Aggregation of sublittoral macrobenthos in Moreton Bay,Queensland

Quintuplicate samples of macrobenthos were collected by an 0.1 m² Smith-McIntyre grab from six selected sites in Moreton Bay at 8-week intervals on twelve occasions. This is part of a continuing study of time changes in the benthos. The present paper deals with the‘withinfives’data, mostly on a species basis. We show that there is, for most species, a close power curve relationship between variances (withinfives) and means (of fives): here v = am where V is variance, m is mean, and a and b are constants. Following Taylor's (1961, 1971) initial interpretations b is a measure of aggregation, although a values also have interpretive importance. Of eight-seven species studied there is a spectrum from highly aggregated (c. 65% of total) to random (c. 25%) to spaced (c. l0%). There is a comparable spectrum of transformations to produce variance stabilizing in the data. Power curve fitting also applies to total site populations (n) where b is 1.977 and data require log transformation, and to species densities (s) where b is 1.342 and data require cube-root transformation. The data are not entirely suitable for investigating the topographic scale of patchiness of species within the 20 m‘within-fives’traverses. A predominant patch width of 30 m or more was revealed.     

荒漠景观下柠条豆象的空间分布及其对景观斑块格局的反应

柠条豆象Kytorhinus immixtus Motschulsky是危害柠条种子的主要种实害虫之一。本文应用了多个聚集度指标和回归分析方法,研究探讨了柠条豆象卵、幼虫在宁夏盐池、灵武、银川等荒漠景观中11个生境斑块中的空间分布型及种群对景观斑块格局的反应情况。结果表明:在11个景观样地中,柠条豆象卵和幼虫在各种生境斑块中均呈聚集型的负二项分布;卵和幼虫空间分布的Iwao回归方程分别为m*=2.23695+1.64742m(r=0.8273)和m*=2.24418+1.42084m(r=0.8889)、Taylor幂模型分别为logS2=0.51292+1.41118logm(r=0.9344)和logS2=0.59645+1.14736logm(r=0.9786),种群分布的基本成分为个体群,个体间相互吸引,有密度依赖性,聚集主要由环境因素和种间竞争引起的,聚集强度随种群密度的升高而增加。在荒漠景观下,柠条豆象的种群发生与寄主植物的种类、在斑块内的分布格局有着密切的关系,与斑块面积相关性较低(R2=0.1995)。主成分分析显示柠条林生长的土壤类型、生长方式是影响柠条豆象寄生的主要因素。     

Measures, perceptions and scaling patterns of aggregated species distributions

Non-random (aggregated) species distributions arise from habitat heterogeneity and nonlinear biotic processes. A comprehensive understanding of the concept of aggregation, as well as its measurement, is pivotal to our understanding of species distributions and macroecological patterns. Here, using an individual-based model, we analyzed opinions on the concept of aggregation from the public and experts (trained ecologists), in addition to those calculated from a variety of aggregation indices. Three forms of scaling patterns (logarithmic, power-law and lognormal) and four groups of scaling trajectories emerged. The experts showed no significant difference from the public, although with a much lower deviation. The public opinion was partially influenced by the abundance of individuals in the spatial map, which was not found in the experts. With the increase of resolution (decrease of grain), aggregation indices showed a general trend from significantly different to significantly similar to the expert opinion. The over-dispersion index (i.e. the clumping parameter k in the negative binomial distribution) performed, at certain scales, as the closest index to the expert opinion. Examining performance of aggregation measures from different groups of scaling patterns was proposed as a practical way of analyzing spatial structures. The categorization of the scaling patterns of aggregation measures, as well as their over- and in-sensitivity towards spatial structures, thus not only provides a potential solution to the modifiable areal unit problem, but also unveils the interrelationship among the concept, measures and perceptions of aggregated species distributions.     

