Ecological Assessment on the Introduced Sonneratia caseolaris and S. apetala at the Mangrove Forest of Shenzhen Bay, China

yTwo exotic species, Sonneratia caseolaris (L.) Engl. and S. apetala B. Ham., were introduced to Futian Mangrove Forest Nature Reserve, Shenzhen Bay, in 1993 for afforestation. Winter cold caused frigid harm but did not appear to be an obstacle to the introduction. The cold tolerance of the parental and filial generation increased in several years. The two Sonneratia spp. could propagate by seeds and disperse in Shenzhen Bay. While the two species grew faster than indigenous species, at the same time they promoted the growth of indigenous species, but they could not replace indigenous mangrove species. Suitable habitat was more important than the distance from the source in the natural spreading for the two species. The niche of the two species did not overlap with the niche of indigenous species. The two species did not self regenerate, although they could disperse on localized area in Shenzhen Bay. Therefore, it was unlikely that the two species would pose ecological disaster.

Ecological adaptation of Eupatorium adenophorum populations to light intensity

Eupatorium adenophorum is one of main invasive plants in China and has caused great economic losses. A study was conducted to determine the biomass allocation, leaf morphology and growth response of E. adenophorum seedlings that grew under five different intensities （relative irradiances RI 10%, 20 %, 30%, 55%, 100%） for 14 months. Results reveal that the species shows typical leaf morphological adaptation to different light conditions. The total biomass of seedlings increased with the increase of light intensity from 10% to 55% RI but decreased at RI 100% （full sunlight）. Height growth increased with the increase of light intensity from 10% to 30% RI but decreased when light intensity was over 30% RI. At low light levels, plants enhanced light availability by means of increasing biomass allocation to leaves and formation of larger, thinner leaves with high specific leaf area （SLA）, leading to a high leaf area ratio （LAR） and high stem strips length （SSL）. The mean relative growth rate （RGR） of the plant increased with the light intensity increase and attained the maximum at 55% RI. The growth of seedlings at 30%-55% RI was much better than that at full light condition. This might be an adaptive strategy that supports the vigorous invasiveness of this species, because a high-shaded canopy could prevent other plant species from surviving and growing. This study indicates that E. adenophorum could adapt to different light conditions, especially to low light habit. This can explain its greater invasiveness.

The Research of Ecological Nutritional Organs of Invasive Plants Structural Characteristics

[Objective] The aim of this paper was to discuss the adaptability of ecological nutritional organs of invasive plants.[Method] By dint of high-definition display of plant tissue crystal method and paraffin section method,the vegetative organs root,stem and leaf cross-section of the organizational structure of Asteraceae Ambrosia trifida L.ragweed（Ambrosia trifida L.）in the suburbs of Changchun City in Jilin Province were inspected.[Result] The structural basis for ecological invasive plant Ambrosia trifida L.vegetative organs was mainly through strengthening the roots of water absorption and transporting function,increasing the water storage function of leaf and stem,reducing the water absorption of stem and leaf for plants to promote water absorption and to enhance the assimilation of leaves to achieve a variety of complex environmental conditions in the rapid growth and development in order to achieve an ecological invasion.[Conclusion] The study provided reference for the biological fundamental research of Ambrosia trifida L.

Transient micro-elastography:A novel non-invasive approach to measure liver stiffness in mice

AIM:To develop and validate a transient micro-elastography device to measure liver stiffness(LS) in mice.METHODS:A novel transient micro-elastography(TME) device,dedicated to LS measurements in mice with a range of measurement from 1-170 kPa,was developed using an optimized vibration frequency of 300 Hz and a 2 mm piston.The novel probe was validated in a classical fibrosis model(CCl4) and in a transgenic murine model of systemic amyloidosis.RESULTS:TME could be successfully performed in control mice below the xiphoid cartilage,with a mean LS of 4.4 ± 1.3 kPa,a mean success rate of 88%,and an excellent intra-observer agreement(0.98).Treatment with CCl4 over seven weeks drastically increased LS as compared to controls(18.2 ± 3.7 kPa vs 3.6 ± 1.2 kPa).Moreover,fibrosis stage was highly correlated with LS(Spearman coefficient = 0.88,P < 0.01).In the amyloidosis model,much higher LS values were obtained,reaching maximum values of > 150 kPa.LS significantly correlated with the amyloidosis index(0.93,P < 0.0001) and the plasma concentration of mutant hapoA-□(0.62,P < 0.005).CONCLUSION:Here,we have established the first non-invasive approach to measure LS in mice,and have successfully validated it in two murine models of high LS.

