Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic and maternal influences on life history plasticity in milkweed bugs (Oncopeltus): response to temperature

This study was designed to examine life history flexibility arising from phenotypic plasticity in response to temperature and from maternal effects in response to reproductive diapause in a temperate zone population of the milkweek bug (Oncopeltus fasciatus). We employed a split‐family, first‐cousin, full‐sib design with siblings reared at different temperatures in order to quantify phenotypic plasticity, maternal effects, and variation for each. The following traits were analyzed: development time, age at first reproduction, longevity, early‐life fecundity, and wing length. We found both life history plasticity and maternal effects on life history traits which tend to enhance the colonizing ability of offspring born to mothers that have undergone reproductive diapause. We were unable to demonstrate additive genetic variation for plasticity for any of the traits, while for development time and wing length we found variation due to non‐additive genetic or common‐environmental sources. We were also unable to demonstrate additive genetic variation for maternal effects, although variation may exist at low levels that are difficult to detect using cousin‐families. The apparent lack of variation in this population would constrain evolution of life history flexibility even though considerable flexibility exists in the phenotype.
Microbiological and molecular determination of mycobiota in fresh and ensiled maize silage

The mycobiota of fresh and ensiled maize was studied with culturing techniques and a DNA sequence-based approach. Freshly chopped and ensiled maize were collected for 2 y from 12 farms in Pennsylvania. Samples were plated on selective media and isolates identified by morphology and sequences of the internal transcribed spacer regions of rDNA, 800–900 bp of the 5′ end of the translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene and a portion of the rodA gene (Aspergillus fumigatus only). ITS regions were amplified from total silage DNA, cloned, sequenced and compared to fungal ITS sequences in GenBank with the BLAST-N algorithm. For samples analyzed by both methods, the molecular technique detected a greater number of species than selective plating. Plating recovered several Penicillium and Fusarium species and Aspergillus fumigatus, while molecular analysis detected Alternaria, Penicillium and Fusarium species. Data from both methods found that Fusarium and Penicillium were the dominant mycotoxigenic fungi in silage, while yeast made up the majority all fungi recovered or detected. Known mycotoxigenic species often accounted for 50% or more of the total number of species isolated or detected at each site. Viable Fusaria were not isolated from or detected in ensiled maize, suggesting that Fusarium species do not survive the ensiling process. Results from this study suggest that given the numerous species of fungi present in silage with mycotoxin producing ability, there is a strong possibility that silage may be contaminated with multiple toxins simultaneously.
Reduction in the number of young during pouch‐life in a small marsupial

The honey possum Tarsipes rostratus, a shrew-sized marsupial endemic to south-western Australia, feeds exclusively upon nectar and pollen. Tarsipes has fewer pouch-young, which remain in the pouch longer, than the young of sympatric insect-feeding marsupials of comparable size. Tarsipes pouch-young were recorded in every month of the year. Of all adult females caught, 68% had pouch-young and 36% of the remainder had recently carried young. This continual reproduction is offset by an average lifespan of only about one year. Although Tarsipes have four teats, only very few of the largest females reared four young to independence. The number of pouch-young was inversely related to their size, changing, on average, from 3.6 young immediately after birth to 2.4 young at pouch-exit. Larger females gave birth to larger litters than smaller females and appeared more successful in rearing them. Variation in the initial litter size, and any subsequent reduction in litter size, might allow females to optimize offspring production during their short lifetime in relation to an unpredictable and specialized food supply.
Predator foraging mode shifts affecting mortality of juvenile fishes during the subarctic spring bloom

