awake, freely moving animals, whereas blood-oxygen-level-dependent functional MRI can only record activity in the head-fixed condition. Manganese ion enhances T1-weighted MRI during brain activation: an approach to direct imaging of brain function. [Extracted from the article]

Age‐dependent cognitive and behavioral deterioration may arise from defects in different components of the nervous system, including those of neurons, synapses, glial cells, or a combination of them. We find that AFD, the primary thermosensory neuron of Caenorhabditis elegans, in aged animals is characterized by loss of sensory ending integrity, including reduced actin‐based microvilli abundance and aggregation of thermosensory guanylyl cyclases. At the functional level, AFD neurons in aged animals are hypersensitive to high temperatures and show sustained sensory‐evoked calcium dynamics, resulting in a prolonged operating range. At the behavioral level, senescent animals display cryophilic behaviors that remain plastic to acute temperature changes. Excessive cyclase activity of the AFD‐specific guanylyl cyclase, GCY‐8, is associated with developmental defects in AFD sensory ending and cryophilic behavior. Surprisingly, loss of the GCY‐8 cyclase domain reduces these age‐dependent morphological and behavioral changes, while a prolonged AFD operating range still exists in gcy‐8 animals. The lack of apparent correlation between age‐dependent changes in the morphology or stimuli‐evoked response properties of primary sensory neurons and those in related behaviors highlights the importance of quantitative analyses of aging features when interpreting age‐related changes at structural and functional levels. Our work identifies aging hallmarks in AFD receptive ending, temperature‐evoked AFD responses, and experience‐based thermotaxis behavior, which serve as a foundation to further elucidate the neural basis of cognitive aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the rough-toothed dolphin has a social species that living in small groups which swimming synchrony and tactile contact. Topics include the organization of rough-toothed dolphin groups indicating the existence of strong social bonds; and the absence of conspecific interactions leading solitary dolphins to focus social behavior on cetacean species or on humans.

Some of the most striking behaviors of animals are displays used in courtship, territorial behavior, and in defense against predators. Among reptiles, lizards exhibit enormous diversity in the stereotyped motion patterns of their bobbing displays. Although the bobbing displays of numerous lizard species have been described to date, those of the Galápagos Lava Lizards (Microlophus spp., Tropiduridae) have received comparatively little attention. Here, we analyze bobbing displays from four of the nine lava lizard species: Microlophus albemarlensis, M. bivittatus, M. grayii, and M. indefatigabilis. Field-recorded displays first were standardized to a common amplitude scale, and attributes of display duration and head amplitude were measured. Next, a discrete Fourier transform (DFT) was computed for each display, and data were gathered on 13 frequency and amplitude variables. Then, we conducted a principal components analysis on the Fourier transform–based variables, and used discriminant function analyses (both standard and permuted) to test the strength of species specificity in display structure. Results showed that displays with simpler structure (M. albemarlensis and M. grayii) were more often correctly assigned to species than were displays with more complex structure (M. bivittatus and M. indefatigabilis). We offer predictions for further tests on the bobbing displays of additional species of Galápagos lava lizards, and suggest that DFT represents a promising tool for the analysis of animal motion displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Jordan, the Arabian Oryx (Oryx leucoryx) is considered among the most important wild ungulates. The Arabian Oryx is listed as vulnerable species according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Based on author's knowledge, estrus synchronization in the Arabian Oryx has never been investigated. Therefore, the current study aimed to validate a Controlled Internal Drug Release (CIDR) estrus synchronization technique for the first time in 7 Arabian Oryx females. Prior to CIDR application, animals were subjected to transabdominal ultrasonic examination twice, two weeks apart to exclude pregnancies. A single CIDR was inserted (Day 0) for a period of 7 days. At the time of CIDR removal (Day 7), animals were administered a single injection of prostaglandin F2α (PF2α) and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG). Blood samples were collected from all animals before, during and after CIDR removal for progesterone (P 4) analysis. Animals were monitored for estrus behavior for 8 days starting 24 h after CIDR removal. All animals were considered to be anestrous at the start of the study as defined by having blood progesterone <1 ng/ml prior to insertion of the CIDR. All animals displayed estrous behavior between Day 1–3 after CIDR removal and the average interval from CIDR removal to estrus and length of estrus were 53.71 ± 5.59 h and 55.43 ± 6.19 h, respectively. On Day 14 (6 days after CIDR removal) P4 concentrations rose above 1 ng/ml indicated ovulation. It is possible to synchronize