Numerical exploration of the parameter plane in a discrete predator–prey model

We propose a variant of the discrete Lotka–Volterra model for predator–prey interactions. A detailed stability and numerical analysis of the model are presented to explore the long time behaviour as each of the control parameter is varied independently. We show how the condition for survival of the predator depends on the natural death rate of predator and the efficiency of predation. The model is found to support different dynamical regimes asymptotically including predator extinction, stable fixed point and limit cycle attractors for co-existence of predator and prey and more complex dynamics involving chaotic attractors. We are able to locate exactly the domain of chaos in the parameter plane using a dimensional analysis.     

The forest resources input–output model: An application in China

Understanding the state of forest resource utilization in China and correctly evaluating the role and function of forest resources in national economic development are essential for realizing balanced development of forests, the environment, and the economy. This is especially true given the present situation of increasingly scarce forest resources. Using data from Chinese forest industry statistical yearbooks, forestry development reports, and other documents, this paper examines the current state of forest resource utilization in China from the angle of combining quantities and values based on input–output tables. We show that demand for and input use of forest resources varies greatly across industrial sectors; the paper products and furniture manufacturing industries have the greatest direct consumption coefficient for timber use. When considering direct and indirect demand, it is clear that forest resources restrict different industrial sectors in diverse ways. These results provide an important set of reference values regarding the utilization of forest resources and coordinated industrial development in China.     

The Cultural-Historical Development of Mental Processes and the Theory of Stepwise Formation of Mental Actions and Concepts

The article examines the problem of the relationship between universal and specific forms of cultural–historical development of mental processes. From different methodological approaches, the author prefers an activity approach which emphasizes genetic primacy of external practical activity. This approach allows, according to the author, universality of internalization and at the same time ethnic uniqueness of mental processes. The article clarifies the problem of internalization through two practical examples: 1) the development of mental counting actions and 2) the process of human goal setting.     

Optimization of pancreatic lipase inhibition by Cudrania tricuspidata fruits using response surface methodology

The fruits of Cudrania tricuspidata (Carr.) Bur. (Moraceae) significantly inhibited pancreatic lipase, which plays a key role in fat absorption. Optimization of extraction conditions with minimum pancreatic lipase activity and maximum yield was determined using response surface methodology with three-level-three-factor Box–Behnken design (BBD). Regression analysis showed a good fit of the experimental data and the optimal condition was obtained as ethanol concentration, 74.5%; temperature 61.9 °C and extraction time, 13.5 h. The pancreatic lipase activity and extraction yield under optimal conditions were found to be 65.5% and 54.0%, respectively, which were well matched with the predicted value of 65.8% and 47.1%. Further fractionation of C. tricuspidata extract resulted in the isolation of compound 1, which was identified as 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone. It inhibited pancreatic lipase activity with IC₅₀ value of 65.0 μM. HPLC analysis suggested positive correlation between pancreatic lipase inhibition and 5,7,4′-trihydroxy-6,8-diprenylisoflavone of C. tricuspidata fruits.     

Identifying novel targets in renal cell carcinoma: Design and synthesis of affinity chromatography reagents

Two novel scaffolds, 4-pyridylanilinothiazoles (PAT) and 3-pyridylphenylsulfonyl benzamides (PPB), previously identified as selective cytotoxins for von Hippel–Lindau-deficient Renal Carcinoma cells, were used as templates to prepare affinity chromatography reagents to aid the identification of the molecular targets of these two classes. Structure–activity data and computational models were used to predict possible points of attachment for linker chains. In the PAT class, Click coupling of long chain azides with 2- and 3-pyridylanilinothiazoleacetylenes gave triazole-linked pyridylanilinothiazoles which did not retain the VHL-dependent selectivity of parent analogues. For the PPB class, Sonagashira coupling of 4-iodo-(3-pyridylphenylsulfonyl)benzamide with a propargyl hexaethylene glycol carbamate gave an acetylene which was reduced to the corresponding alkyl 3-pyridylphenylsulfonylbenzamide. This reagent retained the VHL-dependent selectivity of the parent analogues and was successfully utilized as an affinity reagent.     

