Showing papers by "Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto published in 2008"
TL;DR: Three software-based approaches were used and four candidate genes were selected as suitable genes for normalization in A. mellifera to evaluate the suitability of these genes as endogenous controls to standardize qRT-PCR results.
Abstract: For obtaining accurate and reliable gene expression results it is essential that quantitative realtime RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) data are normalized with appropriate reference genes. The current exponential increase in postgenomic studies on the honey bee, Apis mellifera, makes the standardization of qRT-PCR results an important task for ongoing community efforts. For this aim we selected four candidate reference genes (actin, ribosomal protein 49, elongation factor 1-alpha, tbp-association factor) and used three software-based approaches (geNorm, BestKeeper and NormFinder) to evaluate the suitability of these genes as endogenous controls. Their expression was examined during honey bee development, in different tissues, and after juvenile hormone exposure. Furthermore, the importance of choosing an appropriate reference gene was investigated for two developmentally regulated target genes. The results led us to consider all four candidate genes as suitable genes for normalization in A. mellifera. However, each condition evaluated in this study revealed a specific set of genes as the most appropriated ones.
281 citations
TL;DR: Evidence is presented in support of the hypothesis that whereas dPAG-evoked freezing would serve as a model of panic attacks, thedPAG post-stimulation freezing appears to be a modelOf panic disorder.
211 citations
TL;DR: The use of DSA type electrodes in the electrochemical treatment of tannery wastewater proved to be useful since it can promote a decrease in total phenolic compounds, TOC, absorbance, and toxicity.
185 citations
TL;DR: Two new morphometric techniques are tested on samples consisting of digital images of five worker forewings per colony, giving more than 99% correct identifications of Africanized honey bees, inexpensive, fast and precise.
Abstract: Currently available morphometric and genetic techniques that can accurately identify African- ized honey bees are both costly and time consuming. We tested two new morphometric techniques (ABIS - Automatic Bee Identification System and geometric morphometrics analysis) on samples consisting of digital images of five worker forewings per colony. These were collected from 394 colonies of Africanized bees from all over Brazil and from colonies of African bees, Apis mellifera scutellata (n = 14), and Euro- pean bees, A. m. ligustica (n = 10), A. m. mellifera (n = 15), and A. m. carnica (n=15) from the Ruttner collection in Oberursel, Germany (preserved specimens). Both methods required less than five minutes per sample, giving more than 99% correct identifications. There was just one misidentification (based on ge- ometric morphometrics analysis) of Africanized bees compared with European subspecies, which would be the principal concern in newly-colonized areas, such as the southern USA. These new techniques are inexpensive, fast and precise. Africanized honey bee / morphometrics / geometric morphometrics analysis / ABIS / Apis mellifera / automatic identification
153 citations
TL;DR: This work characterized an Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA and demonstrated its mediation of cellular tolerance to increased concentrations of calcium and manganese, and linked calcineurin activity with asexual developmental induction, finding that CrZA supports appropriate developmental induction in a calcineURin and brlA‐dependent manner in both species.
Abstract: The protein phosphatase calcineurin is an important mediator connecting calcium-dependent signalling to various cellular responses in multiple organisms. In fungi calcineurin acts largely through regulating Crz1p-like transcription factors. Here we characterize an Aspergillus fumigatus CRZ1 homologue, CrzA and demonstrate its mediation of cellular tolerance to increased concentrations of calcium and manganese. In addition to acute sensitivity to these ions, and decreased conidiation, the crzA null mutant suffers altered expression of calcium transporter mRNAs under high concentrations of calcium, and loss of virulence when compared with the corresponding complemented and wild-type strains. We use multiple expression analyses to probe the transcriptional basis of A. fumigatus calcium tolerance identifying several genes having calA and/or crzA dependent mRNA accumulation patterns. We also demonstrate that contrary to previous findings, the gene encoding the Aspergillus nidulans calcineurin subunit homologue, cnaA, is not essential and that the cnaA deletion mutant shares the morphological phenotypes observed in the corresponding A. fumigatus mutant, DeltacalA. Exploiting the A. nidulans model system, we have linked calcineurin activity with asexual developmental induction, finding that CrzA supports appropriate developmental induction in a calcineurin and brlA-dependent manner in both species.
151 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used two noncoding regions of the chloroplast genome-rps16 intron and trnL-trnF region to identify 65 species in 59 genera (more than one third of those in the family).
