THE INFLUENCE OF FLOWER COLOR ON OUTCROSSING RATE AND MALE REPRODUCTIVE SUCCESS IN IPOMOEA PURPUREA

Experimental populations of the annual plant, Ipomoea purpurea, composed of individuals belonging to two flower color morphs were studied to determine the effect of flower color on outcrossing rate and reproductive success as a male parent. Analyses of parent and offspring genotypes show that the pigmented and white morphs outcross at similar rates, but that the white morph is favored as a pollen donor. The result suggests that the dynamics of selection occurring at the locus coding for white versus pigmented flowers are more complex than previously believed. Factors such as frequency-dependent outcrossing rates and epistatic effects of the white allele may be operating. The results also suggest that pollinator observations are unreliable indicators of the actual mating system.     

The Good Farmer: Morality,Expertise, and Articulations of Whiteness in Zimbabwe

ABSTRACT

In Zimbabwe, land has always been a visible index of racial domination and oppression. Following independence in 1980, the redistribution of white property to black farmers emerged as one of the most contentious battlegrounds for refiguring citizenship and nationhood. This article explores how white farmers in a small community in western Zimbabwe fought to establish claims to belonging as they faced the threat of imminent land reform at the turn of the millennium. Drawing upon Tania Li’s concept of articulation [2000. “Articulating Indigenous Identity in Indonesia: Resource Politics and the Tribal Slot.” Comparative Studies in Society and History 42 (1): 149–179], I suggest that farmers constructed themselves both as moral subjects who cared for the environment, and skilled subjects with the technical know-how to safeguard and maximise the country’s resources. In the absence of claims to indigeneity, farmers attempted to offset their own compromised morality by invoking the language of expertise. By examining this intersection between morality and expertise, I argue that white farmers in Zimbabwe brought together logics typically imagined to be distinct as a strategy to claim moral belonging while obscuring the historical and political factors that threatened to void those same claims.     

京郊草坪蛴螬的种类和为害特点

2004–2006年,在北京及周边地区对草坪生产基地、绿化草坪、高尔夫球场草坪及运动场草坪地下害虫蛴螬种类和为害进行了调查。共鉴定蛴螬2 220头,隶属2亚科10属17种,其中华北大黑鳃金龟、黄褐丽金龟和铜绿丽金龟是重要的为害种。提供了鉴别特征图和北京地区草坪蛴螬种类检索表。     

White blood cell count and adherence in sportsmen and non-training subjects

The white blood cell count and differential white blood cell count as well as the adherence of these cells were determined in 31 young clinically healthy men not participating actively in any sports and in 32 footballers belonging to third league sports clubs. In the group of footballers the determinations were carried out twice: in the initial period and then at the end of the highest-form period of the one-year training cycle. In the footballers in relation to the control group the total white blood cell count was raised, the differential count showed a shift in favour of neutrophils, eosinophils and monocytes at the expense of lymphocytes. The lymphocyte adherence was significantly decreased.     

Extensive colonization of apples by smut anamorphs causes a new postharvest disorder

Colonization of apples by ballistoconidium-forming fungi causes a new disorder, here named 'white haze'. White haze may occur in mild form in the field, but only becomes problematic after Ultra-Low Oxygen storage, and, therefore, may be considered as a postharvest disorder. All isolates, obtained using the spore-fall method, were morphologically identified as anamorphs of smut fungi belonging to the genus Tilletiopsis. Sequence analysis of the D1/D2 and the ITS domains of the rDNA revealed nine novel taxa scattered among the Exobasidiomycetidae (Ustilaginomycetes). Field experiments confirmed the erratic incidence of white haze over the years, and the development of the disorder seems to be enhanced at lower temperatures and a high relative humidity. Several scab fungicide treatments showed diminishing effects on the incidence of white haze.     

Scanning Electron Microscope Observation on Endosperm Starch Grain Cnaracters in Orvza sativa subsp. Hsien

Scanning electron microscope observation on the characters of endosperm starch grains of wild rice anti seventeen hsien rice varieties belonging to first and second season cropping indicated that endosperm starch grains of hsien rice generally were polyhedron in sharp and edgy angle indistinct of polyhedron, individual starch grain nearly subrounded in the parts called white belly and white centre. General diameters are in an extent of 3.3–9.3 mm. The shapes of the endosperm starch grains between wild rice and cultivars are similar and sizes leas than hsien rice varieties, but the sizes of the endosperm starch grains of the first eropp4ng axe large than those of the second cropping. The shapes of endosperm starch grains of the varieties to have good exterior quality are polyhedron and structures are arranged closely, Hance, it can be primarily distinguished the good quality of grains from the poor by observation on the endosperm starch grains of varieties.     