Unified description of electrophoresis and diffusion for DNA and other polyions

The electrophoretic mobilities and diffusion coefficients of single- and double-stranded DNA molecules up to 50,000 bases or base pairs in size have been analyzed, using mobilities and diffusion coefficients either measured by capillary electrophoresis or taken from the literature. The Einstein equation suggests that the electrophoretic mobilities (mu) and diffusion coefficients (D) should be related by the expression mu/D = Q/k(B)T, where Q is the charge of the polyion (Q = ze(o), where z is the number of charged residues and e(o) is the fundamental electronic charge), k(B) is Boltzmann's constant, and T is the absolute temperature. If this equation were true, the ratio mu/zD should be a constant equal to e(o)/k(B)T (39.6 V(-1)) at 20 degrees C. However, the ratio mu/zD decreases with an increase in molecular weight for both single- and double-stranded DNAs. The mobilities and diffusion coefficients are better described by the modified Einstein equation mu/N(m)D = e(o)/k(B)T, where N is the number of repeat units (bases or base pairs) in the DNA and m is a constant equal to the power law dependence of the diffusion coefficients on molecular weight. The average value of the ratio mu/N(m)D is 40 +/- 4 V(-1) for 36 single- and double-stranded DNA molecules of different sizes, close to the theoretically expected value. The generality of the modified Einstein equation is demonstrated by analyzing literature values for sodium polystyrenesulfonate (PSS). The average value of the ratio mu/N(m)D is 35 +/- 6 V(-1) for 14 PSS samples containing up to 855 monomers.     

丹霞山风景区巴寨景点蚁狮的空间分布

2009年2月对广东韶关丹霞山风景区巴寨景点蚁狮Myrmeleon(Morter)sagax(Walker)种群进行了调查,采用了5种聚集度指标以及Taylor的幂法则与Iwao的m*-m直线回归方程进行计算和分析。结果表明:该地区蚁狮种群空间格局在局域斑块尺度属于均匀分布,种群密度越高分布越均匀。蚁狮种群的生境特点、捕食行为、种内竞争等可能对其种群密度及空间分布格局有重要影响。     

小鞘指环虫种群的聚集性研究

本文中建立了一个衡量聚集性的指标－聚集度Ａ,并用该指标结合方差／均数和负二项分布的参数ｋ值分析了小鞘指环虫（Ｄａｃｔｙｌｏｇｙｒｕｓｖａｇｉｎｕｌａｔｕｓ）种群在其宿主鲢（Ｈｙｐｏｐｈｔｈａｌｍｉｃｈｔｈｙｓｍｏｌｉｔｒｉｘ）种群中分布的聚集程度与感染率和丰度的关系。结果表明该虫种群的聚集程度随感染率及丰度的上升而呈现下降的特点,作为衡量聚集性的指标,聚集度要优于ｋ值,而后者又优于方差与均数之比,     

长白山次生杨桦林种群空间点格局及密度制约效应

以长白山5.2 hm²次生杨桦林样地为研究对象,利用空间点格局分析的双相关函数g（r）以及随机标签零模型和案例-对照设计法,探讨了树木种群空间格局及其密度制约效应。研究结果表明：生境异质性对不同生活型以及不同树种的成熟个体在大尺度范围上具有强烈影响。剔除生境异质性带来的影响后,在14个常见树种中有12个树种在小尺度上呈显著的空间聚集分布格局;随着空间尺度的增加聚集性分布树种数量急剧下降,在18 m尺度上聚集率下降到0。全部14个常见树种均呈现出显著的密度制约效应,表明密度制约是调节温带森林树木种群空间结构的主要作用机制。此外,密度制约与物种多度呈负相关,与亚林层和灌木层树种的同种聚集强度呈正相关。并且随着空间尺度增大受密度制约影响的树种百分比逐渐减小,14个常见树种中有11个在0-1 m处达到最大的密度制约强度。     

小麦吸浆虫空间格局参数及其应用

本文应用聚集度指数、分析表明了小麦吸浆虫在麦田中的空间格局呈负二项分布,并探讨了吸浆虫在田间的聚集原因以及小麦吸浆虫穗虫平均密度（ｘ）与负二项分布公共ｋｃ值的关系。     

