The olivo-cerebellar circuit as a universal motor control system

The olivo-cerebellar system is one of the central networks organizing movement coordination in vertebrates. This system consists of three main anatomical structures: the inferior olive (IO), the cerebellar nuclei, and the cerebellar cortex. Over the last four decades studies in many laboratories have contributed significantly to our understanding of the electrophysiology of IO and cerebellar neurons. However, addressing the dynamic properties of olivo-cerebellar network requires information beyond the limits attainable using single cell recordings. Research at the neuronal network level is presently being implemented in order to determine the spatiotemporal activity profiles of ensemble neuronal activity using optical imaging of voltage-sensitive dye signals. We summarize here results of such type of study using the in vitro IO slices. The dynamic characteristic of the system is addressed using the imaging results as well as mathematical modeling of the network, as a heuristic tool. A computer-based control system based on such biological findings is outlined.     

Lisp: An AI programming language

Lisp has been the programming language of choice of most artificial intelligence (AI) researchers since the very early days of AI research. There are many reasons why this is so, some of which will be examined later in this paper, but perhaps the simplest reason is functional crispness. Every language has arbitrary features, and most languages have been overloaded with them in order to support diverse constituencies. Lisp is built around a kernel of mathematical principles which makes it far more flexible than most other (perhaps all) computer programming languages.     

一种普适性的加权热带气旋风场重构方法

台风浪模拟是海洋和海岸工程中开展重现期波浪推算的关键环节。本文在系统分析历史热带气旋近中心最大风速、大风风圈以及CCMP风场特征的基础上,提出了一种热带气旋影响范围计算方案,改进了加权热带气旋风场重构方法。以该方法重构的热带气旋风场为驱动,采用WAVEWATCH Ⅲ模型模拟了南海28次台风浪过程,并用南海北部88个站次的风、浪观测资料对重构后的风场及模拟浪高进行检验。检验结果显示:风速(台风浪高)的重构值(模拟值)与观测值吻合良好,改进后的加权热带气旋风场重构方法有较强的普适性。     

利用多功能裂合酶CpcE/F合成非天然重组藻胆蛋白

藻胆蛋白裂合酶是催化藻胆色素与脱辅基藻胆蛋白亚基共价连接的裂合酶,在藻胆蛋白的生物合成途径中发挥着重要作用。本实验以藻蓝蛋白裂合酶Cpc E/F为研究对象,采用基因工程组合表达技术,构建了pCDFDuet-apcA-cpcE/F-hox1-pebS、pCDFDuet-pecA-cpcE/F-hox1-pebS等重组质粒,并导入大肠杆菌中,在IPTG的诱导下,成功表达得到两种非天然藻胆蛋白ApcA-PEB和PecA-PEB,这表明Cpc E/F不仅可以催化藻蓝胆素和脱辅基藻蓝蛋白的结合,还可以催化藻红胆素(PEB)与别藻蓝蛋白α-亚基(ApcA)和藻红蓝蛋白α-亚基(PecA)的结合,因此是一种多功能的裂合酶。根据重组产物的光谱特征峰分析发现,ApcA-PEB和PecA-PEB作为两种非天然存在的重组藻胆蛋白,具有与对应天然藻胆蛋白有着相近的特征吸收光谱和荧光发射峰,但同时具有明显的波长偏移并伴有色素异化现象,其光谱学性质主要由其所携带的色素基团决定。另外,荧光寿命衰减分析发现,不同脱辅基蛋白对于重组藻胆蛋白的光谱稳定性具有重要的影响。     

