Cloning, expressing, and hemolysis of tdh, trh and tlh genes of Vibrio parahaemolyticus

Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) is one of the pathogenic vibrios endangering net-cage cultured Pseudosciaena crocea,Fennerpenaeus chinensis, and shellfish in coastal areas of China. Several types of hemolysins produced by Vp have been characterized as major virulence factors.They are thermostable direct hemolysin (TDH),TDH-related hemolysin (TRH) and thermolabile hemolysin (TLH). In this study, we cloned tdh, trh, and tlh genes from the genome DNA of VP by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).We ligated the three genes into prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a (+),and transformed the recombinant plasmids into Es-cherichia coli BL21 (DE3). The expression of recombinant proteins was induced by isopropyl-β-D-thiogalacto-pyranoside (IPTG). The recombinant proteins were expressed in a form of inclusion bodies and thus purified with Ni-NTA affinity chromatography. Western blotting results showed that recombinant proteins,TDH, TRH and TLH, could be recognized by rabbit anti-VP serum. The three purified proteins were renatured by gradient dialysis.The renatured proteins exhibited hemolytic activity except for TLH in the presence of phosphatidylcholine. These results not only are helpful for better understanding these genes’ functions under a single factor level, but also provide evidence for VP vaccine engineering.     

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FRACTIONATIONS OF Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn AND Ni AND SOIL PROPERTIES IN URBAN SOILS OF CHANGCHUN, CHINA

1IN T R O D U C T IO N With therapiddevelopment of urbanizatio,nurban land was exploitedand utilizetdoform differendtomains be- ing subjectto many potentialpollutionsourcessuch as vehicleemission, industrialactivitieasnd household garbage.Particularl, yur…     

GEOCHEMICAL STUDIES OF Fe,Mn,Co,As,Cr,Sb,Zn,Sc AND V IN SURFACE SEDIMENTS FROM JIAOZHOU BAY

The contents of nearly forty-elements in surface sediments in Jiaozhou Bay were determined using a Neutron Activation Analysis Technique(Grancini,et al.,1976;Li Peiquan et al.,1985,1986;Li Xiuxia etal.,1986).This paper's detailed discussion on only nine elements(Fe,Mn,Co,Cr,Sc,As,Sb,Zn andV)includes their distributions,concentrations,correlationships,material sources,background,etc.Based on Zavaristski's classification method,Fe,Mn,Co Cr and V belong to the second group;As and Sb to theeighth groups:Sc and Zn to the third and sixth groups.It was found that their notably good correla-tionship is mainly due to the similarity of their ionic structures and that their variation is controlled by theFe content(except Mn).The source of sediments is mainly terristrial material,and the composition ofsediment is similar to that of shale and shale+clay.The contents for a large number of ele-ments are within the scope of the background level,but there still is pollution of Zn and Cr,at least in a few stations.     

Effects of small peptides,probiotics, prebiotics,and synbiotics on growth performance,digestive enzymes,and oxidative stress in orange-spotted grouper,Epinephelus coioides,juveniles reared in artificial seawater

Aquaculture production efficiency may increase by using feed additives. This study investigated the effects of different dietary additives [w/w: 2% small peptides, 0.01% probiotics( Bacillus licheniformis) and 0.2% prebiotics(inulin)] on growth performance, digestive enzyme activities, and oxidative stress in juvenile Epinephelus coioides reared in artificial seawater of two salt concentrations(13.5 vs. 28.5). Weight gain rate was significantly higher in fish fed the diet supplemented with small peptides, B. licheniformis, inulin, or synbiotics than that in fish fed the basal diet; the greatest weight gain rate was found in fish fed the small peptide treatment [56.0% higher than basal diet]. Higher feed efficiency was detected in fish fed the diet supplemented with small peptides than that of fish in the other dietary treatments. Total protease activity in the stomach and intestines was highest in fish fed the small peptide-treated diet, whereas lipase activity was highest in those fed synbiotics(combination of Bacillus licheniformis and inulin) than that in fish fed the other treatments. Antioxidant enzyme(total superoxide dismutase and catalase) activities and hepatic malondialdehyde content were higher in fish receiving the dietary supplements and maintained in artificial seawater containing 13.5 salinity compared with those in the control(28.5). Hepatic catalase activity in grouper fed the diets with small peptides or synbiotics decreased significantly compared with that in control fish. Overall, the three types of additives improved growth rate of juvenile grouper and digestive enzymes activities to varying degrees but did not effectively improve antioxidant capacity under low-salinity stress conditions.     

