Polymorphic microsatellites in largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti) developed from repeat-enriched libraries and cross-species amplifications

Largemouth bronze gudgeon (Coreius guichenoti) is a medium-sized fish endemic from the upper Yangtze River of China and its survival is threatened by the construction of the Three Gorges Dam. This study reports 20 new polymorphic microsatellites from a repeat-enriched genomic library with a mean number allele of 5.2, and observed and expected heterozygosities ranging from 0.035 to 1, and from 0.13 to 0.917, respectively. In a cross-species amplification test, nine of the 37 tested loci were found to be also polymorphic in a congeneric species, brass gudgeon (C. heterodon). In addition, other four loci from common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were also polymorphic in C. guichenoti. Out of these 24 polymorphic microsatellites, only three loci significantly deviated from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the sampled population (P < 0.0025), and all pairwise tests for linkage disequilibrium among loci were nonsignificant after applying sequential Bonferroni correction (P > 0.0026). These novel microsatellites provide sufficient levels of polymorphism for studies on population genetics and conservation in C. guichenoti and its related species.

Biodiversity changes in the lakes of the Central Yangtze

The Central Yangtze ecoregion in China includes a number of lakes, but these have been greatly affected by human activities over the past several decades, resulting in severe loss of biodiversity. In this paper, we document the present distribution of the major lakes and the changes in size that have taken place over the past 50 years, using remote sensing data and historical observations of land cover in the region. We also provide an overview of the changes in species richness, community composition, population size and age structure, and individual body size of aquatic plants, fishes, and waterfowl in these lakes. The overall species richness of aquatic plants found in eight major lakes has decreased substantially during the study period. Community composition has also been greatly altered, as have population size and age and individual body size in some species. These changes are largely attributed to the integrated effects of lake degradation, the construction of large hydroelectric dams, the establishment of nature reserves, and lake restoration practices.

Distribution of phytoplankton in the Three-Gorge Reservoir during rainy and dry seasons

After damming of the Yangtze River, in order to explore the impacts of the Three-Gorge Dam (TGD) on the aquatic ecosystem, phytoplankton composition, abundance and biomass spatial distribution were studied in the Three-Gorge Reservoir (TGR), and the closest upstream anabranch Xiangxi River, which is 38 kin away from the Three-Gorge Dam (TGD) during August (rainy season) 2004 and April (dry season) 2005. In surveys, 6 transects (2 downstream and 4 cross-stream) and 25 stations have been investigated and 314 samples were collected from the surface to the river bed with water samplers. In TGR, 63 taxa and 60 taxa were identified in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. In the Xiangxi River, 39 taxa were observed in the rainy and dry seasons. Algal blooms occurred in the Xiangxi River and at the influx region of the Yangtze and Xiangxi in both seasons, but had not occurred prior to damming. In the rainy season, the dominant species was Chroomonas acuta with 1.84 x 10(7) cells l(-1), and in the dry season the dominant species were Asterionella formosa and Cryptomonas ovata with 1.34 x 10(7) cells l(-1) and 1.79 x 10(6) cells(.)l(-1), respectively. In the main channel of TGR, there were no significant correlations between phytoplankton abundance and the concentrations of the main soluble nutrients. In the Xiangxi River, significant negative correlations were observed between phytoplankton abundance and nitrate (Spearman, p < 0.01, n=21), phosphate (Spearman, p < 0.05, n=21) and silicate (Spearman, p < 0.01, n=21) in the rainy season, and similar correlations were also observed with nitrate (Spearman, p < 0.05, n=28) and silicate (Speannan, p < 0.01, n=28), but not with phosphate in the dry season. Since the damming of the Yangtze River, eutrophication in the anabranch within the backwater has occurred and become severe, and the frequency of algal bloom within TGR and anabranches is expected to increase. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The research of phosphorus of Xiangxi River nearby the Three Gorges, China

The Xiangxi River is the first middling tributary of the Changjiang River near the Three Gorges Dam. The River is subject to phosphorus pollution mainly from industrial wastewater. As the water quality of the Xiangxi River could directly influence the water quality of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the research on phosphorus levels and its change in the sediment profile of the Xiangxi River could provide useful information in the dynamic changes in the system, thereby offering options for mitigative measures. Water and sediment samples from lower reaches of Xiangxi River were collected and the different forms of phosphorus in sediments of the Xiangxi River were studied. The concentrations of total phosphorus in sediment ranged from 757.67 to 1438.54 mg/kg. Inorganic phosphorus concentrations ranged from 684.63 to 1055.58 mg/kg. Phosphorus contamination was serious in some parts of the Xiangxi River. With an average concentration of 635.17 mg/kg, calcium-bound phosphorus is the main form among different inorganic phosphorus forms. Labile phosphorus and iron/aluminum-bound phosphorus measured 3.40, 0.05and 35.28 mg/kg, respectively. The mobilization potential of phosphorus of sediments was studied through adsorption and release experiments. The equilibrium concentration of phosphorus adsorption and release was around 0.1 mg/L. The initial concentrations of phosphorus in the overlying water and the sediments have obvious effect on phosphorus mobilization potential. In addition, the release rate of phosphorus in sediment increased with water depth.

