Resource dispersion, territory size and group size of black-backed jackals on a desert coast

We studied the relationship between resource—food patch—richness and dispersion on group and territory size of black-backed jackals Canis mesomelas in the Namib Desert. Along beaches where food patches are mostly small, widely separated jackal group sizes are small, and territories are narrow and extremely elongated. Where food patches are rich, fairly clumped and also heterogeneous, group sizes are large and territory sizes small. At a superabundant and highly clumped food source—a large seal rookery—group sizes are large, and territoriality is absent. Although jackals feed at the coast and den nearby, individuals move linearly far inland along well-defined footpaths. The marked climatic gradient from the cold coast inland—a drop in wind speed and rise in effective temperature T _e – and use of particular paths by different groups—strongly suggests that these movements are for thermoregulatory reasons only.     

中华鲟外周血细胞组成及形态观察

利用光镜和透射电镜技术对北京海洋馆养殖的40尾中华鲟(Acipenser sinensis)(介于4—30龄以上, 包括野生、子一代和子二代共7个龄组)外周血细胞组成、大小、显微和超微结构进行研究。结果表明, 在外周血细胞中可区分出以下六类细胞。形态结果: 红细胞卵圆形, 胞质内可见少量线粒体; 淋巴细胞多圆形, 有明显伪足样或指状胞凸, 核质比大, 可明显分为大淋巴和小淋巴; 嗜中性粒细胞核型多样, 胞质细胞器丰富, 含有大小不等的特殊颗粒; 嗜酸性粒细胞多为规则圆形, 表面大量细小指状突起, 胞质细胞器丰富, 含有大量个体较大的嗜酸性颗粒; 单核细胞变形现象多, 胞质内大量空泡, 核型多样; 血栓细胞形状多样, 胞质内大量小的空泡, 散布或成团出现, 常见直接分裂现象。各类血细胞从大到小依次为: 单核细胞、嗜中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞、大淋巴细胞、红细胞、血栓细胞和小淋巴细胞, 各龄组间无显著差异。外周血红细胞总数(RBC)平均为(5.56±1.19)×108/mL, 18龄和11龄与其他龄组之间存在显著性差异(P<0.05); 白细胞总数(WBC)平均为(16.53±4.94)×106/mL, 18龄与4龄间存在显著差异, 且分别与其他龄组间存在显著性差异(P<0.05); 血栓细胞总数(15.53±15.82)×106/mL。白细胞分类计数(DLC)中大淋巴细胞、小淋巴细胞、嗜中性粒细胞、嗜酸性粒细胞和单核细胞所占百分比分别为: (5.26±3.95)%、(77.74±11.73)%、(9.40±7.98)%、(1.90±2.06)%、(5.50±4.00)%, >30龄和4龄间显著差异, 且分别与其他龄组间存在显著性差异( P<0.05)。结论认为中华鲟血细胞进化地位低, 免疫系统为淋巴细胞系为主, 主要包括淋巴细胞、粒细胞和单核细胞, 结果对中华鲟的健康评价与保育研究有重要的参考意义。     

A possible novel interaction between the 3′-end of 18 S ribosomal RNA and the 5'-leader sequence of many eukaryotic messenger RNAs

A novel interaction between the 5′-untranslated region of eukaryotic messenger RNAs and non-contiguous sequences in the 18 S ribosomal RNA is proposed. The small ribosomal RNA contains, at its 3′-terminus, a heavily conserved hairpin structure. It is suggested that mRNA 5′-leader sequence stabilises this structure by interacting with other conserved nucleotides which flank it. Sequences closely related to the required sequence (A—U—C—C—A—C—C) occur quite commonly in eukaryotic mRNAs and are often found immediately upstream from the AUG-codon. This interaction may have a role in the events which lead up to the initiation of protein synthesis.     

