bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heritability, Fecundity, and Sexual Size Dimorphism in Four Species of Bark Beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae)
Authors: Foelker C J , Hofstetter R W 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBody size is a key biological trait frequently used to assess fitness. Variation in body size stems from genetic and environmental factors and can have strong affects on reproduction. Here, we quantify narrow-sense heritability of size, fecundity, and sexual size dimorphism in four bark beetle species across two genera: Ips pini (Say), Ips lecontei Swaine, Dendroctonus frontalis Zimmermann, and Dendroctonus brevicomis LeConte. For each species, we conducted rearing experiments pairing parents of large or small size classes and measuring body length of all progeny. There was significant narrow-sense heritability of body size in Ips, but not Dendroctonus. Male parent size in I. pini, I. lecontei, and D. frontalis was positively correlated with progeny production and female parent size was positively correlated with gallery length in I. pini, D. frontalis, and D. brevicomis. All species exhibited sexual size dimorphism (SSD), with males being larger than females (male-biased SSD) in Ips and females larger than males (female-biased SSD) in Dendroctonus. Although mean differences in body length between sexes was small, ≈l–2% for Ips and 2–4% for Dendroctonus, the pioneer sex (first colonizer) was statistically larger than the nonpioneer sex in all species. In addition, the pioneer sex displayed greater phenotypic variation in body length than the nonpioneer sex, and Dendroctonus exhibited greater phenotypic variation in body length than Ips. Differing selection pressures within species and even between sexes likely affect body size and heritability patterns exhibited by bark beetles.
Molecular Cloning of Five β-Glucosidases from Four Species of Higher Termites (Blattodea: Termitidae)
Authors: Bujang Nurmastini Sufina , Harrison Nigel A , Su Nan-Yao 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Cellulose is the most abundant polymer in the biosphere, and termites are one of the most important metazoan cellulose processors. Termites are a rich source of digestive enzymes such as endo- β-1,4-glucanases, β-glucosidases, xylanases, amylases, pectinases, and laccases, regardless of whether they are termite derived or of microbiotic origin. Molecular identification of the termite's digestive enzyme is a critical initial step toward using termites as bioresources for industrial applications. Here, we report five β-glucosidase sequences obtained from four species of higher termites (Anoplotermes schwarzi Banks, Macrotermes carbonarius (Hagen), Rhynchotermes bulbinasus Scheffrahn, Sphaerotermes sphaerothorax (Sjoestedt)) with differing nutritional biologies. The deduced amino acid sequences indicated that they were most similar to β-glucosidases in the glycosyl hydrolase family 1 (GHF1). All complete coding sequences are 490 amino acids long and contain conserved motifs involved in substrate binding and catalysis. Each sequence was also predicted to be glycosylated at two sites.
Effect of Egg Rearing Temperature and Storage Time on the Biological Characteristics of the Predatory Stink BugPodisus nigrispinus(Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Vacari Alessandra M , Goulart Roberto M , Volpe Haroldo X L , Bortoli Sergio A De 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the effect of egg rearing temperature and storage time on biological characteristics of the predatory stink bug Podisus nigrispinus (Dallas). In a preliminary experiment, eggs were incubated at 5, 10, 15, and 20°C to examine the effect of rearing temperature on egg development. From this, we found that 15°C was the optimal temperature for egg storage. To examine the effect of storage period on biological characteristics, eggs were stored at 15 ± 1°C for 0 (control), 1, 5, 9, 13, or 17 d, and then maintained at 25°C, allowing us to determine the effect of storage period on incubation period and egg viability. Once nymphs reached the second instar, they were kept in individual petri dishes, and we examined the effect of storage period on stadial length, nymphal viability, and weight of fifth-instar nymphs. Finally, when the nymphs reached the adult phase, we measured the effect of storage period on adult longevity, neonate adult weight, fecundity, and egg hatching success. Our results showed that the storage of eggs at 15 ± 1°C for periods of up to 17 d did not significantly affect most of the biological characteristics analyzed.
