Data-Based Analysis of Winner-Loser Models of Hierarchy Formation in Animals

We review winner-loser models, the currently popular explanation for the occurrence of linear dominance hierarchies, via a three-part approach. (1) We isolate the two most significant components of the mathematical formulation of three of the most widely-cited models and rigorously evaluate the components’ predictions against data collected on hierarchy formation in groups of hens. (2) We evaluate the experimental support in the literature for the basic assumptions contained in winner-loser models. (3) We apply new techniques to the hen data to uncover several behavioral dynamics of hierarchy formation not previously described. The mathematical formulations of these models do not show satisfactory agreement with the hen data, and key model assumptions have either little or no conclusive support from experimental findings in the literature. In agreement with the latest experimental results concerning social cognition, the new behavioral dynamics of hierarchy formation discovered in the hen data suggest that members of groups are intensely aware both of their own interactions as well as interactions occurring among other members of their group. We suggest that more adequate models of hierarchy formation should be based upon behavioral dynamics that reflect more sophisticated levels of social cognition.     

When is it socially acceptable to feel sick?

Disease is a ubiquitous and powerful evolutionary force. Hosts have evolved behavioural and physiological responses to disease that are associated with increased survival. Behavioural modifications, known as ‘sickness behaviours’, frequently involve symptoms such as lethargy, somnolence and anorexia. Current research has demonstrated that the social environment is a potent modulator of these behaviours: when conflicting social opportunities arise, animals can decrease or entirely forgo experiencing sickness symptoms. Here, I review how different social contexts, such as the presence of mates, caring for offspring, competing for territories or maintaining social status, affect the expression of sickness behaviours. Exploiting the circumstances that promote this behavioural plasticity will provide new insights into the evolutionary ecology of social behaviours. A deeper understanding of when and how this modulation takes place may lead to better tools to treat symptoms of infection and be relevant for the development of more efficient disease control programmes.     

Perspective: network-guided pattern formation of neural dynamics

The understanding of neural activity patterns is fundamentally linked to an understanding of how the brain''s network architecture shapes dynamical processes. Established approaches rely mostly on deviations of a given network from certain classes of random graphs. Hypotheses about the supposed role of prominent topological features (for instance, the roles of modularity, network motifs or hierarchical network organization) are derived from these deviations. An alternative strategy could be to study deviations of network architectures from regular graphs (rings and lattices) and consider the implications of such deviations for self-organized dynamic patterns on the network. Following this strategy, we draw on the theory of spatio-temporal pattern formation and propose a novel perspective for analysing dynamics on networks, by evaluating how the self-organized dynamics are confined by network architecture to a small set of permissible collective states. In particular, we discuss the role of prominent topological features of brain connectivity, such as hubs, modules and hierarchy, in shaping activity patterns. We illustrate the notion of network-guided pattern formation with numerical simulations and outline how it can facilitate the understanding of neural dynamics.     

雄安新区河流健康评价

雄安新区地理环境敏感,生态环境较为脆弱,研究新区河流健康对维护区域水生态平衡,实施京津冀协同发展战略及疏解北京非首都功能具有重要意义。以雄安新区4条河流为研究对象,基于高分二号遥感影像、地理信息数据和实测数据,构建由水文水资源、河流水质、河流底泥、河流生物、河流生境和社会服务构成的河流健康评价指标体系,并用主客观赋值法得到各指标的综合权重,进而计算河流的综合健康指数,以此对河流健康情况进行评价。结果表明不同河流的准则层指标的健康指数和河流综合健康指数存在差异性,其中白沟引河综合健康指数为0.640,处于健康状态;府河的综合健康指数为0.484,处于亚健康状态;瀑河和孝义河均处于病态,综合健康指数为0.269和0.228。总体表现同一河流不同河段以及不同河流存在明显的空间异质性,府河和白沟引河的健康状态明显好于孝义河和瀑河,同时除孝义河不同采样点的健康情况没有差别,府河、瀑河和白沟引河三条河流不同采样点之间的健康状况存在一定的差别,河流入淀处健康状况普遍比中游健康状况好。这为后期生态需水及其整个新区的生态功能提升提供了参考依据。     

Movements,status, access to nectar,and spatial organisation of the tui

Abstract

Movements of tui (Prosthetnadera novaeseelandiae) breeding on Tiritiri Matangi Island were followed and related to changes in nectar access. The island has limited nectar sources and birds must move to gain access to nectar year round. All tui leave the island, although the extent and timing of movement varies for different individuals. Tui return for breeding but again the timing of the return varies for individuals. Nectar sources were typically concentrated in both time and space, and access was related to individual asymmetries such as sex, residential status and age. These same asymmetries also relate to the timing of individuals movements, and where individuals nest relative to nectar sources. At concentrated food sources, access was determined by an absolute social hierarchy. Although tui defend exclusive feeding territories, breeding territories are not exclusive and access to nectar is determined by distance to nest site. Such variability in spatial organisation is related to a continuum concept of social organisation.     

The Cell Biology of Antigen Processing

Abstract

T lymphocytes recognize antigen only after a series of intracellular events known as antigen processing. The result of antigen processing is the production of short segments of the primary peptide sequence bound to a polypeptide-binding groove on major histo compatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Antigen originates from one of two sites: intracellular or extra cellular. There are two corresponding pathways for antigen processing and two corresponding classes of MHC molecule. Analysis of each pathway has demonstrated that their separation is not purely anatomical, but is maintained by molecular interactions with other molecules. Antigen processing has been shown to regulate the overall immune response, but the mechanisms involved remain obscure.