Does leaf flushing in the dry season affect leaf traits and herbivory in a tropical dry forest?

We report a small hawk-like diurnal bird from the early Oligocene (30–31 million years ago) of Poland. Aviraptor longicrus, n. gen. et sp. is of a size comparable with the smallest extant Accipitridae. The new species is characterized by very long legs, which, together with the small size, suggest an avivorous (bird-eating) feeding behavior. Overall, the new species resembles extant sparrowhawks (Accipiter spp.) in the length proportions of the major limb bones, even though some features indicate that it convergently acquired an Accipiter-like morphology. Most specialized avivores amongst extant accipitrids belong to the taxon Accipiter and predominantly predate small forest passerines; the smallest Accipiter species also hunts hummingbirds. Occurrence of a possibly avivorous raptor in the early Oligocene of Europe is particularly notable because A. longicrus coexisted with the earliest Northern Hemispheric passerines and modern-type hummingbirds. We therefore hypothesize that the diversification of these birds towards the early Oligocene may have triggered the evolution of small-sized avivorous raptors, and the new fossil may exemplify one of the earliest examples of avian predator/prey coevolution.

     

Solution-oriented global environmental assessments: Opportunities and challenges

This article provides an introduction to the Special Issue dedicated to “Solution-oriented Global Environmental Assessments: Opportunities and Challenges”. In the follow-up to the Paris climate agreement and the adoption and early implementation of the global Sustainable Development Goals involving many synergies and trade-offs, the need to shift the focus from environmental problem analysis towards the exploration of specific solution options can be observed in international environmental governance debates. To remain policy-relevant, credible and legitimate, global environmental assessments (GEAs) must carefully adapt to a rapidly evolving governance landscape. This Special Issue sheds light on the potential utility and implications of increased solution-orientation of GEAs. It builds on the research project “The Future of Global Environmental Assessment Making” that was jointly initiated in 2013 by UN Environment and the Mercator Research Institute on Global Commons and Climate Change. The article collection includes research on the coevolution of GEAs and the increasingly solution-oriented governance context; conditions of success for contemporary GEAs; the treatment of divergent viewpoints, stakes and stakeholders in solution-oriented GEAs; knowledge aggregation; and the enhanced measurement of GEA effectiveness in the emerging governance landscape.     

干旱区植被与其地貌过程的相互作用

地貌过程与生态过程相结合的研究对于干旱区景观格局与功能规划具有十分重要的意义,且在近年来受到地貌学与生态学研究者的共同关注。干旱区地貌的分畀造成了地区气候的再分异与主导因子的再分配,决定了干旱地区植物群落分布及景观格局的形成。在未来,地貌与生物群落的协同进化以及人类在直接或间接改变景观格局中的作用将成为研究重点。     

First evidence of regular common cuckoo, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cuculus canorus</Emphasis>, parasitism on eastern olivaceous warblers, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hippolais pallida elaeica</Emphasis>

Coevolution is defined as specialized relationships between species that lead to a reciprocal evolutionary change. A particularly suitable model system for studying coevolution is the interactions between obligate avian brood parasites and their hosts. The common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus, hereafter cuckoo) is a well-known brood parasite, which utilizes a range of smaller passerines as hosts. However, warblers of the genus Hippolais have rarely been reported as being victims of cuckoos, and furthermore, few data exist on the occurrence of antiparasite defenses in these hosts. In this study, we examined possible host–parasite coevolution between cuckoos and eastern olivaceous warblers (Hippolais pallida elaeica, hereafter olivaceous warblers) in three closely situated areas in northwestern Bulgaria. The olivaceous warbler has never been reported to be a regular cuckoo host. However, the present study, carried out in 2001–2003 shows that the olivaceous warbler is regularly and heavily parasitized by the cuckoo in this area. Parasitism rate was high (26.6%, 34/128) and consistent among years, with some variation between areas. The cuckoo egg mimicry was moderately good, and olivaceous warbler rejection rate of such eggs was 50%. Cuckoo eggs laid in olivaceous warbler nests had a whitish to whitish-green ground color, and the majority appeared to be distinctly different from cuckoo eggs found in other host species in the area. The olivaceous warbler proved to be a rather good host for cuckoos as 20.6% (7/34) of cuckoo eggs laid produced fledglings, a breeding success comparable to other suitable hosts in Europe. This is the first in-depth study of brood parasitism in a warbler of the genus Hippolais, and cuckoos parasitizing olivaceous warblers probably represent a previously unknown gens.     

