The California flooding rains during February, 1986 [abstract]

After an unusually strong and persistent pattern of atmospheric circulation over the United State[s] in Fall 1985, it became quite changeable (although high amplitude anomalies still prevailed). Following a fall that was cold in the West and warm in the East with heavy precipitation, a high pressure ridge set in over the West during December, with generally light precipitation over most of the country. Throughout the winter, the central North Pacific was very active, with large negative atmospheric pressure anomalies centered at about 45°N, l60°W. This activity may have been encouraged by an enhanced meridional eastern North Pacific sea surface temperature (SST) gradient, with positive SST anomalies in the subtropics and negative anomalies in midlatitudes. However, in January, the western high pressure ridge remained strong and temperatures were remarkably warm, increasing the threat of drought in California after the two previous dry winters. However, in February, storms from a greatly expanded and southerly displaced Aleutian Low broke into the West Coast. An unusual siege from February 11 to February 20 flooded central and northern California, with very heavy precipitation and record to near-record runoff. Upwards of 50 percent of annual average precipitation fell on locations from the upper San Joaquin to the Feather River drainage basins, and the largest flow since observations began in the early 1900's was recorded on the Sacramento River at Sacramento. The atmospheric pattern that was responsible for this remarkable stormy spell developed when the western high pressure retrograded to the northwest into the Aleutians, accompanied by the strengthened and southerly extended storm tract that moved into California. Although exact details vary from case to case, this episode displayed meteorological conditions similar to those in several other historical California winter flood events. These included a long duration of very strong westerly to southwesterly winds over a long subtropical fetch into California. Much of the precipitation during this series of storms was orographically induced by the moisture laden flow rising over the Sierra ranges. Due to the warm air mass, snow levels were relatively high (about 7500 feet) during the heaviest precipitation, resulting in copious runoff.

沿阶草族的染色体研究及系统学问题的探讨

本论文对沿阶草族Ophiopogoneae(Endl.)Kunth的研究历史作了回顾，从染色体、形态学和解剖学角度对此族作了研究，并作了数值分类和分支 系统学分析的尝试，在此基础上探讨了这个族的系统学问题． 1)本论文对此族三属37种123居群的染色体数目、基数及核型不对称性作了研究，其中19种的染色体为首次报道．它们是：P．macrostegiaHance， P.yunnanensis Wang et Tang，P.ophiopogonoides Wang et Tang,O. sarmentosus Wang et Dai,O.tienensis Wang et Tang, O.sylvicola Wang et Tang, O.fooningensis Wang et Dai, O.mairei L6vl.，O.szechuanensis Wang et Tang, O.angustiatus (Wang et Tang) S.C.Chen, O.amblyphyllus Wang et Dai,O.clavatus Wright ex Oliver,O.clivioidesD.M.Zhang et Hong, O.longiscaposus D.M.Zhang et Hong,O.umbraticola Hance,O.fuiD.M.Zhang ntHong,O.zingiberaceus Wang et Dai,O.gangxiensisd.M.Zhang et Hong,O. lo fouense L6vl. 2)在此族中首次报道了2n = 2x = 34的异基数二倍体，同时在O.umbraticola，O.japonicus,O.cLarkei中报道了2n=68的异基数二倍体，过核型和减数分裂等证明异基数是在二倍体水平上形成，并发展成倍性系列的． 3)在此族中首次报道了B染色体的存在，已确证了两种(P.macrostegia和D.tienensis)．一种尚需进一步确证(O.Larkei)． 4)通过对随体位置的系统研究，发现在此族中随体位置具有分类价值． 5)通过对8个种内多倍体、4个多倍体种的研究，表明多倍体分布于较北、海拔较高的地方，而亚洲热带地区的种，则无多倍体，同时在具异基数种类和核型较不对称种类上亦有这种分布特征;在确定了分布的多度中心的基础上，提出喜马拉雅_横断山脉到川西、川南一带是沿阶草属和山麦冬属的近代分化中心． 6)通过染色体结构和数目几个角度的研究，表明球子草属与其他两属在。染色体水平上已发生很大分化，但其属内的分化则不表现在染色体上．其他二属内部则有基数、倍性和核型不对称方面的分化．综观此族，染色体具有由核 型对称向不对称、由二倍体向多倍体、由种内多倍体向多倍体种，由单一基数向种内异基数几个方向进化的趋势． 7)通过对此族的形态观察和分析，提出茎或根状茎分枝方式是属下分类的重要依据;认为本族植物的花序是由圆锥花序简化而来，但残留着圆锥花序特征;并提出了本族花、茎、叶、根几个方面的形态演化趋势． 8)通过对此族二属21种的子房解剖，发现三属均有半下位子房，因而认为子房半下位作为分属检索性状是不合适的．此外还观察到子房着生位置在种内亦有变异，对这种变异的意义进行了探讨． 9)通过此族三属46种2变种的数值分类处理，表明本族由球子草群和沿阶草一山麦冬群两大类群组成，山麦冬属仅是与沿阶草属一个组（葶花组）并列的分类单元，其内部分化较小，而沿阶草属则较大． 10)通过46个性状计算了山麦冬属和沿阶草属共6个广布的“群内总体相 似度”(IOS)，表明山麦冬属3个种种内个体之间、种间个体之间的分化很小，且可能有杂交现象，结合染色体资料和分布特征，认为这个属的发生是个相当晚近的事件． 11)本文从形态和染色体角度，认为沿阶草族是一个自然类群;由分支系 统学分析表明，此族由二个单系类群（球子草属和沿阶草属）组成，沿阶草属含两个单系的组，其中各含3个系，山麦冬属为其中一个系．这一结果与数值 分类结果和染色体资料相符． 12)为避免单一分类方法可能导致的不合理结果，本文以自拟的一种综合分类方法，把谱系、进化、分化诸因素均予考虑，得出一个三维图象，以图象 上相对等径的球作为分类依据，得出的结果与分支系统学和数值分类结果基本一致．因此，山麦冬属作为与沿阶草属等阶的分类地位，应予重新考虑． 13）本文最后对这个族的全面修订提出几点建议. 14）此外，本文还描述了沿阶草属4个新种.

