Cecum lymph node dendritic cells harbor slow-growing bacteria phenotypically tolerant to antibiotic treatment.

In vivo, antibiotics are often much less efficient than ex vivo and relapses can occur. The reasons for poor in vivo activity are still not completely understood. We have studied the fluoroquinolone antibiotic ciprofloxacin in an animal model for complicated Salmonellosis. High-dose ciprofloxacin treatment efficiently reduced pathogen loads in feces and most organs. However, the cecum draining lymph node (cLN), the gut tissue, and the spleen retained surviving bacteria. In cLN, approximately 10%-20% of the bacteria remained viable. These phenotypically tolerant bacteria lodged mostly within CD103⁺CX₃CR1⁻CD11c⁺ dendritic cells, remained genetically susceptible to ciprofloxacin, were sufficient to reinitiate infection after the end of the therapy, and displayed an extremely slow growth rate, as shown by mathematical analysis of infections with mixed inocula and segregative plasmid experiments. The slow growth was sufficient to explain recalcitrance to antibiotics treatment. Therefore, slow-growing antibiotic-tolerant bacteria lodged within dendritic cells can explain poor in vivo antibiotic activity and relapse. Administration of LPS or CpG, known elicitors of innate immune defense, reduced the loads of tolerant bacteria. Thus, manipulating innate immunity may augment the in vivo activity of antibiotics.

In-Situ grown carbon nanotubes for enhanced CO2 detection in non-dispersive-infra-red system

Non-dispersive-infra-red (NDIR) sensors are believed to be one of the most selective and robust solutions for CO2 detection, though cost prohibits their broader integration. In this paper we propose a commercially viable silicon-on-insulator (SOI) complementary metal-oxide (CMOS) micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) technology for an IR thermal emitter. For the first time, vertically aligned multi walled carbon nanotubes (VA-MWCNTs) are suggested as a possible coating for the enhancement of the emission intensity of the optical source of a NDIR system. VA-MWCNTs have been grown in situ by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) exclusively on the heater area. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy have been used to verify the quality of the VA-MWCNTs growth. The CNT-coated emitter demonstrated an increased response to CO2 of approx. 60%. Furthermore, we show that the VA-MWCNTs are stable up to temperatures of 500°C for up to 100 hours. © 2013 IEEE.

A dual mode SOI CMOS MEMS based thermal conductivity and IR absorption gas sensor

Design, FEM modelling and characterization of a novel dual mode thermal conductivity and infrared absorption sensor using SOI CMOS technology is reported. The dual mode sensing capability is based on the temperature sensitivity and wideband infrared radiation emission of the resistive heating element. The sensor was fabricated at a commercial foundry using a 1 μm process and measures only 1×1 mm2. Infrared detectors usually use thermopiles in addition to a separate IR source. A single highly responsive dual mode source and sensing element targeting not only low molecular mass gases but also greenhouse gases, while consuming 40 mW power at 700°C in synthetic air, thus makes this sensor particularly viable for battery powered handheld devices. © 2013 IEEE.

Low voltage ride-through of DFIG and brushless DFIG: Similarities and differences

The brushless doubly fed induction generator (BDFIG) has been proposed as a viable alternative in wind turbines to the commonly used doubly fed induction generator (DFIG). The BDFIG retains the benefits of the DFIG, i.e. variable speed operation with a partially rated converter, but without the use of brush gear and slip rings, thereby conferring enhanced reliability. As low voltage ride-through (LVRT) performance of the DFIG-based wind turbine is well understood, this paper aims to analyze LVRT behavior of the BDFIG-based wind turbine in a similar way. In order to achieve this goal, the equivalence between their two-axis model parameters is investigated. The variation of flux linkages, back-EMFs and currents of both types of generator are elaborated during three phase voltage dips. Moreover, the structural differences between the two generators, which lead to different equivalent parameters and hence different LVRT capabilities, are investigated. The analytical results are verified via time-domain simulations for medium size wind turbine generators as well as experimental results of a voltage dip on a prototype 250 kVA BDFIG. © 2014 Elsevier B.V.

Applicability of the MTT assay for measuring viability of cyanobacteria and algae, specifically for Microcystis aeruginosa (Chroococcales, Cyanobacteria)

Several assay methods were screened for viability assessment in cyanobacteria using Microcystis aeruginosa FACHB 905. Compared with fluorescent diacetate (FDA), Evan's Blue and autofluorescence, the 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, which was based on the ability of viable cells to reduce MTT to formazan, was found to be reliable and was selected for further study. MTT concentration, incubation time and temperature were optimized for M. aeruginosa. Improvements to the sensitivity and reproducibility of the MTT assay included performing it in the dark to reduce the effects of formazan light sensitivity when extracted in DMSO. Another improvement involved collecting viability data by cell by counting rather than colourimetrically, which was concluded from the fact that oxidoreductase activity, responsible for MTT reduction, would elevate or decrease under stress conditions. Half-life of oxidoreductase in dead cell was calculated to be 3 h. The MTT assay was also found to be applicable to other cyanobacteria and diatoms, including field samples, but not for algae belonging to Chlorophyta, Euglenophyta, Pyrrophyta or Chrysophyta. Based on the above results, we proposed an optimized procedure for the MTT method on Microcystis strains. The use of this assay may be of importance to better understand the dynamics of bloom and the fate of Microcystis under natural or disturbed conditions.

