Leptospira population ecology. II. An attempt to assess the number in the soil and the epizootic potential of infected spots

Leptospires released with a carrier's urine were found to inhabit the upper layer of the soil 1 cm deep at a radius of 1-2 cm from the place of their penetration into the soil. A sharp drop in the number of leptospires in the "infected spot" was shown to occur; in 6-12 hours their concentration became no different from that in the intact soil. Most of such spots retained their infective capacity for 6 hours (up to 2 days), though the presence of leptospires at low concentration was registered for 10 days (the term of observation). The infective capacity was probably maintained by the regular addition of leptospires with carriers' urine.     

Mice recognize recent urine scent marks by the molecular composition

Male mice mark the territory with urine scent marks that are frequently renewed to maintain the territory ownership. We measured the response of male mice to small spots of urine deposed either 0, 5, 11, 22, 45, 90 min, or 24 h before testing and show that mice loose interest in sniffing scent marks as they become older and older. We asked what scent features tell a mouse how recent a scent mark is, and therefore, we studied the molecule-to-behavior relationship by correlating 6 behavioral variables--the number of sniffing acts, the latency to the first sniff, the number of urine marks, the latency to the first mark, the area of the marks, and the number of fecal pellets-to 2,4-dehydro-exo-brevicomin, linalool, 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole, 2,4-dimethylphenol, 4-ethylphenol, and 6,10-dimethyl-5,9-undecadien-2-one released from urine spots over the time, identified, and quantified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Canonical correlation between the molecular and the behavioral principal components was strong (R(1) = 0.96, P = 0.026). The principal component based on 2,4-dehydro-exo-brevicomin, linalool, and 2-sec-butyl-4,5-dihydrothiazole correlated negatively with countermarking and positively with the sniffing behavior, suggesting a semantic feature of fresh male mouse urine.     

Examining the spatial distribution of flower thrips in southern highbush blueberries by utilizing geostatistical methods

Flower thrips (Frankliniella spp.) are one of the key pests of southern highbush blueberries (Vaccinium corymbosum L. x V. darrowii Camp), a high-value crop in Florida. Thrips' feeding and oviposition injury to flowers can result in fruit scarring that renders the fruit unmarketable. Flower thrips often form areas of high population, termed "hot spots", in blueberry plantings. The objective of this study was to model thrips spatial distribution patterns with geostatistical techniques. Semivariogram models were used to determine optimum trap spacing and two commonly used interpolation methods, inverse distance weighting (IDW) and ordinary kriging (OK), were compared for their ability to model thrips spatial patterns. The experimental design consisted of a grid of 100 white sticky traps spaced at 15.24-m and 7.61-m intervals in 2008 and 2009, respectively. Thirty additional traps were placed randomly throughout the sampling area to collect information on distances shorter than the grid spacing. The semivariogram analysis indicated that, in most cases, spacing traps at least 28.8 m apart would result in spatially independent samples. Also, the 7.61-m grid spacing captured more of the thrips spatial variability than the 15.24-m grid spacing. IDW and OK produced maps with similar accuracy in both years, which indicates that thrips spatial distribution patterns, including "hot spots," can be modeled using either interpolation method. Future studies can use this information to determine if the formation of "hot spots" can be predicted using flower density, temperature, and other environmental factors. If so, this development would allow growers to spot treat the "hot spots" rather than their entire field.     

内蒙古温带典型草原羊尿斑块土壤化学特性变化

在内蒙古冷蒿小禾草草原1989年围封禁牧地,研究了天然羊尿尿斑土壤化学特性的变化规律,结果表明,土壤pH值于施尿后第2天达到最大值,以后呈下降趋势,58天后pH值基本稳定在6．5左右且低于对照区水平,施尿区土壤可溶性有机碳含量的变化趋势与pH值的变化基本一致,两者存在显著的正相关关系(P<0．01)．施尿后土壤总可溶性磷含量显著提高(P<0．05),第2天达到最大值(35．1mg·L^-1)。总可溶性磷各组分钼酸反应磷、可溶性有机磷和可溶性缩合磷百分比均存在两个明显的变化阶段,钼酸反应磷和可溶性有机磷与可溶性缩合磷存在显著的负相关关系(P<0．05)．施尿区土壤NH4^+-N在第2天达到最大值。以后呈下降趋势;NO3-N含量14天后开始显著增加,并于第21天达到最大值,其变化呈现明显的“双峰型”特征,并较NH4^+-N存在显著的时滞现象;施尿后土壤可溶性有机氮含量显著增加,并表现为“双峰型”变化特征。     

