Congruence between selection on breeding values and farmers' selection criteria in sheep breeding under conventional nucleus breeding schemes

Designing breeding schemes suitable for smallholder livestock production systems in developing regions has hitherto been a challenge. The suggested schemes either do not address farmers' breeding goals (centralized station-based nucleus schemes) or yield slow genetic progress (village-based schemes). A new breeding scheme that integrates the merits of previously suggested schemes has been designed for Menz sheep improvement in Ethiopia. It involves selection based on breeding values in nucleus flocks to produce elite rams, a one-time only provision of improved rams to villagers and a follow-up village-based selection to sustain genetic progress in village flocks. Here, we assessed whether conventional selection of breeding rams based on breeding values for production traits, which is the practice in station-based nucleus flocks, meets farmers' breeding objectives. We also elicited determinants of farmers' ram choice. Low but significant correlations were found between rankings of rams based on farmers' selection criteria, estimated breeding values (EBV) and body weight (BW). Appearance traits (such as color and horn) and meat production traits (BW and linear size traits) significantly determined farmers' breeding ram choice. The results imply that conventional selection criteria based solely on EBV for production traits do not address farmers' trait preferences fully, but only partially. Thus, a two-stage selection procedure involving selection on breeding values in nucleus centers followed by farmers' selection among top- ranking candidate rams is recommended. This approach accommodates farmers' preferences and speeds up genetic progress in village-based selection. The Menz sheep scheme could be applied elsewhere with similar situations to transform conventional station-based nucleus breeding activities into participatory breeding programs.     

Organizational life and political incorporation of two Asian immigrant groups: A case study

Civil society is the foundation of a healthy democracy but its immigrant element has received little attention. This paper is a case study of immigrant organizations of highly skilled Asian Indians and Chinese immigrants in a suburban town of Edison, New Jersey. I find that civic participation of Asian Indian immigrants spills over into political incorporation while Chinese immigrant organizations remain marginalized. I argue that local processes of racialization are central in explaining differences in political incorporation of immigrants. In the local context, the Chinese are seen as successful but conformist model minorities and Asian Indians as invaders and troublemakers. The racialization of Asian Indians has resulted in more political activity and higher levels of political visibility of their organizations. The results highlight shortcomings of current assimilation theories, which give little space to civic and political incorporation and view human capital in an unqualifiedly positive light.     

Studies on the stereoselective synthesis of a protected α-d-Gal-(1→2)-d-Glc fragment

A novel 1,2-cis stereoselective synthesis of protected α-d-Gal-(1→2)-d-Glc fragments was developed. Methyl 2-O-acetyl-3-O-allyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-3-O-benzoyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-glucopyranoside (13), methyl 2-O-acetyl-3-O-allyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-3,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-α-d-glucopyranoside (15), methyl 2-O-acetyl-3-O-allyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-3-O-benzoyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-β-d-glucopyranoside (17), and methyl 2-O-acetyl-3-O-allyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-galactopyranosyl-(1→2)-3,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (19) were favorably obtained by coupling a new donor, isopropyl 2-O-acetyl-3-O-allyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-1-thio-β-d-galactopyranoside (2), with acceptors, methyl 3-O-benzoyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-α-d-glucopyranoside (4), methyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-α-d-glucopyranoside (5), methyl 3-O-benzoyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-β-d-glucopyranoside (8), and methyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzoyl-β-d-glucopyranoside (12), respectively. By virtue of the concerted 1,2-cis α-directing action induced by the 3-O-allyl and 4,6-O-benzylidene groups in donor 2 with a C-2 acetyl group capable of neighboring-group participation, the couplings were achieved with a high degree of α selectivity. In particular, higher α/β stereoselective galactosylation (5.0:1.0) was noted in the case of the coupling of donor 2 with acceptor 12 having a β-CH₃ at C-1 and benzoyl groups at C-4 and C-6.     