estrus in Arabian Oryx using CIDRs. The success of CIDR estrous synchronization in female Arabian Oryx, as described in the current study, opens new perspectives towards the possible application of assisted reproductive techniques for the propagation and conservation englishEnglishof this vulnerable species. • The current study is the first report for CIDR estrus synchronization in Arabian Oryx. • The estimated time from CIDR removal till estrus behavior was 53.71 ± 5.59 h. • The estimated time from estrus to ovulation was 3.36 ± 0.38 days. • The estimated time from CIDR removal to ovulation was 6.00 ± 0.58 days. • The length of estrus was 55.43 ± 6.19 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several hypotheses have been advanced to explain the evolution of leks, a mating system in which males aggregate at display sites where females choose their mates. Only a small proportion of males obtain copulations, and why other males join the lek remains unexplained. One hypothesis has called kin selection into play: if juvenile males join leks where their relatives display and contribute to attract females to the lek, they can gain indirect fitness benefits. We investigated the genetic structure of 8 leks of golden-collared manakin, a tropical Passerine. Adult court-holder males, females, and immature males were caught within lek boundaries and the geographical location of the courts was recorded. For court-holding males, within-lek relatedness among 4 leks was significantly higher than average across-lek relatedness. Courts of more closely related males were not spatially associated within leks. Relatedness among immature males was relatively lower, yet higher within than between leks. Values of relatedness and genetic differentiation among leks were even lower for females. Thus, leks were composed of males that were more related to each other than to other males of the population, and the degree of relatedness decreased from court-holding males to immature males to females. This suggests that immature males explore several leks and eventually join those where their relatives display, whereas females appear to visit leks randomly with respect to relatedness. Our results provide support for the hypothesis that kin selection influences the evolution of lekking behavior in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In eating disorders, particularly anorexia nervosa (AN), patients exhibit intense physical activity which is inappropriate regarding food restriction and chronic undernutrition, and exacerbates weight loss and energy deprivation. Rodent models of food restriction exhibit increased running wheel activity in the food anticipation period, also known as Food Anticipatory Activity (FAA). FAA probably has various physiological and/or neurobiological origins. Plasma concentrations of the orexigenic hormone ghrelin are, for example, increased during FAA. We hypothesize that the drive for physical activity in chronic food restriction is triggered by metabolic factors but also relies on motivational aspects that we aim to decipher in this study. Young female C57Bl6/J mice were exposed to a paradigm based on a progressive 50% quantitative food restriction alone (FR) or associated with running wheel activity (Food Restriction Wheel: FRW) in their home-cage during 15 days. We measured preference for running wheel in a three-chamber apparatus in which animals could choose to explore either a known running wheel or a novel object. Testing took place either during resting or during FAA. We calculated the time spent in each compartment and the activity in running wheels. After progressive refeeding over 10 days, mice were tested again when refed. Plasma levels of both ghrelin isoforms were measured with selective immunoassays. When tested during FAA period, food restricted mice displayed increased preference for the running wheel compared to ad libitum fed controls. Both FR and FRW mice exhibited increased running time and distance in the wheel and running distance was correlated with ghrelin levels. Similar preference and behavior were found when testing took place during the resting period. Animals housed without an active wheel also exhibited active running. Progressive refeeding resulted in body weight restoration, a decrease in FAA and completely abolished preference for the running wheel. Refed animals displayed similar behavior as ad libitum fed controls. These data provide evidence that food restriction-induced physical activity is closely correlated with metabolic adaptations to nutritional status implicating ghrelin in the quantity of physical activity. • Preference for running is exacerbated by a chronic food restriction. • Ghrelin levels are correlated with high level of activity in food restricted mice. • Refeeding restored both the behavior and ghrelin levels. • Physical activity relies on metabolic and behavioral adaptation to food restriction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the concept of display with regard to animals and human beings and describes the influence of casual writing and films with regard to the concept. Topics discussed include display being a fundamental human activity, the architecture of the temple of the water-god Enki built at Eridu, Iraq and display occurring in the form of theatrical performances, dances or religious rituals. The social aspects of display are also discussed.

