Carotenoid-based colouration and ultraviolet reflectance of the sexual ornaments of grouse

Among the most familiar sexual signals are red, yellow, and orange sexual traits pigmented by carotenoids. Many birds can detect near-ultraviolet (UV) light, and UV signals can play key roles in mate choice. Grouse (Tetraonidae) exhibit bright carotenoid-dependent sexual ornaments, their supra-orbital combs, which to humans appear orange-red. Combs also reflect in the UV, which is not visible to humans but is likely to be visible to grouse. In male red grouse Lagopus lagopus scoticus, we show that comb UV reflectance decreases with increasing comb size and redness. By removing the epidermis of combs, where carotenoid pigments are, we show that the UV reflectance is a property of the dermis, underneath the red pigmented epidermis. Carotenoid pigmentation of combs acted as a mask to reduce reflectance by the dermis in the range 400–550 nm and in the UV, 300–400 nm. Patagium skin (non-ornamental skin under the wing) also reflects in the UV, but epidermis removal on this bare part tended to reduce UV reflectance, whereas removal of the red epidermis of combs increased UV reflectance. Males in better condition (greater body mass relative to size) had bigger and redder combs, but with less UV. Thus, carotenoid pigments of grouse combs are deposited on a white background with significant UV reflectance, which can influence how the signal is perceived by conspecifics. Carotenoid-based traits exhibit UV reflectance in a number of species, but how UV reflectance and carotenoid pigmentation influence colour remains little known for integumentary ornaments compared to plumage traits. UV vision is not uncommon in birds and other animals, so future studies should investigate how UV reflectance influences the perception of carotenoid-based signals of quality.     

ANALYSIS OF NITROGEN MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES USING EPIC1

ABSTRACT: This paper illustrates a method of using a hydrologic/water quality model to analyze alternative management practices and recommend best management practices (BMPs) to reduce nitrate-nitrogen (NO₃^--N) leaching losses. The study area for this research is Tipton, an agriculturally intensive area in southwest Oklahoma. We used Erosion Productivity Impact Calculator (EPIC), a field-scale hydrologic/water quality model, to analyze alternative agricultural management practices. The model was first validated using observed data from a cotton demonstration experiment conducted in the Tipton area. Following that, EPIC was used to simulate fertilizer response curves for cotton and wheat crops under irrigated and dryland conditions. From the fertilizer response functions (N-uptake and N-leaching), we established an optimum fertilizer application rate for each crop. Individual crop performances were then simulated at optimum fertilizer application rates and crop rotations for the Tipton area, which were selected based on three criteria: (a) minimum amount of NO₃^--N leached, (b) minimum concentration of NO₃^--N leached, and (c) maximum utilization of NO₃^--M. Further we illustrate that by considering residual N from alfalfa as a credit to the following crop and crediting NO₃^--N present in the irrigation water, it is possible to reduce further NO₃^--N loss without affecting crop yield.     

冲压模CAE技术及软件选型方法

综述了国内外常用冲压模具CAE分析软件的内容和种类 ,从实用角度讨论了CAE系统应用中诸如规划、软件选型、人员培训、应用推广等问题 ,对其选型和实施方法作了重点介绍     

HKB—1型磁化率仪研制及计算机联机的实现

本文介绍了一种新研制的磁化率仪,它可测定自然界中大多数物质(良导体除外)的初始磁化率,特别适合于岩石的磁化率及其各向异性(AMS)测量。仪器工作磁场300A/m,频率920Hz,样机总磁化率测量灵敏度达到 2×10~(-12)m~3,读数采用数字显示方式并具有自动锁定功能。与计算机的联机采用了标准EIARS-232C串行接口,因此具有良好的通用性。在软件的控制下,计算机可自动完成测量数据的采集、计算处理、座标转换以及成图或存贮等工作,AMS参数的测量效率得到很大提高。     

Using alcohol intoxication goggles (Fatal Vision® goggles) to detect alcohol related impairment in simulated driving

Objective: Fatal vision goggles (FVGs) are image-distorting equipment used within driver education programs to simulate alcohol-related impairment. However, there is no empirical evidence comparing the behavioral effects associated with wearing FVGs to alcohol intoxication. The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of FVGs in producing alcohol-related impairment in simulated driving.

Methods: Twenty-two healthy males (age: 23 ± 3 years, mean ± SD) participated in a placebo-controlled crossover design study involving 4 experimental trials. In each trial, participants completed a baseline level simulated driving task followed by an experimental driving task, involving one of 4 treatments: (1) a dose of alcohol designed to elicit 0.080% breath alcohol concentration (BrAC; AB), (2) an alcohol placebo beverage (PB), (3) FVG (estimated % blood alcohol concentration [BAC] 0.070–0.100+), and (4) placebo goggles (PGs). The driving tasks included 3 separate scenarios lasting ～5 min each; these were a simple driving scenario, a complex driving scenario, and a hazard perception driving scenario. Selected lateral control parameters (standard deviation of lane position [SDLP]; total number of lane crossings [LCs]) and longitudinal control parameters (average speed; standard deviation of speed [SDSP]; distance headway; minimum distance headway) were monitored during the simple and complex driving scenarios. Latency to 2 different stimuli (choice reaction time [CRT]) was tested in the hazard perception driving scenario. Subjective ratings of mood and attitudes toward driving were also provided during each of the trials.

