The development, distribution and features of one hundred and forty botanical gardens (BGs) in China are reported and their functions on research, conservation, display and utilization of biodiversity are summarized i...The development, distribution and features of one hundred and forty botanical gardens (BGs) in China are reported and their functions on research, conservation, display and utilization of biodiversity are summarized in this paper. The contributions to the social and economic development in the early stage of Chinese BGs with the researches of economic plant (tobacco), medicinal plant (yam) and wild fruit tree resources are evaluated. The theoretical and applied achievements in recent years in seed science, plant conservation, economic plant introduction, acclimatization and breeding are also described. A general scope of living plant collections in Chinese BGs is presented and the outstanding ones, including Magnoliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Cycadaceae, medicinal plants, Actinidia and Rhododendron are particularly mentioned. With special reference to Chinese penjing art garden and silicified wood garden, the development of scientific popularization and tourism in BGs is reviewed.展开更多
China is one of most biodiverse countries in the world, containing at least 10% of all angiosperm species.Therefore, we should anticipate a diverse, pollinator fauna. China also has a long history of applied ethnobiol...China is one of most biodiverse countries in the world, containing at least 10% of all angiosperm species.Therefore, we should anticipate a diverse, pollinator fauna. China also has a long history of applied ethnobiology, including a sustainable agriculture based on apiculture and plant-pollinator interactions.However, the science of pollination ecology is a far younger sub-discipline in China, compared to in the West. Chinese studies in pollination ecology began in the 1970 s. For this review, we compiled a complete reference database(>600 publications) of pollination studies in China. Using this database, we identified and analyzed gaps and limitations in research on the pollination systems of native and naturalized species. Specifically, we asked the following questions: 1) What do we know about the pollination systems of native, Chinese species? 2) How does Chinese pollination ecology compare with the development of pollination research abroad and which aspects of research should be pursued by Chinese anthecologists in the near future? 3) What research on pollination in China will advance our understanding and contribute to our ongoing analyses of endemism and conservation? Subsequently, we segregated and identified prospective lines of future research that are unique to China and can only be done in China. This requires discussing priorities within a systematic approach.展开更多
Three new species of Batrachospermum Roth (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from China are described in this paper. B. yunnanense sp. nov. has long-cylindrical trichogynes with long stalks and is diagnostic of section V...Three new species of Batrachospermum Roth (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from China are described in this paper. B. yunnanense sp. nov. has long-cylindrical trichogynes with long stalks and is diagnostic of section Virescentia. Within this section, B. yunnanense is similar to B. helminthosum Bory emend. Sheath et al., but it is dioecious and has curved carpogonial branches, while the latter is monoecious and has straight carpogonial branches. It is also similar to B. transtaganum Reis, but it differs from the latter in long carpogonia, big carposporophytes and carposporangia. It is considered that B. nothocladoideum sp. nov. is assigned to section Contorta, subsection Kushiroense, because its carpogonial branches are twisted and gonimoblast filaments are loosely agglomerated. This new species similar to B. iriomotense Kumano, but with short fascicles, long-ovoid or subpyriform cells, numerous terminal hairs, long-ellipsoid trichogynes, big carposporophytes and small carpo- sporangia. The plant is quite tough and cartilaginous and similar to Nothocladus in gross morphology, but its carposporophytes are compact instead of diffuse. This shows that it may be a transitional species between section Contorta and genus Nothocladus. So, B. transitorium sp. nov. should belong to section Contorta, subsection Kushiroense, because of its curved or twisted carpogonial branches and loosely agglomerated gonimoblast filaments, with globose or subglobose cells in fascicles similar to B. spermatiophorum Vis et Sheath, but no colourless spermatiophores. In terms of small and numerous carposporophytes, B. transitorium sp. nov. is similar to some species of section Batrachospermum. However, their other features are unique, indicating its transitional nature between section Contorta and Batrachospermum.展开更多
To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of garlicin for treatment of unstable angina pectoris (UAP), garlicin injectio was intravenously dripped 60 mg/day in 34 cases for 10 days. Nitroglycerine was used...To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of garlicin for treatment of unstable angina pectoris (UAP), garlicin injectio was intravenously dripped 60 mg/day in 34 cases for 10 days. Nitroglycerine was used in 21 cases of the control group. The results showed that the total effective rates in improving symptoms and electrocardiogram after garlicin treatment were respectively 82% and 62%, and that the plasma endothelin and blood sugar levels were markedly lowered in cases with hyperglycemia.展开更多
To clarify the responses of plant functional traits to nitrogen(N) enrichment, we investigated the whole-plant traits(plant height and aboveground biomass), leaf morphological(specific leaf area(SLA) and leaf dry mass...To clarify the responses of plant functional traits to nitrogen(N) enrichment, we investigated the whole-plant traits(plant height and aboveground biomass), leaf morphological(specific leaf area(SLA) and leaf dry mass content(LDMC)) and chemical traits(leaf N concentration(LNC) and leaf phosphorus(P) concentration(LPC)) of Deyeuxia angustifolia and Glyceria spiculosa following seven consecutive years of N addition at four rates(0 g N/(m2·yr), 6 g N/(m2·yr), 12 g N/(m2·yr) and 24 g N/(m2·yr)) in a freshwater marsh in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. The results showed that, for both D. angustifolia and G. spiculosa, N addition generally increased plant height, leaf, stem and total aboveground biomass, but did not cause changes in SLA and LDMC. Moreover, increased N availability caused an increase in LNC, and did not affect LPC. Thus, N addition decreased leaf C∶N ratio, but caused an increase in leaf N∶P ratio, and did not affect leaf C∶P ratio. Our results suggest that, in the mid-term, elevated N loading does not alter leaf morphological traits, but causes substantial changes in whole-plant traits and leaf chemical traits in temperate freshwater wetlands. These may help to better understand the effects of N enrichment on plant functional traits and thus ecosystem structure and functioning in freshwater wetlands.展开更多
