Potential allelopathic influence of certain pasture weeds

Laboratory and growth chamber research was conducted to determine the potential allelopathy of tissue harvested from certain weeds commonly found in pastures. Results of bioassays indicated that the weeds dogfennel and mayweed chamomile are potentially allelopathic to alfalfa and Italian ryegrass seedlings. Leaf-tissue extracts from the two weed species reduced seedling growth more than stem and root extracts. In most experiments alfalfa seedlings were influenced more than Italian ryegrass seedlings and seedling growth was influenced more than seed germination. Leaf tissue from the weed species mixed into potting soil at a concentration as low as 0.25% (w/w) significantly reduced alfalfa and Italian ryegrass plant development and foliage production. Extract and tissue concentration used in this research were estimated to be similar to concentrations expected to occur within the pasture ecosystem and below concentrations that would result in hypertonicity in the bioassays.     

Polar light regime and piscivory govern diel vertical migrations of planktivorous fish and zooplankton in a subarctic lake

Abstract –  Seasonal variation in light intensity has strong impacts on invertebrate and vertebrate habitat selection creating trade-offs between foraging gain and risk of death. Diel vertical migration (DVM) has received a particularly interest, but multitrophic level studies in lakes under polar light regime have not been conducted. Here, we examined habitat selection of pelagic zooplankton, planktivores and piscivores in subarctic Lake Muddusjärvi with polymorphic whitefish ( Coregonus lavaretus (L.)). Seasonal change in light was hypothesized to be the most important abiotic factor inducing DVM, whereas predation was considered as an ultimate biotic factor. During period of mid-night sun in June, no DVM was observed at any trophic level, whereas during normal day and night light in September planktivores and zooplankton migrated. DVM was top-down controlled, where piscivorous brown trout ( Salmo trutta L.) used pelagic habitat continuously inducing DVM of its main prey, pelagic whitefish morph, which cascaded to reverse DVM of zooplankton. Top-down control of lower trophic level DVMs by piscivores might be more general pattern in lakes than previously considered.     

The biology, ecology and agroforestry potential of the raintree, Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr.

Samanea saman (Jacq.) Merr. (syn. Albizia saman (Jacq.) F. v. Muell.) is a large tree, native to tropical America, which has now become widespread throughout the humid and subhumid tropics. Although noted as a promising agroforestry species, there is little specific research that substantiates this potential. On the basis of a review of its biology, ecology and recorded uses, it is concluded that the most appropriate use for S. saman would be in an extensive silvopastoral system for cattle production. The tree provides excellent protective shade, and produces highly palatable pods that are suitable as a dry season feed supplement. Additionally, there are reports of enhanced grass production beneath its canopy indicating a potential role in maintaining or improving the productivity of tropical grasslands. It is concluded that the tree should receive more research attention, focusing particularly on its interaction with the herbaceous understorey and the identification of provenances adapted to a variety of environmental conditions. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A review of the effect of stresses between lifting and planting on nursery stock quality and performance

This paper presents the experimental evidence on the effects of desiccation, low and high temperatures, rough handling, root loss and storage between lifting and planting on plant quality and performance. The review concentrates on the impact of these stresses on outplanting performance; their effect on seedling properties, such as root growth potential and root electrolyte leakage, is also described. Stresses most often happen in combination but there is relatively little information on their interactions. Examples of desiccation plus rough handling, cold storage plus desiccation, frost damage plus freeze storage and the triple stress of desiccation, heating and rough handling are presented. The limited evidence on the cumulative effect of stresses suggests tentatively that damage from rough handling does not accumulate in the same way as damage from desiccation and prolonged storage. Factors affecting stress resistance are briefly reviewed.There are three impediments to producing a critical review of the literature: experimental treatments, particularly of desiccation and rough handling, can rarely be directly compared; the impact of stress treatments can be modified by a large number of factors, and the levels of stress have seldom been quantified in normal forestry practice. The first two problems also make it difficult to formulate general statements concerning critical thresholds for the stresses. However, instruments are now available for measuring and monitoring stresses between lifting and planting and it is, in theory, possible to model the effects of these stresses to take account of the many factors that modify their impact on seedling survival and growth. This offers the possibility of significant improvements in our ability to predict the effect of stresses between lifting and planting on seedling performance.     

