黄土区不同退耕方式下土壤碳氮的差异及其影响因素

研究植被恢复对土壤碳氮动态的影响,对了解陆地生态系统碳氮循环,应对全球温室效应具有重要意义.本研究以黄土丘陵区不同人工恢复植被为对象,以农田为参照,分析了不同人工植被恢复方式对0～100 cm剖面土壤有机碳(SOC)和全氮(TN)含量影响的差异及其影响因素.结果表明: 退耕还林还草显著提高了土壤的SOC和TN含量.退耕后,SOC和TN含量均较农田明显提高.0～100 cm土层SOC平均含量人工乔木林为农田的1.43倍,增幅最大;其次是人工灌木,为1.36倍;最后是人工草地,为1.21倍.0～100 cm土层TN平均含量人工乔木林增幅最大,是农田的1.30倍;其次是人工草地,为1.21倍;而人工灌木增幅最小,为1.13倍.与农田相比,人工恢复植被类型间SOC和TN含量及细根密度的差异在土壤剖面深度上表现出不同,人工乔木和灌木最明显,影响深度＞100 cm;草地最小,仅为60 cm.恢复植被的细根密度、C∶N和凋落物量显著高于农作物,细根密度与SOC、TN呈显著线性相关(P<0.01).细根的质和量以及凋落物量是不同人工恢复植被下SOC和TN含量差异的重要影响因素.     

Artificial refuges for wildlife conservation: what is the state of the science?

Artificial refuges are human-made structures that aim to create safe places for animals to breed, hibernate, or take shelter in lieu of natural refuges. Artificial refuges are used across the globe to mitigate the impacts of a variety of threats on wildlife, such as habitat loss and degradation. However, there is little understanding of the science underpinning artificial refuges, and what comprises best practice for artificial refuge design and implementation for wildlife conservation. We address this gap by undertaking a systematic review of the current state of artificial refuge research for the conservation of wildlife. We identified 224 studies of artificial refuges being implemented in the field to conserve wildlife species. The current literature on artificial refuges is dominated by studies of arboreal species, primarily birds and bats. Threatening processes addressed by artificial refuges were biological resource use (26%), invasive or problematic species (20%), and agriculture (15%), yet few studies examined artificial refuges specifically for threatened (Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered) species (7%). Studies often reported the characteristics of artificial refuges (i.e. refuge size, construction materials; 87%) and surrounding vegetation (35%), but fewer studies measured the thermal properties of artificial refuges (18%), predator activity (17%), or food availability (3%). Almost all studies measured occupancy of the artificial refuges by target species (98%), and over half measured breeding activity (54%), whereas fewer included more detailed measures of fitness, such as breeding productivity (34%) or animal body condition (4%). Evaluating the benefits and impacts of artificial refuges requires sound experimental design, but only 39% of studies compared artificial refuges to experimental controls, and only 10% of studies used a before-after-control-impact (BACI) design. As a consequence, few studies of artificial refuges can determine their overall effect on individuals or populations. We outline a series of key steps in the design, implementation, and monitoring of artificial refuges that are required to avoid perverse outcomes and maximise the chances of achieving conservation objectives. This review highlights a clear need for increased rigour in studies of artificial refuges if they are to play an important role in wildlife conservation.     

霍山石斛人工种子包埋繁殖体和萌发

以腋芽、原球茎、不定芽为繁殖体, 制作霍山石斛人工种子, 利用正交设计探讨麦芽糖、6-BA/NAA、活性炭、海藻酸钠、离子交换时间五个因素对霍山石斛人工种子萌发的影响; 并对人工种皮的糖分泄漏率以及pH的变化进行测定, 另外对霍山石斛人工种子的贮藏和防腐做了初步研究。结果表明: 麦芽糖是影响霍山石斛人工种子萌发的主要因素, 适宜的处理组合为麦芽糖含量为4%、6-BA/NAA 10:1, 活性炭浓度0.1%, 海藻酸钠浓度4.0%, 将含有繁殖体的此配方溶液滴入2% CaCl2溶液中, 进行离子交换反应, 反应时间10 min。以腋芽, 原球茎, 不定芽为繁殖体的霍山石斛人工种子萌发率分别可达到65.6%、90.1%、75.2%, 萌发后幼苗的存活率分别为16.1%、80.6%和19.1%。4°C下贮藏20 d后, 霍山石斛人工种子以腋芽, 原球茎, 不定芽为繁殖体的萌发率分别为3.3%、10.6%、5.2%。包埋剂加入多菌灵后, 自然条件下萌发率分别可以达到6.8%, 13.8%, 7.9%。     