Response of Microcystis to copper stress - Do phenotypes of Microcystis make a difference in stress tolerance?

To elucidate the role of phenotype in stress-tolerant bloom-forming cyanobacterium Microcystis, two phenotypes of M. aeruginosa-unicellular and colonial strains were selected to investigate how they responded to copper stress. Flow cytometry (FCM) examination indicated that the percents of viable cells in unicellular and colonial Microcystis were 1.92-2.83% and 72.3-97.51%, respectively, under 0.25 mg l(-1) copper sulfate treatment for 24 h. Upon exposure to 0.25 mg l(-1) copper sulfate, the activities of antioxidative enzyme, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), were significantly increased in colonial Microcystis compared to unicellular Microcystis. Meanwhile, the values of the photosynthetic parameters (F-v/F-m, ETRmax and oxygen evolution rate) decreased more rapidly in unicellular Microcystis than in colonial Microcystis. The results indicate that colonial Microcystis has a higher endurance to copper than unicellular Microcystis. This suggests that the efficient treatment concentration of copper sulfate as algaecides will be dependent on the phenotypes of Microcystis. (C) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Range-wide Yangtze freshwater dolphin expedition: The last chance to see Baiji?

Background, Aim and Scope. There are two species of fresh water cetaceans surviving in the Yangtze River system in China: Baiji (Lipotes vexillifer) and Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis). As a result of the expansion of human activities on the river, their distribution ranges appear to be decreasing and in the case of the Baiji, are even being restricted to several sections. The Baiji is the world's most critically endangered cetacean species with a population estimated at only a few tens of individuals. The Yangtze finless porpoise is the world's only freshwater-adapted population of the species, and it has been estimated that only around 1,000 individuals remain in the river system. In order to prevent the extinction of Baiji and a sharp decline in the abundance of the porpoise, in situ conservation (i.e. in the river) and two ex situ conservation (i.e. in semi-natural reserves and in captivity) strategies were proposed and have been implemented since the early 1990s. In view of both the severely endangered status of the animals and the severely degraded conditions of their habitats, the feasibility and actual status of these two strategies are raised for discussion. Main Features. The threats faced by the cetaceans are mainly from the unfettered exploitation of the river's resources. In the past 20 years, five nature reserves have been established along the river. Imposing maximum prohibition of harmful and illegal fishing methods in the reserves might prolong the process of extinction of these cetaceans in the wild, but so far, the administrative measures taken in the reserves have not yet kept the abundance from sharply declining. As human use of the river and its resources is expected to intensify for many decades into the future, the ability of the river to continue to support these species is certainly undecided. Therefore, rescuing animals from the river and establishing viable breeding populations in semi-natural reserves, in which the environment is similar to the main stream of the river, and in captivity, has to be considered urgently as the short-term goal of ex situ strategies. Since the abundance of porpoises is higher than that of the Baiji, we have first established breeding populations of them in the semi-natural reserves and in captivity. But, considering the extremely low density of Baiji in the river, an immediate range-wide Yangtze Baiji survey is an urgent need for locating and capturing sufficient Baiji for successfully establishing a breeding population of them in semi-natural reserves. Results. Two semi-natural reserves (in Shishou, Hubei Province, and Tongling, Anhui Province) have been set up along the river in order to establish breeding populations of the Baiji and the porpoises. So far, several small groups of porpoises that were caught in the main stream of the river have successively been introduced into the semi-natural reserves. Under careful management, these animals in both of the semi-natural reserves not only survive, but can also reproduce naturally and successfully. At least one or three calves were born in each reserve each year. Additionally, a breeding group of porpoises is being established at the Baiji Dolphinarium at the Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan. There are presently four adults and one calf living in the Dolphinarium. The calf, born in July, 2005, is the first captive bred Yangtze Finless Porpoise in the world. In preparation for the range-wide Yangtze cetacean survey, a 9-day pilot expedition on the river near Wuhan was conducted in March, 2006, in order to develop methods for locating the Baiji. No Baiji were expected to be seen in such a short period but about 40 porpoise sightings were observed. Results of the pilot survey indicated that traditional visual and acoustical survey methods for cetaceans should be adapted to find the elusive Baiji in the river. Currently, the range-wide Yangtze cetacean survey is in preparation. The survey will cover over 1,700 km of the Yangtze River from Yichang to Shanghai, and is expected to provide detailed information on Baiji and porpoise numbers and distribution patterns in the river. Discussion. Although the short-term goal of ex situ conservation is to rescue cetaceans from the river and to establish viable breeding populations in semi-natural reserves and in captivity, the long-term goal of releasing the animals back into the river when the threats have decreased and the natural environment has been improved, should not be neglected. Moreover, the in situ conservation efforts in the natural reserves, and even in the entire Yangtze River system, including the lakes, should not be ignored or abandoned at any time. The activities contributing to the conservation of the Baiji and the porpoise in the wild have the incidental effect of benefiting the entire Yangtze ecosystem and other rare threatened species. The dynamics of the groups of porpoises in semi-natural reserves should be monitored continually, in order to guide the establishment of breeding groups of Baiji in these semi-natural reserves in the near future. Conclusions. Under the existing severely degraded conditions of the Yangtze system, the sharply fall populations of Baiji and porpoises will not be suspended in the foreseeable future. Therefore, ex situ conservation should be emphasized, and the severely threatened Baiji in the river should be removed and translocated to semi-natural reserves for establishing viable breeding populations. The successful program of capturing, translocating and maintaining finless porpoises in the Shishou semi-natural reserve has demonstrated its adequacy as an ex situ environment for cetaceans. Following the successful pilot survey in the river, the immediate range-wide Yangtze cetacean survey is proposed and is in preparation. The range-wide survey is expected to ensure that any remaining Baiji can be found reliably and captured successfully after the survey. Recommendations and Perspectives. During the range-wide survey, not only the Baiji but also the porpoise as well as their habitats should be investigated based on visual and acoustical methods that adapted to the river and the animals. Meanwhile, the current risk levels to the Baiji and porpoises should be evaluated at each area where Baiji or porpoises can be reliably sighted. Any capture efforts should be targeted on the most threatened areas, or where there is maximum risk of injury or death. The immediate track of the Baiji should be carried out once a Baiji is sighted during the range-wide survey in order to obtain the movement route of the animals, which is crucial information for the successful capture operation. Additionally, the need to establish new semi-natural reserves for the porpoises should be placed on the agenda of local and central governments in the near future.

