Isolation, properties and spatial site analysis of gamma subunits of B-phycoerythrin and R-phycoerythrin

Polysiphonia urceolata R-phycoerythrin and Porphyridium cruentum B-phycoerythrin were degraded with proteinaseK, and then the nearly native gamma subunits were isolated from the reaction mixture. The process of degradation of phycoerythrin with proteinaseK showed that the gamma subunit is located in the central cavity of (alpha beta)(6) hexamer of phycoerythrin. Comparative analysis of the spectra of the native phycoerythrin, the phycoerythrin at pH 12 and the isolated gamma subunit showed that the absorption peaks of phycoerythrobilins on alpha or beta subunit are at 535 nm (or 545 nm) and 565 nm, the fluorescence emission maximum at 580 nm; the absorption peak of phycoerythrobilins on the isolated gamma subunit is at 589 nm, the fluorescence emission peak at 620 nm which overlaps the absorption maximum of C-phycocyanin and perhaps contributes to the energy transfer with high efficiency between phycoerythrin and phycocyanin in phycobilisome; the absorption maximum of phycourobilin on the isolated gamma subunit is at 498 nm, which is the same as that in native phycoerythrin, and the fluorescence emission maximum at 575 nm.

Spatial analysis for spring bloom and nutrient limitation in Xiangxi bay of three Gorges Reservoir

The spatial and temporal dynamics of physical variables, inorganic nutrients and phytoplankton chlorophyll a were investigated in Xiangxi Bay from 23 Feb. to 28 Apr. every six days, including one daily sampling site and one bidaily sampling site. The concentrations of nutrient variables showed ranges of 0.02-3.20 mg/L for dissolved silicate (Si); 0.06-2.40 mg/L for DIN (NH4N + NO2N + NO3N); 0.03-0.56 mg/L for PO4P and 0.22-193.37 mu g/L for chlorophyll a, respectively. The concentration of chlorophyll a and inorganic nutrients were interpolated using GIS techniques. The results indicated that the spring bloom was occurred twice in space during the whole monitoring period (The first one: 26 Feb.-23 Mar.; the second one: 23 Mar.-28 Apr.). The concentration of DIN was always high in the mouth of Xiangxi Bay, and PO4P was high in the upstream of Xiangxi Bay during the whole bloom period. Si seems no obvious difference in space in the beginning of the spring bloom, but showed high heterogeneity in space and time with the development of spring bloom. By comparing the interpolated maps of chlorophyll a and inorganic variables, obvious consumptions of Si and DIN were found when the bloom status was serious. However, no obvious depletion of PO4P was found. Spatial regression analysis could explained most variation of Chl-a except at the begin of the first and second bloom. The result indicated that Si was the factor limiting Chl-a in space before achieved the max area of hypertrophic in the first and second bloom period. When Si was obviously exhausted, DIN became the factor limiting the Chl-a in space. Daily and bidaily monitoring of Site A and B, representing for high DIN: PO4P ratio and low DIN:PO4P ratio, indicated that the concentration of Si was decreased with times at both site A and B, and the dramatically drop of DIN was found in the end monitoring at site B. Multiple stepwise regression analysis indicated that Si was the most important factor affect the development of spring bloom both at site A and B in time series.

