Partial modelling of the perennial crop cycle misleads LCA results in two contrasted case studies

Purpose

As highlighted in recent reviews, there is a need to harmonise the way life cycle assessment (LCA) of perennial crops is conducted. In most published LCA on perennial crops, the modelling of the agricultural production is based on data sets for just one productive year. This may be misleading since performance and impacts of the system may greatly vary year by year. The purposes of this study are to analyse how partial modelling of the perennial cycle through non-holistic data collection may affect LCA results and to make recommendations.

Methods

Three modelling choices for the perennial crop cycle were tested in parallel in two contrasted LCA case studies: oil palm fruits from Indonesia, and small citrus from Morocco. Modelling choices tested were as follows: (i) a chronological modelling over the complete crop cycle of orchards, (ii) a 3-year average from the productive phase, and (iii) various single years from the productive phase. In both case studies, the system boundary was a cradle-to-farm gate with a functional unit of 1 kg fresh fruits. LCA midpoint impacts were calculated with ReCiPe 2008 in Simapro©V.7. We first analysed how inputs, yields and potential impacts varied over time. We then analysed process contributions in the baseline model, i.e. the chronological modelling, and finally compared LCA results for the various perennial modelling choices.

Results and discussion

Agricultural practices, yields and impacts varied over the years especially during the first 3–9 years depending on the case study. In both case studies, the modelling choices to account or not for the whole perennial cycle drastically influenced LCA results. The differences could be explained by the inclusion or not of the yearly variability and the accounting or not of the immature phase, which contributed to 7–40 or 6.5–29 % of all impact categories for oil palm fruit and citrus, respectively.

Conclusions

The chosen approach to model the perennial cycle influenced the final LCA results for two contrasted case studies and deserved specific attention. Although data availability may remain the limiting factor in most cases, assumptions can be made to interpolate or extrapolate some data sets or to consolidate data sets from chronosequences (i.e. modular modelling). In all cases, we suggest that the approach chosen to model the perennial cycle and the representativeness of associated collected data should be made transparent and discussed. Further research work is needed to improve the understanding and modelling of perennial crop functioning and LCA assessment.

     

植物根系呼吸代谢及影响根系呼吸的环境因子研究进展

根系呼吸是植物通过活根向环境释放CO2的过程。根系的呼吸作用集物质代谢与能量代谢为一体,构成了地下部代谢的中心。根系呼吸进行顺利与否是衡量植物根系功能和逆境胁迫的重要指标之一,相关代谢研究已成为目前植物生理、生化和生态学等领域的热点。该文对植物根系呼吸途径、呼吸代谢关键酶和中间产物、影响根系呼吸代谢的根域环境因子以及研究进展进行了综述,并对其研究前景进行展望。     

Radionuclides content in grape molasses soil samples from Central Black Sea region of Turkey

The activity concentrations of radionuclides in grape molasses soil samples collected from Zile (Tokat) plain in the Central Black Sea region of Turkey were measured by using gamma spectrometer with a NaI(Tl) detector. Also, the concentrations of ²²²Rn in soil samples and air were estimated essentially taking the activity concentrations of ²²⁶Ra measured in soil samples. Grape molasses soil samples with calcium carbonate content are used for sedimentation for making molasses in this region. The average activity concentrations of ²³²Th, ²²⁶Ra, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs were found as 62 ± 2, 68 ± 3, 479 ± 35, and 8.0 ± 0.3 Bq kg^?1, respectively. The average concentrations of ²²²Rn in soil samples and air were estimated to be 50 kBq m^?3 and 144 Bq m^?3. From the activity concentrations, absorbed gamma dose rate in outdoor air (D), annual effective dose from external exposure (E_E), annual effective dose from inhalation of radon (E_I), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) were estimated in order to assess radiological risks. The average values of D, E_E, E_I, and ELCR were found to be 90 nGy h^?1, 110 μSv y^?1, 1360 μSv y^?1, and 4 × 10^?4, respectively.     

