Ecological and physiological characteristics of seasonal biology of the mongolian hamster, Allocricetulus curtatus allan 1940 (Cricetinae, Rodentia)

Analysis of the seasonal dynamics of body weight and steroid hormones (cortisol, progesterone, and testosterone), the pattern of hypothermia, and basic reproductive parameters has been performed in the Mongolian hamster (Allocricetulus curtatus), a poorly studied rodent species inhabiting areas with a sharply continental climate. The results show that torpor bouts take place in wintering animals. Changes in body weight during the autumn-winter season are insignificant. The pattern of fluctuations in the levels of sex steroids and cortisol is similar to that in dwarf hamsters of the genus Phodopus. Seasonal features in the dynamics of basal cortisol level differentiate A. curtatus from the closely related Eversmann’s hamster (A. eversmanni), which may be due to differences in the social structure of these species.     

Comparative analysis of the effect of predator odor on morphological and physiological parameters of adult male Campbell hamsters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phodopus campbelli</Emphasis>) and dwarf hamsters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phodopus sungorus</Emphasis>)

The effect of long-term exposure to natural excretions of the European polecat on the morphological parameters and hormonal status of adult male Campbell hamsters (Phodopus campbelli) and dwarf hamsters (Ph. sungorus) was studied. Exposure to volatile components of natural excreta of a potential predator did not have any significant effect on hamsters. The combined influence of volatile and nonvolatile components of the polecat’s excretions caused physiological stress in Ph. campbelli, while in Ph. sungorus, on the contrary, an increase in thymus weight and the plasma testosterone level was recorded.     

Long-term Dynamics of Population Parameters of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aporrectodea caliginosa</Emphasis> Earthworm in an Annually Flooded Alder Forests in the Voronezh Nature Reserve

The 20-year dynamics of Aporrectodea caliginosa spring population parameters—the average density (ind./0.25 m²) and proportion of nonreproductive individuals (among earthworms found in 12 soil samples)— and the 10-year dynamics of their summer and autumn values were studied in an annually flooded alder forest in the Voronezh reserve. Three complete 3-year cycles and one complete 6-year cycle were revealed in the 20-year dynamics of spring population density. The 20-year series of average values of spring population density and proportion of nonreproductive individuals were found to be closely correlated with each other. A close correlation was also revealed between the 10-year series of summer density values and the corresponding dynamic series of summer precipitation.     

Baseline blood trihalomethanes,semen parameters and serum total testosterone: A cross-sectional study in China

Toxicological studies showed that trihalomethanes (THMs), the most abundant classes of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in drinking water, impaired male reproductive health, but epidemiological evidence is limited and inconsistent. This study aimed to examine the associations of baseline blood THMs with semen parameters and serum total testosterone in a Chinese population. We recruited 401 men seeking semen examination from the Reproductive Center of Tongji Hospital in Wuhan, China between April 2011 and May 2012. Baseline blood concentrations of THMs, including chloroform (TCM), bromodichloromethane (BDCM), dibromochloromethane (DBCM), and bromoform (TBM) were measured using SPME-GC/ECD method. Semen quality and serum total testosterone were analyzed. Multivariable linear regressions were used to assess the associations of baseline blood THM concentrations with semen parameters and serum total testosterone levels. We found that baseline blood THM concentrations were not associated with decrements in sperm motility, sperm straight-line and curvilinear velocity. However, moderate levels of BDCM (β = − 0.13 million; 95% CI: − 0.22, − 0.03) and DBCM (β = − 4.74%; 95% CI: − 8.07, − 1.42) were associated with decreased sperm count and declined sperm linearity compared with low levels, respectively. Suggestive dose–response relationships were also observed between elevated blood TCM or ∑ THMs (sum of TCM, BDCM, DBCM and TBM) concentration and decreased sperm concentration (both p for trend = 0.07), and between elevated blood DBCM concentration and decreased serum total testosterone (p for trend = 0.07). Our results indicate that elevated THM exposure may lead to decreased sperm concentration and serum total testosterone. However, the effects of THM exposure on male reproductive health still warrant further studies in humans.     

