When is Open‐endedness Desirable in Restoration Projects?

A low‐intervention approach to restoration that also allows restoration outcomes to be framed as trajectories of ecosystem change can be described as “open‐ended” restoration. It is an approach which recognizes that long‐term ecosystem behavior involves continual change at small and large spatial and temporal scales. There are a number of situations in which it is appropriate to adopt an open‐ended approach to restoration including: in remote and large areas, where ecological limiting factors will be changed by future climates, where antecedent conditions cannot be replicated, where there are novel starting points for restoration, where restoration relies strongly on processes outside the restoration area, in inherently dynamic systems, where costs are high and where the public demands “wildness.” Where this approach is adopted managers need to explain the project and deal with public expectations and public risk. Monitoring biotic and abiotic components of the project are very important as an open‐ended approach does not equate to “abandon and ignore it.”     

Plant conservation legislation and policy in Scotland

Summary

There is a range of legislation and policy relating to plant conservation in Scotland, including international, European and domestic measures (Scottish Office, 1998). There are, in addition, opportunities and challenges for plant conservation as a result of devolution. This paper reviews examples taken from the range of current policies and laws to illustrate both where these have been beneficial and where they have not been so successful for plant conservation, and offers some views on what lessons have been learnt from these actions.     

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INFECTION IN ALLERGIC DISEASE—Its Influence on Diagnosis and Management

The presence of infection in allergic disease produces a confused picture in which two different causative factors must be clearly separated by the physician if he is to treat the patient successfully. The effects of infection are not consistent. There are situations, as seen in infectious diseases, where symptoms of allergic disease are temporarily relieved and others where the infection may intensify or precipitate the allergic condition. It is likewise important to recognize the complications superimposed upon allergic disease by infection. In such cases, control of the infection is as dependent upon control of the allergy as it is upon antibiotics.     

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF INFECTION IN ALLERGIC DISEASE-Its Influence on Diagnosis and Management

The presence of infection in allergic disease produces a confused picture in which two different causative factors must be clearly separated by the physician if he is to treat the patient successfully. The effects of infection are not consistent. There are situations, as seen in infectious diseases, where symptoms of allergic disease are temporarily relieved and others where the infection may intensify or precipitate the allergic condition. It is likewise important to recognize the complications superimposed upon allergic disease by infection. In such cases, control of the infection is as dependent upon control of the allergy as it is upon antibiotics.     

Patterns in deep-sea macrobenthos at the continental margin: standing crop,diversity and faunal change on the continental slope off Scotland

Depth-related patterns of macrobenthic community structure and composition have been studied from box-core samples from the Scottish continental slope where deep-sea trawling and oil exploration are becoming increasingly important. There is a strong pattern of declining biomass and faunal abundance with increasing depth, but results also indicate reduced biomass and numbers of macrobenthos in the shallowest samples from just below the shelf edge where there are coarse sediments and a regime of strong bottom currents. There is also reduced species diversity at the shallowest stations, probably caused by hydrodynamic disturbance, but no clear mid-slope peak in species diversity as described from the northwest Atlantic. Taxonomic composition of the macrobenthic community shows most change between about 1000 and 1200 m, expressed as a major dichotomy in multivariate analysis by cluster analysis and ordination. It also shows up as a step-like increase in the rate of accumulation of new macrofaunal species. This corresponds to a change in hydrodynamic regime, from a seabed rich in suspension- and interface-feeding epifauna, to one where biogenic traces from large, burrowing deposit feeders are well developed, and visible epifauna rare in seabed photographs. It also corresponds to the depth zone where earlier study of megafaunal echinoderms in trawl and epibenthic sled samples also shows a clear peak in across-slope rate of change in faunal composition.     

Genetic compatibility, mate choice and patterns of parentage: invited review

There is growing interest in the possibility that genetic compatibility may drive mate choice, including gamete choice, particularly from the perspective of understanding why females frequently mate with more than one male. Mate choice for compatibility differs from other forms of choice for genetic benefits (such as 'good genes') because individuals are expected to differ in their mate preferences, changing the evolutionary dynamics of sexual selection. Recent experiments designed to investigate genetic benefits of polyandry suggest that mate choice on the basis of genetic compatibility may be widespread. However, in most systems the mechanisms responsible for variation in compatibility are unknown. We review potential sources of variation in genetic compatibility and whether there is any evidence for mate choice driven by these factors. Selfish genetic elements appear to have the potential to drive mate compatibility mate choice, though as yet there is only one convincing example. There is abundant evidence for assortative mating between populations in hybrid zones, but very few examples where this is clearly a result of selection against mating with genetically less compatible individuals. There are also numerous cases of inbreeding avoidance, but little evidence that mate choice or differential fertilization success driven by genetic compatibility occurs between unrelated individuals. The exceptions to this are a handful of situations where both the alleles causing incompatibility and the alleles involved in mate choice are located in a chromosome region where recombination is suppressed. As yet there are only a few potential sources of genetic compatibility which have clearly been shown to drive mate choice. This may reflect limitations in the potential for the evolution of mate choice for genetic compatibility within populations, although the most promising sources of such incompatibilities have received relatively little research.     

