Abstract:This paper describes the morphology,structure and content of the spermathecae in Portunus trituberculatus and the its corresponding relationship with ovary by analyzing samples collected during 2005-2006 in East China Sea.In pre-copulation period,the wall of the spermathecae was thin,but the lumen had been partitioned into two chambers,dorsal and ventral(Apr-Jun);Then the spermathecae began to shrink and the wall became relatively coarse while the mucosa developed secretory stratum(Jul-Sep);Finally,the wall evidently proliferated,while its polynuclear columnar epithelium degraded completely.There was nothing but one jelly-like matrix existed in the lumen as revealed by the H-E staining.In copulation period(Oct-Nov),the lumen extended significantly due to the fact that spermathecae received much male material and thus the wall became thin.Moreover,the dorsal part developed many protuberances that much like the Chinese character "凸" or "丁".Correspondingly,the ventral part also developed a few folds.Sperm plug,consisting of four matrixes: MM,FM,APSP,TPSP,formed in the mating process by the reactions between the male matrix and female secretion.This was an important character which implied the crab had successfully experienced mating activity.The spermatophores only existed in the superficial part of the male matrix on the top of dorsal chamber.However,the sperm plug disappeared within no more than two months,which was not responsible for protecting and nourishing the sperm.The dorsal protuberance controlled the whole spermathecal volume,whose formation and degeneration had close relationship with the transportation of spermatophores.In post-copulation period(Dec-Mar),the spermathecae shrinked completely.The dehiscent spermatophores firstly aggregated in the intersection of the dorsal and ventral parts and then stored in the ventral chamber of the spermathecae for the successive fertilization.The relationship between spermathecae and ovary was close and therefore might even have some evolutional significance.Combined with the developmental phases of spermathecae and ovary,we could better differentiate and understand the dynamics of the resource of P.trituberculatus.

Abstract:The pharmacokinetics of difloxacin（DIF） and its metabolite sarafloxacin（SAR） in hemolymph,muscle,hepatopancreas,spermary and ovary of Chinese Mitten-handed Crab（Eriocheir sinensis） were studied by RP-HPLC,after administration by single oral garage of 20 mg/kg.The concentrations versus time in hemolymph,muscle,hepatopancreas,spermary and ovary of E.sinensis were well described by a two-department open model.The results of present studies showed that DIF was rapidly absorbed and extensively distributed in E.sinensis.The apparent volume of distribution（V_d） of DIF of hemolymph,muscle,hepatopancreas,spermary and ovary was 3.170 L/kg,2.122 L/kg,1.045 L/kg,1.051 L/kg and 0.203 L/kg respectively.DIF eliminated slowly.The elimination half-time（t_1/2β） was 96.316 h,88.228 h,137.524 h,67.021 h and 124.679 h,respectively,and the total body clearance（CL_s） was 0.783 L/h·kg,0.04 L/h·kg,0.013 L/h·kg,0.011 L/h·kg and 0.008 L/h·kg.The metabolite SAR concentration-time profiles of the hemolymph,muscle,hepatopancreas,spermary and ovary presented similar trend.The multipeak phenomenon were observed,but the peak time of the metabolite SAR in hemolymph,muscle,hepatopancreas,spermary and ovary was the time that the eliminating rate of DIF was very low.Considering that the eliminating rate of DIF and metabolite SAR were very low.Withdrawal time was more 24 d when the maximum residue of DIF is 100 μg/kg and of SAR is 30 μg/kg after single oral administration of DIF in E.sinensis.

Abstract:Silver Carp(Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) is a traditional edible fish in China with the highest yield cultured.Yangtze River is served as an excellent resource for fish production and gene pool conservation of silver carp.This paper analyzed the age and growth characters from 151 silver carp samples collected from January 2008 and December at the National Original Breeding Farm(NOBF) located in Jianli County,Hubei Province(29°35′N,113°00′E) in which the four major Chinese Carps are cultured.The result indicated that the linear relation between body length(L) and scale length(R) was L=205.96R-6.374 0(n=151,r=0.948 6) and the function relationship between body length and body weight(W) was W=0.023 4L^{2.941 1}(n=151,r=0.995 5).Moreover,the growth model could be described by Von Bertalanffy equation as Lt=93.77[1-e^{-0.208 7(t-0.031 1)}] and Wt=19 293.35[1-e^{-0.208 7(t-0.031 1)}]^{2.941 1}.The growth inflexion was t_i=5.14 years as the inflexion point of body length and body weight was Lr=61.47 cm and Wr=5 570.85 g,respectively.The value of growth parameters we got in this study,such as progressive body length,progressive body weight and age of inflecting point,have become smaller compared with the silver carp sampled in the Tian-e-zhou National Reserve in the middle of 1980s and Hukou area in 1990s.