Trapping Techniques for Siricids and their Parasitoids (Hymenoptera: Siricidae and Ibaliidae) in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Barnes Brittany F , Meeker James R , Johnson Wood , Asaro Christopher , Miller Daniel R , Gandhi Kamal J K 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe recent introduction of Sirex noctilio F. (Hymenoptera: Siricidae) into North America has raised interest in native siricids and their parasitoids to better understand the potential impact of S. noctilio. In the southeastern United States, we assessed various techniques to capture native siricids and their parasitoids using traps, lures, and trap trees. During 2009–2011, in total, 2,434 wasps were caught including Eriotremex formosanus (Matsumura), Sirex nigricornis (F.), Tremex columba (L.), and Urocerus cressoni (Norton) (Siricidae), and Ibalia leucospoides ensiger Norton (Hymenoptera: Ibaliidae). Traps and trap trees, respectively, captured 14 and 86% of total siricids and hymenopteran parasitoids. Majority of siricids (76%) were caught in Louisiana, where 486 I. l. ensiger (28% parasitism rate) were also reared from trap trees. The Sirex lure alone and Sirex lure with ethanol captured two to five times greater numbers of siricids than unbaited traps. Trap types had no effect on catches of siricids. Fewer siricids were caught in traps baited with ethanol alone than in those baited with other lures in Georgia. We caught three to four times greater numbers of S. nigricornis in traps with fresh pine billets (with foliage) as a lure than traps baited with Sirex lure in Louisiana. More S. nigricornis and I. l. ensiger emerged from cut and felled trap trees created in early rather than late November; these trees also had 14 times greater emergence than those treated with Dicamba. Our results indicate that use of host material and timing may be important for monitoring populations and communities of siricids and their parasitoid species in southern pine forests.
NativeEctobius(Blattaria: Ectobiidae) from the Early Eocene Green River Formation of Colorado and Its Reintroduction to North America 49 Million Years Later
Authors: Vršanský P , Oružinský R , Barna P , Vidlička L' , Labandeira C C 
Published: January 2014

AbstractEctobius kohlsi sp. n. and three undetermined species of the common Eurasian cockroach genus EctobiusStephens, 1835 are reported from the lower middle Eocene of North America. This species indicates a cosmopolitan distribution of the genus during the mid Paleogene, and supports its current relict distribution in modern north-temperate and African ecosystems. When compared with the living species, E. kohlsi was either neutral or plesiomorphic in all characters, but exhibited a close relationship to the extant Ectobius kraussianusRamme, 1923 Species Group in the identical structure of the pronotum. E. kohlsi also was similar to extant Ectobius ticinusBohn, 2004, in the character of its wing venation (see Bohn 2004), in particular the forewing vein M, and to extant Ectobius vittiventris (Costa 1847) in details of forewing coloration. These latter two species are members of the Ectobius sylvestris Species Group (Bohn 1989). Ectobius balticusGermar et Berendt, 1856 —a conspicuously dominant cockroach from mid-Eocene Baltic amber—also appears plesiomorphic in all characters despite being a few million years younger than E. kohlsi. One reason for the complete disappearance of this dominant genus from North America is the peculiar consequence that, after 49 million years, a cool-adapted Ectobius lapponicus (L.) was capable of being reintroduced to a significantly cooler North America than that its antecedents which inhabited North America during a warmer European Eocene. Modern E. lapponicus is synanthropic in North America, even though no synanthropism is recorded for this species in its native habitat throughout Europe.
Brachypterizing Effect of High Density and Its Relationship with Body Injury in Cricket Species Velarifictorus micado (Orthoptera: Gryllidae)
Authors: Wu H J , Zhu D H , Zeng Y , Zhao L Q , Sun G X 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In wing dimorphic cricket Velarifictorus micado Saussure, group rearing could induce macropters, but rearing density had a nonlinear effect on the incidence of macroptery. Frequency of macropters increased along with rearing density under low-density conditions, but it decreased gradually under high densities, especially for the females. This result indicates that flight ability is required to escape from crowded conditions, but there is a factor that would suppress wing development under high-population density in V. micado. Investigation of body injury showed that incidence of body injury increased along with rearing density, especially for the antenna. Removal of antennas or hindlegs in the penultimate nymphal stage exerted a strong micropterizing effect. These results suggest that brachypterizing effect of high density may be related with body injury. Removed antennas at different instars, brachypterizing effect was only significant in sixth instar (penultimate instar) for males, and sixth and seventh instar (last instar) for females, which suggests that penultimate and last instars may be sensitive stages in winglength development to the effect of body injury in V. micado
Context-Dependent Mating Success in Murgantia histrionica (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)
Authors: Helmey-Hartman W L , Miller C W 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Animals must find and select mates in environments that naturally vary in both space and time. Of particular importance for many species are the availability and phenology of host plants for feeding and oviposition sites. Here, we used Murgantia histrionica (Hahn) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), a herbivorous insect, to determine mating preferences and success using mating assays and preferences based on odor cues.Wemanipulated the natal and encounter contexts using two different host plants, mustard and broccoli. We found that both the natal host plant and the host plant where insects encountered potential mates significantly affected mating success in this insect. Broccolireared individuals were more likely to mate in general; however, all individuals were more likely to mate when placed in an encounter context of mustard. Using a separate assay, we also found that the natal host plant affected female preference based on odor cues; females preferred the odors of males from the same natal environment that the females experienced as nymphs. In addition, we examined color and body size for host plant effects as both size and color are important factors for many species during mate choice. We found that individuals reared on mustard were larger than those reared on broccoli. However, the proportion of orange color on the dorsum of insects was not significantly affected by the natal host plant. In summary, these results suggest that changes in host plants, as commonly occurs seasonally, may have implications for sexual selection via mate choice.
