The Gaoligong Mountains(GLGM),located in southwestern China,extend north to south along the western border of the Hengduan Mountains,spanning approximately 600 km.In this study,we consolidated findings from 17 bird su...The Gaoligong Mountains(GLGM),located in southwestern China,extend north to south along the western border of the Hengduan Mountains,spanning approximately 600 km.In this study,we consolidated findings from 17 bird surveys conducted in the GLGM between 2010 and 2022.We found that the GLGM harbors tremendous bird diversity,with a total of 796 documented bird species in the region.Nearly a quarter(23.0%)of these species are listed as state key protected species or as Chinese and global threatened species.Analysis of species richness at the county level showed a decreasing trend with increasing latitude,with the greatest diversity in Yingjiang(661 species).Observations indicated that the GLGM belongs to the Oriental realm,primarily composed of bird species from southern and southwestern China.The GLGM plays an important role in avian conservation by sheltering exceptional bird diversity,providing corridors and flyways for bird migration and dispersal,and mitigating the effects of climate change.In response to the conservation needs of birds and other wildlife,the Chinese government has established numerous protected areas within the GLGM.Despite these efforts,avian conservation still faces considerable challenges in the GLGM due to limitations in the protected area network,transboundary nature of the regions,and existing gaps in monitoring and research.展开更多
Gaoligong Mountain(hereafter,GLGM)is located at the intersection of Myanmar and China’s Yunnan Province and Xizang Zizhiqu,and spans three globally significant biodiversity hotspots:the Himalayas,Indo-Burma,and the M...Gaoligong Mountain(hereafter,GLGM)is located at the intersection of Myanmar and China’s Yunnan Province and Xizang Zizhiqu,and spans three globally significant biodiversity hotspots:the Himalayas,Indo-Burma,and the Mountains of Southwest China.Although surveys of mammals in this ecologically important region have a long history,there is no comprehensive systematic checklist and distribution account of the mammals of GLGM.Here,we compiled a mammal species checklist of GLGM based on thorough field investigations and literature reviews.We also examined specimen collections and applied camera trapping surveys to explore the region’s mammal diversity and distribution patterns.We recorded 212 mammal species in nine orders,33 families,and 119 genera,which accounts for 30.5%of China’s mammal species,and a high proportion of nationally protected(50)and globally threatened(29)species.Mammal species richness showed a symmetrical unimodal curve along the elevation gradient,peaking at intermediate elevations(2000 to 2500 m above sea level(asl)),and increasing generally from south to north,slightly higher in the east slope than in the west.Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed three distinct elevational assemblages(<900 m asl.,900-3500 m asl.,and>3500 m asl)and significant south-to-north variation,but no substantial differences between the east and west slopes.The GLGM present a unique conservation value due to the high proportions of rare and endangered mammal species,complex faunal composition,high endemism,and being the distribution boundary for many species.This study is an important phased account of mammal diversity in GLGM and makes a prospect for future research.展开更多
Mountain streams act as conveyors of sediments within the river continuum,where the physical transport of sediments between river reaches through the catchment or between individual parts(e.g.,between hillslopes and c...Mountain streams act as conveyors of sediments within the river continuum,where the physical transport of sediments between river reaches through the catchment or between individual parts(e.g.,between hillslopes and channels)of the catchment is assumed.This study focused on sediment connectivity analysis in the SlavíčRiver catchment in the MoravskoslezskéBeskydy Mts in the eastern part of the Czech Republic.The connectivity index and connectivity index target modelling were combined with an analysis of anthropogenic interventions.Additionally,field mapping,grain size of bed sediments and stream power analysis were used to obtain information about connectivity in the catchment.Based on the analysis and obtained results,terrain topography is the current main driving factor affecting the connectivity of sediment movement in the SlavíčRiver catchment.However,the modelling provided valuable information about high sediment connectivity despite different recent land use conditions(highly forested area of the catchment)than those in historical times from the 16th to 19th centuries when the SlavíčRiver catchment was highly deforested and sediment