Abstract: Primarily known only by the edible fruits of Citrus, Rutaceae comprise a large (c. 160 genera and 1900 species), morphologically diverse, cosmopolitan family. Of its extraordinary array of secondary chemical compounds, many have medicinal, antimicrobial, insecticidal, or herbicidal properties. To assist with the much-needed suprageneric reclassification and with studies of evolution of chemical compounds and biogeographic history of the family, here we included sequence data (from two noncoding regions of the chloroplast genome-rps16 intron and trnL-trnF region) from 65 species in 59 genera (more than one third of those in the family) that represented all subfamilies and tribes and more genera of Toddalioideae and of neotropical groups than previous studies. Results confirmed that Cneorum, Ptaeroxylon, Spathelia, and Dictyoloma form a clade sister to the remaining Rutaceae, none of the subfamilies with more than one genus (except Aurantioideae) is monophyletic, and characters of the ovary and fruit are not reliable for circumscription of subfamilies. Furthermore, clades are better correlated with geographic distributions of the genera than with ovary and fruit characters. Circumscriptions of subfamilies and tribes (and some subtribes of Rutoideae) must be reevaluated. Results are discussed in light of geographic distributions, caryology, chemotaxonomy, and other molecular studies.
138 citations
TL;DR: It is found that depletion of the vitellogenin titer can drive young bees to become extremely precocious foragers, and this unexpected finding is proposed as a three-step sequence in the constellation of physiological parameters underlying behavioral development.
Abstract: The switch from within-hive activities to foraging behavior is a major transition in the life cycle of a honeybee (Apis mellifera) worker. A prominent regulatory role in this switch has long been attributed to juvenile hormone (JH), but recent evidence also points to the yolk precursor protein vitellogenin as a major player in behavioral development. In the present study, we injected vitellogenin double-stranded RNA (dsVg) into newly emerged worker bees of Africanized genetic origin and introduced them together with controls into observation hives to record flight behavior. RNA interference-mediated silencing of vitellogenin gene function shifted the onset of long-duration flights (>10 min) to earlier in life (by 3–4 days) when compared with sham and untreated control bees. In fact, dsVg bees were observed conducting such flights extremely precociously, when only 3 days old. Short-duration flights (<10 min), which bees usually perform for orientation and cleaning, were not affected. Additionally, we found that the JH titer in dsVg bees collected after 7 days was not significantly different from the controls. The finding that depletion of the vitellogenin titer can drive young bees to become extremely precocious foragers could imply that vitellogenin is the primary switch signal. At this young age, downregulation of vitellogenin gene activity apparently had little effect on the JH titer. As this unexpected finding stands in contrast with previous results on the vitellogenin/JH interaction at a later age, when bees normally become foragers, we propose a three-step sequence in the constellation of physiological parameters underlying behavioral development.
131 citations
TL;DR: It is indicated that the caterpillars avoid the sesquiterpene-lactone-rich glandular trichomes, and evidence for the antifeedant activity of the dichloromethane leaf rinse extract is provided.
101 citations
TL;DR: The SBSE/HP LC-UV proved adequate for antiepileptic drugs analyses from therapeutic levels and was as effective as the LLE/HPLC-UV method.
97 citations
TL;DR: The temporal profile of Amjhe-like expression in larval and adult workers, the pattern of hormonal regulation and the knockdown phenotype are consistent with the function of this gene as an authentic JHE.
Abstract: Tight control over circulating juvenile hormone (JH) levels is of prime importance in an insect's life cycle. Consequently, enzymes involved in JH metabolism, especially juvenile hormone esterases (JHEs), play major roles during metamorphosis and reproduction. In the highly eusocial Hymenoptera, JH has been co-opted into additional functions, primarily in the development of the queen and worker castes and in age-related behavioral development of workers. Within a set of 21 carboxylesterases predicted in the honey bee genome we identified one gene (Amjhe-like) that contained the main functional motifs of insect JHEs. Its transcript levels during larval development showed a maximum at the switch from feeding to spinning behavior, coinciding with a JH titer minimum. In adult workers, the highest levels were observed in nurse bees, where a low JH titer is required to prevent the switch to foraging. Functional assays showed that Amjhe-like expression is induced by JH-III and suppressed by 20-hydroxyecdysone. RNAi-mediated silencing of Amjhe-like gene function resulted in a six-fold increase in the JH titer in adult worker bees. The temporal profile of Amjhe-like expression in larval and adult workers, the pattern of hormonal regulation and the knockdown phenotype are consistent with the function of this gene as an authentic JHE.