Intergeneric transfer of chromosomal and conjugative plasmid genes between Ralstonia solanacearum and Acinetobacter sp. BD413

Conjugative transfer of a broad-host range plasmid and transformation-mediated transfer of chromosomal genes were found to occur at significant frequencies between Ralstonia solanacearum and Acinetobacter sp. in planta. These intergeneric gene transfers are related to the conditions provided by the infected plant, including the extensive multiplication of these two bacteria in planta and the development of a competence state in Acinetobacter sp. Although interkingdom DNA transfer from nuclear transgenic plants to these bacteria was not detectable, plants infected by pathogens (e.g., Ralstonia solanacearum) and co-colonized by soil saprophyte bacteria (e.g., Acinetobacter sp.) can be considered as potential "hot spots" for gene transfer, even between phylogenetically remote organisms.     

Isolation of keratomycetes from the soil of wild animal cages and enclosures in the zoo of the Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo, Italy

The keratinophilic fungi present in the soil of wild animal cages and enclosures in the zoo of the "Parco Nazionale d'Abruzzo", at Pescasseroli, Italy were studied. The goal of the investigation was to determine what species of such fungi existed in wild animal habitats in that area and what variation there may be in their frequency in connection with the seasons. The most prevalent fungus was Trichophyton ajelloi, followed in decreasing order by the Chrysosporium species (C. keratinophilum, C. tropicum, C. state of Ctenomyces serratus). The Microsporums were relatively rare. The perfect forms Arthroderma uncinatum, A. quadrifidum, Nannizzia cajetani and Ctenomyces serratus were isolated from plates containing their corresponding imperfect forms. The recurrence of the species present in the soil of each cage and enclosure in April and in July was remarkable.     

不同抗旱性花生品种的根系形态发育及其对干旱胁迫的响应

为明确不同抗旱性花生品种的根系形态发育特征,探讨其根系形态发育特征对不同土壤水分状况的响应机制,在防雨棚旱池内进行土柱栽培试验,研究抗旱型品种“花育22号”、“唐科8号”和干旱敏感型品种“花育23号”3个不同抗旱性花生品种根系形态发育特征及其对干旱胁迫的响应.结果表明:抗旱型品种根系较发达,具有较大的根系生物量、总根长、总根系表面积.干旱胁迫使抗旱型品种根系总表面积和体积增加,而干旱敏感型品种则相反.干旱胁迫显著增加抗旱型品种“花育22号”20 cm以下土层内根长密度分布比例及根系表面积和体积,但“唐科8号”相应根系性状仅在20-40 cm土层内增加;干旱胁迫使干旱敏感型品种“花育23号”40 cm以下土层内各根系性状升高,但未达显著水平且其深层土壤内各根系性状增加幅度小于“花育22号”.花生根系总长、总表面积及0-20 cm土层内根系性状与产量间呈显著或极显著正相关.土壤水分亏缺条件下,花生主要通过增加深层土壤内根长、根系表面积和体积等形态特性,优化空间分布构型,以调节植株对水分的利用.     

三江平原碟形洼地-岛状林土壤氮磷空间分布及生态化学计量特征

为阐明由碟形洼地-岛状林方向土壤养分的空间分布特征,选取非生长季中国科学院三江平原沼泽湿地生态试验站内的碟形洼地为研究对象,探讨土壤全氮和全磷含量及其化学计量比的空间分布特征及其影响因素。结果表明:由碟形洼地-岛状林方向,全氮、全磷和氮磷比在各样点的平均值分别呈"V"字、倒"N"字和"V"字型分布,土壤全氮、全磷与氮磷比含量的平均值分别为2278.11 mg/kg、820.50 mg/kg与2.44,变异系数为全氮(51.77%)氮磷比(36.07%)全磷(13.65%)。在0—50 cm土层内,全氮、全磷和氮磷比总体呈随土壤深度增加而逐渐降低的趋势,其中全氮主要集中于不同样点土壤的中上层,各样点的最高值均分布在土壤表层区域;全磷的富集深度与全氮相同,但在土壤20 cm深度各样点含量相近,后在20—50 cm深度内呈逐渐下降趋势;氮磷比在各样点的最高值与全氮和全磷分布总体一致,富集深度与两元素呈基本一致趋势。相关性分析表明,碟形洼地-岛状林方向土壤全氮与全磷之间均呈现出良好的相关关系,其中土壤有机质的分布,植物与水文状况、季节变化和土壤温度也在养分分布中起重要作用。     

