Early development of Silvetia babingtonii (Fucales,Phaeophyceae)

Silvetia babingtonii is a potentially economic brown alga for sources of food and high-value added utilization. So far, sporeling nursery and field cultivation has not been successful. The lack of knowledge on development and life cycle of this alga hinder the development of techniques for the sporeings and cultivation. In this study, internal structure of oogonium and antherium of S. babingtonii was observed with hematoxylin and eosin staining and through microscope. Meanwhile, early development from zygotes to juvenile sporelings was studied at 20℃ under 60–100 μmol photons m-2 s-1. Zygotes germinated and divided into thallus and rhizoid cells. The larger thallus cells further divided and developed into juvenile sporelings; while the smaller rhizoid cells divided and elongated into rhizoid hairs. These findings documented the life cycle of S. babingtonii and provided fundamental knowledge for sporeling nursery in the near future.     

ISOLATION AND CULTIVATION OF THE VEGETATIVE CELLS OF PORPHYRA HAITANENSIS

This research deals mainly with the use of the vegetative cells of a marine red alga Porphyra hailanensis (laver) as seeds and their culture into young thalli for further cultivation in the sea. The experimental process was as follows. Enzymatically isolated vegetative cells were attached to rope substrates and cultured in the laboratory for a month until they became about 0.2-0.5 cm long sporelings and were then attached (7-15 sporelings per cm of rope) to nets for removal to the open sea for cultivation. A month after culturing, the thalli reached a maximum length of 50 cm (average of 20-30 cm). The thalli grew faster as the water temperature dropped from 21℃ to 17℃. It was proved that the vegetative cells isolated from a small thallus about 5 cm long could grow up into normal thalli after being kept frozen for a year. The results of this study show that vegetative cells can be used as new seeds to simplify the production of laver sporelings. This technique is a significant advance in the field of P     

Effect of temperature and irradiance on the growth and reproduction of Enteromorpha prolifera J. Ag. （Chlorophycophyta,Chlorophyceae）

Effect of temperature and irradiance on growth and reproduction of Enteromorpha prolifera that bloomed offshore along the Qingdao coast in summer 2008, was studied. It was showed that E. prolifera propagated mainly asexually with specific growth rate （SGR） of 10.47 at 25℃/40 μmol m^-2s^-1. Under this condition, gametes with two flagellate formed and released in 5 days. At the beginning of the development, the unicell gamete divided into two cells with heteropolarity, and then the apical cell developed into thalli primordial cells, whereas the basal cell developed into rhizoid primordial cells. In 8-day culture, the monoplast gamete developed into juvenile germling of 240 μm in length. Unreleased gametes can develop directly within the alga body. E. prolifera could either reproduce through lateral branching or fragmenting except apomixis revealed by Microscopic observation. On aged tissue of E. prolifera, although the degraded pigments partially remained in faded algal filaments, numerous vegetative cells could still divide actively in the algal tissues.     

Early development of grateloupia turuturu (Halymeniaceae, Rhodophyta)

Grateloupia turuturu is a commercial red alga with potential value in nutraceuticals and pharmaceuticals. To supplement information on its life history and verify whether carpospores can be used for seedling culture, early development of G. turuturu was investigated under culture conditions (27°C, 10-13 mol/(m2.s) in irradiance, photoperiod 10:14 h L:D). Three physiological stages were recognized by continuous microscopic observation: division stage, discoid crust stage, and juvenile seedling stage. At the beginning of the division stage, the carpospores developed germ tubes into which the carpospore protoplasm was evacuated, and then the carpospore protoplasm in the germ tubes began to divide continuously until discoid crusts formed. Finally, upright thalli appeared on the discoid crusts and developed into juvenile seedlings. It took about 60 days for carpospores to develop into juvenile seedlings. The growth parameters, including germination rate for carpospores and discoid crust diameter, were recorded. These results contribute more information on the life cycle, and at the same time are of great significance in the scaling-up of artificial seedling cultures of G. turuturu.     

