The avian magnetic compass was analyzed in bird species of three different orders - Passeriforms, Columbiforms and Galliforms - and in three different behavioral contexts, namely migratory orientation, homing and dire...The avian magnetic compass was analyzed in bird species of three different orders - Passeriforms, Columbiforms and Galliforms - and in three different behavioral contexts, namely migratory orientation, homing and directional conditioning. The respective findings indicate similar functional properties: it is an inclination compass that works only within a functional window around the ambient magnetic field intensity; it tends to be lateralized in favor of the fight eye, and it is wavelength-dependent, requiring light from the short-wavelength range of the spectrum. The underlying physical mechanisms have been identified as radical pair processes, spin-chemical reactions in specialized photopigments. The iron-based receptors in the upper beak do not seem to be involved. The existence of the same type of magnetic compass in only very distantly related bird species suggests that it may have been present already in the common ancestors of all modem birds, where it evolved as an all-purpose compass mechanism for orientation within the home range [Current Zoology 56 (3): 265-276, 2010].展开更多
Ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda) are of significant economic importance in China where they are widely cultured. However, there is little information on the basic biology of this species. We evaluated...Ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda) are of significant economic importance in China where they are widely cultured. However, there is little information on the basic biology of this species. We evaluated the effect of temperature (16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34℃) on the standard metabolic rates (SMRs) of juvenile and adult E. carinicauda in the laboratory under static conditions. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR), ammonia-N excretion rate (AER), and atornic ratio of oxygen consumed to nitrogen consumed (O:N ratio) of juvenile and adult E. carinicauda were significantly influenced by temperature (P〈0.05). Both the OCR and AER of juveniles increased significantly with increasing temperature from 16 to 34℃, but the maximum OCR for adults was at 31℃. Juvenile shrimp exhibited a higher OCR than the adults from 19 to 34℃. There was no significant difference between the AERs of the two life-stages from 16 to 31 ℃ (P〉0.05). The O:N ratio in juveniles was significantly higher than that in the adults over the entire temperature range (P〈0.05). The temperature coefficient (Q_10) of OCR and AER ranged from 5.03 to 0.86 and 6,30 to 0.85 for the adults, respectively, and from 6,09-1.03 and 3.66-1.80 for the juveniles, respectively. The optimal temperature range for growth of the juvenile and adult shrimp was from 28 to 31℃, based on Q_10 and SMR values. Results from the present study may be used to guide pond culture production ofE. carinicauda.展开更多
This review starts with a brief history of drug discovery & development, and the place of Asia in this worldwide effort discussed. The conditions and constraints of a successful translational R&D involving aca...This review starts with a brief history of drug discovery & development, and the place of Asia in this worldwide effort discussed. The conditions and constraints of a successful translational R&D involving academic basic research and clinical research are discussed and the Singapore model for pursuit of open R&D described. The importance of well-characterized, validated drug targets for the search for novel targeted anti-cancer agents is emphasized, as well as a structured, high quality translational R&D. Furthermore, the characteristics of an attractive preclinical development drug candidate are discussed laying the foundation of a successful preclinical development. The most frequent sources of failures are described and risk management at every stage is highly recommended. Organizational factors are also considered to play an important role. The factors to consider before starting a new drug discovery & development project are described, and an example is given of a successful clinical project that has had its roots in local universities and was carried through preclinical development into phase I clinical trials.展开更多
There are documented differences between the success and failure factors in the developed and developing countries with regard to the adoption and embracement of Openness in e-Government practice models. This paper po...There are documented differences between the success and failure factors in the developed and developing countries with regard to the adoption and embracement of Openness in e-Government practice models. This paper posits that e-Government constitutes a critical context for social and economic development in both developed and developing countries. The paper also suggests that e-Government encompasses more than just technology, that is, attempts to highlight the social and economic implications of changes that have occurred in recent years as a result of the transparency and accountability of government and how software usage can influence digital inclusion, trust and privacy and possible strategies to eliminate the digital divide by encouraging greater public and commercial use and re-use of government information through putting govermnent data on the Web. In addition to leveraging economic development, e-Government also helps to stream line govemment services to more social based values of inclusion and citizens' participation, accessibility and power relationship ratios. Although e-Government is not a new phenomenon in most developed countries such as the US, UK, Japan, most of the European countries and some developing countries in Asia and Africa which have already announced their Open Government Initiatives and data portals it also leads to greater information asymmetry among citizens and government and also, institutionalization and diffusion asymmetry of the practice of the current Openness in e-Government models within developed and developing countries. Drawing on organizational decision-making research and following the explorative and grounded based research approach the findings of this research are that the information asymmetry between citizens and government and asymmetry in institutionalization and diffusion within developed and developing countries are widely attributed to socio-economic and political variations in developed and developing countries. Unless these differences are skill fully identified and accommodated as such into the development and use models, Openness in e-Government efforts would not help achieve the social and economic development goals by both developed and developing countries.展开更多
The lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus, is a member of the subfamily Dipodinae, known to have a number of subspecies. Previous studies of J. jaculus from North Africa found various morphological forms of unknown t...The lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus, is a member of the subfamily Dipodinae, known to have a number of subspecies. Previous studies of J. jaculus from North Africa found various morphological forms of unknown taxonomic status, which are frequently grouped into two taxa: J. jaculus and J. deserti. We assessed the taxonomic status of this taxon in Tunisia using allozymic (phylogenetic analysis of 23 genetic loci encoding 16 enzymatic proteins) and morphological (multivariate analysis of 13 craniodental characters) analyses of 136 J. jaculus specimens collected from seven localities within its distribution range. Allozymic analysis clearly indicated the existence of two distinct groups of J. jaculus, with a mean genetic distance (D) value of 0.99 and FΩ=0.52. Individuals within the two groups did not show any obvious geographical structuration, even within the Matmata locality which represents the meeting point for the two groups where they were found in sympatry. Additionally, morphometric analysis of 13 craniodental characters was clearly separated the two groups. These results were obtained over a very restricted area of the total distribution of J. jaculus and strongly suggest the occurrence of two separate and often sympatric species within the currently accepted J.jaculus in Tunisia: J.jaculus and J. deserti展开更多
The performance of DFIG-based wind generation systems that interconnected to solid networks is well understood and prevalent in Europe and North America. However, the application of these renewable generating stations...The performance of DFIG-based wind generation systems that interconnected to solid networks is well understood and prevalent in Europe and North America. However, the application of these renewable generating stations to weak network has been examined in very limited occasions. Weak networks have a range of limitations from system capacities to CFCT restrictions which would need to be well understood prior to wind energy integration. Of particular interest would be how much wind generation could be integrated into a weak network prior to increasing voltage and frequency stability issues brought about by penetration issues. This paper introduces a simple and practical approach based on the equal area criteria to investigate the stability of weak networks. Simulation results that are presented to show the proposed approach is a viable preliminary assessment tool to determine system stability on weak networks with wind power penetration.展开更多
High-throughput quantification with label-free methods has received considerable attention in electrospray ionization(ESI)-mass spectrometry(MS),but the manner by which MS signals respond to peptide concentration rema...High-throughput quantification with label-free methods has received considerable attention in electrospray ionization(ESI)-mass spectrometry(MS),but the manner by which MS signals respond to peptide concentration remains unclear in proteomics.We developed a new mathematical formula to describe the intrinsic log-log relationship between the MS intensity response and peptide concentration in an analytical ESI process.Experimental results showed that the calibration curve is fairly fit to the log-log formula with a linear dynamic range of approximate four to five orders of magnitude.However,we found that the ionization of analytical peptides can be severely suppressed by coexisting matrix peptides,such that the calibration curve can be poorly leveled off on both ends.Our study suggests that the interferences from coexisting matrix peptides should be reduced in the ESI process to use the log-log calibration curve successfully for the high-throughput quantification.展开更多
A displacement sensor based on the fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity was proposed in this paper. Theoretical and experimental analyses were presented. Displacement resolution was demonstrated by spectrum-domain experimen...A displacement sensor based on the fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity was proposed in this paper. Theoretical and experimental analyses were presented. Displacement resolution was demonstrated by spectrum-domain experiments to obtain the dynamic range of the F-P sensor, and a piezoelectric crystal unit (PZT) was used as the driver. The output signal was modulated by a piezoelectric ceramic ring and demodulated by a phase-locked oscillator. The experimental results show that the displacement resolution of the F-P sensor is less than 5 nm and the dynamic range is more than 100 μm. As acceleration is the second-order differential of displacement, an accelerometer model was proposed using the finite element method (FEM) nd ANSYS software.展开更多
基金supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaftthe Human Frontiers Sciences Program
文摘The avian magnetic compass was analyzed in bird species of three different orders - Passeriforms, Columbiforms and Galliforms - and in three different behavioral contexts, namely migratory orientation, homing and directional conditioning. The respective findings indicate similar functional properties: it is an inclination compass that works only within a functional window around the ambient magnetic field intensity; it tends to be lateralized in favor of the fight eye, and it is wavelength-dependent, requiring light from the short-wavelength range of the spectrum. The underlying physical mechanisms have been identified as radical pair processes, spin-chemical reactions in specialized photopigments. The iron-based receptors in the upper beak do not seem to be involved. The existence of the same type of magnetic compass in only very distantly related bird species suggests that it may have been present already in the common ancestors of all modem birds, where it evolved as an all-purpose compass mechanism for orientation within the home range [Current Zoology 56 (3): 265-276, 2010].