植物种群小尺度空间结构的数量分析

采用位置指数、分异指数、结构复杂性指数、Shannon-Wiener多样性指数以及Ripley的K-方程，探讨了华南海岸英罗港红树植物木榄种群的分布格局、胸围和树高分异以及冠层结构方面的空间异质性。结果表明，多数木榄种群呈现随机分布，其个体胸围和树高的分异程度较低;而少数木榄种群呈现集群分布，其个体胸围和树高的分异程度明显。采用地理信息系统对木榄种群冠层和空隙斑块进行多种水平和垂直尺度的分析，冠层与空隙斑块之间的镶嵌格局因种群而异，这种格局可基于树冠投影用Shannon-Wiener多样性指数进行定量描述。冠层结构的空问异质性随空间尺度而变化，但这种变化在一定尺度范围内保持相对的稳定。这一尺度范围可作为木榄红树林更新或生态管理单位的参考尺度。 采用多重分形理论和方法对华南海岸北海红树林区红树植物白骨壤幼苗种群的分布格局进行了分析。结果表明，白骨壤幼苗种群的分布格局具有多标量和多重分形行为。随着q值由-2增加到4，Dq值介于1.078-1.997，f(a)值介于0.402-1.678，a(q)值介于0.909-2.480。多重分形的参数值与幼苗种群的集聚强度密切相关。差值（D。-D1）和[f(-1) –D]。是度量格局空间异质性程度的有效指数。海洋水文周期性规律、不同面积大小的裸地、树冠的阻拦作用等是制约白骨壤幼苗种群多重分形格局形成的主要因子。 采用地统计学理论和方法，对北京东灵山落叶松和胡桃楸针阔混交林下的克隆植物绢毛匍匐委陵菜分株种群的统计变量和土壤变量的空间格局进行了分析和比较。结果表明，绢毛匍匐委陵菜分株种群各器官生物量以及分株数和叶数的空间格局具有较高程度的异质性。总生物量以及茎、叶和根生物量的半方差函数曲线为指数模型，叶柄生物量、分株数和叶数的为球状模型，叶片生物量的为线性无基台值模型，而匍匐茎生物量的为纯块金效应模型。除叶片和匍匐茎的生物量外，其它器官生物量以及分株数和叶数由空间自相关引起的空间异质性．SHA主要表现在120-3 50cm的尺度范围内，SHA占总空间异质性的比例在50%以上。生境中，各种土壤变量的空间格局也具有较高程度的异质性。土壤含水量、NO3-、NH4+、有机质、全磷和PO4(3-)的半方差函数曲线为球状模型，而全氮、K+和pH的为指数模型。土壤变量由空间自相关引起的空间异质性SHA主要表现在8-lOOcm的尺度范围内，SHA占总空间异质性的比例在68%以上。绢毛匍匐委陵菜分株种群空间格局的自相关尺度显著大于其生境中土壤变量空间格局的自相关尺度，表明绢毛匍匐委陵菜通过匍匐茎相互联结的克隆分株种群对异质性土壤资源表现出较大的缓冲能力。绢毛匍匐委陵菜分株数的空间格局与土壤的含水量和全氮空间格局之间在几乎所有尺度上的相关性都不显著，但与其它土壤变量空间格局之间都存在不同程度的相关性，其中与NH4+、pH、PO4(3-)和全磷空间格局之间的相关性尺度范围较为明显和较大。通过分株数、叶数和生物量分配的可塑性变化，绢毛匍匐委陵菜分株种群的空间格局与土壤资源的空间格局之间产生相互联系，并随空间尺度的变化会发生改变。

Characterization of the porcine differentially expressed PDK4 gene and association with meat quality

To investigate the differential expression of genes in the skeletal muscle between Yorkshire and Chinese indigenous breed Meishan pigs, suppression subtractive hybridization was carried out and many genes were proved to be expressed significantly different in the two breeds. One gene highly expressed in Meishan but lowly expressed in Yorkshire specific library, shared strong homology with human pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4 (PDK4). Using semi-quantity and quantity PCR, We confirmed its differential expression between the two breeds. Temporal and spatial expression analysis indicated that porcine PDK4 gene is highly expressed in skeletal muscle and the highest in neonatal pigs. Complete cDNA cloning and sequence analysis revealed that porcine PDK4 gene contains an open reading frame of 1,221 bp. The deduced amino acid sequence showed conservation in evolution. A G/A mutation in intron 9 was identified and association analysis showed that it was significantly associated with intramuscular fat, muscle water content.