超分辨成像中基于模板函数对多个荧光分子定位

在生物结构和功能成像领域里,超分辨成像成为近年来研究的热点,而荧光分子定位,特别是多荧光分子的定位,是超分辨成像的一个重要环节.本文基于模板函数和非线性拟合给出多个荧光分子定位算法,并利用该算法分析信噪比和两个荧光分子距离对荧光分子定位精度的影响,指出了只有信噪比大于5,两个荧光分子的距离大于8个像素时,才能获得精确的荧光分子的定位.结果证明该方法的合理性和有效性.     

S-layer-coated liposomes as a versatile system for entrapping and binding target molecules

In the present study, unilamellar liposomes coated with the crystalline bacterial cell surface layer (S-layer) protein of Bacillus stearothermophilus PV72/p2 were used as matrix for defined binding of functional molecules via the avidin- or streptavidin-biotin bridge. The liposomes were composed of dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and hexadecylamine in a molar ratio of 10:5:4 and they had an average size of 180 nm. For introducing specific functions into the S-layer lattice without affecting substances encapsulated within the liposomes, crosslinking and activation reagents had to be identified which did not penetrate the liposomal membrane. Among different reagents, a hydrophilic dialdehyde generated by periodate cleavage of raffinose and a sulfo-succinimide activated dicarboxylic acid were found to be impermeable for the liposomal membrane. Both reagents completely crosslinked the S-layer lattice without interfering with its regular structure. Biotinylation of S-layer-coated liposomes was achieved by coupling p-diazobenzoyl biocytin which preferably reacts with the phenolic residue of tyrosine or with the imidazole ring of histidine. By applying this method, two biotin residues accessible for subsequent avidin binding were introduced per S-layer subunit. As visualized by labeling with biotinylated ferritin, an ordered monomolecular layer of streptavidin was formed on the surface of the S-layer-coated liposomes. As a second model system, biotinylated anti-human IgG was attached via the streptavidin bridge to the biotinylated S-layer-coated liposomes. The biological activity of the bound anti-human IgG was confirmed by ELISA.     

Methylparaben induces malformations and alterations on apoptosis,oxidant–antioxidant status,ccnd1 and myca expressions in zebrafish embryos

Methylparabens (MP) are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmacy, and food industry. Although acute toxicity studies in animals indicated that parabens are not significantly toxic, the effects of chronic exposure under sublethal doses are still unknown and the number of related studies is limited. Our aim was to evaluate the effects of MP on the development of zebrafish embryos focusing on development, locomotor activity, oxidant–antioxidant status, apoptosis, and ccnd1 and myca expressions. The expressions of ccnd1 and myca were determined by RT‐PCR. Lipid peroxidation (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), and glutathione‐S‐transferase (GST) activities were determined spectrophotometrically. Apoptosis was determined using acridine orange staining. Locomotor activity was measured using touch‐evoked movement test. MP exposure increased malformations, LPO, apoptosis, ccnd1 and myca expressions, and decreased GST activities and NO levels compared with the control group. Our findings will lead to further understanding of the mechanism of MP toxicity, and merit further research.     

盐分、变温和激素处理对盐生植物异子蓬异型性种子萌发及成苗的影响

利用培养皿种子萌发及土壤盆栽方法对新疆特有藜科1年生盐生植物异子蓬(Suaeda aralocaspica)在不同盐分(NaCl和Na2SO4)、变温(4～30℃)和激素(GA3)处理下的种子萌发及成苗行为进行了研究.结果表明:异子蓬2种种子在NaCl和Na2SO42种盐胁迫下的萌发和休眠特性表现出明显差异,其中黑色种子的萌发率比褐色种子低;黑色种子属于非深度生理休眠,可分别通过15/30℃变温处理、4℃低温层积30 d及用800mg·L-1赤霉素处理促进其萌发;盐处理及温度变化对褐色种子的出苗率和成苗率影响显著,对黑色种子则不明显,说明黑色种子萌发存在着持续性的缓萌机制,有利于其形成持久种子库,以上特性均显示出其对初春盐生环境的适应性.     

