Abstract:Endosulfan is a kind of manufactured organochlorine pesticide.It is widely used to control insects in agriculture,including food crops such as grains,vegetables,fruits,and tea.Although endosulfan plays an important role in controlling insects and increasing crop production,it affects aquatic organism survival.The primary objective of the research provided information of aquatic toxicology and evaluated the survival risks of aquatic organism during acute and sub-chronic endosulfan exposure.The paper summarized the toxicological effects of endosulfan on Zebrafish(Danio rerio) in glass aquaria under static conditions.The results showed that the concentrations of endosulfan that killed 50% of the Zebrafish within 24 h,48 h,72 h,96 h LC₅₀ were 4.24 μg/L,2.49 μg/L,1.77 μg/L,1.62 μg/L respectively.After being exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of endosulfan for 30 d,significant effects of endosulfan on superoxide dismutase(SOD) and acetylcholinesterases(AChE) activity of Zebrafish had been found.The activity of SOD in livers and brains for experimental groups was significantly increased comparing with control groups.The activity of AChE in livers and brains was decreased in dose of endosulfan 0.17 μg/L and 0.74 μg/L.

Abstract:The present paper deals with the toxic effects of Cu²⁺,Zn²⁺,Cd²⁺ in different ion concentration and the joint toxicity of Cu²⁺-Cd²⁺ and Pb²⁺-Zn²⁺ on the embryos development of Spinibarbus hollandi by using the semi-static test method,under the condition of water temperature between 24-26℃.The result suggests that the hatching rate of embryos incubated at the heavy metal solutions of different concentration is lower than the control,and the differences is extreme significant(P<0.01).Malformation of embryos was caused by the heavy metal element during the embryos development stage.The development speed of embryo was advanced in the experimental groups(Cu²⁺≥0.10 mg/L,Cu²⁺-Cd²⁺≥0.50 mg/L,Pb²⁺-Zn²⁺≥2.00 mg/L),but reduced in the rest of experimental groups of various concentration of metal solutions.The toxic effects of the heavy metals on the embryos development of S.hollandi are Cu²⁺>Cd²⁺>Zn²⁺.The safe concentration of Cu²⁺,Cd²⁺,Zn²⁺,Cu²⁺-Cd²⁺,Pb²⁺-Zn²⁺ are 0.009 mg/L,0.065 mg/L,0.023 mg/L,0.011 mg/L,0.523 mg/L respectively.The joint toxicity of Cu²⁺ and Cd²⁺ to the S.hollandi is antagonistic.

Abstract:The necessity of maintaining energy balance is one of the major factors influencing the abundance and distribution of small birds,and many morphological,physiological and behavioral adaptations are related to energy utilization.Basal metabolic rate(BMR) is the rate of energy transformation in a rest,awake and postabsorptive state in the absence of thermal stress,and is the minimum metabolic rate of animals maintaining normally physiological function.Theoretically,BMR limits might be set by central organs(primarily visceral organs such as the pulmonary,cardiovascular,digestive or excretory systems) or by peripheral organs(primarily skeletal muscles) that support peripheral effectors.These ideas represent the ’central limitation hypothesis’ and the ’peripheral limitation hypothesis,’ respectively.In this study,we measured seasonal changes in BMR and organ mass,and evaluated the relationship between BMR,organ mass in Chinese Bulbul(Pycnonotus sinensis).The results were used to test the ’energy demand’ hypothesis for adjustments in metabolic rate.The energy demand hypothesis supposed that birds adjust the size of their internal organs relative to food intake,a correlate of energy demand.Winter and autumn bulbuls demonstrated significantly higher BMR than their spring and summer counterparts.Winter and autumn birds also had higher liver,heart,gizzard,small intestine,kidneys,total digestive tract and muscle than spring and summer birds.These data support the hypothesis that prominent winter increases in BMR are components of winter acclimatization in Chinese Bulbuls and that seasonal changes in metabolism in bulbuls are similar to those for other small wintering birds.Meanwhile,these data test the hypothesis that central and peripheral organs have a significant positive relationship with BMR.The relationship between BMR and internal organs could be due to either(or both) increased energy demand or seasonal shifts in diet.

Abstract:Bird surveys were conducted in July 2007 in four habitats,including even-green forests,shrubs,nursery and park,at lower mountain regions in West Tianmu Mountain.No significant difference in bird species richness was found between shrubs and evergreen forests,while bird density in evergreen forests was significantly higher than that in shrubs.Bird species richness and density in evergreen forests and shrubs were significantly higher than that in nursery and park.There was high similarity between bird communities in nursery and in park.Widely-distributed species was the main composition of the bird communities in nursery and park,while narrowly-distributed species was only recorded in even-green forests and shrubs.This suggests that habitat change caused by human activities has disadvantageous effect on bird community.

