2,838 research outputs found
Worker policing by egg eating in the ponerine ant Pachycondyla inversa
We investigated worker policing by egg eating in the ponerine ant Pachycondyla inversa, a species with
morphologically distinct queens and workers. Colonies were split into one half with the queen and one
half without. Workers in queenless colony fragments started laying unfertilized male eggs after three weeks.
Worker-laid eggs and queen-laid eggs were introduced into five other queenright colonies with a single
queen and three colonies with multiple queens, and their fate was observed for 30 min. Significantly more
worker-laid eggs (range of 35â62%, mean of 46%) than queen-laid eggs (range of 5â31%, mean of 15%)
were eaten by workers in single-queen colonies, and the same trend was seen in multiple-queen colonies.
This seems to be the first well-documented study of ants with a distinct caste polymorphism to show that
workers kill worker-laid eggs in preference to queen-laid eggs. Chemical analyses showed that the surfaces
of queen-laid and worker-laid eggs have different chemical profiles as a result of different relative proportions
of several hydrocarbons. Such differences might provide the information necessary for differential
treatment of eggs. One particular alkane, 3,11-dimeC27, was significantly more abundant on the surfaces
of queen-laid eggs. This substance is also the most abundant compound on the cuticles of egg layers
Alternative reproductive strategies: a queen perspective in ants
Ant colonies are commonly thought to have a stable and simple family structure, with one or a few egg-laying queens and their worker daughters. However, recent genetic studies reveal that the identity of breeding queens can vary over time within colonies. In several species, some queens are apparently specialized to enter established colonies instead of initiating a new colony on their own. The previously overlooked occurrence of queen turnover within colonies has important consequences not only on the genetic structure and nature of kin conflict within colonies, but also on the evolution of social parasitism
Playing Multiple Positions: Student-Athlete Identity Salience and Conflict
Student-athletes enact dual roles, as students and athletes, and hold corresponding identities. The salience of these identities and conflict between them have implications for student-athlete wellness. The purpose of this study was to (a) gain insight into organizational and individual characteristics associated with identity salience, by examining student-athletes across universities; and (b) shed light on situations of identity salience and conflict for student-athletes. We conducted a survey study of student-athletes across 17 universities that captured both quantitative and qualitative data. Our results reveal a relationship between identity salience and individual performance (academic and athletic) and university ranking. Further, we found an interaction between athlete and student identity salience, such that identifying strongly as a student, athlete, both, or neither has implications for conflict. Finally, by unpacking situations of identity salience and conflict, we show similarities and differences across student-athletesâ experiences. This study has implications for universities and athletic departments
Evaluation of large-eddy simulations forced with mesoscale model output for a multi-week period during a measurement campaign
Large-eddy simulations (LESs) of a multi-week period during the HD(CP)2 (High-Definition Clouds and Precipitation for advancing Climate Prediction) Observational Prototype Experiment (HOPE) conducted in Germany are evaluated with respect to mean boundary layer quantities and turbulence statistics. Two LES models are used in a semi-idealized setup through forcing with mesoscale model output to account for the synoptic-scale conditions. Evaluation is performed based on the HOPE observations. The mean boundary layer characteristics like the boundary layer depth are in a principal agreement with observations. Simulating shallow-cumulus layers in agreement with the measurements poses a challenge for both LES models. Variance profiles agree satisfactorily with lidar measurements. The results depend on how the forcing data stemming from mesoscale model output are constructed. The mean boundary layer characteristics become less sensitive if the averaging domain for the forcing is large enough to filter out mesoscale fluctuations. © Author(s) 2017.BMBF/01LK1203BBMBF/01LK1203
Emotion Knowledge, Loneliness, Negative Social Experiences, and Internalizing Symptoms Among Lowâincome Preschoolers
Children with poor emotion knowledge (EK) skills are at risk for externalizing problems; less is known about early internalizing behavior. We examined multiple facets of EK and socialâemotional experiences relevant for internalizing difficulties, including loneliness, victimization, and peer rejection, in Head Start preschoolers (N = 134; M = 60âmonths). Results based on multiple informants suggest that facets of EK are differentially related to negative socialâemotional experiences and internalizing behavior and that sex plays a moderating role. Behavioral EK was associated with selfâreported loneliness, victimization/rejection, and parentâreported internalizing symptoms. Emotion recognition and expressive EK were related to selfâreported loneliness, and emotion situation knowledge was related to parentâreported internalizing symptoms and negative peer nominations. Sex moderated many of these associations, suggesting that EK may operate differently for girls vs. boys in the preschool social context. Results are discussed with regard to the role of EK for social development and intervention implications.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/110878/1/sode12083.pd
First On-Sky High Contrast Imaging with an Apodizing Phase Plate
We present the first astronomical observations obtained with an Apodizing
Phase Plate (APP). The plate is designed to suppress the stellar diffraction
pattern by 5 magnitudes from 2-9 lambda/D over a 180 degree region. Stellar
images were obtained in the M' band (4.85 microns) at the MMTO 6.5m telescope,
with adaptive wavefront correction made with a deformable secondary mirror
designed for low thermal background observations. The measured PSF shows a halo
intensity of 0.1% of the stellar peak at 2 lambda/D (0.36 arcsec), tapering off
as r^{-5/3} out to radius 9 lambda/D. Such a profile is consistent with
residual errors predicted for servo lag in the AO system.
We project a 5 sigma contrast limit, set by residual atmospheric
fluctuations, of 10.2 magnitudes at 0.36 arcsec separation for a one hour
exposure. This can be realised if static and quasi-static aberrations are
removed by differential imaging, and is close to the sensitivity level set by
thermal background photon noise for target stars with M'>3. The advantage of
using the phase plate is the removal of speckle noise caused by the residuals
in the diffraction pattern that remain after PSF subtraction. The APP gives
higher sensitivity over the range 2-5 lambda/D compared to direct imaging
techniques.Comment: 22 pages, 5 figures, 1 table, ApJ accepte
Discoveries and challenges en route to swinhoeisterolâ A
In this work, a full account of the authorsâ synthetic studies is reported that culminated in the first synthesis of 13(14â8),14(8â7)diabeoâsteroid swinhoeisterolâ
A as well as the related dankasterones A and B, 13(14â8)abeoâsteroids, and periconiastoneâ
A, a 13(14â8)abeoâ4,14âcycloâsteroid. Experiments are described in detail that provided further insight into the mechanism of the switchable radical framework reconstruction approach. By discussing failed strategies and tactics towards swinhoeisterolâ
A, the successful route that also allowed an access to structurally closely related analogues, such as Î22â24âepiâswinhoeisterolâ
A, is eventually presented
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