Infectious Pancreatic Necrosis First Isolation of Virus from Fish in Norway

Infectious pancreatic necrosis (IPN) is a disease of salmonid fishes. It has been reported in many countries throughout the world (M’Gonigle 1940, Wood et al. 1955, Besse & Kinkelin 1965, Vestergård Jørgensen & Bregnballe 1969, Sano 1971, Ball et al 1971, Ljungberg & Vestergård Jørgensen 1972, Schlotfeldt et al. 1975). Outbreaks of the disease can cause serious losses in populations of hatchery reared salmonids, the mortality rate varying between 10 and 90 % (Vestergård Jørgensen & Kehlet 1971). There are at least four different serotypes of the virus distinguished by neutralization tests (Wolf et al. 1968). Twenty-five isolates of IPN virus in Denmark proved to represent only two serotypes (Sp and Ab) (Vestergård Jørgensen & Kehlet). The present paper reports the first isolation of IPN virus from the stock at a fish farm in Norway.     

Halothane Sensitivity,The H Blood Group System and Phosphohexose Isomerase (PHI) in Pigs

Previous investigations have clearly shown the existence of associations between halothane sensitivity, the H blood group system and the PHI enzyme system in pigs (Rasmusen & Christian 1976, Jørgensen et al. 1976). These associations which have considerable practical interest are most probably linkage phenomenons (Jørgensen 1977, Andresen & Jensen 1977). The major recessive locus for halothane sensitivity (HAL) comprises the two alleles N and n, n being responsible for halothane sensitivity. The distances between this locus and the loci for H and PHI are still not known exactly. This communication aims at clarifying these problems.     

Ecosystem services,sustainability and thermodynamic indicators

It is proposed to calculate the value of ecosystem services by the annual increase of work capacity or eco-exergy. The annual increase of biomass for various ecosystems is known. By multiplication of the biomass increase by the average content of information as Kullbach's measure of information, in the various ecosystems, the eco-exergy or total work capacity is obtained. An economic value can be found by multiplication of the cost of work, which is about 1 EURO-cent per MJ. A comparison of this value with the values found by Costanza et al. (1997) shows that the value based upon the total work capacity is much higher. The ratio between the two economic values have been found for the various ecosystems. It has been found that the ratio is lower the more an ecosystem by a wide range of application possibilities is utilized. The ecosystems have been divided in five classes according to the ratio and thereby in accordance to our utilization of the total work capacity of various ecosystems.     

生态系统生态学研究的关键问题及趋势——从“整体论与还原论的争论”看

在生态学领域中,存在着生态系统整体论与还原论的争论。Tansley A.G.提出,生态系统是"准有机体"。Odum兄弟提出的"生态系统能量说"被广泛接受,但也受到质疑,称其为"还原论者的整体论"。基于对上述质疑的回应以及对生态系统整体论的追求,Patten B.C.等提出"生态网络理论",运用"网络‘环境子’分析"方法,试图从物理层面分析解决生物层面的"涌现性"问题。不过,这一理论也受到批判,认为其在探究符号化的现象对生态系统的动态影响时,陷入了还原论困境。Jrgensen S.E.等更进一步,提出"系统论"的生态系统生态学,试图从系统科学的角度研究生态系统的"物质-能量-信息-网络"系统。这一理论受到生态学界高度重视,但是也存在着在具体研究过程中如何平衡能量视角和生物地球化学视角的问题。由上述争论可见,生态系统生态学研究的趋势是从"物质实体"到"能量流动",再到"网络信息",最后到"开放系统"层层递进。目前面临的关键问题是:如何在更好地定义生态系统整体性的基础上,采取相应的能够体现生态系统整体性的方法,去获得更多、更好的生态系统整体性的认识。     

“Words matter.” A Response to Jørgensen's Treatment of Historic Range and Definitions of Reintroduction

