The distributions and seasonal variations of total dissolved inorganic arsenic (TDIAs, [TDIAs] = [As^5+]+[As^3+]) and arsenite (As3.) in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea are presented hero based on the observa...The distributions and seasonal variations of total dissolved inorganic arsenic (TDIAs, [TDIAs] = [As^5+]+[As^3+]) and arsenite (As3.) in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea are presented hero based on the observations of 9 cruises carried out in 2000 - 2003. The study area covers a broad range of hydrographic and chemical properties. The emphasis is put on a southeast transect from Changjiang Estuary to the Ryukyu Islands (i.e. PN section) in the East China Sea to discuss the impact of terrestdal input on the marginal seas of China. Arsenic species (TDlAs and arsenite) are determined by selective hydride generation - atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). TDIAs concentrations were high in the coastal area of Changjiang Estuary and decreased slightly towards the shelf region. High concentratiOns of TDIAs were also existed in the near bottom layer of shelf edge of the East China Sea which indicated another source of arsenic from the incursion of Kuroshio Waters. The seasonal variations of TDIAs in the study area depend on the hydrographic stages of Changjiang and the incursion intensity of Kuroshio Waters. Arsenite showed opposite distributions with TDIAs, with higher concentrations appeared at the surface layer of shelf region, which was positive correlated with the chlorophyll a. Biological conversion of arsenate into arsenite was hypothesized for the observed distribution pattern and its seasonal variations. The stoichoimetric ratios of As to P were estimated to be about 2×10^3 at PN Section in summer. The concentrations of dissolved arsenic in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea were comparable with other areas in the world.展开更多
With the in-situ temperature and salinity observations taken seasonally in the Northern Yellow Sea area during the National 908 Water Investigation and Research Project from 2006 to 2007, the characteristics of the No...With the in-situ temperature and salinity observations taken seasonally in the Northern Yellow Sea area during the National 908 Water Investigation and Research Project from 2006 to 2007, the characteristics of the Northern Yellow Sea cold water mass (NYSCWM) were studied, including both its spatial pattern over the whole bottom and historically typical section from Dalian to Chengshantou. Seasonal evolution as well as its spatial distribution was analyzed to further understand the NYSCWM, as a result, some new features about the NYSCWM had been found. Compared to the previous studies, the center of colder water mass in summer moved eastward, but sharing the similar peak values for both temperature and salinity with historical data. In spring, the axis of 32.8 psu saltier moves westward approximately 75 km and the high salinity areas beyond 123.5° E were largely impaired comparing to that in winter. In winter, the NYSCWM almost disappeared due to the reinforced wind-induced mixing and the Yellow Sea Warm Currents (YSWC) moved northward and controlled most of the Northern Yellow Sea region. In autumn, two cold centers with the peak value of 9℃ were found inside the attenuated NYSCWM.展开更多
Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) can be largely and easily obtained from a wide range of sources. Moreover, they have self-renewal ability, multi-differentiation potential, and an important role in imm...Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) can be largely and easily obtained from a wide range of sources. Moreover, they have self-renewal ability, multi-differentiation potential, and an important role in immune regulation. They can secrete a variety of cytokines to regulate the in vivo micro-environment. Therefore, ADSCs are the ideal seed ceils for stem ceils application. This paper reviews the location, isolation, surface markers, proliferation, differentiation and other biological characteristics of ADSCs, as well as their secretory function and relative researches. ADSCs are expected to become excellent seed cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering through in-depth studies.展开更多
Seasonal dynamics of above- and belowground biomass and nutrient characteristics (nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus) of Carex lasiocarpa were investigated in the typical wetland of Sanjiang Plain, China from May 2007...Seasonal dynamics of above- and belowground biomass and nutrient characteristics (nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus) of Carex lasiocarpa were investigated in the typical wetland of Sanjiang Plain, China from May 2007 to September 2008. The results show that the changes of aboveground biomass during the growing season are best described by the twice function curve model, whereas the changes of belowground biomass follow the exponential increase curve model. Both the organic carbon contents in the above- and belowground plant parts show significant positive linear correlations with the growing time, and the coefficients R2 are 0.983 and 0.746, respectively. The carbon accu-mulations of the above- and belowground plant parts during the growing season show the same dynamics as those of the biomass. However, the nitrogen contents and accumulation in C. lasiocarpa aboveground and belowground parts show exponential increase during the growing season. The dynamics of C. lasiocarpa phosphorus contents follows the twice function curve model, whereas the accumulation of phosphorus shows the linear increase. The ratios of C/N in different parts of C. lasiocarpa fit the negative linear relations with total nitrogen content in the growing season. Moreover, the ratios of C/P in C. lasiocarpa plant also fit the negative linear relations with total phosphorus content. The results show that nitrogen is the primary limiting nutrient for C. lasiocarpa growth as compared with carbon and phosphorus.展开更多
It has been previously reported that small mother against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) gene knockout (Smad3^ex8/ex8) mice displays phenotypes similar to human osteoarthritis, as characterized by abnormal hypertrophic...It has been previously reported that small mother against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) gene knockout (Smad3^ex8/ex8) mice displays phenotypes similar to human osteoarthritis, as characterized by abnormal hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes. To further clarify the crucial target genes that mediate transformation growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad3 signals on articular chondrocytes differentiation and investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of osteoarthritis, microarrays were used to perform comparative transcriptional profiling in the articular cartilage between Smad3^ex8/ex8and wild-type mice on day five after birth. The gene profding results showed that the activity of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and TGF-β/cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) signaling pathways were enhanced in Smad3^ex8/ex8 chondrocytes. Moreover, there was altered gene expression in growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igfl) axis and fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling pathway. Notably, protein synthesis related genes and electron transport chain related genes were upregulated in Smad3^ex8/ex8 chondrocytes, implying that accelerated protein synthesis and enhanced cellular respiration might contribute to hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.展开更多