Meligethes aeneus oviposition preferences,larval parasitism rate and species composition of parasitoids on Brassica nigra,Raphanus sativus and Eruca sativa compared with on Brassica napus

The trap crop strategy is based on host plant discrimination by pests and their parasitoids, which may respond differently to various host plant cues, thus affecting their respective population distributions. We conducted a three-year study to compare the responses of the most damaging pest of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), the pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus Fab.), and its hymenopteran parasitoids to various potential trap crops: Brassica nigra L., Raphanus sativus var. olifera Pers. and Eruca sativa Mill. with that to B. napus. We recorded their abundance, oviposition preferences and the species composition of the parasitoids.Our results show that oviposition rates of the pollen beetle and its parasitoids as well the species composition of the parasitoids varies with plant species. We discuss the potential of these plant species, especially B. nigra, to enhance the natural control of the beetle by fostering several parasitoid species. The species composition of the parasitoids on different host plants compared with on B. napus is presented for the first time. In addition to trapping pests, the trap crops could also act as parasitoid banks, enhancing natural control of the pest through providing suitable hosts for natural enemies, without increasing the population growth of the next generation of pests.     

Sensing cellular biochemistry with fluorescent chemical–genetic hybrids

Fluorescent biosensors are powerful tools for the detection of biochemical events inside cells with high spatiotemporal resolution. Biosensors based on fluorescent proteins often suffer from issues with photostability and brightness. On the other hand, hybrid, chemical–genetic systems present unique opportunities to combine the strengths of synthetic, organic chemistry with biological macromolecules to generate exquisitely tailored semisynthetic sensors.     

Evaluating regional water security through a freshwater ecosystem service flow model: A case study in Beijing-Tianjian-Hebei region,China

Freshwater ecosystem service is essential to human’s survival and development. Many studies have documented the spatial differences in the supply and demand of ecosystem services and proposed the concept of ecosystem services flows. However, few studies characterize freshwater ecosystem service flow quantitatively. Therefore, our paper aims to quantify the effects of freshwater ecosystem service flow on downstream areas. We developed a freshwater ecosystem service flow model and applied it in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) region, China, for the year of 2000, 2005, and 2010. We assessed the regional water security with an improved freshwater security index by integrating freshwater service provision, consumption and flow; and found that most areas of the BTH region (69.2%) were affected by upstream freshwater flows. The areas achieving water security in the region also expanded to 66.9%, 66.1%, and 71.3%, which were 6.4%, 6.8% and 5.7% increments compared to no-flow situation, in 2000, 2005 and 2010, respectively. Setting quota for human water consumption is suggested to further improve water security. These results highlight the need to fully understand the connections between distant freshwater ecosystem service provision and local freshwater ecosystem service consumption. This approach may also help managers to choose more sustainable strategies for critical freshwater resource management across different regions.     

Ascorbic acid prolongs the viability and stability of isolated perfused lungs: A mechanistic study using 31P and hyperpolarized 13C nuclear magnetic resonance

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) has recently shown promise as a means of more accurately gauging the health of lung grafts and improving graft performance post-transplant. However, reperfusion of ischemic lung promotes the depletion of high-energy compounds and a progressive loss of normal mitochondrial function, and it remains unclear how and to what extent the EVLP approach contributes to this metabolic decline. Although ascorbate has been used to mitigate the effects of ischemia–reperfusion injury, the nature of its effects during EVLP are also not clear. To address these uncertainties, this study monitored the energy status of lungs during EVLP and after the administration of ascorbate using ³¹P and hyperpolarized ¹³C NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). Our experiments demonstrated that the oxidative phosphorylation capacity and pyruvate dehydrogenase flux of lungs decline during ex vivo perfusion. The addition of ascorbate to the perfusate prolonged lung viability by 80% and increased the hyperpolarized ¹³C bicarbonate signal by a factor of 2.7. The effect of ascorbate is apparently due not to its antioxidant quality but rather to its ability to energize cellular respiration given that it increased the lung’s energy charge significantly, whereas other antioxidants (glutathione and α-lipoic acid) did not alter energy metabolism. During ascorbate administration, inhibition of mitochondrial complex I with rotenone depressed energy charge and shifted the metabolic state of the lung toward glycolysis; reenergizing the electron transport chain with TMPD (N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine) recovered metabolic activity. This indicates that ascorbate slows the decline of the ex vivo perfused lung’s mitochondrial activity through an independent interaction with the electron transport chain complexes.