南海东北部沉积物间隙水氮和硅的研究

测定了南海东北部沉积物间隙水中ＮＯ３－Ｎ，ＮＯ２－Ｎ和ＳｉＯ３－Ｓｉ的含量。６个站位的５─１０ｃｍ层的ＮＯ３－Ｎ，ＮＯ２－Ｎ和ＳｉＯ３－Ｓｉ的含量分别为０．４７—１．７０，０．８４—２．６０和１０．１７—１１．６９μｍｏｌ／Ｌ。研究了上述物质含量在５０号站的深度分布。估算了ＮＯ２－Ｎ和ＳｉＯ３－Ｓｉ从间隙水向上覆水扩散的通量分别为０．０３３和０．０１９ｍｍｏｌ／ｍ２·ｄ。     

The Canterbury mudfish,Galaxias burrowsius Phillipps,a vanishing species

Examination of available samples and of ecological knowledge of Galaxias burrowsius Phillipps (Galaxiidae) suggests that this species is confined to the Canterbury Plains and is now nearly extinct.

Possible reasons for its decline are analysed and it is suggested that this decline may have started nearly 1,000 years ago with the changes in the climate‐vegetation pattern. It has been hastened by the recent drastic transformation of the environment by European settlers. Distribution and habitats of two other New Zealand mudfishes, Neochanna apoda and N. diversus (Galaxiidae) are related to those of G. burrowsius     

A universal algorithm to generate pseudo-random numbers based on uniform mapping as homeomorphism

A specific uniform map is constructed as a homeomorphism mapping chaotic time series into [0,1] to obtain sequences of standard uniform distribution. With the uniform map, a chaotic orbit and a sequence orbit obtained are topologically equivalent to each other so the map can preserve the most dynamic properties of chaotic systems such as permutation entropy. Based on the uniform map, a universal algorithm to generate pseudo random numbers is proposed and the pseudo random series is tested to follow the standard 0-1 random distribution both theoretically and experimentally. The algorithm is not complex, which does not impose high requirement on computer hard ware and thus computation speed is fast. The method not only extends the parameter spaces but also avoids the drawback of small function space caused by constraints on chaotic maps used to generate pseudo random numbers. The algorithm can be applied to any chaotic system and can produce pseudo random sequence of high quality, thus can be a good universal pseudo random number generator.     

The nearshore current along a high-rainfall,trade-wind coast-Nicaragua

Runoff from abundant rainfall on the watersheds along the east coast of Nicaragua results in a well-defined nearshore current, extending 20–40 km out from the coast. Important terms in the controlling dynamical balance are the Coriolis forces, and eddy frictional forces. Calculations of the diabathic surface slope 0(10^?5) show a smooth setup of 4–5 cm from the outer edge of the current to the shoreline. A longshore surface slope of 0(10^?8) appears to be set up by the longshore wind stress, and further computations allow an estimate of ～ 6 gr cm^?1 s^?1 for the dynamic eddy viscosity. An analytical expression including diabathic surface slope and density gradient, parabathic surface slope, wind stress, and quadratic bottom friction reproduces the salient observed features of the nearshore current. These include the pronounced maximum in the parabathic (along-shelf) current about 10 km off the coast, a complex diabathic velocity structure, and a shelf countercurrent just seaward of the outer edge. Further calculations suggest that the dominant driving arises from the freshwater-induced density gradients, accounting for upward of 80% of the flow velocity. As suggested by Royer (1982), the prevailing trade wind exerts an onshore wind stress that serves the important role of maintaining the integrity of the density gradients via the convergence of a surface Ekman layer toward the coast.     