According to Jørgensen, the definition of reintroductions is crucial to their proper implementation and she highlights a number of ambiguities in existing definitions, particularly associated with the concept of historic range. We could not agree more and have incorporated her suggested term of “indigenous range” rather than “historic range” into the current revision of the InternationalUnion for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Guidelines for Reintroductions and other Conservation Translocations (in preparation by IUCN Species Survival Commission Reintroduction and Invasive Species Specialist Groups). We also agree with Jørgensen's interpretation that reintroductions are not always necessitated by humans causing the extirpation of species. However, we disagree with other aspects of Jørgensen's argument such as the critique of Seddon, the interpretation of previous IUCN guidance documents, and the recommendation that the conservation community “rethink the basic definition of reintroduction” rather than moving toward other translocation‐based interventions. With regard to the latter point, we emphasize that reintroductions are part of a spectrum of translocations and to focus on reintroductions alone would overlook the fact that introductions beyond a species' indigenous range are being attempted. The new revision of the IUCN guidelines incorporates the whole conservation translocation spectrum and aims to avoid the ambiguities of previous definitions highlighted by Jørgensen.     

Chorio-Retinitis in Porcine Toxoplasmosis

Porcine toxoplasmosis generally occurs as a latent disease in adolescent and adult pigs, but now and then also manifests itself as a fatal congenital disease in piglets. It is known to occur in USA (Farrel et al. 1952), Germany (Becker 1954), Denmark (Momberg-Jørgensen 1956), Mexico (Varela et al. 1956), Japan (Sato et al. 1958), England (Harding et al. 1961) and Sweden (Hansen et al. to be published).     

Evaluation of three indices for biofilm accumulation on complete dentures

doi:10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2009.00285.x
Evaluation of three indices for biofilm accumulation on complete dentures Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of three complete denture biofilm indices (Prosthesis Hygiene Index; Jeganathan et al. Index; Budtz‐Jørgensen Index) by means of a computerised comparison method. Background: Clinical studies into denture hygiene have employed a large number of biofilm indices among their outcome variables. However, the knowledge about the validity of these indices is still scarce. Materials and methods: Sixty‐two complete denture wearers were selected. The internal surfaces of the upper complete dentures were stained (5% erythrosine) and photographed. The slides were projected on paper, and the biofilm indices were applied over the photos by means of a scoring method. For the computerised method, the areas (total and biofilm‐covered) were measured by dedicated software (Image Tool). In addition, to compare the results of the computerised method and Prosthetic Hygiene Index, a new scoring scale (including four and five graded) was introduced. For the Jeganathan et al. and Budtz‐Jørgensen indices, the original scales were used. Values for each index were compared with the computerised method by the Friedman test. Their reproducibility was measured by means of weighed κ. Significance for both tests was set at 0.05. Results: The indices tested provided similar mean measures but they tended to overestimate biofilm coverage when compared with the computerised method (p < 0.001). Agreement between the Prosthesis Hygiene Index and the computerised method was not significant, regardless of the scale used. Jeghanathan et al. Index showed weak agreement, and consistent results were found for Budtz‐Jorgensen Index (κ = 0.19 and 0.39 respectively). Conclusion: Assessment of accuracy for the biofilm indices showed instrument bias that was similar among the tested methods. Weak inter‐instrument reproducibility was found for the indices, except for the Budtz‐Jørgensen Index. This should be the method of choice for clinical studies when more sophisticated approaches are not possible.     

城市湖泊退化过程中水生态系统服务功能价值演变评估——以肇庆仙女湖为例

运用市场价值法、碳税法、造林成本法和工业制氧影子价格法、影子工程法以及价格替代等方法,以肇庆仙女湖为例,对城市湖泊水生态系统自然资产价值部分的演变进行了评估。结果得出,仙女湖水生态系统退化过程中,导致水生态系统有些服务功能的大幅度降低,如大气调节功能价值由1999年的460124元降低到2004年的8元、水质净化功能价值由1999年的11480元降到2004年的904元等;但并非各项生态系统服务功能价值都降低,有些项目的生态系统服务功能可保持不变,如水资源调节功能价值;甚至升高,如物质生产价值由1999年的152400元增加到2004年的241200元。该研究给退化生态系统的修复带来很大启示,即在退化生态系统的修复过程中要针对性的就退化生态系统的结构和功能进行修复,提高生态系统的总体服务功能价值,而并非退化生态系统的各项服务均需提高,有些项目的生态系统服务价值可以保持不变,甚至降低。     

Integrated ecosystem health assessment based on eco-exergy theory: A case study of the Jiangsu coastal area

