More evidence that anaerobic oxidation of methane is prevalent in soils: Is it time to upgrade our biogeochemical models?

Estimating future fluxes of CH₄ between land and atmosphere requires well-conceived process-based biogeochemical models. Current models do not represent the anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) in land surface soils, in spite of increasing evidence that this process is widespread. Our objective was to determine whether AOM, or potential AOM, commonly occurs in 20 hydromorphic soils spanning a wide range of chemical properties. Bulk soil samples were collected under shallow water near the shoreline of 15 recently drained fish ponds in southern Bohemia (Czech Republic), as well as from below the water table at 3 peatland locations in northeast Scotland and 2 acid sulfate soils on the southern coast of Finland. Each soil slurry was incubated under both oxic and anoxic conditions, with or without the addition of alternative electron acceptors (SO₄²⁻ and NO₃⁻) or H₂PO₄⁻. Here, “oxic” and “anoxic” conditions refer to anoxic soil respectively incubated in a headspace containing air or argon. Using the isotope dilution method, we determined the gross production and oxidation rates of CH₄ after 2 days incubation under oxic headspace conditions, and after 2, 21 and 60 days incubation under anoxic conditions. Large differences in net CH₄ fluxes were observed between soil types and between incubation conditions. AOM was detected in each of the 20 bulk soil samples, which spanned >6 pH units and 2 orders of magnitude in organic C content. Significant positive relationships were found between AOM and gross CH₄ production rates under anoxic conditions, resulting in AOM rates that were sometimes higher than CH₄ oxidation rates under oxic headspace conditions. There was no relationship between net and gross CH₄ production rates, such that 2 soil types could display similar low net rates, yet conceal very large differences in gross rates. The effects of alternative electron acceptors on AOM were idiosyncratic and resulted in no net trend. We did find, however, a negative effect of SO₄²⁻ and H₂PO₄⁻ on gross CH₄ production rates under anoxic and oxic conditions respectively. Under oxic headspace conditions, CH₄ oxidation was related to soil organic C content. Taken collectively, our results suggest that AOM, or potential AOM, is prevalent over a wide range of soil types, that AOM may contribute substantially to CH₄ oxidation in soils, and that AOM in soils should be integrated to current process-based CH₄ cycling models.     

Long-term fertilization effects on active ammonia oxidizers in an acidic upland soil in China

The effects of long-term fertilization of acidic soils on ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) communities and its ecological implications remain poorly understood. We chose an acidic upland soil site under long-term (27-year) fertilization to investigate ammonia oxidizer communities under four different regimes: mineral N fertilizer (N), mineral NPK fertilizer (NPK), organic manure (OM) and an unfertilized control (CK). Soil net nitrification rates were significantly higher in OM soils than in CK, N or NPK soils. Quantitative analysis of the distribution of amoA genes by DNA-based stable isotope probing revealed that AOA dominate in CK, N and NPK soils, while AOB dominate in OM soils. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis and clone library analyses of amoA genes revealed that Group 1.1a-associated AOA (also referred to as Nitrosotalea) were the most dominant active AOA population (>92%), while Nitrosospira Cluster 3 and Cluster 9 were predominant among active AOB communities. The functional diversity of active ammonia oxidizers in acidic soils is affected by long-term fertilization practices, and the responses of active ammonia oxidizers to mineral fertilizer and organic manure are clearly different. Our results provide strong evidence that AOA are more highly adapted to growth at low pH and low substrate availability than AOB, and they suggest that the niche differentiation and metabolic diversity of ammonia oxidizers in acidic soils are more complex than previously thought.     

东北地区春玉米临界氮浓度稀释曲线的建立和验证

过量施氮是目前玉米栽培中存在的普遍现象,基于临界氮浓度稀释曲线计算得出的氮营养指数是诊断氮营养丰缺的重要手段。基于东北地区4个生态点的试验数据,构建了东北地区春玉米临界氮稀释曲线,并在此基础上建立了氮营养指数模型和需氮量模型,结果表明,东北地区春玉米地上部临界氮浓度与生物量符合幂函数关系。利用独立试验资料对建立的临界氮浓度稀释曲线进行检验,发现基于临界氮浓度稀释模型计算的氮营养指数可以准确诊断玉米植株的氮营养状况,并计算出实时的氮素需求量。该研究建立的东北地区春玉米临界氮稀释模型可以为该地区春玉米的氮营养诊断和动态调控提供较好的理论和技术指导。     

Contribution of Different Organs to Grain Filling in Durum Wheat under Mediterranean Conditions I. Contribution of Post‐Anthesis Photosynthesis and Remobilization