95 citations
TL;DR: The in-tube SPME/LC can be successfully used to analyze plasma samples from ageing patients undergoing therapy with nontricyclic antidepressants.
TL;DR: In this article, lead iodide thin films were fabricated using spray pyrolysis technique using milli-Q water and N.dimethylformamide solvents under varying deposition conditions.
Abstract: Lead iodide thin films were fabricated using the spray pyrolysis technique. Milli-Q water and N.N-dimethylformamide were used as solvents under varying deposition conditions. Films as thick as 60 μm were obtained. The optical and structural properties of the samples were investigated using Photoluminescence, Raman scattering, X-ray diffraction, and Scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the study included also the electronic properties which were investigated by measuring the dark conductivity as a function of temperature. The deposition technique seems to be promising for the development of thick films to be used in medical imaging.
TL;DR: In this article, the Pechini-Adams modified method on carbon Vulcan XC-72 was used for the preparation of ternary Pt-based catalysts for ethanol fuel cell.
Abstract: Binary and ternary Pt-based catalysts were prepared by the Pechini–Adams modified method on carbon Vulcan XC-72, and different nominal compositions were characterized by TEM and XRD. XRD showed that the electrocatalysts consisted of the Pt displaced phase, suggesting the formation of a solid solution between the metals Pt/W and Pt/Sn. Electrochemical investigations on these different electrode materials were carried out as a function of the electrocatalyst composition, in acid medium (0.5 mol dm−3 H2SO4) and in the presence of ethanol. The results obtained at room temperature showed that the PtSnW/C catalyst display better catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation compared to PtW/C catalyst. The reaction products (acetaldehyde, acetic acid and carbon dioxide) were analyzed by HPLC and identified by in situ infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The latter technique also allowed identification of the intermediate and adsorbed species. The presence of linearly adsorbed CO and CO2 indicated that the cleavage of the C–C bond in the ethanol substrate occurred during the oxidation process. At 90 °C, the Pt85Sn8W7/C catalyst gave higher current and power performances as anode material in a direct ethanol fuel cell (DEFC).
TL;DR: Although all tested conditions reduced L. monocytogenes growth to some extent, only coculture with E. faecium bac+ efficiently reduced biofilm formation, suggesting a potential control strategy for this pathogen.
TL;DR: It is concluded that guards compare the chemical cuticular blend of incoming individuals and make acceptance decisions according to the similarity of the compounds between the colonies.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that jackfruit KM(+) led to protection against P. brasiliensis infection through IL-12 production, which was dependent on TLR2, which may expand its potential use as a novel immunotherapeutic molecule.
Abstract: KM+ is a mannose-binding lectin from Artocarpus integrifolia that induces interleukin (IL)-12 production by macrophages and protective T helper 1 immune response against Leishmania major infection. In this study, we performed experiments to evaluate the therapeutic activity of jackfruit KM+ (jfKM+) and its recombinant counterpart (rKM+) in experimental paracoccidioidomycosis. To this end, jfKM+ or rKM+ was administered to BALB/c mice 10 days after infection with Paracoccidiodes brasiliensis. Thirty days postinfection, lungs from the KM+-treated mice contained significantly fewer colony-forming units and little to no organized granulomas compared to the controls. In addition, lung homogenates from the KM+-treated mice presented higher levels of nitric oxide, IL-12, interferon-γ, and tumor necrosis factor-α, whereas higher levels of IL-4 and IL-10 were detected in the control group. With mice deficient in IL-12, Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2, TLR4, or TLR adaptor molecule MyD88, we demonstrated that KM+ led to protection against P. brasiliensis infection through IL-12 production, which was dependent on TLR2. These results demonstrated a beneficial effect of KM+ on the severity of P. brasiliensis infection and may expand its potential use as a novel immunotherapeutic molecule.
TL;DR: In ovaries the expression levels of the two honey bee LDLR members showed opposing trends: whereas Amvgr expression was upregulated as the ovaries became activated, Amlpr transcript levels gradually declined, corroborated the qPCR results showing an increase in AmVgr gene expression concomitant with follicle growth.