Life History, Diagnosis, and Parasitoids ofZale phaeograpta(Lepidoptera: Erebidae)
Authors: Vázquez Yadira-Maibeth , Martínez Ana-Mabel , Valdez Jorge-Manuel , Figueroa José-Isaac , Rebollar Ángel , Chavarrieta Juan Manuel , Sánchez José-Antonio , Viñuela Elisa , Pineda Samuel 
Published: January 2014

AbstractLepidopteran erebid Zale phaeograpta (Hampson) has recently been found feeding on blackberry leaves (Rubus sp., cultivar “Tupi”) in two sites of Michoacan, Mexico. The life cycle and several life parameters of this insect, including parasitism, were examined in the laboratory. The egg, larva (seven instars), prepupa, pupa, and adult stages lasted 4.1, 35.9, 3.1, 14.5, and 29.1 d, respectively. Eggs are turquoise blue. The prolegs of first-instar larvae have an enlarged dark area that runs laterally. From second instar onwards, a whitish longitudinal dorsal band is observed along the entire body. Third-instar larvae wear a pair of dorsal protuberances in abdominal segment VIII. The fourth- and fifth-instar larvae are cream-colored, whereas sixth instars are entirely creamy. Pupa is covered with a waxy bloom. The apical margin of the forewings in males has two silvery bands, whereas in females, a dark band is present. Female and male pupae had the same weight (0.5 g) and measured 2.21 and 2.25 cm, respectively. The adult sex ratio of females to males was 1.1:1. The cumulative number of eggs laid by female during her lifetime was 281, with preoviposition and oviposition periods of 9.9 and 7.3 d, respectively. Maximum oviposition occurred 3.9 d after the start of oviposition (87.7 eggs per female). Larvae of Z. phaeograpta were parasitized by Microplitis sp. (Braconidae) (33%) and a currently unidentified Ichneumonidae species (9%), and pupae were parasitized by Brachymeria comitator (Walker) and another unidentified Brachymeria sp. (Chalcididae).
Interspecific Variation in Size, Diapause Intensity, and Moisture Responses of First-InstarSpeyeria(Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) Larvae
Authors: Sims Steven R , Shapiro Arthur M 
Published: January 2014

AbstractEgg weights of Speyeria (Nymphalidae) species from California were measured to estimate relative sizes of first-instar larvae. First-instar larvae were compared for diapause intensity and for their physiological and behavioral responses to atmospheric humidity and free water. Diapause intensity, measured by number of days between first instar and molt to second instar, ranged from 7.6 d (Speyeria nokomis) to 40.7 d (Speyeria callippe). Among species, diapause intensity was uncorrelated with egg weight, but within three species (S. nokomis, Speyeria mormonia, and Speyeria zerene), diapause intensity was positively correlated to egg weight. There was significant interspecific variability in the desiccation tolerance of diapause larvae to low (11% RH) humidity. The least and most desiccation-tolerant species, respectively, were S. nokomis (LT50= 1.9 d) and S. callippe (LT50 = 13.6 d). Interspecific desiccation tolerance was uncorrelated with egg weight. Larvae of S. nokomis moved from lower to higher humidity within a humidity gradient, whereas larvae of S. callippe did not move toward higher humidity. Desiccated larvae of S. callippe and S. zerene rehydrated by imbibing free water. Exposure of S. callippe and S. zerene larvae to 100% RH in the absence of free water did not result in a body weight increase, but high humidity conditions reduced the rate of water loss.