Status, Impact and Management of Certain Alien Plant Pests Proven to Be Invasive to Thailand＇s Ecology

Introduction of foreign plants and animals into Thailand＇s ecology has a long history, some arrived accidentally and others had a purpose. As global commerce increases, the issue of invasive alien species has become more urgent in Thailand. These agents are increasingly seen as a threat not only to biodiversity and ecosystem, but also to economic development and human well-being. They reduce yields of agricultural crops, forests and fisheries, decrease water availability, cause costly land degradation, block transport routes and contribute to the spread of disease. It is clear that since trade will not stop, dangerous alien species need to be controlled and managed and the strategies and control measures are to prevent, eradicate, contain, or effectively control the invaders. Implementation of these measures requires appropriate legislation, regulation and procedures. The impact of some invasive alien pests and their management on the agricultural sector of Thailand are presented.

The Effects of Protruding Rock Boulders in Regulating Sediment Intrusion within the Hyporheic Zone of Mountain Streams

Excessive sedimentation in mountain stream ecosystems is a critical environmental problem due to the clogging of streambeds by sediment particles within the hyporheic zone,with detrimental effects on fish spawning habitat.In this research,the effects of an array of boulders in regulating the intrusion of incoming sand within a gravel substrate were evaluated by performing detailed experiments in a laboratory flume.A unique experimental setup and two different sampling techniques were utilized for measuring the infiltrated sand within the gravel bed under two bed shear stress conditions(moderate vs.high).For comparison purposes,experiments were performed without and with the presence of partially submerged to the flow(protruding) boulders,which is typical for the average flow conditions found in mountain streams.Results indicated that sand infiltrated primarily in the upper part of the gravel bed creating a surface seal which hindered the penetration of sand particles deeper into the bed.An exponential decrease of the amount of the infiltrated sand within the hyporheic zone was observed in all experiments regardless of the presence of boulders.However,the presence of boulders promoted sediment intrusion of sand particles especially for the moderate applied bed shear stress condition,since the total amount of the infiltrated sand was found to be on average 44% greater whenboulders were present.The findings from this study can provide additional insight regarding the role of boulders on promoting downwelling of flow and sediment within the gravel substrate with potential effects on fish habitat.

Dynamic process simulation with a Savage-Hutter type model for the intrusion of landslide into river

Natural damming of rivers by mass movements is a very common and potentially dangerous phenomena which has been documented all over the world. In this paper, a two-layer model of Savage-Hutter type is presented to simulate the dynamic procedure for the intrusion of landslide into rivers. The two-layer shallow water system is derived by depth averaging the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations with the hydrostatic assumption. A high order accuracy scheme based on the finite volume method is proposed to solve the presented model equations. Several numerical tests are performed to verify the realiability and feasibility of the proposed model. The numerical results indicate that the proposed method can be competent for simulating the dynamic process of landslide intrusion into the river. The interaction effect between both layers has a significant impact on the landslide movement, water fluctuation and wave propagation.

Invasive Weed Mapping of Lebanon

Surveying and early detection of invasive weeds are essential for strategic management and monitoring. Accordingly, a weed mapping was conducted during July 2011, against native （Orobanche ramosa, Cuscuta spp., Sorghum halepense and Xanthium strumarium） and non native （Abutilon theophrasti, Datura stramonium, Solanum elaeagnifolium and Verbesina encelioide） weeds of Lebanon. A global positioning system （Garmin 2006） was used for precise waypoint, elevation, navigation and distance. The result of interviewing and interacting with the residents in 95 villages distributed between the Beq＇aa and the North governorates of Lebanon, along with the observations made on the route, yielded the first detection of Abutilon theophrasti in both governorates. Solanum elaeagnifolium and Verbesina encelioide were not found in the agro-ecosystems of either governorates. This is the first report of the introduction ofAbutilon theophrasti in Lebanon and the establishment of a baseline data on weeds of Lebanon. The adoption of an integrated weed management program with a quarantine and control techniques and methods is needed to manage the spreading of weeds and to lessen their ability to adapt to a constantly changing system which uses several control practices.