connectivity was probably higher.The analysis of anthropogenic interventions,field mapping,grain size of bed sediments and stream power analysis revealed more deceleration of sediment movement through the catchment,decreased sediment connectivity with bed erosion,and gradual river channel process transformation in some reaches.Field mapping has identified various natural formations and human-induced changes impacting the longitudinal and lateral connectivity in the SlavíčRiver.For instance,embankments along 48%of the river's length,both on the right and left banks,significantly hinder lateral sediment supply to the channel.Stream power index analysis indicates increased energy levels in the flowing water in the river's upper reaches(up to 404.8 W m^(-2)).This high energy is also observed in certain downstream sections(up to 337.6 W m^(-2)),where it is influenced by human activities.These conditions lead to intensified erosion processes,playing a crucial role in sediment connectivity.Similar observations were described in recent studies that pointed out the long-term human interventions on many streams draining European mountains,where a decrease in sediment connectivity in these streams is linked with sediment deficits and the transformation of processes forming channels.展开更多
Plants overcome environmental stress by generating metabolic pathways.Thus,it is crucial to understand the physiological mechanisms of plant responses to changing environments.Ardisia crenata var.bicolor has an import...Plants overcome environmental stress by generating metabolic pathways.Thus,it is crucial to understand the physiological mechanisms of plant responses to changing environments.Ardisia crenata var.bicolor has an important ornamental and medicinal value.To reveal the impact of elevational gradient on the habitat soil and plant physiological attributes of this species,we collected root topsoil(0–20 cm)and subsoil(20–40 cm)samples and upper leaves at the initial blooming phase,in a survey of six elevations at 1,257 m,1,538 m,1,744 m,1,970 m,2,135 m,and 2,376 m,with 18 block plots,and 5sampling points at each site.Temperature decreases with an increase in elevation,and soil variables,and enzymatic activities fluctuated in both the topsoil and subsoil,with all of them increasing with elevation and decreasing with soil depth.Redundancy analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the distribution of A.crenata var.bicolor along the elevational gradient and soil nutrients and enzyme activities,the soil properties were mainly affected by p H at low elevations,and governed by total phosphorus(TP)and available nitrogen(AN)at high elevations.The levels of chlorophyll,carbohydrates,and enzymatic activity except for anthocyanin in this species showed significant variation depending on physiological attributes evaluated at the different collection elevations.The decline in chlorophyll a and b may be associated with the adaptive response to avoid environmental stress,while its higher soluble sugar and protein contents play important roles in escaping adverse climatic conditions,and the increases in activities of antioxidant enzymes except peroxidase(POD)reflect this species’higher capacity for reactive oxygen scavenging(ROS)at high elevations.This study provides supporting evidence that elevation significantly affects the physiological attributes of A.crenata var.bicolor on Gaoligong Mountain,which is helpful for understanding plant adaptation strategies and the plasticity of plant physiological traits along the elevational gradients.展开更多
The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay is used as a major method to evaluate cell viability. However, in some cases, the results may reflect mitochondr...The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay is used as a major method to evaluate cell viability. However, in some cases, the results may reflect mitochondrial status regardless of viability. Epalrestat (EPS) is currently available for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. In this study, we report that EPS at near-plasma concentrations increases MTS reduction activity independent of cell number in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in inducing the expression of genes encoding detoxifying and defensive proteins. Sulforaphane (an Nrf2 activator) also increased MTS-reducing activity, similar to EPS. Knockdown of Nrf2 by short interfering RNA suppressed EPS-induced MTS reduction. These results suggest that EPS increases MTS reduction activity via the Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, the results that EPS increases ATP production and that electron transfer chain inhibitors suppress EPS-induced MTS reduction activity suggest that EPS may activate mitochondrial status. Because mitochondrial disorders cause numerous diseases, we suggest that EPS has new beneficial properties that may prevent the development and progression of disorders caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.展开更多
