Das Gesetz der absoluten Geschwindigkeiten biologischer Prozesse

The dependency of the velocity of biological processes from the temperature is described by the “Law of absolute velocity of biological processes”, which has only the individual parameters energy of activation ΔE, and the universal constant C. The law holds for all biological processes and is expressed by the equation: where C is: .     

The Hyper-Negative Binomial Distribution

A generalized family of the negative binomial distribution is introduced in a paper by Srivastava, Yousry and Ahmed (1986). It is a solution of the difference equation and is called the hyper-negative binomial distribution. Certain properties including the moments of the distribution are presented. Moment estimators of the parameters are obtained and goodness of fit is illustrated for chromatid aberration data.     

Effects of temperature on microbial ethanol production. III. The influence of the temperature on the relation existing between the specific ethanol formation rate of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc 5 and the ethanol concentration in the culture medium

The ethanol-inhibitory behaviour of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae Sc 5 was found to be characterized by a continual-linear relation between the specific ethanol formation rate and the ethanol concentration. Therefore the simple equation could be applied for it. It is shown that this model is correct only then, if all of the process parameters are in their optimum. Out of the optimum temperature range the characteristics of the function ν = f(P) change in such a way that in regard to the ethanol concentration P twc linear relations exist for each suboptimum temperature: and a non-linear equation is current for each superoptimum temperature: where b_T is also a function of the temperature and always less than 1. Taking as a basis these equations the specific ethanol formation rate of the used strain can be calculated for the whole biokinetic P/T-sphere of ethanol production.     

Oxygen mass transfer and gas holdup in a bubble column bioreactor with biosynthesis liquids

The influence of the rheology of some antibiotic biosynthesis liquids produced by Streptomyces aureofaciens, Nocardia mediterranei and Penicillium chrysogenum on the volumetric liquid phase oxygen transfer coefficient, k_La, and gas holdup, ε_G, together with the influence of superficial gas velocity, were studied in a bubble column bioreactor, using samples of fermentation liquids taken from industrial stirred tank fermenters, at 30-hour intervals during fermentation batch. The results were compared to those of previous studies from literature on non-Newtonian homogeneous fluids, such as CMC-Na, xanthan and starch solutions, respectively. In the heterogeneous broths, ε_G and k_La decreased with increasing apparent viscosity of the broth and increased with increasing superficial velocity. The experimental data were correlated using non-linear regression with correlation coefficients above 0.85.     

Einfluß extracellulärer Kaliuminoenkonzentrationen auf die celluläre Natriumionenkonzentration von Lodderomyces elongisporus D

It was found that the cellular Na⁺-concentration (C) of Lodderomyces elongisporus D is depended on the extracellular K⁺-concentration (C). The relationship can be described by an equation in the form The function of the natrium ion seem to be to support the utilisation rate of potassium ion at lower extracellular K⁺-concentration.     

Confidence Intervals on Ratios of Variance Components for the Unbalanced Two Factor Nested Model

The model considered in this article is the two-factor nested unbalanced variance component model: for p = 1, 2, …, P; q = 1, 2, …, Q_p; and r = 1, 2, …, R_pq. The random variables Y_pqr are observable. The constant μ is an unknown parameter, and A_p, B_pq and C_pqr are (unobservable) normal and independently distributed random variables with zero means and finite variances σ²_A, σ²_B, and σ²_C, respectively. Approximate confidence intervals on ?_A and ?_B using unweighted means are derived, where The performance of these approximate confidence intervals are evaluated using computer simulation. The simulated results indicate that these proposed confidence intervals perform satisfactorily and can be used in applied problems.     

Conformational aspects of polypeptides. XVII. Synthesis of oligomers and co-oligomers derived from L-alanine and L-glutamic acid

A series of oligomers was synthesized of the form: Where Z is the benzyloxycarbonyl group and n = 2, 3, 5, 10. We encountered difficulty in dissolving the decamer in any solvent except strong organic acids. We therefore prepared co-oligomers of the type: where (a) w = x = y = 1; (b) w = 0, x = y = 3; and (c) w = x = y = 3. A series of model compounds composed of glycine L -alamine and γ-methyl-L -glutamate were also prepared. We converted manyof the benzyloxycarbonyl oligopeptides into their corresponding acetyl derivatives. Some of these peptides were synthesized by mixed anhydride and active ester techniques while others were prepared via azide coupling techniques using the tert-butoxycarbonylhydrazide blocking group. All reactions proceeded with retention of configuration.     