TL;DR: Biodegradable nanoemulsions (NE) as a colloidal vehicle of the oil/water type focusing in topical administration of Foscan and other photosensitizer drugs demonstrated that the NE can be potentially applied as a drug delivery system (DDS) for FosCAN in both in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as in future clinical applications involving topical skin cancer PDT.
Abstract: In this work we evaluated the photophysical and in vitro properties of Foscan, a second-generation photosensitizer drug (PS) widely used in systemic clinical protocols for cancer therapy based on Photodynamic Therapy (PDT). We employed biodegradable nanoemulsions (NE) as a colloidal vehicle of the oil/water (o/w) type focusing in topical administration of Foscan and other photosensitizer drugs. This formulation was obtained and stabilized by the methodology described by Tabosa do Egito et al., based on the mixture of two phases: an aqueous solution and an organic medium consisting of nonionic surfactants and oil. The photodynamic potential of the drug incorporated into the NE was studied by steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques. We also analyzed the in vitro biological behavior carried out in mimetic biological environment protocols based on the animal model. After topical application in a skin animal model, we evaluated the Foscan/NE diffusion flux into the skin layers (stratum corneum and epidermis + dermis) by classical procedures using Franz Diffusion cells. Our results showed that the photophysical properties of PS were maintained after its incorporation into the NE when compared with homogeneous organic medium. The in vitro assays enabled the determination of an adequate profile for the interaction of this system in the different skin layers, with an ideal time lag of 6 h after topical administration in the skin model. The Foscan diffusion flux (J) was increased when this PS was incorporated into the NE, if compared with its flux in physiological medium. These parameters demonstrated that the NE can be potentially applied as a drug delivery system (DDS) for Foscan in both in vitro and in vivo assays, as well as in future clinical applications involving topical skin cancer PDT.
TL;DR: An association between visual and chemical signals in the paper wasp Polistes satan was presented and it was showed that in nest-founding phase colonies, variation of visual signals is linked to relative fertility, while chemical signals are related to dominance status.
Abstract: Reproductive conflicts within animal societies occur when all females can potentially reproduce. In social insects, these conflicts are regulated largely by behaviour and chemical signalling. There is evidence that presence of signals, which provide direct information about the quality of the reproductive females would increase the fitness of all parties. In this study, we present an association between visual and chemical signals in the paper wasp Polistes satan. Our results showed that in nest-founding phase colonies, variation of visual signals is linked to relative fertility, while chemical signals are related to dominance status. In addition, experiments revealed that higher hierarchical positions were occupied by subordinates with distinct proportions of cuticular hydrocarbons and distinct visual marks. Therefore, these wasps present cues that convey reliable information of their reproductive status.
TL;DR: Er3+-doped glass-ceramic SiO2-ZrO2 optical planar waveguides were prepared by the sol-gel route using different SiO 2:Zr O2 molar ratios (90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 75:25) as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Er3+-doped glass-ceramic SiO2–ZrO2 optical planar waveguides were prepared by the sol–gel route using different SiO2:ZrO2 molar ratios (90:10, 85:15, 80:20 and 75:25). Multilayered films were deposited onto Si(1 0 0) substrates by the dip-coating technique. Structural characterization was performed using vibrational spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Some optical properties, densification and surface morphology of these films were investigated as a function of the SiO2:ZrO2 ratio, annealing temperature and time. Optical properties such as refractive index, number of propagating modes and attenuation coefficient were measured at 632.8, 543.5 and 1550 nm, by the prism coupling technique. Uniform surface morphology with roughness less than 0.5 nm. Low losses, less than 0.9 dB/cm at 612.8 nm in the TE0 mode, were measured for the planar waveguides containing up to 25 mol% zirconium oxide. Luminescence of Er3+ in the near infrared was observed for the active nanocomposite.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report on rainwater dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from Ribeirao Preto (RP) and Araraquara over a period of three years.
TL;DR: The analysis suggests that the key factors for GC-1 selectivity are the presence of an oxyacetic acid ester oxygen and the absence of the amino group relative to T3.
