Abstract:Measurements of gill parameters were carried out on four mudskippers,Boleophthalmus boddarti, Scartelaos histophorus,Periophthalmus spilotus and Periophthalmus novaeguineaensis. The gill parameters (Y) were analysed in relation to body weight (W) using logarithmic transformations (logY=loga + blogW) in each species. The results showed that the gill parameters (Y) were significantly correlated with the body weights (W) in the four species (R²=0.50-0.98,P < 0.05). Meanwhile,marked differences were found among genera when comparing the individuals of the same weight,the values of total number of filaments,total filament length (mm),average number of secondary lamellae /mm (on one side of filaments),total gill area (mm²) and relative gill area (mm² /g) for S. histophorus were the largest,those for B. boddarti were at a medium level and those for P. novaeguineaensis and P. spilotus were the smallest. The comparative result of the present study showed significant gradient change on gill parameters of mudskippers with their lifestyles, indicating that the Scartelaos and Boleophthalmus species have more affinity to aquatic environment,while the Periophthalmus species are better adapted for terrestrial environment. The values of total filament length and total gill area of the four mudskippers were obviously reduced comparing with other aquatic fishes with similar weight,which were corresponded to the amphibious life models of mudskippers.

Abstract:Age structure and growth characters of 129 Triplophysa markehenensis collected from the Markehe River and its tributary,Zequ,in upper reaches of the Dadu River were investigated and analyzed. The characteristics of three kinds of age identification materials of T. markehenensis,otolith,vertebra and last unbranched dorsal-fin ray,had been described and compared. The results showed that both otolith and vertebra could be used for age identification of the species,and otolith is more appropriate compared with vertebra, which could be used as accessory identification material. However,the unbranched dorsal-fin ray is not suitable for age identification in this species. Age of the fishes was identified to seven age classes (2-8 years old), and individuals of 3-6 years old were dominated with a frequency of 83.5% . The regressed equation between body weight (W) and body length (L) is W=0.000015 L^2.951931 (R²=0.967 3). Growth model of the species was described using Von Bertalanffy equation: L_t=173. 124 1[1-e^{-0.159 7(t +0.5328)} ],W_t=60.753 1[1-e^{-0.159 7(t +0.5328)} ]2.9519 . Growth inflexion occurred at 6. 25 years,when body length is 114. 5 mm and body weight is 17.9 g.

Abstract:From October 2002 to December 2008,219 times of surveys were conducted on the bird structure of Yuanmingyuan Relic Park,Beijing. Totally 217 bird species of 15 orders,47 families were recorded. Among them,119 species belong to migrants,57 species belong to summer bird,42 species belong to resident,20 species belong to winter birds,1 species belongs to vagrant and 3 species were escaped bird. There were 26 bird species in Yuanmingyuan are listed as second class of China National Protected Wildlife. The little grebe (Tachybaptus ruficollis),mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and Eurasian blackbird (Turdus merula) were recorded as residents in Beijing and the Chinese Spot-billed duck (A. poecilorhyncha zonorhyncha),common teal (A. crecca),Orange-flanked bush robin (Tarsiger cyanurus) and Pallas’s leaf warbler (Phylloscopus proregulus) were recorded as winter birds. Eurasian sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) was not only migrant bird but also recorded as wintering and summering in Beijing. The wetland complexity and hydrophyte plant diversity affect the bird structure in Yuanmingyuan Park. In the recent years,the clear up of weeds and shrubs caused the decrease of buntings (Emberizidae) and Vinous-throted parrotbills (Paradoxornis webbianus).

