The high phenotypic plasticity in the shell of oysters presents a challenge during taxonomic and phylogenetie studies of these economically important bivalves. However, because DNA can exhibit marked differences among...The high phenotypic plasticity in the shell of oysters presents a challenge during taxonomic and phylogenetie studies of these economically important bivalves. However, because DNA can exhibit marked differences among morphologically similar species, DNA barcoding offers a potential means for oyster identification. We analyzed the complete sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I （COI） of five common Crassostrea species in China （including Hong Kong oyster C. hongkongensis, Jinjiang oyster C. ariakensis, Portuguese oyster C. angulata, Kumamoto oyster C. sikamea, and Pacific oyster C. gigas） and screened for distinct fragments. Using these distinct fragments on a high-resolution melting analysis platform, we developed an identification method that does not rely on species-specific PCR or fragment length polymorphism and is efficient, reliable, and easy to visualize. Using a single pair of primers （Oyster- COI-1）, we were able to successfully distinguish among the five oyster species. This new method provides a simple and powerful tool for the identification of oyster species.展开更多
Otolith shape is species specific and is an ideal marker of fish population affiliation. In this study, otolith shape of spottedtail goby Synechogobius ommaturus is used to identify stocks in different spawning locati...Otolith shape is species specific and is an ideal marker of fish population affiliation. In this study, otolith shape of spottedtail goby Synechogobius ommaturus is used to identify stocks in different spawning locations in the Yellow Sea. The main objectives of this study are to explore the potential existence of local stocks of spottedtail goby in the Yellow Sea by analysis of otolith shape, and to investigate ambient impacts on otolith shape. Spottedtail goby was sampled in five locations in the Yellow Sea in 2007 and 2008. Otoliths are described using variables correlated to size (otolith area, perimeter, length, width, and weight) and shape (rectangularity, circularity, and 20 Fourier harmonics). Only standardized otolith variables are used so that the effect of otolith size on the shape variables could be eliminated. There is no significant difference among variables of sex, year, and side (left and right). However, the otolith shapes of the spring stocks and the autumn stocks differ significantly. Otolith shape differences are greater among locations than between years. Correct classification rate of spottedtail goby with the otolith shape at different sampling locations range from 29.7%–77.4%.展开更多
We developed a species-specific PCR method to identify species among dehydrated products of 10 sea cucumber species.Ten reverse species-specific primers designed from the 16 S rRNA gene,in combination with one forward...We developed a species-specific PCR method to identify species among dehydrated products of 10 sea cucumber species.Ten reverse species-specific primers designed from the 16 S rRNA gene,in combination with one forward universal primer,generated PCR fragments of ca.270 bp length for each species.The specificity of the PCR assay was tested with DNA of samples of 21 sea cucumber species.Amplification was observed in specific species only.The species-specific PCR method we developed was successfully applied to authenticate species of commercial products of dehydrated sea cucumber,and was proven to be a useful,rapid,and low-cost technique to identify the origin of the sea cucumber product.展开更多
In this review, I explore the effects of both social organization and the physical environment, specifically habitat complexity, on the brains and behavior of highly visual African cichlid fishes, drawing on examples ...In this review, I explore the effects of both social organization and the physical environment, specifically habitat complexity, on the brains and behavior of highly visual African cichlid fishes, drawing on examples from primates and birds where appropriate. In closely related fishes from the monophyletic Ectodinii clade of Lake Tanganyika, both forces influence cichlid brains and behavior. Considering social influences first, visual acuity differs with respect to social organization （monogamy versus polygyny）. Both the telencephalon and amygdalar homologue, area Dm, are larger in monogamous species. Monogamous species are found to have more vasotocin-immunoreactive cells in the preoptic area of the brain. Habitat complexity also influences brain and behavior in these fishes. Total brain size, telencephalic and cerebellar size are positively correlated with habitat complexity. Visual acuity and spatial memory are enhanced in cichlids living in more complex environments. However habitat complexity and social forces affect cichlid brains differently. Taken together, our field data and plasticity data suggest that some of the species-specific neural effects of habitat complexity could be the consequence of the corresponding social correlates. Environmental forces, however, exert a broader effect on brain structures than social ones do, suggesting allometric expansion of the brain structures in concert with brain size and/or co-evolntion of these structures [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 144-156, 2010].展开更多