The main objective of ecosystem health management is to preserve the capacity of ecosystems to respond to disturbances and future changes. We proposed a set of ecological indicators for coastal ecosystem health assessment using physical stressors such as total suspended matter, chemical stressors including nutrients and heavy metal pollutants, community structure metrics including species richness, diversity and evenness, and ecosystem level eco-exergy indicators. The results of our case study indicate that the health status of the Jiangsu coastal ecosystem is limited by environmental stressors and factors that affect the community species diversity. The health status of nektonic and benthic communities is reflected by water quality and sediment physicochemical properties, respectively. The results of our case study demonstrate that the integrated ecological health indicator system can provide a comprehensive assessment that corresponds with the current health of coastal ecosystems and a reliable theoretical basis for regional coastal management.     

青海湖湿地生态系统服务价值评估

青海湖是我国最大的内陆高原咸水湖,为社会提供了多项生态系统服务．开展青海湖湿地生态系统服务价值评估能用直观的经济数据揭示青海湖湿地生态系统对受益者的直接贡献,使青海湖湿地生态保护被纳入经济效益权衡的决策分析中.本文根据青海湖湿地生态系统特征及其所在区域社会经济特征,确定了青海湖湿地生态系统最终服务价值评估指标体系,并以2012年为基础年,综合运用市场价值法、替代成本法、区域旅行费用模型、条件价值法等方法定量评估了青海湖湿地生态系统提供给受益者的生态经济价值.结果表明： 2012年青海湖湿地生态系统最终服务总价值为6749.08亿元,其中,水源涵养和气候调节价值分别为4797.57亿元和1929.34亿元,分别占总价值的71.1% 和 28.6%.对所评估的8项最终服务按其价值大小排序为:水源涵养>气候调节>休闲娱乐>非使用价值>释氧>原材料生产>固碳>食物生产.评估结果用直观的数字揭示了青海湖湿地生态系统对受益者的巨大贡献,不仅能提高管理者和公众的湿地保护认知,也为生态补偿标准制定提供了数据基础.评估指标体系为区分湿地生态系统中间服务（功能）和最终服务、开展湿地生态系统最终服务动态评估和优化管理提供了重要方向.     

Ecosystem Service Valuations of Mangrove Ecosystems to Inform Decision Making and Future Valuation Exercises

The valuation of ecosystem services is a complex process as it includes several dimensions (ecological, socio-cultural and economic) and not all of these can be quantified in monetary units. The aim of this paper is to conduct an ecosystem services valuation study for mangroves ecosystems, the results of which can be used to inform governance and management of mangroves. We used an expert-based participatory approach (the Delphi technique) to identify, categorize and rank the various ecosystem services provided by mangrove ecosystems at a global scale. Subsequently we looked for evidence in the existing ecosystem services literature for monetary valuations of these ecosystem service categories throughout the biogeographic distribution of mangroves. We then compared the relative ranking of ecosystem service categories between the monetary valuations and the expert based analysis. The experts identified 16 ecosystem service categories, six of which are not adequately represented in the literature. There was no significant correlation between the expert based valuation (the Delphi technique) and the economic valuation, indicating that the scope of valuation of ecosystem services needs to be broadened. Acknowledging this diversity in different valuation approaches, and developing methodological frameworks that foster the pluralism of values in ecosystem services research, are crucial for maintaining the credibility of ecosystem services valuation. To conclude, we use the findings of our dual approach to valuation to make recommendations on how to assess and manage the ecosystem services provided by mangrove ecosystems.     

Emergy and eco-exergy evaluation of four forest restoration modes in southeast China

Four different forest restoration modes (Acacia mangium plantation, mixed-native species plantation, conifer plantation and Eucalyptus plantation) were evaluated using Energy System Theory and the emergy synthesis method. In addition, the eco-exergies of the four forest restoration modes were calculated, and combined with emergy and empower density to explore the restoration and self-organization efficiencies of these modes. The results showed that the two plantations of exotic species, especially the Acacia mangium plantation, were best for biomass accumulation and soil improvement, whereas the two plantations of native species, especially the mixed-native plantation, were more efficient in capturing the available natural resources. Transformity is an important emergy index for the evaluation of system efficiency, because it takes both input and output into account. In subtropical plantations, trees mainly contribute to eco-exergy, whereas herbs and shrubs mainly contribute to specific eco-exergy. The c-value Paradox does exist in conifer species in this study, and it could affect the eco-exergy evaluation. The joint use of eco-exergy and emergy analysis is helpful in comparing both different and similar kinds of ecosystems.     