Results: Neither placebo treatment influenced simulated driving performance. Mean BrAC was 0.060 ± 0.010% at the time of driving on the AB trial. Lateral control: In the simple driving scenario, SDLP and LC were not affected under any of the experimental treatments. However, in the complex driving scenario, significantly greater SDLP was observed on both the FVG and AB trials compared to their respective baseline drives. LC increased significantly from baseline on the AB trial only. Longitudinal control: Speed was not affected by any of the experimental treatments; however, SDSP increased significantly from baseline on the FVG trial. A significant reduction in distance headway and minimum distance headway was detected on the FVG trial compared to baseline. Hazard perception: Neither AB nor FVG trials were influential on CRT. Subjective mood ratings were significantly altered on the AB and FVG trials compared to baseline and placebo conditions. Participants reported reduced willingness and ability to drive under the active treatments (AB and FVG) than the placebo treatments (PB and PG).

Conclusions: FVGs may have some utility in replicating alcohol-related impairment on specific driving performance measurements. Hence, the equipment may offer an alternative approach to researching the impact of alcohol intoxication on simulated driving performance among populations where the provision of alcohol would otherwise be unethical (e.g., prelicensed drivers).     

AnnAGNPS模型在潋水河流域产水、产沙的模拟评价

日益严重的土壤侵蚀造成了土地退化、水体污染等一系列的环境和生态问题,利用基于过程的数学模型已成为流域土壤侵蚀状况定量评价和控制的有效方法.利用美国农业部开发的流域尺度AnnAGNPS模型,设计了基于地形特征的cell离散方案,在多种地理数据采集和参数化的基础上,对江西兴国潋水河流域1991～2005年的径流、产沙过程进行了分布式计算机模拟.在对产水量进行径流滤波分析的基础上,分别对模型模拟的地表径流和产沙量进行了校正和验证.地表径流模拟结果多年平均相对误差为11.8%,确定性系数R2为0.94,产沙量模拟结果的多年平均相对误差为19.71%,确定性系数R2为0.77.表明AnnAGNPS能较好地模拟潋水流域年、月尺度的地表径流和产沙过程.地下径流模拟结果误差较大,其原因和地下径流模拟模块在潋水流域的适用性有待进一步研究检验.对潋水流域土壤侵蚀定量分析表明,潋水流域的年平均侵蚀模数为1 150.29.t(km2.a)-1,属于轻度侵蚀等级,流域内侵蚀较严重的区域集中分布于居民地附近和公路沿线,其水土流失与人类活动有很大关系.     

飞行器控制系统数据综合关键技术研究

控制系统数据综合是导弹等飞行器实现低成本和小型化的有效途径.文中提出基于双处理器结构的飞行控制系统任务计算机系统结构,并对数据综合过程中的时间同步、时间管理等关键技术问题,采取初始同步和周期同步相结合的方式,对任务运行同步误差进行了修正,在时间同步的基础上,将控制链条按照资源占用情况进行分解,并对各功能模块进行统筹、分时调度,实现了双机并行处理.     

废水处理中pH值计算机模糊控制系统的设计

酸碱中和是化工废水处理中的一个重要环节。本ｐＨ值控制系统采用ＰＩＤ控制和模糊控制并列转换形式,当系统的偏差较小时,采用ＰＩＤ法进行流程控制;而当系统的偏差较大时,采用计算机模糊控制。介绍ｐＨ值计算机模糊控制系统设计原理与模糊控制器的实现,包括模糊化处理、模糊规则库的建立、模糊计算和反模糊化处理。在废水处理工艺流程中采用该控制方法可获得高效、稳定的控制效果。     

水体突发性重金属污染胁迫下斑马鱼的行为反应分析

研究了斑马鱼在不同程度突发性的Zn2＋和Cr6＋胁迫下的行为反应,采用计算机视觉技术量化研究斑马鱼游动行为数据。结果表明,在Zn2＋和Cr6＋的突发性胁迫中,斑马鱼的行为反应快速且敏感,游动行为与污染物种类、质量浓度和暴露时间直接相关,并表现出比较相似的行为变化规律;随着胁迫程度的增加,斑马鱼游动速度的变化幅度增大,反应时间缩短,且其变化曲线符合生物行为的环境压力模型。斑马鱼的行为变化远远提前于生物的病理损伤或死亡,可利用斑马鱼暴露于污染物时的行为变化实现在线水体突发性重金属污染事故的监测预警。     

宝钢特种设备计算机管理系统的研究与应用

简述了宝钢特种设备安全管理理念,提出了宝钢特种设备计算机管理系统的总体思路,并对该系统的应用作了一定描述。