Elm (Ulmus pumila), widely distributed in the north temperate zone, contributes to a special savanna-like woodland in typical grassland region in the northeastern China. This woodland performs a variety of ecologica...Elm (Ulmus pumila), widely distributed in the north temperate zone, contributes to a special savanna-like woodland in typical grassland region in the northeastern China. This woodland performs a variety of ecological functions and environmental signifi- cance, such as decreasing soil erosion, stabilizing sand dunes, preserving species diversity. However, in the last approximate 30 years, the species composition, productivity and distribution area of elm woodland has decreased severely. A series of studies have been carried out to find out whether the climate changes or human disturbances caused the degradation of elm woodland and how these factors af- fected elm woodland. In this study, undisturbed, plowing and grazing elm woodland were investigated in 1983 and 2011 by using Point-Centered Quarter method. The relationship between vegetation changes and environmental factors was analyzed by Bray-Curtis ordination. The results show that in 2011, species diversity and understory productivity of undisturbed elm woodland decrease slightly compared to those of undisturbed elm woodland in 1983. However, nearly 60% of the species is lost in the plowing and grazing elm woodland relative to the species undisturbed elm woodland in 1983. Interestingly, plowing stimulates the growth of elm and certain understory species through furrowing soil and accelerating soil nutrient turnover rate. Grazing disturbance not only leads to species loss and productivity decrease, but also induces changes in elm growth (small, short and twisted). The mean age of the elm was 29 -4- 2 yr in undisturbed and plowing elm woodland, while only 15 yr in the grazing elm woodland. The results of Bray-Curtis ordination analysis show that all sample stands clustered to three groups: Group I including the undisturbed sample stands of 83UE (undisturbed elm wood- land in 1983) and l lUE (undisturbed elm woodland in 2011); Group II including sample stands of PE (elm woodland disturbed by plowing); Group III including samples stands of GE (elm woodland disturbed by grazing). The results indicate that the long time distur- bance of the plowing and grazing have converted elm woodland to different community types. Climate change is not the primary reason causing the degradation of elm woodland, but plowing and grazing disturbance. Both plowing and grazing decrease the vegetation composition and species diversity. Grazing further decreases vegetation productivity and inhibits the growth of elm tree. Therefore, we suggest that reasonable plowing and exclusive grazing would be favorable for future regeneration of degraded elm woodland.展开更多
Eutrophication has become a serious concern in many lakes, resulting in cyanobacterial blooms. However, the mechanism and pathways of cyanobacteria decline are less understood. To identify and define the growth and de...Eutrophication has become a serious concern in many lakes, resulting in cyanobacterial blooms. However, the mechanism and pathways of cyanobacteria decline are less understood. To identify and define the growth and decline of Microcystis blooms in Taihu Lake of China, and to illuminate the destination of surface floating blooms, we investigated the biomass distribution and variations in colony size, morphology, and floating velocity from October 2008 to September 2009. The results showed that the Microcystis bloom declined in response to biomass decrease, colony disaggregation, buoyancy reduction, and increased phytoplankton biodiversity, and these indicative parameters could be applied for recognition of the development phases of the bloom. Three major decline pathways were proposed to describe the bloom decline process, colony disaggregation (Pathway I), colony settlement (Pathway II), and cell lysis in colonies (Pathway III). We proposed a strategy to define the occurrence and decline of Microcystis blooms, to evaluate the survival state under different stress conditions, and to indicate the efficiency of controlling countermeasures against algal blooms.展开更多
In the public dialogue surrounding the development of the 2015 dietary guidelines for Americans, public health and environmental advocates converged around a simple theme of shifting towards a more plant-forward Medit...In the public dialogue surrounding the development of the 2015 dietary guidelines for Americans, public health and environmental advocates converged around a simple theme of shifting towards a more plant-forward Mediterranean-style diet. A robust body of literature documenting the health benefits of this eating pattern provides compelling reasons to change our dietary habits in ways that also benefit our environment, but we also need to have the right foods available and affordable to support this modest shift. This commentary discusses the gaps in current US dietary intakes compared to recommendations for meat and protein versus plant-based foods and the potential health benefits of shifting towards a more plant-based diet, focusing on the complex role of Mediterranean crops, such as tree nuts and olive oils, needed to support this shift.展开更多
Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, and it has a seasonal flooding cycle that significantly changes the water level every year. The aim of this paper was to explain how these hydrological changes infl...Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, and it has a seasonal flooding cycle that significantly changes the water level every year. The aim of this paper was to explain how these hydrological changes influence diatom populations in Poyang Lake. The yearly hydrological cycle can be divided into 4 phases: low water-level phase, increasing water-level phase, high water-level phase and decreasing waterlevel phase. Variations in the abundance of planktonic diatoms were studied using quarterly monitoring data collected from January 2009 to October 2013. Generally, diatoms were dominant in Poyang Lake and accounted for more than 50% of the total phytoplankton biomass except in July 2009(26%) and January 2012(35%). Aulacoseira granulata and Surirella robusta were the predominant species in all four phases, and they accounted for 25.02% to 56.89% and 5.07% to 14.78% of the total phytoplankton biomass, respectively. A redundancy analysis(RDA) showed that changes in physico-chemical parameter were related to the water level, and changes in diatom biomass were related to nitrite levels and p H. These results indicate that changes in environmental parameters related to both seasonal variations and water-level fluctuations caused variations in diatom biomass and community composition in Poyang Lake. Furthermore, extreme hydrological events can have different influences on the diatom community composition in the main channel and lentic regions. This research provides data on the diatom variations in Poyang Lake and will be useful for establishing biological indicators of environmental change and protecting Poyang Lake in the future.展开更多
Turkey contains about 11,000 plant taxa. The study area covers East Mediterranean Region of South Anatolia. It is detected that plant diversity in this area corresponds to 51% of Turkey's native flora. In this study,...Turkey contains about 11,000 plant taxa. The study area covers East Mediterranean Region of South Anatolia. It is detected that plant diversity in this area corresponds to 51% of Turkey's native flora. In this study, we investigated native plants in point of ethnobotanic usage of some endemic and endangered plants used as folk remedies in Anatolia. Especially collected causes of these plants are executed. A questionnaire form is designed as a tool for gathering information from many villages of different districts within the area. Endemic taxon rate in the study area is 25% and non-endemic taxon rate is 5%. 45% of the plants in the area have ethnobotanical importance. 21% of them are utilized as medicinal, 14% as foods, 10% as agricultural products, 6% as industrial inputs and 3% as ornamental plants. 6% of the endangered plants with ethnobotanical importance are endemic and 2% of them are non-endemic. Due to ethnobotanical usage, endemic plants are endangered. 12 of 13 critically endangered taxa are utilised as medicinal, 5 as foods, 1 as agricultural and industrial input. In research area, some other taxa are also mistakenly collected because of morphological, physiological or aromatical resemblance to those collected plants. This fact creates even more negative impact especially on endemic and endangered taxa population.展开更多
Acidic deposition,which is mainly caused by atmospheric pollution,is one of the global environmental problems.Thinning is an effective management to improve the tree productivity,reduce the wildfire risk and maintain ...Acidic deposition,which is mainly caused by atmospheric pollution,is one of the global environmental problems.Thinning is an effective management to improve the tree productivity,reduce the wildfire risk and maintain a healthy forest.Since thinning may reduce the effect of acidic deposition,the effect of thinning on acidic deposition was estimated.The biomass,soil properties,pH value of runoff and groundwater in both unthinned and thinned Chinese fir plantations were measured and compared over a 5-year period(2-6 years after thinning).The results indicated that acidic deposition in the Huitong State Ecosystem Research Station was serious,and it got worse with time.Forest thinning resulted in a huge change in biomass and soil properties.During the 5-year monitoring period,biomasses of understory and litter,plant species richness,coverage of undergrowth plant layer were significantly higher in thinned site than in unthinned site.Moreover,higher soil fertility as well as lower amounts of runoff and groundwater were found in thinned site.It was suggested that thinning could improve the structure of forest,leading to restoring the effluent(runoff and groundwater) pH to the normal value.展开更多
Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the a...Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the authors propose that science-based botanical gardens (which differ from common public gardens), should be founded on plant diversity inventory and ex-situ conservation of wild plant species. Efforts should be directed to rarer species from biodiversity-rich areas and biodiversity hotspots, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to effectively preserve germplasm in living collections. Science-based botanical garden management should be directed by sound scientific evaluation of plant resources and guaranteed by innovative operational mechanisms. Science-based botanical gardens should also emphasize the establishment of identifiable and specialized living collections, research platforms and recruitment of qualified experts. In addition to curating living specimens, science-based botanical gardens should pursue research and development of new plant varieties or patents based on their plant collections, thus providing continual support to bio-industry.展开更多
Wetland parks play various ecological roles,including maintaining regional ecological balance,and connoting and compensating water sources.Taking Harbin Qunli National Urban Wetland Park as the research object,the div...Wetland parks play various ecological roles,including maintaining regional ecological balance,and connoting and compensating water sources.Taking Harbin Qunli National Urban Wetland Park as the research object,the diversity of plant resources in wetland parks is investigated and analyzed with the goal of providing a scientific basis for ecological restoration and the conservation and utilization of urban wetlands.Field survey,sampling and data collection methods were used to study the wetland plant resources and their life types(e.g.,vines or shrubs),ecological types and distribution types.The study found 60 families,129 genera and 160 species of wetland plants in Qunli National Urban Wetland Park,including 56 families,123 genera and 151 species of angiosperms,which include 48 families,101 genera and 127 species of dicotyledons and 8 families,22 genera and 24 species of monocotyledons;2 families,2 genera and 3 species of ferns;and 2 families,4 genera and 6 species of gymnosperms.The family composition is dominated by those families that included 10 or more species,and the dominant families are Compositae and Rosaceae.The genus composition is dominated by genera with four or more species present,and the dominant genera are Acer,Malus and Artemisia.Among the six life types,herbaceous plants are dominant,with a proportion of 62.50% of the species.The ecological types are divided into three categories:wet,mesophytic and aquatic plants,with wet plants accounting for the largest proportion,i.e.,56.25% of the total number of plant species.There are five distribution types of plant families and 10 types of the genera,with both families and genera dominated by the Northern Temperate types,so the flora has obvious temperate characteristics.展开更多