The COP9 signalosome and the regulatory lid of the 26S proteasome are both eight-subunit protein complexes which are present in most eukaryotes. There is a one-to-one relationship between the corresponding subunits of...The COP9 signalosome and the regulatory lid of the 26S proteasome are both eight-subunit protein complexes which are present in most eukaryotes. There is a one-to-one relationship between the corresponding subunits of the two protein complexes in terms of their size and amino acid sequences. Eight groups of subunits from the COP9 signalosome and the proteasome lid complex of different organisms are collected from all the databases at the NCBI website. The corresponding subunits of COP9 signalosome and proteasome lid complex share at least 12% amino acid identity and some conserved regions, and the conserved sites spread evenly over the entire length of the subunits, suggesting that the two complexes have a common evolutionary ancestor. Phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences of the corresponding subunits of two protein complexes indicate that every tree consists of two clades. The subunits from one of the two protein complexes of different organisms are grouped into one of the two clades respectively. The sequences of single-cell organisms are always the basal groups to that of multi-cell animal and plant species. These results imply that the duplication/divergence events of COP9 signalosome and regulatory lid of the proteasome genes have occurred before the divergence of single-cell and multi-cell eukaryotes, and the genes of the two complexes are independently evolved. The analyses of dN/dS correlation show significant Pearson's correlations between 21 and 15 pairs of subunit-encoding sequences within the COP9 signalosome and the proteasome lid complex respectively, suggesting that those subunits pairs might have related functions and interacted with one another, and resulted in co-evolution.展开更多
Seasonal variation of biochemical components in clam(Saxidomus purpuratus Sowerby 1852) was investigated from March 2012 to February 2013 in relation to environmental condition of Sanggou Bay and the reproductive cycl...Seasonal variation of biochemical components in clam(Saxidomus purpuratus Sowerby 1852) was investigated from March 2012 to February 2013 in relation to environmental condition of Sanggou Bay and the reproductive cycle of clam.According to the histological analysis,the reproductive cycle of S.purpuratus includes two distinctive phases:a total spent and inactive stage from November to January,and a gametogenesis stage,including ripeness and spawning,during the rest of the year.Gametes were generated at a low temperature(2.1℃) in February.Spawning took place once a year from June to October.The massive spawning occurred in August when the highest water temperature and chlorophyll a level could be observed.The key biochemical components(glycogen,protein and lipid) in five tissues(gonad,foot,mantle,siphon and adductor muscle) were analyzed.The glycogen content was high before gametogenesis,and decreased significantly during the gonad development in the gonad,mantle and foot of both females and males,suggesting that glycogen was an important energy source for gonad development.The protein and lipid contents increased in the ovary during the gonad development,demonstrating that they are the major organic components of oocytes.The lipid and protein contents decreased in the testis,implying that they can provide energy and material for spermatogenesis.The results also showed that protein stored in the mantle and foot could support the reproduction after the glycogen was depleted.展开更多
Seasonal variations of water masses in the East China Sea(ECS) and adjacent areas are investigated, based on historical data of temperature and salinity( T-S). Dynamic and thermodynamic mechanisms that affect seasonal...Seasonal variations of water masses in the East China Sea(ECS) and adjacent areas are investigated, based on historical data of temperature and salinity( T-S). Dynamic and thermodynamic mechanisms that affect seasonal variations of some dominant water masses are discussed, with reference to meteorological data. In the ECS above depth 600 m, there are eight water masses in summer but only five in winter. Among these, Kuroshio Surface Water(KSW), Kuroshio Intermediate Water(KIW), ECS Surface Water(ECSSW), Continental Coastal Water(CCW), and Yellow Sea Surface Water(YSSW) exist throughout the year. Kuroshio Subsurface Water(KSSW), ECS Deep Water(ECSDW), and Yellow Sea Bottom Water(YSBW) are all seasonal water masses, occurring from May through October. The CCW, ECSSW and KSW all have significant seasonal variations, both in their horizontal and vertical extents and their T-S properties. Wind stress, the Kuroshio and its branch currents, and coastal currents are dynamic factors for seasonal variation in spatial extent of the CCW, KSW, and ECSSW, whereas sea surface heat and freshwater fl uxes are thermodynamic factors for seasonal variations of T-S properties and thickness of these water masses. In addition, the CCW is affected by river runoff and ECSSW by the CCW and KSW.展开更多
The seasonal mean atmospheric precipitable water and water vapor transport over the Haihe River Basin (HRB) in North China with a focus on their interannual to interdecadal variability, and then the relationships of...The seasonal mean atmospheric precipitable water and water vapor transport over the Haihe River Basin (HRB) in North China with a focus on their interannual to interdecadal variability, and then the relationships of the interannual and interdecadal variability of the water cycle over the HRB to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and E1 Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena were investigated using the observational and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data. There was a strong interdecadal variability for the water cycle (such as precipitation and water vapor transport) over the region, with an abrupt change occurring mostly in the mid 1970s. The intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon largely affected the atmospheric water vapor transport. Generally, the net meridional convergence of the water vapor flux over the region was relatively large before 1965, and it declined gradually from then on with a further notable decrease since mid 1970s. Zonal water vapor transport was similar to meridional, but with a much smaller magnitude and no noteworthy turning in the mid 1970s. Results also suggested that the wind field played an important role in the water vapor transport over the HRB before the mid 1960s, and the interdecadal variability of the water cycle (precipitation, water vapor transport, etc.) in the summer was related to the PDO; however, interannual variation of the water vapor transport could also be related to the ENSO phenomena.展开更多
