Temporal trends in bromide release following rewetting of a naturally drained gully mire

Abstract. Recently, there has been interest in the occurrence of bromide (Br^-) in natural waters since it has been demonstrated that Br^-, in association with humic substances in raw waters, is readily incorporated into haloacetic acids in the form of organically bound bromine (Br) during water chlorination. We report results of the effects of experimentally rewetting a naturally drained gully mire on the hydrochemistry of Br^-, iron (Fe) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the peat water. Results obtained over a three year period showed that rewetting substantially increased the concentrations of these solutes in the pore water, with peak values of 1 mg dm^-3 (Br^-), > 60 mg dm^-3 (Fe) and > 300 mg dm^-3 (DOC) detected in some samples after rewetting, compared with typical values < 0.05 mg dm^-3 (Br^-), < 1 mg dm^-3 (Fe) and < 15 mg dm^-3 (DOC) under the drained conditions. Bromide, Fe and DOC release were highly seasonal, with the largest concentrations observed in late-summer to autumn. However, whereas seasonal peak concentrations of Fe and DOC have since remained at these higher levels, seasonal peak concentrations of Br^- were progressively attenuated over time, suggesting the latter phenomenon is a flush effect, with no longer-term consequences for water quality.     

氮、磷添加对青藏高寒草甸土壤碳氮磷化学计量特征影响的Meta分析

为了解青藏高原高寒草甸土壤碳(Carbon,C)、氮(Nitrogen,N)、磷(Phosphorus,P)化学计量特征对氮、磷添加的响应,提高养分管理水平及草地生态系统的养分平衡。本研究严格筛选出21篇文章(612项数据)进行Meta分析,通过亚组分析分析了不同施肥方式(氮添加、磷添加、氮磷添加)、不同施肥强度(轻度、中度、重度)对青藏高原草地土壤C,N,P化学计量特征的影响。研究结果表明：养分添加显著增加了青藏高原草地土壤C,N,P含量;氮添加对土壤的增加效应随施肥强度增加而增加,磷轻度施肥(20g·m^-2以下)处理、氮磷添加轻度施肥处理下的土壤C,N,P含量及化学计量比增加效果最好。本研究结果总体反映出氮、磷添加对青藏高原高寒草甸土壤产生积极影响,研究结果可为青藏高原草地生态系统的保护提供科学依据。     

Effects of different five-day progesterone-based synchronization protocols on the estrous response and follicular/luteal dynamics in dairy cows

This study compared the responses shown by lactating dairy cows to four different P4-based protocols for AI at estrus. Cows with no estrous signs 96 h after progesterone intravaginal device (PRID) removal were subjected to fixed-time AI (FTAI), and their data were also included in the study. In Experiment I, follicular/luteal and endometrial dynamics were assessed every 12 h from the beginning of treatment until AI. The estrous response was examined in Experiment II, and fertility was assessed in both experiments. The protocols consisted of a PRID fitted for five days, along with the administration of different combinations of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), equine chorionic gonadotropin and a single or double dose (24 h apart) of prostaglandin F_2α. In Experiment I (40 cows), animals receiving GnRH at the start of treatment showed a significantly higher ovulation rate during the PRID insertion period while estrus was delayed. In Experiment II (351 cows), according to the odds ratios, cows showing luteal activity at the time of treatment were less likely to show estrus than cows with no signs of luteal activity. Treatment affected the estrous response and the interval from PRID removal to estrus but did not affect conception rates 28–34 days post AI. Primiparous cows displayed a better estrous response than multiparous cows. Our findings reveal acceptable results of 5-day P4-based protocols for AI at estrus in high-producing dairy cows. Time from treatment to estrus emerged as a good guide for FTAI after a 5-day P4-based synchronization protocol.     

Glycoprofiling of bifidobacterial consumption of human milk oligosaccharides demonstrates strain specific, preferential consumption of small chain glycans secreted in early human lactation

The molecular basis by which human breast milk supports the development of a protective intestinal microbiome in infants is unknown. After lactose and lipids, human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) are quantitatively the third largest and most diverse component of breast milk. In this work, glycomic profiling of HMO consumption by bifidobacteria using Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry reveals that one species, Bifidobacterium longum biovar infantis ATCC 15697, an isolate from the infant gut, preferentially consumes small mass oligosaccharides, representing 63.9% of the total HMOs available. These HMOs were detected in human breast milk at the onset and constantly through the first month of lactation by use of high performance liquid chromatography-chip time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Further characterization revealed that strain ATCC 15697 possesses both fucosidase and sialidase activities not present in the other tested strains. This work provides evidence that these small mass HMOs are selectively metabolized by select bifidobacterial strains and represent a potential new class of bioactive molecules functioning as prebiotics to facilitate a protective gut colonization in breast-fed newborns.