海城碘泡虫(黏体动物门，黏孢子纲)补充描述及基于18S rDNA系统发育分析

海城碘泡虫原始描述中形态数据较为简单,且存在多个宿主及寄生部位,其有效性有待确定。利用现行主流的黏孢子虫形态特征和基因标记系统分析相结合的分类学方法,对采自太湖棒花鱼鳃丝的海城碘泡虫进行了补充描述。该碘泡虫孢囊呈白色,圆形,大小为(0.6—1.1) mm。成熟孢子正面观近似椭圆形,上端稍尖,侧面观呈纺锤型,孢子长(10.8±0.7) μm (10.1—11.5 μm),孢子宽:(8.1±0.5) μm (7.5—9.0 μm),孢子厚:(5.7±0.4) μm (5.2—9.0 μm);两极囊呈梨形,大小存在细微差别,极囊顶端存在突起,大极囊长:(4.7±0.5) μm (4.8—6.7 μm),宽:(2.5±0.2) μm (3.2—4.3 μm),小极囊长:(4.4±0.2) μm (4.1—4.8 μm),宽:(2.2±0.1) μm (2.0—2.5 μm);极丝盘绕4—5圈。基于18S rDNA序列(GenBank登录号:KY965936)比对分析,该碘泡虫与放射孢子虫Hexactinomyxon type 2相似率最高,为97%。系统发育分析表明,该碘泡虫与Hexactinomyxon type 2、Hexactinomyxon type 1、Hexactinomyxon type SH-2006、Myxobolus pfeifferi、Myxobolus caudatus和Myxobolus squamae聚为独立分支,和其他已报道的黏孢子虫亲缘关系较远。研究在补充了海城碘泡虫形态学、基因标记序列信息基础上,推断了该虫生活史。     

The mechanism of guard cell movement

Leaves of higher terrestrial plants have small pores — stomata — responsible for gas exchange. The opening of each stoma results from the osmotic uptake of water by two specialised cells — the guard cells. Because of the involvement in this mechanism of ATPase-proton pumps and active transport of ions across membranes, we have designed an Exploring Guard Cell Movement activity for biology teachers to provide a practical approach to some relevant aspects of bioenergetics and plant physiology.     

Distribution and numbers of Ukrainian lamprey Eudontomyzon mariae (Petromyzontidae) in the upper Don basin

The characteristic of distribution of Ukrainian lamprey Eudontomyzon mariae in the upper Don basin is presented. The examined part of the basin covers territories of Kursk, Orel, Tula, Ryazan, Lipetsk, Tambov, and Voronezh oblasts. It is shown that, at the present time in the upper Don basin, restoration of the range and an increase in the numbers of Ukrainian lamprey is occurring. The main concentrations of the species were recorded in the Don and Krasivaya Mecha rivers and their tributaries. In the basin of the Sosna River—one of the largest tributaries of the Don—Ukrainian lamprey is very widely distributed, but its population remains small and rarified. To preserve the species in the upper Don basin, it is suggested—in addition to already existing specially protected natural territories—to organize new ones in some small rivers and in the upper reaches of the Krasivaya Mecha River. In case of emergence of technogenic catastrophes, they can serve as donors for the entire basin of the upper Don.     

The Effect of Categorization on a Simple Analysis of Variance Model

Many statistical procedures assume a continuous model in spite of the fact that observations are necessarily discrete. Here we consider a simple ANOVA model—one factor with fixed effects—and assess the effect of categorisation by simulating sizes and calculating asymptotic relative efficiencies. Even for severe categorisation the effects are small.     

陕南西乡寒武纪梅树村期的马哈螺类化石

根据陕西西乡梅树村期西乡生物群中获得的64枚马哈螺类化石个体的壳形和纹饰特征类型,确认该类化石有6个属,同时对其中3个属进行了系统分类研究,并建立了西乡中间锥新种Mediata xixiangensis sp.nov.。文中还对马哈螺类化石个体的不同部位进行了能谱分析和个体长宽高的测量统计,结果显示马哈螺类的壳质成分是磷酸钙,含少量氟和铝元素。马哈螺类的个体均较小,不超过1 mm,其中长度一般为300—700μm,宽度为250—550μm,厚度为200—300μm。上述研究对今后世界范围内寻找和研究此类化石,尤其对单板类的起源研究,有重要的意义。     

Inhomogeneous stationary states in reaction-diffusion systems.

Inhomogeneous stationary solutions for reaction—diffusion equations are of interest with regard to the chemical basis of morphogenesis. Numerical means of determining such solutions and of testing their stability to small perturbations are examined, and applied to shape formation in three systems: the “Brusselator” and “Lotka—Volterra” mechanisms, and a simple model for slimemould aggregation.     