Histological and cytological studies on the developing thymus of mandarin fish Siniperca chuatsi (Perciformes : Teleostei)

The thymus of the mandarin fish, Siniperca chuatsi, was examined by light and transmission electron microscopy to understand its formation and cellular composition. Larvae of the mandarin fish were collected and sectioned from 1 to 35 days post-hatching (dph). On dph 7 the thymus was packed with lymphocytes. From 12 dph onward, mucous cells were observed on the epithelial layer; from 23 dph, three zones could be differentiated in the thymic parenchyma. The thymus was connected with the extension of the third, fourth and fifth branchial pouches throughout early development, remaining in a superficial position in the adult S. chuatsi. In the thymus of the adult fish, thymic epithelial cells (TECs) characteristic of tonofilaments were observed, with limiting TECs (LECs) found in subcapsular, subseptal, perivascular and nurse-like TECs containing viable intact lymphocytes inside their vacuoles. In addition, three kinds of granulocytes were observed throughout the thymus, and an incomplete blood-thymus barrier was found in the inner zone. Other cell components such as cystic cells, macrophages and plasma cells, were also described in the thymus of the adult S. chuatsi. The thymus development in mandarin fish agrees, to some extent, with the ontogenetic patterns observed in other fish species.

Design and control of a pendulum driven hopping robot

In this paper a new kind of hopping robot has been designed which uses inverse pendulum dynamics to induce bipedal hopping gaits. Its mechanical structure consists of a rigid inverted T-shape mounted on four compliant feet. An upright "T" structure is connected to this by a rotary joint. The horizontal beam of the upright "T" is connected to the vertical beam by a second rotary joint. Using this two degree of freedom mechanical structure, with simple reactive control, the robot is able to perform hopping, walking and running gaits. During walking, it is experimentally shown that the robot can move in a straight line, reverse direction and control its turning radius. The results show that such a simple but versatile robot displays stable locomotion and can be viable for practical applications on uneven terrain.

Artificial interspecific hybridization between Macrobrachium species

Viable F-1 hybrids were obtained from crosses of female Macrobrachium nipponense and male Macrobrachium hainanense involving spermatophore transfer and artificial insemination. This represents the first successful known case of hybridization of two Macrobrachium species by means of artificial insemination. The hatching rate was over 90%. About 20-60% of newly hatched larvae metamorphosed to postlarvae. The morphological characteristics of the hybrids resembled a combination of features of both parents. Malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and esterase (EST) isozyme electrophoresis indicated parents and F-1 hybrids showed co-dominant expression of the paternal and maternal alleles controlling the isozymes and confirmed the hybridization. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Generalized Viscoplastic Modeling of Debris Flow

Various concepts have been proposed or used in the development of rheological models for debris flow. The earliest model developed by Bagnold was based on the concept of the “dispersive” pressure generated by grain collisions. Bagnold’s concept appears to be theoretically sound, but his empirical model has been found to be inconsistent with most theoretical models developed from non-Newtonian fluid mechanics. Although the generality of Bagnold’s model is still at issue, debris-flow modelers in Japan have generally accepted Takahashi’s formulas derived from Bagnold’s model. Some efforts have recently been made by theoreticians in non-Newtonian fluid mechanics to modify or improve Bagnold’s concept or model. A viable rheological model should consist both of a rate-independent part and a rate-dependent part. A generalized viscoplastic fluid (GVF) model that has both parts as well as two major rheological properties (i.e., the normal stress effect and soil yield criterion) is shown to be sufficiently accurate, yet practical, for general use in debris-flow modeling. In fact, Bagnold’s model is found to be only a particular case of the GVF model. Analytical solutions for (steady) uniform debris flows in wide channels are obtained from the GVF model based on Bagnold’s simplified assumption of constant grain concentration.