Genetic structure and differentiation of the Japanese extremely long-tailed chicken breed (Onagadori), associated with plumage colour variation: suggestions for its management and conservation

The Onagadori is a distinguished chicken breed that is characterized by an extremely long tail in the male. In this breed, three different plumage colour varieties have been developed (black-breasted white, black-breasted red and white) in which the black-breasted white is believed to be the original colour of the Onagadori, based on historical records. To establish a conservation strategy, 176 birds were genotyped for autosomal microsatellites. Significant genetic distinctness was found between the original (black-breasted white) and two derivative varieties ( F _ST = 0.091 and 0.093). At the same time, a Bayesian model-based clustering revealed that the majority of individuals belonging to the black-breasted red and white varieties had an extremely low proportion of the genome shared with the original type (black-breasted white). This suggests that derivative varieties were created by crossing with other breeds, with low introgression of the original-type genome. We propose that the three plumage colour varieties should be treated as separate genetic units in a conservation programme.     

Obviousness: the unexpected benefit of phenotypic dissimilarity

Ethnoraciality research consistently purports that phenotypic similarity to a reference majority benefits individual identification with a group; a notion reinforced by social identity theory. I present a counterpoint to this supposition. In-depth interviews with 101 white, black, Asian, Latino/a, and multiracial Jewish converts in three metropolitan areas show that converts who least resemble Jewish phenotypic stereotypes attain a sense of belonging within Jewishness most easily. Converts who are phenotypically similar to a Jewish prototype are tempted to pass as Jewish by birth, and those who engage in passing experience sustained anxiousness about being outsiders. Converts who are phenotypically dissimilar from the prototype do not see passing as an option, and thus bypass equivalently-sustained anxiousness and immediately work toward attaining a sense of belonging. Departing from the literature’s expectations, this case suggests that, when it releases pressure to fit a group prototype, obvious phenotypic dissimilarity can have a beneficial identificational effect.     

Granular biogenic amine-containing cells of the rat endometrium as components of the system of mononuclear phagocytes

To 10 non-inbred white mature rats 24 h before sacrifice 7.0 ml of Indian ink colloid solution has been injected intraperitoneally. Histochemical reactions of Falk-Hillarp (catecholamines, serotonin) have been performed on nonfixed cryostat slices of the uterus, those of Cross, Even, Rost (histamine) against non-specific esterase and acid phosphatase. Before carrying out these reactions, the slices have been examined under luminescent microscope LUMAM-I3 by means of luminescent and usual illumination in order to reveal cells, possessing autoluminiscence and containing phagocyted Indian ink particles. Presence of autoluminescence, phagocyted material, catecholamines and serotonin, histamine, nonspecific esterase, acid phosphotase, prostaglandin E2 in the same granular cells of the rat endometrium have been stated. All cellular properties revealed are specific for macrophages. A conclusion is made that granular biogenic amine-containing cells of endometrium can be considered as belonging to the system of mononuclear phagocytes.     

Behavioural pattern in cyprinid fish below a weir as detected by radio telemetry

Changes in the behaviour of cyprinids belonging to different ecology groups were observed below a weir that was restricting their upstream migrations during the spawning period May–July. Positions of chub Leuciscus cephalus (L.), Prussian carp Carrasius auratus gibelio (Bloch 1783), bream Abramis brama (L.) and white bream Blicca bjoerkna (L.) were recorded every 12 min over a 24‐h period using an automatic data logger (ALS) in the upper Elbe River, Czech Republic. For all observed species, two activity peaks occurred; however, the interspecies timing of these peaks differed. Peak times for chub, bream and white bream occurred at night and during daylight, whereas Prussian carp was active mostly at night. Specimens belonging to the rheophilous group suggested more efficient behavioural tactics in passing the weir, staying below the obstacle one month longer than did eurytopic species.     