Sexual maturity increases mobility and heterogeneity in individual space use in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr

We assessed the effects of sexual maturity on space use in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) parr as facultative early maturation enables us to work on individuals belonging to the same cohort. We monitored the space use of 40 1-year-old males in natura throughout a breeding season. First, mature individuals covered longer distances (absolute and upstream) and located within broader home ranges than immature parr. Second, sexual maturity also generated a higher interindividual variability in space use. Finally, mature individuals exhibited a higher probability of association with likely breeding sites on average. However, some mature individuals experienced a lower probability than immature individuals, suggesting that the space use of some mature individuals may not be optimal. Moreover, mature parr exploiting a broader home range or covering longer upstream distances had a higher probability of association with likely breeding sites. Covering longer upstream distances may therefore increase the reproductive success of mature parr, while involving higher energetic costs and a greater risk of predation.     

Interactive learning and action: realizing the promise of synthetic biology for global health

The emerging field of synthetic biology has the potential to improve global health. For example, synthetic biology could contribute to efforts at vaccine development in a context in which vaccines and immunization have been identified by the international community as being crucial to international development efforts and, in particular, the millennium development goals. However, past experience with innovations shows that realizing a technology’s potential can be difficult and complex. To achieve better societal embedding of synthetic biology and to make sure it reaches its potential, science and technology development should be made more inclusive and interactive. Responsible research and innovation is based on the premise that a broad range of stakeholders with different views, needs and ideas should have a voice in the technological development and deployment process. The interactive learning and action (ILA) approach has been developed as a methodology to bring societal stakeholders into a science and technology development process. This paper proposes an ILA in five phases for an international effort, with national case studies, to develop socially robust applications of synthetic biology for global health, based on the example of vaccine development. The design is based on results of a recently initiated ILA project on synthetic biology; results from other interactive initiatives described in the literature; and examples of possible applications of synthetic biology for global health that are currently being developed.     

国外生态旅游对当地社区生计的影响研究综述

生态旅游因具备实现生物多样性保护和减轻贫困双重目标的潜力,成为全球学术界关注的焦点。鉴于生态旅游在影响社区生计方面的研究争议,论文综览国外大量相关文献,在界定生态旅游内涵的基础上,从经济影响、社区参与、能力建设、社会文化和公共设施4个方面系统梳理国外生态旅游对目的地社区生计的影响。研究发现旅游发展对目的地生计的影响存在不确定性,社区资源控制权、旅游收益规模、地方介入旅游产业供应链能力、自身能力、旅游管理等因素对旅游扶贫效应起着关键性作用。最后,对当前研究展开评述并对未来研究提出三点展望,以期为中国未来生态旅游影响研究和生态旅游开发提供借鉴和指导。     

重大工程建设区生态环境管理的公众参与——以西气东输工程陕西靖边至上海段为例

重大工程建设在给区域发展带来经济效益的同时,还会对周围生态环境和居民生活产生影响,如何兼顾工程建设及其所在地区的自然、社会和经济发展,从多尺度、多方面构建一个和谐、稳定的生态系统,对于工程建设和区域可持续发展具有重要意义,也是对工程建设区实施生态系统管理的主要目标.西气东输工程属于西部投资开发的基础性产业,对于西部地区的社会经济发展和国家的资源结构优化具有重要意义.尽管该工程本着"绿色工程"的原则在工程建设运行中开展了大量的环保工作,却由于保护工作只集中在有限的范围内,而且在实施环境保护的过程中并没有充分考虑到管道沿线不同人群的看法、愿望和需求,因此未能起到应有的效果.研究主要针对西气东输管道东段沿线的相关公众对管道建设、管道环境影响的看法以及他们的生态环境认识水平进行了调查和分析.研究发现:①大部分调查对象了解工程建设的意义,但认为工程建设"有利于本地经济的发展"的人数则有明显减少;公众的居住地、文化程度和职业背景是影响其看法的主要因素.西部经济欠发达地区的农民是对管道工程建设的意义认同度较低,因此,需要特别关注这一社会群体的想法和愿望.②西部地区的农民是对工程建设破坏的植被和土壤最为关注的群体,因此,如果在工程施工过程中对沿线的土壤、植被采取有效的保护和恢复措施,并对周边居民由此而受到的损失进行合理的赔偿,将极大的提高周边公众对管道工程的认同与支持.③多数调查对象不了解生态恢复公众参与的重要性,而更多人认为应是当地政府和工程施工单位的主要责任,反映出管道沿线公众在这方面的生态环境认识有待提高.     