Population genetic structure of an endemic cyprinid fish, Ancherythroculter nigrocauda, in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and its implication for conservation

Ancherythroculter nigrocauda is a cyprinid fish endemic to the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, which has been reported to have 2 or 3 chambers to its air bladder. Morphological studies showed no differences between individuals with different types of air bladder, but did demonstrate geographical differences from different sources. After the completion of the Three Gorges Dam, it was expected that the population of this species would decrease, but artificial breeding and stocking is under consideration to protect this species from extinction. In the present study, mtDNA cytochrome b gene sequences were determined and analyzed for A. nigrocauda samples of different morphotypes and sources to identify their genetic differentiations, and thereby guide plans for the artificial propagation and conservation of this species. Haplotype diversity index values (h) and nucleotide diversity values (pi) for all the populations were found to be high indicating their high level genetic diversity. An analysis of molecular variance identified no differentiation among the studied populations. Therefore, we suggested that the individuals of different morphological types and geographical sources belong to the same species. To maintain its high level genetic diversity, it mill he necessary to use large and diverse sources of parental fish for artificial reproduction.

Aquatic resource conservation - The first Yangtze finless porpoise successfully born in captivity

Background. As the sole freshwater subspecies of finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides), the Yangtze finless porpoise (N. p. asiaeorientalis) lives only in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River and its appended Poyang and Dongting Lakes. As a result of human activity on the river, including over and illegal fishing, pollution, transportation and dam construction, the population of Yangtze finless porpoises has been steadily and rapidly decreasing during the past several decades, which leads the animal to be endangered. Methods. For saving this unique animal from extinction, three corresponding measures, in situ conservation, ex situ conservation, and intensifying breeding research in captivity, were proposed and have been implemented since the 1980s. Results. After successfully rearing the animals in captivity for almost nine years, the first Yangtze finless porpoise was successfully born in captivity on July 5, 2005. The calf is male, with a body length of 69 cm. This is the first freshwater cetacean ever born in captivity. Conclusion. The successful birth of this calf confirms that it is possible to breed the Yangtze finless porpoise in captivity. Furthermore, this will greatly benefit the conservation efforts, and also greatly bolster our on-going efforts to study the reproductive biology of these animals. Recommendation. More studies and efforts are expected to establish a sustainable, captive colony of the Yangtze finless porpoise, which will not only greatly expand our knowledge about the reproduction biology of this animal, but also help to redeem the wild population through a careful yearly 'soft releasing' process.

Species richness in a riparian plant community along the banks of the Xiangxi River, the Three Gorges region

The distribution of vascular plant species richness along an altitudinal gradient and their relationships with environmental variables, including slope, aspect, bank (flooding) height, and river width of the Xiangxi River, Hubei Province, were examined. Total vascular plant species richness changed with elevation: it increased at lower elevations, reached a maximum in the midreaches and decreased thereafter. In particular, tree and herbaceous species richness were related to altitude. Correlation analysis (Kendall's tau) between species richness and environmental variables indicated that the change in species richness in the riparian zone was determined by riparian environmental factors and characteristics of regional vegetation distribution along the altitudinal gradient. The low species richness at lower elevations resulted from seasonal flooding and human activities - agriculture and fuel collection - and the higher. Species richness ill (he midreaches reflected transitional zones ill natural vegetation types that had had little disturbance. These results oil species distribution in the riparian community could he utilized as a reference for restoration efforts to improve water quality of the emerging reservoir resulting from the Three Gorges Hydroelectric Dam project.

Spawning areas and early development of long spiky-head carp (Luciobrama macrocephalus) in the Yangtze River and Pearl River, China

The spawning areas and early development of long spiky-head carp, Luciobrama macrocephalus (Lacepede), an endemic fish species in China, were investigated in the Yangtze River and Pearl River of central and southeastern China between 1961 and 1993. The potamodromous fish migrated upstream to spawn between May and July as the floodwater began to rise. The water-hardened eggs drifted down the river, and the embryos and larvae developed in the course of drifting. The spawning areas of the fish were widely found in the upper and middle main channels and large tributaries. Two large dams (Gezhouba dam and Danjiangkou dam) did not significantly impact on the reproduction of the fish. Fifty stages of the early development from one cell to the juvenile with fully formed fins were observed and characterized pictorially. The larvae of long spiky-head carp could be distinguished from the larvae of other co-occurring species by counting the number of somites and comparing the proportion of sizes of eye to otic capsule.

