Although Pampus minor has been classified as a new species, it still remains controversial. Was used a DNA barcoding technique based on homologous sequence analysis of the16S and CO1 genes to clarify the confusion ove...Although Pampus minor has been classified as a new species, it still remains controversial. Was used a DNA barcoding technique based on homologous sequence analysis of the16S and CO1 genes to clarify the confusion over the identification of this species. Among 12 individuals whose genetic distance was 0.002, two haplotypes were found. According to the 16S sequences, the genetic distances ranged from 0.121 to 0.133 between P. minor and other Pampus species. Although the same the genetic distance between the two P minor haplotypes was generated using CO1 sequences, the haplotype of Pm22-23, Pm28, and Pm32-33 was the same as that of Pci EF607462 and EF607466, while the haplotype of Pm24-27 and Pm29-31 was the same as that of Pci EF607461 and EF607463-65. In addition, the genetic distance ranged only from 0.002 to 0.005 between P minor and Pa EF607460 and EF607458. Apart from this, the interspecies genetic distances varied from 0.135 to 0.143 between P minor and other t'ampus species according to the C01 sequences. Phylogenetic trees, using combined 16S and CO1 data, strongly support the viewpoint that all the P. minor individuals form one clade that is in a sister position to Pampus sp. individuals (EU357803, FJ434342-FJ434343, and FJ652423-FJ652427).展开更多
Adult horseshoe crabs Limulus polyphemus have long served as models for the study of vision in marine arthropods. Yet, little is known about the ability of early life history stages to detect and respond to visual cue...Adult horseshoe crabs Limulus polyphemus have long served as models for the study of vision in marine arthropods. Yet, little is known about the ability of early life history stages to detect and respond to visual cues. We examined the visually directed movements of larvae and first stage juveniles to horizons containing dark visual targets of different sizes. The study tested the hypotheses that (1) larval and juvenile crabs can detect and respond to visual targets and (2) the direction of orientation varies with the presence of chemical cues associated with settlement habitats. Orientation of larval and juvenile crabs to rectangles subtending angles from 30--330~ was tested in a circular arena containing water that either lacked estuarine chemical cues (offshore water) or contained odors from aquatic vegetation or known predators. In the absence of chemical odors, larvae oriented toward and juveniles moved away from dark horizons subtending angles 〉 60~. When placed in water containing chemical odors from potential nursery habitats, including the seagrasses Halodule wrightii and Syringodium filiforme, crabs reversed their direction of orientation relative to their responses in offshore water. Odors from two known predators, the mummichug Fundulus grandis and blue crab Callinectes sapidus, had no affect on the orientation of larvae. Yet, juveniles responded to both odors by moving toward the visual target. Results support the hypothesis that the visual orientation of larval and juvenile horseshoe crabs changes upon exposure to habitat and predator cues and that the direction of the response undergoes an ontogenetic shift following metamorphosis展开更多
Tumors of the minor papilla of the duodenum are quite rare.We successfully and safely treated an 18-mm adenoma of the minor papilla associated with pancreas divisum using endoscopic papillectomy.A 64-year-old man was ...Tumors of the minor papilla of the duodenum are quite rare.We successfully and safely treated an 18-mm adenoma of the minor papilla associated with pancreas divisum using endoscopic papillectomy.A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for treatment of an asymptomatic mass in the minor papilla detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Endscopic analysis showed an 18-mm,whitish,sessile mass,located in the duodenum proximal to a normal-appearing major papilla.Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography did not reveal the pancreatic duct.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a lack of the ventral pancreatic duct.We suspected this case was associated with pancreatic divisum;therefore,we performed endoscopic papillectomy of the minor papilla tumor.Subsequently,endoscopic pancreatic stent placement in the minor papilla was done to prevent drainage disturbance.The patient has been asymptomatic without recurrence of tumor or stenosis of the Santorini orifice upon endoscopic examination for the past 2 years.展开更多
We studied the population dynamics of endangered mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni between 2003-2005 in the Bale Mountains National Park. Line-transect sampling and total count methods were used to gather data on dem...We studied the population dynamics of endangered mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni between 2003-2005 in the Bale Mountains National Park. Line-transect sampling and total count methods were used to gather data on demographics and movement patterns. The population's age-group composition was 58% adults, 25% sub-adults, 9% juveniles, 5% calves and 3% unidentified with a female-male sex ratio of 2:1. Population density was found to be significantly different between the two sub-populations (Dinsho Sanctuary and Gaysay/Adelay). A significant difference was found for age-group composition across the two sub-populations except adult females, sub-adult males and calves. The Dinsho sub-population was an isolated group. Separation and containment of the mountain nyala population could have negatively affected their ability to search for habitat requirements and mates from distant areas. The population varied between 830-908 individuals (95% CI), a reduction of 45% from earlier reports. However, the mean population density increased due to contraction of the species' habitat range. We observed a population decrease of 2%-5% per year over the course of our study. Many of the assessed demographic parameters did not significantly change over the three years. This suggests that the decrease in nyala population was not due to random variations in reproduction. Anthropogenic factors such as competition with livestock for forage, habitat encroachment and poaching by the local people might have been partly responsible for the depleted population in our study areas [Current Zoology 56 (6): 660q569, 2010].展开更多