Abstract:To clarify the genetic character of Tupaia belangeri from Luquan District,Kunming,we examined DNA sequence variations in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene gotten from 30 individuals.We detected variation at 32 nucleotide sites(2.81% in the full sequences),the rate of transitions and transversions is 10.4.T.belangeri was a valid taxonomic species rather than a sub-species of T.glis based on Cyt b gene sequences;the relationship between order Scandentia and Dermoptera was closer.

Abstract:Uncoupling proteins(UCPs) increase proton leakage across the inner mitochondrial membrane.UCP1 in brown adipose tissue dissipates proton motive force as heat.This mechanism of nonshivering thermogenesis is considered as a monophyletic trait of endothermic placental mammals and provided a crucial advantage for life in the cold.Thereby,UCP1 is thus the only protein capable of mediating cold-acclimation-recruited adaptive adrenergic nonshivering thermogenesis.In this study,the content of UCP1 in BAT in Tree Shrews(Tupaia belangeri) was measured during cold exposure for 0 day,7 days,21 days and 28 days by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The body weight,BAT weight,mitochondrial protein contents and UCP1 contents greatly increased with the cold exposure.The UCP1 content increased by 55.9%(P<0.01) significantly after 28 days cold acclimation.The changes in BAT thermogenic properties are important for the survival under cold stress in T.belangeri.

Abstract:Fallopian tube epithelial cells of the Mongolian Sheep(Ovis aries) were cultured in the medium containing estradiol.Concentration of estradiol was 10^-11,10^-10,10^-9,10^-8,10^-7,10^-6 or 0 mol/L.After culturing for 24,48,and 72 hours,total RNA was extracted and the cDNA encoding sBD-1 was amplified by RT-PCR,respectively.The results show that sBD-1 expression in Fallopian tube epithelial cells is evidently affected by estradiol treatment.There is a positive correlation between sBD-1 expression and estradiol concentration when the hormone is added less than 10^-8 mol/L,while sBD-1 expression is decreased when estradiol concentration is more than 10^-8 mol/L.The data are very important for understanding the relation between estradiol and the defensin.

Abstract:The breeding behaviors of Wenxian Knobby Newt(Tylototriton wenxianensis) were observed in Qingchuan of Sichuan Province and Wenxian of Gansu Province, during April to September 2006 and April to September 2007.The breeding features were primarily studied including sexual differences during the breeding season,breeding migration,mating and spawning,and development of embryos.It shows that the breeding period lasted from early April to early September and the sex ratio kept changing during the period.Breeding behaviors began with the migration and males kept active during the whole course.Courtship,mating and spawning all happened overland around the pools.Females spawned mainly during early May to late July.A female laid 42.8 eggs on average(n=6) and hatching period averaged 26.8 d(n=119)with mean hatchability of 46.3%(n=6).With air temperature rising,relative humidity and rainfall increasing,laid eggs and mean hatching rate increased,while mean hatching period shortened.

Abstract:Population size of Lyrurus tetrix was surveyed in Saihanba Area in December of 2007.Population density was 3.26 ind./km².Compared with the historical date,population density of L.tetrix showed a downward trend,which was relate to habitats deterioration,frequent human activities and illegal hunting.

Abstract:From September to October in 2003 and Four to July in 2004,we examined relation of hormone content in feces and reproductive behaviors of captive Red Deer(Cervus elaphus songaricus)in Lubao Deer Farm,Yulin Town,Lanxi County, Heilongjiang Province.We observed the reproductive behavior and examined the content of steroids,testosterone in male feces and,progesterone,estradiol and estriol in female feces by using non-invasive method and radiate immunity analysis(RIA).We found the frequency of sexual behavior of female was higher in September(P<0.01),and the maternal behavior appeared in June after the young born.Frequency of sniffing and licking calf behaviors had a peak value in June.Calling calf behavior also peaked in June.Higher nursing behavior occurred in June and July,and abnormal nursing and receiving nursing behavior also found.A highest frequency of breeding behavior showed by male,such as sniff urine,flehmen,urine spraying,gland marking,bellowing and hoofing turf was detected in September and October.Antler decoration and fighting behavior were observed mostly in June than any in other months.The behavior of mounting and agitating water happened more often in September and October.The fecal hormone concentration was positive related with the reproductive behaviors of males,however,no significant relations were detected between the fecal female hormone concentrations and the breeding behaviors except for nursing behavior and unusual receiving nurse behavior.