Bio-syngas production from biomass catalytic gasification

A promising application for biomass is liquid fuel synthesis, such as methanol or dimethyl ether (DME). Previous studies have studied syngas production from biomass-derived char, oil and gas. This study intends to explore the technology of syngas production from direct biomass gasification, which may be more economically viable. The ratio of H-2/CO is an important factor that affects the performance of this process. In this study, the characteristics of biomass gasification gas, such as H-2/CO and tar yield, as well as its potential for liquid fuel synthesis is explored. A fluidized bed gasifier and a downstream fixed bed are employed as the reactors. Two kinds of catalysts: dolomite and nickel based catalyst are applied, and they are used in the fluidized bed and fixed bed, respectively. The gasifying agent used is an air-steam mixture. The main variables studied are temperature and weight hourly space velocity in the fixed bed reactor. Over the ranges of operating conditions examined, the maximum H-2 content reaches 52.47 vol%, while the ratio of H-2/CO varies between 1.87 and 4.45. The results indicate that an appropriate temperature (750 degrees C for the current study) and more catalyst are favorable for getting a higher H-2/CO ratio. Using a simple first order kinetic model for the overall tar removal reaction, the apparent activation energies and pre-exponential factors are obtained for nickel based catalysts. The results indicate that biomass gasification gas has great potential for liquid fuel synthesis after further processing.

川西亚高山云杉人工林天然更新与生境异质性研究

川西亚高山针叶林是四川森林的主体，是长江上游重要的生态屏障。云杉作为亚高山针叶林人工更新的主要树种，已经在该地区形成了大面积的人工纯林。目前，许多云杉人工林分已经进入更新成熟龄，而这些人工林的持续更新却成为日益凸现的问题。探讨这些云杉人工林的自我更新潜力及云杉种子种群更新特点，可为培育后续森林资源提供科学依据。 本文以川西米亚罗亚高山60a云杉人工林为研究对象，并以该区域内相对稳定的植被群落——天然林为对照，采用种子收集器、土壤种子库筛选、室内外种子萌发实验及野外幼苗调查等方法，从异质性微生境的角度研究了种子雨下落之后，不同微生境对种子库、种子萌发、幼苗建立及分布这一前期更新过程的影响，得出如下结果： 1、通过对川西亚高山60a云杉人工林和天然林6年内种子雨雨量、形态特征、散步动态等的持续观测和综合比较可以发现，云杉林结实特点由于林木自身的特征存在着巨大的变动，2002年和2006年两个种子结实大年内，60a人工林种子雨强度分别达到1088.2 ± 52.3粒/m2和704.3 ± 48.9粒/m2，远大于天然林579.9 ± 28.9粒/m2 和507.5± 30.7粒/m2；且云杉林结实质量优于天然林。60a人工林结实量大，种子质量也最好，相对天然林来说对种群的天然更新以及群落的演替都有最大的贡献潜力。应该说，在川西亚高山云杉人工林的天然更新过程中，种源不是影响天然更新的因素。在种子结实大年里，达到更新成熟的云杉人工林有着优于该地区相对稳定植被群落——天然林的种源优势。至少在种子结实大年，种子供应不是该区域人工林天然更新的限制因子。 2、相对于天然林种子库，人工林种子库在种子萌发前能够有较多的有活力种子。虽然这其中有种子雨输入量有差别的因素存在，但两种林分种子库对种子的保存率的不同才是造成这种差异的主要因素。在人工林中，不同地被类型形成的微生境显著地影响了种子库中种子的密度、垂直分布。有地被物存在的微生境能够将种子雨的大部分截留在地被层中，成为幼苗出现的主要场所；同时不同的地被物对种子的保存情况存在显著的差异，苔藓和凋落物层能都较好地保持其中的种子，到种子萌发前，这两种种子库类型能分别为天然更新提供366.1粒/m2和302粒/m2的有效种子。从这点来看，林下地被物上的种子库能够为天然更新萌发阶段提供数量可观的物质基础。 3、种子的萌发和幼苗的定居是天然更新过程中种子库向幼苗库转化的关键环节。总的说来，米亚罗人工林区60a云杉人工林种子向幼苗的转化率十分低下，凋落物、苔藓、草本、裸地四种主要地被物以及天然林内种子/幼苗的转化率分别仅为2.22%、2.14%、0.57%、0.67%、1.05%。这种低的转化率成为云杉林天然更新的限制性因子。但在现有更新条件下，微生境对这一环节仍然显示出十分显著的影响，表现为凋落物和苔藓对现有更新的新幼苗的保存率高于其它类型及天然林。苔藓和凋落物在种子萌发，幼苗保存，以及幼苗分布上都要优于其它地被物类型；另外，微地形对天然更新过程的影响也很显著，凹立地上更适宜于种子的汇集、萌发和定居。 Subalpine coniferous forests dominate most parts of the forested areas in western Sichuan, and they are important ecological barriers in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Picea asperata is one of the keystone spruce species for re-afforestation after felling of the natural forests and there have been a total of ca. 13 000 ha of plantations dominate by this species established. Nowadays, many P. asperata plantations have reached reproductive maturity. However, continued regeneration becomes to an important problem in these plantations. Understanding their self-regeneration potential and the regeneration characteristics of seed populations in spruce plantations of these plantations can have some insights on the management of these plantations and the establishment of following forest resources. A subalpine 60a P. asperata plantation distributed in Miyaluo artificial forest area was studied in this paper, at the same time. Synchronously, a 150a natural spruce forest was studied as comparison. Using seed collecting traps, sieving method for soil seed bank, seed germination experiments and seedling investigations in the field, the effects of heterogeneous microsites on early natural regeneration processes after seed rain were studied, which included seed banks, seed germination, seedling establishment and distribution. The main results are as follows. 