Laboratory-reared Schizothorax davidi larvae and juveniles were examined to assess the formation and characteristics of David’s schizothoracin otoliths.Otolith development was observed and their formation period was ...Laboratory-reared Schizothorax davidi larvae and juveniles were examined to assess the formation and characteristics of David’s schizothoracin otoliths.Otolith development was observed and their formation period was verifi ed by monitoring larvae and juveniles of knownage.The results revealed that lapilli and sagittae developed before hatching,and the first otolith increment was identified at 2 days post hatching in both.The shape of lapilli was relatively stable during development compared with that of sagittae;however,growth of four sagittae and lapilli areas was consistent,but the posterior area grew faster than the anterior area and the ventral surface grew faster than the dorsal surface.Similarly,the sum length of the radius of the anterior and posterior areas on sagittae and lapilli were linearly and binomially related to total fish length,respectively.Moreover,daily deposition rates were validated by monitoring knownage larvae and juveniles.The increase in lapilli width was 1.88±0.080 0μm at the ninth increment,which reached a maximum and the decreased gradually toward the otolith edge,whereas that of sagittae increased more slowly.These results illustrate the developmental biology of S.davidi,which will aid in population conservation and fish stock management.展开更多
Plant extracts could turn out to be herbicides used in weed control. We evaluated the herbicidal effect of seven plants from the Al-Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia on germination and growth of Phalaris minor, Echinochlo...Plant extracts could turn out to be herbicides used in weed control. We evaluated the herbicidal effect of seven plants from the Al-Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia on germination and growth of Phalaris minor, Echinochloa crusgalli, Portulaca oleracea and Lactuca sativa. In the laboratory, plant extracts at 5, 10, 20 and 40 g/L inhibited the germination and seedling growth of test seeds. P. minor and P. oleracea were more sensitive to the extracts than L. sativa and E. crusgalli. The germination of either P. minor or P. oleracea were completely inhibited by Prosopisjuliflora at 10 g/L and by Rumex vesicarius and Teucrium baccatus at 20 g/L. Extract of Pulicaria undulate completely inhibited germination of target seeds at concentrations ranged from l 0 g/L to 40 g/L. The rank order of bioactivity was Prosopis jul(17ora 〉 Pulicaria undulata 〉 Rumex vesicarius 〉 Withania somnifera 〉 Teucrium baccatus 〉 Artemisia monosperma 〉 Anvillea garcinii. In the greenhouse trial, the extracts of seven plant species at 30, 60 and 90 g/L reduced growth of six-weeks-old target plants. Anvillea garcinii and Prosopisjuliflora showed the greatest effects. At 90 g/L, the reduction in the growth of target species reached between 20% and 30% for Anvillea garcinii and between I 1% and 25% for Prosopis juliflora. Overall, Prosopis juliflora, Pulicaria undulata, Anvillea garcinii and Rumex vesicarius had potential for use as natural herbicides or for development as novel plant-derived herbicides.展开更多
In response to horror stories throughout the country concerning childhood deaths from sniffing model airplane glue, organizations around Louisiana would begin lobbying for legislation to criminalize the practice in 19...In response to horror stories throughout the country concerning childhood deaths from sniffing model airplane glue, organizations around Louisiana would begin lobbying for legislation to criminalize the practice in 1966. State lawmakers spent much of that summer crafting an anti-glue-sniffing measure for the state. The debates that resulted from the attempt, however, never really focused on the sustainability or practical use of such a law, but instead on the kind of law it would ultimately be -- whether, for example, retailers would be liable for selling glue to minors, even though model airplanes and other kits and toys required such items. Or whether the ingredients in model airplane glue could be classed as schedule one narcotics. Such questions ultimately framed a debate about the fundamental nature of the offense being committed. Ultimately, (unlike other Deep South states) Louisiana decided that sniffing glue was not a drug crime. Instead, it was a problem that affected "the health and morals of minors".展开更多
This paper analyzes the poetry of Delmira Agustini, Alfonsina Storni, and Giovanna Pollarolo, three Latin American poets who collectively spanned the arc of the 20th century, in order to demonstrate that they were all...This paper analyzes the poetry of Delmira Agustini, Alfonsina Storni, and Giovanna Pollarolo, three Latin American poets who collectively spanned the arc of the 20th century, in order to demonstrate that they were all acting to subvert certain stereotypical notions propagated by society and by canonical literature. While Agustini used a parodic discourse to deconstruct the sacrality of masculinity, Storni employed parody and excessive calculated use of quotes from canonical male authors to subvert the traditional images and roles assigned to women. Parody, hyperbolic images, and ambiguity will be analyzed here as the major literary means used by these two poets to criticize the deep-rooted, gendered discourse of their times. Pollarolo's poetry, as well as that of Stomi, will be analyzed as "minor" literature, as described in the theories of Deleuze and Guattari展开更多