Abstract:Bisphenol A (BPA,at dose of 5,50,or 100 mg /kg) was given daily by gavage to female mice (Mus musculus) during lactation,and thus the pre-weaning baby mice were exposed to BPA from maternal milk. The effects of BPA on testis development and the expression of estrogen receptor (ER) α and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) in testes were studied. In addition,the serum level of estrogen and some antioxidant enzymes were detected. Results showed that serum concentration of estrogen in mature male mice was higher than that in the vehicle-treated group. The exposed mice had a significant decrease in the activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the total superoxide dismutase (SOD). Morphological studies revealed that testis development was inhibited by BPA with germ cells in disordered arrangement. BPA reduced the number of caudal epididymal sperm and increased the number of abnormal sperm significantly. Immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that there were two different patterns of ERα expression,presence only in the nuclei of Sertoli cells or in the nuclei of spermatocytes except for Sertoli cells. PCNA-positive cells were increased in the latter ERα expression pattern. The average integrated optical density (IOD) of ERα-positive single germ cell in BPA-treated groups was significantly higher than that in the vehicle-treated group. The expression of PCNA in primary spermatocytes was also increased in BPA-treated groups.

Abstract:The basal metabolic rate (BMR) was measured in the female KM mice(Mus musculus) prior to reproduction and at late lactation using a closed-circuit respirometer. Relationships between BMR,reproductive output and visceral organs were examined using Regression residuals and Pearson correlation analyses. It was showed that the BMR was 66% higher at late lactation than that prior to reproduction. There was no significant correlation between the BMR prior to reproduction and reproductive output. However,the BMR at late lactation was positively correlated with maternal body mass,food intake,litter size and mass,as well as the weight of visceral organs and gastrointestinal tract,within which the correlation between BMR and gastrointestinal tract was higher relative to the other visceral organs. Our data have provided support for the hypothesis that animals with high BMR during lactation might have a greater capacity for absorbing energy,and consequently have more energy export for reproductive output.

Abstract:The effect of calcium supplement in diet on the metabolism of Ca and P in Gansu Zokor (Myospalax cansus) was determined by comparison of calcium supplement group(n =7) and control group (n =7) during April to May,2007. The contents of Ca and P in femur and plasma of Gansu Zokor were detected respectively by AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrometry),SP (Spectrophotometry),and by Auto Biochemistry Analyzer. The results showed that the contents of femur Ca and P increased significantly (P < 0.05) after Ca supplementation in diet,and that significantly positive correlation between Ca /P absorption and the contents of femur Ca /P(P < 0.01)was found. However,the concentrations of plasma Ca and P did not change (P > 0.05),and there was negative correlation,although not significant (P > 0.05),between the concentration of plasma Ca /P and the contents of femur Ca /P after treatment. It is suggested that high efficiency of Ca /P retention in Gansu Zokor may rely on a VD₃ independent passive pathway.

Abstract:Field observation and radio telemetry were used to study the home range and habitat use of red-bellied squirrels (Callosciurus erythraeus) in planted forest of Hongya County in Sichuan Province during March to August in 2009. The results indicated that the average home range size were 1. 90 ± 0. 59 hm² by minimum convex polygon method,1. 06 ± 0. 19 hm² by 95% fixed kernel method and 0. 16 ± 0. 03 hm² by 60% fixed kernel method. The male squirrels expanded their home range significantly during the peak courtship period. The favorite habitats of the squirrels were the places with steeper slope gradient,higher shrub and liana cover, close to resident of human and water source.

Abstract:Habitat selection of the Reintroduced Mrs Hume’s Pheasant (Syrmaticus humiae) was studied from June to July 2008 in Cenwanglaoshan Nature Reserve. Total of 22 sites used by the pheasant were located in 7 transects crossing the whole study area. Twenty-four ecological factors associated with those used sites and 17 random plots were examined in the study area. The results showed that habitats were characterized by low altitude,low slope location,low average height of arbor,high herbs,large cover of deciduous leaf,large cover of shrub and grasses. The classification showed that the slope and herb cover were important factors. The overall classification model constructed from those two variables was successful to distinguish the habitats from random ones at the precision of 77. 3% . Summer habitat selection of the Mrs Hume’s Pheasant was mainly related to food and concealment.