Factors influencing the timing and frequency of spawning and fecundity of the goldlined seabream (Rhabdosargus sarba) (Sparidae) in the lower reaches of an estuary

We have studied the reproductive biology of the goldlined seabream (Rhabdosargus sarba) in the lower Swan River Estuary in Western Australia, focusing particularly on elucidating the factors influencing the duration, timing, and frequency of spawning and on determining potential annual fecundity. Our results demonstrate that 1) Rhabdosargus sarba has indeterminate fecundity, 2) oocyte hydration commences soon after dusk (ca. 18:30 h) and is complete by ca. 01:30−04:30 h and 3) fish with ovaries containing migratory nucleus oocytes, hydrated oocytes, or postovulatory follicles were caught between July and November. However, in July and August, their prevalence was low, whereas that of fish with ovaries containing substantial numbers of atretic yolk granule oocytes was high. Thus, spawning activity did not start to peak until September (early spring), when salinities were rising markedly from their winter minima. The prevalence of spawning was positively correlated with tidal height and was greatest on days when the tide changed from flood to ebb at ca. 06:00 h, i.e., just after spawning had ceased. Because our estimate of the average daily prevalence of spawning by females during the spawning season (July to November) was 36.5%, individual females were estimated to spawn, on average, at intervals of about 2.7 days and thus about 45 times during that period. Therefore, because female R. sarba with total lengths of 180, 220, and 260 mm were estimated to have batch fecundities of about 4500, 7700, and 12,400 eggs, respectively, they had potential annual fecundities of about 204,300, 346,100 and 557,500 eggs, respectively. Because spawning occurs just prior to strong ebb tides, the eggs of R. sarba are likely to be transported out of the estuary into coastal waters where salinities remain at ca. 35‰. Such downstream transport would account for the fact that, although R. sarba exhibits substantial spawning activity in the lower Swan River Estuary, few of its early juveniles are recruited into the nearshore shallow waters of this estuary.