Structure and functioning of two pelagic communities in the North Chilean Patagonian coastal system

The size composition of primary producers is important for how energy is channeled through a food web and on to the higher trophic levels and eventually to fisheries. To evaluate this, we studied the productive patterns for large (micro) versus small (nano) phytoplankton in two south marine Patagonian ecosystems: The Inner Sea of Chiloe—ISCh and, Moraleda Channel—MCh. We built Ecopath models (EwE), and evaluated the hypothesis that the overall primary productivity—rather than the ratio of large to small primary producers—constitutes an adequate proxy for predicting the amount of secondary and tertiary production and biomass (up to the fisheries). The EwE model included four small-scale fisheries and 36 functional groups. The functioning of both ecosystems was similar but the ecosystem parameters (biomass, energy transfer efficiencies from primary producers, secondary, and tertiary production) were twice as much in the basin with more microphytoplankton biomass. Overall, the hypothesis was rejected, albeit it was possible to highlight the importance of the quality and size spectrum of plankton on the structure of marine ecosystem, and to demonstrate the key role of the microbial loop over traditional food web in the functioning of the carbon biological pump in Patagonia ecosystems.     

Intraerythrocytic Precipitations of Haemoglobins S and C

HEINZ bodies—intraerythrocytic aggregations of denatured haemoglobin—are characteristically associated with the unstable haemoglobins (Hb), but not with other variants, such as Hbs S or C. In electron microscopy¹, the initial Heinz body lesion consists of small precipitations of relatively unaltered haemoglobin. As these enlarge, coalesce and are fixed to erythrocyte membrane, they can be demonstrated by vital staining; eventually they lead to fragmentation of the cell. Precipitations of the unstable Hb Sabine—even those not visible in vital staining—are easily seen in dark field microscopy of unfixed erythrocytes, especially with illumination from a mercury burner². We now report on such precipitations of Hbs S or C.     

波纹盘肠溞(甲壳纲、双甲目)的重新描述及其生态学资料

波纹盘肠溞(Chydorus undulatus Chiang,1963)系蒋燮治1定名的枝角类新种。其主要特征是壳瓣腹缘内面具有双行排列整齐的拱型下陷。标本采集于1956年8月,祇在青海省的隔湖、倒淌河及其附近的沼地等很少处所发现。二十余年来尚未见他处报道。中国动物志已将这种枝角类列为我国的特有种2,甚至是青藏高原的特产种1。       

A novel coatomer-related SEA complex dynamically associates with the vacuole in yeast and is implicated in the response to nitrogen starvation

We now seem to live in a small world, in which everyone is highly interconnected. Cells, too, often also display tremendous interconnectivities in their component systems. As a recent case in point, we have identified a conserved protein complex—the SEA complex—that links the nuclear pore complex (NPC), the COPII vesicle coating complex, vacuoles and autophagy. In this punctum we will discuss the properties of this novel complex.     

Can competitive asymmetries maintain offspring size variation? A manipulative field test

Offspring sizes vary within populations but the reasons are unclear. Game‐theoretic models predict that selection will maintain offspring‐size variation when large offspring are superior competitors (i.e., competition is asymmetric), but small offspring are superior colonizers. Empirical tests are equivocal, however, and typically rely on interspecific comparisons, whereas explicit intraspecific tests are rare. In a field study, we test whether offspring size affects competitive asymmetries using the sessile marine invertebrate, Bugula neritina. Surprisingly, we show that offspring size determines whether interactions are competitive or facilitative—large neighbors strongly facilitated small offspring, but also strongly competed with large offspring. These findings contradict the assumptions of classic theory—that is, large offspring were not superior competitors. Instead, smaller offspring actually benefit from interactions with large offspring—suggesting that asymmetric facilitation, rather than asymmetric competition, operates in our system. We argue that facilitation of small offspring may be more widespread than currently appreciated, and may maintain variation in offspring size via negative frequency‐dependent selection. Offspring size theory has classically viewed offspring interactions through the lens of competition alone, yet our results and those of others suggest that theory should accommodate positive interactions in explorations of offspring‐size variation.     

川西米亚罗地区暗针叶林采伐迹地早期植被演替过程的研究

 A secondary succession of vegetation on clearcut sites was studied in Western Sichuan. The coverage and biomass of trees, shrubs and herbs at different stages of succession have been surveyed. The result showed that the coverage and biomass of trees and shrubs have changed greatly in the succession. After the forest was cut, raspberry’s (Rubus daeus) coverage was the greatest during the first 0–15 years, Red birch’s coverage was the greatest during 16–29 years, while the total coverage of other shrubs was greater than those of raspberry and red birch during 10–20 years.The following empirical formulas with good fitness have been used:Ctree=0.803+2.347t1/2 (r=0.88 p<0.01) Cshrub=l0.481 l0.392T+0.373T2 (r=0.87 p<0.01)Cherb=0.489+87.001/T (r=0.93 p<0.01) C: biomass, kilogram/ha T: time period, year According to the curves, the succession of vegetation can be divided into four stages: herb stage. 0—3 years; raspberry stage: 4—10 year; shrub and small broad-leaved forest stage: 11—20 years, and small broad–leaved forest stage: 21—29 years.     