Abundance trends of American martens in Michigan based on statistical population reconstruction

Estimating the dynamics of furbearer populations is challenging because their elusive behavior and low densities make observations difficult. Statistical population reconstruction is a flexible approach to demographic assessment for harvested populations, but the technique has not been applied to furbearers. We extended this approach to furbearers and analyzed 8 yr of age-at-harvest data for American marten (Martes americana) in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Marten abundance estimates showed a general downward trend from an estimate of = 1,733.3 animals in 2000 to = 1,163.9 in 2007. The harvest probability of martens increased nearly 5-fold from 0.0542 in 2000 to 0.2637 in 2007, which corresponded to a 5-fold increase in trap-nights. Continued monitoring of martens in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, and a reassessment of current harvest regulations are necessary given the estimated decreases. Moreover, we do not encourage the use of harvest indices as the sole technique to assess the status and trends of marten and fisher populations. Auxiliary studies in the Upper Peninsula, Michigan, will allow for continued use and improvement in the application of these models. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Determination of thermodynamic functions from scanning calorimetry data. II. For the system that includes self-dissociation / association process

The basic relations between the molar fractions and the scanning calorimetry data for the system that includes self-dissociation/association process such as are presented, where m_i is the stoichiometric coefficient of the ith state A_i. The relations are described for each state j as where f_j(T) is the molar fraction function of state j and ΔH_j(T) is the difference enthalpy function of the system referred to the state j, which can be obtained by scanning calorimetry; R is the gas constant; and T is the absolute temperature. By these relations, scanning calorimetry data can be deconvoluted in order to determine the thermodynamic functions by means of single and double deconvolution. The concentration dependence of the data is analyzed by a method presented in this paper. The nonlinear least squares fitting method for the determination of the functions is discussed. For an example of the application of this method to the actual scanning calorimetry data, thermodynamic data of multistate thermal transition of Vibrio parahaemolyticus hemolysin are analyzed.     

A kinetic study of the alcoholic fermentation of grape juice

The alcoholic fermentation of grape juice by a wine yeast was studied batchwise at pH 3.6 and 4.05 to develop kinetic equations relating cell concentration, N, to product concentration, P. In the exponential growth phase where A, B, and C are constants, and μ is the specific growth rate. In the stationary phase, where the cell population is constant, was found to apply. This equation, which incorporates a stoichiometric constant, P_m, predicted correctly the operation of a continuous fermentor at pH 3.6 and at 4.05. To study more fully the effect of alcohol concentration on yeast growth, a continuous fermentor was used in which the grape juice feed was supplemented with pure alcohol. At pH 3.6 the specific growth rate varied as, There was no growth inhibition below an alcohol concentration of 2.6 g./100 cc., but inhibition was complete above 6.85 g./100 cc. This is a modified form of the relation suggested by Hinshelwood.¹ The data suggest that growth in batch culture was limited not only by alcohol but also by some other factor, probably a nutritional deficiency.     

Stocking Rate Estimations of Tilapia mossambica Fingerlings for some Inland Reservoirs of Sri Lanka

The Morphoedaphic Indices for several Sri Lanka inland water bodies (mostly ancient man-made reservoirs) were calculated using conductivity and depth data. The relationship between Morphoedaphic Index MEI and the annual catch of fish C was found to be . Using this equation, the annual potential yields were calculated. The stocking densities of Tilapia fingerlings needed to be stocked were then estimated taking into consideration the natural recruitment of fingerlings from the already existing stocks of reproducing Tilapia.     

A Stochastic Model for Surname Evolution

Surnames are inherited in much the same way as biological traits like alleles of one locus. Assuming the heritability of surnames, a simple stochastic model for X, the total number of occurrences of a surname, the Consul distribution defined by the probability mass function: for x = 1, 2, 3,… and zero otherwise and where either (i) m is a positive integer when 0 ≤ θ ≤ 1 such that θ ≦ mθ ≦ 1, or (ii) m≤0, θ ≤0 such that mθ 1, can be arrived at by considering the branching process mechanism. Some applications of the model to real data are also considered.     