We describe a rare case of the transformation of a dysplastic nodule into well-differentiated hepato- cellular carcinoma (HCC) in a 56-year-old man with alcoholrelated liver cirrhosis. Ultrasound (US) disclosed a 10 m...We describe a rare case of the transformation of a dysplastic nodule into well-differentiated hepato- cellular carcinoma (HCC) in a 56-year-old man with alcoholrelated liver cirrhosis. Ultrasound (US) disclosed a 10 mm hypoechoic nodule and contrast enhanced US revealed a hypovascular nodule, both in segment seven. US-guided biopsy revealed a high-grade dysplastic nodule characterized by enhanced cellularity with a high N/C ratio, increased cytoplasmic eosinophilia, and slight cell atypia. One year later, the US pattern of the nodule changed from hypoechoic to hyperechoic without any change in size or hypovascularity. US-guided biopsy revealed well-differentiated HCC of the same features as shown in the first biopsy, but with additional pseudoglandular formation and moderate cell atypia. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of cyclase- associated protein 2, a new molecular marker of well- differentiated HCC, turned positive. This is the first case of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis from a dysplastic nodule to well-differentiated HCC within one year in alcohol-related liver cirrhosis.展开更多
Seasonal snow is one of the most important influences on the development and distribution of permafrost and the hydrothermal regime in surface soil. Alpine meadow, which constitutes the main land type in permafrost re...Seasonal snow is one of the most important influences on the development and distribution of permafrost and the hydrothermal regime in surface soil. Alpine meadow, which constitutes the main land type in permafrost regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was selected to study the influence of seasonal snow on the temperature and moisture in active soil layers under different vegetation coverage. Monitoring sites for soil moisture and temperature were constructed to observe the hydrothermal processes in active soil layers under different vegetation cover with seasonal snow cover variation for three years from 2010 to 2012. Differences in soil temperature and moisture in areas of diverse vegetation coverage with varying levels of snow cover were analyzed using active soil layer water and temperature indices. The results indicated that snow cover greatly influenced the hydrothermal dynamics of the active soil layer in alpine meadows. In the snow manipulation experiment with a snow depth greater than 15 cm, the snow cover postponed both the freeze-fall and thawrise onset times of soil temperature and moisture in alpine LC(lower vegetation coverage) meadows and of soil moisture in alpine HC(higher vegetation coverage) meadows; however, the opposite response occurred for soil temperatures of alpine HC meadows,where the entire melting period was extended by advancing the thaw-rise and delaying the freeze-fall onset time of the soil temperature. Snow cover resulted in a decreased amplitude and rate of variation in soil temperature, for both alpine HC meadows and alpine LC meadows, whereas the distinct influence of snow cover on the amplitude and rate of soil moisture variation occurred at different soil layers with different vegetation coverages. Snow cover increased the soil moisture of alpine grasslands during thawing periods. The results confirmed that the annual hydrothermal dynamics of active layers in permafrost were subject to the synergistic actions of both snow cover and vegetation coverage.展开更多
The species composition, horizontal distribution and seasonal succession of the phytoplankton at five sampling stations in the channel between Dongting Lake and the Changjiang River, China were studied from May 1995 t...The species composition, horizontal distribution and seasonal succession of the phytoplankton at five sampling stations in the channel between Dongting Lake and the Changjiang River, China were studied from May 1995 to December 1997. A total of 416 taxa were observed; diatoms comprised the most diverse taxonomic group representing 58.2 % of the total species. The β-mesotrophic indicators were 92 taxa or 22 % of the total, the α-mesotrophic or α,β-eutrophic indicators decreased distinctly to 20 taxa or 4.8 % of the total. The species number and composition of various phyla were approximately similar at Stations 1, 2, 3 and 4, but at Station 5 the number of species was the minimum and the ratio of diatoms to total phytoplankton in the number of species was the highest. In seasonal succession of the phytoplankton species, the number was the highest in May and June, lower in December, January, March and July in the channel. The dominant species were different in different months. The ratio of diatoms species number to blue green algae and green algae species number diminished gradually from winter to summer and autumn, and then increased gradually from autumn to winter and early spring in the annual cycle. Margalef, Simpson and Shannon-Weaver diversity indices changed in different months, their values were higher in winter, lower in summer. Nygaard’s diatoms quotients were lower in winter, then in spring and autumn, higher in summer. These results indicated that the water quality was the best in winter, better in spring and autumn than in summer. The relationship between the structure of the phytoplankton community and the water environmental quality was discussed.展开更多
The global long-term sea level trend is obtained from the analysis of tide gauge data and TOPEX/Poseidon data. The linear trend of global mean sea level is highly non-uniform spatially, with an average rate of 2.2 mmy...The global long-term sea level trend is obtained from the analysis of tide gauge data and TOPEX/Poseidon data. The linear trend of global mean sea level is highly non-uniform spatially, with an average rate of 2.2 mmyear^-1 in T/P sea-level rise from October 1992 to September 2002. Sea level change due to temperature variation (the thermosteric sea level) is discussed. The results are compared with TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data in the same temporal span at different spatial scales. It is indicated that the thermal effect accounts for 86% and 73% of the observed seasonal variability in the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively. The TOPEX/Poseidon observed sea level lags behind the TSL by 2 months in the zonal band of 40%-60% in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Systematic differences of about 1-2 cm between TOPEX/Poseidon observations and thermosteric sea level data are obtained. The potential causes tbr these differences include water exchange among the atmosphere, land, and oceans, and some possible deviations in thermosteric contribution estimates and geophysical corrections to the TOPEX/Poseidon data.展开更多
Microbial polysaccharides represent a class of important products of growing interest for many sectors of indus- try. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in isolating new exopolysaccharides (EPSs)-produ...Microbial polysaccharides represent a class of important products of growing interest for many sectors of indus- try. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in isolating new exopolysaccharides (EPSs)-producing bacteria from marine environments, particularly from various extreme marine environments. Many new marine microbial EPSs with novel chemical compositions, properties and structures have been found to have potential applications in fields such as adhesives, textiles, Pharmaceuticals and medicine for anti-cancer, food additives, oil recovery and metal removal in mining and indus- trial waste treatments, etc This paper gives a brief summary of the information about the EPSs produced by marine bacteria, including their chemical compositions, properties and structures, together with their potential applications in industry.展开更多