霍山石斛人工种子包埋繁殖体和萌发

以腋芽、原球茎、不定芽为繁殖体, 制作霍山石斛人工种子, 利用正交设计探讨麦芽糖、6-BA/NAA、活性炭、海藻酸钠、离子交换时间五个因素对霍山石斛人工种子萌发的影响; 并对人工种皮的糖分泄漏率以及pH的变化进行测定, 另外对霍山石斛人工种子的贮藏和防腐做了初步研究。结果表明: 麦芽糖是影响霍山石斛人工种子萌发的主要因素, 适宜的处理组合为麦芽糖含量为4%、6-BA/NAA 10:1, 活性炭浓度0.1%, 海藻酸钠浓度4.0%, 将含有繁殖体的此配方溶液滴入2% CaCl2溶液中, 进行离子交换反应, 反应时间10 min。以腋芽, 原球茎, 不定芽为繁殖体的霍山石斛人工种子萌发率分别可达到65.6%、90.1%、75.2%, 萌发后幼苗的存活率分别为16.1%、80.6%和19.1%。4°C下贮藏20 d后, 霍山石斛人工种子以腋芽, 原球茎, 不定芽为繁殖体的萌发率分别为3.3%、10.6%、5.2%。包埋剂加入多菌灵后, 自然条件下萌发率分别可以达到6.8%, 13.8%, 7.9%。     

Development of an artificial host egg for in vitro egg laying of Trichogramma galloi and T. pretiosum using plastic membranes

An artificial host egg was developed as a first attempt to improve the techniques for in vitro rearing of Trichogramma galloi Zucchi and T. pretiosum Riley (Hymenoptera, Trichogrammatidae). Plastic membranes (polyethylene, polypropylene and polystyrene) of different thickness were tested for their usefulness in manufacturing artificial eggs, using a thermal system to produce semi-spherical cupules on the plastic surface. These artificial eggs were filled with larval hemolymph of Helicoverpa zea (Boddie) (Lepidoptera, Noctuidae), and the optimal size of the artificial egg and density of females/artificial egg for the highest host acceptance (percentage of artificial eggs with at least one parasitoid egg) as well as the ideal level of parasitism (eggs/artificial egg) were determined. High-density polyethylene 7–8 and 9–10 m thick resulted in the best acceptance and level of parasitization for both parasitoid species. Six females per artificial egg resulted in the best rate of parasitization for these parasitoids, although these data were not different when using 4 or 5 females of T. galloi. The size, shape and surface texture of the artificial eggs were found to provide enough cues to elicit parasitization behavior in Trichogramma females, since no chemical stimulus was provided.     

PDGFBB promotes PDGFRα-positive cell migration into artificial bone in vivo

Bone defects caused by traumatic bone loss or tumor dissection are now treated with auto- or allo-bone graft, and also occasionally by artificial bone transplantation, particularly in the case of large bone defects. However, artificial bones often exhibit poor affinity to host bones followed by bony union failure. Thus therapies combining artificial bones with growth factors have been sought. Here we report that platelet derived growth factor bb (PDGFBB) promotes a significant increase in migration of PDGF receptor α (PDGFRα)-positive mesenchymal stem cells/pre-osteoblastic cells into artificial bone in vivo. Growth factors such as transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) reportedly inhibit osteoblast differentiation; however, PDGFBB did not exhibit such inhibitory effects and in fact stimulated osteoblast differentiation in vitro, suggesting that combining artificial bones with PDGFBB treatment could promote host cell migration into artificial bones without inhibiting osteoblastogenesis.     

