阿根廷文化景观研究、项目和表现

旨在促进应用“文化景观”概念作为分析和开发阿根廷地域项目的工具。第1部分,力图总结有关文化景观的概念,术语名词的起源、传播以及其所暗含的可能性和矛盾性。第2部分,讨论这个概念成为项目工具的方式。第3部分中,强调了绘图在分析和项目中的核心作用。第4部分,以2个案例研究表明在前3个部分中阐述的问题。结论提出了这种开展项目的方式的潜能、挑战和矛盾。而只有针对地域特性的详细研究才能使找到一种回馈当地发展的管理方式成为可能。     

A chassis exchange terminal to reduce truck congestion at container terminals

Truck congestion for container terminals seems to be a worldwide unwanted phenomenon. In this paper we present and analyze a chassis exchange terminal concept to reduce the congestion. The terminal works as a kind of extended gate of a group of traditional container terminals. During the night containers are collected from these container terminals using chassis (or trailers). In daytime these containers on chassis are then collected and exchanged with export containers also on chassis. By exchanging the chassis we avoid extra handling of containers. As connecting and disconnecting to a chassis can be done in a short time, the chassis exchange terminal increases handling capacity substantially during peak hours. In this paper we analyze the concept for the Maasvlakte container terminals in Rotterdam. We investigate both the effect on waiting time, as well as the environmental effects.     

CDMA and TDMA based neural nets

CDMA and TDMA telecommunication techniques were established long time ago, but they have acquired a renewed presence due to the rapidly increasing mobile phones demand. In this paper, we are going to see they are suitable for neural nets, if we leave the concept "connection" between processing units and we adopt the concept "messages" exchanged between them. This may open the door to neural nets with a higher number of processing units and flexible configuration.     

The ability of the murine placenta to absorb monoclonal anti-fetal H-2K antibody from the maternal circulation.

In previous work we have found that partially purified 125I-labeled anti H-2 antibody is localized in the placenta when injected i.v. into females pregnant by males bearing the target haplotype. This led to the concept that the placenta is an H-2 antigen-bearing immunoabsorbent barrier between mother and fetus. In this report we have used an anti-H-2Kk monoclonal antibody of the IgG2a subclass, also labeled with 125I, to verify this concept, as well as to improve the genetic definition of the immunoabsorbent antigen. In addition we have prepared F(ab')2 fragments of this antibody, and these also show the immunoabsorbent effect. This indicates that transport into fetally derived tissues via Fc binding is not a prerequisite for reaction of the antibody with paternal strain H-2 K antigens.     

Towards a functional resource-based concept for habitat: a butterfly biology viewpoint

The habitat is the basic unit for developments in life history, population dynamics, landscape ecology and conservation of organisms. It is frequently treated as a particulate, invariant and homogeneous entity (a patch). Here we examine the implications of using this concept of habitat in butterfly biology. In doing so, we suggest the alternative approach of applying a functional resource-based concept of habitat. This recognises the fundamental requirements of organisms, consumables and utilities, the latter describing suitable environmental conditions as well as essential substrates. We argue that a resource-based concept is critical for butterfly conservation and call for the development of a resource database on butterfly biology .     

Towards a simple logic in the determination of biological groups: the species and supraspecific groups

In this paper we discuss about the utility of the species concept as real definition, particularly the Mayr concept. We propose a method for the logical separation of taxa based in the statements of the logical mathematics and the application of the sets theory to the concepts in systematic. We attempt to provide an objective methodology for the interpretation of natural groups in biology including the species as a basic group in evolution. We introduce the concept of the hypothetical ancestor as a mathematical possibility derived from the use of matrix calculations for non square matrix.     

