Morphology of the regiones ethmoidalis and orbitotemporalis in Galea musteloides Meyen 1832 and Kerodon rupestris (Wied-Neuwied 1820) (Rodentia: Caviidae) with comments on the phylogenetic systematics of the Caviidae

The present study describes the fetal regions ethmoidalis and orbitotemporalis of the cranium of Galea musteloides and Kerodon rupestris and compares them with Galea spixii and Cavia porcellus . The fetal crania of these representatives of the Caviinae were serially sectioned and 3D plate reconstructions were built. For a broader scope, serially sectioned heads of the caviomorph taxa Hydrochaeris hydrochaeris and Dasyprocta leporina were also examined. The ethmoidal and orbitotemporal regions of the cranium provides characters that are pertinent to the discussion of systematics of the Caviinae. Nine cranial characters were identified as being significant and discussed phylogenetically. Taking the monophyly of the Cavioidea as given, two characters are autapomorphic for the genus Galea: the reduction of the crista semicircularis and the lacrimale forming the 'arco antorbitario' (Kraglievich 1930). Cavia is the sister group of Galea; synapomorphic characters are the extent of the processus palatinus medialis of the praemaxillare and the presence lamina pterygoidea of the alisphenoid. There were no apomorphic characters of the structural complexes examined that could support the Caviinae. The reduced and nonperforated alisphenoid is an autapomorphic feature of the Caviidae. The division of the nasoturbinale is evidence for a sistergroup relationship of the Hydrochaeridae and the Caviidae. Autapomorphic characters for the Cavioidea include the ventrolateral opening of the organon vomeronasale and the lateral prolongation of the lacrimale.     

Style v dans le bassin du Douro: Tradition et changement dans les graphies des chasseurs du Paléolithique Supérieur européen

The documentation of some figures of hoofed in Siega Verde on panels of palaeolithic style and its stylistic references in the whole south of Europe, constitutes the starting point of the reflection on the presence of style v in the outdoors sites of the peninsular occident. In the Douro's region exists a richer documentation than the habitual in Europe: the outdoors panels of Côa and Siega Verde, the engravings on palaeolithic figures of La Griega, the paintings with direct chronologies of Ojo Guareña, the decorated plaquettes of the level 4 of Fariseu and the pebbles and plaquettes of Estebanvela. Painting in the caverns, outdoors and cave engravings and mobile art, with good references of absolute chronology between 11,500 BP and 9000 BP that confirm the continuity of the Palaeolithic art. If we compare the data of the peninsular occident with those of the north, those of Levant and those that begin to be known in Andalusia, the coincidence of dates is astonishing. In the same way if we compare these ones with the dates of the South of France and Italy. The external art of the western facade of the Iberian Peninsula possesses not only a unite palaeolithic contrasted sequence but rather it also puts in evidence the reality of the recurrent and continued locations in the whole sector during 30,000 years.Above the 11,000 BP, the transformations of the hunter groups begin to be evident in the whole south of Europe and the graphics demonstrate these changes, with a progressive transformation of contents and style that leads to a bigger schematization. The interesting cohabitation among naturalism and schematism that demonstrate the direct dates of C¹⁴, apparent a progressive transformation that discards radical ruptures between the social and graphic world of the palaeolithic hunters and their heirs.     

The impact of European Directives on estuarine and coastal science and management

Many recent developments in European marine and estuarine science have been against the demands of European Union legislation. The implementation of certain statutes, the role of scientists and the nature of the data required are discussed using examples from the UK, the Netherlands and Portugal. This includes the implementation of the EU Directives on Urban Waste-water Treatment, the control of Nitrates, the designation of Species and Habitats, the control of Dangerous Substances, the statutory requirement for Environmental Impact Assessments and the recently proposed Water Framework Directive. For these, the integration of physical, chemical and biological monitoring and investigation is discussed in relation to the science dictated by the legislative and administrative requirements. Each of these Directives requires the development of generic guidelines and protocols for implementation and the use of national enabling legislation. This indicates that, in several cases, the science should concentrate on monitoring and assessment in a well-structured and quality-controlled manner. The paper concludes by summarising developments based on similarities in the implementation of present and proposed Directives across Europe.     

