Abstract:This paper describes the reproductive characteristics, embryonic and post-embryonic development of Mudskipper (Periophthalmus modestus) from Qiantang River Estuary (E 30°15', N 121°27'). Fertilized eggs were obtained through a semi-dry artificial fertilization method and were cultured in constant temperature in seawater with weak aeration. Embryonic development of mudskipper was characterized by continual viviperception. The results indicated that the individual absolute fecundity (F) ranged from 1 432 to 2 978 eggs, with an average of 1 998 eggs (n=83). The individual relative fecundity per millimeter (F_L) ranged from 36 to 62 eggs (average 45 eggs) and the individual relative fecundity per gram (F_W) ranged from 528 to 1 530 eggs (average 864 eggs) (n=83). The Gonadosomatic Indexes (GSI) for females and males were 8.47%-25.39% (average 14.49%, n=83) and 0.10%-0.57% (average 0.25%, n=76), respectively. The fertilized eggs were demersal with adhesive filaments and elliptical in shape (0.75±0.02 mm and 0.56±0.03 mm in long-axis and short-axis diameter, respectively, n=300). At the water temperature of 27±0.5℃, salinity of 10 and pH of 7.8±0.3, the embryonic development required 124.13 h and the accumulated temperature was up to 3 351.51 h·℃. Before the larvae were hatched, the organs had already differentiated normally, such as distinct gut, visible anus, air bladder elliptical in shape, and melanophore of eyes. The heart rate could be up to 154.33±5.87 per minute (n=20). Newly hatched larvae (2.17±0.09 mm in total length, n=9) possessed a yolk sac (0.98-1.87 mm in diameter, n=9). The larvae completely absorbed the yolk and started feeding at the third to fourth day after hatching at the water temperature of 27±0.5℃; eleven days after hatching, the tail notochord of larvae became askew up; the upper and lower jaw teeth occurred at eleven and fifteen days after hatching, respectively; twenty-three days after hatching, all fins except the first dorsal fin had been formed. At the whole course, the larvae were feeding on rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis) with the size 0.038-0.074 mm. There were two death peaks, the first was five to seven days after hatching, which was caused by the inability of larvae to eat food, and the second was twenty to twenty-three days after hatching, which was caused by failure of the larvae in the period of metamorphosis to adapt to their environment and the lack of suitable food.

Abstract:Acipenseriforme fishes originating from polyploidy fish are easy to undergo interspecific hybridization. Furthermore, their abundant mini-chromosomes make it hard to determine their chromosome number and ploidy. So far, reports about the genome size and chromosome ploidy of some sturgeon species including Kaluga Sturgeon (Huso dauricus), are still controversial. In this study, microsatellite genetic markers were used to observe the number of alleles of nine microsatellite loci, and ploidy patterns of 26 Kaluga individuals were analyzed with the help of polyploidy analysis software POLYSAT. We found that most loci showed greater than diploidy, with 20 of 26 Kaluga individuals were hexaploid, 4 individuals were octoploid, and the remaining 2 were tetraploid. Therefore, Kaluga sturgeon should be classified as octaploid species, and its hexaploidy and tetraploidy might be a result of partial homozygous allele existing in the loci we used in some individuals. Our results support the recent opinion that Kaluga sturgeon belongs to evolutionary octaploid group.

Abstract:The vocal data of Parus varius varius were collected between March and July 2012 in Xianrendong Nature Reserve, Liaoning Province. All the data came from nine pairs of adult individuals and their chicks. In all, we got nine kinds of call types, including searching partner call, warning call, alarming call, threatening call, expelling call, thrilling call, feeding call, begging for food call, and assembling call. At the same time, five kinds of song type were recorded. Totally 18 kinds of syllable type were identified and their acoustic characteristics were measured and analyzed with Avisoft-SASLab Pro software (Germany). The vocal parameters of nine male individuals were tested using Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA. The durations of verse and syllable between the nine individuals were statistically different, whereas the maximum and minimum frequencies were not statistically different. This study quantified the characteristics of songs from Parus varius, and thus would help improve our understanding of its behavior during breeding season.

Abstract:The economical threshold of Brandt's Vole (Lasiopodomys brandtii) was analyzed in the typical steppe in Inner Mongolia. Results showed that the economical threshold of vole fluctuated from 1995 to 2012. From 1995 to 2005, the economical threshold is 36.4, 48.8, 45.2, 39.6, 51.2, 51.7, 48.6, 47.2, 45.4, 40.8, and 40.1 voles per hectare, and from 2010 to 2012, the economical threshold is 41.8, 39.8, 38.7 voles per hectare respectively. The economical threshold of voles is mainly affected by two factors: the annual income to herd a sheep and the character of the population dynamic of voles in current year. The relationship of the annual income of sheep-herding and the economical threshold is inverse proportion. Based on the results from 2010 to 2012, the economical threshold of Brandt's Vole is about 40 individuals per hectare in recent years.

