Phylogenetic Diversity and Population Densities of Culturable Cellulolytic Soil Bacteria across an Agricultural Encatchment

Abstract A typical, small encatchment (catena B?lkendorf) in the moraine, northeast German agricultural landscape Schorfheide-Chorin was studied with respect to summit, midslope, and foot-slope positions at northern and southern slope exposure, respectively, including a central noncultivated kettle hole position (pot hole). Across the sequence of seven distinct sampling positions, soil organic carbon and total nitrogen contents, soil gravimetric water content, and soil microbial biomass displayed maxima at the kettle hole position. Soil pH revealed a decreasing trend at the northern exposed slope and a minimum at the kettle hole position. Against this background, the population density of total culturable bacteria clearly displayed a minimum at the kettle hole position, whereas the population density of carboxymethylcellulose decomposing bacteria was not clearly differentiated in relation to sampling positions. To study the phylogenetic diversity of culturable cellulolytic bacteria, 311 isolates were obtained from the sampling positions across the entire encatchment and examined by restriction analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA. Using the restriction enzyme ScrFI, isolates were classified into 31 pattern groups. Although the ratio of actinomycetes within total isolates ranged from 0.73 to 0.94, only 16 pattern groups originated from actinomycetes, but 15 from other bacteria. At all sampling positions, a dominant pattern group was identified, containing 38 to 65% of total isolates. Two site-specific pattern groups could be identified, representing significant parts of the total population, which were highly specific for the kettle hole (19% of total isolates) and for foot- and midslope positions (15–18% of total isolates), respectively. In general, the composition of cellulolytic isolates across the encatchment displayed differences with respect to slope positions, but was not significantly affected by soil properties. Based on 16S rDNA sequence analysis, isolates of the dominant as well as the specific pattern groups could be assigned to the genus Streptomyces. Furthermore, sequencing of 16S rDNA of isolates of another three pattern groups revealed a high phylogenetic diversity among these isolates, including cellulomonads and bacilli. Received: 12 August 1998; Accepted: 1 February 1999     

Short note Successive approximation in pattern analysis

The analysis of vegetation pattern in semi-arid eucalypt woodland by Harrington et al, (1981), and its recent critique by Dale (1982), place insufficient emphasis on the important role of successive approximation in pattern analysis. A single stage analysis can reveal first order patterns effectively, but is generally ineffective and inefficient in revealing vegetation patterns of higher order, no matter how sophisticated the numerical techniques employed. For a given total analytical effort, a more effective and efficient strategy to reveal such higher order patterns will generally be to partition the overall analytical effort into successive stages of sampling and interpretation, one stage for each order of pattern, with the sampling strategy at each stage based on the patterns determined during previous stages.     

A collapsible opening-closing net for zooplankton sampling through ice

The English umbrella net is a new-design vertical closing netdeveloped to sample zooplankton populations in under-ice environments.Operating on the principle of an umbrella, this wide-mouth netfits through a hole drilled in sea ice and expands below theice to sample the water column. A messenger-activated releasecloses the net for a discrete sample and collapses the frameso that it can be retrieved back through the hole in the ice.Nets of this design were used for extensive sampling on Fletcher'sIce Island (T-3) in the Arctic Ocean.     

高黎贡山中山湿性常绿阔叶林树种的分布格局及其地形影响因子

基因组甲基化修饰受环境因素的影响。在以甲基化为代表的表观遗传学研究中,如何减少保存环境对异地采后样品的影响,提高整个实验的准确性和科学性,目前尚未有系统的认知。该研究选取5种常用的采后样品保存方式（液氮冷冻、-20 ℃冷冻、变色硅胶干燥、密封袋密封、75%酒精浸泡）,分别用Wilcoxon signed ranks tests统计分析和UPGMA聚类分析方法,对华南植物园锥栗进行F MSAP研究,以期找出最佳保存方式。同时,利用正交试验法对F MSAP体系进行优化,筛选出9对引物（E3 H/M2;E5 H/M2;E6 H/M1;E6 H/M5;E8 H/M1;E8 H/M5;E9 H/M2;E11 H/M5;E14 H/M1）,并对不同发育时期的锥栗甲基化水平及遗传多样性进行了论述。结果表明：在锥栗F MSAP的研究中,Willcoxon signed ranks tests统计分析和UPGMA聚类分析结论一致,密封袋保存效果最佳;成熟叶半甲基化率（27.83%）和总甲基化率（51.13%）高于幼叶（21.35%,45.90%）,全甲基化率（23.30%）低于幼叶（24.55%）,平均多态位点百分数39.60%,香农信息指数0.207±0.002,表现出较高的甲基化水平和遗传多样性。     

A device for remote sampling of benthic algae under ice

A benthic algae sampling device designed for use through surface ice, uses the principle of pivoting arms. It is designed to be activated below ice sheets and is capable of passing easily through a hole of 11 cm diameter bored by a SIPRE ice auger.     