亚热带林分土壤呼吸及其与土壤温湿度关系的模型模拟

利用Li-6400-09系统,对我国亚热带地区3种主要林分类型(常绿阔叶林、杉木林和毛竹林)的土壤呼吸和土壤温、湿度进行了野外测定,并采用多种模型对土壤呼吸与土壤温、湿度的关系进行拟合.结果表明:毛竹林、常绿阔叶林和杉木林的土壤呼吸碳通量分别为12.84、11.70和7.12tC.hm-2.a-1;3种林型土壤呼吸具有相似的时间变化格局,其日变化均在11:00—12:00达到峰值,1:00—3:00最小;季节变化中,7、8月达到峰值,12月和翌年1月最小;Van′tHoff模型和LloydandTaylor方程在描述土壤呼吸与土壤温度的相关性时差异不大,但LloydandTaylor模拟得出的土壤呼吸值小于实测值;二次项模型和幂函数模型能较好地模拟土壤呼吸与含水量的关系,土壤含水量对土壤呼吸具有双向调节作用,但只有杉木林二者相关性达到显著水平;土壤水热双因子模型比单因子模型能更有效地描述土壤呼吸对土壤温、湿度协同变化的响应特征;协方差分析消除土壤温度、土壤含水量的影响后,植被类型对土壤呼吸的影响达到显著水平(R2=0.541);空气温度、空气相对湿度和光合辐射也在不同程度上影响着土壤呼吸变化,且空气温度的影响达到显著水平.     

苹果绵蚜种群的空间分布型及其应用——Ⅰ.秋季种群

生物种群的空间分布是一种高度特化的生物学特性,是长期适应自然环境的结果。在理论上,研究种群的空间分布有助于理解种群的生态学特性以及种群与所处环境的相互关系;在实践中,种群的空间分布是确定生物统计分析的资料代换方法和制定抽样技术方案的依据。 苹果绵蚜Eriosoma lanigerum(Hausm.)是苹果树的毁灭性害虫。50年代云南仅昆明地区有苹果绵蚜的分布,现在苹果绵蚜已侵入到云南许多苹果产区。1978年苹果绵蚜侵入到丽江县,其危害相当严重。过去的工作主要集中在生物学和防治方面,空间分     

Characterization of large basking shark Cetorhinus maximus aggregations in the western North Atlantic Ocean

Cetorhinus maximus aggregations recorded during extensive aerial survey efforts off the north‐eastern United States between 1980 and 2013 included aggregations centring on sightings with group sizes of at least 30 individuals. These aggregations occurred in summer and autumn months and included aggregation sizes of up to 1398 individuals, the largest aggregation ever reported for this species. The aggregations were associated with sea surface temperatures of 13–24° C and chlorophyll‐a concentrations of 0·4–2·6 mg m^?3 and during one aggregation, a high abundance of zooplankton prey was present. Photogrammetric tools allowed for the estimation of total body lengths ranging between 4 and 8 m. Characterization of these events provides new insight into the potential biological function of large aggregations in this species.     

Metal binding sheds light on mechanisms of amyloid assembly

β-2 microglobulin (β2m) is the protein responsible for amyloid deposition in Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis (DRA). Aggregation can be induced by various solution conditions including exposure to divalent metal, incubation at acidic pH, and limited proteolysis. Using Cu²⁺ as a trigger, we have trapped, isolated, and crystallized a stable oligomer of β2m that is populated under amyloidogenic solution conditions (Calabrese et al. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2008; 15:965–71). This structure reveals that Cu²⁺-binding is associated with dramatic conformational rearrangements. This has allowed us to postulate a set of structural changes common to all β2m aggregation pathways. Cu²⁺ serves as a potential trigger in other aggregation systems such as Aβ, α-synuclein, and mammalian Prion (PrP). A comparison of Cu²⁺ binding to β2m and PrP reveals common features. Therefore, in addition to providing insight into DRA, induction of structure by Cu²⁺ binding appears to be a recurring structural motif for pathological changes in conformation.Key words: amyloid, protein folding, dialysis-related amyloidosis, copper, β-2 microglobulin, prion     

玉米田斜纹夜蛾空间分布型及抽样技术

对秋甜玉米田的斜纹夜蛾不同发生密度田块调查 ,取得了 7组样本资料 ,运用聚集度指标法、Iwao法和Taylor法等对其空间分布型进行测定检验 ,结果表明斜纹夜蛾幼虫呈聚集分布 ,其聚集原因经Blackith种群聚集均数测定 ,当m <3 .2 60 4时 ,其聚集是由于某些环境如气侯、土壤湿度、植株生长状况等所致 ;当m >3 .2 60 4时 ,其聚集是由于害虫本身的群集行为与环境条件综合影响所致。在此基础上 ,通过几种抽样方式比较以五点式为最佳 ,并提出了最佳理论抽样数和最佳序贯抽样模型 :N =1 D2 (3 .8981 m +0 .75 0 3 ) ,To(n) =0 .5n± 2 .865n。     