Previous studies on the Rice-Millet (foxtail millet and common millet) Blended Zone in Chinese Neolithic have not clearly addressed such questions as the importance of primitive rice-millet mixed agriculture to huma...Previous studies on the Rice-Millet (foxtail millet and common millet) Blended Zone in Chinese Neolithic have not clearly addressed such questions as the importance of primitive rice-millet mixed agriculture to human lifestyle and livestock managements within this region, the relationship among the development of the agriculture, paleoenvironment, and cultural interactions, and so on. Here stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of human and pig bones from the Qinglongquan site was conducted, covering two cultural phases, namely the Qujialing Culture (3000 BC to 2600 BC) and the Shijiahe Culture (2600 BC to 2200 BC). Based on this analysis, we further discussed the diets of ancient humans and pigs in the site, investigated the importance of rice-millet mixed agriculture to human and pig diets, and explored the relationship among the primitive rice agriculture and millet agriculture, cultural interactions, and paleoenvironment. The δ^13C values of human bone collagen (-16.7‰ to -12.4‰, averaging -14.6‰±1.3‰, n=24) revealed that both C3 and Ca foods were consumed, probably from the contribution of rice (C3 plant) and millets (C4 plants) due to the coexistence of these crops at this site. In addition, the human mean δ^13C value suggested that millet agriculture was only minor in human diets. The human δ^15N values (6.6‰ to 10.8‰, averaging 9.0‰±1.2‰, n=24) showed that animal resources played a significant role in human diets, and varied greatly. The mean δ^13C value of the pigs (-14.3‰±2.5‰, n=13) was quite similar to that of the humans, but the mean δ^15N value of the pigs was slightly less (1.3‰) The similar δ^13C and δ^15N values between humans and pigs suggested that the pigs consumed a lot of humans' food remains. No correlations of the δ^13C and δ^15N values between humans and pigs showed that both human and pig diets were based mainly on plant foods, which might be related to highly developed rice-millet mixed agriculture at that time. In comparison with the human and pig diets between the two periods, millet agriculture contributed more than 10% in the Shijiahe Culture, if a simple mixing model was used. This apparent dietary shift matched the climatic variation and agricultural development through the time. In warm and humid climate with the expansion of the Qujialing Culture northwards, rice was widely cultivated. However, when the climate was cold and add, northern culture was expanding southwards. Thus, millet agriculture became more important.展开更多
Although the genus Phoenicopsis is the most common member of Czekanowskiales and is considered an indicative representative of the Middle Jurassic Coniopteris–Phoenicopsis assemblage in northern China, little was kno...Although the genus Phoenicopsis is the most common member of Czekanowskiales and is considered an indicative representative of the Middle Jurassic Coniopteris–Phoenicopsis assemblage in northern China, little was known about its taxonomy and biodiversity based upon the leaf cuticular structure. In this paper, three subgenera of the genus Phoenicopsis from the Middle Jurassic, Yan'an Formation of the Ordos Basin, China, Phoenicopsis(subg. Phoenicopsis)(Heer) Samylina, P.(subg. Windwardia)(Florin) Samylina and P.(subg. Culgoweria)(Florin) Samylina are identified based upon the leaf epidermal features for the first time. This discovery demonstrates that Phoenicopsis was quite diverse during the Middle Jurassic in northern China. Its biodiversity is significant for further understanding Middle Jurassic paleophytogeography and paleoclimatology of northern China. The current findings show that the three Phoenicopsis subgenera coexisted and flourished in the mixed zone(ecotone) between the Indo-Sinian Floristic Region and the Siberian Floristic Region as seasonal deciduous plants(trees or shrubs) during the Middle Jurassic. They were important elements in the Middle Jurassic deciduous gymnospermous forest community in warm temperate regions with seasonal temperature and precipitation variations. They are interpreted as growing on the hillsides and sloping fields along meandering streams, lakes and swamps in a vast sedimentary basin in a wet and warm environment.展开更多
In recent decades,haploidentical stem cell transplantation(haplo-SCT)to treat severe aplastic anemia(SAA)has achieved remarkable progress.However,long-term results are still lacking.We conducted a multicenter prospect...In recent decades,haploidentical stem cell transplantation(haplo-SCT)to treat severe aplastic anemia(SAA)has achieved remarkable progress.However,long-term results are still lacking.We conducted a multicenter prospective study involving SAA patients who underwent haplo-SCT as salvage therapy.Long-term outcomes were assessed,mainly focusing on survival and quality of life(QoL).Longitudinal QoL was prospectively evaluated during pretransplantation and at 3 and 5 years posttransplantation using the SF-36 scale in adults and the PedsQL 4.0 scale in children.A total of 287 SAA patients were enrolled,and the median follow-up was 4.56 years(range,3.01–9.05 years)among surviving patients.During the long-term follow-up,268 of 275 evaluable patients(97.5%)obtained sustained full donor chimerism,and 93.4%had complete hematopoietic recovery.The estimated overall survival and failure-free survival for the whole cohort at 9 years were 85.4%±2.1%and 84.0%±2.2%,respectively.Age(≥18 years)and a poorer performance status(ECOG>1)were identified as risk factors for survival outcomes.For Qo L recovery after haplo-SCT,we found that QoL progressively improved from pretransplantation to the 3-year and 5-year time points with statistical significance.The occurrence of chronic graft versus host disease was a risk factor predicting poorer QoL scores in both the child and adult cohorts.At the last followup,74.0%of children and 72.9%of adults returned to normal school or work.These inspiring long-term outcomes suggest that salvage transplantation with haploidentical donors can be routine practice for SAA patients without human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-matched donors.展开更多