关帝山林区景观要素空间分布及其动态研究

在ＡＲＣ／ＩＮＦＯ支持下,应用ＧＩＳ技术结合景观生态学原理,从一个侧面对关帝册林森林景观空间分布格局进行了分析研究,提出了一套适用于森林景观空间格局分析方法和指标,揭示了研究地区森林景观空间分布动态的一些基本规律,研究结果表明,在ＧＩＳ支持下,通过网格样方全景观取样,采用基准面积样方取值法确定样方观测值,分别景观要素计算Ｍｏｒｉｓｉｔａ指数或Ｅ－指标,可以对研究对象的空间分布特征做出客观的分析,并     

Bayesian Statistics-Based Procedure for Sampling of Contaminated Sites

A variable density sampling pattern based on Bayesian statistics is presented and compared to a uniform density statistical pattern and a judgmental approach in a real case study. The Bayesian statistics, supported by a software tool, supplied a soil sampling plan similar to the judgmental one, especially for the number of sampling points and their location. It allowed statistical goals to be set and expert judgment to be included in the sampling strategy in a transparent and systematic procedure. For these reasons, it appears quite suitable for inclusion into Quality Assurance Quality Control plans.     

龙眼角颊木虱若虫空间分布型及抽样技术初探

应用6种聚集度指标对龙眼角颊木虱若虫的空间分布型及抽样技术进行研究,结果表明：角颊木虱若虫分布型属于聚集分布,生产上采用五点式取样为宜。运用Iwao的m＊-m直线回归方程建立了Kuno理论抽样数模型,田间理论抽样数可用Tn=4．030／（D^2-0．394／n）来估计。     

Distributional ecology and behaviour of the early life stages of the box-jellyfish Chironex fleckeri

Laboratory observations on reared life stages of Chironex fleckeri (Cubozoa: Chirodropidae) have been combined with field sampling and observations to outline the life cycle of the species and the spatial and temporal distribution of populations in Queensland, Australia. A seasonal alternation of polypoid and medusoid generations from winter to summer respectively is accompanied by a shift in preferred habitat from tidal estuaries to the open eulittoral zone. The system appears to be constrained by predictable fluctuations in the suitability of the alternate habitats to their resident generations. Observations on behaviour, feeding, physiological tolerances, and sexual and asexual reproduction provide insights into the adaptiveness of this pattern.     

珍稀濒危植物长蕊木兰种群的年龄结构与空间分布

珍稀濒危植物长蕊木兰为国家Ⅰ级保护植物。然而,由于受研究尺度和分析方法的限制,对其种群生态特征等方面仍不清楚。以云南高黎贡山原生的中山湿性常绿阔叶林4 hm2样地调查数据为基础,应用Ripley的L函数分析了长蕊木兰种群的年龄结构与空间分布格局。研究发现:(1)长蕊木兰种群的年龄结构为反"J"型,属稳定型种群。(2)长蕊木兰种群个体的空间分布格局与空间尺度关系密切,空间尺度小于75 m时为聚集分布,大于75 m时为随机分布。生境异质性在长蕊木兰种群空间分布格局的形成中可能发挥了重要的作用。(3)不同发育阶段个体的空间分布格局存在明显的差异,中树和小树阶段的分布格局在中、小尺度上呈聚集分布,在较大尺度上呈随机分布;大树阶段在整个空间尺度上均呈现随机分布。(4)长蕊木兰不同发育阶段的空间关联性主要表现为中、小尺度上的负相关,在较大尺度上则趋向于无关联。     

Arbitrary-primed PCR for genomic fingerprinting and identification of differentially regulated genes in Indian isolates of Leishmania donovani

The arbitrary-primed PCR (AP-PCR) technique was employed with the twin goals of identifying genetic polymorphisms within the Indian isolates and to identify differentially expressed gene sequences. The parasite isolates from Indian Kala-azar patients could be differentiated from Leishmania donovani isolates from distinct geographic regions. Moreover, differences within the Indian isolates could also be identified. A majority (17/19) of the Indian isolates gave identical AP-PCR pattern, while two isolates gave consistently divergent pattern. The distinctive AP-PCR fragments obtained with Indian isolates were used as probes in Northern blot analysis. Three such fragments were found to represent transcribed sequences that were differentially expressed in the two stages of the parasite. These sequences led to cloning and characterization of Leishmania Centrin gene and a novel gene termed A-1 that is over-expressed in amastigote stage of the parasite. The study demonstrates the utility of random genome sampling methods in genomic fingerprinting and in identifying differentially transcribed sequences that could potentially contribute to parasite virulence.     