Though light conditions are known to affect the development and anti-predation strategies of several aquatic species, relatively little is known about how different species react to light, or how light can affect thes...Though light conditions are known to affect the development and anti-predation strategies of several aquatic species, relatively little is known about how different species react to light, or how light can affect these species during different points in their life-cycle. In this study, we used four sympatric anuran tadpoles （Bufo gargarizans, B. melanostictus, Pelophylax nigromaculatus and Microhyla fissipes） as animal system to examine species-specific activities of the underdoing different light intensity treatments, so as to better understand how they respond to light. We exposed four different species of tadpoles to 1660 and 14 lux light intensity treatments and then measured several parameters including development stage, body length and tail length, and as well as their basic activities. The results of this observation and analysis showed that the activities of tadpoles were significantly greater in B. gargarizans and B. melanostictus than in P. nigromaculatus and M. fissipes; and were also significantly greater during times of high light intensity as compared to during low light intensity. Moreover, the observed relationship between species and light intensity was significant. The activities ofB. gargarizans and B. melanostictus tadpoles were greater in high light, while the activity of P. nigromaculatus tadpoles was greater in low light intensity, while M. fissipes tadpoles showed no differences in either low or high intensity light. Furthermore, the activities orB. gargarizans, B. melanostictus and M. fissipes tadpoles in terms of developmental stage, body size or tail length did not seem to differ with light intensity, but during early larval developmental period of P. nigromaculatus, the activity of tadpoles was negatively correlated with development stage, but irrelevant to either body size or tail length in different light intensities. These results lead us to conclude the observed activities of the four sympatric anuran tadpoles are closely correlated with their specific anti-predation strategies.展开更多
The Tibetan forest is one of the most important national forest zones in China. Despite the potentially important role that Tibetan forest will play in the Earth?s future carbon balance and climate regulation, few all...The Tibetan forest is one of the most important national forest zones in China. Despite the potentially important role that Tibetan forest will play in the Earth?s future carbon balance and climate regulation, few allometric equations exist for accurately estimating biomass and carbon budgets of this forest. In the present study, allometric equations,both species-specific and generic, were developed relating component biomass(DW) to diameter at breast height(DBH) and tree height(H) for six most common tree species in Tibetan forest. The 6 species were Abies georgei Orr., Picea spinulosa(Griff.)Henry, Pinus densata Mast., Pinus yunnanensis Franch., Cypresses funebris Endl. and Quercus semecarpifilia Smith.. The results showed that, both DBH-only and DBH2 H based species-specific equations showed a significant fit(P<0.05) for all tree species and biomass components. The DBH-only equations explained more than 80% variability of the component biomass and total biomass, adding H as a second independent variable increased the goodness of fit, while incorporating H into the term DBH2 H decreased the goodness of fit. However, not all DBH-H combined equations showed a significant fit(P<0.05) for all tree species and biomass components. Hence, the suggested species-specific allometric equations for the six most common tree species are of the form ln(DW) = c + αln(DBH). The generalized equations of mixed coniferous component biomass against DBH, DBH2 H and DBH-H also showed a significant fit(P<0.05) for all biomass components. However, due to significant species effect, the relative errors of the estimates were very high. Hence, generalized equations should only be used when there are too many different tree species, or there is no species-specific model of the same species or similar growth form in adjacent area.展开更多
Pleurochrysis carterae is a calcifi ed coccolithophorid species that usually blooms in the coastal area and causes aquaculture losses. The cellular calcifi cation, blooming and many other critical species specifi c ec...Pleurochrysis carterae is a calcifi ed coccolithophorid species that usually blooms in the coastal area and causes aquaculture losses. The cellular calcifi cation, blooming and many other critical species specifi c eco-physiological processes are closely related to various metabolic pathways. The purpose of this study is to apply the unbiased and non-destructive method of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) to detect the unknown holistic metabolite of P. carterae. The results show that NMR spectroscopic method is practical in the analysis of metabolites of phytoplankton. The metabolome of P. carterae was dominated by 26 metabolites involved in a number of dif ferent primary and secondary metabolic pathways. Organic acids and their derivatives, amino acids, sugars, nucleic aides were mainly detected. The abundant metabolites are that closely related to the process of cellular osmotic adjustment, which possibly refl ect the active ability of P. carterae to adapt to the versatile coastal niche. DMSP(dimethylsulphoniopropionate) was the most dominant metabolite in P. carterae, up to 2.065±0.278 mg/g lyophilized cells, followed by glutamate and lactose, the contents were 0.349±0.035 and 0.301±0.073 mg/g lyophilized cells respectively. Other metabolites that had the content ranged between 0.1–0.2 mg/g lyophilized cells were alanine, isethionate and arabinose. Amino acid(valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, tyrosine), organic acid salts(lactate, succinate), scyllitol and uracil had content ranged from 0.01 to below 0.1 mg/g lyophilized cells. Trigonelline, fumarate and formate were detected in very low content(only thousandths of 1 mg per gram of lyophilized cells or below). Our results of the holistic metabolites of P. carterae are the basic references for the further studies when multiple problems will be addressed to this notorious blooming calcifying species.展开更多