Abstract:The two-dimensional electrophoresis(2-DE) technique for Porcine(Sus scrofa) oocyte proteome analysis was established.The components of protein lysis solution,sample treatment,and 2-DE procedure were optimized.A profile of proteins extracted from Porcine oocytes was obtained clearly.The protein expression profiles of immature and in vitro matured Porcine oocytes were compared. The ImageMaster 2-DE software was used to characterize different proteins.About 800 protein spots were identified,of which 22 proteins were up-regulated and 13 proteins were down-regulated during oocyte maturation in vitro.It proves that proteomics technique base on two-dimensional electrophoresis can be used in further studies on differential protein expressions in Porcine oocyte development.

Abstract:The methionine-enkephalin(M-ENK)in the body surface and digestive system of Neverita didyma was analyzed by the immunohistochemical S-ABC(strept avidin-biotin complex) staining.The results showed that M-ENK positive cells existed widely in the epithelium of foot,inner and outer epithelia of mantle,mucous membrane epithelium of oesophagus,stomach and intestine.Besides,the positive immuno-reaction was centralized in the dissociative sides of alimentary canal epithelium.A small quantity of positive cells was observed in the esophageal gland,too.A great number of positive cells were observed in the liver,mostly in the dissociative sides of the gland cells.It can be concluded that M-ENK is abundantly distributed in the epidermis of the body surface and digestive system in N.didyma,and that different densities of M-ENK in these organs may be referable to their different functions.

Abstract:The structure of reproductive system in Octopus variabilis was studied by anatomical,histological and histochemical methods.O.variabilis is diecious and antigeny.The third right arm of male O.variabilis is hectocotylized. The female reproductive system of O.variabilis is composed of one ovary,a pair of oviducts and oviducal glands.Sexual cord from the ovarian wall is linear and branched with many follicles connected to egg pedicle.Each follicle is made up of one oocyte surrounded by monolayer follicular cells.Oviduct exhibits abundant longitudinal ridges and its epithelial lining is simple ciliated columnar epithelium.The glandular epithelium of oviducal gland is formed by two types of cells: gland cells Ⅰ are bigger and their nuclei are circinal and big also; gland cells Ⅱ are irregular and their nuclei are spindly and anachromasis.The male reproductive system of O.variabilis contains spermary,front deferent duct,sperm capsule,accessory gonad,blind sac,back deferent duct and spermatophore.The spermary is divided into many foliolia by connective tissue.The spermatogenetic cells from the wall of foliolum transform into spermatozoa in the foliolar cavity gradually.The front deferent duct,blind sac and accessory gonad can also secret much mucosubstances to form spermatophore.There are many longitudinal ridges in the sperm capsule and the back deferent duct.The cilia distributing on the free end of the back deferent duct epithelium play an important role in transporting germ cells.The main function of the spermatophore sac is to stockpile the spermatophore.The smooth muscle of the spermatophore sac wall can help to release the spermatophore at the time of copulation.

Abstract:The type,distribution,size and secreting activity of mucous cells stained with H.E and AB-PAS(AB pH =2.6) in the epidermal tumor in Allogynogenetic Crucian Carp(Carassius auratus gibelio ♀ × Cyprinus carpio var.singuonensis ♂) have been studied under light microscope.Based on the observation after AB-PAS stain,the mucous cells in the epidermal tumor were divided into four types: Type Ⅰ which was only PAS positive was in red color,containing neutral mucoitin;Type Ⅱ which was only AB positive was in blue color, containing acid mucoitin;Type Ⅲ which was strong PAS positive and slight AB positive was in purple reddish color,containing mainly neutral mucoitin and slightly acid mucoitin: Type Ⅳ which was strong AB positive and slight PAS positive was in blue purple color,containing mainly acid mucoitin and slightly neutral mucoitin.The type Ⅰ and Ⅱ mucous cells were relatively fewer,and individually distributed among the epithelial cells of epidermal tumor.The secreting method of type Ⅰ and Ⅱ mucous cells was holocrine secretion.The type Ⅲ and Ⅳ mucous cell mainly distributed in cluster in the centre of leaf-like folds of tumor tissue.The secreting method of type Ⅲ and Ⅳ mucous cells was also holocrine secretion which gradually died and disappeared after secreting.When the diseased fish were stressed,the secreting activity of type Ⅲ and Ⅳ mucous cells was more exuberant.The surface of epidermal tumor was covered with mucus which formed white mucus layer.The empty spaces and holes were left after the lyses of mucous cells.Type Ⅲ mucous cell was largest in size(19.02±3.21 μm×14.42±2.69 μm);Type Ⅳ mucous cell was second(15.97±3.31 μm×12.96±2.81 μm);Type Ⅱ mucous cell was third(13.35±3.81 μm×11.05±3.00 μm);Type Ⅰ mucous cell was smallest(11.73±2.45 μm×7.71±0.97 μm).There was significant difference in sizes between different types of mucous cells.