Abstract:The mitochondrial DNA(mtDNA) has been used as a genetic marker in Gallus gallus and Anser anser,but not in the Anas platyrhychos.In this study,we designed 15 primers by referring to close species.Using PCR amplification,sequencing and assembling,we obtained the complete mitochondrial genome of Beijing Duck(A.platyrhychos).The entire mitochondrial genome was 16 604 bp in length.It contained 37 genes(13 protein coding genes,2 rRNA,and 22 tRNA) and a non-coding control region(D-loop).The composition of the nucleotides is 29.19%A,22.20%T,15.80%G,and 32.81%C.The genome organization including gene order resembled to that of other birds.Based on the sequence of D-loop region,the neighbor-joining method was adopted to examine the phylogenetic relationships among 7 Anseriform birds.The results indicated that Beijing duck and Mallard(A.platyrhychos) had closer phylogenetic relationship.

Abstract:To understand the changes in the number and the genetic mechanism of Himalayan Marmot(Marmota himalayana),4 geographical populations(Delhi,Ulan,Tuotuohe and Ando) living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau were investigated using microsatellite data.Eight microsatellite loci were selected as the molecular markers.The allele numbers,effective allele numbers and polymorphism information content were estimated to characterize genetic diversity.Tests to detect excess heterozygosity in a population at mutation-drift equilibrium were analyzed.The results show that all loci were high polymorphism,the allele numbers,effective allele numbers and polymorphism information content were 4.75,3.033 2 and 0.610 2,respectively.The expected heterozygosity and the observed heterozygosity were 0.670 and 0.699.Tests of departures from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium indicated many loci with significant heterozygosity excess at P<0.05.As a conclusion,the Himalayan marmot population living in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau has a relatively rich diversity;The Ando populations were significantly different from mutation-drift equilibrium with heterozygote excesses,they had suffered bottleneck effects in the past as well as the recent population decline.

Abstract:Sus scrofa OPN gene was cloned by RT-PCR,its phylogenetic tree was constructed,and its expression was studied by semi-quantity RT-PCR combined Western-blot.The result showed that complete CDS of OPN was 909 bp,coded 303 amino acids,and its characteristic motifs included:(1) a potential calcium phosphate apatite binding region of eight consecutive Asp residues beginning at amino acid 86;(2) a cell-attachment Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser(GRGDS) sequence(residues 153-157);and(3) a thrombin RS cleavage site(residues 163 and 164).The phylogenetic tree showed that the relationship between S.scrofa and swine was the most close,but farthest between S.scrofa and Danio rerio.OPN gene experienced a wide variation during evolution.S.scrofa OPN mRNA was extensively expressed in different tissues,higher in heart,stomach,kidney,ovary,and lower in liver,spleen,lung,small intestine,muscle,and uterus.Different tissues expressed proteins with different weights and there were three patterns of expression,i.e.,70 ku,70 ku and 45 ku,as well as 70 ku,45 ku and 24 ku.

Abstract:Breeding habits of Buff-throated Partridges(Tetraophasis szechenyii) were preliminarily observed from 2005 to 2008 at Pamuling Monastery in Yajiang County Sichuan Province.The birds built nests in the tree and on the ground,while 68% of the nests(n=25) were in the tree.Most birds laid eggs in April and egg size was 2-5(n=9).The hatching success rate of 12 nests was 63.89%.The female left nest once a day with duration of 63.0±22.6 min(n=18).Nestlings hatched in 24-29 days(n=4).Chicken weight neatly reached as heavy as the adult in 150-day.The birds flew down from the roosting tree between 6:30 and 7:00 and were back between 19:00 and 19:30.