Abstract:An adult specimen of Hynobius amjiensis and 17 egg capsules were collected at a breeding site in Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve, Anhui on March 5, 2013. This species was first recorded in Anhui Province. The specimen is kept in Anhui Normal University.

Abstract:We observed washing behavior and courtship behavior of male adults of Chinese Giant Salamander Andrias davidianus in the imitated natural eco-breeding environment using all occurrence recording method at fixed time and fixed location and examined the significance of washing behavior for them by analyzing the relationship between the age, courtship behavior and breeding success. The washing behavior could be divided into four stages: washing exploration, gesture adjustment, washing and walk away with seven washing posture, head washing, tail washing, trunk washing, movement washing, surround washing, adherence washing and rising-head washing. Only males over 8 years showed washing behavior and courtship behavior after washing, and an extreme positive correlation between washing and courtship behaviors were detected. Two out of three male adults exhibited courtship behavior to participate in the breeding successfully. The washing behaviors maybe enhance gonadal development and maintain breeding successfully via courtship behavior.

Abstract:A new method of repairing and renovating ecological specimens of birds was described in this paper. The method included following steps: 1. taking the skin carefully from the specimen restored for a long period time; 2. intenerating and cleaning the skin; 3. repairing and seaming the skin; 4. daubing the preservatives; 5. making and putting carriage; 6. filling the materials and seaming; 7. reshaping and fixing the specimen. This method is easy to manipulate and can restore specimens of endangered birds kept for a long period time. It can also reshape the specimen which is not treated properly. Soaking the skin can keep its elastic and prevent feathers dropping. Pearl cotton used as filling materials is cheap and environmental friendly, as well as prevent specimens from damage made by worms.

Abstract:We conducted a field survey on bird community structure in Dec. 2009 (flood period) and May 2010 (lower water period) by using transect method and simultaneous survey methods in Duchang Migratory Birds Nature Reserve of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province. We totally recorded 169 bird species belonging to 43 families of 14 orders, 17 species of them listed as national protected species. In addition 4 species, Siberian Crane (Grus leucogeranus), Common Crane (G.grus), Hooded Crane (G.monacha) and White-naped Crane (G.vipio) was recorded by the nature reserve administration during routine monitoring.The dominant birds recorded in the lower water period were species belonging to Passeriformes (47.4%), Charadriiformes (13.3%), and Anseriforms (9.6%). While in the flood period, birds species in Passeriformes, Charadriiformes, and Anseriforms were dominant ones and took 58.3%, 8.3% and 10.4% of the recorded species, respectively. The bird community structure changed obviously between the two periods. The highest bird diversity was recorded in crop land in the lower water period. While in flood period, the bird diversity index in crop land was as same as that in the open water. The dominant birds in the lower water period were Acridotheres cristatellus, Pycnonotus sinensis, Sturnus cineraceus, Passer montanus, and Streptopelia orientalis. Egretta garzetta and Acridotheres cristatellus were dominance in the flood period.

Abstract:Spider silk is a natural animal protein fiber with excellent mechanical properties. Those biological and ecological functions required during spider's life history have shaped the silk's structures and mechanical properties. Dragline produced from major ampullate gland play most various roles for activities such as walking, building web, capturing prey escaping predators, reproduction etc. Its mechanical property may be influenced by some inner and outer factors. We examined the tensile properties of draglines from spiders(Argiope amoena)of different weights, from individuals fed by different foods, and from well-fed and starved spiders, and we also compared the mechanical property of filaments from the same silk. We found that the mechanical property of draglines from different individuals of the same group and silks from the same individual varied significantly, which made us difficult to determine the influence of various conditions (different weights, different foods, and well-fed and starved). With the increase of silk diameter and the increase of spider weight, the silks had better mechanical property, and these available silks were beneficial for escape. Compared to the mechanical property of the silks from the well-fed spiders, the breaking strain and breaking energy of the silks from the starved spiders decreased, but there was no difference found at yield point. It might be an investment strategy that elasticity had precedence over plasticity when intake energy of spider was limited.

