Determining the community structure of the coral Seriatopora hystrix from hydrodynamic and genetic networks

The exchange of genetic information between coral reefs through the transport of larvae can be described in terms of networks that capture the linkages between distant populations. A key question arising from these networks is the determination of the highly connected modules (communities). Communities can be defined using genetic similarity or distance statistics between multiple samples but due to limited specimen sampling capacity the boundaries of the communities for the known coral reefs in the seascape remain unresolved. In this study we use the microsatellite composition of individual corals to compare sample populations using a genetic dissimilarity measure (F_ST) which is then used to create a complex network. This network involved sampling 1025 colonies from 22 collection sites and examining 10 microsatellites loci. The links between each sampling site were given a strength that was created from the pair wise F_ST values. The result is an undirected weighted network describing the genetic dissimilarity between each sampled population. From this network we then determined the community structure using a leading eigenvector algorithm within graph theory. However, given the relatively limited sampling conducted, the representation of the regional genetic structure was incomplete. To assist with defining the boundaries of the genetically based communities we also integrated the communities derived from a hydrodynamic and distance based networks. The hydrodynamic network, though more comprehensive, was of smaller spatial extent than our genetic sampling. A Bayesian Belief network was developed to integrate the overlapping communities. The results indicate the genetic population structure of the Great Barrier Reef and provide guidance on where future genetic sampling should take place to complete the genetic diversity mapping.     

Investigation of the effects of battery types and power management algorithms on drive cycle simulation for a range-extended electric vehicle powertrain

Fuel cell (FC) hybrid vehicle power trains are an attractive technology especially for automotive applications because of their higher efficiency and lower emissions compared to conventional vehicles. This study focuses on the design of an FC hybrid power train system and evaluation of its simulations for a given speed profile through two alternative power management algorithms (PMAs). Parameters suitable for a small vehicle were taken into consideration in the mathematical model of the vehicle. The proposed hybrid power train consists of an energy storage system, composed of a 4-kg battery pack (either lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery, nickel metal hydride, or nickel–cadmium) and a direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) as the range extender. The PMAs basically aim to fulfill the power requirements of the vehicle and decide how to command the power split between the battery and the FC. The model comprising a DMFC, a battery, and PMAs was developed in MATLAB/Simulink environment. The polarization curve of the FC was obtained using a one-dimensional DMFC model. Vehicle power requirements for a drive cycle were calculated using the equations of longitudinal dynamics of vehicle, and the results were integrated into MATLAB/Simulink model. As a result of the simulations, methanol consumption, state of charge of the battery, and power output of the FC were compared for the PMAs. This comparison shows the effect of PMAs on the hybrid vehicle performance for three battery types. The results indicate that the vehicle range could be increased when proper strategy is used as PMA.     

基于马尔科夫链-多目标模型的应急供应链决策优化研究

为应对洪涝、新冠肺炎疫情等突发灾难,提出供应物资满足率最大、供应时间最短、供应成本最低的离散时间马尔科夫链-多目标规划模型(DTMC-MOP),动态地识别、分析、应对应急供应链风险;采用改进自适应NSGA-Ⅱ算法求解优化模型,并通过标准测试函数进行测试与评价,验证模型的可行性和有效性;通过算例分析,获得精度更高、分布更均匀的Pareto最优前沿。研究结果表明：决策者可以依据应急管理核心目标或不同偏好选择相适应的应急方案,研究结果可为应急供应链决策优化提供1种科学方法,对保障灾民生命安全、维护社会和谐稳定具有积极意义。     

The Future of Baltic Sea Populations: Local Extinction or Evolutionary Rescue?

Environmental change challenges local and global survival of populations and species. In a species-poor environment like the Baltic Sea this is particularly critical as major ecosystem functions may be upheld by single species. A complex interplay between demographic and genetic characteristics of species and populations determines risks of local extinction, chances of re-establishment of lost populations, and tolerance to environmental changes by evolution of new adaptations. Recent studies show that Baltic populations of dominant marine species are locally adapted, have lost genetic variation and are relatively isolated. In addition, some have evolved unusually high degrees of clonality and others are representatives of endemic (unique) evolutionary lineages. We here suggest that a consequence of local adaptation, isolation and genetic endemism is an increased risk of failure in restoring extinct Baltic populations. Additionally, restricted availability of genetic variation owing to lost variation and isolation may negatively impact the potential for evolutionary rescue following environmental change.     