Comparison of mineral contents between the arteries in upper and lower limbs of japanese monkeys

To examine whether the calcium accumulation in aged arteries is related to the way of walking, the mineral contents were determined in the arteries of Japanese monkeys of quadrupedal walk by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Sixteen Japanese monkeys consisting of 7 males and 9 females ranging in age from 2 to 33 yr were studied. The accumulation of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium occurred progressively in most, but not all, of the arteries with aging. It was found that independent of the upper and lower limbs, a higher accumulation of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium occurred in the arteries of the proximal regions with aging, compared with the arteries of the distal regions. In a comparison between the arteries of anatomically corresponding regions of the upper and lower limbs, the accumulation of calcium and magnesium was 20–60% higher in the external iliac and femoral arteries of the lower limb than in the axillary and brachial arteries of the upper limb. Regarding phosphorus, the accumulation was 20–120% higher in the external iliac and femoral arteries than in the axillary and brachial arteries. It was known that in humans, the accumulation of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium was three to seven times higher in the arteries of the lower limb than in the arteries of the upper limb. It is clear that there is a very significant difference in the accumulation of calcium and magnesium in the arteries of the lower limbs between Japanese monkeys and humans. The present study suggests that the accumulation of calcium and magnesium in the arteries of the lower limb with aging is affected by the way of walking.     

水稻胚与胚乳分化发育中的内源多胺

稻胚发育过程中,其内源多胺以腐胺、亚精胺为主。在幼胚分化期,腐胺和亚精胺的含量很高;幼胚分化完成时,其含量急剧下降;直至分化后期才趋稳定。在胚及胚乳发育时期,还出现一种未知多胺X_(22),其含量除在胚分化完成时较少外,在胚发育的其他各期中,含量则一直很高。DNA和蛋白质含量的变化,从分化期开始递增直至物质积累成熟期,其趋势均相同。多胺可能参与胚与胚乳中核酸和蛋白质合成的调节。     

Motion Features of Legs in Volleyball Block Jump Based on Biomechanical Analysis

Blocking technology is one of the most important means to obtain score in volleyball, which has a great influence on the victory of the game. In this study, the vertical jump was analyzed to understand the movement characteristics of legs during training time. The kinematics and dynamics data of the legs of 10 volleyball players after training for 0 h, 0.5 h, 1 h and 2 h were studied by using an infrared light point motion capture system and force measuring platform. The results showed that the joint angles of the players who had 1 h and 2 h of training in the buffering and pedaling and stretching stages decreased markedly compared with those who had 0 h of training. The peak angular velocity and impulse of hip and knee joints after 1 h and 2 h of training decreased in the pedaling and stretching stage. In the flight stage, the time of flight and the height of center of gravity showed a downward trend, while the time of landing and the angle of the knee joint decreased. After 1 h and 2 h of training, at the moment of double-foot landing, the flexion and extension angle of the knee joint increased, and the angular velocity of the knee joint and ankle joint decreased markedly. The length of training time has a great impact on the joints of legs, including increasing joint pressure and the risk of injuries.     

Genetic analysis as a tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying seed development in maize

BACKGROUND: In angiosperms the seed is the outcome of double fertilization, a process leading to the formation of the embryo and the endosperm. The development of the two seed compartments goes through three main phases: polarization, differentiation of the main tissues and organs and maturation. SCOPE: This review focuses on the maize kernel as a model system for developmental and genetic studies of seed development in angiosperms. An overview of what is known about the genetic and molecular aspects underlying embryo and endosperm formation and maturation is presented. The role played by embryonic meristems in laying down the plant architecture is discussed. The acquisition of the different endosperm domains are presented together with the use of molecular markers available for the detection of these domains. Finally the role of programmed cell death in embryo and endosperm development is considered. CONCLUSIONS: The sequence of events occurring in the developing maize seed appears to be strictly regulated. Proper seed development requires the co-ordinated expression of embryo and endosperm genes and relies on the interaction between the two seed components and between the seed and the maternal tissues. Mutant analysis is instrumental in unravelling the genetic control underlying the formation of each compartment as well as the molecular signals interplaying between the two compartments.     