A survey for American cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis among 1,342 dogs from areas in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) where the human diseases occur

There are areas in the periphery of Rio de Janeiro city where human cases of Visceral and/or Cutaneous Leishmaniasis occur. The parasites have been identified as Leishmania donovani and Leishmania braziliensis braziliensis respectively. A survey for Leishmaniasis was done among 1,342 dogs from those areas using an indirect immunofluorescent test. From the dogs, 616 came from areas where only human cases of Visceral Leishmaniasis occurred, 373 from an area where all human cases were of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis and 353 from a third area (Campo Grande) where both visceral and cutaneous human cases were detected. The prevalence of parasite antibody titers among dogs from areas of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis was significantly higher than that of Visceral Leishmaniasis (8.6% vs. 4.3%, p less than 0.02). The highest prevalence was observed among dogs from the area where both diseases are present (12.7%).     

Oscillations, resonances and noise: basis of flexible neuronal pattern generation

Modulation of neuronal impulse pattern is examined by means of a simplified Hodgkin-Huxley type computer model which refers to experimental recordings of cold receptor discharges. This model essentially consists of two potentially oscillating subsystems: a spike generator and a subthreshold oscillator. With addition of noise the model successfully mimics the major types of experimentally recorded impulse patterns and thereby elucidate different resonance behaviors. (1) There is a range of rhythmic spiking or bursting where the spike generator is strongly coupled to the subthreshold oscillator. (2) There is a pacemaker activity of more complex interactions where the spike generator has overtaken part of the control. (3) There is a situation where the two subsystems are decoupled and only resonate with the help of noise.     

Submarine Telecommunication Cables in Disputed Maritime Areas

There are a considerable number of maritime areas where no boundary exists, or where a boundary is delimited only in part. This article deals with the issue of submarine telecommunication cables, which are sometimes placed on the seabed or buried in the subsoil of areas that are claimed by multiple states, and identifies specific issues that arise in the context of areas of overlapping claims.     

豫南鸡公山自然保护区种子植物区系的研究

鸡公山是大别山西部余脉,位于豫、鄂两省的交界线上,为国家级自然保护区和风景区。本文根据该区现代植物分布的科、属、种,作了详细的统计分析,并与其它地区的植物区系成分作了对比研究。其结果表明:①植物种类组成丰富,共计有132科、544属、1161种。②鸡公山(大别山)是华东、华中、华北植物区系的交汇之地,各种成分兼容并存。③该区(大别山)是秦岭以东南北植物分布的天然界线,以此为北界的植物有34属、72种,以此为南界的植物有5属16种。④大别山是中国西南成分、华中成分向华东地区扩展散布的北部通道,鸡公山是这条通道上的一个连接点。     

影响根瘤菌竞争结瘤的生态学因素分析

根瘤菌的发现并确证其共生固氮作用已逾100年,根瘤菌剂的制备和应用也已超过半个世纪,实践效果有目共睹。如美国对豌豆根瘤菌、三叶草根瘤菌和大豆根瘤菌的应用以及澳大利亚对三叶草根瘤菌的应用都取得显著成绩。我国在豆科作物和豆科绿肥上应用根瘤菌接种措施已有30余年历史,采用筛选的优良菌     

中国粘菌蚊属Sciophila研究（双翅目：菌蚊科）

中国粘菌蚊属Ｓｃｉｏｐｈｉｌａ研究（双翅目：菌蚊科）吴鸿（浙江农业大学植保系,浙江省杭州市３１００２９）粘菌蚊属ＳｃｉｏｐｈｉｌａＭｅｉｇｅｎ,全北区已知７９种,其中古北区３９种,新北区５４种;东洋区已知５种。中国东北曾记载过１种。本研究对中国的粘菌...     

The effect of the carbon source on ammonium regulation in Aspergillus nidulans

Summary Ammonium regulation of L-glutamate transport is annuled when L-glutamate is the sole or main carbon source. This shows that ammonium regulation mechanisms are not operative where the substrate of the ammonium repressible system can be used as a carbon as well as a nitrogen source. There is rapid loss of NADP L-glutamate dehydrogenase when glucose is replaced by L-glutamate as a carbon source. This suggests that NADP L-glutamate dehydrogenase may be subject to carbon as well as nitrogen control.     

From LOC to LIC: Using individual cells as experimentation platforms

There are many efforts today trying to mimic the properties of single cells in order to design chips that are as efficient as cells. However, cells are nature’s nanotechnology engineering at the scale of atoms and molecules. Therefore, it might be better to vision a microchip that utilizes a single cell as experimentation platform. A novel, so-called Lab-in-a-Cell (LIC) concept is described, where advantage is taken of micro/nanotechnological tools to enable precise control of the biochemical cellular environment and possibility to analyze the composition of single cells.     

