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.     

Defining competition vectors in a temperate alley cropping system in the midwestern USA: 2. Competition for water

A study was carried out in an alley cropping system in the Eastern Maize Belt of the United States with the objective of quantifying the competition for water between trees (black walnut (Juglans nigra L.) and red oak (Quercus rubra L.) and maize (Zea mays L.). Spatial and temporal variation in soil moisture, tree and maize rooting patterns, tree and maize water uptake, and maize leaf area expansion were determined in three treatments; barrier (polyethylene root barriers separating maize and tree roots), trench (trenching without a polyethylene barrier), and no barrier (control). Significant temporal variation in soil moisture was observed in both black walnut and red oak alley cropping systems. The barrier and trench treatments resulted in higher soil moisture in the maize alley and lower soil moisture in the tree row than the no barrier treatment. Uptake of water by maize was higher in the barrier than the no barrier treatment. However, tree water uptake was higher in the no barrier treatment than in the barrier treatment because tree roots utilized water from the maize alley. Maize leaf area was negatively impacted by water stress in the no barrier treatment. Quantification of rooting patterns revealed that maize and tree roots were concentrated in the top 30 cm soil layer where water fluctuations were greatest. The barrier and trench treatments successfully eliminated the belowground root competition between trees and maize and resulted in greater leaf area and higher grain yields than the no barrier treatment. Thus, competition for water rather than competition for light seems to be critical in defining the productivity and sustainability of this alley cropping system.This revised version was published online in November 2005 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

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.     

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.     

Predation by seals on salmonids in two Scottish estuaries

Detailed observations of the behaviour of harbour seals, Phoca vitulina L., at sites within the estuaries of the Rivers Dee and Don, in north-eastern Scotland, were made over two full years between 1993 and 1996. Small numbers of grey seals, Halichoerus grypus Fab., were also present. The presence of seals within the estuaries was strongly related to season, with maximum numbers observed in winter and early spring; seals were virtually absent in June and July. The River Don was used largely as a haul-out site, while the River Dee was used predominantly as a foraging site, although it was not possible to determine whether the same seals were using the two estuaries. More seals were hauled-out on the River Don during twilight and dark than in daylight. The seals were observed to eat mostly salmonids, Salmo salar L. and S. trutta L., unidentified roundfish and flounder, Pleuronectes flesus L. The otoliths identified in scats collected at the mouth of the River Don belonged to marine species indicating that the seals were also feeding outside the estuaries. A minimum estimate is given of the numbers of large salmonids eaten in each river during the course of the year. Although no information was available on the numbers of salmonids using the rivers or the reproductive status of the fish eaten by the seals, as a cause of mortality, seal predation on large salmonids in estuaries is apparently an order of magnitude less important than mortality caused by angling within the river.     

Interactions between bivalve shellfish farms and fishery resources

The only possible way to increase seafood yields from many coastal and continental shelf regions of the world is through aquaculture. The most ecologically efficient forms of aquaculture are those operations culturing plants and lower trophic level animals, such as bivalve molluscs. It is therefore understandable why culturing of these organisms has steadily increased over at least the last two decades. However, the expansion of large-scale aquaculture has costs in terms of loss of water space that could be used for other activities, and carbon flows directed through the bivalves that could have been used to support other marine plants and animals (predation and production foregone). The dominant present users of many, if not most, coastal and continental shelf regions are commercial and, in some cases, recreational and indigenous customary fishers. Therefore, in many cases, it is these stakeholders who will stand to pay much of the direct costs of the expansion of aquaculture. Therefore, it is inevitable that in some cases, there will be conflict between these sectors as water space becomes more in demand and, hence, more valuable. Resource managers are therefore faced with making resource allocation decisions between alternate sectors, and these decisions should be based on robust knowledge of the costs and benefits of each alternative use. In the case of allocation decisions between bivalve aquaculture and wild stock fisheries, there is presently a paucity of knowledge surrounding the interactions between these two activities. The aim of the work presented here was to develop a framework for understanding these interactions and applying the framework in a case study in New Zealand.     

Haloperoxidase Mediated Quorum Quenching by Nitzschia cf pellucida: Study of the Metabolization of N-Acyl Homoserine Lactones by a Benthic Diatom

Diatoms are known to produce a variety of halogenated compounds, which were recently shown to have a role in allelopathic interactions between competing species. The production of these compounds is linked to haloperoxidase activity. This research, has shown that this system may also be involved in diatom-bacteria interactions via the H₂O₂ dependent inactivation of a type of quorum sensing (QS) molecule, i.e., N-β-ketoacylated homoserine lactones (AHLs), by a natural haloperoxidase system from the benthic diatom Nitzschia cf pellucida. The AHL degradation pathway towards corresponding halogenated derivatives was elucidated via HPLC-MS analysis and the synthesis of a broad series of novel halogenated AHL analogues as reference compounds. Furthermore, their biological activity as quorum sensing modulators was directly compared and evaluated against a series of naturally occurring β-keto-AHLs. It has been demonstrated that the loss of the QS activity results from the final cleavage of the halogenated N-acyl chain of the signal molecules.     

Indirect host effect on ectomycorrhizal fungi: Leaf fall and litter quality explain changes in fungal communities on the roots of co-occurring Mediterranean oaks

Host trees can modify their soil abiotic conditions through their leaf fall quality which in turn may influence the ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal community composition. We investigated this indirect interaction using a causal modelling approach. We identified ECM fungi on the roots of two coexisting oak species growing in two forests in southern Spain - Quercus suber (evergreen) and Quercus canariensis (winter deciduous)-using a PCR-based molecular method. We also analysed the leaf fall, litter and soil sampled beneath the tree canopies to determine the concentrations of key nutrients. The total mycorrhizal pool was comprised of 69 operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Tomentella and Russula were the most species-rich, frequent and abundant genera. ECM fungi with epigeous and resupinate fruiting bodies were found in 60% and 34% of the identified mycorrhizas, respectively. The calcium content of litter, which was significantly higher beneath the winter-deciduous oak species due to differences in leaf fall quality, was the most important variable for explaining ECM species distribution. The evaluation of alternative causal models by the d-sep method revealed that only those considering indirect leaf fall-mediated host effects statistically matched the observed covariation patterns between host, environment (litter, topsoil, subsoil) and fungal community variables.