镉在土壤-金丝垂柳系统中的迁移特征

以金丝垂柳为试验对象,采用盆栽试验方式,设置无植物和金丝垂柳两组试验,分别对两组试验的土壤做梯度浓度Cd处理:0(无镉处理)、2(低浓度处理)、20(中浓度处理)、80(高浓度处理) mg/kg 土壤干重,无植物组各处理分别定义为CK(无镉处理)、L(低浓度处理)、M(中浓度处理)、H(高浓度处理),金丝垂柳组各处理分别定义为CKP(无镉处理)、LP(低浓度处理)、MP(中浓度处理)、HP(高浓度处理)。通过对土壤中各形态Cd含量及金丝垂柳叶、韧皮部、木质部、根部的Cd含量测定,分析了金丝垂柳及不同浓度Cd处理对土壤中中性交换态、螯合态和残渣态Cd含量的影响,并评价了富集指数(BCF)、转移系数(TF)和生物有效性(BF),明确了Cd在土壤-金丝垂柳系统中的转移特征及金丝垂柳对土壤中Cd的清除效果。结果表明:(1)金丝垂柳对土壤中中性交换态、有效态Cd含量及总Cd量的降低具有极显著影响,HP组与无植物H组相比,中性交换态及有效态Cd含量分别降低了52.73%、25.34%,MP、HP组与对应的无植物处理组的总Cd量相比分别降低了11.33%、13.89%;(2)金丝垂柳各处理组的Cd积累量随Cd处理浓度的增加和处理时间的延长而增加,处理90 d后,HP处理中木质部和根部的Cd含量可达170.64 mg/kg、212.49 mg/kg;(3)各浓度Cd处理下,金丝垂柳各部位生物富集系数呈根>木质部>韧皮部、叶,且随着Cd处理浓度的增加而显著降低,随处理时间的延长而升高;与40 d相比,90 d时LP组叶的生物富集系数增加了6.90倍,增幅最大。(4)各部分转移系数均随处理时间的延长而降低,90 d时LP、MP的转移系数分别比40 d时的结果低47.94%、41.34%。(5)金丝垂柳LP、HP组土壤Cd的生物有效性显著低于相应的无植物处理L、H组,分别低70.73%、88.46%,MP组与M组无显著差异。研究结果表明,金丝垂柳能有效地吸收土壤中的有效态Cd,降低土壤中Cd的生物有效性及总Cd量,提高土壤的安全性,并能将吸收的Cd有效地转移至地上部分,尤其是木质部储存。随着植株不断生长,生物量的增加,金丝垂柳可有效地清除土壤中的Cd,适用于对Cd污染地区进行长期植物修复。     

Ultrastructural changes in differentiating neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells

The ultrastructure of differentiating neuroblastoma x glioma hybrid cells NG108-15 was observed. Cells cultured in growth medium showed undifferentiated features, while cells treated with dBcAMP became round and large, and extended thick long neurites. After 1 week in culture, cells showed features similar to those of normal neurons. The dense cored vesicles with diameters ranging from 60 to 170 nm were observed in differentiated NG108-15 cells, but clear vesicles were usually rare. However, in the case of co-culture with striated myotubes, clusters of clear vesicles appeared in the neurites and terminals. The timecourse of the differentiation process was correlated with results obtained by the electrophysiology and freeze-fracture.     

Differences in metabolite levels upon differentiation of intact neuroblastoma X glioma cells observed by proton NMR spectroscopy

Proton NMR spectroscopy was used to study the effect of differentiation with prostaglandin E1 and theophylline on intact hybrid neuroblastoma X glioma cells. The standard proton NMR method showed more resolvable signals than the spin echo NMR spectra. The differentiated cells were found to contain significantly higher levels of glutamine than the undifferentiated precursors. Observations on cell extracts confirmed these results.     

Interspersion of repetitive sequences in rat liver DNA

In rat liver DNA, which contains only 20% repetitive sequences, a close interspersion of repetitive and unique sequences is found in about 35 % of the total DNA. The mean length of repetitive and unique alternating sequences is respectively 230 and 400 base pairs.     

Multiple-breed reaction norm animal model accounting for robustness and heteroskedastic in a Nelore–Angus crossed population

Our objective was to genetically characterize post-weaning weight gain (PWG), over a 345-day period after weaning, of Brangus-Ibagé (Nelore×Angus) cattle. Records (n=4016) were from the foundation herd of the Embrapa South Livestock Center. A Bayesian approach was used to assess genotype by environment (G×E) interaction and to identify a suitable model for the estimation of genetic parameters and use in genetic evaluation. A robust and heteroscedastic reaction norm multiple-breed animal model was proposed. The model accounted for heterogeneity of residual variance associated with effects of breed, heterozygosity, sex and contemporary group; and was robust with respect to outliers. Additive genetic effects were modeled for the intercept and slope of a reaction norm to changes in the environmental gradient. Inference was based on Monte Carlo Markov Chain of 110 000 cycles, after 10 000 cycles of burn-in. Bayesian model choice criteria indicated the proposed model was superior to simpler sub-models that did not account for G×E interaction, multiple-breed structure, robustness and heteroscedasticity. We conclude that, for the Brangus-Ibagé population, these factors should be jointly accounted for in genetic evaluation of PWG. Heritability estimates increased proportionally with improvement in the environmental conditions gradient. Therefore, an increased proportion of differences in performance among animals were explained by genetic factors rather than environmental factors as rearing conditions improved. As a consequence response to selection may be increased in favorable environments.     

Eliminating driftnets from the North Pacific Ocean: U.S.—Japanese cooperation in the international North Pacific Fisheries Commission, 1953–1993

Japanese negotiators agreed to eliminate driftnet fishing for salmon in the North Pacific Ocean by the end of 1992. The Japanese high seas fishing fleet for salmon had been an economically valuable yet environmentally destructive operation for four decades. The Japanese government progressively phased out lucrative Japanese salmon fishing operations in the North Pacific, apparently capitulating to U.S. pressure. No U.S. enforcement with punitive sanctions proved necessary, however. Specific characteristics of the international market created the possibility of an environmentally benign international agreement. International integration of the market for fisheries products was made possible by the high market value of salmon in the United States and in Japan. In the 1970s, foreign direct investment from vertically integrated, Tokyo‐based fishing firms into canning and processing operations in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest facilitated U.S. Japanese agreement. The high existence (nonuse) value of marine mammals in the United States was also an important factor.     

Natural hybrids in Senecio (Asteraceae): new records from Argentina

Abstract

Hybridisation is very common within Senecio. It is considered a fundamental mechanism of speciation and also a major feature causing systematic complexity. Morphological features are the preliminary characteristics used to identify hybrids; however this approach is usually not sufficient when this is the case chromosome studies represent a valuable tool for reinforcing the observations. Two natural homoploid interspecific hybrids are reported here: Senecio × lulioi M. G. López et Xifreda (S. brasiliensis (Spreng.) Less. × S. grisebachii Baker) and Senecio × piepaloensis M. G. López et Xifreda (S. ragonesei Cabrera × S. sectilis Griseb.). Classic cytogenetic analysis and pollen stainability were performed to evaluate hybrid origins and to designate the putative parents. S. × lulioi presented a low frequency of quadrivalents and heteromorphic bivalents, both strong evidences of hybridisation between closely related species. S. × piepaloensis exhibited a high frequency of meiotic irregularities, and reduced pollen stainability, certain characteristics of hybrids. This analysis is discussed in relation to the role of hybridisation in the evolution of the genus, and its systematic significance.