Requirements of shrimp,Penaeus chinensis O'sbeck for potassium,sodium, magnesium and iodine

Potassium, sodium, magnesium and iodine requirements of shrimp,Penaeus chinensis were studied. Orthogonal design was employed in this experiment. The composition of the basal diet consisted of fish meal, peanut cake, corn meal, soybean cake, wheat bran, vitamin mix and mineral mix, and supplementations of potassium, sodium, magnesium and iodine in the basal diet were made according to the L₉(3⁴) orthogonal table. The results indicated that iodine supplementation improved growth of the shrimp significantly and raised survival very significantly, iodine requirement of the shrimp was 0.003%; sodium requirement was 0.87% or less; and that 1.1–1.3% potassium and 0.18–0.38% magnesium in the diet were proper nutrition supplements for the shrimp. Contribution No. 2342 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences.     

Landscape ecology: Coupling of pattern,process, and scale

Landscape ecology provides new theoretical frameworks and methodologies for understanding complex ecological phenomena at multiple scales.Studies of landscape ecology focus on understanding the dynamics of eco-logical patterns and processes,and highlight the integration of multiple disciplines.In this paper,we discussed the problems and challenges that landscape ecology is currently facing,emphasizing the limitations of current methods used to describe dynamic landscape patterns and processes.We suggested that the focus should be on the integration of ground-based observation,mobile monitoring,transect survey,and remote-sensing monitoring,as well as improved coupling of experimental and model simulations.In addition,we outlined the research frontiers in landscape ecology,including scaling,integrated pattern and process modeling,and regional synthesis.Lastly,a brief review of pat-tern-process-scale coupling studies in China was provided.We concluded by pointing out that pattern-process-scale interactions,correlations between natural,economic,and social processes,and the coupling of human and natural systems will be major research areas in landscape ecology in the future.     

雷歌研究历程、格局及问题

雷歌研究自清末民初的黄景星起至今近90年,在雷歌起源、流变、词曲形态、音韵及音调等方面积累了较多描述性研究成果,为后续研究提供了宝贵资料,但研究格局僵化,领域有限,主题高度重复,缺乏方法论意识,研究成果宏观上表现零散、随意及表层化,突破性成果匮乏,微观上则有概念模糊缺乏足够实证材料之弊端。     

Preparation,characterization, and antifungal activity of hymexazol-linked chitosan derivatives

In this study,three hymexazol-linked chitosan derivatives(HML-CS)were synthesized and their structures confi rmed by Fourier transform infrared and elemental analysis.Linkage ratios were measured by high performance liquid chromatography.The derivatives’antifungal activity against the plant pathogenic fungi R hizoctonia solani CGMCC 3.28 and G ibberella zeae CGMCC 3.42 were investigated at concentrations of 100,200,and 400 mg/L.These HML-CS derivatives exhibited stronger antifungal activity than CS alone.HML-CS-1 showed the best antifungal activity against G.zeae,whose antifungal index was65.9%at 400 mg/L,and also showed the best antifungal activity against R.solani,whose antifungal index was 52.7%at 400 mg/L.This conjugation of CS and HML suggested the presence of synergistic ef fects between the moieties and indicated that these derivatives possessed great potential as novel fungicides and require further research for the development of applications in crop protection.     