Effects of Revegetation on Soil Microbial Biomass,Enzyme Activities,and Nutrient Cycling on the Loess Plateau in China

Revegetation is a traditional practice widely used for soil and water conservation on the Loess Plateau in China. However, there has been a lack of reports on soil microbial–biochemical indices required for a comprehensive evaluation of the success of revegetation systems. In this study, we examined the effects of revegetation on major soil nutrients and microbial–biochemical properties in an artificial alfalfa grassland, an enclosed natural grassland, and an artificial shrubland (Caragana korshinskii), with an abandoned cropland as control. Results showed that at 0–5, 5–20, and 20–40 cm depths, soil organic carbon, alkaline extractable nitrogen and available potassium were higher in natural grassland and artificial shrubland compared with artificial grassland and abandoned cropland. Soil microbial biomass C (Cmic) and phosphorous (Pmic) substantially decreased with depth at all sites, and in abandoned cropland was significantly lower than those of natural grassland, artificial grassland, and artificial shrubland at the depth of 0–5 cm. Soil microbial biomass N (Nmic) was higher in artificial shrubland and abandoned cropland compared with that in natural and artificial grasslands. Both Cmic and Pmic were significantly different between the 23‐year‐old and the 13‐year‐old artificial shrublands at the 0–5 cm depth. The activities of soil invertase, urease, and alkaline phosphatase in natural grassland and artificial shrubland were higher than those in artificial grassland and abandoned cropland. This study demonstrated that the regeneration of both natural grassland and artificial shrubland effectively preserved and enhanced soil microbial biomass and major nutrient cycling, thus is an ecologically beneficial practice for recovery of degraded soils on the Loess Plateau.     

In vitro rearing of Ooencyrtus nezarae (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), an egg parasitoid of Riptortus pedestris (Hemiptera: Alydidae)

Ooencyrtus nezarae Ishii (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) is a polyphagous egg parasitoid of various true bugs, including Riptortus pedestris (Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Alydidae), a major pest of soybean and fruit trees in northeastern Asia. This study was conducted to develop artificial host eggs containing insect haemolymph for mass rearing of O. nezarae. The haemolymph of Chinese oak silkworm (Antheraea pernyi Guérin-Méneville) pupae was found to be most suitable for artificial eggs for the complete development of O. nezarae. Among 764 parasitoid eggs laid in artificial eggs, 49.2% successfully developed to adult parasitoids. The developmental time in artificial eggs was delayed by 3–5 days relative to that observed in natural host eggs; however there was no significant difference in the length of hind tibia between adults that emerged from artificial and natural host eggs. Moreover, new generations that emerged from artificial eggs reproduced on all egg types offered (either natural or artificial eggs). We propose that the artificial eggs developed herein can therefore be an effective means for mass rearing O. nezarae.     

An ankle-foot orthosis powered by artificial pneumatic muscles

We developed a pneumatically powered orthosis for the human ankle joint. The orthosis consisted of a carbon fiber shell, hinge joint, and two artificial pneumatic muscles. One artificial pneumatic muscle provided plantar flexion torque and the second one provided dorsiflexion torque. Computer software adjusted air pressure in each artificial muscle independently so that artificial muscle force was proportional to rectified low-pass-filtered electromyography (EMG) amplitude (i.e., proportional myoelectric control). Tibialis anterior EMG activated the artificial dorsiflexor and soleus EMG activated the artificial plantar flexor. We collected joint kinematic and artificial muscle force data as one healthy participant walked on a treadmill with the orthosis. Peak plantar flexor torque provided by the orthosis was 70 Nm, and peak dorsiflexor torque provided by the orthosis was 38 Nm. The orthosis could be useful for basic science studies on human locomotion or possibly for gait rehabilitation after neurological injury.     

Biological, nutritional, and histochemical basis for improving an artificial diet for Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)

The biology of Bracon hebetor Say (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) reared on fifth instars of Anagasta kuehniella (Zeller) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) (natural diet) and in vitro (artificial diet) was evaluated. Data on the number of instars, development time and food intake were collected, and histochemical tests were conducted to detect proteins and lipids in the parasitoid's digestive tract. The data disclosed differences that can help to improve artificial rearing of B. hebetor. B. hebetor had three instars in both diets, but the developmental time on the artificial diets was prolonged due to the increase in larval and pupal development times. Larvae grew faster on the natural host and required a lower food intake (2.7 microl) as compared to that required by the larvae feeding on the artificial diet (3.8 microl). Analysis of diet protein content and host hemolymph and the observations on the parasitoid larvae gut content indicated altogether the artificial diets requires the addition of others sources of proteins and lipids to improve the overall nutrition quality of the in vitro rearing system for this ectoparasitoid.     