Quantitative estimation of the dynamics of adventive flora (by the example of the Tula region)

The rate of enrichment of the Tula region flora with adventive species was quantitatively estimated taking into account the changes of their degree of naturalization during the last 200 years. Numerical score of degree of the naturalization for each species was used to compile the initial database: "0", species absent from the territory; "1", ephemerophyte; "2", colonophyte; "3", epecophyte; "4", argiophyte; "?", lack of data. Non-interpolated integral index of the dynamics of adventive flora NI(t) was calculated from this database. This index displays the sum of the degrees of naturalization of all the adventive species in the flora in some particular year. The interpolation of the initial database, aimed at minimizing the influence of random factors (e.g., gaps in observations or different activity of the researchers in different years), was performed by substituting the "?" symbol by a series of intermediate values based on studies of the data for adjacent territories. Interpolated integral indices I(t) were calculated from the interpolated database. These indices were then leveled out with Morlet wavelets, in order to distinguish random spikes (lasting less than 50 years) from the analyzed signal, and thus approximate the index dynamics to the objective trend that represents the dynamics of the flora and not the rate of activity of the researchers. The dynamics of the adventive flora of the Tula region revealed with this method shows the following facts: 1) average rate of the enrichment of the adventive flora with strange species has been constant for these 200 years and amounted to 15 species per decade; 2) average rate of naturalization was relatively low and constant, amounting to 5 species per decade; 3) fluctuations of the composition and naturalization degree of the Tula region adventive flora species were not shown to be dependant directly on the changes in the territory's economic development during the last two centuries; 4) no periodicity was recorded in the advent of new species, and the fluctuations of the number of adventive species can be attributed to the fluctuations of research intensity.     

Update on the diagnosis of dermatomycosis

Dermatomycosis are mycotic diseases of skin caused by a few mycetes: dermatophytes, and some opportunistic fungi as Malassezia, Candida (not C. albicans), Trichosporon, Rhodutorula, Cryptococcus or Aspergillus, Geotrichum, Alternaria, etc. Dermatophytes are a group of closely related filamentous fungi that invade keratinized tissue (skin, hair, nails) of humans and other animals and produce infection called dermatophytosis or ringworm or "tinea". The etiological agents of dermatophytosis are classified in three genera: Microsporum, Trichophyton and Epidermophyton (Deuteromycetes). On the basis of their primary habitat dermatophytes are divided in Anthropophilic dermatophytes (parasitic organisms that infect humans), Zoophilic dermatophytes (parasitic organisms that infect animals, but also humans: agents of zoonosis) and Geophilic dermatophytes (saprobic fungi associated with keratinous materials in soil). In the soil there are also structure associated with contagion, ("spore", "arthroconidium", or "clamydospore") of anthropophilic and zoophilic dermatophytes that may persist for years, in the environment, in hair or skin scales. Since on the skin of animals there are many saprobic organisms (Malassezia) and many fungi may infect the fur, it is important to make an accurate diagnosis. Dermatophytosis are communicable diseases acquired from infected animals or from fomites. Infections caused by dermatophytes is a ringworm. These infections may range from mild and superficial, almost subclinical, to a few areas of scaling to a highly inflammatory reaction with extensive areas of scarring and alopecia. Granuloma formations (mycetoma-like) may occur especially in cats. Dermatophytes, as filamentous fungi, undergo radial fungi: collection of skin material is best made by collecting the scales near the edges of the rings. Hairs are best sampled by plucking; a scalpel may be used to scrape scales; brushes have also been used. Sample materials are best transported in dry packet. The Wood's light may be used to identify infected fluorescent hairs. Direct microscopy, although false negative up to 50% of cases, is a highly efficient screening technique. Scraping and hairs should mixed to 10-15% KOH. Culture is a valuable adjunct to direct microscopy and is essential to identify more dermatophytes. A medium selective against most nondermatophytic moulds and bacteria is used as a primary isolation medium. Many typical isolates of common dermatophytes can be identified directly from primary isolation media. Identification characters include: colony pigmentation, texture, morphological structure (macroconidia, microconidia, spirals, pectinate branches, etc). Nutritional requiment, growth in special media, "in vitro" perforation, mating studies are procedures used to identify atypical isolates. Serological approaches have revealed difficulties. Many kinds of molecular biologic techniques have been made available for clinical diagnosis recently; almost all of these techniques involve the polymerase chain reaction (PCR).     

