A novel approach to studying the effects of temperature on soil biogeochemistry using a thermal gradient bar

The temperature dependence of chemical reaction rates and microbial metabolism mean that temperature is a key factor regulating soil trace gas emissions and hydrochemistry. Here we evaluated a novel approach for studying the thermal response of soils, by examining the effects of temperature on gas emissions and hydrochemistry in (a) peat and (b) soil from a Sitka spruce plantation. A thermal gradient was applied along an aluminium bar, allowing soil to be incubated contemporaneously from 2 to 18 °C. The approach demonstrated clear differences in the biogeochemical responses of the two soil types to warming. The peat showed no significant emission of CH₄ at temperatures below 6 °C, while above 6 °C, a marked increase in the rate of release was apparent up to 15 °C (Q₁₀ = 2.5) with emissions being similar between 15 and 18 °C. Conversely, CH₄ emissions from the forest soil did not respond to warming. Nitrate availability in the peat decreased by 90% between 2 and 18 °C (P < 0.01), whereas concentrations in the forest soil did not respond. Sulphate availability in the peat decreased significantly with warming (60%, P < 0.01), while the forest soil showed the opposite response (a 30% increase, P < 0.01). Conventionally, thermal responses are studied by incubating individual soil samples at different temperatures, involving lengthy preparation and facilities to incubate samples at different temperatures simultaneously. Data collected on a given thermal response is usually limited and thus interpolated or extrapolated. The thermal gradient method overcomes these problems, is simple and flexible, and can be adapted for a wide range of sample types (not confined to soil). Such apparatus may prove useful in the optimization of management practices to mitigate the effects of climate change, as thermal responses will differ depending on land use and soil type.     

Development of Immune Response to Experimental Bovine Trichophyton vervucosum Infection

Abstract— Cell mediated and humoral immune responses to experimental Trichophyton verrucosum infection were assessed by sequential cutaneous biopsies, antibody assessments and microscopic monitoring of fungal presence. Histopathologic examination showed the accrual of lymphocytes and other inflammatory cells in the dermis of infected sites. Immunoperoxidase staining of frozen sections with monoclonal antibody preparations revealed an influx of macrophages, BoCD4+ and B0CD8+ lymphocytes and γδ T cells from the 5th day to the 33rd day of infection. A moderate influx of B cells was observed. Protein G-colloidal gold staining revealed the presence of immunoglobulins in the dermis and superficial epidermal layers. Trichophyton specific serum antibodies appeared between days 33 and 55. Microscopic assessment of infected tissues revealed an increase in T, verrucosum elements (mycelium and ectothrix spores) from days 19 to 55. Fungal elements in infected areas did not decrease until after both humoral and cell mediated elements of the immune response were established. These responses imply a combination of cell mediated and humoral events were associated with T. verrucosum immunity and clearance in the calf. Résumé— Le réponse immunitaire humorale et cellulaire a une infection expérimentale àT. verrucosum a été appréciée par des biospsies cutanées successives, des dosages d'anticorps et la recherche microscopique de champignons. L'examen histopathologique a montré un afflux de lymphocytes et d'autres cellules inflammatoires dane le derme des sites infectés. Les marquages en immunopéroxydase par un anticorps monoclonal de coupes congelées a montré un influx de macrophages, lymphocytes BoCD4+ et BoCD8+ et des cellules T γδ, du 5e au 33e jour de l'infection. Un marquage par une protéine G—or colloidal a révélé d'immunogolglobulines dans le derme et les couches supéerficielles de l'épiderme. Les anticorps spécifiques de Trichophyton sont apparus entre 33 et 55 jours. L'examen microscopique des tissus infectés a révélé une augmentation du nombre d'éléments de T. verrucosum (mycelium et spores ectothrix) du 19e au 55e jours. Les éléments fongiques dans les zones infectées n'ont pas diminué avant que les réponses humorales et cellulaires ne solent établies. Ces résponses impliquent qu'une coopération des réponses humorales et cellulaires étaient associées dans l'immunité et la défense contre T. verrucosum. Zusammenfassung— Die zellvermittelten und humoralen Immunantworten auf die experimentelle Infektion mit T. verrucosum wurden durch eine Serie von Hautbiopsien, Antikörperuntersuchungen und mikroskopischer Untersuchung auf das Vorhandensein von Pilzen ausgewertet. Die histopathologische Untersuchung zeigte eine Ansammlung von Lymphozyten und anderen Entzündungszellen in der Dermis der infizierten Stellen. Die Immunperoxidasefärbung der Gefrierschnitte mit monoklonalen Antikörperzubereitungen zeigte einen Influx von Makrophagen, BoCd4-und BoCD8-Lymphozyten und gamma-delta-T-Zellen vom 5. bis zum 33. Tag der Infektion. Es wurde auch ein mäßiger Influx von B-Zellen beobachtet. Die Protein-G-kolloidale Goldfärbung zeigte die Anwesenheit von Immunglobulinen in der Dermis und den oberflächlichen epidermalen Schichten. Trichophyton-spezifische Serumantikörper traten zwischen Tag 33 und 55 auf. Die mikroskopische Untersuchung infizierter Gewebe zeigte eine Zunahme von T. verrucosum-Bestandteilen (Myzel und exktothrixe Sporen) vom Tag 19 bis 55. Pilzteile in infizierten Bereichen verminderten sich weder, nachdem humorale, noch nachdem zellvermittelte Elemente der Immunantwort auftraten. Diese Reaktionen deuten an, daß eine Kombination von zellvermittelten und humoralen Vorgängen im Zusammenhang mit T. verrucosum-Immumtät und Abheilung beim Kalb vorliegt. Resumen Por medio de biposias cutáneas secuenciales, medida de anticuerpos y exámen microscópico de presencia de hongos, se estudió la respuesta inmunitaria de tipo humoral y celular producida por la infección experimental con T. verrucosum. El exámen histopatológico reveló la presencia de agregación de linfocitos y otras células inflamatorias procedentes de la dermis de los puntos infectados. La tintura por medio de inmunoperoxidasa de las secciones congeladas, con preparaciones monoclonales de anticuerpos, demostró un aflujo de macrófagos BoCD4 + y BoCD8 + linfocitos y linfocitos, Tαδ, desde el quinto hasta el día 33 la infección. También se observó un aflugo moderado de linfocitos B. La tintura aúrica de proteina coloidal G reveló la presencia de inmunoglobulinas en al dermis y capas superficiales de la epidermis. Los anticuerpos específicos para la especie Trichophyton aparecieron entre los días 33 y 55. El exámen microscópico de los tejidos afectados demostró un incremento, de los elementos füngicos T. verrucosum (micelio y esporas exótricas) desde los días 19 al 55. Los elementos fúngicos en áreas infectadas no disminuyeron hasta después del establecimiento de ambos tipos de respuesta inmunitaria, humoral y celular. Estas respuestas implican que la combinación de ciertos fenómenos de inmunidad celular y humoral, están relacionados con la desaparición y la inmunidad de la infección producia por T. verrucosum en el ternero.     