Survival of white-tailed deer fawns in the grasslands of the northern Great Plains

Environmental factors, such as forest characteristics, have been linked to fawn survival in eastern and southern white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) populations. In the Great Plains, less is known about how intrinsic and habitat factors influence fawn survival. During 2007–2009, we captured and radiocollared 81 fawns in north-central South Dakota and recorded 23 mortalities, of which 18 died before 1 September. Predation accounted for 52.2% of mortality; remaining mortality included human (hunting, vehicle, and farm accident; 26.1%) and hypothermia (21.7%). Coyotes (Canis latrans) accounted for 83.3% of predation on fawns. We used known-fate analysis in Program MARK to estimate summer (15 May–31 Aug) survival rates and investigated the influence of intrinsic and habitat variables on survival. We developed 2 a priori model sets, including intrinsic variables and a test of annual variation in survival (model set 1) and habitat variables (model set 2). Model set 1 indicated that summer survival varied among years (2007–2009); annual survival rates were 0.94 (SE = 0.06, n = 22), 0.78 (SE = 0.09, n = 27), and 0.54 (SE = 0.10, n = 32), respectively. Model set 2 indicated that survival was further influenced by patch density of cover habitats (Conservation Reserve Program [CRP]-grasslands, forested cover, and wetlands). Mean CRP-grassland and wetland patch density (no. patches/100 ha) were greater (P < 0.001) in home-range areas of surviving fawns ( = 1.81, SE = 0.10, n = 63; = 1.75, SE = 0.14, n = 63, respectively) than in home-range areas of fawns that died ( = 0.16, SE = 0.04, n = 18; = 1.28, SE = 0.10, n = 18, respectively). Mean forested cover patch density was less (P < 0.001) in home-range areas of surviving fawns ( = 0.77, SE = 0.10, n = 63) than in home-range areas of fawns that died ( = 1.49, SE = 0.21, n = 18). Our results indicate that management activities should focus on CRP-grassland and wetland habitats in order to maintain or improve fawn survival in the northern Great Plains, rather than forested cover composed primarily of tree plantings and shelterbelts. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.     

Cover Image,Volume 92, Issue 5

Front Cover: The cover image is based on the Research Article Transmembrane proteins—Different anchoring systems by Irena Roterman et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/prot.26646

     

Hibernal thermal ecology of eastern box turtles within a managed forest landscape

Box turtles are being extirpated from much of their former range and remaining populations often live in association with anthropogenically altered habitats. This is particularly evident at the northern distributional limit of eastern box turtles (Terrapene carolina carolina) and is an important factor to consider during the winter months when their ability to respond to microclimatic change is limited. Using temperature dataloggers, we studied the hibernal microclimate of box turtles and associated habitat following timber harvests. We monitored the body temperatures of 38 eastern box turtles and collected detailed air and soil profile temperatures of 12 box turtle hibernacula, 6 clearcuts, and 6 adjacent forested areas during the hibernal season (winter 2009–2010). We partitioned the hibernal season into 2 biologically significant thermal periods: hibernation and emergence. The mean hibernation body temperature averaged (3.28° C, SE = 0.09) and corresponded to an average depth of 10 cm. Clearcuts were consistently colder ( = 1.91° C) than forests ( = 2.68° C) and hibernacula ( = 2.77° C) during hibernation, but became the warmest areas during emergence ( = 9.96° C). We found that in the average clearcut, turtles could burrow to approximately 20 cm to attain the average hibernation body temperature or to approximately 15 cm to attain a body temperature no different than those overwintering on colder, northeast-facing slopes in the forest ( = 2.83° C). Alternatively, we found that southwest-facing slopes were warmer and if turtles chose to overwinter only in clearcuts on those slopes, they could remain shallower. All but 1 turtle overwintered in forested areas; however, our study suggests that some timber harvested areas offer various microhabitats exploitable by hibernating box turtles based on soil profile temperatures, slope aspect, and depth of hibernation. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.     