The Wedge-billed Woodcreeper ( Glyphorynchus spirurus) is a common suboscine passerine of lowland forests of the Neotropics. While nest sites and incubation behavior for the species have been described, information about courtship and fledgling care are absent. As part of a separate study on the movement patterns of Wedge-billed Woodcreepers in eastern Ecuador, we observed a previously undescribed display behavior and collected data on fledgling feeding rates. We observed a neck-extension behavior performed synchronously by two interacting individuals that appears to play a role in courtship, but is also performed in aggressive contexts. Given that only 5 of 23 tracked adults were known to be breeding during the study period (Jan-Apr 2012), it is likely that the breeding season in this area extends well before and after this time period. Molt and breeding activities coincided for two individuals. Fledgling feeding rates ranged from 0.47-2.0 feeds/hr for adults from three nests; observation of only one fledgling (whereas two nestlings are typical) with each tracked adult might indicate brood splitting soon after fledging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease worldwide. The main therapeutic approach available nowadays relieves motor symptoms but does not prevent or stop neurodegeneration. Rosmarinic acid (RA), an ester of caffeic and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acids, is obtained from numerous plant species such as Salvia officinalis L. (sage) and Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary). This compound has a wide spectrum of biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and could be an additional therapy for neurodegenerative disorders. Here we evaluated the potential neuroprotective effects of RA treatment in a murine model of PD induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP). Mice were separated into four groups: CN, Control/saline; RA, Rosmarinic acid/vehicle; MPTP, MPTP/saline; MPTP+RA, MPTP/RA. RA (20 mg/kg, or vehicle) was administered orally by intra-gastric gavage for 14 days, one hour before MPTP or saline injection. MPTP groups received the drug (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) once a day for five days (fourth to the eighth day of the experiment). MPTP-treated animals displayed hyperlocomotion behavior, which was significantly prevented by RA treatment. In addition, RA treatment increased dopaminergic signaling in the parkinsonian mice and improved the monoaminergic system in healthy animals. Analysis of alterations in the striatal mRNA expression of dopaminergic system components showed that MAO-A expression was increased in the MPTP+AR group. Overall, this study brings new evidence of the potential neuroprotective properties of RA not only in preventing behavioral features observed in PD, but also by improving neurotransmission in the healthy brain. • Rosmarinic acid prevents hyperlocomotion induced by MPTP. • Rosmarinic acid increases DA and 5-HT and their metabolites in healthy animals. • MAO-A mRNA level is upregulated by RA after MPTP-induced neurotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ewes treated with a single dose of long-acting progesterone returned to their basal normal behavior earlier after weaning. • These ewes paced less times the day of weaning. • Treated ewes ruminated more than untreated ewes after weaning. • Treated ewes secreted less cortisol than untreated ewes after weaning. • Administration of progesterone reduce the stress responses to weaning in ewes. High circulating progesterone concentrations decrease the responses to stressful situations in farm ruminants. We hypothesized that administering a single dose of long-acting progesterone formulation reduces the stress response of anestrous ewes to weaning. The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral, cortisol, and blood protein responses to weaning of anestrous ewes treated or not, with a single dose of a long-acting progesterone formulation. A complementary aim was to characterize the bioavailability of progesterone after this treatment. Thirty-six multiparous single-lambing Corriedale ewes and their lambs were used in this study. The lambs were weaned at 6:30 h when they were 65 d old (d0), and were taken to another paddock without chemical, visual or auditory contact with their mothers, while the ewes remained in the same paddock. Immediately before weaning, while 19 ewes received oil based long-acting progesterone formulation, other 17 ewes remained as controls, receiving sunflower oil. Twelve ewes from each group were used for behavioral recordings, the other 5 untreated ewes and 7 treated ewes were used to characterize the cortisol response and the progesterone profile. Behaviors were recorded every 10th min for 3 h in the morning and 3 h in the afternoon on day minus 3, d0 and d2, and expressed as percentage of recordings each animal displayed each behavior on each day. Treated ewes were recorded more times standing up than ewes on the day of weaning (P < 0.05), but the reverse result was found 2 d after (P < 0.01). Treated ewes were recorded more times lying down than control ewes on d2 after weaning (P < 0.0001), when treated ewes were observed fewer times walking than control ewes (P = 0.0004), as also happened the day of weaning (P < 0.0001). On the day of weaning, treated ewes grazed and paced less than control ewes (P = 0.001 and P = 0.009). Treated ewes ruminated more than control ewes on the day of weaning (P = 