基于旅游从业者的卧龙自然保护区旅游发展有效性分析:社区参与视角

以卧龙自然保护区为例,采用问卷调查的方法对旅游从业者的来源地、收入分布和职业分布特征进行了研究,以综合分析旅游发展与生物多样性保护、经济发展以及保护区管理之间的关系及面临的问题,探讨旅游发展的有效性。结果表明,尽管旅游发展对当地经济有一定的贡献,但尚存如下问题需要解决：（1）旅游与当地居民经济参与和生物多样性保护之间关系比较微弱;（2）经济漏损和收入分配不平衡;（3）当地居民进入旅游业受到启动资金及技术技能条件的限制。     

存量规划中大型公共空间更新的公众参与机制研究——以美国东海岸防灾项目为例

面对存量规划背景下城市更新中复杂利益主体,在规划管理过程引入公众参与已逐渐成为中国广泛使用的规划策略。而面对大型的城市公共空间更新,在中国非营利组织体系并未建立完善的现况下,为使自下而上的空间需求与自上而下的规划策略有效对接,以美国纽约东海岸灾后重建计划的实施过程为例,通过比较研究,分析其中公众参与的保障机制,强调顶层法律对建立一套精准、具体的公众参与技术标准的重要性。同时探讨更新规划过程中,公众参与的途径及其中市民阶层的角色参与。讨论政府职能在整体公众参与的保障体系中所具备的多向把控、整体触媒的系统价值。研究为适用于中国国情的、基于公众参与的整体性城市公共空间更新提供新的视角和策略参考。     

Neighboring group participation. Part 16. Stereoselective synthesis and receptor-binding examination of the four stereoisomers of 16-bromomethyl-3,17-estradiols

The four possible isomers of 3-benzyloxy-16-hydroxymethylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol (1a-4a) with proven configurations were converted into the corresponding 3-benzyloxy-16-bromomethylestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diols (5e-8e). Depending on the reaction conditions the cis isomers of 3-benzyloxy-16-hydroxymethylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol (1a and 2a) were transformed into 3-benzyloxy-16-bromomethylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl acetate (5b and 6b) or 16-bromomethyl-3-hydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl acetate (5c and 6c) on treatment with HBr and acetic acid. The mechanism of the process can be interpreted as involving front-side neighboring group participation. Under similar experimental conditions, the trans isomers (3a and 4a) yielded only 3-benzyloxy-16-acetoxymethylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-yl acetates (3b and 4b) or 16-acetoxymethylestra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3,17-diyl diacetates (3d and 4d). Both the cis (1a and 2a) and the trans (3a, and 4a) isomers were transformed into 16-bromomethylestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-ol (5a-8a) by the Appel reaction on treatment with CBr4/Ph3P. Debenzylation of 5a-8a was carried out with HBr and acetic acid to yield 5e-8e. The debenzylation process in the presence of acetic anhydride produces the diacetates 5d-8d. The structures of the compounds were determined by means of MS, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopic methods. Compounds 5c-8c and 5e-8e were tested in a radioligand-binding assay. Except for the affinity of 7e for the estrogen receptor (Ki=2.55 nM), the affinities of the eight compounds (5c-8c and 5e-8e) for the estrogen, androgen and progesterone receptors are low (Ki > 0.55, 0.52 and 0.21 microM, respectively).