Polarized fluorescence in an electric field. A model calculation with application to the geometry of the 2-hydroxy-4,4′-diamidinostilbene–DNA complex

Theoretical expressions are derived for the change in the polarized components of the fluorescence, resulting from the orientation of a rigid molecule bearing a chromophore with arbitrary angles for the absorption and transition moments \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \vec \mu _a $\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \vec \mu _e $\end{document} with respect to the molecular axis. The break in the symmetry relation H_V = V_H is related to the tilt angle between \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \vec \mu _a $\end{document} and \documentclass{article}\pagestyle{empty}\begin{document}$ \vec \mu _e $\end{document}. The theory is applied to a sonicated DNA–2-hydroxy-4,4′-diamidinostilbene complex, in the blue and red emission bands of this peculiar dye. Simultaneous measurements of linear dichroism and fluorescence lead to the determination of an angle of 47° between a fluorescent bound dye and the DNA axis, with no difference for the blue- and red-emitting species, but confirm the presence of nonfluorescent bound dye in a more perpendicular arrangement.     

Light/Dark Cycle and Temperature-Their Impact on Phosphate-Limited Growth of Oscillatoria redekei VAN GOOR in Semicontinuous Culture

Phosphate-limited growth of Oscillatoria redekei in semicontinuous culture has been studied under conditions of continuous illumination at 20 °C as well as in a 12/12 hours light-dark cycle at temperatures between 5 °C and 20 °C. The subsistence quota (q₀) amounted to 0.052 μmol mm⁻³ under all conditions, when the phosphate quota was expressed on the basis of cell volume. The interaction between temperature and phosphate quota and its impact on growth rate are described by the following model: Parameter values are t_opt=24.5 °C, t_min=0.95 °C, μ_max =0.873 d⁻¹. The maximum phosphate quota was found to depend on temperature and to increase along with declining temperature.     

A new proposal for measurement of the adjusted mean crowding through consideration of size variability in habitat units

The mean crowding has previously been measured under the assumption that all quadrats or habitat units have the same size, even though the actual habitat units such as seeds or leaves are generally variable in size. A new index, ‘adjusted mean crowding’, which is adjusted for this variability can be given as where Q is the total number of habitat units in the whole area, x_j the number of individuals in the jth habitat unit, and a_j is defined as the ‘relative size’ of the jth habitat unit, i.e. a_y=y_y/(∑y_j/Q) where y_j is the actually measured size of the jth habitat unit. It is expected that and for the uniform distribution and the random distribution ‘per unit size’, respectively. The comparison between and regressions ( analysis) for the egg distribution pattern of Callosobruchus chinensis or C. maculatus proved that the regression is biased by a positive correlation between the egg number per seed and seed size rather than by a density-dependent change in the ovipositional behavior.     

Estimation and correction of seed recovery bias from moist-soil cores

Scientists estimate seed abundances to calculate seasonal carrying capacities and assess wetland management actions for waterfowl and other wildlife using soil core samples. We evaluated recovery of known quantities of moist-soil seeds from whole and subsampled experimental core samples containing 12 seed taxa representing small, medium, and large size classes. We recovered 86.3% (SE = 1.8) of all seeds added to experimental cores; 8.3% (SE = 1.2) of seeds were destroyed during the sieving process and 5.4% (SE = 1.2) were not recovered by observers. Recovery rates varied by seed size, but not seed quantity or disproportionate ratios of seed-size classes. Overall seed recovery rates were similar between subsampled ( = 81.2%, SE = 3.6) and whole–processed core samples ( = 86.3%, SE = 1.8). We used recovery rates to generate size-specific, taxon-specific, and constant correction factors and applied each to actual core sample data. Size-specific correction factors increased seed mass estimates in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley ( = 10.1%, SE = 0.32), upper Midwest ( = 21.2%, SE = 0.61), and both regions combined ( = 15.7%, SE = 0.51) differently, as seed composition in core samples varied regionally. We suggest scientists consider using size-specific correction factors to account for seed recovery bias in core samples because these factors may be applied to a variety of taxa and produced similar mass estimates as taxon-specific correction factors. However, if data from core samples are unavailable at the resolution of seed size classes, we suggest increasing seed mass estimates by 16% to account for seed recovery bias. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

A Maximum Likelihood Estimator for Shape Parameters of S‐Distributions

The S‐distribution is a four‐parameter distribution that is defined in terms of a differential equation, in which the cumulative is represented as the dependent variable: The article proposes a maximum likelihood estimator for the shape parameters of this distribution.