0.02) and 2 d later (P = 0.0002). Control ewes also secreted more cortisol than progesterone-treated ewes (P = 0.03), with no effect of the treatment on the concentration of total proteins, albumin or globulins. While control ewes never had luteal progesterone concentrations (>0.5 ng/mL), treated ewes achieved luteal progesterone concentrations 2 h after its administration, and remained well above luteal levels until 15 h after administration. The administration of a single dose of long-acting progesterone formulation appears to be a viable choice in reducing the stress to weaning in ewes. Ewes treated with progesterone coped better with weaning, returning to their normal basal behavior earlier than untreated ones, and secreting lower cortisol levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chemical cues play an important role in sexual recognition in several lizard species. Here, we investigated whether the neotropical lizard, Liolaemus pacha (Iguania: Liolaemidae) can discriminate between chemical information obtained from males or females. In addition, we also considered the effect of season (reproductive vs. post-reproductive) and the sex of the tested individual. We experimentally tested scent discrimination, using a terrarium previously occupied by a male, a female, and an untreated terrarium as control as sources of different chemical scents. We counted the number of tongue flicks, a measure of chemical exploratory behavior, and the visual displays triggered by these scents for 10 min. Males performed significantly more tongue flicks when female scent was present than when male and control scents were present, indicating sexual recognition. However, females did not show a significant difference in those same conditions, indicating a lack of sexual recognition. For visual displays, males showed significantly higher rates to female and male scents than to control, whereas females did not show any difference. During the reproductive season, the number of tongue flicks and visual displays were higher than during the post-reproductive season. Our results suggest that for male L. pacha, chemical cues play an important role in mate recognition. We discuss the apparent lack of recognition in females. We suggest that the observed seasonal behavioral differences might be associated with physiological changes related mainly to reproduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Displays are a feature of animal contest behaviour and have been interpreted as a means of gathering information on opponent fighting ability, as well as signalling aggressive motivation. In fish, contest displays often include frontal and lateral elements, which in the latter involves contestants showing their flanks to an opponent. Previous work in a range of fish species has demonstrated population-level lateralization of these displays, preferentially showing one side to their opponent. Mirrors are commonly used in place of a real opponent to study aggression in fish, yet they may disrupt the normal pattern of display behaviour. Here, using Siamese fighting fish, Betta splendens , we compare the aggressive behaviour of males to a mirror image and real opponent behind a transparent barrier. As this species is a facultative air-breather, we also quantify surface breathing, providing insights into underlying fight motivation. Consistent with previous work, we found evidence of population-level lateralization, with a bias to present the left side and use the left eye when facing a real opponent. Contrary to expectations, there were no differences in the aggressive displays to a mirror and real opponent, with positive correlations between the behaviour in the two scenarios. However, there were important differences in surface breathing, which was more frequent and of longer duration in the mirror treatment. The reasons for these differences are discussed in relation to the repertoire of contest behaviour and motivation when facing a real opponent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Annual counts of males displaying at lek sites are an important tool for monitoring greater sage-grouse populations ( Centrocercus urophasianus), but seasonal and diurnal variation in lek attendance may increase variance and bias of trend analyses. Recommendations for protocols to reduce observation error have called for restricting lek counts to within 30 minutes of sunrise, but this may limit the number of lek counts available for analysis, particularly from years before monitoring was widely standardized. Reducing the temporal window for conducting lek counts also may constrain the ability of agencies to monitor leks efficiently. We used lek count data collected across Wyoming during 1995−2014 to investigate the effect of lek counts conducted between 30 minutes before and 30, 60, or 90 minutes after sunrise on population trend estimates. We also evaluated trends across scales relevant to management, including statewide, within Working Group Areas and Core Areas, and for individual leks. To further evaluate accuracy and precision of trend estimates from lek count protocols, we used simulations based on a lek attendance model and compared simulated and estimated values of annual rate of change in population size (λ) from scenarios of varying numbers of leks, lek count timing, and count frequency (counts/lek/year). We found that restricting analyses to counts conducted within 30 minutes of sunrise generally did not improve precision of population trend estimates, although