A Comparison of Different Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis （Rhodophyta） Parts in Biochemical Characteristics,Protoplast Formation and Regeneration

Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis is a commercially exploited alga.Its filaceous thallus can be divided into three parts,holdfast,middle segment and tip.The growth and branch forming trend and agar content of these three parts were analyzed,respectively,in this study.The results showed that the tip had the highest growth rate and branched most,although it was the last part with branch forming ability.The holdfast formed branches earliest but slowly.Holdfast had the highest agar content.We also assessed the difference in protoplast formation and regeneration among three parts.The middle segment displayed the shortest enzymolysis time and the highest protoplast yield; whereas the tip had the strongest vitality of protoplasts formation.Juvenile plants were only obtained from the protoplasts generated from the tip.These results suggested that the differentiation and function of G.lemaneiformis was different.     

Nuclear transition between the conjunction cells of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin (Bacillariophyta)

Phaeodactylum tricornutum is one of the important marine diatoms for oceanic primary production. Its reproduction has profound significance in the life cycle; however, the nuclear behavior during its sexual reproduction was not clear. In this study, we observed the nuclear transition and determined its correlation with cell conjunction. It was found that two cells jointed at their apices first and swung and aligned each other immediately, and nucleus from one cell was able to transfer into another one during cell conjugation. The cell pairs conjugated for nuclear transition were different from those formed in mitosis in hypovalve thickness and cellular arrangement. Our findings proved the existence of sexual reproduction in P. tricornutum.     

Effects of temperature and irradiance on early development of Chondrus ocellatus Holm(Gigartinaceae, Rhodophyta)

Chondrus is a type of commercially produced red seaweed that widely used for food and carrageen extraction. Although the natural life history of the alga had been well understood, the factors influencing development of the tetraspore and carpospore remain poorly understood. In the perspective of seedling resources, the regulation of early development is crucial for the seedling nursing; therefore, it is necessary to understand the physiological influences during its early development. In this study, we studied the effects of temperature and irradiance on the early development of Chondrus ocellatus Holm under laboratory conditions. The released tetraspores and carpospores were cultivated at different temperatures (10–28°C) and irradiances (10, 60 μmol photons m-2s-1) with a photoperiod of 12L:12D. The results indicate that both tetraspores and carpospores are tolerant to temperatures of 10–25°C, and have the highest relative growth rate at 20°C. Irradiance variances influenced the growth of the discoid crusts, and the influence was more significant with increasing temperature; 60 μmol photons m-2s-1 was more suitable than 10 μmol photons m-2s-1. The optimum temperature and irradiance for the development of seedlings was 20°C and 60 μmol photons m-2s-1, respectively.     

Growth and Resource Accumulation of Drifting Sargassum horneri(Fucales,Phaeophyta) in Response to Temperature and Nitrogen Supply

The abnormal increase of drifting brown alga Sargassum horneri was initially documented in 2007. It formed blooms along the coast of East China Sea and Yellow Sea in 2017. In this study, we investigated the changes of specific growth rate and resource accumulation of drifting S. horneri in response to temperature and nitrogen richness at different growth stages under laboratory condition. The investigation lasted from June 2015 to April 2016 with the observation made every two months. The results showed that the life cycle consists of a few growth stages dividable with morphological characteristics. The growth can be divided into shedding and withering(August), rapid growing(October to September), slow growing(February), rapid growing(April) and maturation(June) stages. Under the experimental condition, algal segments were found to grow at temperatures ranging from 5 to 25℃ in 12 days even when nitrogen is deficient. A significant difference in the special growth rate(SGR) between nitrogen-enriched and nitrogen-removed treatments was found in most months(P 0.05). SGR was lower in August and February than that in other months. Nitrogen and chlorophyll contents in algal segments were different among different temperatures, nitrogen supply and seasons. Nitrogen content was higher in February and April than that in other months in both nitrogen-enriched and nitrogen-removed treatments. The results showed that the demand of S. horneri for nitrogen increased in spring when it grows fast. It is likely that the high temperature and nitrogen concentration in winter and spring lead to the high biomass accumulation of drifting S. horneri.     