油菜裂外壁小孢子胚在分子水平上具有胚体/胚柄分化

早期合子胚取材困难, 难以开展相关研究。前人的工作表明, 油菜(Brassica napus)裂外壁小孢子胚胎发生系统能够较好地模拟合子胚的分化模式, 因而可替代早期合子胚胎作为研究材料。但目前尚缺乏该胚胎发生系统中胚胎具有胚体/胚柄分化的分子水平的证据。该文首次证明了油菜WOX家族基因能够用于标记胚体/胚柄的分化过程, 利用胚柄标记基因BnWOX8的表达模式, 从分子水平上证明了带胚柄的裂外壁小孢子胚的确存在胚体/胚柄的分化。研究结果为充分利用油菜裂外壁小孢子胚胎发生系统, 解决早期胚胎取材困难的问题奠定了坚实的基础。同时, 建立了活体激光切割分离特定细胞的技术, 结合用于少量细胞RNA提取的活体特异细胞RNA提取技术, 为鉴定少量特异分化细胞的基因表达模式提供了一个可行且明确的解决方案。     

Vertical distribution and abundance of juvenile chaetognaths in the Weddell Sea (Antarctica)

The composition, abundance and vertical distribution of chaetognaths were analysed along a transect in the Weddell Sea during late spring. Three species were identified: Eukrohnia hamata (90.8%), Sagitta marri (6.4%) and S. gazellae (2.8%). Only juvenile stages were collected in the samples, a result related both to the type of sampling gear employed (mesh size: 100 μm) and the species' life-cycles. The vertical distributions showed that the juvenile stages of these species tended to aggregate at considerable depth (1000–500 m). It is postulated that this pattern may be related to the life-cycles of these species in association with seasonal Antarctic conditions, similar to the pattern postulated for krill and other polar crustaceans. Accepted: 10 July 2000     

内蒙古黑里河天然油松林主要树种的空间分布格局

于内蒙古黑里河自然保护区设置1.96 hm2的油松林固定监测样地,用样方法对油松林物种组成及其分布进行调查分析,并用Ripley's K函数对乔木层的主要树种进行空间格局分析,以探讨油松种群不同生长阶段个体(幼树、小树及大树)的空间分布.结果表明:乔木层共调查到13个树种,油松为优势种,主要伴生种包括色木槭、蒙古栎、蒙椴、山杨和白桦.油松林内各主要树种的径级结构均呈反J型分布.各主要树种在空间分布上主要表现为聚集分布,油松种群在1～65 m的尺度上呈聚集分布,大于65 m的尺度表现为随机分布,色木槭、蒙古栎、蒙椴、山杨和白桦在所有尺度上呈聚集分布.随着种群发育(幼树-小树-大树),油松种群由聚集分布趋于随机分布,体现了油松种群的生存策略.     

Stage-specific mortality of Baltic cod (Gadus morhua L.) eggs

A study on cod egg mortality was carried out in the Bornholm Basin (southern central Baltic Sea) toward the end of July 1996. An initial egg aggregation marked by a satellite‐tracked drifter buoy was sampled repeatedly over an 11‐day period; profiles of temperature, salinity and dissolved oxygen were concurrently recorded. Three replicate estimates of mortality were obtained for each pair of subsequent developmental stages from newly spawned eggs to early larvae. A consistent pattern of stage‐specific mortality coincided well with previous experimental observations. Average daily mortality rates were 7.2% (eggs IA/IB), 38.7% (eggs (IB/II), 25.6% (eggs II/III), 40.0% (eggs III/IV), and 42.3% (eggs IV/early larvae). The cumulative mortality until hatch amounted to 99.9%. Results from hydrodynamic modelling, however, indicated that the drifter's trajectory was influenced by wind stress. Hence, the mortality rates might be biased despite the short sampling intervals; a modification of the sampling design is recommended for future studies.     