Tests to evaluate the ecological impact of treated ballast water on three Chinese marine species

Ballast water has been a topic of concern for some time because of its potential to introduce invasive species to new habitats. To comply with the International Convention for the Control and Management of Ships' Ballast Water and Sediments, members of the International Maritime Organization(IMO) must equip their ships with on-board treatment systems to eliminate organism release with ballast water. There are many challenges associated with the implementation of this IMO guideline, one of which is the selection of species for testing the ecological impacts of the treated ballast water. In the United States, ballast water toxicity test methods have been defined by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. However, the test methods had not been finalized in China until the toxicity test methods for ballast water were established in 2008. The Chinese methods have been based on species from three trophic levels: Skeletonema costatum, Neomysis awatschensis, and Ctenogobius gymnauchen. All three species live in broad estuarine and open sea areas of China; they are sensitive to reference toxicants and acclimatize easily to different conditions. In this paper, the biological characteristics, test processes and statistical analysis methods are presented for the three species. Results indicate that the methods for evaluating these three organisms can be included in the ecological toxicity tests for treated ballast water in China.

A new polymorphism in the GRP78 is not associated with HBV invasion

AIM:To examine the association between -86 bp(T>A) in the glucose-regulated protein 78 gene(GRP78) and hepatitis B virus(HBV) invasion.METHODS:DNA was genotyped for the single-nucleotide polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing in a sample of 382 unrelated HBV carriers and a total of 350 sex-and age-matched healthy controls.Serological markers for HBV infection were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent as-say kits or clinical chemistry testing.RESULTS:The distributions of allelotype and genotype in cases were not significantly different from those in controls.In addition,our fi ndings suggested that neither alanine aminotransferase/hepatitis B e antigen nor HBV-DNA were associated with the allele/genotype variation in HBV infected individuals.CONCLUSION:-86 bp T>A polymorphism in GRP78 gene is not related to the clinical risk and acute exacerbation of HBV invasion.

Intrusion Detection for Wireless Mesh Networks using Finite State Machine

Wireless Mesh Networks is vulnerable to attacks due to the open medium, dynamically changing network topology, cooperative algorithms, Lack of centralized monitoring and management point. The traditional way of protecting networks with firewalls and encryption software is no longer suffi- cient and effective for those features. In this paper, we propose a distributed intrusion detection ap- proach based on timed automata. A cluster-based detection scheme is presented, where periodically a node is elected as the monitor node for a cluster. These monitor nodes can not only make local intrusion detection decisions, but also cooperatively take part in global intrusion detection. And then we con- struct the Finite State Machine （FSM） by the way of manually abstracting the correct behaviors of the node according to the routing protocol of Dynamic Source Routing （DSR）. The monitor nodes can verify every node＇s behavior by the Finite State Ma- chine （FSM）, and validly detect real-time attacks without signatures of intrusion or trained data.Compared with the architecture where each node is its own IDS agent, our approach is much more efficient while maintaining the same level of effectiveness. Finally, we evaluate the intrusion detection method through simulation experiments.

多参考态二级微扰方法的改进

本文提出一个新的扩大模型空间的方案用于改进多参考态二级微扰理论(MRPT2)计算.新方案保持了原方案中扩大模型空间之前的简单程序结构,理论上完全可以避免势能面计算中入侵态的出现,并在一系列比较计算中得到证实.新MRPT2程序是研究分子激发态和电子光谱的有用工具.

Animal personality and the ecological impacts of freshwater non-native species

While the ecological impacts of invasive species have been demonstrated for many taxonomic groups, the potential effects of behavioural variation among nonnative individuals （i.e. personality） on these impacts have been largely overlooked. This is despite the fact that recent studies have demonstrated that, by nature, the three first stages of biological invasions （i.e. transport, establishment and spread） can lead to personalitybiased populations. Freshwater ecosystems provide a unique oppor tunity to investigate this issue, notably because the ecological impacts of nonnative species have been extensively documented and because animal personality has been widely studied using freshwater model species. Here, we aim at developing some per spectives on the potential effects of animal personality on the ecological impacts of freshwater nonnative species across levels of biological organizations. At the individual level, personality types have been demonstrated to affect the physiolo gy, metabolism, life history traits and fitness of individuals. We used these effects to discuss how they could subsequently impact invaded popula tions and, in turn, recipient communities. We also discussed how these might translate into changes in the structure of food webs and the functioning of invaded ecosystems. Finally we discussed how these perspectives could interact with the management of invasive species .