随机进化稳定性研究进展

在过去的三十多年, 演化博弈理论及其进化稳定对策的概念不仅被广泛地应用于解释动物行为的进化, 而且也被成功地应用于分子生物学、经济学、政治学和社会学等诸多学科。然而, 在随机波动环境中演化博弈动态的随机动力学性质始终没有被清晰地认识, 并且这是一个极具挑战性的理论问题。本文简单介绍了我们最近所提出的随机进化稳定性(stochastic evolutionary stability, SES)的概念。随机进化稳定性不仅是经典进化稳定对策(evolutionarily stably strategy, ESS)概念在随机环境下的自然扩展, 而且为揭示在随机环境中动物行为的演化动态提供一个基本的理论框架。     

集合生态系统研究15年回顾与展望

集合生态系统(meta-ecosystem)由法国的Loreau教授等于2003年提出,是指"由跨生态系统边界的物质流、能量流和生物体流所连接起来的一系列生态系统的集合",是对只关注生物体(organism)迁移交换的集合种群(meta-population)和集合群落(meta-community)概念的外推,也是为了给生态系统空间异质性研究提供一个重要的分析路径,对研究和理解生态系统的结构、过程、功能和异质性具有重要意义。通过对相关文献的梳理分析,简述了集合生态系统研究的基本状况,分析了对集合生态系统概念的狭义和广义两种理解,指出了探讨集合生态系统结构的两个方向,构建了分析集合生态系统研究的六维整体框架,综述了研究集合生态系统的两类方法,探讨了经验化的集合生态系统(empirical meta-ecosystem)的3种空间结构和两种构建路径。将集合生态系统概念和理论引入流域复合生态系统(integrated watershed ecosystem)的分析,为流域生态学研究提供新的概念框架。     

Application of the critical molar concentration concept to heat-mediated antigen retrieval in immunohistochemistry

Previously we have applied Scott's critical molar concentration concept to show that divalent cations, especially Mg²⁺ may be used to measure the affinity of a known monoclonal antibody for its antigen. In this paper we report the application of this same procedure to a study of a series of antigens (three globular proteins and three intermediate filaments). The concept was applied to samples without any previous treatment or after the application of heat-mediated antigen retrieval (using a pressure cooker). Our findings suggest that heat-mediated antigen retrieval sets free protein side-chain(s) that have been masked by formaldehyde fixation. This is reflected in a higher affinity of the antibody for the antigen in question.     

Importance versus intensity of ecological effects: why context matters

In any ecological study, target organisms are usually impacted by multiple environmental drivers. In plant interaction research, recent debate has focussed on the importance of competition; that is, its role in regulating plant success relative to other environmental drivers. Despite being clearly and specifically defined, the apparently simple concept of the importance of competition has been commonly overlooked, and its recognition has helped reconcile long-running debates about the dependence of competition on environmental severity. In this review, we argue that extending this formalised concept of importance to other aspects of ecology would be beneficial. We discuss approaches for measuring importance, and provide examples where explicit acknowledgement of this simple concept might promote understanding and resolve debate.     

生态系统完整性在管理层面的体现方式: 以跨省国家公园统一管理的体制机制为例

生态系统完整性保护是国家公园的重要管理目标, 但学术上的完整性如何体现为管理上的完整性需要基于科学概念进行体制设计。从管理层面体现生态系统完整性需要突破原有的属地化要素管理模式, 把国家公园作为国土空间用途管制的独立单元, 将“山水林田湖草”统筹起来一体化管理, 但这种管理往往因为不同行政区不同的“权、钱”相关制度引发的激励不相容而难以实现, 尤其在国家公园跨省的情况下。可以首先实现跨省国家公园不同省的管理机构“权、钱”相关制度统一, 再构建协调机制或组建类似资产管理的协调机构, 以实现激励相容。在这样的体制机制下, 今后的国家公园划界也易于突破省界藩篱, 更好体现科学概念上的完整性。     

The central valine concept provides an entry in a new class of non peptide inhibitors of the p53-MDM2 interaction

Disrupting the interaction between the p53 tumor suppressor and its regulator MDM2 is a promising therapeutic strategy in anticancer drug research. In our search for non peptide inhibitors of this protein-protein interaction, we have devised a ligand design concept exploiting the central position of Val 93 in the p53 binding pocket of MDM2. The design of molecules based on this concept has allowed us to rapidly identify compounds having a 3-imidazolyl indole core structure as the first representatives of a new class of potent inhibitors of the p53-MDM2 interaction.     