韭蛆人工饲料配方筛选及饲养效果比较

【目的】研究实验室条件下韭蛆 Bradysia odoriphaga Yang et Zhang大量饲养的方法以解决试虫不足的问题。【方法】本实验在25℃,相对湿度75%,光周期16L:8D条件下,通过控制变量法筛选出人工饲料配方,运用两性生命表软件,分析比较人工饲料与韭菜Allium tuberosum的饲喂效果。【结果】对不同成分和不同含量的8种韭蛆人工饲料配方筛选,结果确定最优的人工饲料配方成分和含量为：平菇粉6 g,韭菜粉5 g,琼脂粉1.25 g,山梨酸0.04 g,苯甲酸0.05 g,酵母粉0.5 g,维生素C 2.5 g和水50 mL。该配方和韭菜饲养效果相当,不存在显著差异（P>0.05）。同时,两性生命表结果表明,人工饲料饲喂的韭蛆平均世代周期23.6800 d,韭菜饲喂的韭蛆世代周期为25.9000 d,两者之间差异显著（P<0.05）。生殖生物学特性分析发现：韭菜和人工饲料饲喂的韭蛆雌成虫净生殖率分别为16.3200和41.1800/d,内禀增长率分别为0.1078和0.1570/d。【结论】筛选的人工饲料和韭菜均可以稳定地完成韭蛆的世代繁殖,且人工饲料饲喂效果略优于韭菜,另外人工饲料较韭菜不但具有低成本省人工的优点,而且可解决韭菜反季节供应和农药残留问题,保证稳定的虫源供给。     

Ovipositional Synergists and Artificial Diets for Trichogramma australicum Girault (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae)

We studied ovipositional synergists and artificial diets for rearing Trichogramma australicum. Artificial "diet A" included 40% haemolymph of Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) final instar larvae, 30% of a 10% malt solution in deionised water, 20% chicken egg yolk and 10% Neisenheimer's salt solution with 76 units Penicillin and 76 units Streptomycin/ml diet. Artificial "diet B" was identical except Grace's insect medium® replaced Neisenheimer's salt solution. the number of T. australicum larvae in artificial eggs filled with diet A and diet B was not significantly different (P > 0.05). Significantly fewer (P < 0.05) larvae developed to pupae and adults in artificial eggs filled with diet A. Quantity and quality of artificial diet affected the mortality of T. australicum larvae reared in vitro. Ovipositional synergists included 10% gelatine solution, 10% polyvinyl alcohol solution or 1% agar solution in deionised water. Synergist test-solutions were individually smeared on the external surface of artificial eggs (hemispherical depressions in plastic membrane). Eggs laid and number of T. australicum larvae produced were significantly higher in artificial eggs smeared with gelatine than artificial eggs smeared with polyvinyl alcohol, agar or non-smeared (control) eggs.     

Life table parameters, reproductive rate, intrinsic rate of increase, and estimated cost of rearing Podisus maculiventris (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) on an artificial diet.

The impact of an insect-free artificial diet provided at nymphal and/or adult stage upon the developmental rate, life table parameters, and fertility table parameters was examined for Podisus maculiventris (Say). This study showed that when fed an insect-free artificial diet during both the nymphal and adult stage, developmental time was prolonged, preoviposition period was extended, and reproductive rate (R0) and intrinsic rate of increase (r) were significantly lower than when fed larval insect prey at both nymphal and adult stages. Additionally, feeding larval prey to adults reared as nymphs on an artificial diet significantly increased the proportion of fertile females, the number of eggs laid by mated females, the reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of increase, but the mean generation time was not significantly different. Likewise, feeding artificial diet to adults reared on larval prey resulted in a significant reduction in reproductive rate and intrinsic rate of increase. The "realized" cost to rear P. maculiventris on the artificial diet was calculated (as the cost to double the population size) using raw material cost, fertility table parameters and doubling time values. Raw material cost for rearing P. maculiventris colony on Trichoplusia ni (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) was only 1.4 times higher than the cost of artificial diet raw materials required to rear the same size colony. However, the realized cost of rearing was 3.5 times higher when rearing on artificial diet because of the prolonged developmental time and reduced reproductive output. The cost efficiency of rearing a beneficial insect on an artificial diet that decreases the intrinsic rate of increase of a colony is discussed, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of supplementing adult diets with natural prey at the reproductive stage.     