Abstract:Asian Yellow Pond Turtle(Mauremys mutica) is native in tropical East Asia,and is a member of the family Bataguridae.Asian Yellow Pond Turtle had been one of the most popular aquaculture species in Asian owing to the high values for view and Traditional Chinese Medicine.The egg-laying behavior of yellow pond turtle has been observed in the condition of artificial environment in this paper. It indicated that the sum of average temperature of per month from February to April was positive correlative with the quantity of eggs laying in April(P<0.05) by analyzing the data of temperature and egg-laying of turtle in statistics from 2001 to 2006.The time egg-laying begins of the turtle population was controlled in those years by the sum of average temperature of per month from February to April.It was detected that the turtle liked to lay eggs in a high mound,36.378±7.140 cm(n=30) above egg-laying site plane.According to the inherent egg-laying behavior of yellow pond turtle,the whole nesting process was divided into six stages: stage Ⅰ meaning selecting nest,stage Ⅱ meaning excavating body pit,stage Ⅲ meaning excavating egg chamber,stage Ⅳ meaning laying egg,stage Ⅴ meaning covering nest,and stage Ⅵ meaning re-entry water.Time taken by turtle for nesting in six stages was analyzed.The result showed that there was no significant relationship between the time taken in stages Ⅰ, Ⅱ,Ⅲ,Ⅴ,Ⅵ and the clutch.But the relationship between stage Ⅳ and clutch size was significant.

Abstract:Eggs of Trionyx sinensis were incubated in arenaceous substrate with the diameter of sand granule 0.3-0.6 mm and the humidity 7%-10%.The temperature incubated was 33.0±0.5℃ and the relative humidity was 70%-85%.The incubated period was 35-36 d.Embryos of different developmental stage were taken out through breaking up eggshells.Slices were made in order to observe morphological and histological characteristics of the eye development of T.sinensis.Protuberances of eye vesicle appeared on tow sides of the head on 4th day after incubated.The pigment began to appear in eyes on the 6th day.On the 14th day,brown pigment became black.On the 7th day,the pupil appeared.The crystalline lens was visible through the pupil.The iris appeared on the 14th day.It became actinomorphic around the pupil in the 18th and 19th day.The scleral stalk was appeared on the 19th day,increased to the maximum on the 21st day and disappeared on the 23rd day.The upper eyelid and the lower eyelid appeared on the 19th day and the 22nd day respectively.The eyelid was able to cover the pupil on 32nd day,and the eye was similar to mature eye in the form.The cutis ectoderm formed the cornea primordial and the lens vesicle after the 3rd day.After the 32nd day,the cornea developed completely.The crystalline lens developed completely after the 34th day.The nerve ectoderm differentiated and formed the optic vesicle on tow sides of the forebrain from the 44th to 48th hour.The optic cup,which was differentiated from the optic vesicle,gradually differentiated and formed the retina.8-stratum structure of the retina was basically formed after the 23rd day.The retina developed completely after the 34th day.

Abstract:The food impact on the wintering Black-headed Gull(Larus ridibundus) in the region of Lake Dianchi,Southwest China,became a serious issue.In order to find their food selection,18 Black-headed Gulls were fed with 2-6 kinds of food during the 4 experimental stages in 2 large cages for 28 days and returned to the wildness.The results indicated that ① the Black-headed Gull preferred to feed on fresh loach,small fish and shrimp,but also took dry fish,bread,special food and cabbage;② the food consumption,62.67±30.10 g/d averagely and changing from 14.4 g/d to 118.6 g/d,increased when more kinds of food supplied but influenced by the foraging behavior and food edibility;③ the colony forage behavior was usually induced by few individuals,resulting in the increase of some kinds or total food consumption;④ the Black-headed Gull fed less food for 1 or 2 days before regularly forage when food composition changed,which was weaken if they suffered from 24 hour hunger;⑤ the body weight of caged Black-headed Gull decreased while that of wild ones increased during the experiment period, which implied that food supply was only one of factors influencing body weight growth.The authors argued that the wintering Black-headed Gull in the region of Lake Dianchi was forced to take a large amount of bread and special food provided by human beings to meet the lack of animal food in wildness.