Social compatibility in a newly formed all‐male group of white crowned mangabeys (Cercocebus atys lunulatus)

Surplus males in primate captive populations are a common problem for zoos. Some captive breeding programs promote all‐male groups as an adequate option to house surplus males, but there have been few attempts to assess the feasibility of this management technique across primate species. The present study provides preliminary data regarding social compatibility within a newly formed all‐male group of four white crowned mangabeys (Cercocebus atys lunulatus). The study was conducted at the Valencia Zoo (Spain), where data on social behavior were collected over 6 months using continuous focal animal sampling for a total of 87 hr of observation. Results show that low intensity aggressive behaviors (facial threats) were expressed at high rates, whereas physical aggression (fights) rarely occurred. Aggression was more frequent among individuals belonging to the same age–gender class. Regarding affiliative behaviors, every individual actively sought proximity to all other group members through positive approaches, and although not all males carried out social grooming, every male was groomed by at least one group member. Our results suggest that the group was compatible socially because social relationships among the individuals were not neutral, and physical aggression occurred at low rates. The present study provides preliminary data supporting the feasibility of all‐male groups as a management option for surplus males in captive populations of white crowned mangabeys. Nevertheless, further studies are needed to be able to generalize both within and across species. Zoo Biol 0:1–7, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.     

大兴安岭林区多孔菌的区系组成与种群结构

本文在过去10 a野外调查和室内鉴定及分析研究的基础上,对大兴安岭林区多孔菌的区系组成和种群结构进行了分析,发现大兴安岭林区的多孔菌具有较高的多样性,共有5目11科56属129种,占中国多孔菌区系的21.36%,优势科是多孔菌科。种的区系地理成分分为7类,以北温带成分和世界广布成分为主,具有明显的北温带成分的区系特征。大兴安岭的多孔菌常见种较多,种群结构中共生菌3种,寄生菌27种,腐生菌占大多数,有99种。在能够引起木材腐朽的126种真菌中,白腐菌93种,占多数,褐腐菌33种,占少数,但该地区褐腐菌所占比例明显高于全国范围内褐腐菌在多孔菌中的比例。通过对大兴安岭主要树种上的种群结构进行比较,表明阔叶树上的木材腐朽菌绝大部分是白色腐朽菌,而针叶树上的白腐菌与褐腐菌数量相差不大,褐腐菌对于针叶林特别是落叶松的更新具有非常重要的作用。     

Bearing the burden of whiteness: the implications of racial self-identification for multiracial adolescents' school belonging and academic achievement

Previous literature on racial self-identification among multiracials demonstrates that self-identification differs by context. Moreover, among multiracial adolescents, identity, usually measured in school, is correlated with achievement. In addition, a few studies have indicated that for half-white, half-minority adolescents, school achievement falls in between the achievements of their monoracial counterparts. Using the in-school and in-home components of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health), we examine the relationship between racial self-identification and school belonging and achievement. We find that among black/white and Asian/white adolescents, adolescents who self-identify as white are particularly disadvantaged in school, reporting lower grade point averages (GPA) than their multiracial counterparts. Our conclusions suggest that multiple contextual measures of self-identification better capture the relationship between racial identification and academic achievement among multiracial adolescents.     

Study of color variation in the solitary ascidian Halocynthia roretzi, collected in the Inland Sea of Japan

In the vicinity of Yashiro Island in the Inland Sea of Japan, the solitary ascidian (tunicate) Halocynthia roretzi with tunics of various colors were collected. Samples of these animals were sorted into three groups on the basis of visual observation of tunic color. The red group includes animals with dark-red, light-red, or orange tunics. The pink group includes animals with tunic colors ranging between red and white. The white group includes only animals with completely white tunics. Animals in the white group lacked color internally, with the exception of the hepatopancreas and the gonads in breeding season; the epidermis and gill basket were white. In contrast, animals of both the red group and the pink group were colored internally, with red-orange epidermis and yellow gill basket. Alloreactivity was tested by mixed-hemocyte incubation between different animals belonging to the same color group and between animals belonging to different color groups. Alloreactivity between animals of the white group was 56.3%, between animals of the pink group was 60.0%, and between animals of the red group was 69.3%. The relatively high frequency of compatible combinations among the white animals is discussed.     

Specialization for hawkmoth and long-proboscid fly pollination in Zaluzianskya section Nycterinia (Scrophulariaceae)

The evolution of pollination systems has been investigated in Zaluzianskya section Nycterinia (Scrophulariaceae), a group characterized by very long-tubed flowers (up to 60 mm) that open either only at night (19 species) or during the day (one species). Field observations of three species: Z. natalensis , Z. elongata and Z. pulvinata , revealed that their flowers are pollinated shortly after dusk by hawkmoths. Further observations showed that Z. microsiphon , the sole species to have flowers that open only during the day, is pollinated exclusively by long-proboscid flies belonging to the family Nemestrinidae. A phylogenetic analysis of Z. sect. Nycterinia based on morphological characters indicates that Z. microsiphon evolved within a clade of night-flowering species. The shift from hawkmoth to long-proboscid fly pollination in Zaluzianskya was probably facilitated because long corolla tubes, white petals and dilute nectar in hawkmoth-pollinated flowers are pre-adaptations for pollination by long-proboscid flies. However, the autapomorphic features of Z. microsiphon , such as zygomorphy, diurnal flower anthesis and lack of scent, can be regarded as adaptations for long-proboscid fly pollination. Breeding system experiments on Z. natalensis and Z. microsiphon revealed the existence of genetic self-incompatibility. © 2002 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 138 , 17–27.     