Échinodermes de l'Ordovicien supérieur (Ashgill) de Sardaigne et d'Algérie

Research on the influence of sea level variations on the benthic faunas have been carried out in the Upper Ordovician of Sardinia. Study of the depositional facies and sequence analysis of the upper part (Lower Ashgill) of the Portixeddu Formation led to the identification of the sedimentary environments. Cystoids and crinoids are associated to bryozoans and brachiopods in most levels. The numerical analysis of associations and megaguilds shows that crinoids and cystoids have a higher frequency in the proximal and median facies of the upper offshore. The columnal association characterized by Conspectocrinus celticus and the coronoid Mespilocystites tregarvanicus has been discovered in the upper part of the formation. This material and complementary samples from Upper Ordovician of Sardinia and Kabylia (Algeria) bring additional data on the systematic and show the wide distribution of this fauna outside of the Ibero-armorican domain. The distribution of this echinoderm association supports a palaeogeographical position of the Ibero-armorican domain and Sardinia within the north gondwanan margin during the Lower Palaeozoic.     

Cdc42 protein acts upstream of IQGAP1 and regulates cytokinesis in mouse oocytes and embryos

Cdc42 and Rac1 Rho family GTPases, and their interacting protein IQGAP1 are the key regulators of cell polarity. We examined the role of Cdc42 and IQGAP1 in establishing the polarity of mouse oocyte and regulation of meiotic and mitotic divisions. We showed that Cdc42 was localized on the microtubules of meiotic and mitotic spindle and in the cortex of mouse oocytes and cleaving embryos. IQGAP1 was present in the cytoplasm and cortex of growing and fully-grown oocytes. During maturation it disappeared from the cortex and during meiotic and mitotic cytokinesis it concentrated in the contractile ring. Toxin B inhibition of the binding activity of Cdc42 changed the localization of IQGAP1, inhibited emission of the first polar body, and caused disappearance of the cortical actin without affecting the migration of meiotic spindle. This indicates, that in maturing oocytes accumulation of cortical actin is not indispensable for spindle migration. In zygotes treated with toxin B actin cytoskeleton was rearranged and the first and/or subsequent cytokinesis were inhibited. Our results indicate that Cdc42 acts upstream of IQGAP1 and is involved in regulation of cytokinesis in mouse oocytes and cleaving embryos, rather than in establishing the polarity of the oocyte.     

大豆Harosoy近等基因系低聚糖及其组分含量的变异分析

以高效液相色谱技术检测在北京和内蒙古种植的供试材料Harosoy近等基因系的低聚糖及其组分含量,考查Harosoy近等基因系的低聚糖含量的变异和不同地点材料的低聚糖及其组分含量相互间的相关性,低聚糖及其组分含量分别与蛋白质、脂肪含量间的相关性。研究结果表明,内蒙古种植材料低聚糖含量的平均值均高于北京种植的材料,说明内蒙古的条件有利于大豆的低聚糖形成和贮存。北京和内蒙古的材料蔗糖含量分布范围分别是3.3%~6.5%、3.9%~6.9%,棉籽糖分布范围分别是0.6%~1.4%、0.7%~1.1%,水苏糖分布范围分别是2.7%~3.7%、2.8%~3.8%,大豆低聚糖分布范围分别是6.9%~10.9%、7.8%~11.3%。同时发现,两地种植材料的低聚糖含量间和蔗糖含量间均具有显著负相关性,蔗糖含量间r=-0.7810,低聚糖含量间r=-0.7355;低聚糖及其组分含量与蛋白质、脂肪含量间均无相关性(P0.05)。还发现了低聚糖及其组分含量在两地稳定表达的材料共10个。     

Cuban Calisto (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae), a review based on morphological and DNA data

The Cuban species of Calisto are reviewed based on the morphology of adult and immature stages, as well as DNA sequences of six genes (COI, EF1α, wingless, GAPDH, RpS5, CAD). A new species, Calisto occultasp. n., is described from the northeastern Cuban mountains. Calisto smintheus Bates, 1935 and Calisto bruneri, Michener 1949 are revised and revalidated. A new status, the species level, is proposed for Calisto brochei, Torre 1973, Calisto muripetens, Bates 1939 and Calisto bradleyi, Munroe 1950. The immature stages of Calisto smintheus, Calisto brochei,and Calisto occulta are described for the first time, and those of Calisto herophile, Hübner 1823 are redescribed. Useful morphological characters for adults are the shape and conspicuousness of androconial patch, the number and relative size of white dots on underside of hindwing, the shape of aedeagus, the shape of digitiform projection of genitalia valve, the shape and relative size of tegumen and uncus, the relative size of female genitalia, the height of sterigmal ring dorsal crown of the latter, and the relative size of corpus bursae and ductus bursae. For the immature stages, the most important characters are the color pattern of head capsule, the number and width of longitudinal lines of body, in the larvae; and the color pattern and the absence or presence of dorsal ridges on the abdomen of pupae. The phylogenetic relationships between the Cuban Calisto species are quite robust and well-supported; however, conflict between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets was detected in Calisto brochei, Calisto muripetens and to a lesser degree in Calisto bradleyi.     