Abstract:Skeleton of Cinereous Vulture(Aegypius monachus) was described and measured based on two specimens.Its characteristics are the following: bill is elongated and heavy,with the anterior end curing downward deeply;the prefrontal is free and has a noticeable caudally projecting supraorbital process;the keel is poorly developed;the clavicle is U-shaped with a relatively large coracoid articular pad;the forelimb bone is distinctively longer than that of the hindlimb,and the extensor attachment of metacarpal Ⅰis prominent;the tarsometatarsus is flat anteroposteriorly and bears two less-developed calcaneal ridges.Correlations between morphological characteristics and functional adaptation were discussed.

Abstract:The electrocution survey is in the west of China,including Xinjiang,Qinghai,Sichuan,Gansu and Tibet in 2004-2008.About 178 km 10 kV and 35 kV transmission lines including more than 1 800 electric pylons were checked.The 110 dead birds,feathers and remains were collected and identified nearby the power line.The 79 raptors of electrocution were found in 10 kV(average 1.36 dead birds/km).11.31% pylons threatened the birds.There were 44 nests in 35 kV pylons(average 0.37 nests/km).At least 6.06% pylon was used by raptors.The 24%40% power accidents were caused by birds.The crux is the structure inconsequently,e.g.line exposed.About 20% raptors(11 species) are threatened by electrocution in Western China,which threatened the safe of the transmission line.The rationalization proposal was provided in this article.

Abstract:The characteristics of nests,hatching and growth of Lanius isabellinus phoenicuroides were observed in Shihezi,Xinjiang in the breeding season of 2006 and 2007.The average clutch size of L.i.phoenicuroides was 5.67 eggs,the duration of incubation was 17 days,and nestlings were mainly nursed by their mother for 15 days in the nest.We weighed each nestlings and measured their wing length and body length once a day after they were hatched,then built the models to describe the growth and development of nestlings by using the Logistic equations.The models were highly matched the growth of nestlings with a correlation coefficients,larger than 0.99.

Abstract:Black Muntjac(Muntiacus crinifrons) is a critically endangered mammalian species.For the first time,this study investigated the testis and spermatozoa morphology of M.crinifrons by using Gimsa staining.The parameters of acrosome abnormality were recorded and compared with those of Huanghuai Goat.The results showed that the long axis of Black Muntjac testicle was 4.25 cm while the short axis was 2.05 cm,obviously lower than the values of Huanghuai Goat testicle.The length of Black Muntjac spermatozoon was 54.80 μm and its acrosome was in a cylinder shape.The acrosome covered approximately 2/3 sperm head,while Huanghuai Goat acrosome covered only 1/2 sperm head.Furthermore,we found that the percentage of teratosperm in epididymal caudae was 21.50%±4.23%,and the spermatozoa mobility was 0.20.The percentage of sperm with protoplasmic droplet and abnormal acrosome was 30.17%±4.45% and 30.50%±3.99%,respectively.These data will be useful for assisted reproduction and protection of this endangered species.

Abstract:To explore the normal values of hematology,blood biochemistry and serum hormones of wolf pups(Canis lupus),40 hematological and blood biochemical indexes and 8 serum hormone indexes were measured in eight 4-month-old wolf pups.It is showed that there is no significant sexual difference in hematological and blood biochemical indexes between male and female wolf pups except for the sex-specific serum hormones.

Abstract:One frog specimen of Theloderma kwangsiensis was collected from Hainan Jianfengling Nature Reserve on 30 March 2007.This is a new record of frogs to Hainan Province.Its body characteristics was little difference than the description in literature.

Abstract:Embryo implantation is a complex physiological process,depending on synchronized embryo development to the blastocyst stage and differentiation of uterus into the receptive stage.Embryo can only implant in receptive endometrium,whereas uterine receptivity is only present in a limited period during pregnancy,known as "implantation window".The establishment of uterine receptivity involves morphological changes of luminal epithelium,as well as complicated regulation by steroid hormones and various cytokines.This review highlights the establishment of uterine receptivity and its molecular regulation.

Abstract:In this paper,expression and biological function of bone morphogenetic protein 15(BMP15) in mammalian reproductive system are summarized.BMP15 is expressed in the pituitary and promotes the synthesis of FSH.Secreted specifically by oocytes,it promotes the generation of granular cell and inhibits the differentiation of FSH-dependent cells.Mutations of BMP15 may cause multiplets or sterility in some species,indicating that BMP15 is an important factor regulating animal reproduction.It is necessary to investigate the mechanisms of BMP15 functions and the effect of mutations on reproduction in other species.