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2022YFC2602500,2022YFC2602502)Biodiversity Survey and Assessment Project of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment,China,Second Xizang Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research Program(STEP,2019QZKK0501)+3 种基金Major Science and Technique Programs in Yunnan Province(202102AA310055)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32070435)Science and Technology Basic Resources Investigation Program of China“Wild germplasm collection and preservation in Great Gaoligong Mountain”(2021FY100200)Project for Talent and Platform of Science and Technology in Yunnan Province Science and Technology Department(202205AM070007)。
文摘The Gaoligong Mountains(GLGM),located in southwestern China,extend north to south along the western border of the Hengduan Mountains,spanning approximately 600 km.In this study,we consolidated findings from 17 bird surveys conducted in the GLGM between 2010 and 2022.We found that the GLGM harbors tremendous bird diversity,with a total of 796 documented bird species in the region.Nearly a quarter(23.0%)of these species are listed as state key protected species or as Chinese and global threatened species.Analysis of species richness at the county level showed a decreasing trend with increasing latitude,with the greatest diversity in Yingjiang(661 species).Observations indicated that the GLGM belongs to the Oriental realm,primarily composed of bird species from southern and southwestern China.The GLGM plays an important role in avian conservation by sheltering exceptional bird diversity,providing corridors and flyways for bird migration and dispersal,and mitigating the effects of climate change.In response to the conservation needs of birds and other wildlife,the Chinese government has established numerous protected areas within the GLGM.Despite these efforts,avian conservation still faces considerable challenges in the GLGM due to limitations in the protected area network,transboundary nature of the regions,and existing gaps in monitoring and research.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2022YFC2602500,2022YFC2601200)Major Science and Technique Programs in Yunnan Province(202102AA310055)+6 种基金Science and Technology Basic Resources Investigation Program of China(2021FY100200)Project for Talent and Platform of Science and Technology in Yunnan Province Science and Technology Department(202205AM070007)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32000304)Yunnan Fundamental Research Projects(202101AT070294)Chinese Academy of Sciences“Light of West China”Program and Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program Young Talent Project(XDYC-QNRC-2022-0379 to Q.L.)Chinese Academy of Sciences“Light of West China”Program(292021000004 to X.Y.L.)Yunnan Provincial Youth Talent Support Program(YNWR-QNBJ-2020-127 to X.Y.L.)。
文摘Gaoligong Mountain(hereafter,GLGM)is located at the intersection of Myanmar and China’s Yunnan Province and Xizang Zizhiqu,and spans three globally significant biodiversity hotspots:the Himalayas,Indo-Burma,and the Mountains of Southwest China.Although surveys of mammals in this ecologically important region have a long history,there is no comprehensive systematic checklist and distribution account of the mammals of GLGM.Here,we compiled a mammal species checklist of GLGM based on thorough field investigations and literature reviews.We also examined specimen collections and applied camera trapping surveys to explore the region’s mammal diversity and distribution patterns.We recorded 212 mammal species in nine orders,33 families,and 119 genera,which accounts for 30.5%of China’s mammal species,and a high proportion of nationally protected(50)and globally threatened(29)species.Mammal species richness showed a symmetrical unimodal curve along the elevation gradient,peaking at intermediate elevations(2000 to 2500 m above sea level(asl)),and increasing generally from south to north,slightly higher in the east slope than in the west.Cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling revealed three distinct elevational assemblages(<900 m asl.,900-3500 m asl.,and>3500 m asl)and significant south-to-north variation,but no substantial differences between the east and west slopes.The GLGM present a unique conservation value due to the high proportions of rare and endangered mammal species,complex faunal composition,high endemism,and being the distribution boundary for many species.This study is an important phased account of mammal diversity in GLGM and makes a prospect for future research.
基金supported by an internal grant of the University of Ostrava[SGS10/PřF/2021-Specificity of fluvial landscape in the context of historical and future changes].