Abstract:Population size of the Black Grouse Lyrurus tetrix was surveyed in Saihanba area in October of 2009. The results showed that its population density was 2. 20 ind. /km². Compared with the former data,its population density showed a downward trend and its distribution pattern in this area changed. The major threats to this declining population are reduction of breeding individuals,low breeding success rate and hunting pressure in fall. At present,the most effective measure to save this population is to stop the hunting with strict management.

Abstract:To study the differences on nest-site selection of Grus japonensis between semi-captive and wild individuals in Zhalong Nature Reserve,a comparative research was conducted by the factor measurement method in Zhalong Nature Reserve from March to May,2009. Results of Independent-Samples t-test indicated that in the nest-site selection of G. japonensis of Semi-captive and Wild Individuals,difference was found in the heights of vegetation,density of vegetation,the area of reed surrounding nests and the distance of nests from areas of human activities. The results showed that the Wild Individuals of G. japonensis have strong selection to the nest-site. They preferred to feed in the place with less human activity,higher vegetation,bigger the density of vegetation and the area of reed surrounding nests. The Semi-captive Individuals of G. japonensis have weak selection to the nest-site.

Abstract:The Xayar populations of Tarim Red Deer (Cervus elaphus yarkandensis) are mainly distributed within borders of Xayar and Kuche County. We used RS and GIS technology to interpret LANDSAT TM /ETM + satellite image of the study area and analyzed the main factors influencing Tarim Red Deer’s habitat to examine its habitat status. Results showed that:①the size of farmland,high,middle and low coverage vegetation,water body,desertification area,sand land were 27 082. 24 hm² ,22 616. 25 hm² ,66 703. 62 hm² ,64 470. 62 hm² , 39 735. 89 hm² ,63 497. 26 hm² ,40 208. 45 hm² in 2006 respectively; ② during the past 34 years (1972-2006) the size of farmland increased by 89. 2% (12 768 hm²),high coverage vegetation decreased by 60. 1% (34 125 hm²), middle and low coverage vegetation increased by 17. 2% (9 791 hm²) and 37. 3% (17 520 hm²)respectively,water area decreased by 26. 6% (14 429 hm²),sand land and desertification area increased by 6. 9% (4 123 hm²) and 12. 6% (4 523 hm²)respectively;③for the habitat type of high coverage vegetation,the number of patches increased by 20. 9% ,the mean patches area decreased by 48. 3% ,the largest patch index decreased by 33. 3% ; the patch richness remained the same,but the Shannon’s diversity index and the Shannon’s evenness index increased by 2. 5% ,respectively; ④ the size of high coverage vegetation negatively correlated with human population and livestock population (r =-1. 000),but the size of farmlands, desertification area and sand land positively correlated with human population and livestock population (r=0. 800,r=1. 000,r=0. 800) . These indicate that the habitat lost and fragmentation for the Xayar population of Tarim Red Deer increased sharply during the past 34 years and it is the combined consequence of environmental force and human activities.

Abstract:Green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) eggs were incubated at different temperatures. Hatchling sex was determined by the standard histological examination,and sex hormone test in the amniotic fluid and plasma. The histological findings of this study indicated that the testis showed thin cortex and more medullary cavity, and conspicuous medullary cords surrounded by stromal tissue,while the ovary showed thick cortex and less medullary cavity. Different sizes of immature oocytes were observed in the stroma of ovary. The sex hormone test indicated that the ratio of estradiol (E₂) and testosterone (T) could be used to determine the sex: when E₂∶T<1.5,the hatchlings were males (♂); when E₂ ∶ T> 1.5,the hatchlings are females (♀). Pivotal temperatures (PT) for sex determination in Sea Turtle Bay of China ranged from 29.4℃ to 29.5℃ ,with an approximate 1∶1 sex ratio.

Abstract:Four hypotrich ciliate species new to China belonging to two genera were isolated from soil in Qingdao and morphologically investigated using non-flooded Petri dish method, live observation and protargol impregnation techniques. These are: Cyrtohymena australis Foissner,1995,C. quadrinucleata (Dragesco & Njine, 1971), C. candens (Kahl, 1932), and Australocirrus oscitans Blatterer & Foissner, 1988. Supplementary descriptions of the live morphology and infraciliature of these ciliates were provided in detail, and compared with original descriptions and those of related populations.