Egg Morphology of Key Stored-Product Insect Pests of the United States
Authors: Gautam S G , Opit G P , Margosan D , Tebbets J S , Walse S 
Published: January 2014

AbstractEggs of Carpophilus hemipterus (L.) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae), Lasioderma serricorne (F.) (Coleoptera: Anobiidae), Ephestia elutella (Hiibner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), and Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) were imaged using scanning electron microscopy to explore how respiratory openings on the chorion surface may affect the relative efficacy of fumigation. Each C. hemipterus egg had two aeropyles and no micropyles; A. transitella and L. serricorne eggs had many aeropyles and several micropyles; and each E. elutella egg had many aeropyles and a single micropyle. Our data suggest that gases, including fumigants, differentially diffuse into the eggs of these species, with penetration through aeropyles and micropyles likely occurring to a greater extent in L. serricorne, E. elutella, and A. transitella than in C. hemipterus. Although confirmatory measurements of fumigant diffusion into eggs are needed, these findings suggest that species-specific ovicidal efficacies are related, at least in part, to the surface morphology of eggs and that chorionic respiratory structures differentially affect fumigant penetration and/or uptake.
The Effect of the Gall-Forming Aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Leaf Wing Ontogenesis in Rhus chinensis (Sapindales: Anacardiaceae)
Authors: Liu P , Yang Z X , Chen X M , Foottit R G 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The aphid Schlechtendalia chinensis (Bell) induces large single-chamber galls, called horned galls, on the leaf wings (an extending part of the rachis) of Rhus chinensis Miller. Horned galls are initiated when the fundatrix of S. chinensis feeds on the adaxial surface of the leaf wings. We compared the histology of intact versus galled leaf wings during various developmental stages by observing their histomorphology during their chronological development. We found that at the initiation phase, the outer epidermis and opening zone of the galls had many glandular trichomes and that pallisade tissue was replaced by parenchyma cells. The number of glandular trichomes on the outer epidermis was reduced as galls matured. The latex ducts and vascular elements became denser in the inner gall layer, and closer to the gall cavity. Stomata were found on outer epidermis in all gall developmental stages excluding the initiation phase. The effect of the gall-forming aphid on leaf wing ontogenesis is discussed.
Copper and Zinc Fractionation in Apple Orchard Soil in the Village of Bukevje (Croatia) Using the Revised Four-Step BCR Extraction Procedure
Authors: Medunić Gordana , Juranović Cindrić Iva , Lovrenčić Mikelić Ivanka , Tomašić Nenad , Balen Dražen , Oreščanin Višnja , Kampić Štefica , Ivković Ivana 
Published: January 2014

Abstract The aim of this study was to establish the fractionation of copper and zinc in a small apple orchard using the revised (four-step) Bureau Communautaire de Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure and assess their potential mobility in soil. Soil samples were collected at the depth of 10 cm to 25 cm, sixteen from the orchard and five control samples from a meadow located some 200 m away from the orchard. As the distribution of trace-element concentrations in the control samples was normal, they were used for comparison as background levels. We also determined soil mineralogical composition, carbonate content, soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and soil organic matter. The extraction yields of Cu and Zn from the control soil were lower than from the orchard soil (25 % vs. 34 % and 47 % vs. 52 %, respectively), which pointed to natural processes behind metal bonding in the control soil and greater influence of man-made activities in the orchard soil. Compared to control, the orchard soil had significantly higher concentrations of total Cu (P=0.0009), possibly due to the application of Cu-based fungicides. This assumption was further supported by greater speciation variability of Cu than of zinc, which points to different origins of the two, Cu from pesticides and Zn from the parent bedrock. Copper levels significantly better (P=0.01) correlated with the oxidisable fraction of the orchard soil than of control soil. Residual and organically bound copper and zinc constituted the most important fractions in the studied soils. However, the use of Cu-based fungicides in the apple orchard did not impose environmental and health risk from Cu exposure.