With the majority of young people increasingly becoming the main force of the use of the network, the network as a new kind of social factors on the growth of young people is increasingly prominent. Network not only h...With the majority of young people increasingly becoming the main force of the use of the network, the network as a new kind of social factors on the growth of young people is increasingly prominent. Network not only help young people broaden their horizons, accept avant-garde concept, concern about the world cutting-edge issues, but also spread some violence, pornographic or reactionary spare, as well as network addiction problem which will cause a serious negative impact on the healthy growth of young people and lead to increasing juvenile crime. The number of juvenile criminals has increased every year in China and has trended to lowering ages, regiment turn and malignant development, which will cause great harm to social stability. Of course, there are many causes of juvenile delinquency, but showing characteristics are also diverse.展开更多
The recent increase in patent granted in China prompts for an analysis of the various strategies which are certainly developed by Chinese applicants in that field. An analysis (APA Automatic Patent Analysis) has bee...The recent increase in patent granted in China prompts for an analysis of the various strategies which are certainly developed by Chinese applicants in that field. An analysis (APA Automatic Patent Analysis) has been done in several fields which have different impacts on the Chinese economy. We chose four different subjects: solar panels; photovoltaic panels; fireworks; and honeysuckle. These areas go from deep international concern to only Chinese interest. We analyzed in the different ratios between Chinese priority patents, Chinese patents extended to other countries, Patent extended from other countries to China and Chinese utility models. The results show clearly that various directions are followed depending on the economic importance of the field and also the pressure of the competition inside and outside China. In this context the strategic dependence (number of patents extended to China by other countries) was examined for each of the fields. We also show that in the domain where the man power is important such as fireworks the number of utility models is important. This suggests that utility models are used to spread in that field minor innovations. In the fields such as honeysuckle many applicants are the same that the inventors and the involvement of universities larger than in other fields. These two fields more or less centered on Chinese domestic aspects only a few patents (not for Honeysuckle) are extended to other countries. The impact of foreign patents in these two fields is quasi nil. In other domains such as photovoltaic panel the triadic patents (extension to US JP EP) are examined its show that if some Chinese patents are extended to other countries there are also an important numbers of foreign patents extended to China. This also suggests that in these most critical subjects, China develops a sort of technological protection barrier from domestic patents. This underlines a strategy on attack and defense in that field.展开更多
This study explored the perceptual learning style preferences in L2 (second language) Spanish. A group of first-semester and fifth-semester university students participated. The aim was to verify whether time studyi...This study explored the perceptual learning style preferences in L2 (second language) Spanish. A group of first-semester and fifth-semester university students participated. The aim was to verify whether time studying of Spanish would strengthen learning preferences making senior students more cognizant of their preferred styles. Senior students were, therefore, more expected to self-report major (i.e., strong) style preferences than novice students. The participants completed a style questionnaire and named preferred in-class language activities. Results showed that the novice rather than the senior students, self-reported strong style preferences. The senior students consistently reported minor preferences and named activities that favored peer collaboration over perceptual styles. It is likely that after several semesters of learning Spanish, senior students were less certain as to whether language learning relies on strong style preferences. Instead, they probably learned to acknowledge the benefits of a flexible disposition, integrating several minor style preferences for a successful learning of Spanish.展开更多
GIS (geographic information systems) is often used for planning purposes in forestry. This is mainly used to give directives for the operators to cut the trees. And nowadays, it is also used for marking of areas wit...GIS (geographic information systems) is often used for planning purposes in forestry. This is mainly used to give directives for the operators to cut the trees. And nowadays, it is also used for marking of areas with high environmental values where considerations should be made. The minor used techniques is to incorporate soil information maps as an overlay to give information to forest machine operators where less good trafficability is to be expected, especially after a heavy rain. By marking areas with bad bearing capacity, the operators may save both time and money, and do not bog down with the machine. When the soils bearing capacity is less than 0.7 MPa and the ground pressure of the machine is more than 80 kPa, either smaller machines must be used or bogey tracks should be used to decrease the risk for getting stuck or causing severe rutting. By choosing good types of bogey tracks both rutting and fuel consumption will be decreased for the health of forest land and the contractor.展开更多