古龙咀周围海区沉积物粒度特征及海底地形变化

对古龙咀周围浅海区沉积物的粒度进行了测试与分析，结合相关的地质水文资料，探讨了海岸形态对沉积物粒度的影响。研究区表层沉积物平均粒径在海湾浅海区呈带状由岸向海变细，中等水深和岬角处分布着细粒区，向外海粒径相对变粗；除险岛湾砂质区外，分选差；偏态多数为正偏或近正态；整体峰形极窄，峰型多样。底质类型以粘土质粉砂和砂质粉砂为主，由东北经古龙咀岬角向西南形成S形粘土质粉砂分布带，险岛湾地区沉积物呈带状由砂逐渐过渡到粉砂。潮汐和波浪是本区沉积物输运的主要水动力，岬角的存在影响了沉积物粒度的分布。粒度趋势分析表明沉积物整体有向岬角汇聚的输运趋势。 对收集到基于1954年、1969年、1982年测量绘成的地形图水深数据进行数字化，结合2005年测量的水深数据，分别建立各时期DEM图，在此基础上分析研究区的地形特征。四个时期海底DEM呈现出大体一致的趋势，在险岛湾及白沙口海湾内为浅水区，水深值在-1～-4 m之间，深水区主要分布在南黄岛南端至古龙咀连线以南区域，呈扇形展布，水深由南黄岛两侧向中间逐渐加深，水深值在-10～ -17 m之间。从整体上看，研究区海底地形呈NW-SE方向逐渐加深。 将数字化后的水深数据统一校正到1956黄海高程系，分别建立DEM，运用GIS的栅格计算分析得出冲淤变化图。相关结果表明：1954～1969年研究区整体近岸为冲（险岛湾除外），离岸海域为淤；1969～1982年研究区总体处于弱淤积状态；1982-2005研究区海域近岸为淤，外海以弱冲刷状态为主。

喀斯特石漠化景观的空间因子分析及生态优化途径初探——以贵州清镇王家寨小流域为例

本文以西南喀斯特地区的王家寨小流域为研究对象，基于多源信息，依托遥感（RS）和地理信息系统（GIS）技术获取2005年该区石漠化景观分布格局信息，以此为基础进行石漠化景观分布指数（RLDI）、石漠化综合指数（RCI）、x-s平面分析模型以及三次曲线拟合等分析，旨在从小流域尺度上探讨石漠化景观在坡度、坡向、高程和与村庄距离等空间因子上的分布规律。 结果表明：无石漠化和轻度石漠化景观的RLDI曲线在坡度梯度上波动最显著（即其受坡度影响最大）；其他石漠化景观在坡向梯度上变化最明显。坡度上27º是RCI由增至减的临界点；各坡向中南、南东坡RCI值最高，北、北东、东坡次之；高程越高RCI越高；距村庄越远RCI越高。初步判断各空间因子对RCI的影响由强至弱依次为：坡度、坡向、高程以及与村庄的距离。 基于景观生态学理论，在对土地利用类型和地形（坡度、坡向）因子综合优先级评价的基础上，以治理石漠化、维护喀斯特景观生态安全和土地资源的可持续利用为目标，建立满足景观优化需要的生态恢复耗费表面模型，通过景观功能分区和生态廊道的构建，以及运用生态工程和植被进展演替相结合的具体措施，对小流域尺度上土地利用空间格局的优化和高效的生态恢复模式进行实践性探索。

左侧梭状回内文字的字形加工：中文正常阅读者，中文文盲、非中文母语被试的对比研究

Reading is an important human-specific skill obtained through extensive learning experience and is reliance on the ability to rapidly recognize single words. According to the behavioral studies, the most important stage of reading is the representation of “visual word form”, which is independent on surface visual features of the reading materials. The prelexical visual word form representation is characterized by the abstractive and highly effective and precise processing. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological studies have investigated the neural basis underlying the visual word form processing. On the basis of summary of the existing literature, the current thesis aimed to address three fundamental questions involving neural basis of word recognition. First, is there a dedicated neural network that is specialized for word recognition? Second, is the orthographic information represented in the putative word/character selective region (VWFA)? Third, what is the role of reading experience in the genesis of the VWFA, is experience a main driver to shape VWFA instead of evolutionary selectivity? Nineteen Chinese literate volunteers, 5 Chinese illiterates and 4 native English speakers participated in this study, and performed perceptual tasks during fMRI scanning. To address the first question, we compared the differential responses to three categories of visual objects, i.e., faces, line drawings of objects and Chinese characters, and defined the region of interesting (ROI) for the next experiment. To address the second question, Chinese character orthography was manipulated to reveal possible differential responses to real characters, false characters, radical combinations, and stroke combinations in the regions defined by the first experiment. To examine the role of reading experience in genesis of specialization for character, the responses for unfamiliar Chinese characters in Chinese illiterates and native English speakers were compared with that in the Chinese literates, and tracked the change in cortical activation after a short-term reading training in the illiterates. Data were analyzed in two dimensions. Both BOLD signal amplitude and spatial distribution pattern among multi-voxels were used to systematically investigate the responsiveness of the left fusiform gyrus to Chinese characters. Our results provide strong and clear evidence for the existence of functionally specialized regions in the human ventral occipital-temporal cortex. In the skilled readers a region specialized for written words could be consistently found in the lateral part of the left fusiform gyrus, line drawings in the median part and faces in the middle. Our results further show that spatial distribution analysis, a method that was not commonly used in neuroimaging of reading, appears to be a more effective measurement for category specialization for visual objects processing. Although we failed to provide evidence that VWFA processes orthographic information in terms of signal intensitiy, we do show that response pattern of real characters and radical collections in this area is different from that of false characters and random stroke combinations. Our last set of experiments suggests that the selective bias to reading material is clearly experience dependent. The response to unknown characters in both English speakers/readers and Chinese illiterates is fundamentally different from that of the skilled Chinese readers. The response pattern for unknown characters is more similar to that for line drawings rather as a weak version of character in skilled Chinese readers. Short-term training is not sufficient to produce VWFA bias even when tested with learned characters, rather the learned characters generated a overall upward shift of the activation of the left fusiform region. Formation of a dedicated region specialized for visual word/character might depend on long-term extensive reading experience, or there might be a critical period for reading acquisition.