Incidence and Control of Necrotic Leaf Mosaic Caused by Arabis Mosaic Virus in Lilium tigrinum splendens in the Netherlands

Necrotic mosaic on leaves and ring spots on bulb scales of Lilium tigrinum splendens, can be caused by arabis mosaic virus (AMV). Primarily infected bulbs can show spongy roots and large necrotic areas on creamy coloured bulb scales. Consecutive series of plants replanted for monthly periods in infested soil were mostly infected by AMV at a high rate (70%) throughout the year. Very low or undetectable numbers of Xiphinema diversicandatum, nematodes in soil dilution experiments infected lilies very efficiently (50–70 %). In general, soil disinfestation with dichloropropene, dazomet, methylbromide, and other disinfectants were variably fairly effective, particularly when yellow crocus among which couch was abundant, was previously grown for two years. The influx of AMV infected material into the soil was assumed to increase the number of AMV-carrying nematodes, and may be one cause of the failure of soil disinfestation. A survey of AMV infested soil in lily-growing regions in The Netherlands indicated its occurrence in a few fields only. Complex control measures applicable under growers' conditions, in addition to the variably effective soil disinfestation, are indicated.     

急性大鼠癫痫模型海马神经元原发性单位后放电脉冲间隔特征

受到刺激后即刻出现的海马（hippocampus,HPC）原发性单位后放电是癫痫相关性细胞电活动的重要形式之一,其放电脉冲间隔（interspike interval,ISI）和串内平均频率（Hz）特征及其在网络癫痫形成中的作用值得探讨。实验用急性强直电刺激（60Hz,2S,0．4-0．6mA）大鼠右侧后背HPC（acute tetanization of the fight posterior dorsal hippocampus,以后简称ATPDH）或右侧尾壳核（acute tetanization of the fight caudate putamen nucleus,以后简称ATRC）诱导HPC或皮层网络癫痫,重点观察HPC神经元原发性单位后放电模式和上述的瞬时时间编码特征。结果表明：（1）HPC原发性单位后放电表现为两种不同的放电模式,即先易化后抑制或先抑制后易化,其ISI序列分别表现为先小后大的“头尾”式分布或先大后小的“尾头”式分布。（2）ATFDH主要引起“尾头”式（35／57串）、而ATRC主要引起“头尾”式（12／22串）ISI点分布的原发性单位后放电,串内“头”、“尾”平均持续时间均具有明显差异（P〈0．05）。（3）ATRC可以诱导双侧HPC单位后放电出现交互的“头尾”、‘呢头”式ISI点分布特征。（4）多串电刺激可以诱导HPC原发性单位后放电特征性ISI点分布重复显现。（5）特征性HPC原发性单位后放电伴随出现网络癫痫发作样高频电振荡。这提示：强直电刺激诱导的HPC神经元原发性单位后放电“头尾”或呢头”式ISI序列分布规律,可以较准确地反映所记录神经元的诱发性易化或抑制活动的程度,用于网络癫痫形成中单个成员细胞癫痫相关性电活动机制的分析。     

基于1∶100万土壤数据库的中国土壤有机碳密度及储量研究

基于中国1∶100万土壤数据库,利用土壤有机碳储量和碳密度的空间化表达和计算方法研究中国土壤有机碳密度及储量.土壤空间数据库包含926个土壤类型单元,690个土属类型,94 000多个图斑;土壤属性数据库收录了7 292个全国各类型土壤的剖面数据,包括81个土壤属性字段.研究采用“土壤类型GIS连接法”实现土壤剖面有机碳密度与图形图斑连接,通过制图单元碳储量求和得出全国或者区域碳储量,并利用面积平均法计算全国及各类型土壤的有机碳平均密度.结果表明,中国的土壤面积共有928.10×10⁴ km²,有机碳储量为89.14 Pg (1 Pg=10¹⁵ g),土壤平均碳密度9.60 kg·m^-2,是目前与真值最为接近的研究结果.     