Seasonal modulation of sex-related differences in hippocampus size and spatial behavior in bank voles, Clethrionomys glareolus (Rodentia, Cricetidae)

Male and female bank voles (Clethrionomys glareolus) were compared with respect to seasonal variation in hippocampus size and dynamics of spatial behavior during the annual population cycle. The winter decrease in the size of the hippocampus (the brain region involved in the processing of spatial information about the environment) in young autumn-born voles coincided in time with reduction of their home ranges and did not differ significantly between males and females. The growth of the hippocampus in spring, after winter regression, was higher in males (19–28% in different populations) than in females (8–20%) and coincided with an increase in spatial activity, which was also more distinct in males. A significantly greater hippocampus size in males during the breeding period correlated with their higher mobility (reflected in capture rate) and greater size of home ranges. Thus, parallel seasonal modulation of sex-related differences in hippocampus size and spatial behavior was revealed: sexual dimorphism in these characters was insignificant among young voles in autumn; disappeared in winter; manifested itself again, synchronously in both characters, in early spring (with the onset of puberty); and reached a peak in summer.     

Analysis of long-term changes in the dates of seasonal phenomena in plants and insects of the Il’men Reserve as related to climatic factors

The results of monitoring the dates of the onset of flowering and leaf budding in eight herbaceous and woody plant species and the first appearance of three insect species in the Il’men Reserve (1972–2005) were processed by means of regression and correlation analyses. No significant changes in test parameters were revealed in the majority of these species. Only two early spring plants, coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) and goat willow (Salix caprea L.), showed a weak tendency toward earlier flowering in the 1980s and 1990s. This is explained primarily by the absence of any significant trends in spring and summer air temperatures in the study region over the observation period. On the other hand, interannual fluctuations in the dates of plant flowering and insect appearance were well manifested not only in early spring but also in late-spring species. These fluctuations proved to depend largely on spring temperatures: in years with early and warm springs, flowering and leaf budding in plants and the appearance of first individuals in insects were recorded on significantly earlier dates.     

Anguilla anguilla L. plasma cortisol, lactate and glucose responses to abietic acid, dehydroabietic acid and retene

Anguilla anguilla L. were exposed to 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.9 and 2.7 microM abietic (AA), dehydroabietic (DHAA) acids and retene (Re) during 8, 16, 24 and 72 h. The eels plasma cortisol, glucose and lactate were measured. A significant decrease in plasma cortisol was observed at 72 h exposure to 0.9 and 2.7 microM Re. DHAA (0.1 microM) significantly decreased plasma cortisol in eels after 8 and 24 h exposure. However, a significant plasma cortisol increase was found after 16 h, 2.7 microM AA exposure and after 24 h exposure to 0.1 microM and 2.7 microM AA. Furthermore, 72 h exposure to 0.9 microM AA also induced a plasma cortisol increase. A general rise in plasma glucose was detected after all exposure periods to Re. The plasma lactate also increased after 72 h exposure to 2.7 microM AA and after 8 h exposure to 0.1 microM DHAA.     

ENSO对我国东部极端降水的季节影响

利用百分位法定义极端降水阈值,对我国东部地区极端降水在不同季节对ENSO的响应特征加以研究,并以湿位涡作为切入点从大气性质角度出发分析其可能成因。结果表明：暖、冷年当年夏季极端降水对比显著区域主要在华北地区东部,分别表现为负距平区和正距平区;在暖年次年夏季和春季分布形有相似之处,北方多极端降水,南方分布形势较为复杂,江南地区也有极端降水大值区;次年秋季,与春夏季相比,极端降水大值区主要分布在北方;到了次年冬季,整个东部地区以极端降水负距平为主,冷年次年四季极端降水基本呈相反的分布形势;对应的湿位涡场能很好的反映北方地区尤其是华北地区的大气稳定性,而在低纬度地区还不能作为很好预测极端降水分布情况的依据     

Effect of temperature on blood parameters of the salamander <Emphasis Type="Italic">Batrachupems tibetanus</Emphasis> (Schmidt, 1925) (Amphibia: Hynobiidae)