1. Through a 6-year long term investigation of seed rain intensities, characteristic, dispersal dynamics of 60a P. asperata plantation, we could concluded that the seed setting properties of 60a P. asperata plantation have a great variation for the characteristics trees. In the mast seed year of 2002 and 2006, the seed rain intensities of plantation was 1088.2 ± 52.3 seeds/m2 and 704.3 ± 48.9 seeds/m2 respectively, which were much greater than that of natural spruce forest (579.9 ± 28.9 seeds/m2 in 2002, and 507.5± 30.7 seeds/m2 in 2006). Furthermore, the quality of seed rain in P. asperata plantation was better than that of natural spruce forest. Contrasting with natural spruce forest, 60a P. asperata plantation has a greater potential on natural regeneration of P. asperata population and succession of community for the reason of greater seed rain intensities and better seed quality. We can confirm that seed source was not a limiting factor which influences the natural regeneration progress of P. asperata population distributed in subalpine mountain zone, at least in the mast seed year. 2. Contrasting with natural spruce forest, P. asperata population had more viable seeds in seed bank before the germination. Although the difference of seed rain intensities of two forests has effect on this phenomenon, the difference of seed conservation ability in two forests was the main factor. In the P. asperata plantation, the seed densities and seed vertical distribution pattern were significant effected by the microsites, which posed by different ground cover types. In other word, Microsite with ground covers can obstruct most seeds and keep them in ground cover layer from seed rain, and these ground covers would be the main site for seed occurrence. There was a significant difference about seeds conservation ability among these ground covers. Litter and moss could better conserve P. asperata seeds which distributed in this two covers. Seed banks exist in litter and moss ground cover types could respectively provide 302seed/m2 and 366.1seed/m2 for natural regeneration before the seed germination. From this point of view, we could conclude that ground covers can ensure considerable numbers of seeds for the germination process. 3. Seed germination and seed establishment are key steps that the seeds invert to seedlings in natural generation process. In sum, the seed/seeding transform rate in 60a P. asperata plantation distributed in Miyaluo artificial forest area is very low. the seed/seeding transform rates in litter, moss, herb, soil surface and natural spruce forest were 2.22%、2.14%、0.57%、0.67%、1.05%, respectively. The low transform rate become to a limiting factor of P. asperata natural regeneration process. However, under the existing conditions of natural regeneration, microsit still had significant effect on this transform. The states of Seed germination, new seedling conservation, and older seedling distribution in litter and moss were better than in any other ground cover type or natural spruce forest. In addition, the micro-relief has significant effect on natural regeneration process. Concave site was more suitable for seed collection, seed germination and seedling distribution.