In Italy, the unaccompanied foreign minors are a growing and heterogeneous group with ever changing origins, trajectories, and features. In November 2015, they were 10,952. This research focuses on their foster care a...In Italy, the unaccompanied foreign minors are a growing and heterogeneous group with ever changing origins, trajectories, and features. In November 2015, they were 10,952. This research focuses on their foster care and examines the point of view of social workers that have theoretical competences and fieldwork. The main objective of this paper is to present operational recommendations concerning the definition and organization of this instrument, starting from social workers' direct experiences. Main results: A friendly familiar setting is useful to overcome loneliness and social isolation coming from a new and unknown realiW during adolescence and permit a better social, school, and professional integration for the minor compared with residential care. For a successful outcome, the strengths consist in: The young migrant must not have behavioral nor psychiatric disorders and must be willing to integrate himself into a new family, recognize adult authoriW and share his life plan with family's adults; training all foster families included omo-cultural ones; the birth family involvement in the foster care's project. The ascertained criticalities concern on the low number of available families, the lack of standard operating procedures, guidelines, research, and literature on the topic.展开更多
This paper attempts to unfold certain socio-economic characteristics of Albanian undocumented or "irregular" migrants returning from EU member states. The idea emerged from an IOM research followed by a study conduc...This paper attempts to unfold certain socio-economic characteristics of Albanian undocumented or "irregular" migrants returning from EU member states. The idea emerged from an IOM research followed by a study conducted two years ago (2007-2008) on this particular Albanian migratory development. The paper aims to contribute to the early chapters of a future potential empirical research, thus stimulating theoretical discourses towards defining the socio-economic profile of Albanian returned migrants. The research among Albanian undocumented migrants returned from Greece, the UK, etc., indicates that many of the above migrants were found to be recidivists, crossing borders frequently and undocumented. Greece being the main destination and simultaneously (deporting) country, leads to the assumption that it is the main destination country for undocumented migrants. The number of Albanian returnees from Greece reaches its peak, notably in April and September, with the start of seasonal works. The number of returned Albanian minors invoke problematics that demand for appropriate attention and assistance during the procedures of readmission (return, handover by the returning authorities, readmission by Albanian authorities etc.). With regard to causes of undocumented migration, one might identify a slight tendency among undocumented young migrants, to qualify poverty as the main reason rather than lack of working opportunities as Albanian middle age migrants would argue.展开更多
We successfully employ an automatic centroid moment tensor(CMT) inversion system to infer the CMT solutions of the February 12,2014 MS7.3 Yutian,Xinjiang earthquake using near-field seismic waveforms(4° < △ &...We successfully employ an automatic centroid moment tensor(CMT) inversion system to infer the CMT solutions of the February 12,2014 MS7.3 Yutian,Xinjiang earthquake using near-field seismic waveforms(4° < △ < 12°) observed by the virtual China seismic networks,which have been recently set up.The results indicate that this event occurred on a rupture plane(strike 243°,dip 70°,and rake-18°),showing left-lateral strike-slip faulting with a minor normal-faulting component.The centroid in the horizontal direction is located nearly 13 km east of the epicenter(36.123° N,82.499° E),and the best-fitting centroid depth is around 10 km.The total scalar moment,M0,is retrieved with an average value of 3.05 × 1019N·m,corresponding to moment magnitude MW6.92.Most of the energy is released within about 14 s.Moreover,we discuss about the potential application of this system in earthquake disaster decision.展开更多
The left-behind adolescents in Three Gorges Reservoir area are at an economic disadvantage situation, and the separation of their parents, inter-generational education and lack of education led to many problems. Lack ...The left-behind adolescents in Three Gorges Reservoir area are at an economic disadvantage situation, and the separation of their parents, inter-generational education and lack of education led to many problems. Lack of family education in critical period of their growth resulted that young people stay without the right guidance, and the development of self-consciousness does not enter the right track, causing a variety of psychological problems, which if not properly grooming, will become a crime risk, thus affecting the community stable. By focusing on children in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, we understand the causes of crime of rural adolescents, and then take proper countermeasures for prevention.展开更多
Meniscal injury is one of the most common injuries to the knee. The menisci are important for normal knee function. And loss of a meniscus increases the risk of subsequent development of degenerative changes in the kn...Meniscal injury is one of the most common injuries to the knee. The menisci are important for normal knee function. And loss of a meniscus increases the risk of subsequent development of degenerative changes in the knee. Now there are different techniques available for meniscal injury. These techniques include expectant treatment, meniscectomy, meniscal repair, meniscal replacement, and meniscal tissue engineering. Expectant treatment is the appropriate treatment for minor tears of the menisci. Meniscectomy being favored at the beginning is now obsolete. Meniscus repair has become a standard procedure. Meniscal replacement and tissue engineering are used to deal with considerable meniscal injuries. The purpose of this paper is to provide current knowledge regarding the anatomy and function of the menisci, incidence,aetiology, symptoms, signs, investigations and treatments of meniscal injury.展开更多