Abundance and seasonal activity of questing Ixodes ricinus ticks in their natural habitats in southern Germany in 2011

Questing ticks were sampled monthly over a period of 11 months from February, 2011 to December, 2011 at 13 sites in southern Germany using the flagging method. The ticks were identified to species, gender, and stadium. Although both I. ricinus and D. reticulatus were sampled, this study concentrated on I. ricinus, since it was the most abundant tick to be found. Additional weather data (air and soil temperature, relative air humidity, precipitation, sunshine duration) were recorded on each sampling site and the local vegetation described. A total of 14, 394 ticks was collected (7,862 larvae, 5,568 nymphs, 964 adults) and their activity was recorded in order to determine the seasonal activity pattern over different periods of the year. In contrast to the widely accepted pattern of a bimodal seasonal activity in moderate areas with a dominant peak in spring and a minor peak in autumn, a unimodal activity pattern was found for all development stages on six of the 12 sampling sites. Tick abundance was compared to weather variables. Tick host‐seeking activity was found to be significantly dependent on the temperature at ground level, precipitation, and sunshine duration as well as relative air humidity. Adult ticks showed a positive correlation with the duration of sunshine, whereas nymphs were mostly unaffected by this phenomenon.     

EVOLUTIONARY AND HISTORICAL ANALYSIS OF PROTEIN VARIATION IN THE BLOTCHED FORMS OF SALAMANDERS OF THE ENSATINA COMPLEX (AMPHIBIA: PLETHODONTIDAE)

Geographic variation in 23 to 29 protein-encoding genetic loci was examined in 48 populations of the Ensatina complex, a “ring species” distributed around the Central Valley of California. The samples span two critical links in the chain of morphologically distinct units: the transition from the unblotched to blotched color pattern types in the vicinity of Lassen Peak, northeastern California, and a geographic gap in the range of the complex in the San Gabriel Mountains, southern California. A general pattern of isolation by distance with a regular buildup of genetic distance correlated with increases in geographic distance characterizes the populations studied, with the exception of a little-differentiated group of populations in the northern Sierra Nevada; this region is postulated to be a zone of genetic reticulation characterized by relatively high gene flow. An adaptively significant color pattern is thought to have spread into the northern Sierra Nevada from the south, but protein variants have been introduced both from the north and the south. Genetic distances across the San Gabriel Mountain gap match expectations from the pattern of buildup of genetic distance as a function of geographic distance elsewhere in the complex. A phylogenetic analysis of the protein data supports the reticulation hypothesis; whereas the southernmost populations currently do constitute a monophyletic assemblage, an “extinction experiment” demonstrates that the distinction could be the result of the recent extinction of populations in a present gap in our sampling. The Ensatina complex appears to be a dynamic entity representing several stages in the evolution of species. It is a ring species, and whereas various taxonomic arrangements are possible, no taxonomic changes are proposed.     

A stopping rule based on Simpson's index of diversity.

The covariance between two estimators of Simpson's index of diversity, D, obtained from cumulated samples at two stages of the sampling process is derived. A stopping rule based on a comparison of successively obtained estimates of D is developed for use in determining adequate sample size for sampling in stages. The results of a numerical study to compare the effect on the estimation of diversity using the stopping rule with one stage sampling are included.     

Note on a method for analyzing stage-frequency data

A new method for analyzing stage-frequency data is proposed which is based on the estimation of rates of transition between one stage and the next highest stage in one unit of time, and a unit time survival rate that is assumed to be constant. Once these estimates are calculated it becomes possible to also estimate the mean durations of stages, stage-specific survival rates, and numbers entering stages. An advantage of the method is that it can be applied with any distribution of entry times to stage 1, and any distribution of numbers in stages when sampling begins. Use of the method is illustrated on data from a copepod population in a Canadian lake.     

QTL detected for grain-filling rate in maize using a RIL population

The grain-filling rate plays an important role in determining grain yield. To elucidate the genetic basis of the grain-filling rate, a set of 203 recombinant inbred lines was evaluated at two locations over 2 years. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) for grain-filling rate were detected using conditional and unconditional QTL analysis of genetic linkage maps comprising 217 SSR markers. The results showed that the grain-filling rate increased between 15 and 35 days after pollination, then decreased at the last two sampling times. Hybrids with high grain-filling rates determined the grain yield in those areas with a short growth season for maize. A total of 23 unconditional QTL for grain-filling rate were detected using the 100-kernel weight as the input data at different sampling stages. They were distributed on 10 chromosomes (except chromosome 9), and some QTL were detected at different sampling stages. In addition, nine conditional QTL were identified using the average increase in 100-kernel weight of per day between two sampling times, and six conditional QTL were detected simultaneously using the unconditional QTL mapping strategy. The QTL mapping results demonstrated that the grain-filling rate is controlled by a complex genetic mechanism, and the QTL detected at different sampling stages might be important contributors to grain yield in maize.