How to value biodiversity in environmental management?

Biodiversity is globally recognised as a cornerstone of healthy ecosystems, and biodiversity conservation is increasingly becoming one of the important aims of environmental management. Evaluating the trade-offs of alternative management strategies requires quantitative estimates of the costs and benefits of their outcomes, including the value of biodiversity lost or preserved. This paper takes a decision-analytic standpoint, and reviews and discusses the alternative aspects of biodiversity valuation by dividing them into three categories: socio-cultural, economic, and ecological indicator approaches. We discuss the interplay between these three perspectives and suggest integrating them into an ecosystem-based management (EBM) framework, which permits us to acknowledge ecological systems as a rich mixture of interactive elements along with their social and economic aspects. In this holistic framework, socio-cultural preferences can serve as a tool to identify the ecosystem services most relevant to society, whereas monetary valuation offers more globally comparative and understandable values. Biodiversity indicators provide clear quantitative measures and information about the role of biodiversity in the functioning and health of ecosystems. In the multi-objective EBM approach proposed in the paper, biodiversity indicators serve to define threshold values (i.e., the minimum level required to maintain a healthy environment). An appropriate set of decision-making criteria and the best method for conducting the decision analysis depend on the context and the management problem in question. Therefore, we propose a sequence of steps to follow when quantitatively evaluating environmental management against biodiversity.     

Antifungal properties of Schiff bases of chitosan, N-substituted chitosan and quaternized chitosan

Schiff bases of chitosan, N-substituted chitosan, and quaternized chitosan were synthesized and their antifungal properties were analyzed against Botrytis cinerea Pers. (B. cinerea pers.) and Colletotrichum lagenarium (Pass) Ell.et halst (C. lagenarium (Pass) Ell.et halst) based on the method of D. Jasso de Rodríguez and co-workers. The results showed that quaternized chitosan had better inhibitory properties than chitosan, Schiff bases of chitosan, and N-substituted chitosan.     

疏勒河中游生态服务价值对土地利用变化的响应

利用ArcGIS 9.2和ERDAS 9.1软件平台和生态经济学方法,采用Costanza等生态系统服务价值计算公式,结合中国陆地生态系统服务单位面积价值,探讨了疏勒河中游1990-2010年土地利用和生态系统服务价值变化特征.结果表明:1990-2010年,疏勒河中游土地利用以未利用地、牧草地、耕地为主,三者面积占研究区总面积的98.2％,20年间土地利用整体特征并未发生重大变化;疏勒河中游主要土地利用变化发生在耕地、建设用地和牧草地,土地利用动态度分别为13.6％、8.0％和7.7％;生态系统服务价值总体呈上升趋势,从344.85亿元增加到485.11亿元,牧草地和水域对研究区总体生态系统服务价值的贡献率最大.研究区生态经济的发展已经处于低度协调水平的边缘,需要加强生态环境保护力度.     

Plasmolipin—a new player in endocytosis and epithelial development

Polarized vesicle sorting is essential not only for epithelial cell function but also for cell polarization and tissue morphogenesis. Endocytosis is a key determinant of the surface abundance of plasma membrane proteins and is highly regulated. In an important recent paper, Rodríguez‐Fraticelli et al ( 2015 ) identify a new player in apical endocytosis—a previously uncharacterized protein called Plasmolipin. They report not only its mechanism of action through binding to an epsin, but also highlight an essential role in regulating Notch signaling, which controls epithelial differentiation.     