Abstract:This study was conducted to investigate the effects of brackish water (salinity=15) and fresh water (salinity=0) on gonadal development and mating behavior in adult Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis. The gonadosomatic index (GSI) and hepatosomatic index (HSI) were also compared between pre-and post-mating/spawning of E.sinensis. There were four treatments in the current study, i.e. females cultured in brackish water (FB), females cultured in fresh water (FF), males cultured in brackish water (MB), and males cultured in fresh water (MF). The results showed that: (1) the survival of each treatment was around 80% and no significant difference was observed among different treatments; (2) the GSI of FB was significantly higher (P<0.05) than that of FF; although the GSI of MB was higher than that of MF, no significant difference was observed between the two treatments; (3) for the samples collected at day 30, the HSI of FF was higher than that of FB, but no significant difference was detected between two male or female treatments for other samplings; (4) at day 45, all crabs from FB and MB had mating behaviors and 66.7% of FB females spawned during two days of post-mating. Some MF crabs had estrous behaviors; (5) for the successful mating couples of FB and MB, the GSI decreased significantly after mating/spawning. In conclusion, brackish water can enhance the gonadal development and mating for adult E.sinensis, particularly for females.

Abstract:Phytase could enhance the activity of digestive enzymes because it could hydrolyze the salts of phytic acid to release nutritional factors chelated by phytic acid, and eliminate the combination of phytic acid and endogenous digestive enzymes. The experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of phytase on protease and amylase activities in Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) and NEW GIFT Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) by feeding with plant-based diets supplemented with graded levels of phytase. Six isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated: two control diets (negative control diet: plant-based without calcium phosphate dibasic (DCP) and phytase added, and positive control diet with DCP added but without phytase), and the other four experimental diets with graded levels of phytase (250, 500, 1 000, 2 000 U/kg). Grass Carp of robust and uniform size with body weight 12.59±0.09 g and NEW GIFT Nile Tilapia with body weight 9.59±0.12 g were randomly divided into six groups respectively, 5 replicates per treatment with 20 fish. After 56 days breeding experiments, body weight of Grass Carp and NEW GIFT Nile Tilapia reached 18.29±0.63 g and 24.68±1.34 g, respectively. The stomach, hepatopancreas and intestine were randomly taken for analysis of endogenous protease and amylase activities. The results showed that in no-stomach fish like Grass Carp and gastric fish like Tilapia, endogenous protease and amylase activities were significantly enhanced by dietary phytase. By comparison, the sound effect of phytase in tilapia was more obvious, for the protease and amylase activities were improved remarkably by phytase at a low level of 250 U/kg for tilapia (P<0.05). Activities of these two digestive enzymes in Grass Carp and Tilapia tissues reached the maximum value at the level of 1 000 U/kg, while in Tilapia the enzyme activity values were not markedly different from those of the positive control (P>0.05).The protease activity in hepatopancreas of Grass Carp in 1 000 U/kg phytase group was significantly higher than that of positive control (P<0.05). In addition, the protease and amylase activities of Tilapia in 2 000 U/kg group was not significantly different from that of 1 000 U/kg group, while the protease activity of hepatopancreas in Grass Carp was significantly declined (P<0.05). Consequently, the optimum phytase amount in manufactured feed was 1 000 U/kg not only for NEW GIFT Nile Tilapia but also for Grass Carp under the condition of this experiment. The phytase could be used to replace partly inorganic phosphorus sources in the fish feeding.

Abstract:Scleropages formosus is an important aquarium fish with high economic value. In order to explore its cytogenetic background, the metaphase chromosomes were observed. The phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and colchicine were injected in vivo,and kidney cells were collected and treated with low osmotic solution, and finally chromosome spread was prepared by air-drying technique. The karyotype was analyzed. The results showed that S. formosus had a diploid chromosome number of 50 and the karyotype formula was 2n=2m+8sm+8st+32t, NF=60. These data will be helpful for understanding the idioplasm and systematic evolution of S. formosus.

Abstract:To study the effect of dimethyl fumarate on early development of Zebrafish(Danio rerio), embryos at different developmental stages were treated with various concentrations of dimethyl fumarate. Morphological abnormalities were observed and Median lethal concentration at 24 h(24 h LC₅₀),48 h LC₅₀ and 72 h hatching rate were calculated. Effect on the blood vessel development was studied as well. The results indicated that dimethyl fumarate affected early embryo development in a dose-dependent manner and this adverse effect was related with the embryonic stage. The 24 h LC₅₀ of dimethyl fumarate for 2 hpf (hours post-fertilization), 10 hpf and 24 hpf embryos were 13.33 μmol/L, 17.98 μmol/L and 32.50 μmol/L, respectively, and 48 h LC₅₀ were 13.31 μmol/L, 16.35 μmol/L and 22.50 μmol/L, respectively. Embryo hatching rate at 72 h decreased after long term treatment with low concentrations of dimethyl fumarate. Dimethyl fumarate at concentration of 27.5 μmol/L significantly reduced the expression level of vascular endothelial growth factor 2.