Climatic niche shift of an invasive shrub (Ulex europaeus): a global scale comparison in native and introduced regions

Aims Invasive species,which recently expanded,may help understand how climatic niche can shift at the time scale of the current global change.Here,we address the climatic niche shift of an invasive shrub(common gorse,Ulex europaeus)at the world and regional scales to assess how it could contribute to increasing invasibility.Methods Based on a 28187 occurrences database,we used a combination of 9 species distribution models(SDM)to assess regional climatic niche from both the native range(Western Europe)and the introduced range in different parts of the world(North-West America,South America,North Europe,Australia and New Zealand).Important Findings Despite being restricted to annual mean temperature between 4℃ and 22℃,as well as annual precipitation higher than 300 mm/year,the range of bioclimatic conditions suitable for gorse was very large.Based on a native versus introduced SDM comparison,we highlighted a niche expansion in North-West America,South America and to a lesser degree in Australia,while a niche displacement was assessed in North Europe.These niche changes induced an increase in potential occupied areas by gorse by 49,111,202 and 283%in Australia,North Europe,North-West America and South America,respectively.On the contrary,we found no evidence of niche change in New Zealand,which presents similar climatic condition to the native environment(Western Europe).This study highlights how niche expansion and displacement of gorse might increase invasibility at regional scale.The change in gorse niche toward new climatic conditions may result from adaptive plasticity or genetic evolution and may explain why it has such a high level of invasibility.Taking into account the possibility of a niche shift is crucial to improve invasive plants management and control.

Changes in Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics in a Native C4 Plant-Dominated Tidal Marsh Following Spartina alterniflora Invasion

Invasion of an exotic C4 plant Spartina alterniflora has been shown to increase soil organic carbon （SOC） concentrations in native C3 plant-dominated coastal wetlands of China. However, little is known about the effects of S. alterniflora invasion on SOC concentrations and fractions in tidal marshes dominated by native C4 plants. In this study, a field experiment was conducted in a tidal marsh dominated by the native C4 plant Cyperus malaccensis in the Minjiang River estuary, China. Concentrations of SOC and liable SOC fractions, dissolved organic carbon （DOG）, microbial biomass carbon （MBC）, and easily oxidizable carbon （EOC）, were measured in the top 50-cm soils of the C. malaccensis community, as well as those of three S. alterniflova communities with an invasion duration of 0-4 years （SA-4）, 4-8 years （SA-8）, and 8-12 years （SA-12）, respectively. Results showed that both SOC stocks in the 50-cm soils and mean SOC concentrations in the surface soils （0-10 cm） of the C. malaccensis community increased with the duration of S. alterniflora invasion, whereas SOC concentrations in the 10-50-cm soils decreased slightly during the initial period of S. alterniflora invasion, before increasing again. The pattern of changes in labile SOC fractions （DOC, MBC, and EOC） with invasion duration was generally similar to that of SOC, while the ratios of labile SOC fractions to total SOC （DOC：SOC, MBC：SOC, and EOC：SOC） decreased significantly with the duration of S. alterniflora invasion. The findings of this study suggest that invasion of the exotic C4 plant S. alternifora into a marsh dominated by the native C4 plant C. malaecensis would enhance SOC sequestration owing to the greater amount of biomass and lower proportion of labile SOC fractions present in the S. alterniflora communities.

Realized niche shift associated with Galinsoga quadriradiata(Asteraceae)invasion in China

Shifts in the realized niches of exotic species may play an important role in their invasion.Galinsoga quadriradiata has invaded China widely and occupied many climate zones that are different from its native range.We addressed the climatic niche shift of G.quadriradiata and evaluated how this could contribute to its invasion in China.We used the Maxent model to predict the potential distribution of G.quadriradiata using its native and invaded range occurrences and climatic variables.Principal component analysis was conducted to measure climatic niche shifts of G.quadriradiata during its invasion in China.The models revealed only 32.7%niche overlap between the native and invasive populations.The niche similarity of the two populations was significantly low(Schoener’s D=0.093,P<0.005),suggesting the occurrence of a niche shift.The envelop and center of the realized climatic niche in China has shifted to lower temperature and less precipitation compared to that in its native range.The majority of invaded areas in southern China are in the stabilizing zone,whereas the colonization and adaptation zones are predicted to be at the leading edge of G.quadriradiata invasion in northern China.This suggests that the regional distribution of G.quadriradiata may be in a quasi-equilibrium state,and that the species continues to invade environmentally suitable areas.Alterations in G.quadriradiata’s niche would help to explain why this species is so invasive in China.