Circular patterns, or eyespots, are common anti-predator features in a variety of animals. Two defensive functions have been documented: large eyespots may intimidate predators, whereas smaller marginal eyespots may ...Circular patterns, or eyespots, are common anti-predator features in a variety of animals. Two defensive functions have been documented: large eyespots may intimidate predators, whereas smaller marginal eyespots may divert attacks. However, a given eyespot potentially serves both functions, possibly depending on the predator's size and/or experience. Naive predators are potentially more likely to misdirect their attacks towards eyespots; alternatively, their typically smaller size would make them more intimidated by the same eyespots. Here we test how juvenile and sub-adult naive chickens respond to a single eyespot on a butterfly's wing. We presented the birds with dead wall brown butterflies, Lasiommata megera, that had their apical eyespot visible or painted over. We assessed the birds' responses' by (i) scoring their intimidation reaction, (ii) whether they uttered alarm calls and, (iii) if they attacked the butterfly and where they targeted their attacks. Results show that both age categories received higher intimidation scores when offered a butterfly with a visible eyespot. Juveniles were more intimidated by the butterfly than the sub-adults: they received higher intimidation scores and were more prone to utter alarm calls. Moreover, only sub-adults at- tacked and did so by preferentially attacking the butterfly's anterior. We demonstrate an intimidating effect of the type of eyespot that has previously been shown only to divert attacks. We suggest that one and the same eyespot may serve two functions relative to different predators; however, further experiments are needed to disentangle the role of predator identity and its link to size, on- togeny and experience [Current Zoology 61 (4): 749-757, 2015].展开更多
基金Supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 40676085)
文摘Although Pampus minor has been classified as a new species, it still remains controversial. Was used a DNA barcoding technique based on homologous sequence analysis of the16S and CO1 genes to clarify the confusion over the identification of this species. Among 12 individuals whose genetic distance was 0.002, two haplotypes were found. According to the 16S sequences, the genetic distances ranged from 0.121 to 0.133 between P. minor and other Pampus species. Although the same the genetic distance between the two P minor haplotypes was generated using CO1 sequences, the haplotype of Pm22-23, Pm28, and Pm32-33 was the same as that of Pci EF607462 and EF607466, while the haplotype of Pm24-27 and Pm29-31 was the same as that of Pci EF607461 and EF607463-65. In addition, the genetic distance ranged only from 0.002 to 0.005 between P minor and Pa EF607460 and EF607458. Apart from this, the interspecies genetic distances varied from 0.135 to 0.143 between P minor and other t'ampus species according to the C01 sequences. Phylogenetic trees, using combined 16S and CO1 data, strongly support the viewpoint that all the P. minor individuals form one clade that is in a sister position to Pampus sp. individuals (EU357803, FJ434342-FJ434343, and FJ652423-FJ652427).
基金supported by a grant from the National Park Service (PS180060016)supported by a Graduate Teaching Fellowship (GK-12) from the National Science Foundation (Florida Tech INSTEP Program) under grant Nos.DGE 0440529 and 0638702
文摘Adult horseshoe crabs Limulus polyphemus have long served as models for the study of vision in marine arthropods. Yet, little is known about the ability of early life history stages to detect and respond to visual cues. We examined the visually directed movements of larvae and first stage juveniles to horizons containing dark visual targets of different sizes. The study tested the hypotheses that (1) larval and juvenile crabs can detect and respond to visual targets and (2) the direction of orientation varies with the presence of chemical cues associated with settlement habitats. Orientation of larval and juvenile crabs to rectangles subtending angles from 30--330~ was tested in a circular arena containing water that either lacked estuarine chemical cues (offshore water) or contained odors from aquatic vegetation or known predators. In the absence of chemical odors, larvae oriented toward and juveniles moved away from dark horizons subtending angles 〉 60~. When placed in water containing chemical odors from potential nursery habitats, including the seagrasses Halodule wrightii and Syringodium filiforme, crabs reversed their direction of orientation relative to their responses in offshore water. Odors from two known predators, the mummichug Fundulus grandis and blue crab Callinectes sapidus, had no affect on the orientation of larvae. Yet, juveniles responded to both odors by moving toward the visual target. Results support the hypothesis that the visual orientation of larval and juvenile horseshoe crabs changes upon exposure to habitat and predator cues and that the direction of the response undergoes an ontogenetic shift following metamorphosis
文摘Tumors of the minor papilla of the duodenum are quite rare.We successfully and safely treated an 18-mm adenoma of the minor papilla associated with pancreas divisum using endoscopic papillectomy.A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital for treatment of an asymptomatic mass in the minor papilla detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.Endscopic analysis showed an 18-mm,whitish,sessile mass,located in the duodenum proximal to a normal-appearing major papilla.Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography did not reveal the pancreatic duct.Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed a lack of the ventral pancreatic duct.We suspected this case was associated with pancreatic divisum;therefore,we performed endoscopic papillectomy of the minor papilla tumor.Subsequently,endoscopic pancreatic stent placement in the minor papilla was done to prevent drainage disturbance.The patient has been asymptomatic without recurrence of tumor or stenosis of the Santorini orifice upon endoscopic examination for the past 2 years.
