Interspecific competition between two species of the bean weevil

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Contributions from the Entomological Laboratory, Kyoto University, No. 110.     

Electro and acoustic myography for noninvasive assessment of lumbar paraspinal muscle function

In 31 normal subjects (17 male), aged 19-48 years, and 8 patients with chronic low back pain (4 male), aged 37-55 years, the repeatability of surface recordings of acoustic myography (AMG) and electromyography (EMG) were examined in the lumbar paraspinal muscles. Five isometric test positions were examined. In 21 of the normal subjects, four positions tested were: quiet standing, half extension from prone lying, full extension from prone with and without resistance. In 10 of the normal subjects and the 8 back pain patients, a standardised, unsupported horizontal position with the upper body over the end of a couch was tested. The AMG and EMG signals were full-wave rectified and integrated (iAMG and iEMG). The variability of recordings during repeated 5-s isometric contractions was assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the coefficient of variation (CV) was calculated from the ANOVA. Both recording techniques produced the most repeatable results during the unsupported, horizontal hold position. In the normal subjects, CV were, iAMG 5.6%, iEMG 4.9%; and in the patients, iAMG 4.4%, iEMG 2.6%. The CV for the other four isometric test positions ranged from 15.3% to 29.4% for iAMG, and 8% to 15.7% for iEMG. These results demonstrated that a controlled test manoeuvre for examining AMG and EMG of the paraspinal muscles was vital for repeatable recordings. The CV for the standardised, horizontal position were lower than for previously published results.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Hibernating patterns of free-ranging Columbian ground squirrels

Summary The patterns of torpor and euthermy during hibernation was documented for 28 free-ranging Columbian ground squirrels (Spermophilus columbianus) fitted with temperature-sensitive radio transmitter collars. Adult males began hibernation earlier, were euthermic for a greater proportion of the hibernating season and emerged earlier than other age and sex classes. The patterns of hibernation of adult females did not differ significantly from those of juveniles. Emergence from the hibernaculum was preceded by a long (3–12 d) euthermic interval in adult males but not in adult females or juveniles. Changes in soil temperature did not appear to initiate emergence. The greater time spent euthermic by adult males is interpreted as a significantly greater energy cost of hibernation for adult males than for other age and sex classes. The benefits offsetting these costs may be increased reproductive potential in spring and avoidance of predation in late summer.     

Entomopathogenic fungi in predatory beetles (Col.: Carabidae andStaphylinidae) from agricultural fields

Prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi was studied in overwintering ground beetles (Col.: Carabidae) and rove beetles (Col.: Staphylinidae) collected from fields of lucerne, white cabbage and white cabbage undersown with white clover. In general infection levels in adult ground beetles and rove beetles were low (Carabidae: max. 7.6%,Staphylinidae: max. 7.0%). In comparison, prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi in carabid larvae was high (19–50%). At one study site an epizootic ofBeauveria bassiana was observed, infecting 67% of the staphylinidAnotylus rugosus and 37% of the staphylinidGyrohypnus angustatus. Beauveria bassiana was the predominant fungus isolated from ground beetles and rove beetles from all studied sites. Other fungal species included the hyphomycetesMetarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces farinosus andVerticillium lecanii as well asZoophthora radicans andZoophthora philonthi (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales). Two individuals ofAnotylus rugosus were found to have a dual infection ofZoophthora philonthi andBeauveria bassiana.

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Résumé La présence de champignons entomopathogènes a été recherchée chez des carabes (Col.: Carabidae) et des staphylins (Col.: Staphylinidae) récoltés dans des champs de luzerne, de chou et d'une culture mélangée chou-trèfle blanc. Chez les adultes, le taux d'infection dans les deux groupes d'insectes est en général très faible (Carabidae: max. 7,6%, Staphylinidae: max. 7%). Chez les larves de carabes par contre, le taux d'infection par les champignons est élevé (19–50%). Sur l'un des sites de l'étude, une épizootie àBeauveria bassiana a été observée, l'infection portant sur 67% des individus récoltés appartenant à l'espèceAnotylus rugosus et 37% desGyrohypnus angustatus. B. bassiana est le champignon prédominant isolé à partir des coléoptères de tous les sites étudiés. D'autres espèces fongiques ont été relevées: ce sont les hyphomycètesMetarhizium anisopliae, Paecilomyces farinosus etVerticillium lecanii ainsi queZoophthora radicans etZoophthora philonthi. Deux individus d'A. rugosus ont été retrouvés infectés à la fois parErynia etB. bassiana.