Preparation,Characteristics, and Formation Mechanism of Oyster Peptide-Zinc Nanoparticles

Oyster peptide–zinc nanoparticles(OPZNPs)(28–108 nm) were prepared in the presence of 0.5%–0.9% zinc sulfate at pH 6.0–11.0. The obtained nanoparticles exhibited uniform size distribution and spherical shapes. Nanoparticle characteristics, such as size, surface charge, and hydrophobicity, could be adjusted by controlling zinc sulfate concentration and environmental pH. Increasing pH value or decreasing zinc sulfate concentration tended to reduce nanoparticle size and increase nanoparticle surface charge and hydrophobicity. OPZNPs presented good stability at near-neutral pH and could be stored for at least 20 days at 4℃. The results of the peptide conformation study and nanoparticle dissociation test proved that zinc ions and carboxyl groups are the key factors that affect OPZNP formation. The intermolecular combinations of carboxyl groups via zinc bridging facilitated the aggregation of oyster peptides. Nanoparticle formation was accompanied by aggregate association and conformational changes. These changes included increments in β-sheets, especially intermolecular β-sheets, at the expense of α-helixes. Overall, this work provided a green alternative route for the synthesis of OPZNPs.     

Geological structure, composition of ores and age of the Bamsk gold deposit, Amur region, Russia

The Bamsk gold-ore deposit is located in the Amur region, the Far East of Russia. It is confined to the Early Cretaceous volcanic-plutonic uplift of central type, located in the Stanov folded-clumpy Pre-Cambrian system. The deposit is presented by a series of gold-bearing quartz and carbonate-quartz vein-stringer zones. They are confined to the super-intrusive zone of the Nevachansk subvolcanic intrusion of sienite-porphyric composition. The mineralization is being controlled by zone of fractures developed in the autochthone ofthe Bamsk fault. Quartz, carbonates and sericite prevail in the composition of ores. The quantity of ore minerals doesn't exceed 1%～5%. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and native gold are widely spread. Sheelite, gold and silver tellurides, sulphobismuthites, acanthite, sphalerite and cinnabar are less developed. Four stages of mineralization have been distinguished. Gold-sulphide-sulphosalt ore with tellurides of gold and silver is productive for gold. The following set of elements is typomorphic for the ores of the deposit: Au, Ag, Cu, Bi,Mo, Pb and Sb (W1, Pb1, Mo) -Cu- (Ag, Bi, Sb, Mn, W1, Pb2) form the vertical series of zoning. Rocks, enclosing the mineralization are exposed to the processes of listvenitization-beresitization. The processes of gumbeization and argillization are less manifested. The age of the gold mineralization, determined by Rb-Sr method on ore-accompanying minerals, is 130.6 Ma.     

Geological structure, composition of ores and age of the Bamsk gold deposit, Amur region, Russia

The Bamsk gold-ore deposit is located in the Amur region, the Far East of Russia. It is confined to the Early Cretaceous volcanicoplutonic uplift of central type, located in the Stanov folded-clumpy Pre-Cambrian system. The deposit is presented by a series of gold-bearing quartz and carbonate-quartz vein-stringer zones. They are confined to the super-intrusive zone of the Nevachansk subvolcanic intrusion of sienite-porphyric composition. The mineralization is being controlled by zone of fractures developed in the autochthone of the Bamsk fault. Quartz, carbonates and sericite prevail in the composition of ores. The quantity of ore minerals doesn‘t exceed 1% ～ 5%. Pyrite, chalcopyrite, galena and native gold are widely spread, Sheelite, gold and silver tellurides, sulphobismuthites, acanthite, sphalerite and cinnabar are less developed. Four stages of mineralization have been distinguished. Gold-sulphide-sulphosalt ore with tellurides of gold and silver is productive for gold. The following set of elements is typomorphic for the ores of the deposit: Au, Ag, Cu, Bi, Mo, Pb and Sb (W1, Pb1, Mo) -Cu- (Ag, Bi, Sb, Mn, W2,, Pb2) form the vertical series of zoning. Rocks, enclosing the mineralization are exposed to the processes of listvenitization-beresitization. The processes of gumbeization and argillization are less manifested. The age of the gold mineralization, determined by Rb-Sr method on ore-accompanying minerals, is 130.6 Ma.     