Effectiveness of Protected Area Governance in the Conservation of Mt. Marsabit Forest Ecosystem,Kenya

ABSTRACT

Protected area systems (PAs) have the potential to conserve natural resources and provide social and economic benefits to local communities. Establishing and maintaining good governance and associated mechanisms is necessary for adaptive management of PAs. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed the relationships between various stakeholders and the effectiveness of PA governance of Mt. Marsabit forest ecosystem in Kenya. We used social network analysis (SNA) to assess the interactions between actors, and factor analysis to analyze the effectiveness of governance criteria. Governance of Mt. Marsabit forest ecosystem was complex with a multiplicity of stakeholders from diverse interests. Governance was moderately effective (61%) with positive indicators including the regulatory framework, delineation of areas under conservation, and reduction in poaching. The low level of interactions and associations among stakeholders suggest a weakness in the networks that may negatively affect the flow of information and other resources. This weakness was attributed to a lack of institutionalization of the links leading to poor coordination of processes. Local communities were inadequately represented in the governance of this PA despite being important actors. Our study finds that local ownership and strong linkages between actors are important ingredients for effective governance of PAs.     

Effect of Chronic Administration of Phenobarbital,or Bromide,on Pharmacokinetics of Levetiracetam in Dogs with Epilepsy

Background

Levetiracetam (LEV) is a common add‐on antiepileptic drug (AED) in dogs with refractory seizures. Concurrent phenobarbital administration alters the disposition of LEV in healthy dogs.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To evaluate the pharmacokinetics of LEV in dogs with epilepsy when administered concurrently with conventional AEDs.

Animals

Eighteen client‐owned dogs on maintenance treatment with LEV and phenobarbital (PB group, n = 6), LEV and bromide (BR group, n = 6) or LEV, phenobarbital and bromide (PB–BR group, n = 6).

Methods

Prospective pharmacokinetic study. Blood samples were collected at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours after LEV administration. Plasma LEV concentrations were determined by high‐pressure liquid chromatography. To account for dose differences among dogs, LEV concentrations were normalized to the mean study dose (26.4 mg/kg). Pharmacokinetic analysis was performed on adjusted concentrations, using a noncompartmental method, and area‐under‐the‐curve (AUC) calculated to the last measured time point.

Results

Compared to the PB and PB–BR groups, the BR group had significantly higher peak concentration (C _max) (73.4 ± 24.0 versus 37.5 ± 13.7 and 26.5 ± 8.96 μg/mL, respectively, P < .001) and AUC (329 ± 114 versus 140 ± 64.7 and 98.7 ± 42.2 h*μg/mL, respectively, P < .001), and significantly lower clearance (CL/F) (71.8 ± 22.1 versus 187 ± 81.9 and 269 ± 127 mL/h/kg, respectively, P = .028).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Concurrent administration of PB alone or in combination with bromide increases LEV clearance in epileptic dogs compared to concurrent administration of bromide alone. Dosage increases might be indicated when utilizing LEV as add‐on treatment with phenobarbital in dogs.     

14-3-3蛋程中的互作靶蛋白鉴定及其对外源激素的响应

【目的】籽粒灌浆对水稻产量及品质的形成至关重要。14-3-3蛋白是一种信号转导调节因子,在植物生长发育中发挥着重要调控作用。本研究通过分析14-3-3蛋白家族在籽粒灌浆过程中的基因表达模式及其互作靶蛋白,从而揭示其在籽粒灌浆过程中的功能。【方法】利用实时荧光定量PCR（qRT-PCR）技术分析水稻14-3-3基因家族在籽粒灌浆过程中的表达变化模式,并从中选取GF14b及GF14e进行后续的蛋白功能分析。利用KEGG数据库对GF14b及GF14e蛋白功能motif位点进行分析;构建GST-GF14b及GST-GF14e表达载体,利用亲和层析技术分别钓取籽粒中与GF14b及GF14e互作的靶蛋白,并借助LC-MS/MS对靶蛋白进行鉴定。采用GST pull-down方法验证靶蛋白与GF14b及GF14e间的蛋白互作关系。利用Kinasephos在线程序对靶蛋白的Ser和Thr磷酸化位点进行预测;采用MapMan 3.6.0软件对靶蛋白的功能及参与的代谢过程进行分析。在籽粒灌浆期（花后15 d）,分别喷施25×10^-6mol·L^-1 ABA,10×10^-6mol·L^-1 IAA,100×10^-6mol·L^-1 GA,50×10^-6mol·L^-1 ZR和 2×10^-4mol·L^-1 BR,研究外源激素处理对籽粒灌浆过程中GF14b,GF14e及其互作靶基因表达的影响。【结果】14-3-3家族基因中,除GF14h外,其余7个家族成员在水稻籽粒中均有表达,其中GF14b及GF14e在籽粒灌浆过程中的表达水平较高且变化幅度较大。通过蛋白序列分析发现,GF14b与GF14e间具有3个相同,2个差异的motif功能位点。通过亲和层析试验,在籽粒中共鉴定到59个与GF14b和72个与GF14e互作的靶蛋白,其中有43个靶蛋白与2个成员均有互作,分别有16个和29个靶蛋白与GF14b和GF14e特异结合。随机选取2个靶蛋白进行体外蛋白互作验证,结果表明靶蛋白SUS3与GF14b和GF14e均存在互作关系,而靶蛋白PSA仅与GF14e有相互作用关系,验证了亲和层析结果的准确性。蛋白功能的分析表明,GF14b和GF14e通过与靶蛋白的结合,共同参与了籽粒灌浆过程中蔗糖转化、淀粉合成、糖酵解、TCA循环等碳代谢途径。同时,GF14b及GF14e还具有特异的调控功能,其中GF14b与核酸代谢及物质转运密切相关,而GF14e与C1代谢中的关键蛋白存在互作。此外,大部分靶蛋白均鉴定到具有潜在的Ser和Thr磷酸化位点。外源激素处理下,籽粒中GF14b和GF14e上调表达,而与淀粉合成代谢相关的靶基因（SUS2、 AGPS、AGPL、PPDK2、SBE）大部分呈下调表达的趋势。【结论】14-3-3基因家族成员GF14b和GF14e在水稻籽粒灌浆过程中的表达变化幅度较大,且会响应激素浓度的改变,并通过蛋白互作的形式负调控淀粉合成代谢相关基因的表达,从而对水稻籽粒淀粉的合成起到重要的调控作用。     