differences among timings increased as the number of leks and count frequency decreased. Lek attendance declined >30 minutes after sunrise, but simulations indicated that including lek counts conducted up to 90 minutes after sunrise can increase the number of leks monitored compared to trend estimates based on counts conducted within 30 minutes of sunrise. This increase in leks monitored resulted in greater precision of estimates without reducing accuracy. Increasing count frequency also improved precision. These results suggest that the current distribution of count timings available in lek count databases such as that of Wyoming (conducted up to 90 minutes after sunrise) can be used to estimate sage-grouse population trends without reducing precision or accuracy relative to trends from counts conducted within 30 minutes of sunrise. However, only 10% of all Wyoming counts in our sample (1995−2014) were conducted 61−90 minutes after sunrise, and further increasing this percentage may still bias trend estimates because of declining lek attendance. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cranial kinesis refers to movements of skeletal sub-units relative to one another at mobile sutures within the skull. The presence and functional significance of cranial kinesis has been investigated in various vertebrates, with much of our understanding coming from comparative studies and manipulation of ligamentous specimens. Drawing on these studies, cranial kinesis in lizards has been modeled as a four-bar linkage system involving streptostyly (rotation of the quadrate), hypokinesis (dorsoventral flexion and extension of the palato-maxillary sub-unit), mesokinesis (dorsoventral flexion and extension of the snout at the fronto-parietal suture) and metakinesis (sliding movements between parietal and supraocciptal bones). In vivo studies, although limited, suggest that cranial kinesis serves an important role during routine behaviors such as feeding. Here, we use X-ray Reconstruction Of Moving Morphology to further quantify mesokinesis in vivo in Gekko gecko during three routine behaviors: gape display, biting and post-ingestion feeding. During gape display, the snout rotates dorsally above rest position, with mesokinesis accounting for a 10% increase in maximum gape over that achieved solely by the depression of the lower jaw. During defensive biting, the snout rotates ventrally below rest position to participate in gape closure. Finally, ventroflexion of the snout also occurs during post-ingestion feeding, accounting for 42% of gape closure during intra-oral transport, 86% during puncture-crushing, and 61% during pharyngeal packing. Mesokinesis thus appears to facilitate prey puncturing by allowing the snout to rotate ventrally so that the upper teeth pierce the prey item, thus limiting the need for large movements of the lower jaw. This is suggested to maintain a firm grip on the prey and reduce the possibility of prey escape. More generally, this study demonstrates that mesokinesis is a key component of defensive biting and gape display behaviors, as well as post-ingestion feeding, all of which are linked to organismal fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lower urinary tract (LUT) pathologies present in almost all cases with the clinical manifestations of altered voiding behavior, symptoms that include frequency, urgency, nocturia, incontinence, and dribbling. To study urinary pathologies using mouse models, as well as the efficacy of a given treatment or intervention, the voluntary voiding behavior of mice must be addressed. These mice exhibited a heterogeneous voiding behavior with some animals displaying a phenome typical of the diabetic diuresis or bladder outlet obstruction groups, while others formed a distinct cluster. [Extracted from the article]

Animals frequently engage in mutual displays that may allow or at least help decisions about the outcome of agonistic encounters with mutual benefit to the opponents. In fish these often involve lateral displays, with previous studies finding evidence of population-level lateralization with a marked preference for showing the right side and using the right eye. Because both opponents tend to show this preference a head to tail configuration is formed and is used extensively during the display phase. Here we tested the significance of these lateral displays by comparing displays to a mirror with those to a real opponent behind a transparent barrier. The frequency of displays was lower to a mirror but the individual displays were of greater duration indicating a slower pace of the interaction with a mirror. This suggests that fish respond to initiatives of real opponents but as mirror images do not initiate moves the focal fish only moves when it is ready to change position. However, lateralization was still found with mirrors, indicating that the right-side bias is a feature of the individual and not of the interaction between opponents. We discuss implications for ideas about the evolution of mutual cooperation and information exchange in contests, as well as the utility of the use of mirrors in the study of aggression in fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Courtship behaviors in birds are often considered male-specific, as males compete for mates through displays that exhibit individual quality. Several courtship displays have been described for male Northern Cardinals including the complex song-dance display. We observed female cardinals performing the