Internodons as equivalence classes in genealogical networks: building-blocks for a rigorous species concept

Among the options suggested in phylogenetic systematics to solve the species problem is the Hennigian or internodal species concept. This concept interprets species as parts of the genealogical network of individual organisms between two successive permanent splits or between a permanent split and an extinction event. Though this option is at present not favoured by phylogeneticists, we believe that, to solve the species problem, there is no alternative to finding a satisfactory partition of the genealogical network. In previous work a formal definition has been developed of Hennigian or internodal species (called internodons here), based on a logical relation between individual organisms. In this paper, we prove that this definition indeed partitions genealogical networks exhaustively into mutually exclusive entities, by showing that the defining relation is an equivalence relation. Although internodons should not themselves be seen as species, they are essential building-blocks for any satisfying species concept.     

An Eliminativist Approach to Vulnerability

The concept of vulnerability has been subject to numerous different interpretations but accounts are still beset with significant problems as to their adequacy, such as their contentious application or the lack of genuine explanatory role for the concept. The constant failure to provide a compelling conceptual analysis and satisfactory definition leaves the concept open to an eliminativist move whereby we can question whether we need the concept at all. I highlight problems with various kinds of approach and explain why a satisfactory account of vulnerability is unlikely ever to be offered if we wish the concept to play a genuinely explanatory role in bioethical contexts. I outline why an eliminativist position should be taken with regard to this concept in light of these concerns but mitigate some of the severity of this position by arguing that we can still make sense of retaining our widespread use of the term by viewing it as nothing more than a useful pragmatic linguistic device that acts as a marker to draw attention to certain kinds of issue. These issues will be entirely governed by other, better understood ethical concepts and theories.     

Populations with Explicit Borders in Space and Time: Concept,Terminology, and Estimation of Characteristic Parameters

Biologists studying short-lived organisms have become aware of the need to recognize an explicit temporal extend of a population over a considerable time. In this article we outline the concept and the realm of populations with explicit spatial and temporary boundaries. We call such populations “temporally bounded populations”. In the concept, time is of the same importance as space in terms of a dimension to which a population is restricted. Two parameters not available for populations that are only spatially defined characterise temporally bounded populations: total population size, which is the total number of individuals present within the temporal borders, and total residence time, which is the sum of the residence times of all individuals. We briefly review methods to estimate these parameters. We illustrate the concept for the large blue butterfly (Maculinea nausithous) and outline insights into ecological and conservation-relevant processes that cannot be gained without the use of the concept.     

Generalization of the dynamic clamp concept in neurophysiology and behavior

The idea of closed-loop interaction in in vitro and in vivo electrophysiology has been successfully implemented in the dynamic clamp concept strongly impacting the research of membrane and synaptic properties of neurons. In this paper we show that this concept can be easily generalized to build other kinds of closed-loop protocols beyond (or in addition to) electrical stimulation and recording in neurophysiology and behavioral studies for neuroethology. In particular, we illustrate three different examples of goal-driven real-time closed-loop interactions with drug microinjectors, mechanical devices and video event driven stimulation. Modern activity-dependent stimulation protocols can be used to reveal dynamics (otherwise hidden under traditional stimulation techniques), achieve control of natural and pathological states, induce learning, bridge between disparate levels of analysis and for a further automation of experiments. We argue that closed-loop interaction calls for novel real time analysis, prediction and control tools and a new perspective for designing stimulus-response experiments, which can have a large impact in neuroscience research.     