Zea mays L. is one of the biggest cropping systems among the sustainable development agronomy. Pollen from this crop source is unexplored and apiculture can be a good partner adding value to the product and creating n...Zea mays L. is one of the biggest cropping systems among the sustainable development agronomy. Pollen from this crop source is unexplored and apiculture can be a good partner adding value to the product and creating new jobs helping to solve some social issues as unemployment. However, food safety is crucial, thus the aim of this study was to explore the flavonoid/phenolic profiles from Z. mays L. pollen as a fingerprint for this plant identification and also to demonstrate how the method of bee pollen samples （honeybee collected pollen） is applied. For this purpose, several sources ofZ. mays L. pollen were analyzed, including corn hybrids and genetic modified samples collected at the breeding fields. For this work, samples were taken at several years from 2000 to 2012 and collected from different countries and locations, such as Portugal, Mexico and Brazil. Results showed, for the first time, that the fingerprint （flavonoid/phenolic profile） for Z. mays L. pollen does not change over the time of sampling neither with the region of harvesting. The high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector （HPLC/DAD） fingerprints of phenolic/flavonoid extract from Z. mays remain unchanged for all samples analyzed from different countries, hybrids and/or genetic modified plants. This is also the first study reporting these phenolic compounds not only in pollen collected directly from hybrid plants, but also in Z. mays bee pollen. The described fingerprinting method is easy, fast and accurate for the characterization of Z. mays L. pollen samples and complete microscopic analysis because it is species-specific.展开更多
The present review aims to illustrate the strategies that are being implemented to regenerate or bioengineer livers for clinical purposes.There are two general pathways to liver bioengineering and regeneration.The fir...The present review aims to illustrate the strategies that are being implemented to regenerate or bioengineer livers for clinical purposes.There are two general pathways to liver bioengineering and regeneration.The first consists of creating a supporting scaffold,either synthetically or by decellularization of human or animal organs,and seeding cells on the scaffold,where they will mature either in bioreactors or in vivo.This strategy seems to offer the quickest route to clinical translation,as demonstrated by the development of liver organoids from rodent livers which were repopulated with organ specific cells of animal and/or human origin.Liver bioengineering has potential for transplantation and for toxicity testing during preclinical drug development.The second possibility is to induce liver regeneration of dead or resected tissue by manipulating cell pathways.In fact,it is well known that the liver has peculiar regenerative potential which allows hepatocyte hyperplasia after amputation of liver volume.Infusion of autologous bone marrow cells,which aids in liver regeneration,into patients was shown to be safe and to improve their clinical condition,but the specific cells responsible for liver regeneration have not yet been determined and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.A complete understanding of the cell pathways and dynamics and of the functioning of liver stem cell niche is necessary for the clinical translation of regenerative medicine strategies.As well,it will be crucial to elucidate the mechanisms through which cells interact with the extracellular matrix,and how this latter supports and drives cell fate.展开更多
Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the tissues (muscle, stomach, liver, gills, skin, and gonads) of five fish species (mullet Liza haematocheilus, flathead fish Platycephalus indicus, sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus, macke...Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the tissues (muscle, stomach, liver, gills, skin, and gonads) of five fish species (mullet Liza haematocheilus, flathead fish Platycephalus indicus, sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus, mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius and silver pomfret Pampus argenteus) collected from Laizhou Bay in the Bohai Sea of China were investigated. The results indicate that Hg bioaccumulation in the five fish was tissue- specific, with the highest levels in the muscle and liver, followed by the stomach and gonads. The lowest levels were found in the gills and skin. Fish at higher trophic levels (flathead fish and sea bass) exhibited higher Hg concentrations than consumers at lower trophic levels. Mercury bioaccumulation tended to be positively correlated with fish length in mullet, silver pomfret, mackerel, and flathead fish, but was negatively correlated with fish length in sea bass. The Hg concentrations in the muscles of all fish species in Laizhou Bay were within the permissible limits of food safety set by national and international criteria. However, the suggesting maximum consumption of sea bass is 263g per week for human health.展开更多
