Effect of land use on soil nematode community composition and co-occurrence network relationship

Land use influences soil biota community composition and diversity,and then belowground ecosystem processes and functions.To characterize the effect of land use on soil biota,soil nematode communities in crop land,forest land and fallow land were investigated in six regions of northern China.Generic richness,diversity,abundance and biomass of soil nematodes was the lowest in crop land.The richness and diversity of soil nematodes were 28.8and 15.1%higher in fallow land than in crop land,respectively.No significant differences in soil nematode indices were found between forest land and fallow land,but their network keystone genera composition was different.Among the keystone genera,50%of forest land genera were omnivores-predators and 36%of fallow land genera were bacterivores.The proportion of fungivores in forest land was 20.8%lower than in fallow land.The network complexity and the stability were lower in crop land than forest land and fallow land.Soil pH,NH_(4)^(+)-N and NO_(3)^(–)-N were the major factors influencing the soil nematode community in crop land while soil organic carbon and moisture were the major factors in forest land.Soil nematode communities in crop land influenced by artificial management practices were more dependent on the soil environment than communities in forest land and fallow land.Land use induced soil environment variation and altered network relationships by influencing trophic group proportions among keystone nematode genera.

Evaluating the performance of genomic selection on purebred population by incorporating crossbred data in pigs

Genomic selection(GS)has been widely used in livestock,which greatly accelerated the genetic progress of complex traits.The population size was one of the significant factors affecting the prediction accuracy,while it was limited by the purebred population.Compared to directly combining two uncorrelated purebred populations to extend the reference population size,it might be more meaningful to incorporate the correlated crossbreds into reference population for genomic prediction.In this study,we simulated purebred offspring(PAS and PBS)and crossbred offspring(CAB)base on real genotype data of two base purebred populations(PA and PB),to evaluate the performance of genomic selection on purebred while incorporating crossbred information.The results showed that selecting key crossbred individuals via maximizing the expected genetic relationship(REL)was better than the other methods(individuals closet or farthest to the purebred population,CP/FP)in term of the prediction accuracy.Furthermore,the prediction accuracy of reference populations combining PA and CAB was significantly better only based on PA,which was similar to combine PA and PAS.Moreover,the rank correlation between the multiple of the increased relationship(MIR)and reliability improvement was 0.60-0.70.But for individuals with low correlation(Cor(Pi,PA or B),the reliability improvement was significantly lower than other individuals.Our findings suggested that incorporating crossbred into purebred population could improve the performance of genetic prediction compared with using the purebred population only.The genetic relationship between purebred and crossbred population is a key factor determining the increased reliability while incorporating crossbred population in the genomic prediction on pure bred individuals.

From charge storage mechanism to performance:A strategy toward boosted lithium/sodium storage through heterostructure optimization

Solving the problems of low electrical conductivity and poor cycling durability in transition metal oxidesbased anode materials for lithium-ion batteries(LIBs)and sodium-ion batteries(SIBs)has already turned into an urgent requirement.In this paper,we successfully synthesized Co_(2)VO_(4)/Co compounds with Co-VMOF(metal-organic framework)as a sacrificial template and investigated their electrochemical mechanism in order to improve the electrochemical properties of LIBs and SIBs.The optimized heaping configuration and the existence of metallic Co catalyzed the formation of radical ions,thereby facilitating higher conductivity,shortening Li+and Na+transport paths,and providing more active sites.Co_(2)VO_(4)/Co constructed with 2-methylimidazole as a ligand showed a discharge capacity of 1605.1 mA h g^(-1)after 300 cycles at 0.1 A g^(-1)in LIB and 677.2 mA h g^(-1)in SIB.Density functional theory(DFT)calculation emphasizes the crucial role of Co_(2)VO_(4)/Co in enhancing electrode conductivity,decreasing the migratory energy barrier,and thereby strengthening electrochemical properties.This heterostructure building technique may pave the way for the development of high-performance LIBs and SIBs.Furthermore,the problem of the low first-loop coulombic efficiency faced by transition metal oxides is improved.