Internal thermally coupled distillation columns (ITCDIC) are the frontier of distillation energy saving research. In this paper, a novel energy saving model of ideal ITCDIC and a simulation algorithm are presented,upo...Internal thermally coupled distillation columns (ITCDIC) are the frontier of distillation energy saving research. In this paper, a novel energy saving model of ideal ITCDIC and a simulation algorithm are presented,upon which a series of comparative studies on energy savings with conventional distillation columns are carried out. Furthermore, we present an optimization model of ideal ITCDIC, which can be used to achieve the maximum energy saving and find the optimal design parameters directly. The binary system of benzene-toluene is adopted for the illustrative example of simulation and optimization. The results show that the maximum energy saving of ITCDIC is 52.25% (compared with energy consumption of conventional distillation under the minimum reflux ratio operation); the optimal design parameters are obtained, where the rectifying section pressure and the feed thermal condition are Pr=0.3006 MPa and q=0.5107 respectively.展开更多
Future temperature distributions of the marginal Chinese seas are studied by dynamic downscaling of global CCSM3 IPCC_AR4 scenario runs. Different forcing fields from 2080-2099 Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (...Future temperature distributions of the marginal Chinese seas are studied by dynamic downscaling of global CCSM3 IPCC_AR4 scenario runs. Different forcing fields from 2080-2099 Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) B1, A1, and A2 to 1980-1999 20C3M are averaged and superimposed on CORE2 and SODA2.2.4 data to force high-resolution regional future simulations using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). Volume transport increments in downscaling simulation support the CCSM3 result that with a weakening subtropical gyre circulation, the Kuroshio Current in the East China Sea (ECS) is possibly strengthened under the global wanning scheme. This mostly relates to local wind change, whereby the summer monsoon is strengthened and winter monsoon weakened. Future temperature fluxes and their seasonal variations are larger than in the CCSM3 result. Downscaling 100 years' temperature increments are comparable to the CCSM3, with a minimum in B1 scenario of 1.2-2.0~C and a maximum in A2 scenario of 2.5-4.5~C. More detailed temperature distributions are shown in the downscaling simulation. Larger increments are in the Bohai Sea and middle Yellow Sea, and smaller increments near the southeast coast of China, west coast of Korea, and southern ECS. There is a reduction of advective heat north of Taiwan Island and west of Tsushima in summer, and along the southern part of the Yellow Sea warm current in winter. There is enhancement of advective heat in the northern Yellow Sea in winter, related to the delicate temperature increment distribution. At 50 meter depth, the Yellow Sea cold water mass is destroyed. Our simulations suggest that in the formation season of the cold water mass, regional temperature is higher in the future and the water remains at the bottom until next summer. In summer, the mixed layer is deeper, making it much easier for the strengthened surface heat flux to penetrate to the bottom of this water.展开更多
In the wild, primate foraging behaviors are related to the diversity and nutritional properties of food, which are affected by seasonal variation. The goal of environmental enrichment is to stimulate captive animals t...In the wild, primate foraging behaviors are related to the diversity and nutritional properties of food, which are affected by seasonal variation. The goal of environmental enrichment is to stimulate captive animals to exhibit similar foraging behavior of their wild counterparts, e.g. to extend foraging time. We conducted a 12-month study on the foraging behavior of Japanese macaques in a semi-naturally forested enclosure to understand how they use both provisioned foods and naturally available plant foods and what are the nutritional criteria of their consumption of natural plants. We recorded time spent feeding on provisioned and natural plant foods and collected the plant parts ingested of their major plant food species monthly, when available. We conducted nutritional analysis (crude protein, crude lipid, neutral detergent fiber-‘NDF', ash) and calculated total non-structural carbohydrate - ‘TNC' and total energy of those food items. Monkeys spent 47% of their feeding time foraging on natural plant species. The consumption of plant parts varied significantly across seasons. We found that leaf items were consumed in months when crude protein, crude protein-to-NDF ratio, TNC and total energy were significantly higher and NDF was significantly lower, fruit/nut items in months when crude protein and TNC were significantly higher and crude lipid content was significantly lower, and bark items in months when TNC and total energy were higher and crude lipid content was lower. This preliminary investigation showed that the forested enclosure allowed troop members to more fully express their species typical flexible behavior by challenging them to adjust their foraging behavior to seasonal changes of plant item diversity and nutritional content, also providing the possibility for individuals to nutritionally enhance their diet .展开更多
Paracalanus parvus, Paracalanus crassirostris , and Acartia bifilosa are dominant and widely distributed in the Bohai Sea, and comprise an important part of zooplankton in terms of biomass as well as production rate. ...Paracalanus parvus, Paracalanus crassirostris , and Acartia bifilosa are dominant and widely distributed in the Bohai Sea, and comprise an important part of zooplankton in terms of biomass as well as production rate. In order to understand their seasonal distribution and population dynamics, their stage specific abundance in different months of the year were analyzed based on the never analyzed yet samples collected in 1959. The three species showed clear and remarkable seasonal variation in abundance, which maximized in spring and summer, when they formed high biomass patches or concentrations in the nearshore area. For Paracalanus parvus , two peaks were observed in the annual circle, one in June and the other in September. For Paracalanus crassirostris , one peak occurred in summer and a small one in December. The seasonal pattern of Acartia bifilosa was different in different regions. In Bohai Bay it had a two peak pattern, with the first large peak occurring in May and the second one in October. In Laizhou Bay, a winter peak in December and January could be observed besides the spring one. The number of generations during the reproductive season for the three species was estimated based on the annual cycle in abundance and ambient temperature.展开更多
Groundwater reservoir is a kind of important engineering, which can optimize water resources arran- gement by means of artificial regulation. Regulated water is the blood and value performance of groundwater reservoir...Groundwater reservoir is a kind of important engineering, which can optimize water resources arran- gement by means of artificial regulation. Regulated water is the blood and value performance of groundwater reservoir. To resolve the problem of real-time quantification of regulated water, the paper analyzed sources and compositions of regulated water in detail. Then, under the conditions of satisfying water demand inside research area, the paper analyzed quantity available and regulation coefficient of different regulated water and established a formula to calculate regulated water. At last, based on a pore groundwater reservoir in the middle reaches of the Yinma River, Jilin Province, the paper calculated regulated water with the formula and the result shows that the method is feasible. With some constraint conditions, the formula can be adopted in other similar areas.展开更多