Abstract:Roosting-site selection of Brown Eared Pheasant(Crossoptilon mantchuricum) was studied between April and June 2006 in Huanglong Mountains(109°38′-110°12′E,35°28′-36°02′N),Shaanxi Province.Total of 22 roosting-sites used by Brown Eared Pheasant were identified and 54 random plots were located along 9 transects crossing the entire study area.Sixteen habitat factors associated with those used sites were examined while the same variables were made in random plots except for roosting height and upper cover.The results showed that roosting-sites were characterized by steeper slope,ridge and slope side,shorter distance to water source,far distance to edge of woods and human disturbance,more density and coverage of trees,bigger diameter of roosting trees,less cover of shrub and grasses.Principal component analysis showed that the first 5 principal components explained 72.746% of the total variance among all habitat variables.According to the absolute value of coefficient,the 5 components were classified as geography and vegetation under forest factor,weather factor,stabilization factor and distance factor.The safety,comfort and foraging convenience are the three key factors for Brown Eared Pheasant to choose roosting-site.

Abstract:Ultrasonography was performed to determinate the sex and maturity of sturgeons.Sex differences were shown by the echogenicity and the morphology of ovaries and testes.Ultrasonic images of Acipenser baer at different developmental stages were also collected.A total of 20 553 sturgeon individuals which were 2 or 3 years old were examined using ultrasound scanning from February,2006 to March,2008.Results of ultrasonography were further confirmed by necropsy with random sampling.Ultrasonographic method was proved to have 92.00%-100.00% accuracy rate in sex determination of 2 or 3 years old A.baeri,and 83.00% accuracy of 2 years old A.gueldenstaedtii,but only 58.00% accuracy of 3 years old A.schrenkii.Gonads of 2 or 3 years old A.baeri were found at Ⅱ-Ⅲstages based on the ultrasonic images.Therefore,ultrasonography is a non-invasive method which is worth to apply in sex determination of young sturgeon.

Abstract:To establish tetracycline-controlled A30P mutation α-synuclein transgenic mice,pTRE2-syn and pBC-rtTA dual transgenic mice were generated by pro-nuclear microinjection and embryo transplantation.Positive founder mice were identified through PCR.An rtTA and A30P dual positive transgenic founder and thirteen A30P single transgenic founders were obtained.The expression of A30P mRNA was detected by RT-PCR in the brain of the dual transgenic mice after administration of tetracycline.In addition,the expression of α-synuclein protein in the brainstem was also significantly increased in double-transgenic mice after 4-week continuous treatment with doxycycline.

Abstract:Species diversity and component of bird community were investigated at Nanhaizi Nature Reserve in Baotou,Inner Mongolia from August in 2006 to October in 2007.Totally,128 bird species,belonging to 37 families and 15 orders,were recorded.Among them,110 species(85.94% of the total species) were recognized as component of the Palaearctic realm,most of them were summer visitors and passing migrants.The birds in the reserve were divided into 4 communities according to their habitat characteristics.The Shannon-wiener index and evenness index in Shallow water marsh were higher than in any other habitat.This habitat was also held higher number of birds.We discussed the significance role of Nanhaizi Nature Reserve for the Eco-tourism development as well as the education for nature conservation.

Abstract:In order to understand the distribution characteristics of macrozoobenthos in a intertidal zone,Daxie Island,and to reveal the influence of natural environment and human activities on macrozoobenthos community,field investigation of macrozoobenthos was carried out including a rock intertidal section(C1) and a tide flat section(C2) in Daxie Island,Apr.,2006.Main result showed that:(1) a total of 19 macrozoobenthos species were obtained in the section C1,most of which belonged to mollusks(16 species);a total of 20 macrozoobenthos species were obtained in the section C2,4 species of which belonged to mollusks,6 species belonged to Polychaeta,and 8 species belonged to Arthropoda;(2) the density and biomass in section C1 were 583.33 ind/m² and 638.56 g/m² respectively which are apparently higher than those in section C2(32 ind/m² and 7.83 g/m² respectively);(3) there were a stronger vertical variations of macrozoobenthos community in section C1 than in section C2.

Abstract:Two full-length cDNA sequences encoding C-reactive protein(CRP) gene of Chinese perch(Siniperca chuatsi) and α1-antitrypsin(AAT) gene of orange-spotted grouper(Epinephelus coioides) were isolated by RT-PCR and RACEs methods,respectively.The CRP cDNA is 914 bp in length,and contains a 666 bp open reading frame(ORF) encoding 222 amino acids.The AAT cDNA is 1 785 bp in length,and contains a 1 242 bp ORF encoding 414 amino acids.Sequence analysis reveals that the identity of CRP amino acids between amphibian and mammals is low,ranging at 22.4%-33.2%.The identity of AAT amino acid among fish,mammals and amphibian is also low,ranging at 36%-59.2%.The data are important for future study on molecular structure and function of disease-related genes in aquatic animals,and for improvement of the larvae survival and fry rearing during artificial propagation.