Plant-soil feedback during biological invasions:effect of litter decomposition from an invasive plant(Sphagneticola trilobata)on its native congener(S.calendulacea)

Plant invasions can affect soil properties in the invaded habitat by altering the biotic and abiotic nature of soils through positive or negative plant–soil feedback.Litter decomposition from many invasive species enhanced soil nutrients,thereby decreasing native plant diversity and leading to further plant invasions.Here,we examined the impact of litter decomposition from an invasive plant(Sphagneticola trilobata)in a range of soils at varying depths on growth and physiology of its native congener(Sphagneticola calendulacea).We added litter from S.trilobata to each soil type at different depths(0,2,4 and 6 cm).Plants of S.calendulacea were grown in each treatment,and morphological and physiological parameters were measured at the end of the growing period.All soils treated with litter displayed increases in soil nutrients at depths of 2 and 4 cm;while most growth traits,leaf chlorophyll and leaf nitrogen of S.calendulacea decreased at the same soil depths.Therefore,litter decomposition from invasive S.trilobata resulted in a positive plant–soil feedback for soil nutrients,and a negative plant–soil feedback for growth in native S.calendulacea.Our findings also suggest that the effects of litter decomposition from an invasive plant on soils and native species can vary significantly depending on the soil depth at which the litter is deposited.Future studies should focus on plant–soil feedback for more native and invasive species in invaded habitats,and the effects of invasive litter in more soil types and at greater soil depths.

Differences in functional traits among distinct populations of the plant invader Bunias orientalis

Plants that expand their range and become invasive in other areas may shift several functional traits in response to specific environments.However,local conditions at the place of origin may have shaped the functional traits,which may to some extent remain visible in plants growing in new habitats.The present study aimed to explore the trait variation in different plant populations of native,invasive and naturalized status of Bunias orientalis grown in common conditions in relation to the climatic conditions at their place of origin.Seeds of B.orientalis were collected from 12 populations(4 per status)in 8 countries and grown under standardized conditions in a common field garden.The variation in several functional traits related to phenology,growth and reproduction was compared among status and among populations.Phenology did not differ according to status.However,several plants of the native populations,originating from areas with low annual temperatures,did not start flowering.Plants of the invasive populations produced more leaves than natives,potentially indicating their vigor in building up vegetative biomass.Number and mass of silicles and other growth traits did not differ among status groups but varied among populations.Some of the variation in functional traits may be explained by long-term adaptations to local conditions at the areas of origin and genetic diversity,while other environmental factors differing in the novel environment may contribute to a high trait variation.

Wild dogma： An examination of recent ＂evidence＂ for dingo regulation of invasive mesopredator release in Australia

There is growing interest in the role that apex predators play in shaping terrestrial ecosystems and maintaining tro- phic cascades. In line with the mesopredator release hypothesis, Australian dingoes （Canis lupus dingo and hybrids） are assumed by many to regulate the abundance of invasive mesopredators, such as red foxes Vulpes vulpes and feral cats Fells catus, thereby providing indirect benefits to various threatened vertebrates. Several recent papers have claimed to provide evidence for the bio- diversity benefits of dingoes in this way. Nevertheless, in this paper we highlight several critical weaknesses in the methodologi- cal approaches used in many of these reports, including lack of consideration for seasonal and habitat differences in activity, the complication of simple track-based indices by incorporating difficult-to-meet assumptions, and a reduction in sensitivity for as-sessing populations by using binary measures rather than potentially continuous measures. Of the 20 studies reviewed, 15 of them （75%） contained serious methodological flaws, which may partly explain the inconclusive nature of the literature investigating interactions between invasive Australian predators. We therefore assert that most of the ＂growing body of evidence＂ for meso- predator release is merely an inconclusive growing body of literature only. We encourage those interested in studying the eco- logical roles of dingoes relative to invasive mesopredators and native prey species to account for the factors we identify, and cau- tion the value of studies that have not done so [Current Zoology 57 （5）： 568-583, 2011].

Behavioral dependent dispersal in the invasive round goby Neogobius melanostomus depends on population age

Biological invasions cause major ecological and economic costs in invaded habitats. The round goby Neogobius me- lanostomus is a successful invasive species and a major threat to the biodiversity and ecological function of the Baltic Sea. It is native to the Ponto-Caspian region and has, via ballast water transport of ships, invaded the Gulf of Gdansk in Poland. Since 1990, it has spread as far north as Raahe in Northern Finland （64~41 ＂04＂N, 24~28＂44＂E）. Over the past decade, consistent indi- vidual differences of behavioral expressions have been shown to explain various ecological processes such as dispersal, survival or reproduction. We have previously shown that new and old populations differ in personality trait expression. Individuals in new populations are bolder, less sociable and more active than in old populations. Here we investigate if the behavioral differentiation can be explained by phenotype-dependent dispersal. This was investigated by measuring activity, boldness and sociability of in- dividually marked gobies, and subsequently allowing them to disperse in a system composed of five consecutive tanks connected by tubes. Individual dispersal tendency and distance was measured. Our results revealed that in newly established populations, more active individuals disperse sooner and that latency of a group to disperse depends on the mean sociability of the group. This indicates the presence of personality dependent dispersal in this species and that it is maintained at the invasion front but lost as the populations get older