Using artificial nests to explore predation by introduced predators inhabiting alpine areas in New Zealand

Abstract

Many bird species endemic to alpine New Zealand are now at critically low densities and restricted in range, making predator‐prey research difficult. We used artificial nests in the Borland Valley, Fiordland National Park, to investigate (1) which introduced species is the most frequent nest predator in the two habitats, (2) whether nest survival differs between habitats, and (3) the utility of artificial nests for guiding conservation management. We used different types of artificial nest in 2 different years and undertook a calibration study of the two types. In 2003, survival of artificial nests containing wax eggs and chicken eggs was high in both habitats. In 2004, survival of artificial nests containing plastilina eggs and chicken eggs was low in both habitats, but was higher in alpine grassland compared with beech forest. Stoats and possums were the most frequent predators (36 and 22% respectively of artificial plastilina nests in alpine grassland and high‐altitude beech forest combined); these percentages did not vary significantly between habitats. Given the low density and sparse distribution of vulnerable species in much of New Zealand, data from artificial nests can be a useful tool for studying predation in these remote and difficult habitats, or at least, preferable to ignorance. However, the type of artificial nest used can strongly affect the rate at which they are destroyed.     

Soluble artificial metalloproteases with broad substrate selectivity, high reactivity, and high thermal and chemical stabilities

To design soluble artificial proteases that cleave peptide backbones of a wide range of proteins with high reactivity, artificial active sites comprising the Cu(II) complex of 1-oxa-4,7,10-triazacyclodedecane (oxacyclen) and the aldehyde group were synthesized. The aldehyde group was employed as the binding site in view of its ability to reversibly form imine bonds with ammonium groups exposed on the surfaces of proteins, and Cu(II) oxacyclen was exploited as the catalytic group for peptide hydrolysis. The artificial metalloproteases synthesized in the present study cleaved all of the protein substrates examined (albumin, γ-globulin, myoglobin, and lysozyme). In addition, the activity of the best soluble artificial protease was enhanced by up to 190-fold in terms of k _cat/K _m. When the temperature was raised to 80 °C, the activities of the artificial proteases were significantly enhanced. The activity of the artificial protease was not greatly affected by surfactants, including sodium dodecyl sulfate. The intermediacy of the imine complex formed between the artificial protease and the protein substrate was supported by an experiment using sodium cyanoborohydride. Soluble artificial metalloproteases with broad substrate selectivity, high reactivity, high thermal and chemical stabilities, and small molecular weights were thus synthesized by positioning the aldehyde group in proximity to Cu(II) oxacyclen.     

Synthesis and evaluation of RNA transesterification efficiency using stereospecific serinol-terpyridine conjugates

Six novel artificial ribonucleases were synthesized employing a stereochemically pure abasic serinol backbone residue for attachment of the RNA transesterification agent copper(II) terpyridine. These stereochemically pure abasic residues were synthesized as phosphoramidite building blocks from the parent L-serine and D-serine starting building blocks and incorporated into oligonucleotides via solid-phase DNA synthesis. These artificial ribonucleases were constructed to determine if the stereochemistry of the alpha carbon of an abasic serinol residue has influence over RNA transesterification through selective placement of a pendant transesterification agent in either the major or minor groove. The novel artificial ribonucleases and previously synthesized artificial ribonucleases were challenged with a 28-mer and 159-mer RNA substrate. It was determined that the stereochemistry of the carbon atom derived from the alpha-carbon of serine did not influence the extent of cleavage in these studies using copper(II) terpyridine conjugated artificial ribonucleases.     