岷江干旱河谷三种蔷薇植物繁殖更新研究

繁殖更新是植物生活史的重要阶段，在退化生态系统中，植物繁殖更新能力往往较差，是植被恢复的限制环节，因而也成为恢复研究重点和核心。本研究选择岷江干旱河谷广泛分布的三种蔷薇：多苞蔷薇（R. multibracteata）、黄蔷薇（R. hugonis）和川滇蔷薇（R. soulieana）为研究对象，通过野外调查，在查明其生长、繁殖更新状况的基础上，采用控制和模拟实验，对种子和幼苗阶段进行了深入研究，综合分析更新潜力，并提出相对应的促进更新和植被恢复措施。主要结论如下： 1）三种蔷薇在岷江干旱河谷广泛分布，生长和繁殖状况良好，结实量大。各生长指标：株高、基径和冠幅，繁殖指标：结实数量、重量和单果重量都具有显著的空间差异性。基径对多苞蔷薇结实量影响最大；而冠幅对黄蔷薇结实量影响最大。海拔和纬度是对蔷薇生长和繁殖影响最大的环境因素，随着海拔和纬度的升高，植株生长更高大，结实量增加；坡度和坡向对其生长和繁殖也有一定影响，随着坡度 和坡向增加，蔷薇生长和结实受到抑制。 2）三种蔷薇在岷江干旱河谷更新现状不佳, 但更新潜力大。活力种子比率低，动物取食以及两年生幼苗的大量死亡是蔷薇更新的主要限制因素。多苞蔷薇和黄蔷薇的结实率低，川滇蔷薇较高。三种蔷薇种子产量大，但种子质量较差，更新具有充足的种源。三种蔷薇都能形成持久种子库，种子库中种子总量大，但有效种子少，黄蔷薇被动物啃食的比例很高，多苞蔷薇和川滇蔷薇也有一部分种子受到动物破坏。三种蔷薇幼苗库组成特征表现为，当年生幼苗所占比例很高，年龄较大幼苗所占比例小。 3）三种蔷薇都具有不同程度休眠，未经处理种子的发芽率极低。黄蔷薇休眠程度最深，为深度生理休眠；多苞蔷薇为中度生理休眠；川滇蔷薇为非深度生理休眠。三种蔷薇种子在形态上发育成熟，种皮具有透水性。蔷薇果果肉和瘦果中含有抑制物质，其浸泡液抑制了油菜种子萌发，果肉抑制作用更强，果肉和瘦果浸泡液的抑制程度分别为：川滇蔷薇>黄蔷薇>多苞蔷薇。切割和硫酸腐蚀提高了川滇蔷薇种子的发芽能力，而对多苞蔷薇和黄蔷薇没有影响。完全去除瘦果果皮和种皮提高了多苞蔷薇种子发芽率，但对黄蔷薇没有影响。赤霉素和烟水对蔷薇种子萌发没有促进作用。三种蔷薇打破休眠所需低温层积时间分别为：黄蔷薇>多苞蔷薇>川滇蔷薇。对于多苞蔷薇和川滇蔷薇，层积前对种子进行硫酸腐蚀或暖温层积能缩短低温层积时间，提高发芽率。对于多苞蔷薇，变温层积中暖温层积和低温层积具有一定的负补性，即延长暖温层积可以缩短种子萌发对低温层积的需要。 4）多苞蔷薇种子形态特征和种子休眠与萌发在不同海拔梯度间存在较大差异。种子采集时间、采集季节和干藏影响多苞蔷薇和川滇蔷薇的种子休眠。多苞蔷薇果实大小、种子大小和千粒重、种皮厚度随海拔升高而增加，而种子饱满率和活力随海拔升高而降低，种子休眠程度也随海拔升高而增加。种皮厚度与种子大小、千粒重成正相关关系，硫酸腐蚀后的种子经过不同时间的低温层积后，种子发芽率与种皮厚度、种子大小、千粒重、海拔成正相关关系。2006 年采集川滇蔷薇和多苞蔷薇种子休眠程度较2005 年低。种子休眠随种子年龄增加而减弱。高温和干旱能减轻多苞蔷薇和川滇蔷薇种子休眠。 5）三种蔷薇的生长和生物量积累在干旱胁迫条件下受到抑制，而生物量分配、叶片形态特征和水分利用特征等都发生了变化。三种蔷薇的根、茎、叶各器官生物量以及总生物量等在干旱胁迫下明显减小，叶片脱落数量增加。在干旱胁迫条件下，较多的生物量分配到地下部分，从而这使R/S 明显增加。比叶面积（SLA）和冠层面积比（LAR）对干旱胁迫的反应不敏感，仅有部分物种在干旱胁迫条件下发生了变化，并且其变化特点在不同年龄幼苗之间有一定差异。干旱胁迫对WUE 的影响在不同物种间存在差异。多苞蔷薇和黄蔷薇的WUE 随着干旱胁迫的增加而增大， 而川滇蔷薇的WUE 则随干旱胁迫增加而减小。在干旱胁迫条件下，多苞蔷薇和黄蔷薇叶片脱落量和生物量减小幅度较川滇蔷薇大，表明其抗旱能力较强。在干旱胁迫条件，三种蔷薇两年生幼苗的生物量减小幅度较当年生幼苗小，表明两年生幼苗的抗旱能力更强。 6）两种植被恢复措施中，幼苗移栽比播种具有更好的植被恢复效果。播种后，蔷薇种子的发芽率较高，但出苗率都很低，即使出苗，幼苗也几乎在一月内全部死亡。 三种微生境条件下（灌木、半灌木和裸地），种子出苗和幼苗成活没有差异。移栽幼苗总体死亡率都比较低，小于20％。特别是两年生幼苗死亡率更低，小于2％。移栽后的幼苗生长状况良好，在整个生长季中，各生长指标不断增加。生境对幼苗的存活率没有显著影响，但对于幼苗的生长和生物量积累有一定影响，裸地更有利于幼苗生长和生物量积累。与当年生幼苗相比，两年生幼苗具有更高的成活率。总之，三种蔷薇在干旱河谷分布广泛、生长繁殖状况良好，结实量大，具有丰富种源，繁殖更新潜力大，但繁殖更新状况不佳；种子散布后动物对种子的取食、种子的深度休眠过程、种子出苗以及当年生幼苗的存活和定居是更新的主要限制环节。水分是影响结实、种子休眠解除和萌发，幼苗存活和定居的最主要的限制因素。在植被恢复中，应在种子成熟季节大量采集种子，在室内打破休眠后进行人工播种，培育两年生幼苗，通过幼苗移栽方式进行植被恢复。川滇蔷薇应栽种在相对湿润的过渡区，而多苞蔷薇和黄蔷薇可以应用于核心区植被恢复。 Regeneration is an important phase in plant life cycle. It has been a key component of ecological restoration in degradation ecosystem in which plants commonly has poor regeneration. In this paper, we investigated the natural growth, propagation and regeneration status of native three rose species, Rosa multibracteata, R. hugonis and R. soulieana, and analysis the limitation in seed germination and seedling establishment stages. Advice on facilitating the use of these plants in restoration based on the results has been proposed. The results were as follows: 1) Three rose plants widely distributed in the dry valley of the Minjiang River, and made a good performance in growth and propagation. There were significant spatial differences in each growth parameter, such as ramet height, basal diameter, crown diameter and propagation parameters including hip number of a clump, hip mass of a clump and a hip mass. Basa diameter was the most important growth parameter influencing fruit number for R. multibracteata and crown diameter was for R. hugoni. Altitude and latitude had the greatest effect on the growth and propagation of rose plants among environmental conditions. Each parameter of growth and propagation increased with the increase of altitude and latitude. In addition, the increase of slope and aspect limited the growth and propagation. 2) Three rose plants had poor natural regeneration, but great regeneration potential. Low seed viability, predation and higher mortality of current year old seedlings were the limitation in regeneration. R. multibracteata and R. hugonis had higher fruiting rates than R. souliean. All three plants produced a great number of seeds, while their viability was poor. Three rose plants had persistent seed banks, with high total seed number but very low viable seed density. Predation was most severe in R. hugonis, and it also existed to some degree in R. multibracteata and R. soulieana. The seedling age-structure was characteristic of current-year seedlings predominating and few older seedlings were observed. 