文摘We studied the population dynamics of endangered mountain nyala Tragelaphus buxtoni between 2003-2005 in the Bale Mountains National Park. Line-transect sampling and total count methods were used to gather data on demographics and movement patterns. The population's age-group composition was 58% adults, 25% sub-adults, 9% juveniles, 5% calves and 3% unidentified with a female-male sex ratio of 2:1. Population density was found to be significantly different between the two sub-populations (Dinsho Sanctuary and Gaysay/Adelay). A significant difference was found for age-group composition across the two sub-populations except adult females, sub-adult males and calves. The Dinsho sub-population was an isolated group. Separation and containment of the mountain nyala population could have negatively affected their ability to search for habitat requirements and mates from distant areas. The population varied between 830-908 individuals (95% CI), a reduction of 45% from earlier reports. However, the mean population density increased due to contraction of the species' habitat range. We observed a population decrease of 2%-5% per year over the course of our study. Many of the assessed demographic parameters did not significantly change over the three years. This suggests that the decrease in nyala population was not due to random variations in reproduction. Anthropogenic factors such as competition with livestock for forage, habitat encroachment and poaching by the local people might have been partly responsible for the depleted population in our study areas [Current Zoology 56 (6): 660q569, 2010].
基金Supported by the Double Branch Plan of Sichuan Agricultural University(Nos.03571421,03571779)
文摘Laboratory-reared Schizothorax davidi larvae and juveniles were examined to assess the formation and characteristics of David’s schizothoracin otoliths.Otolith development was observed and their formation period was verifi ed by monitoring larvae and juveniles of knownage.The results revealed that lapilli and sagittae developed before hatching,and the first otolith increment was identified at 2 days post hatching in both.The shape of lapilli was relatively stable during development compared with that of sagittae;however,growth of four sagittae and lapilli areas was consistent,but the posterior area grew faster than the anterior area and the ventral surface grew faster than the dorsal surface.Similarly,the sum length of the radius of the anterior and posterior areas on sagittae and lapilli were linearly and binomially related to total fish length,respectively.Moreover,daily deposition rates were validated by monitoring knownage larvae and juveniles.The increase in lapilli width was 1.88±0.080 0μm at the ninth increment,which reached a maximum and the decreased gradually toward the otolith edge,whereas that of sagittae increased more slowly.These results illustrate the developmental biology of S.davidi,which will aid in population conservation and fish stock management.
文摘Plant extracts could turn out to be herbicides used in weed control. We evaluated the herbicidal effect of seven plants from the Al-Qassim Region of Saudi Arabia on germination and growth of Phalaris minor, Echinochloa crusgalli, Portulaca oleracea and Lactuca sativa. In the laboratory, plant extracts at 5, 10, 20 and 40 g/L inhibited the germination and seedling growth of test seeds. P. minor and P. oleracea were more sensitive to the extracts than L. sativa and E. crusgalli. The germination of either P. minor or P. oleracea were completely inhibited by Prosopisjuliflora at 10 g/L and by Rumex vesicarius and Teucrium baccatus at 20 g/L. Extract of Pulicaria undulate completely inhibited germination of target seeds at concentrations ranged from l 0 g/L to 40 g/L. The rank order of bioactivity was Prosopis jul(17ora 〉 Pulicaria undulata 〉 Rumex vesicarius 〉 Withania somnifera 〉 Teucrium baccatus 〉 Artemisia monosperma 〉 Anvillea garcinii. In the greenhouse trial, the extracts of seven plant species at 30, 60 and 90 g/L reduced growth of six-weeks-old target plants. Anvillea garcinii and Prosopisjuliflora showed the greatest effects. At 90 g/L, the reduction in the growth of target species reached between 20% and 30% for Anvillea garcinii and between I 1% and 25% for Prosopis juliflora. Overall, Prosopis juliflora, Pulicaria undulata, Anvillea garcinii and Rumex vesicarius had potential for use as natural herbicides or for development as novel plant-derived herbicides.
文摘In response to horror stories throughout the country concerning childhood deaths from sniffing model airplane glue, organizations around Louisiana would begin lobbying for legislation to criminalize the practice in 1966. State lawmakers spent much of that summer crafting an anti-glue-sniffing measure for the state. The debates that resulted from the attempt, however, never really focused on the sustainability or practical use of such a law, but instead on the kind of law it would ultimately be -- whether, for example, retailers would be liable for selling glue to minors, even though model airplanes and other kits and toys required such items. Or whether the ingredients in model airplane glue could be classed as schedule one narcotics. Such questions ultimately framed a debate about the fundamental nature of the offense being committed. Ultimately, (unlike other Deep South states) Louisiana decided that sniffing glue was not a drug crime. Instead, it was a problem that affected "the health and morals of minors".