Power input measurements in a production scale bioreactor

Summary Power input measurements are carried out in a production bioreactor with a liquid volume up to 25 m³. The results show that the cavity formation principle is applicable to reactors at this scale. It can also be observed that empirical correlations are not useful to predict gassed power input accurately. It is found that at gas flow rates for normal production conditions (N_Q =0.1), the gassed power input is about 30–40 % of the non gassed power input.Nomenclature C_p specific heat J/kgK - D impeller diameter m - D_b1 impeller blade diameter m - d baffle diameter m - Fr Froude number - - g gravitation m/s² - h impeller clearance m - H liquid height m - N stirrer speed s^-1 - N_p power number - - N_Q gas flow (aeration) number - - N_Q ^* critical gasflow number for 3 cavity formation - - P_o ungassed power consumption W - P_g gassed power consumption W - Q gas flow rate (273 K, 10⁵ N/m²) m³/s - Re Reynolds number - - T tankdiameter m temperature K - t time s - V liquid volume m³ - ^Vtip impeller tip speed m/s - V_s impeller correlated superficial gas flow rate m/s - W impeller blade width m - density kg/m³     

The analysis of small-and mesoscale dispersion patterns ofMarenzelleria viridis (Polychaeta: Spionidae) in a coastal water area of the southern Baltic

The horizontal mesoscale distribution ofMarenzelleria viridis (Verrill, 1873), a spionid polychaete introduced from North American coastal waters during the 1980s, was studied in shallow water in the southern Baltic (German coast). The polychaete achieved an individual dominance of 80% and abundances up to around 8500 ind./m². Samples taken from a small (1.2 m×1.2 m, 6×6 samples, depth 0–35 cm) and a large station grid (5.5 m×5.5 m, 11×11 samples, depth 0–35 cm) were used to calculate dispersion indices for subpopulations of adult and juvenileM. viridis and subdominant chironimids (theChironomus plumosus andCh. halophilus complexes). The distribution patterns were significantly patchy. The patch sizes were estimated with the help of the dispersion indices and by analysing the correlograms in which spatial autocorrelations such as Moran's I and Geary's c values were plotted versus the field distance k. The patch sizes were heterogenous. The smallest patches found were 0.04 m². The largest sizes observed were 9 m². It is conceivable that smaller patches merge to form larger aggregations. Calculation of the abundance and rank correlations between subpopulations revealed significant positive relationships. These indicate principal suspension feeding. Sediment structure, substrate preference, feeding mode and biotic or abiotic attraction centres are considered to be the main causes of aggregation and the positive correlations.     

Spatial Distribution and Minimum Sample Size for Overwintering Larvae of the Rice Stem Borer Chilo suppressalis (Walker) in Paddy Fields

The rice stem borer, Chilo suppressalis (Walker), feeds almost exclusively in paddy fields in most regions of the world. The study of its spatial distribution is fundamental for designing correct control strategies, improving sampling procedures, and adopting precise agricultural techniques. Field experiments were conducted during 2011 and 2012 to estimate the spatial distribution pattern of the overwintering larvae. Data were analyzed using five distribution indices and two regression models (Taylor and Iwao). All of the indices and Taylor’s model indicated random spatial distribution pattern of the rice stem borer overwintering larvae. Iwao’s patchiness regression was inappropriate for our data as shown by the non-homogeneity of variance, whereas Taylor’s power law fitted the data well. The coefficients of Taylor’s power law for a combined 2 years of data were a?=??0.1118, b?=?0.9202?±?0.02, and r ²?=?96.81. Taylor’s power law parameters were used to compute minimum sample size needed to estimate populations at three fixed precision levels, 5, 10, and 25% at 0.05 probabilities. Results based on this equation parameters suggesting that minimum sample sizes needed for a precision level of 0.25 were 74 and 20 rice stubble for rice stem borer larvae when the average larvae is near 0.10 and 0.20 larvae per rice stubble, respectively.     