     

闽南渔场主要游泳动物时空生态位特征及其影响因素

根据2019—2021年在闽南渔场进行的秋季、冬季、春季和夏季四个航次定点底拖网调查资料,利用相对重要性指数、种群聚集强度、生态位宽度、生态位重叠及冗余分析对主要游泳动物时空生态位特征及其影响因素进行研究。结果表明,(1)调查海域共鉴定出游泳动物214种,主要优势种有18种,优势种存在明显的季节更替现象;夏季优势种的丛生指数和平均拥挤度较高,春季较低;(2)在时间维度上,须赤虾(Metapenaeposis barbata De Haan)生态位宽度最大(0.99), 7组种对时间生态位重叠值等于1.00;在空间维度上,带鱼(Trachurus japonicus Temminck&Schlegel)生态位宽度最大(2.57),空间生态位重叠值超过0.6的种类占71.3%;在时空维度上,带鱼生态位宽度最大(2.45),鹿斑仰口鲾(Leiognathus ruconius Hamilton)与赤鼻棱鳀(Thrissa kammalensis Bleeker)时空生态位重叠值最大(0.94);(3)冗余分析表明,底层温度和底层盐度是影响闽南渔场主要游泳动物时空生态位特征的重要环境因...     

The hypothalamo-hypophysial system in the ground squirrel,Citellus erythrogenys Brandt

Summary Monthly observations of the Gomori-positive hypothalamo-hypophysial neurosecretory system (HHNS) of the ground squirrel, Citellus erythrogenys Brandt, were carried out light microscopically using several quantitative methods. From the beginning of hibernation, formation of neurosecretory material (NSM) in the neurosecretory cells (NSC) progressively decreases and release of neurohormones from the HHNS is almost fully inhibited. A maximal accumulation of NSM in the perikarya of the NSC and in the posterior pituitary (PP) is found in December. By this time the volume of the cell nuclei and nucleoli is at a minimum. Signs of activation of the HHNS appear and become more conspicuous as the time of arousal from torpor approaches. The amount of NSM in the NSC and the PP decreases simultaneously with the increase in volume of the NSC. Hyperemia and activation of glial elements is visible throughout the HHNS. The morphological signs of activation reach their peak in March. After reproduction is completed (April to beginning of May), the NSC and the PP are almost devoid of NSM. Beginning with June and during the summer and autumn months a progressive accumulation of NSM in the NSC and the PP parallels gradual diminution in the volume of the NSC structures and the glial cells. Mechanisms and effector pathways by which the HHNS influences seasonal adaptation of the organism and reproduction are discussed.     

Effect of balance taping on trunk stabilizer muscles for back extensor muscle endurance: A randomized controlled study

Objective:The purpose of this study was to investigate the difference in back extensor muscle endurance before and after kinesiology tape application to all back stabilizer muscles and to the erector spinae alone.Methods:We assessed 32 adults (16 men and 16 women), randomly divided into two groups. In the erector spinae taping (EST) group, kinesiology tape was applied only to the erector spinae, and in the total muscle taping (TMT) group, kinesiology tape was applied to the erector spinae, latissimus dorsi, lower trapezius, internal oblique abdominis, and external oblique abdominis.Results:Both groups showed significant difference in terms of back extensor muscle endurance after kinesiology tape application (p<0.05). Between-group comparison revealed that the TMT group had more back extensor muscle endurance than the EST group (p<0.05) after kinesiology tape application.Conclusions:These findings indicate that, to improve back extensor muscle endurance, kinesiology tape should be applied to all back stabilizer muscles, rather than to the erector spinae muscles alone.     