Effects of predation and intraspecific interactions on habitat use and foraging by brown trout in artificial streams

Abstract— We studied habitat use, foraging rates and behavior of 10 cm and 12 cm long brown trout, Salmo trutta , at two densities, 1.5 and 3.0 fish. m⁻², in artificial streams that contained either the amphipod, Gammarus pulex , alone or G. pulex together with the piscivore, northern pike, Esox lucius. Gammarus were stocked in and largely restricted to the pools at a density of 128 Gammurus. m⁻² . pool⁻¹ Large trout (12 cm) used pools more and riffles less when small trout (10 cm) were present than when small trout were absent. Small trout consumed fewer Gammarus when together with large trout than when alone, but showed no difference in habitat use in the presence and abscnce of large trout. Habitat use and number of Gammarus consumed per trout were not affected by trout density for either size-class when alone. For both size-classes of trout, use of pools and foraging rates were higher in the absence than in the presence of pike, and pike primarily resided in the pools. The number of aggressive interactions by both size-classes of trout decreased when pike was present. Our results indicate that for habitats that differ in food resources and predation risk, size structure may affect habitat use and foraging by brown trout.     

Competitive interactions between native and exotic salmonids: a combined field and laboratory demonstration

Abstract –  We studied the impact of two exotic salmonid species (brook trout, Salvelinus fontinalis and rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss ) on native brown trout ( Salmo trutta fario ) habitat, growth and survival. Habitat selection and vertical distribution between young-of-the-year of the three species were examined in a stream aquarium under different sympatric and allopatric combinations. In addition, similar species combinations were introduced in a Pyrenean mountain stream (southwest France) in order to extend laboratory results to growth and apparent survival. Both laboratory and field results indicated that rainbow trout significantly affected native brown trout habitat selection and apparent survival. On the contrary, brown trout habitat, growth and apparent survival were hardly affected by brook trout. These results support the idea that rainbow trout negatively influence native brown trout, and that competition could influence the outcome of fish biological invasions in freshwater ecosystems.     

Effect of dietary iron supplement on growth, haematology and microelements of juvenile grouper, Epinephelus coioides

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary iron supplement on growth, haematology and microelements of juvenile grouper, Epinephelus coioides. Casein–gelatine‐based diets supplemented with 0, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 mg kg⁻¹ iron from ferrous sulphate were fed to grouper (mean initial weight: 21.0 ± 0.2 g) for 8 weeks. Weight gain was highest in fish fed the diet supplemented with 100 mg kg⁻¹ iron, intermediate in fish fed diets with 50, 150, 200 and 250 mg kg⁻¹ iron and lowest in fish fed the basal diet. Feed efficiency followed a similar trend except that the lowest value was in fish fed the basal diet and the diet supplemented with 250 mg kg⁻¹ iron. Hepatic iron was highest in fish fed diets supplemented with iron ≥100 mg kg⁻¹, followed by fish fed diet with 50 mg kg⁻¹ iron and lowest in fish fed the basal diet. The whole‐body iron was lowest in fish fed the basal diet but not significantly different from other groups, as judged by anova . Iron supplement to the basal diet had no significant effect on haematological parameters (red blood cell count, haematocrit and haemoglobin), hepatic copper concentration or manganese, zinc concentration in liver and whole body. Broken‐line analysis of hepatic iron indicated that iron supplementation of 100 mg kg⁻¹ satisfied the hepatic iron storage and that further supplementation did not expand the iron status.