Update of Genetic Linkage Map and QTL Analysis for Growth Traits in Eucommia ulmoides Oliver

Eucommia ulmoides (Tu-chung) is an economically and ecologically important tree species which has attracted worldwide attention due to its application in pharmacology, landscaping, wind sheltering and sand fixation. Molecular marker technologies can elucidate the genetic mechanism and substantially improve the breeding efficiency of E. ulmoides. The current research updated the original linkage map, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was performed on tree growth traits measured over 10 consecutive years in an E. ulmoides F1 population (“Xiaoye” × “Qinzhong No.1”). In total, 452 polymorphic markers were scored from 365 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers, with an average of 1.24 polymorphic markers per primer combination. The integrated map was 1913.29 cM (centimorgan) long, covering 94.10% of the estimated genome and with an average marker density of 2.20 cM. A total of 869 markers were mapped into 19 major independent linkage groups. Growth-related traits measured over 10 consecutive years showed a significant correlation, and 89 hypothetical QTLs were forecasted and divided into 27 distinct loci. Three traits for tree height, ground diameter and crown diameter detected 25 QTLs (13 loci), 32 QTLs (17 loci) and 15 QTLs (10 loci), respectively. Based on BLASTX search results in the NCBI database, six candidate genes were obtained. It is important to explore the growth-related genetic mechanism and lay the foundation for the genetic improvement of E. ulmoides at the molecular level.

Incorporating wind sheltering and sediment heat flux into 1-D models of small boreal lakes: a case study with the Canadian Small Lake Model V2.0

Lake models are increasingly being incorporated into global and regional climate and numerical weather prediction systems. Lakes interact with their surroundings through flux exchange at their bottom sediments and with the atmosphere at the surface, and these linkages must be well represented in fully coupled prognostic systems in order to completely elucidate the role of lakes in the climate system. In this study schemes for the inclusion of wind sheltering and sediment heat flux simple enough to be included in any 1-D lake model are presented. Example simulations with the Canadian Small Lake Model show improvements in surface-wind-driven mixing and temperature in summer and a reduction of the bias in the change in heat content under ice compared with a published simulation based on an earlier version of the model.

Incorporating Wind Sheltering and Sediment Heat Flux into 1-D Models of Small Boreal Lakes: A Case Study with the Canadian Small Lake Model V2.0

Lake models are increasingly being incorporated into global and regional climate and numerical weather prediction systems. Lakes interact with their surroundings through flux exchange at their bottom sediments and with the atmosphere at the surface, and these linkages must be well represented in fully coupled prognostic systems in order to completely elucidate the role of lakes in the climate system. In this study schemes for the inclusion of wind sheltering and sediment heat flux simple enough to be included in any one dimensional lake model are presented. Example simulations with the Canadian Small Lake Model show improvements in surface wind driven mixing and temperature in summer, and a reduction of the bias in the change in heat content under ice compared with a published simulation based on an earlier version of the model.

Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis on water quality modelling of Aguamilpa reservoir

<p>The use of water quality models is determined to a great extent by their ability to accurately reproduce observed data series and by their predictive capability without the need to adjust the calibrated parameters. However, the observed abiotic variables involved in a system are measured with a level of uncertainty. The sensitivity analysis concepts and generalized methodology of uncertainty analysis were used via a computer tool called UNCSIM. As a first step, a parametric optimization model of the Aguamilpa reservoir water quality was accomplished. The aforementioned analysis identified that the wind sheltering coefficient (WSC), Chezy bottom friction solution (FRICC), and coefficient of bottom heat exchange (CBHE) were the parameters of the CE-QUAL-W2 model that significantly influenced the behaviour of temperature and dissolved oxygen concentration in the reservoir. Afterwards, the uncertainty of the water quality model was evaluated through the modification of the hydrological and climatological information, which had a major influence on the simulation of the system. This analysis showed the possible changes in hydrodynamic and water quality characteristics of the reservoir, including an increase in the thermocline due to a possible air temperature increase and a rainfall decrease in the region. The innovative coupling routine of the different modules for the sensitivity and uncertainty analysis developed in this research establishes the basis for the future development of a modelling platform to conduct water quality simulations of the Aguamilpa reservoir in real time through continuous meteorological and water discharge information.<strong><br clear="all" /> </strong><strong></strong></p>