Cloning of Porcine Platelet Glycoprotein Ibα and Comparison with the Human Homolog

Glycoprotein Ib–IX–V (GPIb–IX–V) is a platelet adhesion receptor complex that initiates platelet aggregation. Glycoprotein Ibα (GPIbα) is the central component of the GPIb–IX–V complex, anchoring the complex to the cytoskeleton and harboring the binding site for von Willebrand factor (vWF). Previous studies suggest that the coagulation function in pigs differs from that in humans, especially with respect to the interaction between vWF and platelets. However, we have little knowledge about the function of porcine platelets, which is important with regard to studies of cardiovascular disease, clotting, and surgery that use pigs as animal models. To extend this information, we cloned and analyzed the porcine GPIbα sequence. Porcine GPIbα contains 1891 nucleotides and includes an open reading frame that encodes 627 amino acids. The nucleotide sequence showed 67% identity with human GPIbα, whereas the deduced amino acid sequences were 59% identical. The vWF binding domain shares the highest identity among different species, whereas the PEST domain shows variations. Evaluation of platelet function by using ristocetin-induced platelet aggregation revealed remarkably lower levels of aggregation in porcine than human platelets. According to the sequence analysis and platelet aggregation tests, we propose that the function of GPIbα, especially regarding the ristocetin–vWF–GPIbα interaction, differs between pigs and humans. This characterization of porcine GPIbα will enhance our knowledge of the porcine coagulation system.Abbreviations: GPIbα, glycoprotein Ibα, vWF, von Willebrand factorGlycoprotein (GP) Ib–IX–V is one of the major adhesive receptors expressed on the surface of circulating platelets and is essential for platelet adhesion and clot formation at sites of vascular injury.² Platelet adhesion in high-shear areas is initiated by GPIbα, a subunit of the GPIb–IX–V complex, via binding to von Willebrand factor (vWF), a multimeric adhesive protein associated with collagen in the vessel wall.^3,13,27 After GPIbα-dependent adhesion to vWF, platelets become activated and undergo cytoskeletal rearrangements associated with shape changes, spreading, and the secretion of platelet agonists that amplify the platelet aggregation and activation mediated by platelet integrin α_IIbβ₃.¹The GPIb–IX–V complex consists of 4 transmembrane subunits—GPIbα, GPIbβ, GP IX, and GP V—which are present at a ratio of 2:2:2:1.²⁶ The entire ligand-binding capacity of the GPIb–IX–V complex is situated in the N-terminal globular region (amino acids 1 through 282) of GPIbα.²⁸ Mutations in GPIbα lead to Bernard–Soulier syndrome and pseudo-von Willebrand disease.^15,24 Thrombi that cause complications in arterial thrombosis are associated with GPIb–IX–V, especially GPIbα.²¹ Because the interactions between GPIbα and its ligand are critical to the vascular processes of thrombosis and inflammation, the complex is under intense scrutiny as a potential therapeutic target.²⁹Pigs share many physiologic and anatomic similarities with humans and offer several breeding and handling advantages relative to nonhuman primates, making the pig an optimal species for preclinical experimentation. During the last several years, porcine animal models have gained a great deal of importance^23,30 in cardiovascular diseases,^6,33 ischemia–reperfusion injury,¹⁰ transplant surgery, and many other areas of biomedical research.¹⁷ In particular, the pig has been identified as an ideal cell, tissue, and organ donor for xenotransplantation. Because differences exist between species, it is necessary to take the physiologic differences between pigs and humans into account when developing animal models and when analyzing the results obtained by using these models.Our early studies revealed differences in the process of coagulation between pigs and humans.⁵ Currently we know little about which functions of platelets are conserved between species or about porcine GPIb–IX–V and its differences from the human complex. In the current study, we cloned the coding sequences of porcine GPIbα and compared its nucleotide sequence, deduced protein sequence, and 3D structure model with those of human GPIbα, focusing on important functional domains and vWF interaction sites. We also investigated the ability of porcine platelets to be agglutinated or activated when treated with ristocetin. This work represents a step toward understanding the value and limitations of the pig as a preclinical model for coagulation-related studies.     