Evidence for the Colonization of Lactic Acid Bacteria in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Suckling Mink

Lactic acid bacteria are considered indigenous members of the gastrointestinal microflora in a number of animal species (Savage 1977a). Some intestinal strains of lactobacilli and streptococci are aWe to adhere to stratified squamous epithelium of some animals (Tannock et al. 1987), in the non-secreting part of the stomach of piglets (Barrow et al. 1980, Fuller et al. 1978) and rodents (Tannock et al. 1982), and in the crop of poultry (Fuller 1978). The presence of lactic acid bacteria in the digestive tract is believed to be of beneficial value to the host animal (Fuller 1989). The production of organic acids in the stomach or the crop helps maintaining a low pH which may be important for inhibiting the colonization of potentially pathogenic bacteria, particularly in the newborn animal (Barrow et al 1980, Fuller 1977, Fuller 1978). The adhesion of lactobacilli to squamous epithelium is host specific: strains capable of adhering to the epithelium of piglets are usually not able to adhere in rodents or poultry and vice versa (Fuller 1978, Lin & Savage 1984, Tannock et al 1982). Adhesion of lactic acid bacterial strains to other epithelia than stratified squamous epithelium has been reported. Thus, the attachment of lactobacilli to cells from the secreting epithelium of the murine stomach (Kotarski & Savage 1979), to intestinal cells of humans (Goldin & Gorbach 1987), and to columnar epithelial cells of piglets and calves (Mäyrä-Mäkinen et al 1983) has been demonstrated using in vitro methods. In another study the in vivo attachment of Enterococcus faecium to duodenal epithelium of gnotobi-otic chickens was demonstrated (Fuller et al 1981). Recent research indicated that in adult mink lactic acid bacteria are not indigenous members of the intestinal flora, and they do not attach to epithelium in any part of the gastrointestinal tract (Federsen & Jørgensen 1992). The present paper presents evidence that Gram positive cocci may colonize the gut of suckling mink kits and attach to the gut mucosa.     

滨海湿地生态系统服务及其价值评估研究进展

滨海湿地是介于海陆之间的过渡地带,具有丰富的生物多样性和很高的生产力,能为人类提供诸多生态系统服务,但它又是对人类活动极为敏感的生态脆弱区。沿海经济的发展使湿地资源的有限性与人类需求的无限性之间的矛盾日益突出,导致湿地多样性丧失、服务功能退化等。在阐述滨海湿地特征及其服务产生机理的基础上,介绍了运用经济学方法对生态系统服务进行评价的进展,分析了各方法的优缺点及应用情况,最后对滨海湿地生态系统服务价值评估中存在的问题进行了总结归纳,评估所面临的困难一方面来自生态系统本身的复杂性;另一方面来自经济学方法的局限性。因此今后的研究应从生态系统服务的形成机制入手,注重生态学及经济学理论的结合,改善评估方法,提高评估结果的有效性和可信度,为湿地资源管理及生态补偿机制制定提供有力支持。     

A systematic map of ecosystem services assessments around European agroforestry

Agroforestry offers proven strategies as an environmentally benign and ecologically sustainable land management practice to promote ecosystem services. In this literature review, we systematically consider the agroforestry and ecosystem services literature with the aim to identify and catalogue the knowledge field and provide the first systematic synthesis of ecosystem services research in relation to European agroforestry. We reviewed 71 scientific publications from studies conducted in farmland and forest ecosystems with various types of agroforestry management. Each publication was systematically characterized and classified by agroforestry practice and research approach in order to provide an insight into the current research state in addressing ecosystem services (including methods, indicators, and approaches). Spatial distribution of the case study sites in Europe was also explored. In addition, typical clusters of similar research approaches were identified.The results show that ecosystem service assessment of European agroforestry is currently focused on the spatially extensive wood pastures in the Mediterranean, Atlantic, and Continental agricultural mosaic landscapes. A specific emphasis has been on regulating, supporting, and provisioning services, such as provision of habitat and biodiversity, food, climate regulation, fibre, and fuel, and the consideration of cultural services has been largely limited to aesthetic value. There is a bias to biophysical and monetary research approaches. The majority of the studies focus on quantitative methods and biophysical field measurements addressing the assessment of only one or two services. Monetary approaches have been applied in less than one fifth of the studies but form a distinctive group.Our results highlight gaps and biases in the ecosystem service research agenda within agroforestry based on which we conclude that research should aim to diversify from the biophysical and monetary approaches, towards a wider variety of approaches, especially socio-cultural, and a wider coverage of ecosystem services. Stronger consideration of stakeholder participation and introduction of spatially explicit mapping are also important key actions. We make suggestions to advance the promise of ecosystem services provision from European agroforestry in decision making including various actors, stakeholders, and institutions, with strong links to policy processes, such as the EU Biodiversity Strategy and Common Agricultural Policy.