水体富营养化及蓝藻水华预警模型研究进展

目前,水体富营养化及蓝藻水华污染已成为最为突出的世界性水环境问题之一,做好水华的预测预警工作显得尤为重要.预警模型是水体富营养化及蓝藻水华预警工作的前提与基础.文章讨论了主要预警参数因子的选择,包括物理因子、化学因子和生物因子;介绍了常用的水体寓营养化及蓝藻水华预警模型的研究进展,总结了各个常用模型的概念、优缺点、建模...     

蓝藻预警监测数据管理系统开发与应用研究

太湖蓝藻预警监测一直是政府及环保部门关注的重点工作并已经成为日常监测任务,但由于数据汇总和日统计评价工作量大,每项指标评判靠人工处理效率明显低下,蓝藻预警监测数据管理系统的开发很好的解决了这一问题.该系统以蓝藻监测和上报的实际业务需求为基础,综合了地表水各项指标的评价功能,并运用网络平台方便灵活地与其他部门共享蓝藻监测信息,极大地提高了综合分析人员工作效率,同时还为环境管理部门提供了更加全面的趋势分析.     

The oldest African bat from the early Eocene of El Kohol (Algeria)

The Afro-Arabian Paleogene fossil record of Chiroptera is very poor. In North Africa and Arabia, this record is limited, thus far, to a few localities mainly in Tunisia (Chambi, late early Eocene), Egypt (Fayum, late Eocene to early Oligocene), and Sultanate of Oman (Taqah, early Oligocene). It consists primarily of isolated teeth or mandible fragments. Interestingly, these African fossil bats document two modern groups (Vespertilionoidea and Rhinolophoidea) from the early Eocene, while the bat fossil record of the same epoch of North America, Eurasia, and Australia principally includes members of the ??Eochiroptera.?? This paraphyletic group contains all primitive microbats excluding modern families. In Algeria, the region of Brezina, southeast of the Atlas Mountains, is famous for the early Eocene El Kohol Formation, which has yielded one of the earliest mammalian faunas of the African landmass. Recent fieldwork in the same area has led to the discovery of a new vertebrate locality, including isolated teeth of Chiroptera. These fossils represent the oldest occurrence of Chiroptera in Africa, thus extending back the record of the group to the middle early Eocene (Ypresian) on that continent. The material consists of an upper molar and two fragments of lower molars. The dental character association matches that of ??Eochiroptera.?? As such, although very fragmentary, the material testifies to the first occurrence of ??Eochiroptera?? in Algeria, and by extension in Africa. This discovery demonstrates that this basal group of Chiroptera had a worldwide distribution during the early Paleogene.     

早强粉煤灰水泥的研制

本文针对粉煤灰水泥早强低，凝结硬化慢等缺点，根据水泥熟料矿物的形成机理，用粉煤灰代替粘土作原料，对熟料矿物进行优化组合，成功地研制出了一种高硅酸三钙的早期强度高的水泥熟料，这种熟料可掺入３０％一４０％粉煤灰，生产出４２５Ｒ型粉煤灰水泥。     

大型储油罐区防雷电监测预警安全措施

大型储油罐防雷电安全在输油管道原油储运过程中占有重要地位。输油站库罐区储油罐曾发生多起雷击起火,安装测雷预警系统,能够在雷电将至罐区时,提前测雷预警,便于及时启动大型储油罐防雷预案。     

New genetic and clinical evidence associated with fetal Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome

Early detection of Beckwith–Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) is very important since it is very useful regarding counseling of parents concerning the risk of developing embryonic tumors, selection of the mode of delivery due to potential adrenal cysts that might bleed during labor, prevention of neonatal hypoglycemia and even options of pregnancy termination in non-viable fetuses. This report describes the prenatal classic sonographic triad of fetal BWS (omphalocele, macrosomia, macroglossia) and other supporting findings (hepatomegaly, adrenal enlargement) as well as additional postnatal evidence. Also, it demonstrates new molecular genetic evidence potentially associated with the disease (the presence of a novel heterozygous c.358G>T variant of the CDKN1C gene). Importantly, we provide new evidence indicating that elevated levels of the four serum biomarkers (alpha-fetoprotein, beta-human gonadotropin, unconjugated estriol, and inhibin-A) in late first or early second trimester might be strongly suggestive of BWS which may facilitate early detection especially in cases of no obvious anomaly. In conclusion, this study emphasizes on early detection of BWS as early as at 14 weeks of gestation, based on the abnormal rise of the four serum biomarkers together with omphalocele. To the best of our knowledge, this is the earliest prenatal detection of BWS ever reported. Finally, we provide new molecular genetic evidence that is, potentially associated with BWS.     

First-trimester diagnosis of conjoined twins

Conjoined twins are a rare and complex complication of monozygotic twinning, which is associated with high perinatal mortality. Early prenatal diagnosis of conjoined twins allows better counselling of the parents regarding the management options, including continuation of pregnancy with post-natal surgery, termination of pregnancy or selective fetocide in case of a triplet pregnancy. With the introduction of high-resolution and transvaginal ultrasound imaging, accurate prenatal diagnosis of conjoined twins is possible early in pregnancy. We have reviewed the medical literature on the early prenatal diagnosis of suspected conjoined twins using a MEDLINE search. Although first-trimester diagnosis of conjoined twins is feasible, false-positive cases are common before 10 weeks because, earlier in gestation, fetal movements are limited and monoamniotic twins may appear conjoined. As most parents opt for immediate termination of pregnancy at confirmation of the diagnosis, there are limited data on the prenatal follow-up of conjoined twins. When the parents opt for conservative management, half of the fetuses die in utero and another 44% will die during the neonatal period. A detailed analysis of case reports where 3D imaging was used indicates that this modality does not improve on the diagnosis made by 2D ultrasound. Overall, very early prenatal diagnosis and first-trimester 3D imaging provide very little additional practical medical information compared to the 11–14 weeks' ultrasound examination. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于系统动力学的辽宁省生态安全预警研究

基于P—S—R框架建立辽宁省城市生态安全预警评价指标体系,在此基础上,利用系统动力学方法构建辽宁省城市“资源-人口-经济-社会-环境”复合系统的生态安全预警模型,通过VENSIM仿真2010年至2020年的辽宁省城市生态安全预警指标趋势值,运用综合评价法对辽宁省14个城市进行生态安全预警评价。结果表明,未来10年生态安全预警评价结果分为3类：生态安全区、生态安全持续危险区和生态退化区。生态持续危险区和生态退化区属于生态安全预警区域,主要集中在辽宁省西北部。从辽宁省生态安全动态变化看,未来生态安全形势比较严峻。仿真结果表明基于系统动力学的生态安全预警结果可为辽宁省城市发展与建设提供一定的理论依据。     

Left-sided gastroschisis and bilateral multicystic dysplastic kidneys: a rare combination of anomalies

Left-sided gastroschisis is very rare. We report a case of left-sided gastroschisis associated with bilateral multicystic dysplastic kidneys. This combination of anomalies is unknown. The pathogenesis of gastroschisis is not well understood. It is now viewed as a malformation rather than disruption. The findings in this case support this view. The combination of dysplastic kidneys with ventral body wall defect suggests an early developmental defect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

柠条的营养成分动态变化分析

试验结果表明,柠条锦鸡儿叶片中的粗脂肪、粗蛋白、钙磷含量最高,其次为花,最差的是枝条,叶片中的粗纤维含量较低,是家畜优质的饲料。中间锦鸡儿种子中的粗蛋白、粗脂肪含量也很高。柠条的粗蛋白、吸附水以及磷的含量基本上以5月初为最高,从7月底到10月初呈下降趋势;粗纤维、粗灰分、钙、无氮浸出物含量从5月初到10月初逐渐增加。2年生柠条样品的粗脂肪含量10月初达到最高,而多年生柠条样品的粗脂肪含量则5月初为最高。随着生长年限的延长,粗蛋白、粗脂肪、无氮浸出物、吸附水、钙磷含量逐年下降,而粗纤维、粗灰分含量逐年增加,适口性下降。     