Distribution of zooplankton in the estuary of Keretskaya Guba (White Sea)

The horizontal heterogeneity of common zooplankton species in the Keretskaya Guba tidal estuary in the White Sea was studied. Based on an analysis of a series of simultaneously taken samples and the dispersion index, I _w = σ²/[`(m)]\bar{m} (where σ<sup>2</sup> is dispersion and [`(m)]\bar{m} is average population number), the existence of two and more levels of aggregation in most of the studied zooplankton species was found. The formation of patches of 1–20 m was most likely determined by biological causes, while patches some hundreds of meters long were formed due to the hydrodynamic conditions of the area.     

Exploration and exploitation of soil by apple,kiwifruit, peach,Asian pear and grape roots

Measurements of root-length density (RLD) in a range of 31 apple, kiwifruit, peach, Asian pear and grape orchards were used to derive indices to describe the exploration and exploitation of rooting volumes. Orchards were of various ages and located on a range of soil types, geographic regions, management systems etc. Data were obtained from core samples of volume 1.66×10^-4 m³ randomly taken within a standard volume, determined by average planting grids, of 2 m radius centred on tree stems, and 1 m depth. Root systems were described using an exploitation index, E(), and an exploration index, E(0). E() is defined as the proportion of the soil volume which contains roots at RLD greater than or equal to some specified value, . E(0) is defined as the proportion of the soil volume which contains roots at any RLD greater than zero. These indices are dependent on sample size, as are all volumetric or soil-coring data.Estimates of E(0) for each orchard were obtained as the proportions of cores containing any RLD>O and assessed for dependence on species. Peach trees had a significantly higher value of E(0), equal to almost 1.0, compared to the other four species where E(0) was approximately 0.8 (p0.01) or less. There was also some variation with age. E(0) was lower for very young plants which had not fully occupied the sampled soil volume. Exploration indices for woody roots increased with rootstock age but otherwise did not explain large differences in E() between species for given values.For example at =0.05×10⁴ m.m^-3, E() was approximately 0.45 for peach and kiwifruit, and 0.05 for apple, Asian pear and grape, whereas at =0.5×10⁴ m.m^-3 the corresponding values were 0.1 and almost zero. Negative exponential curves relating E(), scaled by dividing by E(0), to were fitted for each of the 31 orchards. Exponents for these curves, k, were significantly smaller for kiwifruit and peaches than apples, grapes and Asian pears (p0.05), and smaller for apples than grapes and Asian pears (p0.05). A larger k implies a rapid fall-off in E() as increases. Although all five species contained zero and low RLD samples, only kiwifruit and peaches contained higher RLD values and consequently have higher mean RLD. This trend was consistent across all soils, regions, sampling dates, and plant ages.The analyses demonstrate that core sampling can give useful insights into macro-scale root-system distribution, such as the proportion of a soil volume explored and how it is exploited. If positions of core samples are noted during sampling using angular direction, depth and radial distance as spatial coordinates the method can be used to describe root-system structures.     

Kinetics of chaperoning of dithiothreitol-denatured alpha-lactalbumin by alpha-crystallin

Molecular chaperones prevent the aggregation of partially folded or misfolded forms of protein. alpha-Crystallin performs such a function in the ocular lens. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements were performed to gain insight into the kinetics and mechanism of alpha-crystallin chaperoning. Experiments were conducted as a function of alpha-lactalbumin concentration as well as the alpha-crystallin/alpha-lactalbumin ratio over a 24 h period. In the particle distribution patterns the lactalbumin concentration was partitioned into three compartments: (a) monomeric free lactalbumin; (b) lactalbumin in the chaperoning complex; and (c) lactalbumin aggregates. DLS intensities were converted to molar concentrations by assuming a model of a spherical chaperoning complex. In the model, alpha-crystallin is the central core and alpha-lactalbumin molecules occupy a ring surrounding the core. The kinetics of chaperoning was studied by proposing a simple scheme with four rate constants. The reversible reaction of the formation of the chaperoning complex is characterized by rate constants k(1) and k(2). The rate constants k(3) and k(4) govern the irreversible aggregation of lactalbumin: the former from the free monomeric lactalbumin pool and the latter describing the aggregation of the denatured lactalbumin released from the chaperoning complex. The rate constants, k(3) and k(4) are four magnitudes larger than k(1) and k(2). The equilibrium constant of chaperoning complex formation lies in favor of the reactants. k(4) is somewhat faster than k(3) and it is three times faster than k(s) governing the self-aggregation of lactalbumin in the absence of alpha-crystallin.