基金funded by National Science Foundation of China (No. 40606028)National Basic Research Programs of China (No. 2006CB400601and 2001CB409703)
文摘The distributions and seasonal variations of total dissolved inorganic arsenic (TDIAs, [TDIAs] = [As^5+]+[As^3+]) and arsenite (As3.) in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea are presented hero based on the observations of 9 cruises carried out in 2000 - 2003. The study area covers a broad range of hydrographic and chemical properties. The emphasis is put on a southeast transect from Changjiang Estuary to the Ryukyu Islands (i.e. PN section) in the East China Sea to discuss the impact of terrestdal input on the marginal seas of China. Arsenic species (TDlAs and arsenite) are determined by selective hydride generation - atomic fluorescence spectrometry (HG-AFS). TDIAs concentrations were high in the coastal area of Changjiang Estuary and decreased slightly towards the shelf region. High concentratiOns of TDIAs were also existed in the near bottom layer of shelf edge of the East China Sea which indicated another source of arsenic from the incursion of Kuroshio Waters. The seasonal variations of TDIAs in the study area depend on the hydrographic stages of Changjiang and the incursion intensity of Kuroshio Waters. Arsenite showed opposite distributions with TDIAs, with higher concentrations appeared at the surface layer of shelf region, which was positive correlated with the chlorophyll a. Biological conversion of arsenate into arsenite was hypothesized for the observed distribution pattern and its seasonal variations. The stoichoimetric ratios of As to P were estimated to be about 2×10^3 at PN Section in summer. The concentrations of dissolved arsenic in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea were comparable with other areas in the world.
文摘With the in-situ temperature and salinity observations taken seasonally in the Northern Yellow Sea area during the National 908 Water Investigation and Research Project from 2006 to 2007, the characteristics of the Northern Yellow Sea cold water mass (NYSCWM) were studied, including both its spatial pattern over the whole bottom and historically typical section from Dalian to Chengshantou. Seasonal evolution as well as its spatial distribution was analyzed to further understand the NYSCWM, as a result, some new features about the NYSCWM had been found. Compared to the previous studies, the center of colder water mass in summer moved eastward, but sharing the similar peak values for both temperature and salinity with historical data. In spring, the axis of 32.8 psu saltier moves westward approximately 75 km and the high salinity areas beyond 123.5° E were largely impaired comparing to that in winter. In winter, the NYSCWM almost disappeared due to the reinforced wind-induced mixing and the Yellow Sea Warm Currents (YSWC) moved northward and controlled most of the Northern Yellow Sea region. In autumn, two cold centers with the peak value of 9℃ were found inside the attenuated NYSCWM.
基金Supported by The Fund from the Endangered Species Import and Export Management Office of the People’s Republic of China for the Management and Research of Endangered Wild Animals(201441314404)~~
文摘Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) can be largely and easily obtained from a wide range of sources. Moreover, they have self-renewal ability, multi-differentiation potential, and an important role in immune regulation. They can secrete a variety of cytokines to regulate the in vivo micro-environment. Therefore, ADSCs are the ideal seed ceils for stem ceils application. This paper reviews the location, isolation, surface markers, proliferation, differentiation and other biological characteristics of ADSCs, as well as their secretory function and relative researches. ADSCs are expected to become excellent seed cells for cell therapy and tissue engineering through in-depth studies.
基金This research was supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (No.KZCX2–YW–309)the Major State Basic Research Development Program of China (973 Program No. 2004CB418507)
文摘Seasonal dynamics of above- and belowground biomass and nutrient characteristics (nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus) of Carex lasiocarpa were investigated in the typical wetland of Sanjiang Plain, China from May 2007 to September 2008. The results show that the changes of aboveground biomass during the growing season are best described by the twice function curve model, whereas the changes of belowground biomass follow the exponential increase curve model. Both the organic carbon contents in the above- and belowground plant parts show significant positive linear correlations with the growing time, and the coefficients R2 are 0.983 and 0.746, respectively. The carbon accu-mulations of the above- and belowground plant parts during the growing season show the same dynamics as those of the biomass. However, the nitrogen contents and accumulation in C. lasiocarpa aboveground and belowground parts show exponential increase during the growing season. The dynamics of C. lasiocarpa phosphorus contents follows the twice function curve model, whereas the accumulation of phosphorus shows the linear increase. The ratios of C/N in different parts of C. lasiocarpa fit the negative linear relations with total nitrogen content in the growing season. Moreover, the ratios of C/P in C. lasiocarpa plant also fit the negative linear relations with total phosphorus content. The results show that nitrogen is the primary limiting nutrient for C. lasiocarpa growth as compared with carbon and phosphorus.
基金This work was supported by the National Key Program on Basic Research of China (No. 2006BAI23B01-3)National Natural Scie- nce Foundation of China (No. 30430350, 30500)National High-Tech Research and Development Program (No. 2006AA 02Z168, Z000 6303041231).
文摘It has been previously reported that small mother against decapentaplegic 3 (Smad3) gene knockout (Smad3^ex8/ex8) mice displays phenotypes similar to human osteoarthritis, as characterized by abnormal hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes. To further clarify the crucial target genes that mediate transformation growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad3 signals on articular chondrocytes differentiation and investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of osteoarthritis, microarrays were used to perform comparative transcriptional profiling in the articular cartilage between Smad3^ex8/ex8and wild-type mice on day five after birth. The gene profding results showed that the activity of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) and TGF-β/cell division cycle 42 (Cdc42) signaling pathways were enhanced in Smad3^ex8/ex8 chondrocytes. Moreover, there was altered gene expression in growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 (Igfl) axis and fibroblast growth factor (Fgf) signaling pathway. Notably, protein synthesis related genes and electron transport chain related genes were upregulated in Smad3^ex8/ex8 chondrocytes, implying that accelerated protein synthesis and enhanced cellular respiration might contribute to hypertrophic differentiation of articular chondrocytes and the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.
