People First: The Wa World of Spirits and Other Enemies

ABSTRACT

The Wa spirit world implies a certain rootedness. Knowledge of the location and propensities of spirits is necessary to engage their capricious menace through divination diagnostics and sacrificial remedies. Even as outsiders have attempted to introduce modern medicine, spirit neighbours and enemies continue to figure prominently in Wa health, disease and death. I outline how these practices for managing the menaces of the spirit world survived the demise of the political autonomy of the Wa in the 1950s and 1960s, when the ancient Wa lands were divided and annexed by the nation-states of China and Burma. Finally, I discuss the disastrous consequences of recent forced displacements of large numbers of people, which caused many unnecessary deaths by disrupted the victim’s established ways of dealing with disease as anchored in the local landscape.     

伟大的城市公园：环境、持续和连接的重要性

本文概述了《伟大的城市公园》这本专著,此书对欧洲和北美的30个公园进行了案例分析,包括其历史、原有的立地条件以及规划设计的关键人物。论证了对场地环境的认识以及建成后管理的持续性是公园兴盛的关键。阐明从城市公园始创以来,城市公园已成为城市绿色基础设施的重要要素。     

Setting Up International (Adversary) Regimes in the South China Sea: Analyzing the Obstacles from a Chinese Perspective

If the sovereignty issue can be shelved, solved, or resolved, the six claimant states of the South China Sea will have to establish a series of international regimes. The following questions need to be answered: Do all the claimants understand the concept of international regimes? Would the regimes be imposed? Would there be hegemon(s) in the South China Sea? If so, which country or multiple entities will be involved? What would be the outcome of having international regimes in the South China Sea? Can the experience elsewhere be applied to the South China Sea?     

中国水韭属植物的染色体数目及其分类学意义

利用细胞学方法观察统计了中国4种水韭属Isoestes植物的染色体数目。结果发现4个种的染色体基数均为x=11,其中高寒水韭I．hypsophila Hand.-Mazz．为2n=22,为首次报道;台湾水韭 I．taiwanensis DeVol为2n=22;中华水韭I．sinensis Palmer 2n=44为四倍体;而产于云南贵州一带并一直被当作是宽叶水韭I．japonica A．Br．的水韭属植物2n=22,与文献报道的宽叶水韭(2n=66,67,77,87,88,89)完全不同,应重新予以认识和评价。依据本文和其他相关的研究结果,对东亚水韭属植物进行了分类处理。     

A new leptarctine (Carnivora: Mustelidae) from the early Miocene of the northern Tibetan Plateau: implications for the phylogeny and zoogeography of basal mustelids

A recently discovered basal mustelid carnivoran, Kinometaxia guangpui gen. et sp. nov. , is described from the lower Miocene Tiejianggou Formation in the Danghe (Tabenbuluk) area of the northern Tibetan Plateau, north-western Gansu Province, China. The new Chinese form has a double temporal crest and roughened surface on the temporal area, a small orbit, a deep zygomatic arch, an anterolaterally expanded ectotympanic that fuses with the postglenoid process, and a lateral opening of the postglenoid foramen. These cranial morphologies suggest membership in the leptarctines, a group of markedly hypocarnivorous taxa mostly confined to the Miocene of North America. The rather hypercarnivorous dentition of the new Chinese form, however, is in sharp contrast to that of the traditionally defined leptarctines that have complex and quadrate M1s and P4s. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a sister relationship of the new Chinese mustelid and Schultzogale , and together they form a basal sister clade to the advanced leptarctines such as Craterogale , Leptarctus , and Hypsoparia . The Chinese form further expands the concept of the leptarctine clade and adds additional complexity to the early evolution of the Mustelidae. It bridges a morphological gap between European and North American taxa, and supplies an important piece to the puzzle of the zoogeography of basal mustelids. Furthermore, the new leptarctine helps to constrain the age of the Danghe strata, which has important implications for the timing of tectonic activity in the northern Tibetan Plateau.  © 2004 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society , 2004, 142 , 405−421.     

Diversity, distribution and biogeography of testate amoebae in China: implications for ecological studies in Asia

Testate amoebae are a group of shelled protozoa that occur in high density populations in wet environments. More than 1900 testate amoebae species or subspecies have been reported in published literature over the last 200 years, from many regions of the world. Testate amoebae are classified as Lobosea or Filosea respectively, according to the presence of lobose or filiform pseudopodia. Testate amoebae have proved an interesting group of indicator organisms in palaeoenvironmental studies and have also been used as bioindicators of human impact on ecosystems. Until recently, the testate amoebae of China were unknown to most western scientists, but our knowledge has improved greatly over the past 20 years. This paper summarizes the testate amoebae research in China along with relevant data from other countries in Asia, and provides the necessary context for future research.     