文摘The development, distribution and features of one hundred and forty botanical gardens (BGs) in China are reported and their functions on research, conservation, display and utilization of biodiversity are summarized in this paper. The contributions to the social and economic development in the early stage of Chinese BGs with the researches of economic plant (tobacco), medicinal plant (yam) and wild fruit tree resources are evaluated. The theoretical and applied achievements in recent years in seed science, plant conservation, economic plant introduction, acclimatization and breeding are also described. A general scope of living plant collections in Chinese BGs is presented and the outstanding ones, including Magnoliaceae, Zingiberaceae, Cycadaceae, medicinal plants, Actinidia and Rhododendron are particularly mentioned. With special reference to Chinese penjing art garden and silicified wood garden, the development of scientific popularization and tourism in BGs is reviewed.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31300199 and 41561014)the Youth Innovation Promotion Association,Chinese Academy of Sciences(2014355)
文摘China is one of most biodiverse countries in the world, containing at least 10% of all angiosperm species.Therefore, we should anticipate a diverse, pollinator fauna. China also has a long history of applied ethnobiology, including a sustainable agriculture based on apiculture and plant-pollinator interactions.However, the science of pollination ecology is a far younger sub-discipline in China, compared to in the West. Chinese studies in pollination ecology began in the 1970 s. For this review, we compiled a complete reference database(>600 publications) of pollination studies in China. Using this database, we identified and analyzed gaps and limitations in research on the pollination systems of native and naturalized species. Specifically, we asked the following questions: 1) What do we know about the pollination systems of native, Chinese species? 2) How does Chinese pollination ecology compare with the development of pollination research abroad and which aspects of research should be pursued by Chinese anthecologists in the near future? 3) What research on pollination in China will advance our understanding and contribute to our ongoing analyses of endemism and conservation? Subsequently, we segregated and identified prospective lines of future research that are unique to China and can only be done in China. This requires discussing priorities within a systematic approach.
基金Project No. 30270119 and 39899400 supported by the National Nature Science Foundation of China.
文摘Three new species of Batrachospermum Roth (Batrachospermales, Rhodophyta) from China are described in this paper. B. yunnanense sp. nov. has long-cylindrical trichogynes with long stalks and is diagnostic of section Virescentia. Within this section, B. yunnanense is similar to B. helminthosum Bory emend. Sheath et al., but it is dioecious and has curved carpogonial branches, while the latter is monoecious and has straight carpogonial branches. It is also similar to B. transtaganum Reis, but it differs from the latter in long carpogonia, big carposporophytes and carposporangia. It is considered that B. nothocladoideum sp. nov. is assigned to section Contorta, subsection Kushiroense, because its carpogonial branches are twisted and gonimoblast filaments are loosely agglomerated. This new species similar to B. iriomotense Kumano, but with short fascicles, long-ovoid or subpyriform cells, numerous terminal hairs, long-ellipsoid trichogynes, big carposporophytes and small carpo- sporangia. The plant is quite tough and cartilaginous and similar to Nothocladus in gross morphology, but its carposporophytes are compact instead of diffuse. This shows that it may be a transitional species between section Contorta and genus Nothocladus. So, B. transitorium sp. nov. should belong to section Contorta, subsection Kushiroense, because of its curved or twisted carpogonial branches and loosely agglomerated gonimoblast filaments, with globose or subglobose cells in fascicles similar to B. spermatiophorum Vis et Sheath, but no colourless spermatiophores. In terms of small and numerous carposporophytes, B. transitorium sp. nov. is similar to some species of section Batrachospermum. However, their other features are unique, indicating its transitional nature between section Contorta and Batrachospermum.
文摘To investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of garlicin for treatment of unstable angina pectoris (UAP), garlicin injectio was intravenously dripped 60 mg/day in 34 cases for 10 days. Nitroglycerine was used in 21 cases of the control group. The results showed that the total effective rates in improving symptoms and electrocardiogram after garlicin treatment were respectively 82% and 62%, and that the plasma endothelin and blood sugar levels were markedly lowered in cases with hyperglycemia.
基金Under the auspices of Strategic Priority Research Program-Climate Change:Carbon Budget and Related Issues of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.XDA05050508)Ministry of Land and Resources Program(No.201111023,GZH201100203)Key Laboratory of Marine Hydrocarbon Resources and Environmental Geology,Ministry of Land and Resources(No.MRE201101)
文摘To clarify the responses of plant functional traits to nitrogen(N) enrichment, we investigated the whole-plant traits(plant height and aboveground biomass), leaf morphological(specific leaf area(SLA) and leaf dry mass content(LDMC)) and chemical traits(leaf N concentration(LNC) and leaf phosphorus(P) concentration(LPC)) of Deyeuxia angustifolia and Glyceria spiculosa following seven consecutive years of N addition at four rates(0 g N/(m2·yr), 6 g N/(m2·yr), 12 g N/(m2·yr) and 24 g N/(m2·yr)) in a freshwater marsh in the Sanjiang Plain, Northeast China. The results showed that, for both D. angustifolia and G. spiculosa, N addition generally increased plant height, leaf, stem and total aboveground biomass, but did not cause changes in SLA and LDMC. Moreover, increased N availability caused an increase in LNC, and did not affect LPC. Thus, N addition decreased leaf C∶N ratio, but caused an increase in leaf N∶P ratio, and did not affect leaf C∶P ratio. Our results suggest that, in the mid-term, elevated N loading does not alter leaf morphological traits, but causes substantial changes in whole-plant traits and leaf chemical traits in temperate freshwater wetlands. These may help to better understand the effects of N enrichment on plant functional traits and thus ecosystem structure and functioning in freshwater wetlands.
