Large‐scale patterns of fish diversity and assemblage structure in the longest tropical river in Asia

Although the Mekong River is one of the world's 35 biodiversity hot spots, the large‐scale patterns of fish diversity and assemblage structure remain poorly addressed. This study aimed to investigate the fish distribution patterns in the Lower Mekong River (LMR) and to identify their environmental determinants. Daily fish catch data (i.e. from December 2000 to November 2001) at 38 sites distributed along the LMR were related to 15 physicochemical and 19 climatic variables. As a result, four different clusters were defined according to the similarity in assemblage composition and 80 indicator species were identified. While fish species richness was highest in the Mekong delta and lowest in the upper part of the LMR, the diversity index was highest in the middle part of the LMR and lowest in the delta. We found that fish assemblages changed along the environmental gradients and that the main drivers affecting the fish assemblage structure were the seasonal variation of temperature, precipitation, dissolved oxygen, pH and total phosphorus. Specifically, upstream assemblages were characterised by cyprinids and Pangasius catfish, well suited to low temperature, high dissolved oxygen and high pH. Fish assemblages in the delta were dominated by perch‐like fish and clupeids, more tolerant to high temperatures, and high levels of nutrients (nitrates and total phosphorus) and salinity. Overall, the patterns were consistent between seasons. Our study contributes to establishing the first holistic fish community study in the LMR.     

A comparison of the effects of carbon dioxide and medical air for abdominal insufflation on respiratory parameters in xylazine-sedated sheep undergoing laparoscopic artificial insemination

AIMS: To determine if abdominal insufflation with medical air will improve oxygenation and ventilation parameters when compared to insufflation with CO₂ in xylazine-sedated sheep undergoing laparoscopic artificial insemination (AI).

METHODS: Forty-seven sheep underwent oestrus synchronisation and were fasted for 24 hours prior to laparoscopic AI. Each animal was randomised to receive either CO₂ or medical air for abdominal insufflation. An auricular arterial catheter was placed and utilised for serial blood sampling. Respiratory rates (RR) and arterial blood samples were collected at baseline, after xylazine (0.1?mg/kg I/V) sedation, 2 minutes after Trendelenburg positioning, 5 minutes after abdominal insufflation, and 10 minutes after being returned to a standing position. Blood samples were collected in heparinised syringes, stored on ice, and analysed for arterial pH, partial pressure of arterial O₂ (PaO₂), and CO₂ (PaCO₂). The number of ewes conceiving to AI was also determined.

RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA demonstrated temporal effects on RR, PaO₂, PaCO₂ and arterial pH during the laparoscopic AI procedure (p<0.001), but no difference between insufflation groups (p>0.01). No sheep experienced hypercapnia (PaCO₂>50?mmHg) or acidaemia (pH<7.35). Hypoxaemia (PaO₂<70?mmHg) was diagnosed during the procedure in 14/22 (64%) ewes in the CO₂ group compared with 8/23 (35%) ewes in the medical air group (p=0.053). Overall, 15/20 (75%) ewes in the CO₂ group conceived to AI compared with 16/22 (72.7%) in the medical air group (p=0.867).

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: There were no statistical or clinical differences in RR, PaO₂, PaCO₂, pH, or conception to AI when comparing the effects of CO₂ and medical air as abdominal insufflation gases. None of the sheep experienced hypercapnia or acidaemic, yet 42% (19/45) of sheep developed clinical hypoxaemia, with a higher percentage of ewes in the CO₂ group developing hypoxaemia than in the medical air group. Based on the overall analysis, medical air could be utilised as a comparable alternative for abdominal insufflation during laparoscopic AI procedures.     

谷物冷却机回风利用与节能

分析了谷物冷却机采用回风型冷却的节能原理及优点，回风型冷却具有重要的节能意义。     

The Brief Introduction to the Sino-US Joint Centers for Soil and Water Conservation and Environmental Protection

Erosion and transport of soil has worldwide implications for agriculture, landscape stability, climate, natural hazards, and clean, renewable resources of water and air. Assured access to clean water and a healthy and safe environment requires an ethic of conservation and protection. The minimum scale in which these principles apply successfully is basin wide. These are the fundamental concerns of the Sino-US Centers for Soil and Water Conservation and Environmental Protection.     

南方鲶肌肉,鳔及胡子鲶肌肉的水解和游离氨基酸研究

本试验测定了南方鲶肌内和鳔及胡子鲶肌肉的水解氨基酸和游离氨基酸含量，并对其营养价值进行了比较，评价。     

开发区区域大气和水环境容量的计算及管理

介绍了开发区大气、水环境容量计算及管理方法，并以湖南城陵矶经济技术开发区为例，初步了方法的具体应用和有关细节处理，所介绍的方法将对其他类似开发区大气、水环境容量的计算及管理起到一定的借鉴和指导作用。     

Multi-sectoral Participatory Urban Forestry Development in Philippines Metropolitan Manila

The Luntiang Kamaynilaan Project (Metro ManilaGreening Project) launched in 1988 planted trees inmajor thoroughfares, center islands, school premisesand other idle public lands, was basically a governmenteffort. When the funds ran out, the project also fizzledout. In both projects however, it is evident that the keyfactor is peoples participation.Gaining lessons from the past two projects, thegovernment established a collaborative effort ofgovernment and non-government organizations. TheCl…     

沈阳空气污染的主要成因

介绍了导致中国沈阳空气污染严重的主要原因 ,并提出了解决这些问题的一些措施。在一定程度上 ,沈阳所面临的空气污染情况在中国北方城市是相当典型和普遍存在的     

畜牧业生产中的环境污染及治理对策

本文阐述了畜牧业生产中产生的畜禽粪尿、有机废水等废弃物对环境造成的污染，探讨了治理畜牧业污染的措施，提出了发展生态畜牧业的思路。     

哈尼族传统人居环境体系中森林要素之作用评述

从不同角度评述了森林在哈尼族传统人居环境体系中的作用和地位，阐述了未来山区村镇发展中保留周边森林的重要性。