Reconstructing the Human Genetic History of Mainland Southeast Asia: Insights from Genome-Wide Data from Thailand and Laos

Thailand and Laos, located in the center of Mainland Southeast Asia (MSEA), harbor diverse ethnolinguistic groups encompassing all five language families of MSEA: Tai-Kadai (TK), Austroasiatic (AA), Sino-Tibetan (ST), Hmong-Mien (HM), and Austronesian (AN). Previous genetic studies of Thai/Lao populations have focused almost exclusively on uniparental markers and there is a paucity of genome-wide studies. We therefore generated genome-wide SNP data for 33 ethnolinguistic groups, belonging to the five MSEA language families from Thailand and Laos, and analyzed these together with data from modern Asian populations and SEA ancient samples. Overall, we find genetic structure according to language family, albeit with heterogeneity in the AA-, HM-, and ST-speaking groups, and in the hill tribes, that reflects both population interactions and genetic drift. For the TK speaking groups, we find localized genetic structure that is driven by different levels of interaction with other groups in the same geographic region. Several Thai groups exhibit admixture from South Asia, which we date to ∼600–1000 years ago, corresponding to a time of intensive international trade networks that had a major cultural impact on Thailand. An AN group from Southern Thailand shows both South Asian admixture as well as overall affinities with AA-speaking groups in the region, suggesting an impact of cultural diffusion. Overall, we provide the first detailed insights into the genetic profiles of Thai/Lao ethnolinguistic groups, which should be helpful for reconstructing human genetic history in MSEA and selecting populations for participation in ongoing whole genome sequence and biomedical studies.     

Prevention of Vessel-Source Marine Pollution: A Note on the Challenges and Prospects for Chinese Practice Under International Law

This article examines China's domestic legal regime for the prevention of vessel source pollution. It pays special attention to the recently adopted Regulation on Prevention and Control of Marine Pollution from Vessels. Potential challenges and emerging issues that China has to confront are addressed, including: application of the legislation to disputed sea areas between China and its neighbors, freedom of navigation in the exclusive economic zone, reduction of emission from ships, and prevention of invasive species from ballast water.     

Civil Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection With the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances: Chinese Perspective

Abstract

The International Convention on Liability and Compensation for Damage in Connection with the Carriage of Hazardous and Noxious Substances by Sea (the HNS Convention) has not entered into force. In China, a two-tier compensation regime has been established for vessel-source oil pollution damage, but this regime does not address damage in connection with the carriage of HNS by sea. This article examines the Chinese law approach to civil liability and compensation for damage in this respect, and discusses whether there is an adequate framework in place to address issues that may arise.     

Primary coronary intervention for ST-elevation myocardial infarction in Indonesia and the Netherlands: a comparison

Background. Although the beneficial effects of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) have been demonstrated in a number of trials, most studies were conducted in Western countries. Experience, logistics and patient characteristics may differ in other parts of the world. Methods. Consecutive patients treated with primary PCI in Cinere Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, between January 2008 and October 2008 were compared with those treated in the Isala Clinics, Zwolle, the Netherlands. Results. During the study period, a total of 596 patients were treated by primary PCI, 568 in Zwolle and 28 in Jakarta. Patients in Indonesia were younger (54 vs 63 years), more often had diabetes (36 vs. 12%) and high lipids and were more often smokers (68 vs. 31%). Time delay between symptom onset and admission was longer in Indonesia. Patients from Indonesia more often had signs of heart failure at admission. The time between admission and balloon inflation was longer in Indonesia. At angiography, patients from Indonesia more often had multivessel disease. There was no difference in the percentage of restoration of TIMI 3 flow by primary PCI between the two hospitals. Conclusion. Patients with STEMI in Indonesia have a higher risk profile compared with those in the Netherlands, according to prevalence of coronary risk factors, signs of heart failure, multivessel disease and patient delay. Time delay between admission and balloon inflation was much longer in Indonesia, because of both logistic and financial reasons. (Neth Heart J 2009;17:418–21.)     