Abstract:In this study,we used RT-PCR to clone glutathione s-transferase (GST) fragments from Hyriopsis schlegerlii and H. cumingii. The two species had the same sequence which encoded a peptide of 92 amino acids. They shared high GST homology with mollusks,amphibian and mammals when comparing different spices at a polypeptide level. GST was detected in all tissues except for intestine,especially higher expression of GST in liver was observed. Result showed that the GST expression in haemocyte was declined at the first stage and then increased in H. cumingii,while its expression pattern was opposite in H. schlegerlii and the expression level of GST in the latter was approximately two times of that in H. cumingii at 3 h,6 h,9 h and 24 h after infection by Aeromonas hydrophila.

Abstract:The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FF) after intramuscular injection was investigated in the Chinese Mitten-handed Crab (Eriocheir sinensis) at 17℃ . Hemolymph,muscle and liver samples were obtained and analyzed by a high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection method, and the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated with the 3P97 software. The florfenicol level in hemolymph and muscle reached maximum momentarily,while that in liver reached a maximum then declined at three administration doses (5. 0,10. 0,20. 0 mg /kg). The kinetic profile of florfenicol in hemolymph,muscle and liver was conformed to a two-compartment model. The important parameters were listed. When three doses were injected,the absorption half-lives (T_1/2α) and the elimination half-lives (T_1/2β) in hemolymph were 0. 04,0. 21,0. 87 and 0. 60,1. 48,3. 29 h,respectively,and the total body clearance (CLs) were 2. 17, 1. 99 and 2. 12 ml /(kg·h),respectively; the T_1/2α and T_1/2β in muscle were 1. 38,0. 93,0. 47 h and 10. 39, 31. 78,23. 91 h,respectively,and the CLs were 0. 07,0. 03 and 0. 03 ml /(kg·h),respectively; the T_1/2α and T_1/2β in liver were 0. 69,0. 07,0. 12 h and 0. 73,4. 90,4. 49 h,respectively,and the CLs were 1. 79, 2. 55,and 3. 89 ml /(kg·h),respectively.

Abstract:In order to study the phylogenetic relationship among different species in the order of Siluriformes, ribosomal 18S sequences and internal transcribed spacer (including complete ITS1,5. 8S and ITS2) sequences of six species Siluriformes (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco,Leiocassis longirostris,Mystus guttatus,Clarias gariepinus, Silurus asotus and Ictalurus punctatus) were analyzed. The homologous sequences of Kryptopterus bicirrhis and Dinotopterus cunningtoni download from GenBank were also analyzed in this paper. The length of 18S sequences of these six species was 1 814-1 842 bp. The homology was over 97% . The length of 5. 8S was 157 bp. The homology was 99. 36%-100% . The length of ITS1 was 335-620 bp,with the P. fulvidraco’s the longest,and the I. punctatus’s the shortest; The length of ITS2 was 265-459 bp,with the D. cunningtoni’s the longest,and the I. punctatus’s the shortest. The homology of each ITS1 sequence was 29. 45%-88. 21% ,with the highest between C. gariepinus and D. cunningtoni,and the lowest between S. asotus and C. gariepinus. The homology of each ITS2 sequence was 41. 59%-94. 07% ,with the highest between C. gariepinus and D. cunningtoni,and the lowest between S. asotus and C. gariepinus. Phylogenetic tree based on the 18S and ITS sequences of the eight species,including Cyprinus carpio as an outgroup,was constructed by neighbor-joining method (NJ). The results showed that the relationship between Siluridae and Clariidae was the closest,and Bagridae had a little further relationship with Siluridae and Clariidae among the 4 families in this paper. Ictaluridae had the furthest relationship with the other three families. In Bagridae,Leiocassis was close with Pelteobagrus,while Mystus was a little further with them. In Clariidae,Clarias was very close with Dinotopterus. In Siluridae, Silurus had a far relationship with Kryptopterus.