Characterization and distribution of novel alleles of the vernalization gene Vrn-A1 in Chinese wheat(Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars

The ability of wheat to adapt to a wide range of environmental conditions is determined mostly by allelic diversity among genes regulating vernalization requirement.Vrn-1 is a major regulator of this requirement.In this study,two novel alleles of Vrn-A1 were discovered in Chinese cultivars:vrn-A1n was identified in two landraces,Jiunong 2 and Ganchun 16,and Vrn-A1o was detected in Duanhongmangmai.Both novel alleles showed a linked duplication in the promoter region.The common copy of these two alleles was identical to the recessive allele vrn-A1.Compared with the recessive allele vrn-A1,the other copy of vrn-A1n contained a 54-bp deletion in the promoter region and the distinct copy of Vrn-A1o contained an11-bp deletion in the promoter region.In segregating populations in the greenhouse under nonvernalizing(20–25°C)and long-day(16 h light)conditions,plants with the novel vrn-A1n allele did not head earlier than those with the recessive vrn-A1 allele.However,plants that were either homozygous or heterozygous for the novel Vrn-A1o allele headed earlier than those with the recessive vrn-A1 allele.To identify the novel allele with the small-sized product and facilitate screening,a DNA marker for the novel dominant allele Vrn-A1o was designed.Analysis of the novel-allele distribution showed that two cultivars carrying the vrn-A1n allele were dispersed in the northwestern spring wheat zone,and 12 cultivars carrying the dominant Vrn-A1o allele were widely distributed in the northwestern spring wheat zone,Xinjiang winter and spring wheat zone,Yellow and Huai River valley winter wheat zone,and QinghaiTibetan Plateau spring and winter wheat zone.Our study identifies useful germplasm and a DNA marker for wheat breeding.

Exploring the Mechanism of CircRNA-vgll3 in Osteogenically Differentiated Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Objective:To explore the mechanism of circRNA-vgll3 in osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells.Methods:BMSCs cells were transfected with circRNA-vgll3,and divided into circRNA-vgll3 high-level group,circRNA-vgll3 low-level group,and negative control group(circRNA-vgll3 not transfected)according to the amount of transfection.The proliferation and apoptosis of BMSCs osteoblasts in each group were analyzed,and the alkaline phosphatase(ALP)activity,type I collagen gray value,bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2),Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels were detected.Results:The circRNA-vgll3 low-level group had a significant inhibitory effect on the proliferation of BMSCs osteoblasts,and the apoptosis rate of the circRNA-vgll3 low-level group was significantly higher than that of the circRNA-vgll3 high-level group(P<0.05);ALP activity,type I collagen gray value,BMP-2,Runx2 protein,and mRNA expression levels in the high-level circRNA-vgll3 group were significantly higher than those in the low-level circRNA-vgll3 group,and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).Conclusion:Overexpression of circRNA-vgll3 can promote the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs,while low expression of circRNA-vgll3 can inhibit the osteogenic differentiation ability of BMSCs.The main mechanism of action is that circRNA-vgll3 can affect osteogenic differentiation by regulating the Runx2 protein.

3-epi-bufotalin suppresses the proliferation in colorectal cancer cells through the inhibition of the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway

Traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)has been increasingly employed in the last decades in China for both preventing and treating a variety of cancers.3-epi-bufotalin is an active ingredient of TCM“Chanpi”with anti-tumor potential.However,the effect and mechanism of 3-epi-bufotalin on colorectal cancers were not well disclosed.The present study demonstrated that 3-epi-bufotalin could reduce viability,trigger apoptosis,and block the cell cycle at the G2/M stage in colorectal cancer cell lines HT29,RKO,and COLO205 in vitro.Moreover,3-epi-bufotalin inhibited the JAK1/STAT3 signaling pathway.These results indicated the anti-proliferation ability of 3-epi-bufotalin in colorectal cancer cells.