To better understand how Batrachupems tibetanus responds to different temperature regimes in the blood parameters and to estimate the change in plasma cortisol level in this species exposed to different temperatures, the animals were stochastically divided into three groups and exposed respectively to 4.6°C, 14.6°C and 19.6°C for 12 days. The concentrations of glucose, total protein, albumin, triacylglycerol, Ca²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, Cl⁻, and plasma cortisol level were measured respectively. There was no significant difference between the plasma cortisol level of the control group and the experiment groups. Glucose level at 4.6°C and 19.6°C was significantly lower than glucose level at 14.6°C. The plasma triacylglycerol level was significantly influenced by acclimation temperature. The concentration of total protein, albumin, globulin and the ratio between albumin and globulin were not significantly influenced by temperature when compared with control group. There was no significant change in concentration of Ca²⁺ at different temperatures. The concentration of K⁺ was significantly influenced by temperature. Plasma K⁺ level significantly increased at 19.6°C. The plasma Na⁺ level and Cl⁻ were significantly influenced by temperature. Na⁺: Cl⁻ ratio was significantly influenced by temperature. Therefore, glucose, triacylglycerol, Na⁺ and Cl⁻ levels could be considered as indicators of thermal stress in B. tibetanus; plasma cortisol, albumin, globulin levels, and albumin/globulin ratio are not influenced by temperature.     

A survey of radon level in underground buildings in China

From 2003-2004, using solid state nuclear detectors, a survey of the air radon level in 234 underground buildings in 23 cities of China was carried out during spring as well as summer and winter. The annual radon concentrations in these underground buildings range from 14.9 to 2482 Bq m(-3), with an overall mean value of 247 Bqm(-3). When radon concentrations are averaged according to cities, Fuzhou and Baotou have the relatively higher radon levels, which are 714 and 705 Bqm(-3), respectively. Guangzhou and Shanghai have the relatively lower radon levels with 71.1 and 72.6 Bqm(-3). The annual effective dose by exposure to radon received by people working in these cities is concluded to be 1.6 mSv. The geological formation, coating level, decorating materials and ventilation situation all affect the radon concentration in underground buildings. The radon level in underground buildings has the lowest value in winter and the highest value in summer.     

Profiles of enzymatic activity in earthworms from zinc, lead and cadmium polluted areas near Olkusz (Poland)

The aim of the study was to determine whether there are signs of adaptation of soil fauna to a gradient of heavy metal contamination. Earthworms Aporrectodea caliginosa, Lumbricus terrestris and Eisenia fetida were collected during the spring and summer of 2000 and 2001 from meadow sites situated between 2 and 32 km from the Bukowno-Olkusz complex of zinc-lead ore mines and smelters. The heavy metal content in the soil near smelters reaches 10,500 mg/kg (d.w.) for Zn, 2600 mg/kg for Pb and 81.9 mg/kg for Cd. The sites differ with respect to species composition of earthworm community, with A. caliginosa being dominant. Complete data was obtained only for A. caliginosa, since other species were not abundant at all investigated sites during the whole period of investigation. The body burdens of Zn, Pb, Cd and Cu in A. caliginosa reached 1500, 100, 220 and 10 microg/g, respectively, in the vicinity of the smelter (2-4 km), and decreased to 400, 2, 36 and 6 microg/g at the most distant site (32 km). Cadmium and lead content was significantly elevated in the whole body of L. terrestris collected at the site 2.5 km distant from the smelters when compared to more distant sites, while in E. fetida only the body burden of cadmium was elevated at the nearest site compared to the next site of transect. Activities of glutathione peroxidase (GPX; EC 1.11.1.9) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or cumene hydroperoxide (cumOOH), glutathione reductase (GR; EC 1.6.4.2), glutathione S-transferase (GST; EC 2.5.1.18) and catalase (CAT; EC 1.11.1.6) were assayed in postmitochondrial supernatant obtained from whole body homogenates. Seasonal and annual variations of enzyme activity were reflected by higher GPX activity in the late summer of 2001 in comparison with the spring and summer of 2000. This may reflect severe drought in the spring and summer of 2000. The activity of both GPX isozymes, GR and GST in A. caliginosa and L. terrestris increased with increasing distance from the smelters and reached maximum at sites III and IV (4 and 8 km from the smelters, respectively) and then it decreased in the animals from site V (32 km). These may be the effects of antagonism between the enzyme inducing and enzyme inhibiting action of smelter emissions, a phenomenon known as a hormetic effect. It is postulated here that this effect is of diagnostic value for metal pollution biomonitoring.     