We examined some processes affecting foraging mode shifts among Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) and walleye pollock (Theragra chalcogramma) during the spring bloom in Prince William Sound, Alaska. The duration of the bloom of the copepod Neocalanus was reduced when the surface layer became strongly stratified in May. Stronger surface layer stratification observed in 1995 and 1996 was associated with higher salinities below 50 m depth compared with 1994. Functional response models for Pacific herring and adult walleye pollock feeding on large calanoid copepods indicated that these predators began to switch to alternative prey as the mean biomass of large calanoid copepods declined below about 0.2 and 1.0 g/m3, respectively. Analysis of covariance indicated that Pacific herring and walleye pollock tended to switch from large calanoid copepods to nekton prey after the copepod bloom declined (p = 0.028). Mortality of pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha) was negatively correlated with the duration of the cope.
The Meloidae (Coleoptera) of Australasia: a generic review, descriptions of new taxa, and a challenge to the current definition of subfamilies posed by exceptional variation in male genitalia

Abstract. The seven Australasian genera of blister beetles (Coleoptera : Meloidae : Nemognathinae) are reviewed. Included are a key to genera, generic synopses and descriptions of two new genera of Nemognathini, Australozonitis and Pulchrazonitis, as well as a new monotypic tribe Palaestrini, which features a bauplan of male genitalia unique not only to the subfamily Nemognathinae but to the entire family. The genus Palaestra is redefined to include several Australasian, Asian and African species previously assigned to Zonitis. Exceptional variation of male genitalia encountered in the Palaestrini challenges current subfamily definitions, which are partly based on male genitalic structure and correlated sexual behaviour. Generic synopses include synonyms, type species, number of species, geographic distribution, significant references on taxonomy, life history and morphology, and additional notes. Forty-six new combinations are proposed for species previously in Zonitis. Distribution and relationship of tribes within the Nemognathinae, as well as the biogeography of the Australasian Meloidae are outlined and discussed.
Stomatal responses to sodium ions in Aster tripolium: a new hypothesis to explain salinity regulation in above-ground tissues

A study has been made of the ionic relations of stomata of Aster tripolium L. , a maritime halophyte which colonizes coastal saltmarshes. The results obtained allow us to add this species to the growing list for which an involvement of K+ transport in stomatal movements has been demonstrated. However, an additional and ecologically important characteristic was found: there was a suppression of stomatal opening by increasing NaCl concentrations. A new hypothesis is offered of the mechanism for controlling salt and water relations in A. tripolium, a species which does not possess glands or other means of excreting salt. It is suggested that when the capacity of the tissues to accumulate salt in cell vacuoles is exceeded, the concentration of Na+ ions in the apoplast around the guard cells begins to rise. This causes partial stomatal closure, reduces transpiration and increases water-use-efficiency. Therefore, the flow of salt into the leaves is reduced but growth (and the manufacture of the new photosynthates required to support it) can continue. Aster tripolium can be added to the small list of known species which readily yield isolated epidermis suitable for detailed stomatal studies. Throughout this study, we have compared its stomatal physiology with C. communis, which has been thoroughly investigated in the past.
Relationships between planting date, winter survival and stress tolerances of soft white winter wheat in eastern Ontario

Reduction of populations of fall planted crops in the course of winter can result in substantial losses in economic yield. Variations in planting date of soft white winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in eastern Ontario are known to influence both survival and grain yield. This study was conducted to determine relationships between fall-accumulated growing degree days (GDD), cold hardiness, ice tolerance and a number of plant characteristics with survival recorded the next spring. Locations were at Ottawa (45°23′N) and Douglas (45°33′N) with four planting dates, 27 August, 10 September, 24 September and 8 October in 4 yr, 1983–1986. Delayed planting was associated with reduced survival at Ottawa in 1987 and in all years at Douglas. Consequently, survival at Ottawa showed little association with cold hardiness and ice tolerance, but there were significant correlations at Douglas. Measurements in 3 yr showed that late planted wheats were single tillered, up to 10 times lower fresh weight than the 3–5 tiller.
Wheat gluten polymer structures : The impact of genotype environment and processing on their functionality in various applications