文摘This paper analyzes the poetry of Delmira Agustini, Alfonsina Storni, and Giovanna Pollarolo, three Latin American poets who collectively spanned the arc of the 20th century, in order to demonstrate that they were all acting to subvert certain stereotypical notions propagated by society and by canonical literature. While Agustini used a parodic discourse to deconstruct the sacrality of masculinity, Storni employed parody and excessive calculated use of quotes from canonical male authors to subvert the traditional images and roles assigned to women. Parody, hyperbolic images, and ambiguity will be analyzed here as the major literary means used by these two poets to criticize the deep-rooted, gendered discourse of their times. Pollarolo's poetry, as well as that of Stomi, will be analyzed as "minor" literature, as described in the theories of Deleuze and Guattari
文摘With the majority of young people increasingly becoming the main force of the use of the network, the network as a new kind of social factors on the growth of young people is increasingly prominent. Network not only help young people broaden their horizons, accept avant-garde concept, concern about the world cutting-edge issues, but also spread some violence, pornographic or reactionary spare, as well as network addiction problem which will cause a serious negative impact on the healthy growth of young people and lead to increasing juvenile crime. The number of juvenile criminals has increased every year in China and has trended to lowering ages, regiment turn and malignant development, which will cause great harm to social stability. Of course, there are many causes of juvenile delinquency, but showing characteristics are also diverse.
文摘The recent increase in patent granted in China prompts for an analysis of the various strategies which are certainly developed by Chinese applicants in that field. An analysis (APA Automatic Patent Analysis) has been done in several fields which have different impacts on the Chinese economy. We chose four different subjects: solar panels; photovoltaic panels; fireworks; and honeysuckle. These areas go from deep international concern to only Chinese interest. We analyzed in the different ratios between Chinese priority patents, Chinese patents extended to other countries, Patent extended from other countries to China and Chinese utility models. The results show clearly that various directions are followed depending on the economic importance of the field and also the pressure of the competition inside and outside China. In this context the strategic dependence (number of patents extended to China by other countries) was examined for each of the fields. We also show that in the domain where the man power is important such as fireworks the number of utility models is important. This suggests that utility models are used to spread in that field minor innovations. In the fields such as honeysuckle many applicants are the same that the inventors and the involvement of universities larger than in other fields. These two fields more or less centered on Chinese domestic aspects only a few patents (not for Honeysuckle) are extended to other countries. The impact of foreign patents in these two fields is quasi nil. In other domains such as photovoltaic panel the triadic patents (extension to US JP EP) are examined its show that if some Chinese patents are extended to other countries there are also an important numbers of foreign patents extended to China. This also suggests that in these most critical subjects, China develops a sort of technological protection barrier from domestic patents. This underlines a strategy on attack and defense in that field.
文摘This study explored the perceptual learning style preferences in L2 (second language) Spanish. A group of first-semester and fifth-semester university students participated. The aim was to verify whether time studying of Spanish would strengthen learning preferences making senior students more cognizant of their preferred styles. Senior students were, therefore, more expected to self-report major (i.e., strong) style preferences than novice students. The participants completed a style questionnaire and named preferred in-class language activities. Results showed that the novice rather than the senior students, self-reported strong style preferences. The senior students consistently reported minor preferences and named activities that favored peer collaboration over perceptual styles. It is likely that after several semesters of learning Spanish, senior students were less certain as to whether language learning relies on strong style preferences. Instead, they probably learned to acknowledge the benefits of a flexible disposition, integrating several minor style preferences for a successful learning of Spanish.
文摘GIS (geographic information systems) is often used for planning purposes in forestry. This is mainly used to give directives for the operators to cut the trees. And nowadays, it is also used for marking of areas with high environmental values where considerations should be made. The minor used techniques is to incorporate soil information maps as an overlay to give information to forest machine operators where less good trafficability is to be expected, especially after a heavy rain. By marking areas with bad bearing capacity, the operators may save both time and money, and do not bog down with the machine. When the soils bearing capacity is less than 0.7 MPa and the ground pressure of the machine is more than 80 kPa, either smaller machines must be used or bogey tracks should be used to decrease the risk for getting stuck or causing severe rutting. By choosing good types of bogey tracks both rutting and fuel consumption will be decreased for the health of forest land and the contractor.
文摘In Italy, the unaccompanied foreign minors are a growing and heterogeneous group with ever changing origins, trajectories, and features. In November 2015, they were 10,952. This research focuses on their foster care and examines the point of view of social workers that have theoretical competences and fieldwork. The main objective of this paper is to present operational recommendations concerning the definition and organization of this instrument, starting from social workers' direct experiences. Main results: A friendly familiar setting is useful to overcome loneliness and social isolation coming from a new and unknown realiW during adolescence and permit a better social, school, and professional integration for the minor compared with residential care. For a successful outcome, the strengths consist in: The young migrant must not have behavioral nor psychiatric disorders and must be willing to integrate himself into a new family, recognize adult authoriW and share his life plan with family's adults; training all foster families included omo-cultural ones; the birth family involvement in the foster care's project. The ascertained criticalities concern on the low number of available families, the lack of standard operating procedures, guidelines, research, and literature on the topic.
