A genetic component to size in queens of the ant,<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Formica truncorum</Emphasis>

The genetic basis of morphological traits in social insects remains largely unexplored. This is even true for individual body size, a key life-history trait. In the social insects, the size of reproductive individuals affects dispersal decisions, so that small size in queens is often associated with reduced dispersal, and large size with long-range dispersal and independent colony founding. Worker size is connected to division of labour when workers specialize in certain tasks according to their size. In many species, variation in worker size has been shown to increase colony performance. In this study, we present the first evidence of an additive genetic component to queen size in ants, using maternal half sib analysis. We also compared intra-colony size variation in colonies with high (queen doubly mated) versus low (queen singly mated) genetic variability. We found a high and significant heritability (h²=0.51) for queen size in one of the two study years, but not in the other. Size variation among queens was greater in colonies headed by a doubly mated queen in one of the study years, but not in the other. This indicates that genetic factors can influence queen size, but that environmental factors may override these under some circumstances. The heritability for worker size was low (h²=0.09) and non-significant. Increased genetic diversity did not increase worker size variation in the colonies. Worker size appeared largely environmentally determined, potentially allowing colonies to adjust worker size ratios to current conditions.Communicated by J. Heinze     

Intra- and inter- laboratory variability in paper industry PCDD/PCDF analysis

Studies were conducted to quantify variability for pulp industry wastewater effluent, pulp and sludge analyses. Intralaboratory variability studies indicated that there is a potential for greater between batch variability in results than for within a batch. Intralaboratory relative standard deviations for replicate analyses ranged from 6% to 60%. Interlaboratory studies, using standard reference materials showed relative standard deviations from 4% to 135%. There appeared to be little dependance of variability on concentration, suggesting matrix effects were very important. In general, effluent variability was greater than observed for pulps or sludges. Analysis of reference standards indicated that 13% to 17% variability can be attributed to differences in calibration standards. A limited study of full congener PCDD/PCDF analysis variability showed it to be greater than observed for TCDD/TCDF.     

长三角地区2015年大气重污染特征及其影响因素

基于2015年长三角地区129个环境空气质量监测站的空气质量指数（AQI）及主要大气污染物浓度数据,结合气象资料和HYSPLIT后向轨迹模式,探究长三角地区大气重污染的时间变化和空间集聚特征,并深入分析气象条件和区域传输对重污染过程发生和维持的影响.结果表明,2015年长三角地区各城市平均出现AQI超过200的重污染天气共8 d,重污染频率为2.01%,PM_2.5作为首要污染物出现频次最多.从时间变化看,重污染主要分布在1月和12月;从空间分布看,北部地区重污染相比南部地区更为严重,徐州和常州市出现频率最高.选取典型重污染过程1月9—11日（纬向扩散型）、1月24—26日（经向扩散型）和12月20—26日（两种模式相结合的重污染天气）进行成因分析,发现长三角地区重污染天气主要受到西北风向、低风速、高湿度和逆温层的影响,导致大气污染物积累且不易扩散.基于HYSPLIT的大气传输轨迹及频率分布表明,来自西北方向的气流对江苏北部地区的污染输送特征有着显著影响.     

南方丘陵山区典型地物景观特征尺度研究

景观的特征尺度反映了人与自然交互作用的空间过程,合理识别景观空间结构及其特征尺度有助于遥感影像景观空间异质性分析。论文以地处南方丘陵山区的福建省福州市为研究区,针对城市、农田、森林与水域4种地物景观,基于SPOT 10 m影像,分别利用半方差分析、小波分析与平均局部方差方法,开展景观特征尺度研究。结果表明:①不同景观类型的空间异质性差异较大,其中森林景观空间异质性最大,其次为城市、农田景观,水域的空间异质性最小;②小波方差分析和半方差分析分别检测到两个不同的特征尺度,而局部方差仅仅检测到较小的空间结构;③森林景观特征尺度比通常偏小,与南方丘陵山区破碎地形有关,城市景观更多体现为人类活动的影响,南方丘陵山区城市景观至少具有两种不同的空间结构,其特征尺度均较小,农田景观特征尺度最大。基于小波分析与半方差各自的特点,总结提炼出综合两种方法合理识别景观特征尺度的基本流程,即:首先开展小波分析,然后在此基础上利用半方差分析多种理论模型组合从而获得更详细的特征尺度信息,模型组合个数与参数初始值依据小波分析的结果而定。     

The Effects of Irrigation and Climate on the High Plains Aquifer: A County‐Level Econometric Analysis

The High Plains Aquifer (HPA) underlies parts of eight states and 208 counties in the central area of the United States (U.S.). This region produces more than 9% of U.S. crops sales and relies on the aquifer for irrigation. However, these withdrawals have diminished the stock of water in the aquifer. In this paper, we investigate the aggregate county‐level effect on the HPA of groundwater withdrawal for irrigation, of climate variables, and of energy price changes. We merge economic theory and hydrological characteristics to jointly estimate equations describing irrigation behavior and a generalized water balance equation for the HPA. Our simple water balance model predicts, at average values for irrigation and precipitation, an HPA‐wide average decrease in the groundwater table of 0.47 feet per year, compared to 0.48 feet per year observed on average across the HPA during this 1985–2005 period. The observed distribution and predicted change across counties is in the (?3.22, 1.59) and (?2.24, 0.60) feet per year range, respectively. The estimated impact of irrigation is to decrease the water table by an average of 1.24 feet per year, whereas rainfall recharges the level by an average of 0.76 feet per year. Relative to the past several decades, if groundwater use is unconstrained, groundwater depletion would increase 50% in a scenario where precipitation falls by 25% and the number of degree days above 36°C doubles. Editor’s note : This paper is part of the featured series on Optimizing Ogallala Aquifer Water Use to Sustain Food Systems. See the February 2019 issue for the introduction and background to the series.     