ABSTRACT For a number of applications, gluten protein polymer structures are of the highest importance in determining end-use properties. The present article focuses on gluten protein structures in the wheat grain, genotype- and environment-related changes, protein structures in various applications, and their impact on quality. Protein structures in mature wheat grain or flour are strongly related to end-use properties, although influenced by genetic and environment interactions. Nitrogen availability during wheat development and genetically determined plant development rhythm are the most important parameters determining the gluten protein polymer structure, although temperature during plant development interacts with the impact of the mentioned parameters. Glutenin subunits are the main proteins incorporated in the gluten protein polymer in extracted wheat flour. During dough mixing, gliadins are also incorporated through disulfide-sulfhydryl exchange reactions. Gluten protein polymer size and complexi.
Changes in carbohydrates and freezing tolerance during cold acclimation of red raspberry cultivars grown in vitro and in vivo

Changes in LT 50 and carbohydrate levels in response to cold acclimation were monitored in vitro and in vivo in red raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) cultivars with different levels of cold hardiness. Entire micropropagated plantlets or shoot tips from 3 cultivars were harvested before, during and after cold acclimation. Cane samples from container-grown plants of 4 cultivars were harvested before and during cold acclimation and deacclimation. Samples were evaluated for cold hardiness (LT 50 ) by controlled freezing, then analyzed for carbohydrates, including starch, sucrose, glucose, fructose and raffinose. Hardiness of cold-acclimated Muskoka' and Festival' was superior to that of Titan' or Willamette'. In vitro plantlets had higher levels of soluble carbohydrates on a dry weight basis and higher ratios of sucrose:(glucose + fructose) than the container-grown plants. Total soluble carbohydrates, primarily sucrose, accumulated during cold acclimation in both plantlets (33-56% relative increase) and plants (143-191% relative increase). Sucrose increased 124-165% in plantlets and 253-582% in container-grown plants during acclimation and declined rapidly to the level of control plants during deacclimation. Glucose and fructose also accumulated, but to a lesser extent than sucrose. Raffinose concentrations were very low, but increased significantly during cold acclimation. In vitro, genotype hardiness was related to the high concentrations of total soluble carbohydrates, sucrose and raffinose. In vivo, hardier genotypes had lower concentrations of starch than the less hardy genotypes. These results demonstrated the importance of soluble carbohydrates, especially sucrose, in cold hardening of red raspberry and that the in vitro conditions or controlled acclimation conditions do not necessarily reflect the phenomena observed in vivo.
QUALIDADE DE SEMENTES DE CANOLA CLASSIFICADAS POR DENSIDADE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different density classes of canola seeds on their physiological quality. Seeds of Hyola 61 and Hyola 401 canola hybrids were separated into six density classes and tested to characterize their physiological potential as follows: germination, fist count of germination, length and seedling dry weight. The hydration curve was used to help characterize the better quality classes. The hybrids Hyola 61 and 401 showed a relationship between seed density and their physiological quality characteristics. Physiological quality affected the water content reached by canola seeds during hydration for both hybrids, with less vigorous seeds having a higher water uptake and water content up to 15 hours, compared to seeds with a higher vigor.
Varying effect of fertility determinants among migrant and indigenous females in the transitional agro‐ecological zone of ghana

Abstract. The transitional agro‐ecological zone of Ghana, located between the richly endowed south and the impoverished north, has attracted seasonal and permanent farm migrants, mainly from northern Ghana, who now live side by side with the indigenous people. While migrants have higher numbers of Muslims, indigenous people are mainly Christians. Although the majority of the migrants live in migrant quarters with less favourable socio‐economic conditions, they are more successful farmers and therefore wealthier. The objectives are to examine the varying effect of fertility determinants among migrants and indigenous females. This paper uses data collected in 2002 among 194 females aged 15 to 49 years. Multiple regression models are used to assess fertility determinants. Results show that although migrant households were wealthier, migrant females were more traditional. They had more children living in foster care, and a lower proportion of them approved of men participating in household activities. In addition, they were less well educated, recorded higher infant mortality, gave birth earlier and used less contraception. Furthermore, while a female's migration status is statistically significant so far as non‐proximate determinants of fertility are concerned, the same variable is not significant with respect to proximate determinants. In addition, a married female migrant would on average have almost one more child compared to her indigenous counterpart, and migrant females who had experienced the loss of a child would on average have 2.5 more children compared to their indigenous counterparts. Finally, more affluent migrant females have 0.08 fewer children compared to their indigenous counterpart.
THE INFLUENCE OF pH AND OF SELECTED CATIONS ON THE FERMENTATION OF MALTOSE AND MALTOTRIOSE