Abstract:Olfactory sensory organ can perceive the chemical molecules of external environment. Here, we observed olfactory and vomeronasal organs in Pelophylax nigromaculatus using the silver staining, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate-diaphorase (NADPH-d) histochemistry staining and electron microscopy. Three cell types in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia could be distinguished using silver staining. Nuclear staining of supporting cells was strongly dark, but nuclear staining of the receptor cell was in a irregular spotting pattern. In addition, the proportion of olfactory receptor cells in the vomeronasal epithelium was significantly more than that of the olfactory epithelium. The olfactory and vomeronasal organs showed different staining patterns and they could be easily distinguished when NADPH-d histochemistry staining was employed. Finally, the supporting cells in the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelia consisted of two cell types: ciliated supporting cells and granular secretory supporting cells.

Abstract:In order to reveal the skin microstructure characteristics during metamorphosis of Bufo raddei tadpoles,we observed the continuous paraffin sections of skin from seven developmental stages of the tadpoles (including stages 19,22,26,36,41,43 and 46) and the dorsal skin paraffin sections of the adult toad. The structural development timing of different skin layers was observed by H.E staining and AB-PAS methods. The results showed that one layer of cells existed at stage 19, stage 22 and stage 26 skin epidermis, and the cell morphology and the number of layers between the dorsal skin and the belly skin showed significant difference at stage 36. The structure of cells in two layers of the skin epidermis was basically completed at stage 41, and the dermis structure was completed at stage 43, in which the micro-vessels (capillaries) and two types of the skin glands could be observed. The skin thickness and numbers of glands and micro-vessels showed significant difference in different regions at stage 46, and were significantly different from the skin structure of the adult toad. The results indicated a close correlation between the development of the tadpole skin structure and its living environment.

Abstract:Bird nests were searched by checking potentially suitable habitat from March to July in 2010~2012 at Nonggang National Nature Reserve which sits in the limestone Area of Southwestern Guangxi. More than 40 species of birds' nests were located and most of them were found during April and May. This paper provides the information on breeding period, nest characteristics, clutch size and egg morphology for 18 bird species which have been poorly known. These information would useful for the future studies on the bird in limestone area.

Abstract:In order to reconstruct a phylogenetic relationship and explore their phylogenetic status of four gulls, the complete mitochondrial ND2 gene sequences of Larus relictus, L.brunnicephalus, Sterna hirundo and Gelochlidon nilotica, were amplified and analyzed by comparing with other 44 gull species as the outgroups. The results showed that the entire mitochondrial ND2 gene sequences of four gulls were all 1 041 bp in length. The topologies of phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on ML, MP and Bayes methods were similar, suggesting that L.relictus belonged to the Black-headed species. L.brunnicephalus is more primitive and should be classified into the Masked species. Our results also suggest that S.hirundo should be clustered to Black cap species with G.nilotica as the sister, and the G.nilotica is more primitive and located in the root of tree. S.hirundo is most related to S.sumatrana and the branch: S.paradisaea, S.hirundinacea, S.vittata, showing a polyphyletic relationship. The specific status of S.hirundo is not clear. The relationship of Laridae, Sternidae, and Rynchopidae can not determined owning to the lack of samples.

Abstract:Small mammals were trapped in altitude range of 2 500-4 500 m in Shangrila from June to July 2011 to analyzed the spatial niche breadth of each species and niche overlap between species. A total of 19 species of 275 small mammal specimen was captured, among them Niviventer confucianus, Apodemus draco, A.latronum, A.chevrieri, Ochotona thibetana, Eothenomys custos, and Rattus nitidus were species that distribute most widely at altitude range, therefore they were dominant species in the small mammal community at local area. The spatial niche overlap between the 19 small mammals varied greatly. The spatial niche of E.miletus, Crocidura attenuata and C.russula vorax completely overlapped, while the special niche of R.nitidus, A.chevrieri, Vernany fulva, Microtus clarkei, Tamiops swinhoei, Dremomys pernyi, Petaurista xanthotis and Soriculus leucops were not overlapped.