地被植物对广东常绿阔叶林土壤养分的指示作用

为了解地被植物群落对土壤养分的响应和指示作用,利用指示种分析(ISA)法研究了广东常绿阔叶林地被植物与土壤养分的关系。结果表明,速效氮(AN)、速效磷(AP)、速效钾(AK)和有机质(OM)的综合作用对地被植物分布有显著影响(P0.05),且以速效磷有机质速效钾速效氮。地被植物的组成与分布在不同AP和OM梯度中均有显著差异(P 0.05),但在不同AK和AN梯度中差异不显著。土壤AN≤270 mg/kg的指示种是广东蛇葡萄(Ampelopsis cantoniensis)和油点草(Tricyrtis macropoda),270～360 mg/kg的指示种是狗骨柴(Tricalysia dubia);AP≤2 mg/kg的指示种是华山姜(Alpinia chinensis);AK≤100mg/kg的指示种是赤楠蒲桃(Syzygiumbuxifolium),AK为100～150mg/kg的指示种是十字苔草(Carexcruciate),AK150 mg/kg的指示种是金钗凤尾蕨(Pterisfauriei);OM 0.8%的指示种是箬竹(Indocalamustessellatus),OM≤0.6%的指示种是华山姜(Alpinia chinensis)和蔓胡颓子(Elaeagnus glabra),OM为0.6%～0.8%的指示种是豆腐柴(Premna microphlla)。利用有效的地被植物调查方式来监测森林的土壤状况为森林经营管理及土壤健康评价带来方便。地被植物指示种对土壤养分的响应不但能为研究地的立地条件提供理论支撑,还能为该物种的人工栽培提供理论依据,这对于生物多样性保育、生境恢复的引种栽培有重要意义。     

闽南渔场游泳动物优势种种群聚集特性

基于2016年4月和10月闽南渔场渔业资源的专项调查数据,运用相对性重要指数、平均拥挤度指数、聚块指数、Cassie指标、Mrisita指数等方法分析闽南渔场游泳动物优势种组成及其种群聚集特性,比较不同的季节、类群和种类及其相互间的聚集状态,探究种群聚集驱动因子,旨在发现闽南渔场游泳动物优势种种群聚集的特征、内在规律和形成机制。结果表明,闽南渔场游泳动物优势种共17种,其中鱼类6种、虾类3种、蟹类4种、头足类4种;鱼类中六指马鲅（Polydactylus se-xfilis）聚集强度最强,头足类中火枪乌贼（Loligo beka）聚集强度最强;虾类和蟹类中春季以哈氏仿对虾（Parapenaeopsis hardwickii）和拥剑梭子蟹（Portunus gladiator）的聚集强度最强,而秋季以鹰爪虾（Trachypenaeus curvirostris）和日本蟳（Charybdis japonica）的聚集强度最强;鱼类、虾类、蟹类和头足类中春季分别以二长棘犁齿鲷（Evynnis cardinali）、鹰爪虾、三疣梭子蟹（P. trituberculatus）和火枪乌贼的平均拥挤度最高,而秋季分别以带鱼（Trichiurus lepturus）、鹰爪虾、拥剑梭子蟹和杜氏枪乌贼（Loligo duvaucelii）的平均拥挤度最高;闽南渔场游泳动物优势种的平均拥挤度呈现出秋季高于春季,虾类、蟹类种群聚集强度大于鱼类、头足类的特点。     

Canopy throughfall links canopy epiphytes to terrestrial vegetation in pristine conifer forests

To what extent does epiphytic community composition in boreal forests reflect soil nutrient status? To answer this question, we investigated potential links between terrestrial plants and lichen-dominated communities in Picea glauca x engelmannii canopies in south-central British Columbia. We combined original data on vegetational composition in the ground and tree layers with published data on elemental uptake in standardized transplants of the lichen Lobaria pumonaria affixed to the lower branches of studied trees. Procrustean association metrics revealed a significant concordance between community composition among the epiphytic and terrestrial vegetation, which was stronger in Mn-enriched conifer canopy settings, and weaker within the cation-enriched dripzones of adjacent Populus trees. We also found that the NMDS1-gradient for each vegetation layer was strongly correlated with base cations (and inversely with Mn) in canopy throughfall, as well as with soil and bark pH. We conclude that elemental composition in canopy throughfall forms a functional link between terrestrial and epiphytic vegetation.