Meta level concept versus classic reflex concept for the control of posture and movement

Postural reflexes are replaced soon after birth by automatic reactions that allow for volition and cognition. It is still an enigma how this change in postural control is achieved. We suggest that the change involves the formation of a sensory processing level (meta level) that becomes interleaved in between the tight sensor-actuator coupling of the classic reflexes. We assume that the brain applies at this level intersensory interactions to reconstruct the physical stimuli which are causing the physiological stimuli and sensory signals. The thus derived estimates of the physical stimuli are then used as feedback signals in the posture control system. We present this concept on the background of the classic reflex concept and earlier attempts in the literature to overcome it. The earlier attempts were often motivated by the question how the brain prevents voluntary movements from being hampered by reflexive stabilisation of posture (so-called posture-movement problem). We compare our new concept with the classic reflex concept in a theoretical approach, by implementing both concepts into simple postural control models. In simulations of the two models we superimpose external perturbations (the physical stimuli) and a voluntary body lean movement. We show that it is possible to achieve successful stimulus compensation and unperturbed lean movement with both, the model derived from the new concept and the one of the classic reflex concept. With both approaches, the posture-movement problem does not arise. Based on preliminary considerations that include experimental findings from the literature, however, we conclude that the new concept provides more explanatory power than the classic reflex concept.     

Pitch the niche – taking responsibility for the concepts we use in ecology and species distribution modelling

In a discussion it is often easier to staunchly reject or offer resolute support for an idea. This third paper on the niche concept aims to develop a balanced argument by exploring general principles for determining an appropriate level for pitching the niche concept that will guide better use and less abuse of niche concepts. To do this we first have to accept that niche concepts are not necessarily essential for ecology. Rather than to improve niche concepts, our aim should then be to pitch the niche in terms of ecology. This aim helps us develop an ‘ultimate goal of the niche’ by which we can evaluate the concepts we use. For species distribution modelling, there has been a focus on the niche as an equilibrium outcome that perhaps has less relevance for disequilibrium situations (e.g. climate change projections). As is the case for much of ecology, more causal explanations of species' distributions use alternative terminologies and less frequently use the word ‘niche’. We suggest that niche concepts that are better aligned with the rest of ecology could arise from taking more responsibility for our own implementations, and by explaining our models with terms other than niche. A general, holistic niche concept promotes this view and promotes practical thinking about what we are modelling and how we interpret those models, which in turn should help inspire and support innovative modelling approaches in species distribution modelling.     

浅评当今植物系统学中争论的三个问题——并系类群、谱系法规和系统发育种概念

一般来讲,进化学派承认分支学派对系统学的研究作出了有意义的贡献,如应用分支分析方法重建系统发育,应用共有衍征确定分类群之间的分支关系以及应用外类群方法来判断性状的极性等,都对系统学的方法有所改进。但分支学派的致命缺点是拒绝接受并系类群。我们属于进化学派,认为并系类群是可以接受的。例如,根据分子资料分析,Zabelia属可以包括于Abelia属内。Zabelia属不但在花粉上和Abelia属不同,可能由于它占有了新的生态位,获得了新的特征,如叶柄基部膨大两两联合,并宿存以保护腋芽。有理由认为它们应独立成属,并不由于Zabelia属从Abelia属分出而使后者成为一个并系类群而把它们合并。分支学派的一些学者认为生物名称作为交流的工具和生物信息储存系统应有明晰的、唯一的和稳定的特性。但具等级的林奈命名系统并不具有这些特性来命名分支和种。最后,PhyloCode被提出。PhyloCode对分支的命名方法有3种,即分支结点定义、分支基干定义和衍征定义。我们认为林奈命名系统作为传媒系统在生物学界的应用已近250年,若要废弃它而采用PhyloCode,必然会在命名方面引起一片混乱。但我们并不是说PhyloCode的拥护者所提出的建议一无是处,我们建议他们宜继续进行研究。由于应用生物学种概念于植物界产生了许多问题,因此多为植物系统学家所抛弃。分支学派的兴起,推动了系统发育种概念的提出。该概念基于3个特征,即自征、区别特征和基本排它,因此分别命名为自征种概念、特征种概念和谱系种概念。事实上,目前大多数植物系统学家仍然应用着形态–地理学种概念,但我们在划分种时,必须有尽可能多的资料,特别是要将传粉、繁育系统、分子系统学资料和形态学资料结合起来。