文摘The COP9 signalosome and the regulatory lid of the 26S proteasome are both eight-subunit protein complexes which are present in most eukaryotes. There is a one-to-one relationship between the corresponding subunits of the two protein complexes in terms of their size and amino acid sequences. Eight groups of subunits from the COP9 signalosome and the proteasome lid complex of different organisms are collected from all the databases at the NCBI website. The corresponding subunits of COP9 signalosome and proteasome lid complex share at least 12% amino acid identity and some conserved regions, and the conserved sites spread evenly over the entire length of the subunits, suggesting that the two complexes have a common evolutionary ancestor. Phylogenetic analyses based on the amino acid sequences of the corresponding subunits of two protein complexes indicate that every tree consists of two clades. The subunits from one of the two protein complexes of different organisms are grouped into one of the two clades respectively. The sequences of single-cell organisms are always the basal groups to that of multi-cell animal and plant species. These results imply that the duplication/divergence events of COP9 signalosome and regulatory lid of the proteasome genes have occurred before the divergence of single-cell and multi-cell eukaryotes, and the genes of the two complexes are independently evolved. The analyses of dN/dS correlation show significant Pearson's correlations between 21 and 15 pairs of subunit-encoding sequences within the COP9 signalosome and the proteasome lid complex respectively, suggesting that those subunits pairs might have related functions and interacted with one another, and resulted in co-evolution.
基金supported by the grants from National Marine Public Welfare Research Program (201305005)Scientific and Technical Supporting Program (2011BA D13B01)National Natural Science Foundation of China (41276138)
文摘Seasonal variation of biochemical components in clam(Saxidomus purpuratus Sowerby 1852) was investigated from March 2012 to February 2013 in relation to environmental condition of Sanggou Bay and the reproductive cycle of clam.According to the histological analysis,the reproductive cycle of S.purpuratus includes two distinctive phases:a total spent and inactive stage from November to January,and a gametogenesis stage,including ripeness and spawning,during the rest of the year.Gametes were generated at a low temperature(2.1℃) in February.Spawning took place once a year from June to October.The massive spawning occurred in August when the highest water temperature and chlorophyll a level could be observed.The key biochemical components(glycogen,protein and lipid) in five tissues(gonad,foot,mantle,siphon and adductor muscle) were analyzed.The glycogen content was high before gametogenesis,and decreased significantly during the gonad development in the gonad,mantle and foot of both females and males,suggesting that glycogen was an important energy source for gonad development.The protein and lipid contents increased in the ovary during the gonad development,demonstrating that they are the major organic components of oocytes.The lipid and protein contents decreased in the testis,implying that they can provide energy and material for spermatogenesis.The results also showed that protein stored in the mantle and foot could support the reproduction after the glycogen was depleted.
基金Supported by the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS)(No.KZCX2-EW-209)the CAS Strategy Pioneering Program(Nos.XDA10020104,XDA10020305)the State Oceanic Administration(SOA)Global Change and Air-Sea Interaction Program
文摘Seasonal variations of water masses in the East China Sea(ECS) and adjacent areas are investigated, based on historical data of temperature and salinity( T-S). Dynamic and thermodynamic mechanisms that affect seasonal variations of some dominant water masses are discussed, with reference to meteorological data. In the ECS above depth 600 m, there are eight water masses in summer but only five in winter. Among these, Kuroshio Surface Water(KSW), Kuroshio Intermediate Water(KIW), ECS Surface Water(ECSSW), Continental Coastal Water(CCW), and Yellow Sea Surface Water(YSSW) exist throughout the year. Kuroshio Subsurface Water(KSSW), ECS Deep Water(ECSDW), and Yellow Sea Bottom Water(YSBW) are all seasonal water masses, occurring from May through October. The CCW, ECSSW and KSW all have significant seasonal variations, both in their horizontal and vertical extents and their T-S properties. Wind stress, the Kuroshio and its branch currents, and coastal currents are dynamic factors for seasonal variation in spatial extent of the CCW, KSW, and ECSSW, whereas sea surface heat and freshwater fl uxes are thermodynamic factors for seasonal variations of T-S properties and thickness of these water masses. In addition, the CCW is affected by river runoff and ECSSW by the CCW and KSW.
基金the Key Knowledge Innovation Project of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (Nos. KZCX2-SW-317and KZCX3-SW-226).
文摘The seasonal mean atmospheric precipitable water and water vapor transport over the Haihe River Basin (HRB) in North China with a focus on their interannual to interdecadal variability, and then the relationships of the interannual and interdecadal variability of the water cycle over the HRB to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and E1 Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomena were investigated using the observational and National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) reanalysis data. There was a strong interdecadal variability for the water cycle (such as precipitation and water vapor transport) over the region, with an abrupt change occurring mostly in the mid 1970s. The intensity of the East Asian summer monsoon largely affected the atmospheric water vapor transport. Generally, the net meridional convergence of the water vapor flux over the region was relatively large before 1965, and it declined gradually from then on with a further notable decrease since mid 1970s. Zonal water vapor transport was similar to meridional, but with a much smaller magnitude and no noteworthy turning in the mid 1970s. Results also suggested that the wind field played an important role in the water vapor transport over the HRB before the mid 1960s, and the interdecadal variability of the water cycle (precipitation, water vapor transport, etc.) in the summer was related to the PDO; however, interannual variation of the water vapor transport could also be related to the ENSO phenomena.