Abstract: Thyroid receptors, TRα and TRβ, are involved in important physiological functions such as metabolism, cholesterol level and heart activities. Whereas metabolism increase and cholesterol level lowering could be achieved by TRβ isoform activation, TRα activation affects heart rates. Therefore, β-selective thyromimetics have been developed as promising drug-candidates for treatment of obesity and elevated cholesterol level. GC-1 [3,5-dimethyl-4-(4'-hydroxy-3'-isopropylbenzyl)-phenoxy acetic acid] has ability to lower LDL cholesterol with 600- to 1400-fold more potency and approximately two- to threefold more efficacy than atorvastatin (Lipitor©) in studies in rats, mice and monkeys. To investigate GC-1 specificity, we solved crystal structures and performed molecular dynamics simulations of both isoforms complexed with GC-1. Crystal structures reveal that, in TRα Arg228 is observed in multiple conformations, an effect triggered by the differences in the interactions between GC-1 and Ser277 or the corresponding asparagine (Asn331) of TRβ. The corresponding Arg282 of TRβ is observed in only one single stable conformation, interacting effectively with the ligand. Molecular dynamics support this model: our simulations show that the multiple conformations can be observed for the Arg228 in TRα, in which the ligand interacts either strongly with the ligand or with the Ser277 residue. In contrast, a single stable Arg282 conformation is observed for TRβ, in which it strongly interacts with both GC-1 and the Asn331. Our analysis suggests that the key factors for GC-1 selectivity are the presence of an oxyacetic acid ester oxygen and the absence of the amino group relative to T3. These results shed light into the β-selectivity of GC-1 and may assist the development of new compounds with potential as drug candidates to the treatment of hypercholesterolemia and obesity.
TL;DR: The results suggest that AifA is possibly important for decreasing the effects of FOH and reactive oxygen species, and showed an involvement of autophagy and protein kinase C in A.’nidulans FOH‐induced apoptosis.
Abstract: Summary
Farnesol (FOH) is a non-sterol isoprenoid produced by dephosphorylation of farnesyl pyrophosphate, a catabolite of the cholesterol biosynthetic pathway. These isoprenoids inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis. It has been shown previously that FOH triggers morphological features characteristic of apoptosis in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus nidulans. Here, we investigate which pathways are influenced through FOH by examining the transcriptional profile of A. nidulans exposed to this isoprenoid. We observed decreased mRNA abundance of several genes involved in RNA processing and modification, transcription, translation, ribosomal structure and biogenesis, amino acid transport and metabolism, and ergosterol biosynthesis. We also observed increased mRNA expression of genes encoding a number of mitochondrial proteins and characterized in detail one of them, the aifA, encoding the Apoptosis-Inducing Factor (AIF)-like mitochondrial oxidoreductase. The ΔaifA mutant is more sensitive to FOH (about 8.0% and 0% survival when exposed to 10 and 100 μM FOH respectively) than the wild type (about 97% and 3% survival when exposed to 10 and 100 μM FOH respectively). These results suggest that AifA is possibly important for decreasing the effects of FOH and reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, we showed an involvement of autophagy and protein kinase C in A. nidulans FOH-induced apoptosis.
TL;DR: This data indicates that the ability of Streptomyces sp.
Abstract: Aims: To evaluate the ability of Streptomyces sp. (strain ASBV-1) to restrict aflatoxin accumulation in peanut grains.
Methods and Results: In the control of many phytopathogenic fungi the Streptomyces sp. ASBV-1 strain showed promise. An inhibitory test using this strain and A. parasiticus was conducted in peanut grains to evaluate the effects of this interaction on spore viability and aflatoxin accumulation. In some treatments the Streptomyces sp ASBV-1 strain reduced the viability of A. parasiticus spores by c. 85%, and inhibited aflatoxin accumulation in peanut grains. The values of these reductions ranged from 63 to 98% and from 67% to 96% for aflatoxins B1 and G1, respectively.
Conclusions: It was demonstrated that Streptomyces sp. ASBV-1 is able to colonize peanut grains and thus inhibit the spore viability of A. parasiticus, as well as reducing aflatoxin production.
Significance and Impact of the Study: The positive finding for aflatoxin accumulation reduction in peanut grains seems promising and suggests a wider use of this actinobacteria in biological control programmes.
TL;DR: An extracellular glucoamylase produced by Paecilomyces variotii was purified using DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration and the sequence of amino acids of the purified enzyme VVTDSFR appears similar to glu coamylases purified from Talaromyces emersonii and with the precursor of the gluCoamyl enzyme from Aspergillus oryzae.