基金Supported by the National Key Technology Research and Development Program of China(No.2011BAD13B01)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(General Program)(No.41376165)the China Agriculture Research System CARS-47
文摘Ridgetail white prawn (Exopalaemon carinicauda) are of significant economic importance in China where they are widely cultured. However, there is little information on the basic biology of this species. We evaluated the effect of temperature (16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, and 34℃) on the standard metabolic rates (SMRs) of juvenile and adult E. carinicauda in the laboratory under static conditions. The oxygen consumption rate (OCR), ammonia-N excretion rate (AER), and atornic ratio of oxygen consumed to nitrogen consumed (O:N ratio) of juvenile and adult E. carinicauda were significantly influenced by temperature (P〈0.05). Both the OCR and AER of juveniles increased significantly with increasing temperature from 16 to 34℃, but the maximum OCR for adults was at 31℃. Juvenile shrimp exhibited a higher OCR than the adults from 19 to 34℃. There was no significant difference between the AERs of the two life-stages from 16 to 31 ℃ (P〉0.05). The O:N ratio in juveniles was significantly higher than that in the adults over the entire temperature range (P〈0.05). The temperature coefficient (Q_10) of OCR and AER ranged from 5.03 to 0.86 and 6,30 to 0.85 for the adults, respectively, and from 6,09-1.03 and 3.66-1.80 for the juveniles, respectively. The optimal temperature range for growth of the juvenile and adult shrimp was from 28 to 31℃, based on Q_10 and SMR values. Results from the present study may be used to guide pond culture production ofE. carinicauda.
文摘This review starts with a brief history of drug discovery & development, and the place of Asia in this worldwide effort discussed. The conditions and constraints of a successful translational R&D involving academic basic research and clinical research are discussed and the Singapore model for pursuit of open R&D described. The importance of well-characterized, validated drug targets for the search for novel targeted anti-cancer agents is emphasized, as well as a structured, high quality translational R&D. Furthermore, the characteristics of an attractive preclinical development drug candidate are discussed laying the foundation of a successful preclinical development. The most frequent sources of failures are described and risk management at every stage is highly recommended. Organizational factors are also considered to play an important role. The factors to consider before starting a new drug discovery & development project are described, and an example is given of a successful clinical project that has had its roots in local universities and was carried through preclinical development into phase I clinical trials.