鹰嘴豆孢克鲁维酵母利用菊芋原料同步糖化与发酵生产乙醇

菊芋含有大量的菊粉多糖,且种植简单、产量高,是极具开发价值的替代玉米等粮食作物生产燃料乙醇的原料。文中研究了鹰嘴豆孢克鲁维酵母Y179利用菊芋原料同步糖化与发酵生产乙醇。鹰嘴豆孢克鲁维酵母Y179具有高效分泌菊粉酶的能力,摇瓶试验显示Y179酵母能够利用完全由菊芋原料配制而成的培养基良好生长并发酵产生乙醇。通气及温度对乙醇产量影响明显,相对厌氧环境对Y179酵母发酵产乙醇具有促进作用,30℃发酵温度相对37℃和42℃更有利于乙醇产量提高。种子液培养时间及接种量对乙醇产量影响较小。在5 L发酵罐中以10%(V/V)量接入预培养36 h的Y179种子液,发酵液完全由菊芋干粉配制而成,总糖含量22%(W/V),30℃不通气,300 r/min搅拌,发酵144 h时,乙醇浓度达到12.3%(V/V),糖醇转化效率86.9%,糖利用率大于93.6%。初步研究结果显示鹰嘴豆孢克鲁维酵母Y179在利用菊芋原料生产乙醇方面具有良好应用前景。     

The male postabdomen and reproductive system of Bibio marci Linnaeus, 1758 (Hexapoda: Diptera: Bibionidae)

The male postabdomen and the internal parts of the male genital system of Bibio marci (Bibionomorpha) were examined and reconstructed 3‐dimensionally. Several features differ from the presumptive dipteran groundplan. The bases of the gonopods are fused with each other and with tergite IX. The penis is not tube‐shaped and only sclerotized on the ventral side. The vasa deferentia are S‐shaped, and two pairs of accessory glands are present. In contrast to these characteristics, the arrangement of the internal parts is probably close to the ancestral condition. With its specific shape, the penis is well suited for the transfer of a spermatophore. The dorsal sclerite of the copulatory organ probably represents the medially fused parameres. A cladistic analysis of 27 characters of the postabdomen yielded two most parsimonious trees, with the strict consensus as follows: Nannochoristidae (outgroup) + (Culicidae [Culicomorpha] + ((Nymphomyiidae + (Tipulidae + Trichoceridae)) + (Tabanidae [Brachycera] + (Bibionidae, Anisopodidae, Axymyiidae [Bibionomorpha])))). Potential synapomorphies of Bibionomorpha (including Axymyiidae) and Brachycera are the fusion of sternum IX with the gonocoxites, the fusion of the parameres forming the dorsal sclerite and the presence of an entire series of postabdominal muscles (M4, M20, M23, M26, M27, M31, M35 and M37). The results of the analysis are preliminary as it is based on a single‐character system with a limited taxon sampling. However, the main result – a clade Bibionomorpha + Brachycera – is fully compatible with current hypotheses on dipteran phylogeny.     

土壤水肥因子对胡杨幼苗生长权衡和木质化的影响

以当年生胡杨幼苗为材料,通过不同水平的水分和养分单因素控制盆栽试验,探讨土壤水肥因子对当年生胡杨幼苗生长权衡和木质化的影响,以明确胡杨生长过程中以及种子更新困难的原因和机理。结果表明:(1)当年生胡杨幼苗生长权衡主要体现在生物量的分配策略上,而主根长/高度没有显著差异。(2)在连续给水处理下,干旱胁迫使幼苗根冠比显著增加,土壤含水量15%处理的根冠比较含水量20%和30%处理分别显著增加了75%和93%;但干旱胁迫抑制了生物量的积累,含水量10%处理下生物量比15%、20%和30%处理分别显著减小53.4%、89.2%、78.6%;在断续给水处理下,随着干旱程度的增加幼苗根冠比显著增加,土壤含水量15%处理的根冠比较含水量20%和30%处理分别显著增加34%和38%;连续给水和断续给水两类干旱胁迫均能明显增加幼苗根系木质化程度。(3)土壤施加氮磷均显著增加幼苗根冠比和木质化,但过量的氮肥抑制根系生物量的积累。可见,胡杨幼苗对于水肥条件胁迫敏感性与生长权衡能力是胡杨林种子更新与种群维持的关键环节,调整立地土壤水肥环境对当年生胡杨幼苗的生长定居有重要的作用。