Abstract:In order to investigate the effects of fasting and refeeding on digestive tract morphology in Eothenomys miletus from Hengduan Mountain region, weights and lengths of total digestive tract morphology including stomach, small intestine, large intestine and caecum, were measured from individuals fasting (12 h, 24 h, 36 h) and refeeding (12 h, 48 h, 7 d). The results shown that weight with contents of total digestive tract, weight with contents and weight without contents of stomach increased significantly under fasting acclimation, and all these values returned to the levels of control group after refeeding. Maximum weight of small intestine appeared in group fasting for 12 h, and minimal value shown in the refeeding 12 h group. The small intestine weight was back to the level of control group after refeeding 48 h. Any index of large intestine and caecum has no significant change in fasting and refeeding conditions. These results indicated that E. miletus might adjust the weight of digestive tract to maintain the normal physiological function in stressed condition, such as lack of food and starvation. The change pattern of digestive tract in E.miletus in fasting and refeeding condition was related to its survive in their environment, which food resource is varied. Our results suggest that the adjustments in capacity and size of the gastrointestinal tract play an important role in their digestive strategies in natural environment.

Abstract:To study the effects of ephedrine on histological structure of testis and on expression of Bax protein and epidermal growth factor (EGF)in the testis of the developing young mice (Mus musculus), ephedrine was administered by intraperitoneal injection at different doses. The testis structure was observed by microscopy and expression of Bax protein and EGF in the testis was measured by immunohistochemistry combined with stereological method at different developmental stages. Results indicated that the diameter and epithelium thickness of seminiferous tube significantly decreased in the experimental groups (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The diameter of primary spermatocyte was smaller than that of the control group (P<0.01 or P<0.05). Spermatogenic cells in seminiferous tube appeared late,and the cells loosely distributed,with more space between them, in the treatment group. At maturity there were less mature spermatozoa in the lumen of seminiferous tube. The expression of Bax protein and EGF in the testis of ephedrine-treated young mice significantly increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05). So the testis structure of young mice at different developmental stages were damaged to different degrees by ephedrine,which led to slow development of gonad. Therefore, ephedrine may affect spermatogenesis by altering status of primary spermatocytes and testis damage may be correlated with the expression intensity of Bax protein and EGF in young mouse testis.

Abstract:Lead-poisoned mouse(Mus muscculus)model was established by intraperitoneal injection of lead acetate. The pathological changes of liver and kidney were examined. The expression alterations of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax, two apoptosis-related proteins, were also measured. We found that acute lead poisoning caused hepatic and renal injury by inducing cell apoptosis. After lead poisoning, Caspase-3 expression was increased while the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax decreased in a time-dependent manner. Significant difference in the expression level between control group and experimental group was observed after 48 h of lead exposure. These results suggest that lead poisoning causes hepatic and renal cell apoptosis probably by regulating the expression of Caspase-3, Bcl-2 and Bax.

Abstract:During the survey of cave bat in Henan Province, three specimens of Rhinolophus luctus were caught in the Water Cannel (N31°41', E115°04')-Hushan Reservoir, Shawo Town, Xinxian County, Xinyang City, the Taohua Cave (32°23'N, 113°16'E)-Tongbai Mountain, Tongbai County, Nanyang City, and the Longyuwan Mine (N33°42', E111°45')-Funiu Mountain, Luanchuan County, Luoyang City respectively from March to November, 2011. These specimens were identified as R.luctus lanous after measured the morphological parameters as well as those in other regions. This is the first time of the record of this species in Henan Province. The distribution of R. luctus in Henan Province is also discussed. Specimens are deposited in the herbarium of Henan normal university.

Abstract:Retinoid X receptor (RXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors that have been characterized in a wide variety of species. In vertebrates, RXR functions as either homo-or hetero-dimers to regulate expression of target genes. RXR is important in a variety of physiological events including embryo development, cell-proliferation, metabolism and regeneration. The investigation of molluscan RXR is of particular interest due to its involvement in neogastropods imposex. In this review, we compared the amino acid sequence of molluscan RXRs with human RXRα and other vertebrate RXRs and performed phylogenetic analyses. Parsimony analyses of 22 invertebrate and vertebrate RXRs indicated that the molluscan RXRs were analogous to chordate RXRs. The alignment of amino acid of different isoforms of molluscs and crustaceans indicated that different cutting enzymes or splice sites should exist in T-box. In addition, we discussed the ligand, dimer partner, and physiological function of molluscan RXRs.