Reproductive cycle of Ophiopholis mirabilis (Echinodermata: Ophiuroidea) in Zhangzi Island area,northern Yellow Sea

Ophiopholis mirabilis is a common species with a high population density on the western coasts of the northern Pacific Ocean.The number of O.mirabilis has been increasing recently in the scallop aquaculture zone(the Zhangzi Island area,northern Yellow Sea) in China.To explore the mechanism of its population variation,the reproductive cycle of O.mirabilis was investigated in this area(39°04'N;122°51'E) from February 2017 through January 2018 and determined by the monthly gonad index(GI),histological examinations of the gonads and the oocyte size-frequency distribution.O.mirabilis had a clear annual reproductive cycle that was synchronous between males and females.Sea temperature and food availability played important roles in O.mirabilis reproduction.The GI value was less reliable for determining reproductive activity in O.mirabilis because the nutritive tissues within the gonads may be utilized to synthesize gametes,leading to a decrease in GI during maturation.The histological results also show that abundant nutritive phagocytes were present in the gonads of O.mirabilis,which,together with the germ cells,affected the weight of the gonads.In addition,the mature oocytes of O.mirabilis were relatively small(75-150 μm),indicating that the larval development was planktotrophic.This study provided insights into the reproductive patterns and biology of O.mirabilis and is an essential basis for the quantity control of this species in aquaculture areas.     

An isolated similarity design method for shaking table tests on reinforced slopes

Physical model test is an effective way to unveil the dynamic response of a slope under seismic condition. The similarity design is the key of physical model test. An isolated similarity design method for shaking table tests was proposed and verified in this work. In this method, the relevant physical quantities were divided into several subsystems and subcharacteristic equations for each subsystem were then established based on the Buckingham similarity theory. Large-scale shaking table tests on a reinforced slope were adopted herein to illustrate the application of the proposed isolated similarity design method. The similarity system for the studied slope was divided into four parts in the process of similarity design. The geometrical dimension L, density ρ and gravity g were selected as fundamental quantities for the similarity design, and four subcharacteristic equations were established for each subsystem. The dynamic responses of the recorded acceleration and axis force show that the seismic waves propagate well in the model slope. The proposed isolated similarity design method solves the conflict between the similarity requirement for all relevant physical quantities and the difficulty of test model fabrication to satisfy all similarity relations.     

ONTOGENIC STUDY OF ISOZYMES IN GIANT TIGER PRAWN,PENAEUS MONODON (CRUSTACEA:DECAPODA)

The patterns of isozyme variation throughout the life cycle of the giant tiger prawn, Penaeusmonodon were described for ten enzyme systems (G3PD, MDH, LGG, GPI, MPI, FBP, PGM, LDH,PGD, and PROT). The zymograms showh little variation in the number of isozymic loci expressed duringlarval development compared with results reported for other penaeid prawns. There were specific ontogenicpatterns at some loci. As larvae developed beyond the embryonic stage, there was tendency for intensityof staining and complexity of banding patterns to increase.     

The influence of Fe^2＋ on growth and development of cells enzymatically isolated from Porphyra yezoensis blades

Fe^2＋ acted as an accessorial factor for many cellular enzymatic reactions is very important for seaweed growth and development, but the Fe^2＋ requirement in nori had not been seen. Porphyra yezoensis cells were separated enzymatically and cultured in a series of sterilized seawater media containing various concentrations of Fe^2＋. The growth development and cell were investigated in this work. Through this experiment, two biologically-meant concentration scales were found, one is low concentrations, 12.1-102.1μg/L, 10-100 times than that in seawater, favoring the development of isolated cells of Porphyra and the other was high concentrations, more than 10mg/L inhibiting the cell growth, leading to the deformity and shrinkage of the cells. At the concentration of 50 mg/L, the cells stopped growing and died eventually.     