Endocrine and immunological parameters in individuals involved in Prestige spill cleanup tasks seven years after the exposure

In November 2002 the oil tanker Prestige spilled 63,000 tonnes of heavy oil off the northwest coast of Spain, impacting more than 1000 km of coastline. A general concern led to a huge mobilization of human and technical resources, and more than 300,000 people participated in cleanup activities, which lasted up to 10 months. Some endocrine and immunological alterations were reported in Prestige oil exposed subjects for several months. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate if these alterations are still present seven years after the exposure. Fifty-four individuals exposed for at least 2 months were compared to 50 matched referents. Prolactin and cortisol plasma concentrations, percentages of lymphocyte subsets (CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, CD19⁺, and CD56⁺16⁺), plasma levels of circulating cytokines (interleukin (IL) 2, IL4, IL6, IL10, tumour necrosis factor α, and interferon γ), and serum concentrations of neopterin, tryptophan and kynurenine were determined in peripheral blood samples. Results showed significant differences in exposed individuals vs. referents only in cortisol (increase), kynurenine and %CD16⁺56⁺ lymphocytes (both decrease). Time of exposure to the oil or using protective clothes did not influence the results, but effect of using protective mask was observed on neopterin, %CD8⁺, CD4⁺/CD8⁺ ratio and IL4. Surveillance of the exposed individuals for early detection of possible health problems related to the endocrine or immunological systems is recommended.     

Seasonal variation of the forewing in polyvoltine whites <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pieris rapae</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">P. napi</Emphasis> L. (Lepidoptera: Pieridae) in the forest-steppe zone of the Southern Urals

The seasonal variation of forewing size and shape was analyzed in adults of different seasonal generations of two polyvoltine species of whites: Pieris rapae and P. napi (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Particular morphological features of the forewing are characteristic of each seasonal generation of adults independently of their sex and species. Adults of the spring generations have the smallest wings, elongate and pointed. Adults of the summer generation have the largest, broad and rounded wings over the entire summer season. Adults of the autumn generation have wings similar in shape and size to those of the summer generation, but somewhat smaller and more elongate. Differences between seasonal generations in forewing shape are linked to differences between adults of each generation in adaptation to dispersal.     

Morphogenetic Effects of Drought and Nonselective Elimination in Population of Bank Vole (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Clethrionomys glareolus</Emphasis>) in Southern Taiga Subzone

Methods of geometric morphometrics have been used to estimate the influence ratio of nonselective elimination and drought factors on variation in the shape and size of the mandible in the population of bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus Schreb.) in the southern taiga subzone. Nonselective elimination of rodent populations for medical and sanitary purposes was carried out in a felling site located in a focus of hemorrhagic fever, in the spring of a climatically normal year and of a dry year. The summer samples of mature young of the year from control bank vole colonies and impact colonies (i.e., recovered after deratization) in adjacent years have been compared. The results show that drought, nonselective elimination, and the interaction of these factors have significant effects on the size and shape of the mandible. Changes in its shape under drought conditions are largely due to allometry. Morphogenetic effects of nonselective elimination are highly repeatable between climatically different years. A significantly higher level of within-group morphological disparity (MNND) of the undisturbed control cenopopulation in a dry year has been revealed, which indirectly indicates a stronger destabilization of morphogenesis upon exposure to the autecological factor. Every ecological factor contributes to the development of specific configurations of the mandible; i.e., it induces certain changes in morphogenesis in response to aut- and synecological effects and their combination.     

利用植被状态指数距平监测2011年长江中下游5省春、夏干旱

针对2011年长江中下游湖北、湖南、江西、安徽、江苏5省春、夏旱的发展过程和空间演变态势,利用2011年4~8月中分辨率MODIS每16 d合成产品MOD13A2-NDVI数据,构建植被状态指数距平（AVCI）进行干旱监测及分级。结果表明:AVCI指数能监测出长江中下游5省春、夏季干旱的发展变化,在整个监测期内,长江中下游湖北、湖南、江西、安徽、江苏5省大部分地区AVCI值偏低,出现大范围干旱持续的现象,并且表现出明显的旱情加重-旱情减轻-旱情再加重的变化趋势。前期春季干旱主要分布在湖北中东部、安徽中南部、江苏南部、湖南东北部、江西北部地区,后期伏旱则在5省大范围发展。春旱干旱程度比伏旱更甚,其中春季旱情在平原地区更为严重     

Seasonal dynamics of heart rate variability in three murine rodent species

Seasonal dynamics of heart rate variability in individuals of late summer and autumn generations have been studied in three rodent species kept in a vivarium: the striped field mouse (Apodemus agrarius), bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus), and northern red-backed vole (Cl. rutilus). It has been shown that the cardiac function of the rodents in autumn and winter is mainly controlled by autonomic mechanisms: the heart rate is slow, cardiovascular control systems are relaxed. During the winter-spring transition, the role of central cardiovascular circuits increases because of the necessity to activate all body systems by spring.     