Assessment of susceptibility of olive cultivars to the Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin, 1790) and Camarosporium dalmaticum (Thüm.) Zachos & Tzav.-Klon. attacks in Calabria (Southern Italy)

Within the framework of research concerning the application of techniques alternative to chemical pesticides for control of parasites, the C.R.A. Experimental Institute for Olive Growing for many years has been performing a large investigation in order to detect sources of genetic resistance in olive germplasm. In the present study we observed the behavior related to the olive fly (Bactrocera oleae) infestation and Camarosporium dalmaticum infection of ten olive cultivars farmed under the same agronomic and climatic conditions in Calabria, Southern Italy. The sampling and the data collecting were carried out in three different ripening times.The drupe amount of oleuropein and cyanidine was detected by laboratory analyses in order to verify a possible correlation between these molecules and the level of infestation/infection of the above-mentioned parasites. The obtained data were submitted to analysis of variance. In relation to the fungal infection the results displayed that cvs Tonda nera dolce showed the lowest susceptibility, while the cv Giarraffa turned out to be the most susceptible. The less susceptible cultivars to the phytophagous were Tonda nera dolce and Bhardi Tirana. Since the less susceptible cultivar to olive fly attacks are the same observed in relation to the susceptibility to olive fruit rot, it is suggested a relation between the olive fly infestation and the fungal infection. It suggests the utility to achieve these results both to transfer directly to the farmers' world and to emphasize ecosystem health and biodiversity conservation.     

土著厌氧菌修复有机氯污染土壤的方法探索

针对工业场地有机氯污染土壤探索微生物修复的方法,试验表明:添加土著厌氧菌菌液及营养液的试验组,污染物去除率比空白组明显提高。基因测定结果显示,试验土壤中至少存在具有降解有机氯污染物能力的3种菌种。     

Elevated ozone affects the genetic composition of Plantago lanceolata L. populations

The genetic composition and diversity of Plantago lanceolata L. populations were analysed using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) as well as simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to test for differences in an old semi-natural grassland after five years of treatment with ambient or elevated ozone (O3) using a free-air fumigation system. Genetic diversity in populations exposed to elevated O3 was slightly higher than in populations sampled from control plots. This effect was significant for AFLP-based measures of diversity and for SSR markers based on observed heterozygosity. Also, a small but significant difference in genetic composition between O3 treatments was detected by analysis of molecular variance and redundancy analysis. The results show that micro-evolutionary processes could take place in response to long-term elevated O3 exposure in highly diverse populations of outbreeding plant species.     

22种化学物和紫外线对λDNA的遗传毒性分析

采用具有遗传毒性的受试化学物处理λDNA后,经体外包装,形成噬菌体颗粒,感染宿主菌LE392,噬菌斑发生率将显著降低。用这一方法对22种化学物和紫外线测试的结果表明,丝裂霉素C等13种受试化学物和紫外线对λDNA具有遗传毒性。根据用限制性内切酶消化和凝胶电泳分析的结果认为,丝裂霉素C（MMC）、甲基磺酸乙酯（EMS）和9－氨基吖啶（9－AA）对λDNA的遗传毒作用机理,可能是它们分别造成了λDNA分子发生随机断裂、DNA交联和在碱基热点上结合的移码突变。     

Utilization of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis in women of advanced maternal age in Australia, 1979–1982

This paper reports the results of a complete national survey to measure utilization rates of prenatal cytogenetic diagnosis (P.C.D.) in women of advanced maternal age in Australia. P.C.D. has been available throughout Australia for the last decade. Every laboratory in Australia providing a P.C.D. service for the years 1979–1982 took part in this study. Utilization rates (both National and State rates) by ages of mothers, are presented. Big interstate differences exist. The 1982 National P.C.D. utilization rate for pregnant women who were 40 years of age and over was 38.8 per cent, and this rate has shown an average annual increase of 9 per cent. In those four States which offered P.C.D. to pregnant women of 35 years or over the median utilization rate was 20 per cent. These Australian rates indicate an under-utilization of P.C.D. services with (in 1982) 50–80 per cent of ‘at risk’ women not being tested. Factors which influence this are discussed.     

Effect of introducing prenatal diagnosis on the reproductive behaviour of families at risk for cystic fibrosis. A Cohort study

We studied 101 couples to determine how far their reproductive behaviour was affected by the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (CF) on its first occurrence in the couple's progeny and by the availability of prenatal diagnosis (PD). The couples were all resident in the Veneto and Trentino regions and attending the Verona CF Centre. CF had been diagnosed in the first affected child, during the period 1 January 1980-1 July 1990, before the age of 1 year. Couples received a questionnaire regarding socio-demographic status, reproduction data, and awareness of PD. Reproductive history was divided into three phases: prior to diagnosis of CF in the first affected child; from this time until PD was made available; and after the couples had learned of PD. In phase 2 (awareness of the genetic risk but not of PD), 54 couples showed a marked decrease in reproduction, none of the few pregnancies that occurred being taken to term. When couples became aware of PD, some resumption of reproductive activity occurred and 11 per cent of the 101 couples had another child; PD was used in 65 per cent of pregnancies and the abortion rate decreased to 35 per cent. All couples who opted for PD had no children without CF.