Starch granular size and multi-scale structure determine population patterns in bivariate flow cytometry sorting.

Bivariate flow cytometry (FC) sorting with forward scatter (FSC) and side scatter (SSC) is a recently established novel technique to separate starch granules. However, the forming mechanism of starch FC-dependent population patterns (i.e. the number of subgroups (NS) and FSC/SSC-dependent distribution patterns) remain partly elusive. For this, the correlation of granular size and multi-scale structure of native starches and FC-dependent population patterns was investigated through employing a wide range of native starches originating from different species involving cereal-, pulse-, and tuber crops. Results showed NS was pertinent with particle size, amylose content (AC), amylopectin chains length distribution, lamellar structure, short-range ordered structure. The distinct NS was determined by impacts of native starch FSC / SSC-dependent distribution patterns. Specifically, starch granular size significantly correlated with both FSC and SSC-dependent distribution patterns. The proportion of chains with DP 6-12 was the intra-molecular decisive factor to influence short-range ordered structure, finally leading to FSC-dependent distribution patterns. By contrast, AC was another intra-molecular index to determine SSC-dependent distribution patterns through affecting lamellar structure and short-range ordered structure.

Notas sobre los factores naturales y culturales en el desarrollo sociopolítico prehispánico en el extremo noroeste de Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Introducción: El estudio interdisciplinario de los patrones de ocupación y desarrollo de la sociedad humana en tiempos prehispánicos es tenue en la zona del volcán Orosí. El contexto ambiental es usualmente descrito para ilustrar patrones de subsistencia, sin mayor propósito de establecer formas de relación con los cambios que se vislumbran en la composición sociopolítica de los pobladores. Objetivo: En este trabajo, se explora la posibilidad de ilustrar instancias de relación entre los cambios que detecta el registro arqueológico, con potenciales factores naturales y culturales, según se destacan en los aportes de otras disciplinas científicas. Métodos: Una muestra de 111 componentes culturales identificados en sitios arqueológicos fue examinada en cuanto a su localización geográfica en diversos ecosistemas y su posición cronológica, respecto de los períodos culturales definidos en la región de Guanacaste. Resultados: Los componentes arqueológicos se confrontan con diversos factores naturales y culturales que habría incidido como agentes de cambio. Se analizaron las instancias de relación y se valoraron sus efectos por períodos, cubriendo tiempos precerámicos y cerámicos. Conclusiones: Se identifica como agentes naturales de cambio a la calidad de suelos, el tipo de clima, pero, ante todo, destacan los procesos culturales como el intercambio de productos, desarrollo de la agricultura y los movimientos migratorios de la población.

Introduction: Interdisciplinary studies on ancient occupation patterns and the development of human society in the Orosí Volcano region are few. Environmental data are included in archaeological studies of specific sites, mainly to illustrate the likely availability of local subsistence resources, with little regard for biodiversity linked to altitude and an array of different geomorphic areas. Effects surging from volcanic activity and tectonics are largely dispensed. Incidence of all these natural phenomena is rarely considered as agents of sociopolitical changes. Objective: Herein a search is performed in order to detect and illustrate instances of the relationship between sociopolitical change detected by archaeology and diverse natural and cultural factors as described by other scientific disciplines. Methods: A sample of 111 cultural components in archaeological sites were examined in terms of their geographical location, ecological context and chronological position along the periods of the cultural sequence in the Guanacaste region. Results: As settlement models, the archaeological data are confronted with diverse natural and cultural factors looking for their potential incidence as agents for sociopolitical change. Instances of relationship are examined and their apparent effects are evaluated for each period, both in preceramic and ceramic times. Conclusions: Both soil quality and climate are identified as important factors for change and development. Yet, largely salient are distinct cultural factors, namely the exchange of products, agriculture and migration processes.

Is Planting Trees Enough? The Effect of Different Types of Reforestation on the Offspring of Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) lactitarse (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in the Southern Amazon.

The deforestation has led to local loss of species and important ecosystem services performed by them, causing ecological and economic losses. It is proposed that the reforestation of such areas aims to reduce those impacts. However, particularly in the tropics, little is known about the real success of different types of reforestation in the recovery of the species, and especially of the population parameters. Here we evaluated whether different types of reforestations affect Trypoxylon (Trypargilum) lactitarse Saussure (Hymenoptera: Crabronidae) in terms of abundance, percentage of emergence, proportion of males, fluctuating asymmetry, and foraging capacity. We compared primary forest (control) data to data collected in five different habitats: pasture, secondary forest, and tree plantations of Teak, Ficus, and a mixture of native species. The abundance of T. lactitarse was higher in tree plantations than in pasture. However, among the analyzed parameters, Teak plantation presented lower emergence percentage and the majority of individuals born were males. The emerged females in this habitat showed higher asymmetry and lower foraging capacity. Ficus showed lower individual abundance and mixed plantation showed lower emergence percentage, with both plantation types showing higher male emergence. On the other hand, in secondary forest, the analyzed parameters did not differ in relation to the primary forest, being the habitat more efficient in relation to those with tree planting. The changes in population parameters of T. lactitarse in different reforestations and particularly on Teak monocultures were probably attributed to indirect effects, such as low food availability and inadequate environmental conditions.