Le peuplement humain en Eurasie : l’Asie centrale montagneuse et les piémonts sous-himalayens du Plio-Pléistocène à l’Holocène, origines, évolution humaine et migrations

During the years 1996 and 1997, a team of the Laboratory of Prehistory, National Museum of Natural History, Paris, and of the Departments of Archaeology, Karachi and Peshawar University, Pakistan, leads the first prehistoric field investigation in the District of Chitral, Hindu Kush, close to the Wakhan Corridor (the Amu Daria course in the Pamir). Problematics are the origins and the becoming of the Epipaleolithic/Neolithic hunters-gatherers known in the Pamir Plateau and the Gissar Range, the lithics tradition of which share common roots with the Sub-Himalayan Soanian tradition (Mode 1). A second field investigation has been conduced in the North West India, where Soan developed from Early Pleistocene, in the Frontal Range of the Siwaliks and Himachal Pradesh during the years 2003, 2005 and 2006 in cooperation with the Department of Archaeology and Museums of Punjab, India. New discoveries in both countries support new hypothesis for the understanding of human evolution in Asia and Homo sapiens origins.     

青藏高原高寒草甸植被和土壤对短期禁牧的响应

为探讨青藏高原高寒草甸对短期禁牧的响应,设置冬季自由放牧和短期(2年)禁牧的对比试验。采用随机样方法调查植被群落盖度,分析地上和地下生物量、根冠比、植被地上和地下部分以及表层(0-10cm)土壤全碳、全氮和全磷含量、生态化学计量以及营养元素的关联性。研究结果显示:1)短期禁牧显著改变高寒草甸植被盖度、地上生物量、根冠比、植被全磷含量和N∶P,以及土壤全磷含量。2)相关性分析表明,禁牧后土壤全碳含量与植被地上全碳含量呈显著相关性,自由放牧后土壤全碳和全氮含量分别与植被地下部分全碳和全氮含量呈显著相关性。结果表明,不同的草原管理措施(禁牧、放牧)会改变高寒草甸植被与土壤养分分配及其平衡关系,同时,植被与表层土壤主要养分含量之间的关联性仅存在于部分植物器官与部分营养元素之间。     

羌塘雪兔子繁殖特征及资源分配的海拔差异

植物种群的生殖特性和资源配置策略是植物生活史研究的重要内容之一,对于理解和预测植被结构和全球变化过程中的适应策略至关重要。该文以青藏高原特有风毛菊属植物羌塘雪兔子(Saussurea wellbyi)为试验材料,分析6个海拔梯度18个居群的花期繁殖特征的变化,并用异速生长模型分析资源投入及资源分配的个体大小依赖关系。结果显示:(1)个体大小、繁殖器官生物量、营养器官生物量、管状小花数目、雄蕊重量、花药长度及花粉数与海拔高度呈负相关(P<0.05),管状小花重量、雌蕊重量、花丝长度及花柱长度与海拔高度呈正相关(P<0.01);(2)营养分配与海拔高度呈负相关(P<0.01),繁殖分配与海拔高度呈正相关(P<0.01);(3)管状小花的数量与重量(P<0.05)、雌蕊重量与雄蕊重量(P<0.01)、花丝长度与花药长度(P<0.01)、花丝长度与花粉数(P<0.01)之间均存在权衡关系;(4)资源投入及资源分配在不同海拔间与个体大小都呈显著正相关(P<0.05),且截距在海拔间差异极显著(P<0.01)。综合分析认为:羌塘雪兔子在不同海拔下的繁殖特征以及大小依赖的资源投入和资源分配模式是羌塘雪兔子与其所处的高山环境长期适应和进化的结果。     