The Relationship between Crystallization of Water Clusters Dispersed in Sephadex Resins in their Wet Form and the Polymeric Matrix Glass Transition Temperature

Biophysics - Abstract—Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analysis was used to study the dependences of the main parameters of crystallization and melting of small water clusters...     

MS-222对两种规格的异齿裂腹鱼麻醉效果研究

通过MS-222对2种规格的异齿裂腹鱼进行麻醉行为特征研究, 为高原鱼类的麻醉以及运输提供技术支持。试验表明: MS-222麻醉大规格(25.0±1.5) cm和小规格(14.8±2.3) cm异齿裂腹鱼时, 在麻醉时期3期以内, 呼吸频率增加并之间无显著性差异, 在麻醉4期以后呼吸频率才开始显著下降。MS-222麻醉大规格和小规格异齿裂腹鱼的有效质量浓度分别为150—180 mg/L和150 mg/L。在此浓度范围内, 大规格异齿裂腹鱼在MS-222麻醉液中, 5min之内达到4级麻醉状态, 5min之内苏醒恢复, 且在麻醉液中浸浴20min后成活率为100%时的浓度; 小规格异齿裂腹鱼在MS-222麻醉液中, 5min之内达到4级麻醉状态, 7min之内苏醒恢复, 且在麻醉液中浸浴20min后成活率为100%时的浓度。大规格异齿裂腹鱼在180 mg/L的MS-222溶液中麻醉5min, 在空气中进行暴露0—15min, 复苏时间无显著性差异(P>0.05); 小规格异齿裂腹鱼在150 mg/L的MS-222溶液中麻醉5min, 在空气中进行暴露0—15min, 复苏时间存在显著性差异(P<0.05)。     

Noncoding Polymorphism rs6832151 Is an Attractive Candidate for Genome Editing Aimed at Finding New Molecular Mechanisms of Autoimmune Diseases

Molecular Biology - Abstract—Currently only a small fraction of the proteins encoded in the human genome serve as pharmaceutical targets. Genome-wide association studies are a powerful tool...     

鲫鱼寄生车轮虫一新种的研究

本文记述了寄生在鲫鱼(Carassius auratus)体表和鳃上一种新的车轮虫(Trichodina carassii sp.nov.),虫体直径70(54.6—80.4)μm,附着盘直径58(51.6—67.2)μm,齿环直径32(27.0—36.2)μm,齿体25—30个,齿环中央有7—14个旧齿体残余物形成的颗粒结构。大核马蹄形。小核短杆状,在大核一端的外侧,其位置略有变动。口沟390—400°。齿钩镰刀状,齿棘较直,侧面具有若干个缺刻,末端钝圆或平截,近锥体的后方有一个不太明显的小突起。       

Weather effects on birds of different size are mediated by long‐term climate and vegetation type in endangered temperate woodlands

Species occurrence is influenced by a range of factors including habitat attributes, climate, weather, and human landscape modification. These drivers are likely to interact, but their effects are frequently quantified independently. Here, we report the results of a 13‐year study of temperate woodland birds in south‐eastern Australia to quantify how different‐sized birds respond to the interacting effects of: (a) short‐term weather (rainfall and temperature in the 12 months preceding our surveys), (b) long‐term climate (average rainfall and maximum and minimum temperatures over the period 1970–2014), and (c) broad structural forms of vegetation (old‐growth woodland, regrowth woodland, and restoration plantings). We uncovered significant interactions between bird body size, vegetation type, climate, and weather. High short‐term rainfall was associated with decreased occurrence of large birds in old‐growth and regrowth woodland, but not in restoration plantings. Conversely, small bird occurrence peaked in wet years, but this effect was most pronounced in locations with a history of high rainfall, and was actually reversed (peak occurrence in dry years) in restoration plantings in dry climates. The occurrence of small birds was depressed—and large birds elevated—in hot years, except in restoration plantings which supported few large birds under these circumstances. Our investigation suggests that different mechanisms may underpin contrasting responses of small and large birds to the interacting effects of climate, weather, and vegetation type. A diversity of vegetation cover is needed across a landscape to promote the occurrence of different‐sized bird species in agriculture‐dominated landscapes, particularly under variable weather conditions. Climate change is predicted to lead to widespread drying of our study region, and restoration plantings—especially currently climatically wet areas—may become critically important for conserving bird species, particularly small‐bodied taxa.