Under Mediterranean conditions, drought affects cereals production principally through a limitation of grain filling. In this study, the respective role of post‐anthesis photosynthesis and carbon remobilization and the contribution of flag leaf, stem, chaff and awns to grain filling were evaluated under Mediterranean conditions in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum var. durum) cultivars. For the purpose, we examined the effects of shading and excision of different parts of the plant and compared carbon isotope discrimination (Δ) in dry matter of flag leaf, stem, chaff, awns and grain at maturity and in sap of stem, flag leaf, chaff and awns, this last measurement providing information on photosynthesis during a short period preceding sampling. Source–sink manipulations and isotopic imprints of different organs on final isotope composition of the grain confirmed the high contribution of both carbons assimilated by ears and remobilized from stems to grain filling, and the relatively low contribution of leaves to grain filling. Grain Δ was highly and significantly associated with grain yield across treatments, suggesting the utilization of this trait as an indicator of source–sink manipulations effects on grain yield. Chaff and awns Δ were better correlated with grain Δ than stem and leaf Δ, indicating that chaff were more involved in grain filling than other organs. Moreover, in chaff, sap Δ was highly significantly correlated with dry matter Δ. These results suggest the use of Δ for a rapid and non‐destructive estimation of the variation in the contribution of different organs to grain filling.     

Dose requirement and cardiopulmonary effects of diluted and undiluted propofol for induction of anaesthesia in dogs

ObjectiveTo compare the dose, cardiopulmonary effects and quality of anaesthetic induction in dogs using propofol (10 mg mL^–1) and diluted propofol (5 mg mL^–1).Study designRandomized, blinded, clinical study.AnimalsA total of 28 client-owned dogs (12 males/16 females).MethodsFollowing intramuscular acepromazine (0.02 mg kg^–1) and methadone (0.2 mg kg^–1), propofol (UP, 10 mg mL^–1) or diluted propofol (DP, 5 mg mL^–1) was administered intravenously (0.2 mL kg^–1 minute^–1) by an anaesthetist unaware of the allocated group to achieve tracheal intubation. Sedation, intubation and induction quality were scored from 0 to 3. Pre- and post-induction pulse rate (PR), respiratory rate (f_R) and systolic (SAP), mean (MAP) and diastolic (DAP) arterial blood pressure were compared. Time to first breath and induction dose were recorded. Data were analysed for normality and Mann–Whitney U or Student t tests were performed where appropriate. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation or median (range).ResultsThe propofol dose administered to achieve induction was lower in the DP group (2.62 ± 0.48 mg kg^–1) than in the UP group (3.48 ± 1.17 mg kg^–1) (p = 0.021). No difference was observed in pre- and post-induction PR, SAP, MAP, DAP and f_R between groups. The differences between post-induction and pre-induction values of these variables were also similar between groups. Time to first breath did not differ between groups. Sedation scores were similar between groups. Quality of tracheal intubation was marginally better with UP 0 (0–1) than with DP 1 (0–2) (p = 0.036), but overall quality of induction was similar between groups [UP 0 (0–1) and DP 0 (0–1), p = 0.549].Conclusion and clinical relevanceDiluting propofol reduced the dose to induce anaesthesia without significantly altering the cardiopulmonary variables.     

土地利用变化对土壤水补给来源影响研究

为探究不同植被类型深剖面土壤水补给来源,以黄土区长武塬为研究区,采集两种土地利用方式(农地、18 a苹果园、26 a苹果园)下20 m深土壤剖面,测定土壤水及其稳定性和放射性同位素含量,基于同位素方法对不同土地利用类型下不同深度土壤水来源进行溯源分析。研究表明：(1)苹果园土壤水含量明显低于农地,说明果园耗水强度更大,对深层土壤水影响更为显著。(2)农地、18 a和26 a苹果园下降水偏移量分别为-22‰、-20‰和-6‰,说明降水补给土壤水后受到蒸发作用影响,且农地土壤水比果园受到的蒸发效应更强。(3)该区土壤水补给主要以活塞流为主;对于补给不同深度土壤的可能水源,6 m以下补给水的同位素组成(δ²H=-83.8‰,δ¹⁸O=-12.1‰)较0～6 m (δ²H=-68.8‰,δ¹⁸O=-10.1‰)更为贫化,且6 m以下补给水的氢氧稳定同位素组成与日降水量≥50 mm·d^-1的降水更相似。与农地(δ²H=-70.6‰,δ¹⁸O=-...     

Evaluation of transpulmonary ultrasound dilution cardiac output in piglets: accuracy,precision and trending ability with room temperature injectate