文摘There are documented differences between the success and failure factors in the developed and developing countries with regard to the adoption and embracement of Openness in e-Government practice models. This paper posits that e-Government constitutes a critical context for social and economic development in both developed and developing countries. The paper also suggests that e-Government encompasses more than just technology, that is, attempts to highlight the social and economic implications of changes that have occurred in recent years as a result of the transparency and accountability of government and how software usage can influence digital inclusion, trust and privacy and possible strategies to eliminate the digital divide by encouraging greater public and commercial use and re-use of government information through putting govermnent data on the Web. In addition to leveraging economic development, e-Government also helps to stream line govemment services to more social based values of inclusion and citizens' participation, accessibility and power relationship ratios. Although e-Government is not a new phenomenon in most developed countries such as the US, UK, Japan, most of the European countries and some developing countries in Asia and Africa which have already announced their Open Government Initiatives and data portals it also leads to greater information asymmetry among citizens and government and also, institutionalization and diffusion asymmetry of the practice of the current Openness in e-Government models within developed and developing countries. Drawing on organizational decision-making research and following the explorative and grounded based research approach the findings of this research are that the information asymmetry between citizens and government and asymmetry in institutionalization and diffusion within developed and developing countries are widely attributed to socio-economic and political variations in developed and developing countries. Unless these differences are skill fully identified and accommodated as such into the development and use models, Openness in e-Government efforts would not help achieve the social and economic development goals by both developed and developing countries.
文摘The lesser Egyptian jerboa Jaculus jaculus, is a member of the subfamily Dipodinae, known to have a number of subspecies. Previous studies of J. jaculus from North Africa found various morphological forms of unknown taxonomic status, which are frequently grouped into two taxa: J. jaculus and J. deserti. We assessed the taxonomic status of this taxon in Tunisia using allozymic (phylogenetic analysis of 23 genetic loci encoding 16 enzymatic proteins) and morphological (multivariate analysis of 13 craniodental characters) analyses of 136 J. jaculus specimens collected from seven localities within its distribution range. Allozymic analysis clearly indicated the existence of two distinct groups of J. jaculus, with a mean genetic distance (D) value of 0.99 and FΩ=0.52. Individuals within the two groups did not show any obvious geographical structuration, even within the Matmata locality which represents the meeting point for the two groups where they were found in sympatry. Additionally, morphometric analysis of 13 craniodental characters was clearly separated the two groups. These results were obtained over a very restricted area of the total distribution of J. jaculus and strongly suggest the occurrence of two separate and often sympatric species within the currently accepted J.jaculus in Tunisia: J.jaculus and J. deserti
文摘The performance of DFIG-based wind generation systems that interconnected to solid networks is well understood and prevalent in Europe and North America. However, the application of these renewable generating stations to weak network has been examined in very limited occasions. Weak networks have a range of limitations from system capacities to CFCT restrictions which would need to be well understood prior to wind energy integration. Of particular interest would be how much wind generation could be integrated into a weak network prior to increasing voltage and frequency stability issues brought about by penetration issues. This paper introduces a simple and practical approach based on the equal area criteria to investigate the stability of weak networks. Simulation results that are presented to show the proposed approach is a viable preliminary assessment tool to determine system stability on weak networks with wind power penetration.
基金supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(2010CB912700,2013CB911201,2011CB910600)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(2012AA020203,2014AAQ00361)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21227805)
文摘High-throughput quantification with label-free methods has received considerable attention in electrospray ionization(ESI)-mass spectrometry(MS),but the manner by which MS signals respond to peptide concentration remains unclear in proteomics.We developed a new mathematical formula to describe the intrinsic log-log relationship between the MS intensity response and peptide concentration in an analytical ESI process.Experimental results showed that the calibration curve is fairly fit to the log-log formula with a linear dynamic range of approximate four to five orders of magnitude.However,we found that the ionization of analytical peptides can be severely suppressed by coexisting matrix peptides,such that the calibration curve can be poorly leveled off on both ends.Our study suggests that the interferences from coexisting matrix peptides should be reduced in the ESI process to use the log-log calibration curve successfully for the high-throughput quantification.
基金Project (No. 111303-8112D2) supported by the National DefenseResearch Foundation of Zhejiang University, China
文摘A displacement sensor based on the fiber Fabry-Perot (F-P) cavity was proposed in this paper. Theoretical and experimental analyses were presented. Displacement resolution was demonstrated by spectrum-domain experiments to obtain the dynamic range of the F-P sensor, and a piezoelectric crystal unit (PZT) was used as the driver. The output signal was modulated by a piezoelectric ceramic ring and demodulated by a phase-locked oscillator. The experimental results show that the displacement resolution of the F-P sensor is less than 5 nm and the dynamic range is more than 100 μm. As acceleration is the second-order differential of displacement, an accelerometer model was proposed using the finite element method (FEM) nd ANSYS software.