基金Under the auspices of the Seventh Framework Programme(European Commission,No.226818)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31070294,31072070,31100331)
文摘Elm (Ulmus pumila), widely distributed in the north temperate zone, contributes to a special savanna-like woodland in typical grassland region in the northeastern China. This woodland performs a variety of ecological functions and environmental signifi- cance, such as decreasing soil erosion, stabilizing sand dunes, preserving species diversity. However, in the last approximate 30 years, the species composition, productivity and distribution area of elm woodland has decreased severely. A series of studies have been carried out to find out whether the climate changes or human disturbances caused the degradation of elm woodland and how these factors af- fected elm woodland. In this study, undisturbed, plowing and grazing elm woodland were investigated in 1983 and 2011 by using Point-Centered Quarter method. The relationship between vegetation changes and environmental factors was analyzed by Bray-Curtis ordination. The results show that in 2011, species diversity and understory productivity of undisturbed elm woodland decrease slightly compared to those of undisturbed elm woodland in 1983. However, nearly 60% of the species is lost in the plowing and grazing elm woodland relative to the species undisturbed elm woodland in 1983. Interestingly, plowing stimulates the growth of elm and certain understory species through furrowing soil and accelerating soil nutrient turnover rate. Grazing disturbance not only leads to species loss and productivity decrease, but also induces changes in elm growth (small, short and twisted). The mean age of the elm was 29 -4- 2 yr in undisturbed and plowing elm woodland, while only 15 yr in the grazing elm woodland. The results of Bray-Curtis ordination analysis show that all sample stands clustered to three groups: Group I including the undisturbed sample stands of 83UE (undisturbed elm wood- land in 1983) and l lUE (undisturbed elm woodland in 2011); Group II including sample stands of PE (elm woodland disturbed by plowing); Group III including samples stands of GE (elm woodland disturbed by grazing). The results indicate that the long time distur- bance of the plowing and grazing have converted elm woodland to different community types. Climate change is not the primary reason causing the degradation of elm woodland, but plowing and grazing disturbance. Both plowing and grazing decrease the vegetation composition and species diversity. Grazing further decreases vegetation productivity and inhibits the growth of elm tree. Therefore, we suggest that reasonable plowing and exclusive grazing would be favorable for future regeneration of degraded elm woodland.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program (973 Program)(No. 2008CB418002)the National Major Programs of Water Body Pollution Control and Remediation (Nos. 2009ZX07104-005,2009ZX07106-001)
文摘Eutrophication has become a serious concern in many lakes, resulting in cyanobacterial blooms. However, the mechanism and pathways of cyanobacteria decline are less understood. To identify and define the growth and decline of Microcystis blooms in Taihu Lake of China, and to illuminate the destination of surface floating blooms, we investigated the biomass distribution and variations in colony size, morphology, and floating velocity from October 2008 to September 2009. The results showed that the Microcystis bloom declined in response to biomass decrease, colony disaggregation, buoyancy reduction, and increased phytoplankton biodiversity, and these indicative parameters could be applied for recognition of the development phases of the bloom. Three major decline pathways were proposed to describe the bloom decline process, colony disaggregation (Pathway I), colony settlement (Pathway II), and cell lysis in colonies (Pathway III). We proposed a strategy to define the occurrence and decline of Microcystis blooms, to evaluate the survival state under different stress conditions, and to indicate the efficiency of controlling countermeasures against algal blooms.
文摘In the public dialogue surrounding the development of the 2015 dietary guidelines for Americans, public health and environmental advocates converged around a simple theme of shifting towards a more plant-forward Mediterranean-style diet. A robust body of literature documenting the health benefits of this eating pattern provides compelling reasons to change our dietary habits in ways that also benefit our environment, but we also need to have the right foods available and affordable to support this modest shift. This commentary discusses the gaps in current US dietary intakes compared to recommendations for meat and protein versus plant-based foods and the potential health benefits of shifting towards a more plant-based diet, focusing on the complex role of Mediterranean crops, such as tree nuts and olive oils, needed to support this shift.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973)(No.2012CB417005)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41301088)the Jiangsu Planned Projects for Postdoctoral Research Funds(No.1401158C)
文摘Poyang Lake is the largest freshwater lake in China, and it has a seasonal flooding cycle that significantly changes the water level every year. The aim of this paper was to explain how these hydrological changes influence diatom populations in Poyang Lake. The yearly hydrological cycle can be divided into 4 phases: low water-level phase, increasing water-level phase, high water-level phase and decreasing waterlevel phase. Variations in the abundance of planktonic diatoms were studied using quarterly monitoring data collected from January 2009 to October 2013. Generally, diatoms were dominant in Poyang Lake and accounted for more than 50% of the total phytoplankton biomass except in July 2009(26%) and January 2012(35%). Aulacoseira granulata and Surirella robusta were the predominant species in all four phases, and they accounted for 25.02% to 56.89% and 5.07% to 14.78% of the total phytoplankton biomass, respectively. A redundancy analysis(RDA) showed that changes in physico-chemical parameter were related to the water level, and changes in diatom biomass were related to nitrite levels and p H. These results indicate that changes in environmental parameters related to both seasonal variations and water-level fluctuations caused variations in diatom biomass and community composition in Poyang Lake. Furthermore, extreme hydrological events can have different influences on the diatom community composition in the main channel and lentic regions. This research provides data on the diatom variations in Poyang Lake and will be useful for establishing biological indicators of environmental change and protecting Poyang Lake in the future.