Changes in Hydrology of the Ganges Delta of Bangladesh and Corresponding Impacts on Water Resources

The Ganges Delta in Bangladesh is an example of water‐related catastrophes in a major rural river basin where limitations in quantity, quality, and timing of available water are producing disastrous conditions. Water availability limitations are modifying the hydrologic characteristics especially when water allocation is controlled from the upstream Farakka Barrage. This study presents the changes and consequences in the hydrologic regime due to climate‐ and human‐induced stresses. Flow duration curves (FDCs), rainfall elasticity, and temperature sensitivity were used to assess the pre‐ and post‐barrage water flow patterns. Hydrologic and climate indices were computed to provide insight on hydro‐climatic variability and trend. Significant increases in temperature, evapotranspiration, hot days, heating, and cooling degree days indicate the region is heading toward a warmer climate. Moreover, increase in high‐intensity rainfall of short duration is making the region prone to extreme floods. FDCs depict a large reduction in river flows between pre‐ and post‐barrage periods, resulting in lower water storage capacity. The reduction in freshwater flow increased the extent and intensity of salinity intrusion. This freshwater scarcity is reducing livelihood options considerably and indirectly forcing population migration from the delta region. Understanding the causes and directions of hydrologic changes is essential to formulate improve water resources management in the region.     

Climate and Land Use Effects on Hydrologic Processes in a Primarily Rain‐Fed,Agricultural Watershed

Anticipating changes in hydrologic variables is essential for making socioeconomic water resource decisions. This study aims to assess the potential impact of land use and climate change on the hydrologic processes of a primarily rain‐fed, agriculturally based watershed in Missouri. A detailed evaluation was performed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool for the near future (2020–2039) and mid‐century (2040–2059). Land use scenarios were mapped using the Conversion of Land Use and its Effects model. Ensemble results, based on 19 climate models, indicated a temperature increase of about 1.0°C in near future and 2.0°C in mid‐century. Combined climate and land use change scenarios showed distinct annual and seasonal hydrologic variations. Annual precipitation was projected to increase from 6% to 7%, which resulted in 14% more spring days with soil water content equal to or exceeding field capacity in mid‐century. However, summer precipitation was projected to decrease, a critical factor for crop growth. Higher temperatures led to increased potential evapotranspiration during the growing season. Combined with changes in precipitation patterns, this resulted in an increased need for irrigation by 38 mm representing a 10% increase in total irrigation water use. Analysis from multiple land use scenarios indicated converting agriculture to forest land can potentially mitigate the effects of climate change on streamflow, thus ensuring future water availability.     

Modeling Hydrological and Environmental Consequences of Climate Change and Urbanization in the Boise River Watershed,Idaho

The potential impacts driven by climate variability and urbanization in the Boise River Watershed (BRW), located in southwestern Idaho, are evaluated. The outcomes from Global Circulation Models (GCMs) and land use and land cover (LULC) analysis have been incorporated into a hydrological and environmental modeling framework to characterize how climate variability and urbanization can affect the local hydrology and environment at the BRW. The combined impacts of future climate and LULC change are also evaluated relative to the historical baseline conditions. For modeling exercises, Hydrological Simulation Program‐Fortran (HSPF) is used in parallel computing and statistical techniques, including spatial downscaling and bias correlation, are employed to evaluate climate consequences derived from GCMs as well. The implications of climate variability and land use change driven by urbanization are then observed to evaluate how these overall global challenges can affect water quantity and quality conditions at the BRW. The results show the combined impacts of both climate change and urbanization can lead to more seasonal variability of streamflow (from ?27.5% to 12.5%) and water quality, including sediment (from ?36.5% to 49.3%), nitrogen (from ?24% to 124.2%), and phosphorus (from ?13.3% to 21.2%) during summer and early fall over the next several decades.     

基于观测数据空间化的北京市PM_(2.5)时空分异

PM2.5在地球表面上的变化是连续的,但由于地面海拔起伏和站点分布的相对稀疏,直接内插法很难顾及这种情况。文章运用反距离权重(IDW)、Kriging、经验贝叶斯克里金法(EBK)、多元回归+残差内插的综合空间化手段,对北京市2015年1月的PM2.5数据进行分析。结果表明:利用多元回归+残差内插方法空间化更优,且PM2.5存在显著的正局部空间自相关,中度以上污染主要分布在北京市东南部和房山区。时间上,PM2.5质量浓度逐时均值呈"W"型。3 h尺度上,PM2.5质量浓度与相对湿度和露点温度正相关,与能见度、大气压和风速负相关,与温度不相关。     

变温过程试验箱温度特性分析

目的研究环境试验箱变温过程中的温度分布特性。方法对具有代表特性的温度试验箱进行温场特性测定及分析,深入了解变温过程中试验箱的温场分布和影响温度特性的各个因素。结果变温过程中不同位置的温度重合性差,温变率越高,变温过程的非线性越明显。结论在变温过程中,试验箱内部测点和控制温度相比有一定的差异性,使得处于试验箱中的受试产品的不同部位,承受温度梯度应力。对于产品外表面、安装在外表面的零部件或靠近外表面的内部零部件,可能产生物理损坏或性能下降。故在使用中应充分注意这种温场特性对受试产品的影响。