Correlated Responses in Two Traits when Selection is Practised on their Ratio

In many fields of application in plant breeding and crop science, ratios of two component traits X and Y are of interest (harvest index in cereals, leaf-to-stem ratio in forage legumes, height-to-diameter ratio in forest trees etc.). When selection is practised on the ratio X/Y of two traits X and Y, the experimenter may be interested in the resulting changes of both trait means. Based on improved approximations for the covariances between X and X/Y and between Y and X/Y and for the variance of X/Y the changes in the means of X and Y can be predicted by applying the regression approach from conventional selection theory. Explicit expressions for these correlated responses in X and Y when selection is practised on their ratio X/Y are derived and discussed. The different outcomes (decrease, zero change or increase) for the selection pressures on X and Y are characterized by phenotypic coefficients of variation of X and Y, phenotypic and genotypic correlations between X and Y and heritabilities of X and Y.     

番茄匍柄霉叶斑病拮抗细菌的筛选与鉴定

应用平板对峙法从连作多年的番茄根际土样中筛选得到对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病具有较强拮抗活性的细菌菌株ZF161,该菌株对番茄匍柄霉的平板抑制率达到70.51%。离体叶片试验显示,菌株ZF161对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病防治效果达到69.83%。通过菌落形态观察、生理生化特性、Biolog测定和多基因系统发育树综合分析,鉴定菌株ZF161为枯草芽孢杆菌(Bacillussubtilis)。番茄盆栽试验结果表明,菌株ZF161对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病的防治效果达到63.27%。进一步平板对峙抑菌谱试验结果显示,菌株ZF161对其他7种病原真菌也具有较好的抑制效果。上述结果说明,菌株ZF161对番茄匍柄霉叶斑病具有良好的防治效果,且对多种病原真菌也具有抑制作用,具有开发应用的潜力。     

植物寄生线虫效应蛋白调控寄主防卫反应分子机制研究进展

在植物寄生线虫与寄主互作过程中,线虫分泌器官如食道腺细胞分泌的效应蛋白在寄主细胞壁修饰和调控寄主免疫反应以及取食位点形成和维护中发挥着关键作用。解析植物寄生线虫关键效应蛋白的功能及其与寄主互作机制将为探索植物寄生线虫防控新策略提供重要的理论基础。本文从效应蛋白降解寄主细胞壁、调控寄主基础免疫反应、诱导免疫反应机制和介导翻译后修饰调控寄主免疫反应以及植物激素代谢途径的调控机制等方面进行了概述。     

