The gap theory in forest dynamics

Since the late 1970s, ecologists interested in forest dynamics have focused their attention to the responses of individuals, populations and communities to “gaps” which are openings created in the forest canopy. This review intended to introduce some collective knowledge on major subjects of the gap theory in forest dynamics, in relation to gap-disturbance regimes, tree regeneration behaviour and community structure.     

On the interpretation of some planktonology equations

Summary The concept of the mean value of a function is used to interpret some population-dynamics equations. The well-known formula for the per capita growth rate r gives a precise mean value for any (not only exponentially growing) populations. This result is used to derive the birth and death rate equations of Paloheimo (1974) with minimal initial limitations.Abbreviations t time - N number of animals - E number of eggs - r specific (i.e. per capita) population growth rate - b specific birth rate - d specific death rate - D duration of embryonic development     

An inflatable minirhizotron system for root observations with improved soil/tube contact

Commonly used minirhizotrons consisting of a transparent tube inserted into the soil seldom attain good contact between the tube and the soil, which leads to root growth occurring in a gap rather than in the soil. A new system is described involving an inflatable flexible rubber wall, made from a modified motorcycle tube. Pressure ensures a proper tube/soil contact so that the environmental circumstances for root growth along the tube more closely correspond to those in the undisturbed soil. Before the endoscope slide is introduced into the minirhizotron for taking pictures, the inflatable tube is removed, so that there is no-often opaque-wall between the endoscope and the roots. This improves the picture quality and facilitates the analysis of root images.     

The metabolism of [3-H]oleanolic acid and its monoglycosides in cytoplasm and vacuole of protoplasts isolated from Calendula officinalis leaves

Isolated protoplasts from C. officinalis leaves were supplied with [3-³H]oleanolic acid, its 3-O-monoglucoside and 3-O-monoglucuronide. Transformations of these compounds into two series of oleanolic acid glycosides, i.e. glucosides (derivatives of 3-O-monoglucoside) and glucuronides (derivatives of 3-O-monoglucuronide) in the extravacuolar space and the vacuole were investigated. In the cytoplasm free oleanolic acid is glycosylated to both monoglycosides and to higher glycosides. Monoglycosides are partly hydrolysed to free oleanolic acid and partly glycosylated to higher derivatives. The vacuole contains the same radioactive compounds as the extravacuolar space. However, it seems most likely that these compounds are transported there from the sites of their synthesis in the cytoplasm.     

A method for determining overall protein fold from NMR distance restraints

Summary We describe a simple method for determining the overall fold of a polypeptide chain from NOE-derived distance restraints. The method uses a reduced representation consisting of two particles per residue, and a force field containing pseudo-bond and pseudo-angle terms, an electrostatic term, but no van der Waals or hard shell repulsive terms. The method is fast and robust, requiring relatively few distance restraints to approximate the correct fold, and the correct mirror image is readily determined. The method is easily implemented using commercially available molecular modeling software.     

数学模型与自然保护科学

日益加剧的人类干扰和景观破碎化已危及全球的生物多样性。自然保护成为人类所面临的最重要也最富有挑战性的任务。指导这一实践的理论和原则极为需要。本文试图综述与自然保护科学有关的几个学科在理论和实际研究(尤其是模型)方面的近期成果以及发展趋势,从而提出自然保护模型的发展方向。文中涉猎基于不同方法论、不同组织水平的模型,并对数学模型在自然保护科学中的作用和实用性加以讨论。     

一种复合神经元网络结构的并行动力学及快速学习算法

提出两种功能互相不同的神经细胞组成的复合神经元网络(CNN)模型;导出一种特殊结构的CNN的并行动力学;而且证明了它的稳定性。在这些结果基础上,得到快速的假逆矩阵学习算法。计算机仿真试验证实学习算法与动力学稳定性的正确性,并表现出良好的容错性能与存储容量。     

缀块性和缀块动态:Ⅱ.描述与分析

在生态学中,“缀块”(patch)的概念早已在植被群落和海洋生态系统中浮游动植物空间分布研究中广泛应用。A.S.Watte早在1947年就强调缀块在植物群落结构分析中的重要性。实际上,缀块存在于地球的任何地方。森林可     

Characteristics of dispersal in sexually mature dragonflies

Abstract.

• 1 The population dynamics of a natural population of Sympetrum danae (Sulzer) were studied, by means of a mark—release—recapture method, to find indications of dispersal by mature adults. Additional information on orientation and the influence of phenotype (including age), density and weather was obtained by observations under natural conditions and in a large outdoor field cage.
• 2 80% of all mature adults caught around the natural pond were estimated to be immigrants. Considerable immigration was confirmed by the abdomen length of unmarked matures which did not accord with that expected from the locally emerged population. Total numbers captured and the minimum number known to be alive fell sharply at the time when most individuals were mature. At the same time, new matures continued to enter and disappear from the study area at an increasing rate.
• 3 Dispersive behaviour (escape flights) in the field enclosure was primarily age dependent in both sexes: it occurred from an age of 25–30 days onwards. This coincides with the time-lag between the emergence peak and increased dispersal in the field. Secondary effects on escape flights suggested that males tended to abandon low density areas.
• 4 Males flew relatively more southward than females.