The dynamic behaviour of a river-dominated tidal inlet, River Murray, Australia

Australia's largest river, the River Murray, discharges to the southern ocean through a coastal lagoon and river-dominated tidal inlet. Increased water extractions upstream for irrigation have led to significantly reduced flows at the mouth and, as a result, the area is undergoing rapid change, particularly with regard to the rate at which sediment is being transported into the lagoon. Based on detailed and accurate bathymetric surveys it has been possible to estimate that the rate of lagoon in-filling is of the order of 100,000 m³ per year for the period June 2000 to May 2003, although the actual rate shows significant year to year variability. Dredging of the lagoon commenced in 2000 in an attempt to reverse the trend.In an effort to understand the behaviour of the inlet a one-dimensional numerical model of the inlet has been developed. The model extends the original of van de Kreeke by including a dynamic inlet throat area based on predicted river flows and a sediment transport module to predict the resulting net sediment transport. Comparisons with water level data collected on both the ocean and lagoon sides of the mouth have shown that the model is able to predict the attenuation and lag of the tidal signal reasonably well. The sediment transport model was based on predicted sediment concentrations in the surf zone and was found to predict the rate of sediment in-filling to an acceptable level of accuracy. It is envisaged that the model will be a useful management tool, especially since it is possible to manipulate river discharges to the mouth.     

The optimum dimensions for a long-range, autonomous, deep-diving, underwater vehicle for oceanographic research

From the results of a parameter optimization process based on a “minimum feasible volume” criterion, it is shown that the optimum shape for a transatlantic, deep-diving, autonomous submersible is a “low drag” hull shape with a displaced volume of 4.4 m³, a length of 5.97 m and a maximum diameter of 1.33 m. Calculations show that a vehicle of these dimensions, travelling in a minimum drag “cruise” configuration at a depth of 3000 m, say, and at a velocity of 2.5 m/sec could have a maximum range of 7000 km provided the “hotel” power consumption is kept low.     

The internal tide of the Gareloch,a Scottish Fjord

Previous observations in the Gareloch, a Scottish silled fjord, have identified yet failed to explain the baroclinic circulation pattern. Additional fieldwork was carried out in April 2005, showing the loch to be stratified with two distinct layers and currents in each layer 180° out of phase at the M₂ frequency. The currents did not display the expected sinusoidal signal that is characteristic of the tide and instead were pulsated and stronger than predicted by barotropic forcing. Fourier analysis showed that the flow was dominated by short period non-linear oscillations that were harmonics of the semi-diurnal tide. Two hydrostatic estuarine models were applied to the Gareloch: a 2D vertical model (SLICE) and a 3D model (ECOMSED). Both models were capable of reproducing the observed (2005) baroclinic circulation at the M₂ time scale but failed to simulate the higher frequency, non-linear oscillations. However, each model generated higher harmonics in idealised scenarios. Because lateral motion was negligible and SLICE was an order of magnitude more efficient than ECOMSED, the 2D model was used to simulate the higher harmonics and showed that their generation was attributed to the non-linear distortion of the internal tide. When the internal Froude number (determined by barotropic velocity, stratification and water depth) was increased from a sub-critical value, non-linear advection became more important and higher harmonics were generated. The internal tide was further modified by wave reflection and interaction off steep boundaries, and by flow over the sill.     

The scattering of regular surface waves by a fixed,half-immersed,circular cylinder

A train of regular surface waves is incident upon a fixed, half-immersed, circular cylinder; the waves are partially reflected and partially transmitted, and also induce hydrodynamic forces on the cylinder. In order to give a theoretical study of this problem, we make the familiar assumptions of classical hydrodynamics and then solve the linear, two-dimensional, diffraction boundary-value problem, using Ursell's multipole method. Accurate numerical results are presented (in the form of tables) for four important (complex) quantities; these are the reflection and transmission coefficients, and two dimensionless coefficients which describe the horizontal and vertical forces on the cylinder. We have also made an experimental study, in which we measured the forces on the cylinder, and the reflection coefficient. These measurements are compared with the linear theory, and also with other experimental data; discrepancies are noted and an attempt to analyse them is made. We have also measured the mean horizontal forces on the cylinder; these results are compared with the predictions of a simple formula obtained by Longuet-Higgins.     