Allometric models are necessary for estimating biomass in terrestrial ecosystems. Generalized allometric relationship exists for many tropical trees, but species- and region-specific models are often lacking. We devel...Allometric models are necessary for estimating biomass in terrestrial ecosystems. Generalized allometric relationship exists for many tropical trees, but species- and region-specific models are often lacking. We developed species-specific allometric models to predict aboveground biomass for 11 native tree species of the Sudanian savanna- woodlands. Diameters at the base and at breast height, with species means ranging respectively from 11 to 28 cm and 9 to 19 cm, and the height of the trees were used as predictor variables. Sampled trees spanned a wide range of sizes including the largest sizes these species can reach. As a response variable, the biomass of the trees was obtained through destructive sampling of 4 754 trees during wood harvesting. We used a stepwise multiple regression analysis with backward elimination procedure to develop models separately predicting, total biomass of the trees, stem biomass, and biomass of branches and twigs. All species- specific regression models relating biomass with measured tree dimen- sions were highly significant （p 〈 0.001）. The biomass of branches and twigs was less predictable compared to stem biomass and total biomass, although their models required fewer predictors and predictor interac- tions. The best-fit equations for total above-ground biomass and stem biomass bad R2 〉 0.70, except for the Acacia species; for branches including twig biomass, R2-values varied from 0.749 for Anogeissus leiocarpa to 0.183 for Acacia macrostachya. The use of these equations in estimating available biomass will avoid destructive sampling, and aid in planning for sustainable use of these species.展开更多
Current global warming is particularly pronounced in the Arctic and arthropods are expected to respond rapidly to these changes. Long-term studies of individual arthropod species from the Arctic are, however, virtuall...Current global warming is particularly pronounced in the Arctic and arthropods are expected to respond rapidly to these changes. Long-term studies of individual arthropod species from the Arctic are, however, virtually absent. We examined butterfly specimens collected from yellow pitfall traps over 14 years （1996-2009） at Zackenberg in high-arctic, north-east Greenland. Specimens were previously sorted to the family level. We identified them to the species level and examined long-term species-specific phenological responses to recent summer wanning. Two species were rare in the samples （Polaris fritillary Boloria polaris and Arctic blue Plebejus glandon） and statistical analyses of phenological responses were therefore restricted to the two most abundant species （Arctic fritillary, B. chariclea and Northern clouded yellow Colias hecla）. Our analyses demonstrated a trend towards earlier flight seasons in B. chariclea, but not in C. hecla. The timing of onset, peak and end of the flight season in B. chariclea were closely related to snowmelt, July temperature and their interaction, whereas onset, peak and end of the flight season in C. hecla were only related to timing of snowmelt. The duration of the butterfly flight season was significantly positively related to the temporal overlap with floral resources in both butterfly species. We further demonstrate that yellow pitfall traps are a useful alternative to transect walks for butterfly recording in tundra habitats. More phenological studies of Arctic arthropods should be carded out at the species level and ideally be analysed in context with interacting species to assess how ongoing climate change will affect Arctic biodiversity in the near future [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 243-251, 2014].展开更多
In this study, semivariance was used to quantitatively measure the spatial heterogeneity for the egg population of cotton bollworm during a growing season. The typical characteristic parameters of theoretical semivari...In this study, semivariance was used to quantitatively measure the spatial heterogeneity for the egg population of cotton bollworm during a growing season. The typical characteristic parameters of theoretical semivariance models against lag distances were applied to measure components of spatial heterogeneity： trend, range, spatial dependence, and the strength of spatial dependence. Then, kriging interpolation was used to evaluate the population risk of cotton bollworm exceeding economic thresholds. From early June through early September, the population densities were sampled 10 times in the study field. Results showed that the spatial patterns were related to population density. For its low-density population, the spatially heterogeneous trends were usually of spherical shapes; but for highdensity ones, the trends shifted to Gaussian shapes. The spatial dependence appeared at varied distances ranging from 52 meters to 936 meters, and the spatial dependence was in the range of 0.39-288.60, which changed with population densities. While having high heterogeneity, the strength of spatial dependence became much stronger. Results of population risk analysis showed that there was a high risk during its early stages, especially in mid-June. In August, population risk was so low that it did not need to be controlled.展开更多
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2010CB126402)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.40730845,41206149)+4 种基金the Shandong Provincial Natural Science Foundation(No.ZR2010DQ024)the National High Technology Research and Development Program of China(863 Program)(No.2012AA10A405)the Earmarked Fund for Modern Agro-Industry Technology Research System(No.CARS-48)the Taishan Scholar Program of Shandong Provincethe Taishan Scholar Climbing Program of Shandong Province