Abstract:The homology cloning and RACE PCR were employed to clone the MHC-Ⅱ β gene from cobia (Rachycentron canadium). The full length cDNA of MHC-Ⅱβ comprises 1 161 bp with a 20 bp 5′ untranslated region (UTR),a 394 bp 3′ UTR and a 747 bp open reading frame (ORF) encoding a polypeptide of 248 amino acid residues with a predicted molecular weight of 27. 99 ku and theoretical isoelectric point of 6. 21. The putative protein showed homology varying from 28. 5% to 77. 5% when compared with other fishes,mouse(Mus musculus),chicken(Gallus gallus)and human (Homo sapiens). The protein sequence showed all the important features including leader peptide,β1,β2,CP /TM /CYT regions and conserved cysteines. The MHC-Ⅱ β expression was detected in all tested tissues with different expression levels. The high expression was detected in head kidney,moderate expression was detected in gill,spleen and intestine,while low expression was detected in heart,brain and muscle.

Abstract:The phylogenetic relationships among anuran amphibians are revealed mainly by classical morphology and modern molecular biology. The characters of larval morphology and development are also important indicators for the phylogenetic relationships,because frogs and tadpoles have evolved independently. Herein, the morphology of larval chondrocranium and hyobranchial apparatus are described in the Chinese forest frog Rana chensinensis and the big toad Bufo gargarizans,and the phylogenetic tree is constructed from the larval characters. The results of our work support Orton’s opinion that anuran larvae can be divided into four types, and are identical with Tihen’s view that anurans with Type-Ⅲ larvae were the most basal. The Type-Ⅳ larvae of R. chensinensis and B. gargarizans,which belong to the Neobatrachia,are the most advanced.

Abstract:The Rose-colored Starling(Sturnus roseus) is a long-distance migratory bird. Xinjiang is the breeding area of the bird in China. Breeding behaviors were studied in Hami natural grasslands from May to July in 2009. The results showed that: ① Adult S. roseus built their nests in covert sites. The inner and outer diameters of the nests were 8.08 ± 0.38 cm and 25.25 ± 2.82 cm,and the height and depth were 4. 55 ± 1. 65cm and 63.00 ± 35.34cm,respectively(n=8); ② S. roseus reproduced only one clutch within a year,the mean of clutch size was 4. 25 ± 0. 71,n=8,and the incubation and survive rates were 94. 12% and 88. 24% (n=34), respectively; ③ During nestling period,parental feeding times showed significant difference among different hours within a day (P <0.01),with 6:30-7:30 am and 10:30-12:30 am being the peaks,and averaged 7.6 ± 1.1 min for the intervals of feedings; ④ The growth curve of the nestlings was"S"shape. The results provide the theoretical guidance for the management approach of increasing the population numbers of S. roseus.

Abstract:Mosses,as main nest materials of Varied Tit (Parus varius),were collected and identified in Xianrendong National Nature Reserve,Liaoning Province,China from March to August in 2008 and 2009. The mosses belong to 9 genera,7 families,of them Brotherella,Brachytheccium,Plagiothecium and Entodon formed the higher proportion. The mosses availability were collected from 41 m × 1 m samples selected in the circle area with radius 30 m centered by each nest around 12 nests and from 35 moss communities within 20 m × 20 m samples around 10 more nests respectively. All the moss species collected from the samples belong to 8 genera, 7 families. Among the 35 communities,community B. fauriei appears in most frequency. The results suggested that the nest material selection by Varied Tit may related to the moss biotic traits,distribution and quantity. Based on statistical analysis,we found community sample method more suitable for this study.