Root-based N2-fixing Symbioses: Legumes, Actinorhizal Plants, Parasponia sp. and Cycads

In the mutualistic symbioses between legumes and rhizobia, actinorhizal plants and Frankia, Parasponia sp. and rhizobia, and cycads and cyanobacteria, the N₂-fixing microsymbionts exist in specialized structures (nodules or cyanobacterial zones) within the roots of their host plants. Despite the phylogenetic diversity among both the hosts and the microsymbionts of these symbioses, certain developmental and physiological imperatives must be met for successful mutualisms. In this review, phylogenetic and ecological aspects of the four symbioses are first addressed, and then the symbioses are contrasted and compared in regard to infection and symbio-organ development, supply of carbon to the microsymbionts, regulation of O₂ flux to the microsymbionts, and transfer of fixed-N to the hosts. Although similarities exist in the genetics, development, and functioning of the symbioses, it is evident that there is great diversity in many aspects of these root-based N₂-fixing symbioses. Each symbiosis can be admired for the elegant means by which the host plant and microsymbiont integrate to form the mutualistic relationships so important to the functioning of the biosphere.     

Eine verbesserte Anlage zur Durchführung von Stoffwechseluntesuchungen an wachsenden Schweinen beiderlei Geschlechts

The chemical composition and the energy content of the conception products, the reproductive organs and the live weight gains or losses of pregnant and lactating sows were determined in dependence on the litter number (1, 2 and 4) and the energy supply (120, 100 and 80% of requirement recommendation) of sows as well as on the course of gestation and lactation. The results will be used as a basis for factorial derivation of requirement recommendation. The deposition of protein and energy in the conception products in dependence on the time is characterized by an exponential function. The deposition of nutrients and energy in the conception products is increased with rising litter size. The deposition of nutrients and energy per fetus is lower in the litter number 1 than in the litter number 2 and 4. The energy supply in the selected limits has no significant influence on the litter size as well as on the intrauterine deposition of nutrients and energy. The litter number, the energy supply as well as the course of gestation and lactation influence considerably the weight, the chemical composition and the energy content in the mammary gland. The chemical composition and the energy content of the live weight gains or losses of pregnant and lactating sows are strong affected by the energy supply. The increased energy supply of the pregnant sows is connected with increased live weight gains and with increased contents of dry matter, fat and energy however decreased contents of protein in the live weight gains. The live weight losses of the lactating sows are connected with mobilisation of body fat and body protein. The proportion of body fat to body protein degradation is increased with increased losses of body weight. Regression equations are calculated for the relationships between course of gestation and lactation respectively and deposition of protein and energy in the conception products, reproductive organs and maternal live weight gains or losses of sows.     

Phytogeographical and phenological comparison of the Meuse and the Saône valley meadows (France)

The meadows of the floodplains of the Saône and the Meuse contain similar ecosystems subject to regular winter and spring flooding. The floristic and faunistic biodiversity decreases with the intensification of agricultural practices. The plant communities show the same zonation along a topographic gradient and have similar floristic progression. Thus, the climatic, biogeographic, human and soil factors have determined the floristic particularities of each valley. The floristic affinities of the two floodplains permitted the comparison of the phenological development of fourteen plant species. Many gaps in the development of species have been observed. These could be explained by the climatic differences betwen the two valleys (sub-Mediterranean influences in the Saône and sub-Atlantic in the Meuse), the existence of different types of soils in each valley (sand part more important in the Saône) and the occurrence of specific ecotypes in each valley.     

沉积物中微生物资源的研究方法及其进展

沉积物生境条件特殊,含有丰富的微生物资源。作为自然界物质循环的主要推动力,沉积物中的微生物在水-沉积物的物质循环中起重要作用,水质变化如污染和富营养化反过来会引起沉积物中微生物群落的改变。沉积物中微生物多样性的研究,有助于从侧面了解上覆水水质、推测其污染及演化历史。沉积物中微生物物种、基因等资源的鉴定和获得,有助于丰富当前对微生物资源的认知领域,并为其在生物技术领域的应用奠定基础。研究描述了沉积物生境的一般特点,并对沉积物中微生物的多样性、微生物种质和基因资源等几个重要方面的研究方法和进展进行了综述。沉积物中微生物的研究是生物地球化学循环研究的基础,必将受到越来越广泛的关注。