Habitat Specialization by Birds in Western Amazonian White‐sand Forests

In the Peruvian Amazon, white‐sand forests are patchily distributed and restricted to a few localities in the North. Although recent studies have documented patterns of habitat specialization by plants in these unique forests, very few studies of the fauna of these habitats have been conducted. The species composition of the avifauna of the white‐sand forests at six localities in the region was sampled by conducting transects and point counts. Surrounding habitats were also sampled to compare avifaunal communities and to determine the degree of restriction of bird species to white‐sand habitats. Non‐metric multidimensional scaling analysis showed that bird communities of white‐sand forests were more similar to each other than they were to terra firme or flooded forest communities. Sites on either side of the Amazon‐Marañón barrier were the most similar within habitat type consistent with the hypothesis that these rivers represent a major biogeographic barrier. Twenty‐six species, belonging to 13 families, were to some degree specialized to white‐sand forests. This is the first comprehensive ornithological assessment carried out on these habitats in Peru. The high degree of habitat specialization found in these 26 bird species highlights the need for conservation and management measures that will protect white‐sand forests.     

Excision of transposable elements from the chalcone isomerase and dihydroflavonol 4-reductase genes may contribute to the variegation of the yellow-flowered carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

In the "Rhapsody" cultivar of the carnation, which bears white flowers variegated with red flecks and sectors, a transposable element, dTdic1, belonging to the Ac/Ds superfamily, was found within the dihydroflavonol 4-reductase (DFR) gene. The red flecks and sectors of "Rhapsody" may be attributable to a reversion to DFR activity after the excision of dTdic1. The yellow color of the carnation petals is attributed to the synthesis and accumulation of chalcone 2'-glucoside. In several of the carnation cultivars that bear yellow flowers variegated with white flecks and sectors, both the chalcone isomerase (CHI) and DFR genes are disrupted by dTdic1.     

Virulence of Streptococcus pneumoniae strains belonging to different serovars

The study of the virulence of 352 S. pneumoniae strains isolated from patients with inflammatory lung diseases revealed that their virulence depended, to a certain extent, on the state of the polysaccharide capsule of streptococci, as among 299 typed cultures 38.1% were virulent, while out of 53 nontypable strains of these bacteria only 8 strains (15.1%) proved to be highly pathogenic for white mice and all S. pneumoniae R-forms proved to be avirulent. All 11 S. pneumoniae strains under study belonging to serovars 1 and 2 and 87% of the cultures belonging to serovar 3, isolated from patients with inflammatory lung diseases in Leningrad, were highly virulent. The characteristic feature of S. pneumoniae cultures of other serotypes was their wide spectrum of pathogenicity. S. pneumoniae cultures isolated from the spinal fluid of patients with pneumococcal meningitis also differed in their pathogenicity levels but strains highly pathogenic for mice prevailed.     

Microbial flora on doctors' white coats.

OBJECTIVE--To determine the level and type of microbial contamination present on the white coats of doctors in order to assess the risk of transmission of pathogenic micro-organisms by this route in a hospital setting. DESIGN--Cross sectional survey of the bacterial contamination of white coats in a general hospital. SETTING--East Birmingham Hospital, an urban general hospital with 800 beds. SUBJECTS--100 doctors of different grades and specialties. RESULTS--The cuffs and pockets of the coats were the most highly contaminated areas. The level of bacterial contamination did not vary with the length of time a coat had been in use, but it increased with the degree of usage by the individual doctor. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from a quarter of the coats examined, more commonly from those belonging to doctors in surgical specialties than medical specialties. Pathogenic Gram negative bacilli and other pathogenic bacteria were not isolated. CONCLUSIONS--White coats are a potential source of cross infection, especially in surgical areas. Scrupulous hand washing should be observed before and after attending patients and it may be advisable to remove the white coat and put on a plastic apron before examining wounds. There is little microbiological reason for recommending a more frequent change of white coat than once a week, nor for excluding the wearing of white coats in non-clinical areas.