A comprehensive generic-level phylogeny of the sunflower family: Implications for the systematics of Chinese Asteraceae

The sunflower family (Asteraceae) is the largest and the most diverse flowering plant family, comprising 24 000–30 000 species and 1600–1700 genera. In China, Asteraceae are also the largest family, with approximately 2336 indigenous species in 248 genera. In the past two decades, molecular phylogenetic analyses has contributed greatly to our understanding of the systematics of Asteraceae. Nevertheless, the large-scale analyses and knowledge about the relationships of Chinese Asteraceae at the generic level as a whole are far from complete due to difficulties in sampling. In this study, we presented a three-marker (rbcL, ndhF, and matK) phylogeny of Asteraceae, including 506 genera (i.e., approximately one-third of Asteraceae genera). The study sampled 200 Chinese genera (i.e., approximately 80% of Chinese Asteraceae genera). The backbones of the new phylogeny were largely congruent with earlier studies, with 13 subfamilies and 45 tribes recognized. Chinese Asteraceae were distributed in 7 subfamilies (Mutisioideae, Wunderlichioideae, Carduoideae, Pertyoideae, Gymnarrhenoideae, Cichorioideae, and Asteroideae) and 22 tribes (Mutiseae, Hyalideae, Cardueae, Pertyeae, Gymnarrheneae, Vernonieae, Cichorieae, Doroniceae, Senecioneae, Astereae, Anthemideae, Gnaphalieae, Calenduleae, Inuleae, Athroismeae, Helenieae, Coreopsideae, Neurolaeneae, Tageteae, Millieae, Eupatorieae, and Heliantheae). Chinese Asteraceae lacked 6 basal subfamilies and 23 tribes. Several previously ambiguous relationships were clarified. Our analyses also resolved some unplaced genera within Chinese Asteraceae. Finally, our phylogenetic tree was used to revise the classification for all genera of Chinese Asteraceae. In total, 255 genera, 22 tribes, and 7 subfamilies in China are recognized.     

A new species of the genusDiaphanosoma Fischer, 1850 (Crustacea: Daphniiformes: Sididae) from Central Asia and China

Diaphanosoma macrophthalma sp.nov. is described based on material (parthenogenetic females and males) obtained from a number of water bodies of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and China. Intra- and interpopulation morphological variability, size range, sex structure and geographical distribution are analyzed.     

Belling the Chinese Dragon at Sea: Western Theories and Asian Realities

Against the backdrop of projections of either conflict escalation or legal settlement by Western international relations theories, this article provides a more nuanced and subtle balance between Western theories and Asian realities.     

Spatial and Temporal Variability in the Amount and Source of Dissolved Organic Carbon: Implications for Ultraviolet Exposure in Amphibian Habitats

The amount, chemical composition, and source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), together with in situ ultraviolet (UV-B) attenuation, were measured at 1–2 week intervals throughout the summers of 1999, 2000, and 2001 at four sites in Rocky Mountain National Park (Colorado). Eight additional sites, four in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Park/John Muir Wilderness (California) and four in Glacier National Park (Montana), were sampled during the summer of 2000. Attenuation of UV-B was significantly related to DOC concentrations over the three years in Rocky Mountain (R² = 0.39, F = 25.71, P < 0.0001) and across all parks in 2000 (R² = 0.44, F = 38.25, P < 0.0001). The relatively low R² values, however, reflect significant temporal and spatial variability in the specific attenuation per unit DOC. Fluorescence analysis of the fulvic acid DOC fraction (roughly 600–2,000 Daltons) indicated that the source of DOC significantly affected the attenuation of UV-B. Sites in Sequoia–Kings Canyon were characterized by DOC derived primarily from algal sources and showed much deeper UV-B penetration, whereas sites in Glacier and Rocky Mountain contained a mix of algal and terrestrial DOC-dominated sites, with more terrestrially dominated sites characterized by greater UV-B attenuation per unit DOC. In general, site characteristics that promoted the accumulation of terrestrially derived DOC showed greater attenuation of UV-B per unit DOC; however, catchment vegetation and soil characteristics, precipitation, and local hydrology interacted to make it difficult to predict potential exposure from DOC concentrations.     

Modelling the dynamic biogeography of the wildcat: implications for taxonomy and conservation

There is still no clear consensus on how to relate geographical variation in the morphology and genetics of the globally widespread wildcat Felis silvestris to its taxonomy and systematics. Reconstructing the dynamic biogeography of the wildcat provides insight into how current geographical patterns of morphological and molecular variation may have developed. A geographical information system was used to infer climate-change influences using a deduced distribution model (DDM) to reconstruct the wildcat's geographical distribution at four points in time from the Last Glacial Maximum [LGM; 18 000 years before present ( bp )] until today. The DDM for 9000  bp , when mean global temperatures were 2 °C more than today, provides insight into how current global warming will affect the wildcat's distribution 50–100 years into future. Modelled distributions were assessed against known geographical barriers or unsuitable habitats, which may have separated populations and led to known morphological and genetic divergence. The DDM_today corresponds well with known contemporary wildcat distribution records, except where wildcats would be expected to be excluded (e.g. high human population densities, potential competitors, inaccessible islands). The DDM_today also corresponds closely with the results of recent studies on skull morphometrics and phylogeography, which support hypothesized colonizations of Africa and Asia from Europe during the late Pleistocene. Although DDM palaeo-distributions are more uncertain, they correspond to expected dramatic declines in northern Eurasia during the LGM, and significant distributional decline in central Asia, the Sahara and southern Africa, owing to increased aridity during climate cooling. From the DDM₉₀₀₀ model moderate global warming is hypothesized to impact minimally on wildcats, except in the Middle East and south-west Asia.     