The effects of fresh and decomposed Microcystis aeruginosa on cladocerans from a subtropic Chinese Lake

We studied in the laboratory the population growth rates of four cladocerans fed both with decomposed Microcystis aeruginosa and with a mixture of fresh colonial M. aeruginosa and Scenedesmus obliquus. The neonates of Diqphanosoma brachyurum and Daphnia carinata were able to develop into adults when they were fed with <64mum decomposed M. aeruginosa, while those of Moina micrura could not use decomposed M. aeruginosa. The population growth rate of the largest species, D. carinata, was less affected by the presence of fresh colonial M. aeruginosa than the other three species. D. carinata obtained the highest growth rate at a biomass level of 10 mg L-1 fresh colonial M. aeruginosa, indicating that, to some extent, it can use colonial M. aeruginosa at a size range of 64-112mum. The population growth rate of M. micrura was negatively correlated with fresh colonial M. aeruginosa within a range of 10-100 mg L-1. The population growth rates of D. brachyurum and Ceriodaphnia cornuta were remarkably decreased by fresh colonial M. aeruginosa, although no significant difference was found within the M. aeruginosa biomass range of 10-100 mg L-1 for either cladoceran. At a biomass level of 50 mg L-1 M. aeruginosa, the population growth rates of the four cladocerans positively correlated with S. obliquus biomass within a range of 0.1-5.0 mg L-1. Our results indicate that the zooplankton community under bloom condition is shaped by the quantity of both M. aeruginosa and other edible algae.

多组分聚合物体系结晶熔融过程的研究

在高分子材料发展的同时，研究高分子材料的结晶熔融过程是非常重要的。本论文以相容性共混体系PCL/SAN， 无规共聚物E-DAM和嵌段共聚物PS-PEO共混体系为研究对象，研究了多组分体系的结晶熔融过程，得到了一些有意义的结果：当可结晶聚合物PEO与非晶聚合物PS通过化学键连接在一起后，可结晶聚合物PEO的许多行为发生改变；通过跟踪无规共聚物E-DAM升降温过程和等温结晶过程中形态参数的变化，发现聚合物本身的特性对聚合物结晶过程影响很大；在动力学研究中还可发现，PECH和PVME 均使嵌段共聚物的结晶速度降低，且PECH使嵌段共聚物结晶速度降低显著。

溃坝流的光滑粒子法模拟

用光滑粒子法模拟几种情况的溃坝流动,对坝外无水和有水的情况进行二维模拟,对坝外有立柱的情况进行三维模拟.流动控制方程采用雷诺平均方程模拟溃坝流动的湍流效应,采用混合长度形式的涡粘模式对控制方程进行封闭,推导其相应的光滑粒子形式的方程.模拟结果表明,数值模拟的流动特征与实验结果符合得非常好,说明发展的光滑粒子法有效.

基于SPH方法的溃坝流动数值模拟

应用光滑粒子流体动力学方法对溃坝问题进行了数值模拟,在现有SPH方法的理论基础上对密度近似方程进行了重新初始化处理,分析了密度重新初始化对溃坝流动问题的影响,并对SPH数值模拟所得到的结果与试验结果以及移动粒子半隐式方法得到的计算结果进行了比较和分析.结果表明,对密度近似方程进行重新初始化保持了流场内的质量守恒,同时整个计算域内的压力分布更加规则,SPH方法数值模拟得到的结果与实验结果和MPS方法得到的结果非常吻合,验证了改进方案及所编程序的可靠性和计算结果的准确性

高心墙堆石坝坝基防渗墙与心墙连接方案研究

深厚覆盖层坝基上的高心墙堆石坝越来越多地采用两道防渗墙的设计方案.防渗墙与土质防渗体连接处是抵御渗透破坏的关键部位,该部位的混凝土结构设置方案优化是防渗设计的重点内容.阐述了瀑布沟电站心墙堆石坝混凝土防渗墙与土质心墙几种连接方案的设计比选过程,重点研究了防渗墙和廊道完全被高塑性黏土包裹和仅顶部被高塑性黏土包裹两个优化方案中心墙底部的孔隙水压力和渗透坡降的性状,表明这两个方案都是可行的.连接部位的渗透坡降是非均匀的,混凝土结构顶部的渗透坡降较大,心墙底部出口处的渗透坡降较小;坝体与两岸相接部位心墙底部渗流出口处的渗透坡降最大;高塑性黏土仅设置于混凝土结构顶部有利于心墙变形和施工进度,推荐设计采用

唐家山滑坡成因机制与堰塞坝整体稳定性研究

根据唐家山滑坡的地质背景,研究滑坡及堰塞体工程地质特征,分析唐家山滑坡类型及发生的地质成因机制;基于唐家山堰塞体的岩体结构稳定性分析、宏观现象监控与地表位移监测,研究堰塞体的整体稳定性。研究得出如下结论与启示:(1)唐家山滑坡属于基岩顺层滑坡,是典型的地震诱发高速滑坡,滑坡滑动带可能发育在层间剪切带,滑坡区发育的构造背景为复式倒转背斜的一翼。(2)唐家山堰塞体整体结构以块状岩体为主,上覆风化松散堆积物,整体地质稳定性较好;堰塞体地表位移监测显示,泄洪对地表位移有影响,最大位移约140mm,随后位移增量较小,目前处于稳定状态。(3)应注重地震诱发滑坡→堰塞湖→溃决→洪水的"多米诺"链式灾变研究;应注重含层间剪切带斜坡的工程地质调查分析和地震滑坡危险性研究。