锌在红树植物白骨壤－土壤系统中的分布与迁移

河口海湾沉积物中锌的污染已对水生生物构成了潜在的威胁.本研究在温室中建立红树植物白骨壤的模拟湿地系统,分别用不同浓度的人工配置污水和人工海水(对照)每周定时、定量地对模拟湿地系统进行为期1年的污灌试验,研究污水中的重金属锌在红树植物白骨壤-土壤系统中的分布、累积与迁移规律.结果表明,由人工污水加入模拟系统中的锌主要存留在土壤中(大于67%),只有一小部分(1.24%～10.4%)迁移到植物体和凋落物中,即白骨壤-土壤系统对生活污水中的锌具有较强的净化作用.根据物质平衡模型进行的计算表明,土壤子系统中锌的环境容量较大.     

MICROBIAL COLONIZATION ON NATURAL AND ARTIFICIAL MACROPHYTES IN A PHOSPHORUS-LIMITED,HARDWATER LAKE1

Epiphyte communities in a phosphorus-limited hard-water lake were compared over a 14-week period from Potamogeton illinoensis and structurally similar artificial plants of different leaf ages. Artificial plants were serially incubated in the lake to simulate the age of natural leaves. The physiognomy of loosely attached epiphytes appeared similar on the two substrata. Algal cell number and biovolume were 15-fold and 17-fold higher, respectively, on artificial leaves early in the growing season, but total algal density gradually became similar on natural and artificial plants. In contrast, the taxonomic composition of loosely attached algae became increasingly distinct, and mean cell biovolume on natural leaves was twice that on artificial leaves. Adnate epiphytes on both substrata developed from sparse populations of bacteria on new leaves to a community of diatoms, blue-green algae and numerous bacteria on mature and senescent leaves. Adnate community succession on natural leaves in late senescence/death differed from that on artificial leaves colonized for comparable periods in having (1) a marked increase in filamentous blue-green algae, (2) a subsequent decrease in all algae, and (3) a final fungi-dominated stage. The trends in colonization indicate that macrophytes in this oligotrophic lake provided a distinct habitat from that of artificial substrata for epiphytes throughout the growing season.     

Moon orientation in adult and young sandhoppers under artificial light

Our experiments, carried out at night and during the day on adults and laboratory-born young of the sandhopper Talitrus saltator, deal with the identification and use of the moon as an orientating factor. Sandhoppers were released in an apparatus (a Plexiglas dome) that produced a scenario similar to the natural one (with artificial sky, moon or sun illuminated at different intensities).When tested at night, the adult and young sandhoppers used the artificial moon like the natural one, independently of the intensity of illumination of the artificial sky and moon. In other words, sandhoppers tested at night always identified the artificial moon as the moon and never as the sun. In daytime releases, the seaward orientation failed at low intensities of artificial sky and sun illumination (3.07 and 1.55 microW cm2, respectively), whereas the sun compass was used effectively at higher levels of artificial sun and sky illumination. The innate ability of moon compass orientation in inexpert young sandhoppers was demonstrated even under artificial light.     

Snail–periphyton interactions in a prairie lacustrine wetland

This study examined the effects of nutrients and macrophytes on snail grazers and periphyton in a prairie wetland food web. Snails (Gyraulus circumstriatus) and periphyton in large enclosures in a lacustrine wetland, Delta Marsh, MB, Canada were subjected to two experimental treatments, nutrient addition (nitrogen, phosphorus) and macrophyte exclusion (using a porous geotextile carpet) during July and August. Snail biomass and periphyton biomass (on both artificial substrata and submerged macrophytes) increased over time in all treatments, representing seasonal growth. Snail biomass was three times higher on macrophytes than on artificial substrata. In response to nutrient addition, snail biomass was significantly elevated over time on macrophytes but not on artificial substrata. Conversely, periphyton biomass was higher on artificial substrata but not on macrophytes in response to nutrient addition. Snail biomass and periphyton biomass on artificial substrata showed no response to macrophyte exclusion. Snail biomass on all substrata was inversely correlated with turbidity, whereas periphyton biomass showed no relationship with turbidity. Timing of nutrient additions to wetlands may influence whether the response occurs primarily in phytoplankton or in periphyton and macrophytes.