The fermentation of maltose and maltotriose in metal-free buffer solutions strongly depends on the pH value; the optimum pH is close to 5·0 and activity diminishes to zero above pH 7·2. Potassium stimulates utilization of these sugars at pH values of 5·0 and below, but in contrast to the situation with glucose, pH still influences fermentation markedly in the presence of potassium. Both pH and potassium influence sugar uptake rather than internal metabolism. Zinc, magnesium and ammonium ions stimulate utilization of both sugars by stimulating uptake mechanisms.
Geographic variation in fruit volatiles emitted by the hawthorn Crataegus mollis and its consequences for host race formation in the apple maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella

The shift of the apple (AP) maggot fly, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh) (Diptera: Tephritidae), from its ancestral host downy hawthorn, Crataegus mollis (DH) (Torr. & A. Gray) Scheele, to introduced domesticated AP, Malus domestica Borkh. (both Rosaceae), is a model for ecological divergence and incipient sympatric speciation with gene flow. However, a portion of the variation contributing to the sympatric host shift from DH to AP appears to have a different biogeographic history, pre‐dating the shift. One potential source of standing variation may trace to a number of different native hawthorn species infested by R. pomonella in the southern USA, where the AP‐attacking race is absent. Herein, we investigate this possibility for the southern red hawthorn (SR) endemic to Texas, Crataegus mollis var. texana (Buckl.), which has been described as a member of the Molles series that includes the more northern distributed DH. We report results from chemical analyses of host fruit volatiles, fly behavioural responses to synthetic fruit blends, and microsatellite surveys of fly populations, implying that R. pomonella infesting SR may behaviourally and genetically represent a native host race differing from the DH‐infesting fly. No fly reared from SR responded to AP fruit volatiles in flight tunnel assays. However, coupled gas chromatographic‐electroantennographic detection (GC‐EAD) profiles for SR fruit contain all five of the component esters that comprise the standard AP volatile blend inducing behavioural orientation for AP‐infesting flies, compounds that appear to be largely missing from volatile profiles for DH fruit. Thus, SR‐infesting flies do not represent a source for a preassembled AP‐accepting phenotype. However, they may help explain why the ancestral DH race that shifted to AP in the northeastern USA had the ability to recognize AP fruit esters, potentially enabling the shift to AP. Our results highlight how categorizing speciation into different geographic modes may not adequately describe the evolutionary origins of important genetic variation fuelling adaptive radiation and the genesis of new biodiversity.
Phylogenetic relationships in the gymnopoid and marasmioid fungi (Basidiomycetes, euagarics clade)

Three distinct lineages of gymnopoid and marasmioid fungi are recognized in parsimony and Bayesian analyses of nLSU rDNA sequences. One lineage contains the genera Lentinula, Rhodocollybia, Tetrapyrgos, a resurrected and redefined Mycetinis, and two unresolved clades designated /marasmiellus and /gymnopus. /marasmiellus includes the type species of Marasmiellus and is dominated by members of Gymnopus sect. Vestipedes. /gymnopus includes the type species of Gymnopus, Micromphale and Setulipes, and members of Gymnopus sect. Levipedes. A second lineage includes the genera Marasmius s.s. and Crinipellis and represents a redefined /marasmiaceae. A third lineage includes the genera Cylindrobasidium, Flammulina, Gloiocephala, Physalacria, Strobilurus, Xerula and Marasmius sect. Epiphylli and represents /physalacriaceae. One new combination in Rhodocollybia and four new combinations in Mycetinis are proposed. A discussion of the taxonomic implications resulting from the phylogenetic reconstruction is presented.
LAKE SEDIMENT CHRYSOPHYTE SCALES FROM THE NORTHEASTERN U.S.A. AND THEIR RELATIONSHIP TO ENVIRONMENTAL VARIABLES