文摘We describe a rare case of the transformation of a dysplastic nodule into well-differentiated hepato- cellular carcinoma (HCC) in a 56-year-old man with alcoholrelated liver cirrhosis. Ultrasound (US) disclosed a 10 mm hypoechoic nodule and contrast enhanced US revealed a hypovascular nodule, both in segment seven. US-guided biopsy revealed a high-grade dysplastic nodule characterized by enhanced cellularity with a high N/C ratio, increased cytoplasmic eosinophilia, and slight cell atypia. One year later, the US pattern of the nodule changed from hypoechoic to hyperechoic without any change in size or hypovascularity. US-guided biopsy revealed well-differentiated HCC of the same features as shown in the first biopsy, but with additional pseudoglandular formation and moderate cell atypia. Moreover, immunohistochemical staining of cyclase- associated protein 2, a new molecular marker of well- differentiated HCC, turned positive. This is the first case of multistep hepatocarcinogenesis from a dysplastic nodule to well-differentiated HCC within one year in alcohol-related liver cirrhosis.
基金funded the Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 41301024 and No. 40925002) the National Basic Research Program of China (973 Program, Grant No. 2013CBA01807)
文摘Seasonal snow is one of the most important influences on the development and distribution of permafrost and the hydrothermal regime in surface soil. Alpine meadow, which constitutes the main land type in permafrost regions of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, was selected to study the influence of seasonal snow on the temperature and moisture in active soil layers under different vegetation coverage. Monitoring sites for soil moisture and temperature were constructed to observe the hydrothermal processes in active soil layers under different vegetation cover with seasonal snow cover variation for three years from 2010 to 2012. Differences in soil temperature and moisture in areas of diverse vegetation coverage with varying levels of snow cover were analyzed using active soil layer water and temperature indices. The results indicated that snow cover greatly influenced the hydrothermal dynamics of the active soil layer in alpine meadows. In the snow manipulation experiment with a snow depth greater than 15 cm, the snow cover postponed both the freeze-fall and thawrise onset times of soil temperature and moisture in alpine LC(lower vegetation coverage) meadows and of soil moisture in alpine HC(higher vegetation coverage) meadows; however, the opposite response occurred for soil temperatures of alpine HC meadows,where the entire melting period was extended by advancing the thaw-rise and delaying the freeze-fall onset time of the soil temperature. Snow cover resulted in a decreased amplitude and rate of variation in soil temperature, for both alpine HC meadows and alpine LC meadows, whereas the distinct influence of snow cover on the amplitude and rate of soil moisture variation occurred at different soil layers with different vegetation coverages. Snow cover increased the soil moisture of alpine grasslands during thawing periods. The results confirmed that the annual hydrothermal dynamics of active layers in permafrost were subject to the synergistic actions of both snow cover and vegetation coverage.
文摘The species composition, horizontal distribution and seasonal succession of the phytoplankton at five sampling stations in the channel between Dongting Lake and the Changjiang River, China were studied from May 1995 to December 1997. A total of 416 taxa were observed; diatoms comprised the most diverse taxonomic group representing 58.2 % of the total species. The β-mesotrophic indicators were 92 taxa or 22 % of the total, the α-mesotrophic or α,β-eutrophic indicators decreased distinctly to 20 taxa or 4.8 % of the total. The species number and composition of various phyla were approximately similar at Stations 1, 2, 3 and 4, but at Station 5 the number of species was the minimum and the ratio of diatoms to total phytoplankton in the number of species was the highest. In seasonal succession of the phytoplankton species, the number was the highest in May and June, lower in December, January, March and July in the channel. The dominant species were different in different months. The ratio of diatoms species number to blue green algae and green algae species number diminished gradually from winter to summer and autumn, and then increased gradually from autumn to winter and early spring in the annual cycle. Margalef, Simpson and Shannon-Weaver diversity indices changed in different months, their values were higher in winter, lower in summer. Nygaard’s diatoms quotients were lower in winter, then in spring and autumn, higher in summer. These results indicated that the water quality was the best in winter, better in spring and autumn than in summer. The relationship between the structure of the phytoplankton community and the water environmental quality was discussed.
基金supported by the NSFC projects (Nos. 40376005, 40676013, 40506006 and 40676015)the SRFDP project (No. 20060423014)+1 种基金NCET-04-0646 Key Scientific Research Program (No. 2007CB411807)National Key Technology R&D Program (No. 2007BAC- 03A06-06)
文摘The global long-term sea level trend is obtained from the analysis of tide gauge data and TOPEX/Poseidon data. The linear trend of global mean sea level is highly non-uniform spatially, with an average rate of 2.2 mmyear^-1 in T/P sea-level rise from October 1992 to September 2002. Sea level change due to temperature variation (the thermosteric sea level) is discussed. The results are compared with TOPEX/Poseidon altimeter data in the same temporal span at different spatial scales. It is indicated that the thermal effect accounts for 86% and 73% of the observed seasonal variability in the northern and southern hemispheres, respectively. The TOPEX/Poseidon observed sea level lags behind the TSL by 2 months in the zonal band of 40%-60% in both the northern and southern hemispheres. Systematic differences of about 1-2 cm between TOPEX/Poseidon observations and thermosteric sea level data are obtained. The potential causes tbr these differences include water exchange among the atmosphere, land, and oceans, and some possible deviations in thermosteric contribution estimates and geophysical corrections to the TOPEX/Poseidon data.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province(No.Z2003D01).
文摘Microbial polysaccharides represent a class of important products of growing interest for many sectors of indus- try. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in isolating new exopolysaccharides (EPSs)-producing bacteria from marine environments, particularly from various extreme marine environments. Many new marine microbial EPSs with novel chemical compositions, properties and structures have been found to have potential applications in fields such as adhesives, textiles, Pharmaceuticals and medicine for anti-cancer, food additives, oil recovery and metal removal in mining and indus- trial waste treatments, etc This paper gives a brief summary of the information about the EPSs produced by marine bacteria, including their chemical compositions, properties and structures, together with their potential applications in industry.