3) Three rose seeds were dormant and untreated seeds germinated with very low germination percentages. The rose seeds had morphological mature embryos, and achenes were permeable. Some inhabit substances existed in hips and achenes for the extracts of hips and achenes inhibited germination of Brassica campestris. The inhibition effect of the extracts of three rose hip and achenes was R. soulieana>R. hugonis>R. multibracteata. Mechanical and H2SO4 scarification increased R. soulieana germination but had no effect on germination of R. hugonis and R. multibracteata seeds. Full removal of pericarp and testa improved the germination of R. multibracteata but did not affect R. hugonis germination. GA3 and smoke water had no positive effect on rose seed germination. The periods of cold stratification required to released seed dormancy was R. hugonis > R. soulieana >R. multibracteata. H2SO4 scarification and warm stratification shortened cold stratification to release dormancy for R. soulieana and R. multibracteata. Warm stratification had complementary effect for cold stratification, i.e. the longer warm stratification seeds received, the shorter cold stratification were required to obtain the same germination percentage. Three rose seeds had different kinds of dormancy; R. hugonis has deep physiological dormancy, R. multibracteata with intermediate physiological dormancy and R. souliean non-deep physiological dormancy. 4）The seeds traits and dormancy of R. multibracteata showed significant difference across altitudes. Year and season of seed collection had significant effect on seed dormancy for both R. souliean and R. multibracteata. Hip size, seed size, seed weight, seed coat thickness and seed dormancy level increased with the increase of the altitude. There were positive relations between seed coat thickness with seed size and seed weight. Germination percentage of seeds treated with H2SO4 scarification following different periods of cold stratification showed positive relation with seed coat thickness, seed size, seed weight and altitude. Seeds of R. souliean and R. multibracteata collected in 2006 had low dormancy level than those collected in 2005. Seed dormancy decreased with increasing seeds age. High temperature and drought were associated with low dormancy level. 5) Seedling growth, the total dry mass and their components of seedlings were reduced, while leaf senescence accelerated under drought stress. More biomass allocation to root system resulted in higher R/S ratio under drought. Water-use efficiency (WUE) of R. multibracteata and R. hugonis increased, while it declined for R. soulieana under drought stress. R. soulieana seedlings had poor drought-resistance capacity it had more senescent leaves, and its reduction of biomass was stronger than two other rose plants under drought. The reduction degree of one year old seedlings under drought stress was slighter than that of current year seedlings. Therefore, one year old seedling was more drought-resistent compared to current year seedlings. 6）Planting seedlings may have better effect in comparison with direct seeding. Most seeds germinated after seeding, but seedling emergence was very low. More than 80 % seedlings from direct seeding died within a months after emergence. Seedling emergence and survival rate did not show difference among microhabitats. Mortality rates of seedlings artificially planted in microhabitats were general lower than 20 %, and the mortality rate of one year old seedlings was lower than 2 %. Each grow parameter including plant height, leaf number and branch number continually increased after planting. Microhabitat type had effect on the growth parameter and biomass production, but it did not influence the seedling survival. Bare land tended to facilitate seedling growth. One year old seedlings had higher survival rate than current year seedlings. In conculsion, the three rose had wide distribution in the dry valley of the Minjiang River. They produced many seeds and had tolerance to drought stress to some degree. But they had poor regeneration in habitats may be caused by predation, seed dormancy，and high mortality in current year seedlings. We recommend that rose plants should be utilized in restoration by planting two-year old seedlings in spring. A large quantity of seeds should be collected artificially in autumn, release seed dormancy in room, and then cultivate two-year old seedlings by seeding in particular container. R. soulieana seedling probably be planted in transition area, and R. multibracteata and R. hugonis can be used in core area of the dry valley of the Minjiang River.