Strengthening community roles in aquatic resource governance in Uganda

Lake Victoria fisheries face severe environmental stresses. Stocks are declining in a context of increasing population and growing demand for the lake’s resources. Rising competition between users is putting conservation goals and rural livelihoods at risk. While Uganda’s co-management policy framework is well-developed, key resources for implementation are lacking, enforcement is poor, and the relations between stakeholders are unequal. Poor rural resource users face significant challenges to effectively participate in fisheries decision-making. This case study demonstrates the progress that can be made using a collaborative approach to catalyze community-led actions linking public health, sanitation and environmental conservation in difficult circumstances, even over a relatively short time period. Multistakeholder dialogue can bring to light the sources of conflict, pinpoint governance challenges, and identify opportunities for institutional collaboration to address community needs. At the same time, the process can help build trust, confidence in collective action and public accountability.

Simulation of recent global temperature trends [abstract]

EXTRACT (SEE PDF FOR FULL ABSTRACT): Observations show that global average tropospheric temperatures have been rising during the past century, with the most recent portion of record showing a sharp rise since the mid-1970s.

Stall inception in axial compressors

Detailed measurements have been made of the transient stalling process in an axial compressor stage. The stage is of high hub-casing ratio and stall is initiated in the rotor. If the rotor tip clearance is small stall inception occurs at the hub, but at clearances typical for a multistage compressor the inception is at the tip. The crucial quantity in both cases is the blockage caused by the endwall boundary layer. Prior to stall disturbances rotate around the inlet flow in sympathy with rotating variations in the endwall blockage; these can persist for some time prior to stall, rising and falling in amplitude before the final increase which occurs as the compressor stalls.

Household consumption pattern and buying behavior for fish in an area Mymensingh, Bangladesh

The study was conducted on 238 households in Bangladesh Agricultural University campus and its adjoining areas in Mymensingh. The household were divided into four groups based on their per capita income. Monthly expenditure on fish, income elasticity of demand and marginal propensity to consume were calculated. 'Weighted average' method was used to study the level of preference for fish by sex and age groups and frequency of its purchase. The per capita monthly expenditure on fish of overall households was found to be Tk. 178.83. The consumption increased considerably between and among the income groups rising from Tk. 63.95 in the lowest income group to Tk. 249.11 in the highest income group. Based on income elasticity the proportion of income spent on fish was found to be greater than the proportion of increase in income for lower middle and upper middle income groups. However, percent expenditure decreased from 8.15 in lowest to 5.49 in the highest income group. Female members between 20 and 40yrs had the highest preference for fish in general followed by male members of above 40 yrs. Children (0 to 8 yrs), on the other band, had the least preference for fish, Sing and Magur (Catfishes) were the most preferred fish species for each age and sex group. Rui, a carp, was the single most purchased fish while the introduced exotic fishes were the least bought. Freshness was found to be the most important factor followed by the appearance and taste perception that positively affected the fish purchase.

Fishing gear in freshwater reservoirs of India

Consequent on the great emphasis given to irrigation, power generation and flood control, several river valley reservoirs have been formed. The fact that these reservoirs support a fairly rich fishery potential needs no special mention. The total reservoir water area in the country is 6.4 lakh h.a. (16 lakh acres) and the yield is 5 to 8 kgm/h. a. in certain reservoirs, rising up to 40 kgm/h.a. in some of the highly productive ones.

人与大猩猩、黑猩猩和猩猩亲缘关系的探讨

有关人猿超科的系统发育仍然存在争议。争论焦点在人与大猩猩和黑猩猩哪个关系更近一点。酪氨酸酶是黑色素合成中的关键酶，酪氨酸酶基因的突变将导致白化病。测定了人猿超科中大猩猩、黑猩猩、猩猩和长臂猿酪氨酸酶基因全部5个外显子的DNA序列。结合已发表人的序列，用简约法构建了基因树。结果表明，人与大猩猩的关系比黑猩猩要近一些。

Reaction of fishes to the underwater A.C. field

A comparative study on the effect of A.C. field on Puntius ticto, Heteropneustis fossilis and Tilapta mossambica was carried out using a slowly rising field intensity. Well defined reactions appeared in the species of fish with slight specific variations, depending on their orientation in the electrical field, on reaching the field intensity to specific value. These reactions can be distinguished as first reaction, when the fish perceive the surrounding field, jerky swimming when parallel to the current lines (longitudinal oscillotaxis), the static position finally adopted by the fish sooner or latter depending on the potential gradient (transverse oscillotaxis), and a state of muscular rigidity (tetanus). After switching off the current, a hypnotic condition prevailed in the treated fishes before returning to their normal swimming condition. The orientation of fish body in the field had an important bearing on the behaviour reactions and current thresholds necessary for those reactions. Initial reaction, jerky swimming between electrodes and hypnosis after stoppage of current appeared in fishes earlier when the fish body was in parallel to the current lines, whereas fishes responded to transverse oscillotaxis quickly when perpendicular to current lines.