Histological and Cytological Examination of Rat Reproductive Tissue After Short-Time Intermittent Radiofrequency Exposure
Authors: Trošić Ivančica , Mataušić-Pišl Mirjana , Pavičić Ivan , Marjanović Ana Marija 
Published: January 2014

Abstract The unfavourable outcomes of mobile phone use on male fertility have still not been fully elaborated. To establish the potentially adverse effects of everyday exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RF) on humans, we performed a controlled animal study that aimed to investigate the influence of RF radiation on rat testis histology as well as the amount, mobility, and structure of epididymal free sperm cell population. Eighteen adult male rats were divided into two groups of nine. One group comprised sham-exposed control animals, while the other group endured total body irradiation for an hour daily during two weeks. A 915 MHz RF field, power density of 2.4 W m-2 and strength of 30 V m-1 was generated in a Gigahertz Transversal Electromagnetic chamber. The specific absorption rate (SAR) was 0.6 W kg-1. Body mass and temperature were measured before and after each exposure treatment. Immediately after the last exposure, the animals were sacrificed and testes removed and prepared for histological analysis. The free sperm cells were collected from the cauda epididymis and their quantity, quality, and morphology were microscopically determined using a haemocytometer. No statistically significant alteration in any of the endpoints was observed. This study found no evidence of an unfavourable effect of the applied RF radiation on testicular function or structure. Based on these results, we can conclude that short-time intermittent exposure to RF radiation does not represent a significant risk factor for rat reproductive functions.
Comparison of Two Methods for the Estimation of Stability of Copper(II) Bis-Complexes with Aromatic Ligands Relevant to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Miličević Ante , Raos Nenad 
Published: January 2014

Abstract In order to compare the density functional theory (DFT) and the method with the molecular valence connectivity index of the 3rd order (3χv) in the estimation of stability constants log β2, we used copper(II) complexes with thioflavin-based intercalation compounds designed for application in Alzheimer’s disease. Correlation of ten log β2 values calculated by DFT with 3χv yielded r=0.988 and S.E.=0.85. The correlations of indices ING, HOMA and 3χv with log β2, and the intercorrelations between the indices revealed the crucial influence of 3χv on the prediction of the stability of these complexes.
Quantitative and qualitative petrophysical characteristics of main dolomite subfacies in pleogeographical zones
Authors: Semyrka Roman 
Published: January 2014

Streszczenie
Analiza mikrofacjalna wraz ze szczegółową analizą sedymentologiczną umożliwiły wydzielenie na oma- wianym obszarze środowisk depozycyjnych dolomitu głównego oraz określenie odrębnych subfacji. W obrębie analizowanego obszaru w strefie bariery węglanowej utwory dolomitu głównego, wykształcone w subfacji bandstonów, prezentują typ skały zbiornikowej o charakterze porowym w klasie bardzo niskiej, niskiej pojemności dla gazu i bardzo niskiej dla ropy. W obrębie strefy równi platformowej dolomit główny tej subfacji ma charakter skały zbiornikowej typu porowego niskiej i średniej klasy pojemnościowej dla gazu| i niskiej dla ropy. Subfacja utworów mułozwięzłych dolomitu głównego w strefie podnóża platformy węglanowej reprezentuje typ skały zbiornikowej o niskiej, sporadycznie średniej pojemności dla gazu i bardzo niskiej i niskiej dla ropy, przy porowym lub porowo-szczelinowym wykształceniu przestrzeni porowej. Podobne cechy zbiornikowe subfacja ta wykazuje w obrębie strefy bariery węglanowej, gdzie wyniki analiz porozymetrycznych kwalifikują ją do skał zbiornikowych bardzo niskiej i niskiej pojemności dla gazu i bardzo niskiej dla ropy, o charakterze porowym i porowo-szczelinowym. Subfacja utworów ziarnozwięzłych, w obszarze strefy podnóża platformy węglanowej charakteryzuje się średnią i wysoką pojemnością zarówno dla gazu jak i ropy, o typie przestrzeni zbiornikowej porowej i szcze- linowo-porowej. W strefie bariery węglanowej cechy te są bardzo zróżnicowane, od niskiej pojemności do wysokiej dla gazu, oraz niskiej i bardzo niskiej dla ropy, przy porowym i porowo-szczelinowym charakterze przestrzeń i zbiornikowej. W obszarze równi platformowej dolomit główny reprezentuje głównie porowy charakter przestrzeni porowej, w klasie średniej pojemności dla gazu i niskiej dla ropy.