几种经济红藻中茉莉酸合成途径的关键物质

为研究几种经济红藻中茉莉酸合成途径的关键物质,实验采用液相色谱—质谱联用技术(LC-MS)对茉莉酸生物合成途径相关物质建立检测方法,并对龙须菜、坛紫菜受到机械损伤时各物质的变化情况进行检测。以100%甲醇提取茉莉酸(JA)、茉莉酸甲酯(MeJA)、12-氧-植物二烯酸(12-OPDA)和13-氢过氧化亚麻酸(13-HpOTE),利用XBridge TM C18色谱柱,以甲醇/水为流动相分离4种物质。优化条件下4种物质得到良好分离,加标回收率为81.23%～90.25%,检测限为0.04～0.56 ng/mL,灵敏度高。坛紫菜、龙须菜和真江蓠3种红藻中,坛紫菜中未检测到JA和13-HpOTE,4种物质均在另外2种藻中检测到。龙须菜受机械损伤胁迫后,4种物质在短时间内得到积累,其中13-HpOTE响应迅速。研究表明,红藻中可能存在类似于植物的茉莉酸合成途径,并参与对损伤的胁迫响应。     

无锡地区鸡群禽流感疫苗免疫效果

对江苏省无锡地区鸡群使用禽流感H5和H9灭活疫苗或活疫苗后的免疫水平进行了监测。结果显示：母源抗体水平越低,抗体上升幅度越大,且抗体达到最高时所需的时间越短;H5单价灭活苗与H5＋H9二联灭活苗产生H5的抗体效果差异不大。通过对其他禽类和鸟类的临床样品检测发现：应加大对野禽及鸟类的监测力度,防止携带该病毒传播给家禽。这一监测结果对有效防控该病具有重要的实践价值。     

白背飞虱酚氧化酶原PPO基因特性及其免疫应答

【目的】酚氧化酶(phenoloxidase,PO)是昆虫体内的免疫蛋白,在昆虫体内起重要的调节作用,主要以无活性的酚氧化酶原(prophenoloxidase,PPO)形式存在。本研究在转录组测序获得白背飞虱(Sogatella furcifera)3条PPO序列的基础上,通过分析白背飞虱体内不同SfPPO的发育和组织表达模式,并进一步抑制SfPPO的表达以及病原菌诱导,探讨SfPPO在白背飞虱体内的生物学功能。【方法】以白背飞虱3条SfPPO序列为研究对象,利用生物信息学方法分析其蛋白结构以及与其他昆虫之间的同源性。并以注射绿色荧光蛋白(green fluorescent protein,GFP)的dsRNA作为对照组,通过注射合成的ds SfPPO后采用实时荧光定量PCR(qRT-PCR)检测基因表达抑制效果;此外,为了探究SfPPO在白背飞虱生长发育和免疫应答方面的作用,利用qRT-PCR检测SfPPO在不同发育阶段及组织中的表达情况,以及注射大肠杆菌(Escherichia coli)和枯草芽孢杆菌(Bacillus subtilis)后3个SfPPO的诱导表达情况。【结果】...     

入侵害虫芒果壮铗普瘿蚊对5种芒果挥发物的电生理反应和行为选择

芒果壮铗普瘿蚊（Procontarinia robusta）是我国外来危险性入侵害虫,坚硬的瘿壳导致药剂防治困难。植食性昆虫主要通过触角接收植物挥发物选择寄主,本研究采用触角电位联用仪（EAG）和“Y”型嗅觉仪观察瘿蚊成虫对芒果叶片挥发物成分（α-蒎烯、3-莰烯、α-石竹烯、异松油烯、乙酸乙酯）的电生理反应和行为选择,结果显示：EAG反应值大小排序依次为α-蒎烯>3-莰烯>α-石竹烯>异松油烯>乙酸乙酯,α-蒎烯处理组显著高于其他挥发物。虽然雌虫对于α-蒎烯、3-莰烯、α-石竹烯3种物质的EAG反应值比雄虫的高,但是雌雄之间对同一挥发物差异不显著（P<0.05）。行为选择结果显示：对瘿蚊吸引率高低依次为：3-莰烯>乙酸乙酯>α-石竹烯>α-蒎烯>异松油烯;3-莰烯对瘿蚊的吸引率最高,达到74.20%,显著高于α-蒎烯和异松油烯,乙酸乙酯吸引率次之,达到66.07%;异松油酯的趋避性最高,达到74.25%,显著高于其他挥发物。实验中也显示浓度阈值现象,α-蒎烯在浓度0.5 mL/L和1 mL/L浓度范围内有显著的趋避效果,在高于或低于此范围内的其他浓度引诱率和趋避率差异不显著。α-石竹烯高浓度（1.0 mL/L and 2.0 mL/L）对芒果壮铗普瘿蚊有显著引诱作用,3-莰烯和α-石竹烯处理组随着浓度的升高对瘿蚊的引诱率增加。研究结果为阐释瘿蚊入侵机理提供理论依据,为开发引诱剂或趋避剂提供技术支撑。