Chrysophyte scale assemblages were analyzed in the surface sediments (0–1 cm) of 146 lakes sampled in the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Program–Surface Waters (EMAP‐SW) in the northeastern U.S.A. Chrysophyte data from the EMAP lakes were combined with a previous study of 71 Adirondack PIRLA (Paleoecological Investigation of Recent Lake Acidification) lakes and collectively analyzed to examine the indicator potential of scaled chrysophytes in the northeastern U.S.A. with respect to several environmental variables. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) was used to determine which environmental variables influenced the distributions of species. Forward selection and Monte Carlo permutation tests showed that 51% of the variance in the chrysophyte assemblages was related to pH. The other six significant variables (conductivity, chloride, total phosphorus [TP], elevation, lake depth, and watershed area) contributed an additional 31% of the total (82%) variance explained by the seven forward‐selected variables. Similar to previous studies, many taxa showed distinct distribution patterns with respect to pH. Partial and constrained CCAs indicated that, although all seven variables explained significant proportions of variation in the species data, a reliable inference model could be developed only for lake‐water pH. The strength of this model (R2= 0.78, RMSEboot= 0.47 of a pH unit) is comparable to a recently constructed diatom‐based model for the EMAP lakes. The use of both models in paleolimnological and biomonitoring studies would be advantageous because they would provide two independent lines of evidence of environmental change.
Politics, policies and practice: assessing the impact of sexual harassment policies in UK universities

Since sexual harassment was first named and identified as an obstacle to women's equality in the mid 1970s, concern about both its prevalence and its damaging effects has resulted in the widespread introduction of anti‐harassment policies in UK universities, as in other work and educational settings. The study reported here sought to assess the impact of these policies, in the context of criticisms of the effectiveness of universities' implementation of equal opportunities policies more generally. Its findings indicate that key differences in how policies are both conceived and implemented influence the degree of impact they have. In discussing these different approaches to tackling harassment I highlight the significance of adopting a ‘proactive’, rather than merely ‘reactive’ strategy and consider the reasons why many universities appear to be resisting doing so.
Structural and temporal emission patterns of variable pulsed calls in free-ranging killer whales (Orcinus orca)

Resident killer whales off Vancouver Island, British Columbia, produce variable burst pulsedcalls most commonly during close-range interactions such as socialising or social-travelling. Earlier studies indicated that variable calls are graded and can be arranged into a scale from low-frequency calls to high-frequency ones. These graded calls are often emitted in sequences, were call-classes of similar frequency follow one another more often than different classes. However, a detailed analysis of sequences was lacking to date. Therefore, our understanding of the function of variable calls during interactions among killer whales is rather limited. Simultaneous recordings of underwater vocalizations and behavioural observations from resident killer whales were collected off Vancouver Island, British Columbia during1996-2001. Socialising activities were divided into four categories: male-female, male-male, female-juvenile and juvenile-juvenile. Variable call sequences were analysed with RTS and SIGNAL acoustic-software. We found no positive correlation between group-size and number of used calls or the duration of sequences, indicating that only one or a few animals were involved in the production of each sequence. Furthermore, sequences were present in all four behaviour categories and the composition of the group had no influence on the duration of calls and used call-classes. One particular call class (V4) could be further separated into structurally distinct sub-classes. These sub-classes often formed rather stereotyped sequences. The results of our study indicate that sequences of variable calls emit broad motivational information that is not age or sex-related. Sequences of distinct sub-classes might encode more subtle information on emotional states during socialising. Therefore, variable calls might posses different functions, depending on the nature of the interaction. Thus, variable calls might be of great importance for close-range communication in wild killer whales.