Genome 10K: A Proposal to Obtain Whole-Genome Sequence for 10 000 Vertebrate Species

The human genome project has been recently complemented by whole-genome assessment sequence of 32 mammals and 24 nonmammalian vertebrate species suitable for comparative genomic analyses. Here we anticipate a precipitous drop in costs and increase in sequ

A new high opening trawl for Veraval waters

The newly developed 25m high opening trawl possesses the properties of a high rising bottom trawl and a semi-pelagic trawl. The new gear is effective for the capture of demersal and semi-pelagic fishes. The net offered more horizontal opening and less resistance with significantly high catch of ribbon fish when compared with bulged belly trawl.

Temporal behaviour of marine landings along coastal Karnataka 1. Relative distribution and secular trends

Landing data of 21 fisheries from Karnataka (quarterly landings for the period 1956 to 1978 and annual landings for the period 1979 to 1981) were analysed to study the te111poral behaviour of the landings. The relative distribution and secular trends in each of the fisheries are reported. On an average, mackerel and oil sardine together account for about 70% of the annual landings. The fluctuation in the landings in all the fisheries was very high with the coefficient of variation attaining a minimum value of 61.53%. The inverse relationship between the landings of oil sardine and mackerel was found to be statistically significant. It is suggested that fishing effort be further increased in fisheries that have demonstrated a rising trend (about 73% of the total annual landings) as also in the case of the fisheries whose trends appear stagnant (about 21% of the annual landings). However, there seems to be some evidence of a need for regulating fishing in Hemirhamphus and Belone, Caranx and penaeid prawns. Regulations need to be made authentic with the help of sufficient information on not merely the fishery but on the whole population.

DEVELOPMENT OF MICROSATELLITE LOCI FOR PINUS KORAIENSIS (PINACEAE)

Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed for Pinus koraiensis to characterize its genetic diversity and understand its population structure. Methods and Results: Using the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences COntaining (FIASCO) Repeats protocol, 20 primer sets were developed in Chinese populations of P. koraiensis. Three of the markers showed polymorphism with two alleles per locus when assessed in a sample of two populations of P. koraiensis from the Changbai Mountain in the Jilin Province of China. Five and three loci were successfully amplified in P. taiwanensis and P. massoniana, respectively. The amplification size of these loci matches those in P. koraiensis. Conclusions: These markers may be useful for further investigation of population genetics of P. koraiensis.

A multi-locus phylogeny of Nectogalini shrews and influences of the paleoclimate on speciation and evolution

Nectogaline shrews are a major component of the small mammalian fauna of Europe and Asia, and are notable for their diverse ecology, including utilization of aquatic habitats. So far, molecular phylogenetic analyses including nectogaline species have been unable to infer a well-resolved, well-supported phylogeny, thus limiting the power of comparative evolutionary and ecological analyses of the group. Here, we employ Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of eight mitochondrial and three nuclear genes to infer the phylogenetic relationships of nectogaline shrews. We subsequently use this phylogeny to assess the genetic diversity within the genus Episoriculus, and determine whether adaptation to aquatic habitats evolved independently multiple times. Moreover, we both analyze the fossil record and employ Bayesian relaxed clock divergence dating analyses of DNA to assess the impact of historical global climate change on the biogeography of Nectogalini. We infer strong support for the polyphyly of the genus Episoriculus. We also find strong evidence that the ability to heavily utilize aquatic habitats evolved independently in both Neomys and Chimarrogale + Nectogale lineages. Our Bayesian molecular divergence analysis suggests that the early history of Nectogalini is characterized by a rapid radiation at the Miocene/Pliocene boundary, thus potentially explaining the lack of resolution at the base of the tree. Finally, we find evidence that nectogalines once inhabited northern latitudes, but the global cooling and desiccating events at the Miocene/Pliocene and Pliocene/Pleistocene boundaries and Pleistocene glaciation resulted in the migration of most Nectogalini lineages to their present day southern distribution. (C) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.