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (Günther's disease): two cases with very early prenatal manifestation and cystic hygroma

Congenital erythropoietic porphyria (CEP) or Günther's disease is the rarest form of the porphyrias. The disease is usually diagnosed at birth or during early infancy, but rarely in utero. We describe here the first two cases of very early prenatal expression of CEP with cystic hygroma diagnosed at 14 weeks in the first fetus and at 19 weeks in the second. Both fetuses presented with severe nonimmune hydrops fetalis as early as 19 and 22 weeks, associated with intrauterine growth retardation, hyperechogenic kidneys and bones. Amniotic fluid was dark brown and uro- and coproporphyrin I was dramatically increased. Molecular screening of the CEP gene detected heterozygous C73R mutation in both fetuses, the other parental mutation being as yet unknown. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

First-trimester ultrasonic diagnosis of twin reversed arterial perfusion sequence

Twin reversed arterial perfusion (TRAP) syndrome sequence is a rare specific anomaly of twin gestation with fused placentae and umbilical anastomosis. This syndrome occurs once in very 35 000–48 000 births and has been described in the second trimester (23-29 weeks of gestation). We report on early sonographic diagnosis (10 and 12 weeks' gestation) of two cases of TRAP sequence, together with their umbilical cord Doppler studies.     

Early transvaginal sonographic diagnosis of alobar holoprosencephaly

Holoprosencephaly is a cerebral anomaly resulting from incomplete cleavage of the primitive prosencephalon or forebrain. Early detection of this anomaly is very important since the most severe form is incompatible with life. The diagnosis also signals the need for a chromosomal determination since chromosomal abnormalities have been associated with this anomaly. An early diagnosis of alobar holoprosencephaly at 14 weeks' gestation, employing transvaginal sonography, is reported. Our findings are compared with prenatal transabdominal sonographic findings of holoprosencephaly which have been reported during the last decade in the literature.     

2,3,7,8,-四氯苯噁英对NIH小鼠早期妊娠和生殖激素的影响

用不同剂量的2,3,7,8 四氯苯二英(2,3,7,8 tetrachlorodibenzopdioxin,TCDD)对小鼠胚胎附植数量和生长发育情况进行剂量反应评估,分析TCDD对假孕小鼠子宫蜕膜生长状况的影响以及比较胚胎种植前后染毒效果.所有样本采集血液,测定母体血清雌二醇和孕酮的浓度变化.结果表明,50和100ng·(kg·d)-1TCDD处理的孕鼠,胚胎附植数量明显减少(P<0 05),着床后胚胎出现发育迟缓,质量减轻(P<0 05);同等剂量TCDD处理的假孕小鼠,子宫蜕膜生长受到了极显著的抑制(P<0 01);种植前后染毒效果比较发现种植前期染毒的小鼠胚胎对TCDD更为敏感.母体血清雌二醇浓度随剂量和染毒时段有不同程度的升高,而孕酮浓度则极显著下降(P<0 01).由此表明低剂量TCDD可能通过对生殖激素的干扰,强烈影响NIH小鼠妊娠早期生殖生理状态和着床后胚胎的发育.实验同时证明小鼠也可作为早期妊娠毒物研究的供试动物,用以筛选动物和人类早期妊娠的有害化合物.     

水源性贾弟虫病(giardiasis)研究进展

贾弟虫(Giardia)是一种世界性分布的体内寄生原生动物,可感染家畜、野生动物和人类。该虫可通过饮用水源等水体传播,其所导致的贾弟虫病(giardiasis)是最频发的水源性疾病之一,典型症状是腹泻、腹痛、反胃、呕吐、胃胀和发烧。本文综述了贾弟虫的分类、流行病学和检测方法等,目的是提出疾病预警系统,建立快速响应机制,以防止饮用水中贾弟虫病爆发。