文摘The high phenotypic plasticity in the shell of oysters presents a challenge during taxonomic and phylogenetie studies of these economically important bivalves. However, because DNA can exhibit marked differences among morphologically similar species, DNA barcoding offers a potential means for oyster identification. We analyzed the complete sequences of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I （COI） of five common Crassostrea species in China （including Hong Kong oyster C. hongkongensis, Jinjiang oyster C. ariakensis, Portuguese oyster C. angulata, Kumamoto oyster C. sikamea, and Pacific oyster C. gigas） and screened for distinct fragments. Using these distinct fragments on a high-resolution melting analysis platform, we developed an identification method that does not rely on species-specific PCR or fragment length polymorphism and is efficient, reliable, and easy to visualize. Using a single pair of primers （Oyster- COI-1）, we were able to successfully distinguish among the five oyster species. This new method provides a simple and powerful tool for the identification of oyster species.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China (973 program) (No.2005CB422306)the National Natural Science Foundation of China under the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups (No.40821004)the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province (No.Y2008D21)
文摘Otolith shape is species specific and is an ideal marker of fish population affiliation. In this study, otolith shape of spottedtail goby Synechogobius ommaturus is used to identify stocks in different spawning locations in the Yellow Sea. The main objectives of this study are to explore the potential existence of local stocks of spottedtail goby in the Yellow Sea by analysis of otolith shape, and to investigate ambient impacts on otolith shape. Spottedtail goby was sampled in five locations in the Yellow Sea in 2007 and 2008. Otoliths are described using variables correlated to size (otolith area, perimeter, length, width, and weight) and shape (rectangularity, circularity, and 20 Fourier harmonics). Only standardized otolith variables are used so that the effect of otolith size on the shape variables could be eliminated. There is no significant difference among variables of sex, year, and side (left and right). However, the otolith shapes of the spring stocks and the autumn stocks differ significantly. Otolith shape differences are greater among locations than between years. Correct classification rate of spottedtail goby with the otolith shape at different sampling locations range from 29.7%–77.4%.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31201999)the Natural Science Foundation of Guangdong Province,China(No.S2011040000463)+4 种基金the Foundation for Distinguished Young Talents in Higher Education of Guangdong,China(No.LYM11086)the Key Laboratory Program of Tropical Marine Bio-Resources and Ecology,Chinese Academy of Science(No.LMB111004)the China Spark Program(Nos.2012GA780007,2012GA780020,2012GA780008)the National Students'Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Project(No.201210579031)the Zhanjiang Foundation for Science and Technology,China(Nos.2011C3104009,2011D0244,2012C3102018)
文摘We developed a species-specific PCR method to identify species among dehydrated products of 10 sea cucumber species.Ten reverse species-specific primers designed from the 16 S rRNA gene,in combination with one forward universal primer,generated PCR fragments of ca.270 bp length for each species.The specificity of the PCR assay was tested with DNA of samples of 21 sea cucumber species.Amplification was observed in specific species only.The species-specific PCR method we developed was successfully applied to authenticate species of commercial products of dehydrated sea cucumber,and was proven to be a useful,rapid,and low-cost technique to identify the origin of the sea cucumber product.
基金supported by NSF grants IBN-02180005 to Caroly Shumway (CAS) and IBN-021795 to Hans Hofmann (HAH)a German-American Research Networking Program grant to CAS and HAH+1 种基金the New England Aquarium to CASthe Bauer Center for Genomics Research to HAH
文摘In this review, I explore the effects of both social organization and the physical environment, specifically habitat complexity, on the brains and behavior of highly visual African cichlid fishes, drawing on examples from primates and birds where appropriate. In closely related fishes from the monophyletic Ectodinii clade of Lake Tanganyika, both forces influence cichlid brains and behavior. Considering social influences first, visual acuity differs with respect to social organization （monogamy versus polygyny）. Both the telencephalon and amygdalar homologue, area Dm, are larger in monogamous species. Monogamous species are found to have more vasotocin-immunoreactive cells in the preoptic area of the brain. Habitat complexity also influences brain and behavior in these fishes. Total brain size, telencephalic and cerebellar size are positively correlated with habitat complexity. Visual acuity and spatial memory are enhanced in cichlids living in more complex environments. However habitat complexity and social forces affect cichlid brains differently. Taken together, our field data and plasticity data suggest that some of the species-specific neural effects of habitat complexity could be the consequence of the corresponding social correlates. Environmental forces, however, exert a broader effect on brain structures than social ones do, suggesting allometric expansion of the brain structures in concert with brain size and/or co-evolntion of these structures [Current Zoology 56 （1）： 144-156, 2010].