Reconstruction of May–June precipitation in the territory of Bashkiria based on Scots pine tree-ring data from the Bugulma–Belebey Upland

The relationship between Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) tree-ring width and temperature and precipitation was analyzed in pine forests on the Bugulma–Belebey Upland, Bashkiria. A close correlation between tree-ring width and the current spring–summer precipitation was revealed. On this basis, a reconstruction of May–June precipitation in the period from 1860 to 1994 was made.     

生态修复后海三棱藨草湿地底栖生物多样性的年度变化及影响因子

如何确定湿地生态修复过程中底栖生物群落结构的变化及其影响因子对湿地生态系统操纵及生态修复效果有重要意义。研究以南汇东滩海三棱藨草湿地为对象,研究底栖生物群落结构的年度季节变化及空间格局。共鉴定大型底栖动物30种,四季都存在的优势种有光滑狭口螺、拟沼螺、堇拟沼螺和中国绿螂。春季以中国绿螂为主要物种,优势度大于0.4;夏季以拟沼螺和堇拟沼螺为主,优势度分别大于0.1和0.2;秋冬季优势种数目比春夏季高,均为13种,但优势种值较春夏季为低,且均匀。多样性、丰富度指数(p0.01)及均一性指数(p0.05)在空间上均具有显著性差异,其中多样性指数最高到达2.53。根据近岸海域环境监测规范(HJ442-2008),南汇东滩湿地生境质量从极差、差改善成等级一般,生境质量提高明显。底栖生物群落结构影响因素的排序分析表明,春夏秋三季大型底栖动物群落结构特征与植被指数及高程相关,其次是有机碳、含水率、导电率和硝氮,而冬季大型底栖动物群落结构特征受含水率、导电率和硝氮的影响最大。     

Statistical downscaling for climate change projections in the Mediterranean region: methods and results

Besides dynamical downscaling by regional climate models, statistical downscaling (SD) is a major tool to derive climate change projections on regional or even local scales. For the Mediterranean area, an increasing number of downscaling studies based on different statistical techniques have been published in the last two decades with a broad range of sometimes differing results relating to different variables and regional domains. This paper gives a short review of these Mediterranean downscaling studies mainly considering the following two aspects: (1) what kind of progress has been realized in this field since the early 1990s? The review addresses the inclusion of extremes in downscaling assessments, the development of probabilistic approaches, the extension of predictor sets, the use of ensembles for both dynamical model simulations and statistical model assessments, the consideration of non-stationarities in the predictor–predictand relationships, and some advances related to synoptic downscaling. (2) What are the main regional climate change signals in the Mediterranean area, considering agreed and controversial points also with respect to dynamical models? Best accordance among future projections can be found in seasonal temperatures with lower rates of warming in winter and spring, and, in most cases, higher ones in summer and autumn. Different results are obtained for the intra-annual range of extreme temperatures, but high-temperature conditions are generally expected to increase. Regarding seasonal precipitation, predominant reductions are indicated for spring, summer, and autumn. For winter, however, projections are distinctly different (GCMs: rainfall decrease; RCMs: increase only in the northernmost parts of the Mediterranean region; SD: widespread increases in the northern and western parts in several studies). Different results are obtained for rainfall extremes, but the entire precipitation distribution tends to shift towards higher and lower values. Apart from some sub-regional deviations, there is a predominant increase in future dry period durations. For near-surface winds, only a few studies are available, and they project some decline mainly for the winter season.     

Endocrine and metabolic changes in Anguilla anguilla L. following exposure to beta-naphthoflavone--a microsomal enzyme inducer

Anguilla anguilla L. were exposed during 24 and 48 h to 2.7 muM beta-naphthoflavone (BNF), a known microsomal enzyme inducer. The BNF effects on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (T3), free thyroxine (T4) and cortisol plasma levels were investigated. Alterations on plasma glucose and lactate levels were also measured as an indication of energy-mobilizing hormones alterations. BNF showed to be able to decrease significantly A. anguilla plasma T4 levels, whereas TSH, T3 and cortisol plasma remained constant. However, plasma glucose levels were significantly increased, demonstrating that intermediary metabolism has been affected. These results demonstrate that BNF a PAH-like compound alters the normal functioning of the hypothalamo-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis in A. anguilla.