The effects of bird feeders on local densities of Ixodes scapularis ticks and prevalence of Lyme disease were examined in residential areas of Dutchess County, NY. Ticks were collected, counted, and analyzed forBorrelia burgdorferi spirochetes in 2001Ð2002 on residential properties with and without bird feeders. Tick densities and infection prevalence were not signiÞcantly different on properti...

Supplementary feeding of garden birds generally has benefits for both bird populations and human wellbeing. Birds have excellent colour vision, and show preferences for food items of particular colours, but research into colour preferences associated with artificial feeders is limited to hummingbirds. Here, we investigated the colour preferences of common UK garden birds foraging at seed-dispen...

Resource defense behavior is often explained by the spatial and temporal distribution of resources. However, factors such as competition, habitat complexity, and individual space use may also affect the capacity of individuals to defend and monopolize resources. Yet, studies frequently focus on one or two factors, overlooking the complexity found in natural settings. Here, we addressed defense ...

BACKGROUND For therapeutic usage of induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) cells, to accomplish xeno-free culture is critical. Previous reports have shown that human embryonic stem (ES) cells can be maintained in feeder-free condition. However, absence of feeder cells can be a hostile environment for pluripotent cells and often results in karyotype abnormalities. Instead of animal feeders, human fibrob...

39.2 ± 2.2 kg) were greater (P < 0.01) with AL feeders than with HF feeders, respectively. Number of pigs weaned did not differ (P > 0.05, 9.7 ± 0.1). The AL sows tended to have greater (P = 0.07) wt gains during lactation (12.2 ± 3.1 vs. 8.2 ± 3.2 kg, AL and HF, respectively). Backfat change during lactation and wean-to-estrus interval did not differ (P >0.05). Sows with AL feeders wasted less...

We studied the influence of variance in reward volume on choice behaviour of honeybees, Apis mellifera carnica, by training bees to collect sucrose solution from four newly developed artificial feeders. The feeders were electromechanical devices, each controlled by a microprocessor, which monitored the experiments, controlled reward delivery and stored the data. The parameters that varied betwe...

Maintaining induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells in an undifferentiated, self-renewing state during long-term cultivation is, at present, a major challenge. We previously showed that human amniotic epithelial cells (HuAECs) were able to provide a good source of feeder cells for mouse and human embryonic or spermatogonial stem cells; however, the epigenetic mechanisms have not been elucidated. I...