大熊猫“盛林1号”放归监测

大熊猫(Ailuropoda melanoleuca)是我国特有的珍稀濒危物种，国家Ⅰ级重点保护野生动物，被称为“国宝”。目前，大熊猫被局限在我国中西部的岷山、邛崃、大相岭、小相岭、凉山和秦岭6大山系中。对大熊猫的保护和研究，我国政府、保护生物学科研人员、社会各界及国际保护组织都做了大量的工作。根据全国三次大熊猫调查结果显示，大熊猫栖息地片段化现象依然存在，形成多个隔离的大熊猫小种群。尤其在小相岭、大相岭、岷山B和岷山C种群，大熊猫数量较少，且栖息地破碎，面临较大威胁。有的山系大熊猫种群数量些已低于最小可存活大熊猫种群的数量，如果不采取人工措施，这些种群的大熊猫存在灭绝的危险。 将圈养大熊猫放归野外，以补充野外大熊猫种群数量，增加其遗传多样性，复壮和扩大野生大熊猫种群，是大熊猫人工繁育的最终目标。为降低放归的风险性，在放归人工繁育大熊猫前，将救护存活的野生大熊猫先有计划放归野外，并对其进行跟踪监测，对积累大熊猫放归经验，进一步研究大熊猫野外生物学习性，丰富放归地大熊猫种群遗传多样性，为人工繁育大熊猫放归野外夯实基础，具有十分重要的意义。2005年8月8日，国家林业局和四川省人民政府联合将救护野生大熊猫“盛林1号”放归于龙溪－虹口国家级自然保护区内岷山B大熊猫种群栖息地，并进行系统监测研究。成功的积累了一些放归经验和放归大熊猫的生物学资料，为人工繁育大熊猫的放归奠定了一定基础。 2005年8月至2007年6月期间，我们采用GPS无线电项圈、粪便DNA检测和红外线自动触发相机陷阱的方法，对大熊猫“盛林１号”进行了追踪监测，获得了以下成果： 1.通过分析“盛林1号”放归后了活动趋势和采用两种贝叶斯方法，利用目前五大山系的已有微卫星遗传数据，检测“盛林１号”与五大山系的遗传关系的远近，推测其来源于邛崃山系的可能性较大。 2.收集了大量“盛林1号”野外生境选择数据。我们认为“盛林1号”放归后经历了应急期、初步稳定期、长途迁徙期三个阶段（这可能是今后放归大熊猫都必经的三个时期），并与当地大熊猫种群已发生交流。目前“盛林１号”仍在寻找适合的巢域。 3.结合过去监测数据分析，在放归区域大熊猫和羚牛尽管同域分布，但由于食性不同，对微生境选择还是有着很大差异，因此保护管理对策要有针对性。 4.“盛林1号”的放归是成功的。救护大熊猫异地放归工作应继续开展，但要改进放归后的监测技术。要改进现有对人工饲养大熊猫野化培训方法和放归方式，才能真正将人工繁殖个体放归野外。 Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) is an endangered species endemic to China. It was listed as National Protected I Class Species and is crowned as “National treasure” of China. The populations of Giant Panda are limited in 6 mountain system in Center-West of China, i.e. Mingshan, Mt. Qionglai, Mt. Daxiangling，Mt. Xiaoxiangling, Mt. Liangshan and Mt. Qinling. The results of the Third National Survey on Giant Panda showed that the habitats of Giant Panda is still fracted and Giant Panda population is divided into several isolated small populations. Population B from Mt. Daxiangling, Mt. Xiaoxiangling and Mt. Mingshan and Population C from Mt. Mingshan are very small with very fracted habitat and are more endangered. Several populations in those mountain systems are smaller than Minimum Viable Population of Giant Panda. It is very possible that those populations will be extinct without artificial help. The ultimate Goal of Reintroduction caged Giant Panda to wild is to increase wild population size and genetics diversity and rebuild and expand wild Giant Panda population. It is of significant to return rescued wild Giant Panda to wild and monitor their behavior before reintroduction artificial reproduced Giant Panda. It will increase our knowledge on reintroduction of Giant Panda. Aug 8th, 2005, “Shenglin 1”, a rescued wild Giant Panda was returned to Longxi-Hongkou National Nature Reservoir, which is habitat of Giant Panda Population B of Mt. Mingshan. A systematic monitor was carried out on “Shenglin 1”, and the successful return enriched our biological knowledge on Giant Panda reintroduction. It will be very help for future conservation work on reintroduce artificial reproduced Giant Panda. “Shenglin 1” was tracked with GPS collar, DNA in feces and infrared-trigged camera from Aug 2005 to Jun 2007. 1. Locomotion behavior and microsatellites comparison with Giant Panda from the 5 mountain systems indicated that “Shenglin 1” is possibly from Mt. Qionglai. 2. Habitat usage of “Shenglin 1” was studied. It was suggested that there were 3 phases after return, i.e. emergency response, preliminary stable phase and long distance locomotion, which could be a general process for other returned Giant Panda. It was indicated that there was some interaction between “Shenglin 1” and local population. “Shenglin 1” is seeking for suitable home range now. 3. Monitor data also indicated that microhabitat preference of Giant Panda and takin (Budorcas taxicolor) are different because of different diet, though they are sympatric. It was suggested that conservation management for the two species should be plan in particular. 4. The reintroduction of “Shenglin 1” is a successful case. The program of return rescued Giant Panda to other habitats is of value and should be continued. However, more improvement is needed for the monitor technique. More improvement is need for feralization and returning before we return artificial reproduced Giant Panda to wild.