Abstract: An extracellular glucoamylase produced by Paecilomyces variotii was purified using DEAE-cellulose ion exchange chromatography and Sephadex G-100 gel filtration. The purified protein migrated as a single band in 7% PAGE and 8% SDS-PAGE. The estimated molecular mass was 86.5 kDa (SDS-PAGE). Optima of temperature and pH were 55 °C and 5.0, respectively. In the absence of substrate the purified glucoamylase was stable for 1 h at 50 and 55 °C, with a t50 of 45 min at 60 °C. The substrate contributed to protect the enzyme against thermal denaturation. The enzyme was mainly activated by manganese metal ions. The glucoamylase produced by P. variotii preferentially hydrolyzed amylopectin, glycogen and starch, and to a lesser extent malto-oligossacarides and amylose. Sucrose, p-nitrophenyl α-d-maltoside, methyl-α-d-glucopyranoside, pullulan, α- and β-cyclodextrin, and trehalose were not hydrolyzed. After 24 h, the products of starch hydrolysis, analyzed by thin layer chromatography, showed only glucose. The circular dichroism spectrum showed a protein rich in α-helix. The sequence of amino acids of the purified enzyme VVTDSFR appears similar to glucoamylases purified from Talaromyces emersonii and with the precursor of the glucoamylase from Aspergillus oryzae. These results suggested the character of the enzyme studied as a glucoamylase (1,4-α-d-glucan glucohydrolase).
TL;DR: Data suggest that anxiety and risk assessment behaviors change their valence across the EPM sessions, and T2 is characterized by the emergence of a fear factor, more powerful risk assessment and medial prefrontal cortex activation.
TL;DR: One-parameter generalizations of the logarithmic and exponential functions which are obtained from the integration of non-symmetrical hyperboles have been studied in this article.
Abstract: Consider the one-parameter generalizations of the logarithmic and exponential functions which are obtained from the integration of non-symmetrical hyperboles. These generalizations coincide to the one obtained in the context of non-extensive thermostatistics. We show that these functions are suitable to describe and unify the great majority of continuous growth models, which we briefly review. Physical interpretation to the generalization function parameter is given for the Richards’ model, which has an underlying microscopic model to justify it.
TL;DR: In this paper, the mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) were isolated from the marine red alga Gracilaria tenuistipitata and analyzed by high-resolution accurate-mass sequential mass spectrometry (MS n ).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used the quadratic logistic equation (QLE) to fit the inverse of the resistance values as a function of the injected charge in non-steady-state conditions.
Abstract: In this work, an investigation of the electrical and electrochemical properties responsible for the energy storage capability of nanocomposites has been carried out. We demonstrate that, in the case of the V2O5 xerogel and the nanocomposites polypyrrole (Ppy)/V2O5 and polyaniline (PANI)/V2O5, the quadratic logistic equation (QLE) can be used to fit the inverse of the resistance values as a function of the injected charge in non-steady-state conditions. This contributes to a phenomenological understanding of the lithium ion and electron transport. The departure of the experimental curve from the fitting observed for the V2O5 xerogel can be attributed to the trapping sites formed during the lithium electroinsertion, which was observed by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The amount of trapping sites was obtained on the basis of the QLE. Similar values used to fit the inverse of the resistance were also used to fit the absorbance changes, which is also associated with the small polaron hopping from the...
TL;DR: Several characters have significant phylogenetic signal, including type of nesting substrate, nest construction material, and hemipterophily, the tending of hemiptersoid insects in exchange for sugar excretions, which are encountered in Trigona s.s.
Abstract: Stingless bees exhibit extraordinary variation in nest architecture within and among species. To test for phylogenetic association of behavioral traits for species of the Neotropical stingless bee genus Trigona s.s., a phylogenetic hypothesis was generated by combining sequence data of 24 taxa from one mitochondrial (16S rRNA) and four nuclear gene fragments (long-wavelength rhodopsin copy 1 (opsin), elongation factor-1α copy F2, arginine kinase, and 28S rRNA). Fifteen characteristics of the nest architecture were coded and tested for phylogenetic association. Several characters have significant phylogenetic signal, including type of nesting substrate, nest construction material, and hemipterophily, the tending of hemipteroid insects in exchange for sugar excretions. Phylogenetic independent habits encountered in Trigona s.s. include coprophily and necrophagy.