Abstract:The breeding habits of White-checked Laughing Thrush (Garrulax sannio) was studied during February to June of 2009 in the suburbs of Nanchong,Sichuan. The results showed that the nesting success rate of White-checked Laughing Thrush was 73. 3% ; the main factors which affected the nest-site selection from more important to less important were the location and stability of nests,concealment of nest,and food resource; Normal recess time was decreased as increased of hatching day in incubation; and the normal recess times increase as hatching days increasing. The frequency of feeding was increased with age of fledgling increasing in nestling period,and the feeding frequency varied within a day,the highest feeding frequency occurred in 7:01-10:00 and 17:01-19:00,the lowest did in 6:30-7:00 and 10:01-14:00. The morphology of fledgling changed greatly during incubation and the body mess,body length and some other morphological characters of it can well be described by the Logistic equation,the growing curves of weight and different organs are shaped as "S"for nestling less than 10.5-days old; The breeding success rate of White-checked Laughing Thrush was 23. 1% .

Abstract:The jejuna and kidneys were randomly taken from 6 SD rats(Rattus norvegicus)and 7 Kunming mice (Mus musculus). The expression of ATP7B and PCNA was observed by immunohistochemistry technique,and the relevance of ATP7B and PCNA expression was analyzed. The results showed that,in both rat and mouse, ATP7B was mainly expressed in small intestinal glands,striated border,near-cavity surface and near-basement surface of intestinal epithelial cells,as well as renal tubule and collecting duct. PCNA was strongly expressed in small intestine glands and the connective tissues. In kidney,PCNA was expressed in a few cells of renal tubule, collecting duct and glomerulus. Although both ATP7B and PCNA were expressed in the jejunum and kidney in both species,there was no significant correlation between integral optical density of ATP7B and PCNA immunoreactive positive substances (P > 0.05). In jejunum and kidney,the expression of ATP7B had no relationship with the level of cell proliferation.

Abstract:This study aimed to investigate the effects of pyruvate and lactic acid on early development of porcine embryos. The NCSU-23 culture medium was modified by replacing 5.56 mmol /L glucose with 0.2 mmol /L pyruvate and 5.7 mmol /L lactic acid,and the modified medium was called mNCSU-23. Parthenogenetic embryos and nuclear transfer embryos were transferred into either NCSU-23 or mNCSU-23 medium. Embryo development to 5-8 cells was observed 2 days after egg activation,and blastocyst rate and the number of nuclei in the blastocyst were determined on day 6. A higher proportion of the embryos reached 5-8 cells at 48 h and blastocysts on day 6 in mNCSU /NCSU treatment (first 48 h in mNCSU-23 medium and thereafter in NCSU-23 medium) group when compared with the control (NCSU /NCSU,first 48 h in NCSU-23 medium and thereafter also in NCSU-23 medium) group (P < 0.05). The rate of blastocyst formation in mNCSU-23 /mNCSU-23 (first 48 h in mNCSU-23 medium and thereafter also in mNCSU-23 medium) group was the lowest (P < 0.05). Our results have demonstrated that replacing glucose with pyruvate and lactic acid during the first 48 h of IVC may be beneficial to the development of porcine embryos.

Abstract:Two specimens,identified as Sorex minutus Linnaeus and new to Liaoning,were collected from Xinbin County,Liaoning Province,China. The 2nd upper unicuspid smaller than the 1st and 3rd. The 5th unicuspid is small and about 2 /3 high as the 4th unicuspid. The large lower incisor has three crenulations on its cutting edge. The lower canine is small,only about 2 /3 high as the premolar.

Abstract:DEAD-box family genes encode ATP-dependent RNA helicase proteins,which are divided into VASA,PL10 and p68 sub-families by phylogenetic analysis. vasa gene was firstly discovered in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) and since then its homologous genes have been cloned in various animal species. Researches revealed a specific expression of vasa gene in the germ cells. The vasa gene is essential for germ cell formation and gametogenesis. Interestingly in fruit fly,VASA protein is a component of the germ plasm, while vasa mRNA is a component of the germ plasm in zebrafish (Danio rerio). In this paper,the structure, function,expression pattern and the application of the vasa gene as a molecular marker of primordial germ cells are reviewed,and the perspective of vasa gene studies is also introduced.