均衡态:动力-沉积-地貌系统的跨尺度联系

潮汐汊道P-A关系、岸线轮廓、浅海沙波剖面轮廓等3个海洋动力地貌学案例,属于能够同时满足"沿程能耗率处处相等,输沙率沿程递变处处相等,沉积速率处处相等"规律的动力-沉积-地貌系统均衡态。这种在流体力学、沉积动力学和动力地貌学时空尺度跨度很大的交集中涌现的均衡态,为引导出动力-沉积-地貌系统跨尺度联系,实现动力-沉积-地貌系统的跨尺度模拟,留下宝贵的理论研究与应用检验窗口。     

The vertical attenuation of light in Charlotte Harbor, a shallow, subtropical estuary, south-western Florida

The relative contribution of different components to the attenuation of photosynthetically active radiation was determined in the Charlotte Harbor estuarine system based on laboratory and in situ measurements. Agreement between laboratory and in situ measurements of the attenuation coefficient (k_t) was good (r² = 0·92). For all in situ measurements (n = 100), suspended, non-chlorophyll matter accounted for an average of 72% of k_t, dissolved matter accounted for 21%, suspended chlorophyll for 4%, and water for the remaining 3%.For individual determinations, suspended non-chlorophyll matter, dissolved matter, suspended chlorophyll, and water, each accounted for as much as 99%, 79%, 21%, and 18% of k_t. Attenuation by suspended matter was greatest near the mouth of the northern tidal rivers and was variable over the rest of the estuarine system. Attenuation by dissolved matter was greatest in the brackish tidal rivers and decreased with increasing salinity. Attenuation due to dissolved matter was positively correlated with water color. The source of the color was basin runoff. Wavelength transmittance changed along the salinity gradient. Maximum transmittance shifted from 500 to 600 nm in gulf waters to 650 to 700 nm in colored, brackish waters. Dissolved matter was primarily responsible for the large attenuation at short wavelengths (400–500 nm).     

The Agulhas Ridge, South Atlantic: The Peculiar Structure of a Fracture Zone

The Agulhas Ridge is a prominent topographic feature that parallels the Agulhas-Falkland Fracture Zone (AFFZ). Seismic reflection and wide angle/refraction data have led to the classification of this feature as a transverse ridge. Changes in spreading rate and direction associated with ridge jumps, combined with asymmetric spreading within the Agulhas Basin, modified the stress field across the fracture zone. Moreover, passing the Agulhas Ridge’s location between 80 and 69 Ma, the Bouvet and Shona Hotspots may have supplied excess material to this part of the AFFZ thus altering the ridge’s structure. The low crustal velocities and overthickened crust of the northern Agulhas Ridge segment indicate a possible continental affinity that suggests it may be formed by a small continental sliver, which was severed off the Maurice Ewing Bank during the opening of the South Atlantic. In early Oligocene times the Agulhas Ridge was tectono-magmatically reactivated, as documented by the presence of basement highs disturbing and disrupting the sedimentary column in the Cape Basin. We consider the Discovery Hotspot, which distributes plume material southwards across the AAFZ, as a source for the magmatic material.     

基于串行通信的传感器自动识别与通用型浮标数据采集系统设计

海洋资料浮标以其多种功能和连续探测能力成为现代海洋观测的重要工具。海洋浮标传感器种类多、通信协议差异性大,为浮标数据采集系统提出了集成应用需求多样、平均开发周期长的问题。本实验设计并实现了基于串行通信波特率特征判别传感器的通用型海洋浮标数据采集系统。系统基于串行通信接口,通过对波特率的自动识别,对多种不同海洋参数传感器的通信特点进行比对分析,从而将传感器进行分类识别,实现外载传感器的自动识别功能;通过IAP设计,实现系统的拓展。最后,通过实验室的原型试验进行技术路线可行性验证。结果表明,系统能够在数秒内快速无误识别信息库中传感器,可以通过分包方式满足远程更新需求。     

The blooms of a cyanobacterium, Microcystis cf. aeruginosa in a severely polluted estuary, the Golden Horn, Turkey