ObjectiveTranspulmonary ultrasound dilution (TPUD) is a minimally invasive technique to measure cardiac output (CO) using a 1 mL kg^–1 isotonic 37 °C saline injectate indicator. The objective was to evaluate the performance of TPUD using a room temperature saline injectate.Study designProspective experimental trial.AnimalsA total of seven anesthetized male Yorkshire piglets.MethodsPiglets aged 1 month and weighing 7.7–9.0 kg were anesthetized with detomidine–ketamine–hydromorphone–isoflurane and a pulmonary artery flow probe (PAFP) placed via a median sternotomy. The thoracic cavity remained open during measurement of CO by PAFP and TPUD. The TPUD indicators of 1 mL kg^–1 0.9% saline at 37 °C and 20 °C were compared during infusions of phenylephrine and dobutamine, blood withdrawal and replacement. Bias, limits of agreement (LoAs) and percentage error (PE) between each iteration of PAFP and TPUD were measured with Bland–Altman plots. Trending ability via concordance, angular bias and radial LoA were compared.ResultsBland–Altman plots showed negligible bias with varying LoAs. PEs of 22% and 38% were found for 37 °C and 20 °C saline injectates, respectively. In the four-quadrant plots, the concordance rate was 94% and 100% for measurements obtained with 37 °C and 20 °C saline injectates, respectively. Angular bias for both were < ±5 °, with radial LoA < ±7 °.ConclusionsTPUD was accurate when using 1 mL kg^–1 of isotonic saline at 37 °C in a range of CO within 0.2–0.8 L minute^–1, and it reliably tracked positive and negative changes in CO. Room temperature (20 °C) indicator was less accurate but equally able to track direction of changes in CO.Clinical relevanceThe use of room temperature injectates allows an easy, readily available clinical application of TPUD CO monitoring while preserving the trending ability of the monitor.     

稻田水体碳氮稳定同位素组成与时空变化研究

利用稳定同位素技术研究了稻田沟渠、池塘、湿地等水体的碳、氮稳定同位素组成特征与时空变化。结果表明,水中颗粒性有机物(Particulate organic matter,POM)δ13C值(稳定性碳同位素比值)在-31.5‰~-24.3‰之间变化,平均值为-27.7‰,可能主要来自于浮游植物和浮游动物的贡献。POM稳定性碳同位素比值存在明显的季节变化,呈现出春、夏季高于秋、冬季的趋势。浮游动物与POM稳定性碳同位素比值之间的时空变化存在一定的相关性,说明研究区内浮游动物对内源有机碳的利用可能主要来自POM。颗粒性有机物δ15N存在秋、冬季高于春、夏季的趋势,但空间差异不显著,其中湿地的变化幅度相对较大(3.2‰~6.3‰),δ15NPOM平均值为4.1‰,说明研究区固氮作用较小,外源物的污染程度较低。     

针铁矿吸附态和包裹态有机碳在稻田土壤中的矿化及其激发效应

南方水稻土富含铁氧化物,土壤有机碳通过与铁氧化物结合的形式长期固存于土壤中;由于土壤中氧化铁和有机碳主要通过吸附、键和与包裹等形式存在,所以不同的碳铁复合物的稳定性存在一定的差异。尽管已有较多研究分析了土壤中有机碳与铁矿的结合与赋存形式,但是有机碳与铁矿间的结合方式对有机碳在水稻土中矿化及其激发效应的影响机制尚不明确。以葡萄糖为典型小分子外源有机碳,通过制备针铁矿吸附态葡萄糖和包裹态葡萄糖,采用室内模拟培养实验,研究了两种铁矿结合态葡萄糖在淹水水稻土中的矿化特征及其激发效应。结果表明：与单独添加葡萄糖处理相比,碳铁复合物的添加分别使CO2和13CO2释放量增加了0.39倍~0.53倍和0.87倍~1.07倍,却使CH4和13CH4释放量分别降低了0.44倍~0.59倍和0.25倍~0.44倍。相对于针铁矿吸附态葡萄糖,针铁矿包裹态葡萄糖显著抑制了CH4释放。而且,碳铁复合物的添加均在一定程度上促进了土壤原有有机碳矿化释放CO2,但抑制了来源于土壤原有有机碳的CH4释放。其中,针铁矿包裹态葡萄糖对来源于土壤原有有机碳的CH4释放量是针铁矿吸附态葡萄糖的1.33倍。针铁矿包裹态葡萄糖的快速矿化的碳库比例显著高于针铁矿吸附态葡萄糖,且其半衰期（T1/2）比针铁矿吸附态葡萄糖大10.85倍,其快库转化速率（k1）和慢库转化速率（k2）比铁矿吸附态葡萄糖的小10.74倍和19倍。其次,针铁矿包裹态葡萄糖对土壤有机质CO2累积激发效应表现为较弱的正激发(6.44 mg?kg-1),而对土壤有机质CH4累积激发效应则表现为负激发(-15.49 mg?kg-1),即针铁矿包裹态葡萄糖的添加抑制了土壤原有有机碳的矿化(-9.05 mg?kg-1),从而增强了土壤有机碳的固持潜力。因此,不同结构碳铁复合物的添加抑制了土壤原有有机碳的矿化,且针铁矿包裹态有机碳比针铁矿吸附态有机碳在水稻土中具有更强的稳定性和固碳效应。该研究结果也表明,水稻土中与铁氧化结合的小分子有机碳相对于游离态的有机碳,具有更强的生物稳定性,更低的矿化速率,而且能够抑制土壤有机碳的矿化,产生负激发效应,有利于增加土壤的长期固碳效应。