文摘Mountain streams act as conveyors of sediments within the river continuum,where the physical transport of sediments between river reaches through the catchment or between individual parts(e.g.,between hillslopes and channels)of the catchment is assumed.This study focused on sediment connectivity analysis in the SlavíčRiver catchment in the MoravskoslezskéBeskydy Mts in the eastern part of the Czech Republic.The connectivity index and connectivity index target modelling were combined with an analysis of anthropogenic interventions.Additionally,field mapping,grain size of bed sediments and stream power analysis were used to obtain information about connectivity in the catchment.Based on the analysis and obtained results,terrain topography is the current main driving factor affecting the connectivity of sediment movement in the SlavíčRiver catchment.However,the modelling provided valuable information about high sediment connectivity despite different recent land use conditions(highly forested area of the catchment)than those in historical times from the 16th to 19th centuries when the SlavíčRiver catchment was highly deforested and sediment connectivity was probably higher.The analysis of anthropogenic interventions,field mapping,grain size of bed sediments and stream power analysis revealed more deceleration of sediment movement through the catchment,decreased sediment connectivity with bed erosion,and gradual river channel process transformation in some reaches.Field mapping has identified various natural formations and human-induced changes impacting the longitudinal and lateral connectivity in the SlavíčRiver.For instance,embankments along 48%of the river's length,both on the right and left banks,significantly hinder lateral sediment supply to the channel.Stream power index analysis indicates increased energy levels in the flowing water in the river's upper reaches(up to 404.8 W m^(-2)).This high energy is also observed in certain downstream sections(up to 337.6 W m^(-2)),where it is influenced by human activities.These conditions lead to intensified erosion processes,playing a crucial role in sediment connectivity.Similar observations were described in recent studies that pointed out the long-term human interventions on many streams draining European mountains,where a decrease in sediment connectivity in these streams is linked with sediment deficits and the transformation of processes forming channels.
基金supported by the Doctoral Research Fund Project of Southwest Forestry University(CN)(Grant No.111806)。
文摘Plants overcome environmental stress by generating metabolic pathways.Thus,it is crucial to understand the physiological mechanisms of plant responses to changing environments.Ardisia crenata var.bicolor has an important ornamental and medicinal value.To reveal the impact of elevational gradient on the habitat soil and plant physiological attributes of this species,we collected root topsoil(0–20 cm)and subsoil(20–40 cm)samples and upper leaves at the initial blooming phase,in a survey of six elevations at 1,257 m,1,538 m,1,744 m,1,970 m,2,135 m,and 2,376 m,with 18 block plots,and 5sampling points at each site.Temperature decreases with an increase in elevation,and soil variables,and enzymatic activities fluctuated in both the topsoil and subsoil,with all of them increasing with elevation and decreasing with soil depth.Redundancy analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between the distribution of A.crenata var.bicolor along the elevational gradient and soil nutrients and enzyme activities,the soil properties were mainly affected by p H at low elevations,and governed by total phosphorus(TP)and available nitrogen(AN)at high elevations.The levels of chlorophyll,carbohydrates,and enzymatic activity except for anthocyanin in this species showed significant variation depending on physiological attributes evaluated at the different collection elevations.The decline in chlorophyll a and b may be associated with the adaptive response to avoid environmental stress,while its higher soluble sugar and protein contents play important roles in escaping adverse climatic conditions,and the increases in activities of antioxidant enzymes except peroxidase(POD)reflect this species’higher capacity for reactive oxygen scavenging(ROS)at high elevations.This study provides supporting evidence that elevation significantly affects the physiological attributes of A.crenata var.bicolor on Gaoligong Mountain,which is helpful for understanding plant adaptation strategies and the plasticity of plant physiological traits along the elevational gradients.
文摘The 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay is used as a major method to evaluate cell viability. However, in some cases, the results may reflect mitochondrial status regardless of viability. Epalrestat (EPS) is currently available for the treatment of diabetic neuropathy. In this study, we report that EPS at near-plasma concentrations increases MTS reduction activity independent of cell number in bovine aortic endothelial cells. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a key transcription factor that plays a pivotal role in inducing the expression of genes encoding detoxifying and defensive proteins. Sulforaphane (an Nrf2 activator) also increased MTS-reducing activity, similar to EPS. Knockdown of Nrf2 by short interfering RNA suppressed EPS-induced MTS reduction. These results suggest that EPS increases MTS reduction activity via the Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, the results that EPS increases ATP production and that electron transfer chain inhibitors suppress EPS-induced MTS reduction activity suggest that EPS may activate mitochondrial status. Because mitochondrial disorders cause numerous diseases, we suggest that EPS has new beneficial properties that may prevent the development and progression of disorders caused by mitochondrial dysfunction.