Genetic aspects of species structure of the compost worm Eisenia foetida (Sav.) (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae)

Distribution of frequencies alleles of polymorphous loci of peroxidase (Pox), leucineaminopeptidase (Lap), phosphoglucomutase (Pgm) and octanoldehydrogenase (Odh) were studied by electrophoresis in polyacrylamide gel in 22 local samples of Esenia foetida in Russia (European part), Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Kirghizia. The samples form two spatial groups--"northern" and "southern", distinguished by set of alleles in every studied locus. The "northern" groups is formed by local populations of European Russia from Murmansk region on the north to Smolensk region on the south, and also by cultivated population of selection line "red California hybrid". The "southern" group is formed by local populations on the territory of Russia from middle Volga to the North Caucasus, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Kirghizia, cultivated populations from Kirghizia and Portugal. High degree of genetic difference between samples and independence of alleles frequencies distribution from geographical location and habitat allows to consider almost all studied groups as separate populations. Statistical processing of Nei genetic distances (Nei, 1972) revealed reliable differences between averages of within- and intergroup distances. Besides, discrete differences between intervals of significance of genetic distances were revealed. The results indicate that on the studied territory E. foetida has hierarchical two level structure. The first level is formed by local populations differed by frequency of the same alleles. The second level is formed by local populations, united into spatial groups, that are qualitatively distinguished by the set of alleles in the same loci.     

Oral loading of homogentisic acid in controls and in obligate heterozygotes for hereditary tyrosinemia type I.

Homogentisic acid (HGA) (50 mg/kg) was given orally to 22 obligate heterozygotes for hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT) and to 11 controls. After 1 h the mean +/- standard error (SE) plasma level of HGA was 30.42 +/- 1.41 micrograms/ml in carriers and 19.29 +/- 1.62 in controls. Mean +/- SE fasting delta-amino-levulinate dehydratase (delta-ALD) was 40.05 +/- 1.79 m microM/min/g Hb in carriers, much lower than the 60.81 +/- 5.11 found in controls. After 3 h this difference in levels of delta-ALD remained, with mean +/- SE values of 25.70 +/- 2.89 m microM/min/g Hb in carriers, compared with 48.83 +/- 5.37 in controls. Three-hour mean +/- SE excretion of fumarylacetone "equivalent" [FAc] in urine in carriers, 51.597 +/- 5.580 micrograms/mg/creatinine, was significantly higher than the 27.941 +/- 5.916 in controls. Three-hour excretion of succinylacetone "equivalent" [SAc] was also significantly higher in the urine of carriers. FAc in 3-h urine was identified by thin-layer chromatography and confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Multivariate stepwise discriminant analysis showed that the inclusion order of significant variables was as follows: HGA levels at 1 hr, fasting level of delta-ALD, residual level of HGA at 3 h, and 3-h excretion of [FAc]. Non-significant variables were HGA tolerance, levels of delta-ALD at 3 h, sex, and 3-h excretion of [SAc].(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Yersiniae in the soil of an infected wapiti range

Yersinia enterocolitica was isolated from 10 of 121 soil samples from an area inhabitated by infected wapiti (Cervus elaphus roosevelti) in northwest California. Significantly (p less than 0.05) more soil samples from a forest habitat were infected, compared to soil samples from prairie habitats. Soil was found infected with yersiniae only on dates for which rainfall in excess of 17 mm had occurred during the previous 7 days.     