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(30970435,31270443)the Zhejiang Provincial National Science Foundation of China(C030403)+1 种基金the Open Research Fund program of Laboratory of Lishui University(2014-26-10)the Scientific Research Foundation of Ph.D.in Lishui University(QD1301)
文摘Though light conditions are known to affect the development and anti-predation strategies of several aquatic species, relatively little is known about how different species react to light, or how light can affect these species during different points in their life-cycle. In this study, we used four sympatric anuran tadpoles （Bufo gargarizans, B. melanostictus, Pelophylax nigromaculatus and Microhyla fissipes） as animal system to examine species-specific activities of the underdoing different light intensity treatments, so as to better understand how they respond to light. We exposed four different species of tadpoles to 1660 and 14 lux light intensity treatments and then measured several parameters including development stage, body length and tail length, and as well as their basic activities. The results of this observation and analysis showed that the activities of tadpoles were significantly greater in B. gargarizans and B. melanostictus than in P. nigromaculatus and M. fissipes; and were also significantly greater during times of high light intensity as compared to during low light intensity. Moreover, the observed relationship between species and light intensity was significant. The activities ofB. gargarizans and B. melanostictus tadpoles were greater in high light, while the activity of P. nigromaculatus tadpoles was greater in low light intensity, while M. fissipes tadpoles showed no differences in either low or high intensity light. Furthermore, the activities orB. gargarizans, B. melanostictus and M. fissipes tadpoles in terms of developmental stage, body size or tail length did not seem to differ with light intensity, but during early larval developmental period of P. nigromaculatus, the activity of tadpoles was negatively correlated with development stage, but irrelevant to either body size or tail length in different light intensities. These results lead us to conclude the observed activities of the four sympatric anuran tadpoles are closely correlated with their specific anti-predation strategies.
基金supported by the “Strategic Priority Research Program” of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Grant No. XDA05050207)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 31300416)
文摘The Tibetan forest is one of the most important national forest zones in China. Despite the potentially important role that Tibetan forest will play in the Earth?s future carbon balance and climate regulation, few allometric equations exist for accurately estimating biomass and carbon budgets of this forest. In the present study, allometric equations,both species-specific and generic, were developed relating component biomass(DW) to diameter at breast height(DBH) and tree height(H) for six most common tree species in Tibetan forest. The 6 species were Abies georgei Orr., Picea spinulosa(Griff.)Henry, Pinus densata Mast., Pinus yunnanensis Franch., Cypresses funebris Endl. and Quercus semecarpifilia Smith.. The results showed that, both DBH-only and DBH2 H based species-specific equations showed a significant fit(P<0.05) for all tree species and biomass components. The DBH-only equations explained more than 80% variability of the component biomass and total biomass, adding H as a second independent variable increased the goodness of fit, while incorporating H into the term DBH2 H decreased the goodness of fit. However, not all DBH-H combined equations showed a significant fit(P<0.05) for all tree species and biomass components. Hence, the suggested species-specific allometric equations for the six most common tree species are of the form ln(DW) = c + αln(DBH). The generalized equations of mixed coniferous component biomass against DBH, DBH2 H and DBH-H also showed a significant fit(P<0.05) for all biomass components. However, due to significant species effect, the relative errors of the estimates were very high. Hence, generalized equations should only be used when there are too many different tree species, or there is no species-specific model of the same species or similar growth form in adjacent area.