Structure and diversity of the Mesozoic wood genus Xenoxylon in Far East Asia: implications for terrestrial palaeoclimates

Although the faunal elements of Far East Asian Mesozoic terrestrial biota have attracted much attention in recent years, their palaeoecology remains poorly known. In particular, features of the palaeoclimate are highly controversial. To address this point we used the Mesozoic fossil wood Xenoxylon , a genus recognized as an indicator of wet temperate biotopes and which is common in the area during the Carnian–Maastrichtian interval. We re-appraised bibliographic data and gathered new data for Xenoxylon in the Mesozoic of Far East Asia. This demonstrated that previous taxonomic approaches to the genus have been so far idiosyncratic. We examined the anatomical diversity of morphogenus Xenoxylon in Far East Asia and compared it to that of samples from Europe. This indicates that in an area centred on north-eastern China, Xenoxylon reached a level of anatomical diversity unmatched elsewhere in the world. We hypothesize that this diversity witnesses the persistence of palaeoecological conditions particularly suitable for Xenoxylon and that a wet temperate climate prevailed over most of the area throughout the Carnian–Maastrichtian interval. It is in this setting that the famous Jehol Biota probably evolved.     

Cumulative cultural dynamics and the coevolution of cultural innovation and transmission: an ESS model for panmictic and structured populations

When individuals in a population can acquire traits through learning, each individual may express a certain number of distinct cultural traits. These traits may have been either invented by the individual himself or acquired from others in the population. Here, we develop a game theoretic model for the accumulation of cultural traits through individual and social learning. We explore how the rates of innovation, decay, and transmission of cultural traits affect the evolutionary stable (ES) levels of individual and social learning and the number of cultural traits expressed by an individual when cultural dynamics are at a steady‐state. We explore the evolution of these phenotypes in both panmictic and structured population settings. Our results suggest that in panmictic populations, the ES level of learning and number of traits tend to be independent of the social transmission rate of cultural traits and is mainly affected by the innovation and decay rates. By contrast, in structured populations, where interactions occur between relatives, the ES level of learning and the number of traits per individual can be increased (relative to the panmictic case) and may then markedly depend on the transmission rate of cultural traits. This suggests that kin selection may be one additional solution to Rogers's paradox of nonadaptive culture.     

Vicariant Patterns of Fragmentation among Gekkonid Lizards of the Genus Teratoscincus Produced by the Indian Collision: A Molecular Phylogenetic Perspective and an Area Cladogram for Central Asia

A well-supported phylogenetic hypothesis is presented for gekkonid lizards of the genus Teratoscincus. Phylogenetic relationships of four of the five species are investigated using 1733 aligned bases of mitochondrial DNA sequence from the genes encoding ND1 (subunit one of NADH dehydrogenase), tRNA(Ile), tRNA(Gln), tRNA(Met), ND2, tRNA(Trp), tRNA(Ala), tRNA(Asn), tRNA(Cys), tRNA(Tyr), and COI (subunit I of cytochrome c oxidase). A single most parsimonious tree depicts T. przewalskii and T. roborowskii as a monophyletic group, with T. scincus as their sister taxon and T. microlepis as the sister taxon to the clade containing the first three species. The aligned sequences contain 341 phylogenetically informative characters. Each node is supported by a bootstrap value of 100% and the shortest suboptimal tree requires 29 additional steps. Allozymic variation is presented for proteins encoded by 19 loci but these data are largely uninformative phylogenetically. Teratoscincus species occur on tectonic plates of Gondwanan origin that were compressed by the impinging Indian Subcontinent, resulting in massive montane uplifting along plate boundaries. Taxa occurring in China (Tarim Block) form a monophyletic group showing vicariant separation from taxa in former Soviet Central Asia and northern Afghanistan (Farah Block); alternative biogeographic hypotheses are statistically rejected. This vicariant event involved the rise of the Tien Shan-Pamir and is well dated to 10 million years before present. Using this date for separation of taxa occurring on opposite sides of the Tien Shan-Pamir, an evolutionary rate of 0.57% divergence per lineage per million years is calculated. This rate is similar to estimates derived from fish, bufonid frogs, and agamid lizards for the same region of the mitochondrial genome ( approximately 0.65% divergence per lineage per million years). Evolutionary divergence of the mitochondrial genome has a surprisingly stable rate across vertebrates.