Cell cycles and proliferation patterns in Haematococcus pluvialis

Most studies on Haematococcus pluvialis have been focused on cell growth and astaxanthin accumulation;far less attention has been paid to cell cycles and proliferation patterns.The purpose of this study was to clarify cell cycles and proliferation patterns in H.pluvialis microscopically using a camera and video recorder system.The complicated life history of H.pluvial i s can be divided into two stages:the motile stage and the non-motile stage.All the cells can be classifi ed into forms as follows:motile cell,nonmotile cell,zoospore and aplanospore.The main cell proliferation,both in the motile phase and non-motile phase in H.pluvialis,is by asexual reproduction.Under normal growth conditions,a motile cell usually produces two,sometimes four,and exceptionally eight zoospores.Under unfavorable conditions,the motile cell loses its fl agella and transforms into a non-motile cell,and the non-motile cell usually produces 2,4 or 8 aplanospores,and occasionally 20–32 aplanospores,which further develop into non-motile cells.Under suitable conditions,the non-motile cell is also able to release zoospores.The larger non-motile cells produce more than 16 zoospores,and the smaller ones produce 4 or 8 zoospores.Vegetative reproduction is by direct cell division in the motile phase and by occasional cell budding in the non-motile phase.There is,as yet,no convincing direct evidence for sexual reproduction.     

LIGHT DEMANDS OF JUVENILE LAMINARIA JAPONICA

The light demands of seaweeds is an interesting and rather complex phenomenon because they depend not only on the species but also on their different development stages. Even different parts of the same plant sometimes have different light demands. Light control is an important procedure at large scale Lamnaria nursery stations in China. Technicians and scientists have different viewpoints on the best method to regulate light. A culture study on Lamnaria japonica starting from zoospores to several centimeter sporophytes to find the optimal and critical irradiance ranges for juvenile Laminaria at different development stages added more knowledge on this aspect. Experiment results show gametophytes can not tolerate irradiance of more than 150uEm-2s-1 while sporophytes can tolerate more than 519 uEm-2s-1. This big difference starts from the very early stage of 1-to 2-celled sporophytes. The biological basis and mechanism of this phenomenon need further research.     

Optimization of medium and cultivation conditions for enhanced exopolysaccharide yield by marine Cyanothece sp. 113

Cyanothece sp. 113 is a unicellular, aerobic, diazotrophic and photosynthetic marine cyanobacterium. The optimal medium for exopolysaccharide yield by the strain was 70.0 g/L of NaCl, and 0.9 g/L of MgSO4 based on the modified F/2 medium for cultivation of marine algae. The optimal cultivation condition for exopolysaccharide yield by this cyanobacterial strain was 29°C, aeration, and continuous illumination at 86.0 μE/M2/S. Under the optimal conditions, over 18.4 g/L of exopolysaccharide was produced within 12 days. This was so far the highest exopolysaccharide yield produced with strains of Cyanothece sp. obtained.     

Influence of albumen on aggregation and O<Subscript>2</Subscript> evolution of protoplasm from <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bryopsis hypnoides</Emphasis> Lamourou

The extruded protoplasm from the coenocytic green alga, Bryopsis hypnoides Lamouroux, was able to reform a cell wall and develop further into a mature alga in seawater. In this paper, the influence of albumen on the ability of aggregation and on the photosynthesis of protoplasm was examined. Results show that the protoplasm of B. hypnoides could aggregate in either albumen or chicken egg, which is similar to that in seawater. However unlike in seawater, the aggregation from B. hypnoides in albumen and chicken egg failed to develop into a mature individual. Interestingly, the protoplasm of B. hypnoides could maintain its photosynthetic O2 evolution in albumen and chicken egg, while the time in chicken egg was longer than that in albumen.     