滤减UV-B辐射对烤烟蛋白质组变化的影响

为研究不同UV-B辐射强度对烤烟生理代谢及调控途径的影响,应用蛋白质双向电泳联用质谱技术,以云南普遍种植的烤烟K326为试验材料,通过覆盖不同透明薄膜滤减UV-B辐射的方式,对75.8%(聚乙烯膜,处理1)和37.5%(麦拉膜,处理2)UV-B辐射透过率处理下K326的蛋白质组和相关生理性状进行了比较。结果表明:在蛋白质组中有10个蛋白在这两类处理下蛋白差异表达显著;与处理1相比,在处理2的K326叶片中有5个蛋白上调表达,5个蛋白下调表达;通过质谱分析共鉴定出8种功能明确的蛋白质,其中差异表达的10个蛋白中有3个与氧化还原相关,3个与光合作用相关,1个是参与能量代谢的激酶蛋白,1个是RNA结合蛋白,另外还有2个未知功能的蛋白待探明,在蛋白质组水平对不同UV-B辐射强度与烤烟生长发育的关系进行了初步研究;而在K326的生理成熟期、过渡期及工艺成熟期,处理2的净光合速率(Pn)均高于处理1,这与所鉴定出的3个与光合作用有光的蛋白在处理2中上调表达趋势一致;相比之下,处理1的K326发育进程较快,茎粗等形态指标及比叶重均比处理2高。     

Physiological effects of Shinrin-yoku (taking in the atmosphere of the forest) in an old-growth broadleaf forest in Yamagata Prefecture, Japan

The physiological effects of "Shinrin-yoku" (taking in the atmosphere of the forest) were examined by investigating blood pressure, pulse rate, heart rate variability (HRV), salivary cortisol concentration, and immunoglobulin A concentration in saliva. Subjective feelings of being "comfortable", "calm", and "refreshed" were also assessed by questionnaire. The subjects were 12 male university students aged from 21 to 23 (mean+/-SD: 22.0+/-1.0). The physiological measurements were conducted six times, i.e., in the morning and evening before meals at the place of accommodation, before and after the subjects walked a predetermined course in the forest and city areas for 15 minutes, and before and after they sat still on a chair watching the scenery in the respective areas for 15 minutes. The findings were as follows. In the forest area compared to the city area, 1) blood pressure and pulse rate were significantly lower, and 2) the power of the HF component of the HRV tended to be higher and LF/(LF+HF) tended to be lower. Also, 3) salivary cortisol concentration was significantly lower in the forest area. These physiological responses suggest that sympathetic nervous activity was suppressed and parasympathetic nervous activity was enhanced in the forest area, and that "Shinrin-yoku" reduced stress levels. In the subjective evaluation, 4) "comfortable", "calm", and "refreshed" feelings were significantly higher in the forest area. The present study has, by conducting physiological investigations with subjective evaluations as supporting evidence, demonstrated the relaxing and stress-relieving effects of "Shinrin-yoku".     

Urine patterns in mice: An analysis of male/female counter-marking

Counter-marking in mice, Mus musculus was investigated by analysing urine deposition on filter paper marked asymmetrically with urine of the opposite sex. Intact males deposited large numbers of urine spots with a marked angular bias towards previously marked quadrants. More spots were deposited on proestrous and ovariectomized donor urine patterns, their distribution being more centrifugal on oestrous urine and more centripetal in quadrants containing a large female urine spot in a central position. In contrast, castrated male mice deposited very few spots with no angular bias. Female urine patterns showed angular bias in response to intact, but not castrated male donor urine, a larger number of spots being produced by oestrous females. Thus the pattern of deposition offers scope for two-way communication of information about reproductive potential.     

黄土丘陵区小流域土地利用和植被恢复对土壤质量的影响

土壤质量的维护和提高是全球生物圈可持续发展的重要因素之一．对黄土丘陵小流域持续利用25年后的荒草地、山杏林地、农地、油松林地、灌木林地和撂荒地土壤性状的研究结果表明,不同土地利用方式和植被恢复类型对土壤质量有很大影响;植被恢复重建和农地撂荒将增加土壤有机质含量,提高土壤质量;粗放的农业耕作措施将降低土壤质量并引起土壤退化;灌丛有明显的肥力岛屿作用;撂荒在一定程度上可以培肥土壤。随着“西部大开发”、“退耕还林还草”和生态重建工程的开展,在半干旱黄土丘陵沟壑区,建植灌木、种植牧草、农地撂荒和自然恢复是较好的生态重建和植被恢复方式。