文摘Turkey contains about 11,000 plant taxa. The study area covers East Mediterranean Region of South Anatolia. It is detected that plant diversity in this area corresponds to 51% of Turkey's native flora. In this study, we investigated native plants in point of ethnobotanic usage of some endemic and endangered plants used as folk remedies in Anatolia. Especially collected causes of these plants are executed. A questionnaire form is designed as a tool for gathering information from many villages of different districts within the area. Endemic taxon rate in the study area is 25% and non-endemic taxon rate is 5%. 45% of the plants in the area have ethnobotanical importance. 21% of them are utilized as medicinal, 14% as foods, 10% as agricultural products, 6% as industrial inputs and 3% as ornamental plants. 6% of the endangered plants with ethnobotanical importance are endemic and 2% of them are non-endemic. Due to ethnobotanical usage, endemic plants are endangered. 12 of 13 critically endangered taxa are utilised as medicinal, 5 as foods, 1 as agricultural and industrial input. In research area, some other taxa are also mistakenly collected because of morphological, physiological or aromatical resemblance to those collected plants. This fact creates even more negative impact especially on endemic and endangered taxa population.
基金Project(41271332)supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of ChinaProject(11JJ2031)supported by the Natural Science Foundation of Hunan Province,China
文摘Acidic deposition,which is mainly caused by atmospheric pollution,is one of the global environmental problems.Thinning is an effective management to improve the tree productivity,reduce the wildfire risk and maintain a healthy forest.Since thinning may reduce the effect of acidic deposition,the effect of thinning on acidic deposition was estimated.The biomass,soil properties,pH value of runoff and groundwater in both unthinned and thinned Chinese fir plantations were measured and compared over a 5-year period(2-6 years after thinning).The results indicated that acidic deposition in the Huitong State Ecosystem Research Station was serious,and it got worse with time.Forest thinning resulted in a huge change in biomass and soil properties.During the 5-year monitoring period,biomasses of understory and litter,plant species richness,coverage of undergrowth plant layer were significantly higher in thinned site than in unthinned site.Moreover,higher soil fertility as well as lower amounts of runoff and groundwater were found in thinned site.It was suggested that thinning could improve the structure of forest,leading to restoring the effluent(runoff and groundwater) pH to the normal value.
文摘Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the authors propose that science-based botanical gardens (which differ from common public gardens), should be founded on plant diversity inventory and ex-situ conservation of wild plant species. Efforts should be directed to rarer species from biodiversity-rich areas and biodiversity hotspots, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to effectively preserve germplasm in living collections. Science-based botanical garden management should be directed by sound scientific evaluation of plant resources and guaranteed by innovative operational mechanisms. Science-based botanical gardens should also emphasize the establishment of identifiable and specialized living collections, research platforms and recruitment of qualified experts. In addition to curating living specimens, science-based botanical gardens should pursue research and development of new plant varieties or patents based on their plant collections, thus providing continual support to bio-industry.
基金The Key Scientific Research Projects of Jiamusi City(200119)。
文摘Wetland parks play various ecological roles,including maintaining regional ecological balance,and connoting and compensating water sources.Taking Harbin Qunli National Urban Wetland Park as the research object,the diversity of plant resources in wetland parks is investigated and analyzed with the goal of providing a scientific basis for ecological restoration and the conservation and utilization of urban wetlands.Field survey,sampling and data collection methods were used to study the wetland plant resources and their life types(e.g.,vines or shrubs),ecological types and distribution types.The study found 60 families,129 genera and 160 species of wetland plants in Qunli National Urban Wetland Park,including 56 families,123 genera and 151 species of angiosperms,which include 48 families,101 genera and 127 species of dicotyledons and 8 families,22 genera and 24 species of monocotyledons;2 families,2 genera and 3 species of ferns;and 2 families,4 genera and 6 species of gymnosperms.The family composition is dominated by those families that included 10 or more species,and the dominant families are Compositae and Rosaceae.The genus composition is dominated by genera with four or more species present,and the dominant genera are Acer,Malus and Artemisia.Among the six life types,herbaceous plants are dominant,with a proportion of 62.50% of the species.The ecological types are divided into three categories:wet,mesophytic and aquatic plants,with wet plants accounting for the largest proportion,i.e.,56.25% of the total number of plant species.There are five distribution types of plant families and 10 types of the genera,with both families and genera dominated by the Northern Temperate types,so the flora has obvious temperate characteristics.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.KJCX3.SYW.N12)National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.40702003)+1 种基金Partner group program of Max Plank Institute and Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.KACX1-YW-0830)Relics Preservation Project of South-to-North Water Diversion