基金Supported by the National Environmental Protection Bureau of P.R.China(Huan-Ke-Ke,1997,No.006,Project 14),China-Japan cooperative project:"Research on energy savings and alleviating environmental burden in petroleum enterprises"of Institute of Industrial
文摘Internal thermally coupled distillation columns (ITCDIC) are the frontier of distillation energy saving research. In this paper, a novel energy saving model of ideal ITCDIC and a simulation algorithm are presented,upon which a series of comparative studies on energy savings with conventional distillation columns are carried out. Furthermore, we present an optimization model of ideal ITCDIC, which can be used to achieve the maximum energy saving and find the optimal design parameters directly. The binary system of benzene-toluene is adopted for the illustrative example of simulation and optimization. The results show that the maximum energy saving of ITCDIC is 52.25% (compared with energy consumption of conventional distillation under the minimum reflux ratio operation); the optimal design parameters are obtained, where the rectifying section pressure and the feed thermal condition are Pr=0.3006 MPa and q=0.5107 respectively.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program of China(973 Program)(No.2012CB417401)the Knowledge Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Sciences(No.KZCX2-EW-201)the Open Fund of Key Laboratory of Data Analysis and Applications,FIO(No.LDAA2011-03)
文摘Future temperature distributions of the marginal Chinese seas are studied by dynamic downscaling of global CCSM3 IPCC_AR4 scenario runs. Different forcing fields from 2080-2099 Special Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES) B1, A1, and A2 to 1980-1999 20C3M are averaged and superimposed on CORE2 and SODA2.2.4 data to force high-resolution regional future simulations using the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS). Volume transport increments in downscaling simulation support the CCSM3 result that with a weakening subtropical gyre circulation, the Kuroshio Current in the East China Sea (ECS) is possibly strengthened under the global wanning scheme. This mostly relates to local wind change, whereby the summer monsoon is strengthened and winter monsoon weakened. Future temperature fluxes and their seasonal variations are larger than in the CCSM3 result. Downscaling 100 years' temperature increments are comparable to the CCSM3, with a minimum in B1 scenario of 1.2-2.0~C and a maximum in A2 scenario of 2.5-4.5~C. More detailed temperature distributions are shown in the downscaling simulation. Larger increments are in the Bohai Sea and middle Yellow Sea, and smaller increments near the southeast coast of China, west coast of Korea, and southern ECS. There is a reduction of advective heat north of Taiwan Island and west of Tsushima in summer, and along the southern part of the Yellow Sea warm current in winter. There is enhancement of advective heat in the northern Yellow Sea in winter, related to the delicate temperature increment distribution. At 50 meter depth, the Yellow Sea cold water mass is destroyed. Our simulations suggest that in the formation season of the cold water mass, regional temperature is higher in the future and the water remains at the bottom until next summer. In summer, the mixed layer is deeper, making it much easier for the strengthened surface heat flux to penetrate to the bottom of this water.
基金a Graduate Studies Scholarship 'Monbukagakusho' (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, Japan)greatly facilitatde by an ecological assessment of the site conducted by Profgranted by the 'Research and Animal Care' committee at PRI
文摘In the wild, primate foraging behaviors are related to the diversity and nutritional properties of food, which are affected by seasonal variation. The goal of environmental enrichment is to stimulate captive animals to exhibit similar foraging behavior of their wild counterparts, e.g. to extend foraging time. We conducted a 12-month study on the foraging behavior of Japanese macaques in a semi-naturally forested enclosure to understand how they use both provisioned foods and naturally available plant foods and what are the nutritional criteria of their consumption of natural plants. We recorded time spent feeding on provisioned and natural plant foods and collected the plant parts ingested of their major plant food species monthly, when available. We conducted nutritional analysis (crude protein, crude lipid, neutral detergent fiber-‘NDF', ash) and calculated total non-structural carbohydrate - ‘TNC' and total energy of those food items. Monkeys spent 47% of their feeding time foraging on natural plant species. The consumption of plant parts varied significantly across seasons. We found that leaf items were consumed in months when crude protein, crude protein-to-NDF ratio, TNC and total energy were significantly higher and NDF was significantly lower, fruit/nut items in months when crude protein and TNC were significantly higher and crude lipid content was significantly lower, and bark items in months when TNC and total energy were higher and crude lipid content was lower. This preliminary investigation showed that the forested enclosure allowed troop members to more fully express their species typical flexible behavior by challenging them to adjust their foraging behavior to seasonal changes of plant item diversity and nutritional content, also providing the possibility for individuals to nutritionally enhance their diet .
文摘Paracalanus parvus, Paracalanus crassirostris , and Acartia bifilosa are dominant and widely distributed in the Bohai Sea, and comprise an important part of zooplankton in terms of biomass as well as production rate. In order to understand their seasonal distribution and population dynamics, their stage specific abundance in different months of the year were analyzed based on the never analyzed yet samples collected in 1959. The three species showed clear and remarkable seasonal variation in abundance, which maximized in spring and summer, when they formed high biomass patches or concentrations in the nearshore area. For Paracalanus parvus , two peaks were observed in the annual circle, one in June and the other in September. For Paracalanus crassirostris , one peak occurred in summer and a small one in December. The seasonal pattern of Acartia bifilosa was different in different regions. In Bohai Bay it had a two peak pattern, with the first large peak occurring in May and the second one in October. In Laizhou Bay, a winter peak in December and January could be observed besides the spring one. The number of generations during the reproductive season for the three species was estimated based on the annual cycle in abundance and ambient temperature.
基金Under the auspices of Scientific & Technological Development Project of Science & Technology Office, JilinProvince (No. 200104032)
文摘Groundwater reservoir is a kind of important engineering, which can optimize water resources arran- gement by means of artificial regulation. Regulated water is the blood and value performance of groundwater reservoir. To resolve the problem of real-time quantification of regulated water, the paper analyzed sources and compositions of regulated water in detail. Then, under the conditions of satisfying water demand inside research area, the paper analyzed quantity available and regulation coefficient of different regulated water and established a formula to calculate regulated water. At last, based on a pore groundwater reservoir in the middle reaches of the Yinma River, Jilin Province, the paper calculated regulated water with the formula and the result shows that the method is feasible. With some constraint conditions, the formula can be adopted in other similar areas.