Resource utilization, overlap and temporal dynamics in a guild of mountain stream insects

SUMMARY 1. Resource utilization was quantified for six mayfly (Ephemeroptera) and one caddis (Trichoptera) species comprising a lotic scraper/collector-gatherer guild across three niche dimensions (temporal, trophic and spatial). Based on trophic differences and inferred microspatial utilization, the members of this guild separated into two groups: (1) cryptic detritivores and (2) exposed algivores.
2. Each species demonstrated a slow seasonal univoltine life cycle except for Epeorus longimanus (Eaton) and Baetis iricaudatus (Dodds) which were fast seasonal univoltine and multivoltine, respectively.
3. Temporal sequencing of periods of peak resource utilization were not demonstrated by the members of this guild. A null analysis indicated that periods of peak resource utilization were aggregated.     

Storage of samples infected with lettuce or cucumber mosaic viruses prior to testing by ELISA

Methods of processing and storing lettuce mosaic and cucumber mosaic virus infected tissues prior to ELISA have been examined. Virus antigen detection was highest in samples homogenised in phosphate inoculation buffer (1% K₂HPO₄, 0.1% Na₂SO₃) and stored at either — 20°C or — 196°C. Detection was poor in samples homogenised in phosphate buffered saline prior to storage and in samples of all treatments stored at 4°C. Freeze-dried leaf segments retained a high concentration of antigen, as did freeze-dried homogenates of samples prepared in inoculation buffer. Higher levels of antigen were detected in samples stored as whole leaves at 4°C for 24 h before processing, than in samples stored as leaf segments during this period.     

Sutural inversion in a heteromorph ammonite and its implication for septal formation

The first known sutural inversion in ammonoids occurred in the adolescent stage of a late Cretaceous Glyptonoceras subcompressum (Forbes). Inversion has affected all folioles and lobules which are convex adapically instead of adorally, but not the tie-points from which they are 'suspended' and which shape the principal saddle and lobes. The ventral median saddle is also normal due to its proximity to the siphuncle. The partially inverted sutures are also strongly approximated. This suggests that, in this instance, body advance was mainly by muscular pull against a negative pressure differential of cameral liquid to 'ambient' body pressure across the septal mantle, owing to insufficient liquid in the newly forming chamber. Conversely, a slightly positive pressure differential is inferred for normal ammonitic septum formation. In spite of reversal, the length of folioles and lobules remains constant, indicating the existence of a 'permanent' sinuous attachment band resembling the posterior aponeurosis of Nautilus , with tie-points for primary wall attachment.     

The ‘wet–dry’ in the wet–dry tropics drives river ecosystem structure and processes in northern Australia

1. Northern Australia is characterised by a tropical wet–dry climate that regulates the distinctive character of river flow regimes across the region. There is marked hydrological seasonality, with most flow occurring over only a few months of the year during the wet season. Flow is also characterised by high variability between years, and in the degree of flow cessation, or intermittency, over the dry season. 2. At present, the relatively low human population density and demand for water in the region means that most rivers have largely unmodified flow regimes. These rivers therefore provide a good opportunity to understand the role of natural flow variability in river ecosystem structure and processes. 3. This review describes the major flow regime classes characterising northern Australian rivers, from perennial to seasonally intermittent to extremely intermittent, and how these regimes give rise to marked differences in the ecological character of these tropical rivers, particularly their floodplains. 4. We describe the key features of these flow regimes, namely the wet and dry seasons and the transitions between these seasons, and how they regulate the biophysical heterogeneity, primary productivity and movement of biota in Australia’s wet–dry tropical rivers. 5. We develop a conceptual model that predicts the likely hydrological and ecological consequences of future increases in water abstraction (e.g. for agriculture), and suggest how such impacts can be managed so that the distinctive ecological character of these rivers is maintained.     

The effect of transfer from low to high temperatures on losses of stored bulb onions (Allium cepa)

The effect of transferring onion bulbs from low to high temperatures during storage was investigated. It was found that the later transfer was made the lower was the weight loss per bulb but the greater the loss from sprouting. The lowest total loss observed was 37% by May following transfer in January.