The distribution of toxic cyanobacterium Microcystis cf. aeruginosa in the severely polluted Golden Horn Estuary was studied from 1998 to 2000. Microcystis persisted at the upper estuary where the water circulation was poor and values ranged between 2.9 × 10⁴ and 2.7 × 10⁶ cells ml⁻¹ throughout the study. Simultaneously measured physical (salinity, temperature, rainfall and secchi disc) and chemical parameters (nutrients and dissolved oxygen) were evaluated together with Microcystis data. Although the Microcystis blooms generally occur in summer due to the increase in temperature, the blooms were recorded in winter in the present study. The abundance of Microcystis depended on the variations in salinity and both blooms were recorded below S = 2. A moderate partial correlation between Microcystis abundance and salinity was detected in the presence of temperature, dissolved oxygen and precipitation data (r = −0.561, p = 0.002). The M. cf. aeruginosa abundance was low in the summer when the salinity was higher than winter. A remarkable increase in the eukaryotic phytoplankton abundance following the improvements in the water quality of the estuary occurred, whilst the Microcystis abundance remained below bloom level.     

The deposition of reef-derived sediment upon a bathyal slope: The deep off-reef environment,north of Discovery Bay,Jamaica

The steep submarine slope north of Jamaica was formed as a normal fault scarp during the early rifting of the Cayman Trough. It is overgrown at the top by flourishing reefs, and below these a series of irregular valleys have been cut into the rocks of the slope and run downslope to at least 2,500 m. Cores from these valleys contain thin layers of reef-derived sands interbedded with pelagic muds of Quaternary age. Cores from topographically high areas recovered only pelagic muds. It is shown that bottom currents and turbidity currents are both unlikely to have been the agencies responsible for the deposition of the reef-derived sands, but that they were probably emplaced by either free avalanching or by sand flow.     

The biology,life history and management needs of a large sciaenid fish,Argyrosomus coronus,in Angola

The West Coast dusky kob Argyrosomus coronus is an understudied yet important fishery species in Angola. During a five-year study (2005–2009), the species was recorded in all fishery sectors, but was most important in the inshore recreational fishery in southern Angola (Cunene Estuary to Namibe). Early juveniles (<300 mm total length, TL) were captured in the offshore artisanal fishery at Praia Pinda, whereas juveniles (300–600 mm TL), subadults (600–870 mm TL) and adults (>870 mm TL) were captured in all fisheries as far north as Namibe, and shoals of large adult fish (>1 000 mm TL) were occasionally captured in the offshore purse-seine commercial fishery between the Cunene Estuary and Lucira. Because some Argyrosomus species are morphologically cryptic, a DNA barcoding method was used to confirm the taxonomic status of the biological samples used in this study. The male:female sex ratio of examined samples was 1:1.4 (n = 225). The length-at-50% maturity was 823 mm and 904 mm TL for males and females respectively. Age-at-50% maturity was 4.4 and 4.3 years for males and females respectively. The periodicity of otolith ring formation was confirmed to be one year using a marginal zone and a chemical marking analysis. Growth (in mm TL) was best described by: L_t = 1 826(1—e^{?0.12(t + 1.60)}). Argyrosomus coronus fed predominantly on fish, mainly Sardinella aurita (62% frequency of occurrence). Early juveniles appeared to frequent the offshore zone (50–100 m depth), moving into the inshore region at approximately 300 mm TL. Juveniles and subadults were resident (57% recaptured at the same site) and were particularly abundant around the mouth of the Cunene Estuary as well as in central and northern Namibia. Adults undertake migrations that correspond with the movement of the Angola–Benguela frontal zone, moving north as far as Gabon in winter and returning to southern Angola in spring, when spawning appeared to take place offshore. There are currently no catch restrictions on A. coronus in Angolan waters. However, declining catches and increasing fishing effort suggest that some management intervention is required, commencing with a proposed closure of the Cunene Estuary mouth region to fishing.