文摘Previous studies on the Rice-Millet (foxtail millet and common millet) Blended Zone in Chinese Neolithic have not clearly addressed such questions as the importance of primitive rice-millet mixed agriculture to human lifestyle and livestock managements within this region, the relationship among the development of the agriculture, paleoenvironment, and cultural interactions, and so on. Here stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis of human and pig bones from the Qinglongquan site was conducted, covering two cultural phases, namely the Qujialing Culture (3000 BC to 2600 BC) and the Shijiahe Culture (2600 BC to 2200 BC). Based on this analysis, we further discussed the diets of ancient humans and pigs in the site, investigated the importance of rice-millet mixed agriculture to human and pig diets, and explored the relationship among the primitive rice agriculture and millet agriculture, cultural interactions, and paleoenvironment. The δ^13C values of human bone collagen (-16.7‰ to -12.4‰, averaging -14.6‰±1.3‰, n=24) revealed that both C3 and Ca foods were consumed, probably from the contribution of rice (C3 plant) and millets (C4 plants) due to the coexistence of these crops at this site. In addition, the human mean δ^13C value suggested that millet agriculture was only minor in human diets. The human δ^15N values (6.6‰ to 10.8‰, averaging 9.0‰±1.2‰, n=24) showed that animal resources played a significant role in human diets, and varied greatly. The mean δ^13C value of the pigs (-14.3‰±2.5‰, n=13) was quite similar to that of the humans, but the mean δ^15N value of the pigs was slightly less (1.3‰) The similar δ^13C and δ^15N values between humans and pigs suggested that the pigs consumed a lot of humans' food remains. No correlations of the δ^13C and δ^15N values between humans and pigs showed that both human and pig diets were based mainly on plant foods, which might be related to highly developed rice-millet mixed agriculture at that time. In comparison with the human and pig diets between the two periods, millet agriculture contributed more than 10% in the Shijiahe Culture, if a simple mixing model was used. This apparent dietary shift matched the climatic variation and agricultural development through the time. In warm and humid climate with the expansion of the Qujialing Culture northwards, rice was widely cultivated. However, when the climate was cold and add, northern culture was expanding southwards. Thus, millet agriculture became more important.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41172009)Specialized Research Fund for the Doctoral Program of Higher Education(2010061110034)+1 种基金China Geological Survey(1212011120149)Project‘‘111’’,China
文摘Although the genus Phoenicopsis is the most common member of Czekanowskiales and is considered an indicative representative of the Middle Jurassic Coniopteris–Phoenicopsis assemblage in northern China, little was known about its taxonomy and biodiversity based upon the leaf cuticular structure. In this paper, three subgenera of the genus Phoenicopsis from the Middle Jurassic, Yan'an Formation of the Ordos Basin, China, Phoenicopsis(subg. Phoenicopsis)(Heer) Samylina, P.(subg. Windwardia)(Florin) Samylina and P.(subg. Culgoweria)(Florin) Samylina are identified based upon the leaf epidermal features for the first time. This discovery demonstrates that Phoenicopsis was quite diverse during the Middle Jurassic in northern China. Its biodiversity is significant for further understanding Middle Jurassic paleophytogeography and paleoclimatology of northern China. The current findings show that the three Phoenicopsis subgenera coexisted and flourished in the mixed zone(ecotone) between the Indo-Sinian Floristic Region and the Siberian Floristic Region as seasonal deciduous plants(trees or shrubs) during the Middle Jurassic. They were important elements in the Middle Jurassic deciduous gymnospermous forest community in warm temperate regions with seasonal temperature and precipitation variations. They are interpreted as growing on the hillsides and sloping fields along meandering streams, lakes and swamps in a vast sedimentary basin in a wet and warm environment.
基金supported by the Foundation for Innovative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(81621001)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82100227)+1 种基金the Key Program of National Natural Science Foundation of China(81930004)the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2017YFA0104500)。
文摘In recent decades,haploidentical stem cell transplantation(haplo-SCT)to treat severe aplastic anemia(SAA)has achieved remarkable progress.However,long-term results are still lacking.We conducted a multicenter prospective study involving SAA patients who underwent haplo-SCT as salvage therapy.Long-term outcomes were assessed,mainly focusing on survival and quality of life(QoL).Longitudinal QoL was prospectively evaluated during pretransplantation and at 3 and 5 years posttransplantation using the SF-36 scale in adults and the PedsQL 4.0 scale in children.A total of 287 SAA patients were enrolled,and the median follow-up was 4.56 years(range,3.01–9.05 years)among surviving patients.During the long-term follow-up,268 of 275 evaluable patients(97.5%)obtained sustained full donor chimerism,and 93.4%had complete hematopoietic recovery.The estimated overall survival and failure-free survival for the whole cohort at 9 years were 85.4%±2.1%and 84.0%±2.2%,respectively.Age(≥18 years)and a poorer performance status(ECOG>1)were identified as risk factors for survival outcomes.For Qo L recovery after haplo-SCT,we found that QoL progressively improved from pretransplantation to the 3-year and 5-year time points with statistical significance.The occurrence of chronic graft versus host disease was a risk factor predicting poorer QoL scores in both the child and adult cohorts.At the last followup,74.0%of children and 72.9%of adults returned to normal school or work.These inspiring long-term outcomes suggest that salvage transplantation with haploidentical donors can be routine practice for SAA patients without human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-matched donors.