Regeneration and tree species diversity of Sitakund Botanical Garden and Eco-park,Chittagong, Bangladesh

Anthropogenic disturbances influence plant regeneration and species diversity, which impact the conservation status of protected areas. A study was conducted in the Sitakund Botanical Garden and Eco-park （SBGE）, Chittagong, Bangladesh to analyze the natural regeneration and tree species diversity in disturbed and less disturbed zones. Stratified and systematic random sampling was used to select 50 sample plots from each of the two zones. A total number of 109 plant species from 43 families were recorded in the study; of which 93 species were of natural origin while the rest were planted. From the species with natural origin 66 were tree species, 9 were shrub species and 28 were climbers. Species richness, density of regeneration and disturbance index in the height classes （0- 0.5 m） and {dbh 〉 6 cm） indicated significant differences between the zones. The study analyzed how disturbances affect species diversity in the area. It was found that species richness and basal area are negatively related with disturbances. Moreover, density （N/ha） of trees was more likely to decrease with increasing tree height that reflects the huge demand of local people to harvest large trees as part of their income generating activities. The study findings have implications for future managementdecisions of the SGBE. To restore these ecosystems, management should focus on both biodiversity eonservation and providing benefits to local people without hampering forest ecosystems.     

Geological features and genesis of Gaotaigou borate deposit, Jilin, China

Gaotaigou borate deposit in Ji'an area, southeastern Jilin, is located in the easten end of Liaoning-Jilin (Liaoji)Proterozoic paleo-rift, which is a medium-sized deposit and makes up 67% of the total borate reserves in Jilin Province.The original borate ore bodies were formed by sedimentary exhalative process in Paleoproterozoic, but were activated and enriched by later metamorphism. In late stage of metamorphism, hydrothermal fluid of metamorphic origin made wallrocks be altered and the borate ore bodies be reformed. Ore bodies are strictly controlled by strata and their lithologies. In addition, the shape and spatial distribution of ore bodies are also defined by the Gaotaigou syncline. Combined with the ore-controlling factors and mineralizing features, it has been proposed that Gaotaigou borate deposit is a metamorphosed and hydrothermally altered sedimentary exhalative deposit.     

A combined model of wind, wave, tide and storm surges

A combined numerical model of wind, wave, tide, and storm surges was built on the basis of the “wind field model in limited sea surface areas”. When used to forecast the sea surface wind, wave height and water level, it can describe them very well. Contribution No. 4108 from the Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences. This work supported by Stress Project (KZ952-S1-420), Chinese Academy of Sciences; 863 Project (863-818-06-05), and (863-818-Q-07)     

Geological features and genesis of Gaotaigou borate deposit, Jilin, China

Gaotaigou borate deposit in Ji'an area, southeastern Jilin, is located in the easten end of Liaoning-Jilin (Liaoji) Proterozoic paleo-rift, which is a medium-sized deposit and makes up 67% of the total borate reserves in Jilin Province. The original borate ore bodies were formed by sedimentary exhalative process in Paleoproterozoic, but were activated and enriched by later metamorphism. In late stage of metamorphistn, hydrothermal fluid of metamorphic origin made wallrocks be altered and the borate ore bodies be reformed. Ore bodies are strictly controlled by strata and their lithologies. In addition, the shape and spatial distribution of ore bodies are also defined by the Gaotaigou syncline. Combined with the ore-controlling factors and mineralizing features, it has been proposed that Gaotaigou borate deposit is a metamorphosed and hydrothermally altered sedimentary exhalative deposit.     

Geological features and genesis of Gaotaigou borate deposit, Jilin, China

Gaotaigou borate deposit in Ji＇an area, southeastern Jilin, is located in the easten end of Liaoning-Jilin （Liaoji） Proterozoic paleo-rift, which is a medium-sized deposit and makes up 67% of the total borate reserves in Jilin Province. The original borate ore bodies were formed by sedimentary exhalative process in Paleoproterozoic, but were activated and enriched by later metamorphism. In late stage of metamorphism, hydrothermal fluid of metamorphic origin made wallrocks be altered and the borate ore bodies be reformed. Ore bodies are strictly controlled by strata and their lithologies. In addition, the shape and spatial distribution of ore bodies are also defined by the Gaotaigou syncline. Combined with the ore-controlling factors and mineralizing features, it has been proposed that Gaotaigou borate deposit is a metamorphosed and hydrothermally altered sedimentary exhalative deposit.     