文摘This paper attempts to unfold certain socio-economic characteristics of Albanian undocumented or "irregular" migrants returning from EU member states. The idea emerged from an IOM research followed by a study conducted two years ago (2007-2008) on this particular Albanian migratory development. The paper aims to contribute to the early chapters of a future potential empirical research, thus stimulating theoretical discourses towards defining the socio-economic profile of Albanian returned migrants. The research among Albanian undocumented migrants returned from Greece, the UK, etc., indicates that many of the above migrants were found to be recidivists, crossing borders frequently and undocumented. Greece being the main destination and simultaneously (deporting) country, leads to the assumption that it is the main destination country for undocumented migrants. The number of Albanian returnees from Greece reaches its peak, notably in April and September, with the start of seasonal works. The number of returned Albanian minors invoke problematics that demand for appropriate attention and assistance during the procedures of readmission (return, handover by the returning authorities, readmission by Albanian authorities etc.). With regard to causes of undocumented migration, one might identify a slight tendency among undocumented young migrants, to qualify poverty as the main reason rather than lack of working opportunities as Albanian middle age migrants would argue.
基金funded by Special Oceanic Scientific Research Program(201405026)Science for Earthquake Resilience Program(XH12060Y)Special Seismological Industry Research Program(201208003)
文摘We successfully employ an automatic centroid moment tensor(CMT) inversion system to infer the CMT solutions of the February 12,2014 MS7.3 Yutian,Xinjiang earthquake using near-field seismic waveforms(4° < △ < 12°) observed by the virtual China seismic networks,which have been recently set up.The results indicate that this event occurred on a rupture plane(strike 243°,dip 70°,and rake-18°),showing left-lateral strike-slip faulting with a minor normal-faulting component.The centroid in the horizontal direction is located nearly 13 km east of the epicenter(36.123° N,82.499° E),and the best-fitting centroid depth is around 10 km.The total scalar moment,M0,is retrieved with an average value of 3.05 × 1019N·m,corresponding to moment magnitude MW6.92.Most of the energy is released within about 14 s.Moreover,we discuss about the potential application of this system in earthquake disaster decision.
文摘The left-behind adolescents in Three Gorges Reservoir area are at an economic disadvantage situation, and the separation of their parents, inter-generational education and lack of education led to many problems. Lack of family education in critical period of their growth resulted that young people stay without the right guidance, and the development of self-consciousness does not enter the right track, causing a variety of psychological problems, which if not properly grooming, will become a crime risk, thus affecting the community stable. By focusing on children in the Three Gorges Reservoir area, we understand the causes of crime of rural adolescents, and then take proper countermeasures for prevention.
文摘Meniscal injury is one of the most common injuries to the knee. The menisci are important for normal knee function. And loss of a meniscus increases the risk of subsequent development of degenerative changes in the knee. Now there are different techniques available for meniscal injury. These techniques include expectant treatment, meniscectomy, meniscal repair, meniscal replacement, and meniscal tissue engineering. Expectant treatment is the appropriate treatment for minor tears of the menisci. Meniscectomy being favored at the beginning is now obsolete. Meniscus repair has become a standard procedure. Meniscal replacement and tissue engineering are used to deal with considerable meniscal injuries. The purpose of this paper is to provide current knowledge regarding the anatomy and function of the menisci, incidence,aetiology, symptoms, signs, investigations and treatments of meniscal injury.
文摘Circular patterns, or eyespots, are common anti-predator features in a variety of animals. Two defensive functions have been documented: large eyespots may intimidate predators, whereas smaller marginal eyespots may divert attacks. However, a given eyespot potentially serves both functions, possibly depending on the predator's size and/or experience. Naive predators are potentially more likely to misdirect their attacks towards eyespots; alternatively, their typically smaller size would make them more intimidated by the same eyespots. Here we test how juvenile and sub-adult naive chickens respond to a single eyespot on a butterfly's wing. We presented the birds with dead wall brown butterflies, Lasiommata megera, that had their apical eyespot visible or painted over. We assessed the birds' responses' by (i) scoring their intimidation reaction, (ii) whether they uttered alarm calls and, (iii) if they attacked the butterfly and where they targeted their attacks. Results show that both age categories received higher intimidation scores when offered a butterfly with a visible eyespot. Juveniles were more intimidated by the butterfly than the sub-adults: they received higher intimidation scores and were more prone to utter alarm calls. Moreover, only sub-adults at- tacked and did so by preferentially attacking the butterfly's anterior. We demonstrate an intimidating effect of the type of eyespot that has previously been shown only to divert attacks. We suggest that one and the same eyespot may serve two functions relative to different predators; however, further experiments are needed to disentangle the role of predator identity and its link to size, on- togeny and experience [Current Zoology 61 (4): 749-757, 2015].