A theoretical analysis of interactive coercing effects between urbanization and eco-environment

Objectively, a complex interactive coercing relationship exists between urbanization and eco-environment, and the research of this relationship is primarily divided into three schools, i.e., interactive coercion theory, interactive promotion theory and coupling symbiosis theory. Harmonizing the relationship between urbanization and eco-environment is not only an important proposition for the national development plan but also the only way to promote healthy urbanization. Based on an analysis of urbanization process and its relationship with the eco-environment, this article analyzes interactive coercing effects between urbanization and eco-environment from three perspectives of population urbanization, economic urbanization and spatial urbanization, respectively, and analyzes risk effects of the interactive coercion. Further, it shows six basic laws followed by interactive coercion between urbanization and eco-environment, namely, coupling fission law, dynamic hierarchy law, stochastic fluctuation law, non-linear synergetic law, threshold value law and forewarning law, and divides the interactive coercing process into five stages, namely, low-level coordinate, antagonistic, break-in, ameliorative and high-grade coordinate. Based on the geometric derivation, the interactive coercing relationship between urbanization and eco-environment is judged to be non-linear and it can be explained by a double-exponential function formed by the combination of power and exponential functions. Then, the evolutionary types of the interactive coercing relationship are divided into nine ones: rudimentary coordinating, ecology-dominated, synchronal coordinating, urbanization lagging, stepwise break-in, exorbitant urbanization, fragile ecology, rudimentary break-in and unsustainable types. Finally, based on an interactive coercion model, the degree of interactive coercion can be examined, and then, an evolutionary cycle can be divided into four phases, namely rudimentary symbiosis, harmonious development, utmost increasing and spiral type rising. The study results offer a scientific decision-making of healthy urbanization for achieving the goal of eco-environment protection and promoting urbanization.     

Geoscience landscape division and tourism zonation in the mid-southern section of the Hengduan Mountains,eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The mid-southern section of the Hengduan Mountains is a typical region of mountainous landscape in western China and is the core region of "Shangri-La", a world-famous ecotourism destination. The landscape classification system is an important scientific basis for landscape protection and tourism development in this region. By combining geology and geography and referring to the concepts of "system tract" and "tectonic system" in geology, this paper comes up with grading standards for the geoscience landscape system of this region. Based on the regional stratigraphic structure, tectonic fault marks and geomorphological differentiation, this paper comes up with 2 Grade Ⅰ geoscience landscape system tracts, 8 Grade Ⅱ geoscience landscape systems, 21 Grade Ⅲ geoscience landscape areas, and 165 representative Grade Ⅳ geoscience landscape attractions. According to the main classification methods for the geological heritage and tourism landscapes, the geoscience landscapes can be divided into 4 categories, 16 types and 19 subtypes. On this basis, 23 eco-tourism areas of the mid-southern section of the Hengduan Mountains can be delimited. The study provides a theoretical direction and method reference for the geoscience landscape division and tourism zonation, which has an importantsignificance on the mountain landscape protection and tourism development in the regions of complex geo-environments.     

Population dynamics and protection strategies of Litsea coreana Levl. var. sinensis with Guizhou Province in China as an example

Studying the dynamics of plant populations is crucial to the conservation and management of endangered plants. The diameter at breast height(DBH), tree height, crown width, and environmental factors of a total of 15 plots in five populations in Guizhou Province, China were measured in this study. The method of substituting diameter at breast height for age was used to divide the population into 7 age classes. The age structure,static life table, and relationship between the population characteri...     

Evaluation of land reclamation and implications of ecological restoration for agro-pastoral ecotone: case study of Horqin Left Back Banner in China

The agro-pastoral ecotone has been recognized as the main distribution area of reserved land resource for cultivation. Accordingly, clarifying this assumption, as well as concerting land reclamation and ecological restoration, is important to ensure food security and environmental improvement in the agro-pastoral ecotone. We selected Horqin Left Back Banner(HLBB) as the subject of our case study. The landscape ecological security pattern of this area was determined using the minimum cumulative resistance model. Over-cultivation, quantity of reserved land resource for cultivation, and changes in landscape indexes before and after land use adjustment were then analyzed. Over-cultivation is a serious problem in the agro-pastoral ecotone. Reserved land resource for cultivation is less than that considered previously, and the area of reserved land resource for cultivation in HLBB only accounts for 11.50% of total uncultivated land. With regard to changes in landscape indexes, the adjusted land use pattern is effective for anti-desertification. The compensation standard for abandoned cultivated land should be improved and the comprehensive results of ‘Grain for Green' should be evaluated to further implement ecological restoration in the agro-pastoral ecotone.