Abstract:Internal transcribed spacers in ribosomal DNA were often used as molecular sequence in phylogenetic study at the population and species level.PCR was used to isolate the complete sequence of internal transcribed spacer(ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) and partial 18S and 28S sequence from Oreochromis aureus and O.niloticus.The analysis of ten clones from four individuals indicated that O.aureus had two types of ITS1(ITS1a and ITS1b) with different lengths.ITS1a was 536 bp,GC content was 69.96%;ITS1b was 520 bp,GC content was 69.04%-69.42%.The analysis of ten clones from four O.niloticus individuals indicated that only ITS1a existed in O.niloticus which was 536-540 bp in length,and 69.42%-70.19% in GC content.Compared with ITS1b,ITS1a had 16 bp sequences(GGCCCGCCTGCGGCGC) which was inserted from 16 nt to 31 nt.5.8S of all the 20 sequences from O.aureus and O.niloticus was 157 bp,GC content was 56.69%-57.96%,and ITS2 was 408 bp,GC content was 72.79%-74.26%.The high identity of ITS between O.aureus and O.niloticus indicated that the genetic relationship of the two Oreochromis was very close.Furthermore,PAGE electrophoresis was used to investigate the ITS1 divergence of O.aureus,O.niloticus and O.aureus(♂) ×O.niloticus(♀) with distinguished morphological characters.The analysis showed that all of the 14 O.aureus individuals had two types of ITS1;1 individual of the 15 O.niloticus and 6 individuals of the 15 O.aureus(♂) ×O.niloticus(♀) had two types of ITS1.This paper showed the population of O.aureus had high identity while 1 individual of O.niloticus was genetic mixture with O.aureus in the locus of ITS1 and it also indicated that the means of molecular biology is more accurate than the means of morphology in germplasm identification.

Abstract:Mitochondrial DNA cytochrome b(Cyt b) gene was amplified by PCR and sequenced bidirectionally in Pingxiang Red-transparent Crucian Carp(Carassius auratus var.pingxiangnensis),a natural triploid Crucian Carp mutant in the area of Pingxiang City of Jiangxi Province.The results showed that there were no differences in sequences among the twelve samples.The gene sequence was 1 140 bp in full length which contained 28.2%(321),28.8%(328),14.8%(170),28.2%(321) of A,T,G,and C,respectively.The result of A+T(57%) > G+C(43%) was similar to that in other aquatic animals.The first codon evenly contained 4 nucleotides;the second codon had high content of T(41.8%) but low content of G(13.2%);the third codon contained 39.7% of A and 6.3% of G.The Cyt b gene of the Pingxiang Red-transparent Crucian Carp was proved to have high homology with other species of crucian carp recorded in the GenBank.The sequence similarity between this mutant crucian carp and the Silver Crucian Carp(C.a.gibelio) was 93%,and that between this mutant and Common Crucian Carp(C.carassius) was 98%.The result of phylogenetic tree constructed by Neighbor-Joining method indicated the closest phylogenetic relationship between the Pingxiang Red-transparent Crucian Carp and the Common Crucian Carp.

Abstract:The present study analyzed morphology of the peripheral blood of Ichthyophis bannanica by the Wright-Giemsa staining.The peripheral blood of I.bannanica contained erythrocytes,thrombocytes,lymphocytes,monocytes,neutrophils,basophils and eosinophils.Erythrocytes were oval,elliptical,spindle-or pear-like cells,and their mean density was 2.57×10⁵ cells/mm³.Most leucocytes were round,and their mean density was 0.72×10³ cells/mm³.The lymphocytes were most rich leucocytes,followed by monocytes,neutrophils,basophils and eosinophils.Thrombocytes were less,and frequently appeared in groups.Meanwhile,we compared the peripheral blood of I.bannanica with that of fishes,reptiles or other amphibians.The results are discussed on the basis of the possible phylogenetic position of I.bannanica.