基金Supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Zhengjiang Province(No.LY12D06001)the Academic Discipline Project of Ningbo University(No.XKl15D236)+4 种基金the Zhejiang Marine Biotechnology Innovation Team(ZMBIT)(No.2010R50029)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31172448)the Project of Ministry of Education,China(No.20133305130001)the Zhejiang Natural Science Foundation(No.LY15C190004)the K.C.Wong Magna Fund of Ningbo University
文摘Pleurochrysis carterae is a calcifi ed coccolithophorid species that usually blooms in the coastal area and causes aquaculture losses. The cellular calcifi cation, blooming and many other critical species specifi c eco-physiological processes are closely related to various metabolic pathways. The purpose of this study is to apply the unbiased and non-destructive method of nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR) to detect the unknown holistic metabolite of P. carterae. The results show that NMR spectroscopic method is practical in the analysis of metabolites of phytoplankton. The metabolome of P. carterae was dominated by 26 metabolites involved in a number of dif ferent primary and secondary metabolic pathways. Organic acids and their derivatives, amino acids, sugars, nucleic aides were mainly detected. The abundant metabolites are that closely related to the process of cellular osmotic adjustment, which possibly refl ect the active ability of P. carterae to adapt to the versatile coastal niche. DMSP(dimethylsulphoniopropionate) was the most dominant metabolite in P. carterae, up to 2.065±0.278 mg/g lyophilized cells, followed by glutamate and lactose, the contents were 0.349±0.035 and 0.301±0.073 mg/g lyophilized cells respectively. Other metabolites that had the content ranged between 0.1–0.2 mg/g lyophilized cells were alanine, isethionate and arabinose. Amino acid(valine, phenylalanine, isoleucine, tyrosine), organic acid salts(lactate, succinate), scyllitol and uracil had content ranged from 0.01 to below 0.1 mg/g lyophilized cells. Trigonelline, fumarate and formate were detected in very low content(only thousandths of 1 mg per gram of lyophilized cells or below). Our results of the holistic metabolites of P. carterae are the basic references for the further studies when multiple problems will be addressed to this notorious blooming calcifying species.
文摘Zea mays L. is one of the biggest cropping systems among the sustainable development agronomy. Pollen from this crop source is unexplored and apiculture can be a good partner adding value to the product and creating new jobs helping to solve some social issues as unemployment. However, food safety is crucial, thus the aim of this study was to explore the flavonoid/phenolic profiles from Z. mays L. pollen as a fingerprint for this plant identification and also to demonstrate how the method of bee pollen samples （honeybee collected pollen） is applied. For this purpose, several sources ofZ. mays L. pollen were analyzed, including corn hybrids and genetic modified samples collected at the breeding fields. For this work, samples were taken at several years from 2000 to 2012 and collected from different countries and locations, such as Portugal, Mexico and Brazil. Results showed, for the first time, that the fingerprint （flavonoid/phenolic profile） for Z. mays L. pollen does not change over the time of sampling neither with the region of harvesting. The high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector （HPLC/DAD） fingerprints of phenolic/flavonoid extract from Z. mays remain unchanged for all samples analyzed from different countries, hybrids and/or genetic modified plants. This is also the first study reporting these phenolic compounds not only in pollen collected directly from hybrid plants, but also in Z. mays bee pollen. The described fingerprinting method is easy, fast and accurate for the characterization of Z. mays L. pollen samples and complete microscopic analysis because it is species-specific.
文摘The present review aims to illustrate the strategies that are being implemented to regenerate or bioengineer livers for clinical purposes.There are two general pathways to liver bioengineering and regeneration.The first consists of creating a supporting scaffold,either synthetically or by decellularization of human or animal organs,and seeding cells on the scaffold,where they will mature either in bioreactors or in vivo.This strategy seems to offer the quickest route to clinical translation,as demonstrated by the development of liver organoids from rodent livers which were repopulated with organ specific cells of animal and/or human origin.Liver bioengineering has potential for transplantation and for toxicity testing during preclinical drug development.The second possibility is to induce liver regeneration of dead or resected tissue by manipulating cell pathways.In fact,it is well known that the liver has peculiar regenerative potential which allows hepatocyte hyperplasia after amputation of liver volume.Infusion of autologous bone marrow cells,which aids in liver regeneration,into patients was shown to be safe and to improve their clinical condition,but the specific cells responsible for liver regeneration have not yet been determined and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown.A complete understanding of the cell pathways and dynamics and of the functioning of liver stem cell niche is necessary for the clinical translation of regenerative medicine strategies.As well,it will be crucial to elucidate the mechanisms through which cells interact with the extracellular matrix,and how this latter supports and drives cell fate.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China for International or Regional Research Cooperation and Exchange Project(No.31061160187)the National Natural Science Foundation of China for Creative Research Group(No.41121064)
文摘Mercury (Hg) concentrations in the tissues (muscle, stomach, liver, gills, skin, and gonads) of five fish species (mullet Liza haematocheilus, flathead fish Platycephalus indicus, sea bass Lateolabrax japonicus, mackerel Scomberomorus niphonius and silver pomfret Pampus argenteus) collected from Laizhou Bay in the Bohai Sea of China were investigated. The results indicate that Hg bioaccumulation in the five fish was tissue- specific, with the highest levels in the muscle and liver, followed by the stomach and gonads. The lowest levels were found in the gills and skin. Fish at higher trophic levels (flathead fish and sea bass) exhibited higher Hg concentrations than consumers at lower trophic levels. Mercury bioaccumulation tended to be positively correlated with fish length in mullet, silver pomfret, mackerel, and flathead fish, but was negatively correlated with fish length in sea bass. The Hg concentrations in the muscles of all fish species in Laizhou Bay were within the permissible limits of food safety set by national and international criteria. However, the suggesting maximum consumption of sea bass is 263g per week for human health.