Numerical analysis of spatial evolution of the small signal gain in a chemical oxygen-iodine laser operating without primary buffer gas

A chemical oxygen iodine laser (COIL) that operates without primary buffer gas has become a new way of facilitating the compact integration of laser systems. To clarify the properties of spatial gain distribution, three-dimensional (3-D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology was used to study the mixing and reactive flow in a COIL nozzle with an interleaving jet configuration in the supersonic section. The results show that the molecular iodine fraction in the secondary flow has a notable effect on the spatial distribution of the small signal gain. The rich iodine condition produces some negative gain regions along the jet trajectory, while the lean iodine condition slows down the development of the gain in the streamwise direction. It is also found that the new configuration of an interleaving jet helps form a reasonable gain field under appropriate operation conditions. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Introduction to Molecular Analysis of Ectomycorrhizal Communities

A number of methods are available for those researchers considering the addition of molecular analyses of ectomycorrhizal (EcM) fungi to their research projects and weighing the various approaches they might take. Analyzing natural EcM fungal communities has traditionally been a highly skilled, time-consuming process relying heavily on exacting morphological characterization of EcM root tips. Increasingly powerful molecular methods for analyzing EcM communities make this area of research available to a much wider range of researchers. Ecologists can gain from the body of work characterizing EcM while avoiding the requirement for exceptional expertise by carefully combining elements of traditional methods with the more recent molecular approaches. A cursory morphological analysis can yield a traditional quantification of EcM fungi based on tip numbers, a unit with functional and historical significance. Ectomycorrhizal root DNA extracts may then be analyzed with molecular methods widely used for characterizing microbiota. These range from methods applicable only to the simple mixes resulting from careful morphotyping, to community-oriented methods that identify many types in mixed samples as well as provide an estimate of their relative abundances. Extramatrical hyphae in bulk soil can also be more effectively studied, extending characterization of EcM fungal communities beyond the rhizoplane. The trend toward techniques permitting larger sample sets without prohibitive labor and time requirements will also permit us to more frequently address the issues of spatial and temporal variability and better characterize the roles of EcM fungi at multiple scales.

Spatial distribution of soil heavy metal pollution estimated by different interpolation methods: Accuracy and uncertainty analysis

Mapping the spatial distribution of contaminants in soils is the basis of pollution evaluation and risk control. Interpolation methods are extensively applied in the mapping processes to estimate the heavy metal concentrations at unsampled sites. The performances of interpolation methods (inverse distance weighting, local polynomial, ordinary kriging and radial basis functions) were assessed and compared using the root mean square error for cross validation. The results indicated that all interpolation methods provided a high prediction accuracy of the mean concentration of soil heavy metals. However, the classic method based on percentages of polluted samples, gave a pollution area 23.54-41.92% larger than that estimated by interpolation methods. The difference in contaminated area estimation among the four methods reached 6.14%. According to the interpolation results, the spatial uncertainty of polluted areas was mainly located in three types of region: (a) the local maxima concentration region surrounded by low concentration (clean) sites, (b) the local minima concentration region surrounded with highly polluted samples; and (c) the boundaries of the contaminated areas. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.