song-dance display on two separate occasions in south Mississippi within pre-breeding and breeding periods. Female performance of the display was very similar as reported for males. Given the behavioral attributes of cardinal mating pairs, it is plausible that bi-directional mate choice exists for this species and females are demonstrating aspects of individual quality to males through the song-dance display. Additional monitoring of courtship behavior is needed to determine the function of female performance display that was previously thought to be male specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study investigated behaviors of Least Grebes Tachybaptus dominicus during the breeding season. Agonistic postures and interactions and courtship rituals already mentioned by other authors are described in more detail and new pair bonding displays detected, especially Parading in Z posture and the Diving ceremony, are added to our knowledge of the species. The results are discussed in relation to the prevalent phylogenetic hypothesis for the grebe family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several authors have suggested that male Calliope Hummingbirds (Selasphorus calliope) perform their dive and shuttle displays on "dispersed leks" where the dramatic aerial displays of several individuals can be seen or heard from a single location. To expand on the limited information available on breeding territorial behavior, I provide detailed time budget data from 3 years of observation of males in a 20-year-old seed-tree cut in Montana. Males spent the vast majority of their time (76%, on average) perched on dead willow branches that extended upward to 4-5 m in height, and an average of 90% of perch time was spent at no more than three perch sites. Most of the rest of the males' time (15%, on average) was spent off territory, where they conducted a good portion of their feeding. About 6% of a male's time was spent performing energetically demanding dive and shuttle displays, which were directed primarily toward females, but also toward other bird species perched within the male's territory. Displays directed toward females were sometimes followed by copulation while she was perched. This is only the second geographic location where male Calliope Hummingbirds are reported to have congregated in what appears to be a dispersed lek. We still know little about how common the clustering of breeding territories is, whether such clustering is limited to early successional habitat, and whether relatively few males obtain most of the copulations in such clusters, as would be expected in a classic lek breeding system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cleaning of display courts is used by several forest lekking birds to possibly serve as an anti- predation strategy against terrestrial predators. Using a pit viper replica in the leaf litter 10-20 cm from the court (camouflaged predator) and in the central cleared area of the court (non-camouflaged predator) of the White-bearded Manakin Manacus manacus we tested experimentally the anti-predation hypothesis. We also described the phenology of court cleaning by lekking males, and tested the relationship between court cleaning and the frequencies of display bouts by males, visits to courts by females, and the amount of debris falling on courts. Results showed that court cleaning had a defensive role against terrestrial predators, optimizing the time of detection of potential terrestrial predators in the cleared courts. Court cleaning was positively correlated with court visits by females, which may be related to the improvement of a male's plumage conspicuousness by enhancing the plumage contrast against the cleared court, as already demonstrated for M. vitellinus. If this is the case, then court cleaning may serve a dual role, as an anti-predation strategy and to enhance sexual exhibition by lekking males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The signaling context has been found to change the meaning of the silent bared-teeth display (SBT) in pigtail macaques ( Macaca nemestrina) such that the SBT in apparently peaceful contexts communicates subordination, a long-term pattern of behavior, whereas in conflict contexts it communicates immediate submission ( PNAS, 104: 1581-1586). However, the context dependent nature of the SBT has not yet been explored in other species. We investigated SBT usage with respect to grooming, severe aggression, and signaler-receiver sex, rank difference, and body size in seven captive groups of rhesus macaques. Peaceful SBTs were given most often to male receivers by male and female signalers whereas conflict SBTs were given to both male and female receivers primarily by female signalers. Male signalers rarely gave SBTs (peaceful or conflict) to female receivers. Unlike pigtail macaques, peaceful SBTs in rhesus were often accompanied by withdrawal behavior (referred to as peaceful SBT-leave), which influenced grooming, but not aggression, at the dyadic level. Severe aggression was less frequent among dyads using peaceful SBTs (regardless of withdrawal behavior) than those using conflict SBTs. In contrast, grooming was more frequent among dyads using peaceful SBT-stay signals than those using peaceful SBT-leave signals or conflict SBTs. In total, our results indicate that peaceful SBTs are a functionally different signal from conflict SBTs in rhesus macaques. Am. J. Primatol. 76:111-121, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]