Variation in age structure influences population dynamics, yet we have limited understanding of the spatial scale at which its fluctuations are synchronised between populations. Using 32 great tit populations, spanning 4° W-33° E and 35°-65° N involving > 130,000 birds across 67 years, we quantify spatial synchrony in breeding demographic structure (subadult vs. adult breeders) and its drivers.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFUrban phenotypic divergences are documented across diverse taxa, but the underlying genetic and environmental drivers behind these phenotypic changes are unknown in most wild urban systems. We conduct a common garden experiment using great tit (Parus major) eggs collected along an urbanization gradient to: 1) determine whether documented morphological, physiological, and behavioural shifts in wild urban great tits are maintained in birds from urban and forest origins reared in a common garden (N = 73) and 2) evaluate how different sources of genetic, early maternal investment, and later environmental variation contributed to trait variation in the experiment. In line with the phenotypic divergence in the wild, common garden birds from urban origins had faster breath rates (i.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFMetal ions have been shown to play a critical role in amyloid-β (Aβ) neurotoxicity and plaque formation which are key hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Amyloid-β peptides can bind both copper and hemin and this interaction modulates the redox chemistry of these metals. The characterization of the binding of hemin through UV-Vis spectroscopic titration with Aβ(4-16) shows a significantly higher affinity than that with Aβ(1-16).
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBrush border membrane (BBM) enzymes greatly affect the bioaccessibility and bioavailability of food nutrients. Despite their physiological importance, a step simulating the final stage of intestinal digestion has not yet been included in the harmonized protocols for in vitro digestion, primarily due to the challenges of replicating the dynamics of intestinal degradation. Herein, we propose an advancement toward a more physiologically relevant method, complementing the harmonized static gastric-duodenal digestion INFOGEST model with the missing small intestinal phase.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFIncreased attraction to humans and their objects often arises after repeated and positive human-wildlife encounters (e.g. food provided in tourist settings).
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