Application of in silico and in vitro methods in the development of adverse outcome pathway constructs in wildlife

There is a long history of using both in silico and in vitro methods to predict adverse effects in humans and environmental species where toxicity data are lacking. Currently, there is a great deal of interest in applying these methods to the development of so-called ‘adverse outcome pathway’ (AOP) constructs. The AOP approach provides a framework for organizing information at the chemical and biological level, allowing evidence from both in silico and in vitro studies to be rationally combined to fill gaps in knowledge concerning toxicological events. Fundamental to this new paradigm is a greater understanding of the mechanisms of toxicity and, in particular, where these mechanisms may be conserved across taxa, such as between model animals and related wild species. This presents an opportunity to make predictions across diverse species, where empirical data are unlikely to become available as is the case for most species of wildlife.     

江苏野生藤本植物多样性初探

通过野外调查和文献资料查阅,初步统计出江苏野生藤本植物共有35科74属153种,其中蕨类植物有1科1属1种,单子叶植物有3科4属12种,双子叶植物有31科69属140种。该区藤本植物以寡种科(属)、单种科(属)为主;地理成分复杂,具有明显的热带亲缘性,并受温带成分的影响。生长型以木质藤本为主(56.58%),草质藤本次之,其中,共有17科全为木质藤本,如木通科(Lardizabalaceae)以及防己科(Menispermaceae);共有13科全为草质藤本,如百部科(Stemonaceae)以及萝藦科(Asclepiadaceae)等;共有4科含木质与草质藤本植物,如百合科(Liliaceae)以及葡萄科(Vitaceae)等。高位芽植物最多(56.58%),地面芽植物(20.39%)、一年生植物(11.19%)、地下芽植物(8.55%)及地上芽植物(3.29%)的数量依次减少。该区藤本植物攀援类型可以分为4大类,以缠绕类居多(40.13%),其他依次是卷曲类(30.26%)、搭靠类(22.37%)以及吸固类(7.24%)。有性繁育系统以两性花最多(76.97%),单性花次之(19.74%),杂性花最少(3.29%);花序组成丰富,以无限花序占有绝对优势(71.05%)。     

Polyembryony and twin seedlings in Borassus flabellifer L. (Palmae)

Polyembryony and twin seedlings are noted in Borassus flabellifer L. Both seedlings arising from a seed have an independent hatistorium, cotyledonary sheath, scale leaf and root system. There are instances where twin seedlings are identical in structure and activity; independent plants develop in the same way as normal seedlings. The haustoria of these seedlings are equal in size and activity. Cases are also recorded with disparity in size and activity between twin seedlings. While the haustorium of the bigger seedling is normal, that of the smaller seedling is reduced.     

The chitin-glucan complex ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae

Fractions of the cell wall ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae where a α-chtin-glucan composition was established, were examined under the electron microscope as well as with phase fluorescence. The results indicate that the α-chitin-glucan complex shows a fibrillar arrangement and is localized in the socalled encircling region of the bud scar which has a tear-like appearance and is electron-transparent in ultrathin sections. There are indications of the presence of chitin even in the primary septum.     

Exciting chaos with noise: unexpected dynamics in epidemic outbreaks

 In this paper, we identify a mechanism for chaos in the presence of noise. In a study of the SEIR model, which predicts epidemic outbreaks in childhood diseases, we show how chaotic dynamics can be attained by adding stochastic perturbations at parameters where chaos does not exist apriori. Data recordings of epidemics in childhood diseases are still argued as deterministic chaos. There also exists noise due to uncertainties in the contact parameters between those who are susceptible and those who are infected, as well as random fluctuations in the population. Although chaos has been found in deterministic models, it only occurs in parameter regions that require a very large population base or other large seasonal forcing. Our work identifies the mechanism whereby chaos can be induced by noise for realistic parameter regions of the deterministic model where it does not naturally occur. Received: 13 October 2000 / Revised version: 15 May 2001 / Published online: 7 December 2001     

Food safety and products from aquaculture

Aquaculture is currently one of the fastest growing food production systems in the world with production increasing at an average rate of 9.6% per year over the past decade. As world fish stocks are reaching the limits of exploitation, we shall rely to a far greater extent on products from aquaculture as food sources of high nutritional value. Approximately 90% of global aquaculture production is based in Asia, where it provides an important source of dietary animal protein of the region and income for millions of small-scale farmers. Commercial aquaculture contributes significantly to the economies of many producing countries, where highly valued species are a major source of foreign. Many different aquaculture systems exist world wide, ranging from small family-sized fish ponds to intensive cage culture industries as used in salmon fishing. There has been an expansion in the use of integrated farming systems, especially in Asia, where animal and human faeces are used to fertilise ponds. This paper will review global aquaculture systems used in the production of finfish and crustaceans and will focus on potential hazards arising from biological contamination of products that pose risks to public health.