Estimation of Age,Growth and Maturation of Purpleback Flying Squid,Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis,in Bashi Channel,Central Pacific Ocean

The age, growth and maturation of Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis were determined with statolith data collected with a light purse seine from the Bashi Channel of central Pacific Ocean. The estimated longevity of the squid was no more than 6 months for females, and no more than 5 months for males. Growth in mantle length(ML) was best described by logistic models for both females and males, while growth in body weight(BW) was best fitted by power curves. The maximum absolute growth rate(AGR) and instantaneous growth rate(IGR) in ML or BW both occurred at 91–105 days for females and 76–90 days for males. Back calculated hatching dates were from October to January, with a peak in December, although the short duration of sampling date might have had an influence on the result. The lower percentage of mature females(37.2%) suggested that the study area during the sampling date was not a spawning ground for the species. Size and age at first maturity were 183 mm ML and 136 days for females, whereas they were 156 mm ML and 85 days for males.     

Dynamics and relationships of Ca, Mg, Fe in litter, soil fauna and soil in Pinus koraiensis-broadleaf mixed forest

The Liangshui Natural Reserve in Heilongjiang Province of China was selected as the study area. The authors collected the samples of forest litter （Tilia amurensis, Fraxinus mandshurica, Pinus koraiensis, Acer mono, Betula costata, and mixed litter）, soil in humus horizon （0--5cm） and soil horizon （5-20cm）, and soil macrofauna （Oligochaeta, Geophiloporpha and Juliformia） from 2001 to 2002. The role of soil macrofauna in the material cycle was analyzed through comparing the macro-element contents among various parts of the subsystems and using enrichment index （El）. The results indicate that dynamic changes of various litters are very complicated. The contents of Fe in each kind of litter increase firstly, and then decrease in the study period. The changes of macro-element contents are greater in the broad-leaf litter than in the coniferous litter, and the mixed litter is in the middle level, but the differences among them are not significant. The contents of Mg and Fe in humus are higher than those in soil, but the contents of Ca in soil are higher than that in humus. The dynamic changes of macro-element contents in soil and soil fauna are not consistent with those in litter. The diplopod presented obvious enrichment of Ca and Mg （E1〉1）, but it does not significantly enrich Fe. Earthworm has a stronger enrichment ability of Fe than diplopod and scolopendra, but E1〈1. Soil fauna can make great influences on the material cycle of the subsystems.     

Dynamics and Relationships of Ca,Mg,Fe in Litter,Soil Fauna and Soil in Pinus koraiensis-Broadleaf Mixed Forest

The Liangshui Natural Reserve in Heilongjiang Province of China was selected as the study area.The authors collected the samples of forest litter (Tilia amurensis,Fraxinus mandshurica,Pinus koraiensis,Acer mono,Betula costata,and mixed litter),soil in humus horizon (0-5cm) and soil horizon (5-20cm),and soil macrofauna (Oligochaeta,Geophiloporpha and Juliformia) from 2001 to 2002.The role of soil macrofauna in the material cycle was analyzed through comparing the macro-element contents among various parts of the subsystems and using enrichment index (EI).The results indicate that dynamic changes of various litters are very complicated.The contents of Fe in each kind of litter increase firstly,and then decrease in the study period.The changes of macro-element contents are greater in the broad-leaf litter than in the coniferous litter,and the mixed litter is in the middle level,but the differences among them are not significant.The contents of Mg and Fe in humus are higher than those in soil,but the contents of Ca in soil are higher than that in humus.The dynamic changes of macro-element contents in soil and soil fauna are not consistent with those in litter.The diplopod presented obvious enrichment of Ca and Mg (EI>1),but it does not significantly enrich Fe.Earthworm has a stronger enrichment ability of Fe than diplopod and scolopendra,but EI<1.Soil fauna can make great influences on the material cycle of the subsystems.