Abstract:Bird diversity during rainy season in forest regions of Hainan Island,China,namely Jianfengling,Bawangling,Yinggeling,Diaoluoshan and Limushan Nature Reserves,and Wanling,Nanweiling forests,were surveyed,using line transect count method from April to August 2005 with aim of comparing bird diversity between different habitats in the same forest or among the same habitat in different forests.Totally 80 species were found,of which belong to 10 orders and 37 families.Bird diversity between different habitats in the same forest were in the order:primary forest>secondary forest>artifical planted forest.For birds at the same habitat in different forests,Yinggeling Nature Reserve had the highest bird diversity between the primary forests,and Bawangling Nature Reserve had the more bird species in the secondary forests.Bird diversity in artificial planted forests was lower than any other forestry type.Large and continuous natural forests,especially the primary ones,are the best habitats for bird diversity.

Abstract:The skeletal system of a male Humboldt Penguin(Spheniscus humboldti) was described in details.It’s characterized by the following:bones are heavy and not pneumatic;bill is elongated and heavy,with the anterior end curving downward slightly;scapula is greatly extended;thoracic vertebrae are free;keel is prominent;forelimb specializes as a "flipper" and all skeletons are flattened;mobility of the intrinsic wing is restricted;first metacarpus and first manual digit disappear;patella large and strong;tarsometatarsus short and flat.These features are mainly designed for underwater flight and upright stand.

Abstract:In order to study the relation of digestive tract and circumstances in Eothenomys miletus,weights and length et al of stomach,small intestine,large intestine,caecum were measured in their nature environment.The total digestive tracts showed significant seasonal adjustment in wet and dry weights.Most of the measurements of the gut were tend to be larger in cold season than in warm season.The length of small intestine and caecum in E.miletus increased in low temperature,poor food quantity and propagation;the weights of the above mentioned organs of E.miletus were largest in June.As to maintain the normal physiological function in low temperature,E.miletus increased energy intake and adjusted the length of digestive tract.The changes pattern of E.miletus in different seasons were related to their microenvironment such as low latitude,high elevation,and lower average ambient temperature.This suggests that the adjustments in capacity and size of the gastrointestinal tract play an important role in their digestive strategies of E.miletus in natural environment.

Abstract:The freshwater snail species Physa acuta distributed in the whole globe is an important intermediate host for many parasites such as Angiostrongylis cantonensis and Echinostoma revolutum.There wasn’t discovered during 1970’s investigation in Beijing,China.This snail was discovered in the lake or river of Chaoyang Park,Yuyuantan Park,the Old Summer Palace and Olympic Village during the main parasitic epidemiological investigation of Beijing region in 2007.It was the first record of this snail in Beijing,which is believed as an invasive species.Research and ecological risk assessment related to P.acuta should be implemented and caused more concerns for the government and scientists.

Abstract:Coupling embryos of Mosquito Fish(Gambusia affinis) and Medaka(Oryzias latipes) were observed.Each larva of these freakish embryos was conglutination at the abdomen,and the organs of them were independent from each other.These larvae could not live for a long time after birth or hatching.

Abstract:A living snake of Amphiesma bitaeniata was caught from Nanling National Nature Reserve,Guangdong Province in July 2008.It was the first time that this species was found in Guangdong.This new record will provide useful information on morphology and geographical distribution of A.bitaeniata.

Abstract:During a field survey in July,2008,a snake of the family Colubridae was collected in Yanbian County,Southern Sichuan.This snake was identified as Maculophis bellus.This species is a new snake record to Sichuan Province.

Abstract:In June 2008,we captured a female pup of bat species Hipposideros larvatus(Chiroptera:Hipposideridae) with partial albinism on its back,tail membrane and hind foot in a cave around suburb of Guilin City,Guangxi Province.The forearm of this pup is 49.1 mm,with body mass 10.8 g.

Abstract:This paper reviewed the progress of studies on growth of sexual dimorphism in vertebrate.The reasons of growth sexual dimorphism in vertebrate including feeding and digesting,energy allocation between growth and reproduction,species heredity,genotype and phenotype,steroid level,genes expressions of growth axis are analyzed.

Abstract:Oocyte aging induces low pregnancy,increases abortion and causes more birth defects.In order to optimize the system for in vitro maturation and fertilization of oocytes,improve assisted reproductive technology(ART) and lower birth defects,it is theoretically and practically important to study the changes and mechanism of oocyte aging,and to explore the effective method for retarding this process.Thereby we make a brief review of the methods for oocyte aging studies,changes of spindle-associated proteins,mitochondria,ubiquitin,histone modification and DNA methylation modification during this process as well as its relations with cortical reaction,polyspermy and apoptosis.Factors affecting oocyte aging and molecular mechanisms of oocyte aging are also discussed.