基金provided by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida)
文摘Allometric models are necessary for estimating biomass in terrestrial ecosystems. Generalized allometric relationship exists for many tropical trees, but species- and region-specific models are often lacking. We developed species-specific allometric models to predict aboveground biomass for 11 native tree species of the Sudanian savanna- woodlands. Diameters at the base and at breast height, with species means ranging respectively from 11 to 28 cm and 9 to 19 cm, and the height of the trees were used as predictor variables. Sampled trees spanned a wide range of sizes including the largest sizes these species can reach. As a response variable, the biomass of the trees was obtained through destructive sampling of 4 754 trees during wood harvesting. We used a stepwise multiple regression analysis with backward elimination procedure to develop models separately predicting, total biomass of the trees, stem biomass, and biomass of branches and twigs. All species- specific regression models relating biomass with measured tree dimen- sions were highly significant （p 〈 0.001）. The biomass of branches and twigs was less predictable compared to stem biomass and total biomass, although their models required fewer predictors and predictor interac- tions. The best-fit equations for total above-ground biomass and stem biomass bad R2 〉 0.70, except for the Acacia species; for branches including twig biomass, R2-values varied from 0.749 for Anogeissus leiocarpa to 0.183 for Acacia macrostachya. The use of these equations in estimating available biomass will avoid destructive sampling, and aid in planning for sustainable use of these species.
文摘Current global warming is particularly pronounced in the Arctic and arthropods are expected to respond rapidly to these changes. Long-term studies of individual arthropod species from the Arctic are, however, virtually absent. We examined butterfly specimens collected from yellow pitfall traps over 14 years （1996-2009） at Zackenberg in high-arctic, north-east Greenland. Specimens were previously sorted to the family level. We identified them to the species level and examined long-term species-specific phenological responses to recent summer wanning. Two species were rare in the samples （Polaris fritillary Boloria polaris and Arctic blue Plebejus glandon） and statistical analyses of phenological responses were therefore restricted to the two most abundant species （Arctic fritillary, B. chariclea and Northern clouded yellow Colias hecla）. Our analyses demonstrated a trend towards earlier flight seasons in B. chariclea, but not in C. hecla. The timing of onset, peak and end of the flight season in B. chariclea were closely related to snowmelt, July temperature and their interaction, whereas onset, peak and end of the flight season in C. hecla were only related to timing of snowmelt. The duration of the butterfly flight season was significantly positively related to the temporal overlap with floral resources in both butterfly species. We further demonstrate that yellow pitfall traps are a useful alternative to transect walks for butterfly recording in tundra habitats. More phenological studies of Arctic arthropods should be carded out at the species level and ideally be analysed in context with interacting species to assess how ongoing climate change will affect Arctic biodiversity in the near future [Current Zoology 60 （2）： 243-251, 2014].
文摘In this study, semivariance was used to quantitatively measure the spatial heterogeneity for the egg population of cotton bollworm during a growing season. The typical characteristic parameters of theoretical semivariance models against lag distances were applied to measure components of spatial heterogeneity： trend, range, spatial dependence, and the strength of spatial dependence. Then, kriging interpolation was used to evaluate the population risk of cotton bollworm exceeding economic thresholds. From early June through early September, the population densities were sampled 10 times in the study field. Results showed that the spatial patterns were related to population density. For its low-density population, the spatially heterogeneous trends were usually of spherical shapes; but for highdensity ones, the trends shifted to Gaussian shapes. The spatial dependence appeared at varied distances ranging from 52 meters to 936 meters, and the spatial dependence was in the range of 0.39-288.60, which changed with population densities. While having high heterogeneity, the strength of spatial dependence became much stronger. Results of population risk analysis showed that there was a high risk during its early stages, especially in mid-June. In August, population risk was so low that it did not need to be controlled.