Molecular and atomic manipulation of metal-organic framework-derived LiCoMnO_(4):An oxygen-deficient strategy for advanced lithium storage

As a novel class of high-voltage cathode materials,spinel lithium transition metal oxides have been faced with demerits including pronounced structural instability caused by Jahn-Teller distortion(especially at the lower voltage region)and severe capacity degradation despite their intriguing electrochemical properties.To extend their functionalities as broad-voltage cathodes,the sacrificial template method has been regarded as a promising way to realize structural and compositional control for desirable electrochemical behaviors.Herein,we report a synthetic protocol to directionally prepare Li Co Mn O_(4)(LCMO)using carboxyl-based metal-organic frameworks(MOFs)as self-sacrificing templates.Impressively,LCMO derived from Co Mn-BDC(H_(2)BDC=1,4-benzenedicarboxylate)displays superior electrochemical performances with a specific capacity of 151.6 m Ah g^(-1)at 1 C(150 m A g^(-1))after 120 cycles and excellent rate capacity of 91.9 m Ah g^(-1)at 10 C due to the morphology control,microstructural modulation,and atomic manipulation of the MOF precursor.Bestowed by the optimized atomic and electronic structure,abundant oxygen vacancies,and the nanostructure retained from MOF precursors,LCMO materials display extraordinary electrochemical properties,which have been extensively verified by both experimental and theoretical studies.This work not only provides guidelines for the directional design of spinel materials at molecular and atomic levels but also sheds light on the practical use of LIBs with broad range voltage.

Understanding the Mechanism of Sun Simiao's Treatment of Stroke from the Perspective of the Divergence of Pungent Medicine

In ancient times,the application of Xuming Decoction was popular in the treatment of stroke.Sun Simiao was a famous physician in treating stroke disease in his times.He inherited the theme of Xuming Decoction for treating wind with pungent herbs.This paper focuses on reviewing Sun Simiao's application of Xuming Decoction in^Qianjin Yaofang^,we re-apprehend the mechanism of Sun Simiao's treatment of stroke from the perspective of the divergence of pungent medicine.

Understanding the Mechanism of Sun Simiao's Treatment of Stroke from the Perspective of the Divergence of Pungent Medicine

In ancient times,the application of Xuming Decoction was popular in the treatment of stroke.Sun Simiao was a famous physician in treating stroke disease in his times.He inherited the theme of Xuming Decoction for treating wind with pungent herbs.This paper focuses on reviewing Sun Simiao’s application of Xuming Decoction in“Qianjin Yaofang”,we re-apprehend the mechanism of Sun Simiao's treatment of stroke from the perspective of the divergence of pungent medicine.

Generating ^(1)O_(2) and Co^(IV)=O through efficient peroxymonosulfate activation by ZnCo_(2)O_(4)nanosheets for pollutant control

Heterogeneous advanced oxidation processes(AOPs)based on non-radical reactive species are considered as a powerful technology for wastewater purification due to their long half-lives and high adaptation in a wide pH range.Herein,we fabricate surface Co defect-rich spinel ZnCo_(2)O_(4)porous nanosheets,which can generate≡CoIV=O and ^(1)O_(2) over a wide pH range of 3.81-10.96 by the formation of amphoteric≡Zn(OH)2 in peroxymonosulfate(PMS)activation process.Density functional theory(DFT)calculations show Co defect-rich ZnCo_(2)O_(4)possesses much stronger adsorption ability and more electron transfer to PMS.Moreover,the adsorption mode changes from terminal oxygen Co-O-Co to Co-O,accelerating the polarization of adjacent oxygen,which is beneficial to the generation of≡CoIV=O and Generating ^(1)O_(2) .Co defect-rich ZnCo_(2)O_(4)porous nanosheets exhibit highly active PMS activation activity and stability in p-nitrophenol(PNP)degradation,whose toxicity of degradation intermediates is significant reduction.The Co defect-rich ZnCo_(2)O_(4)nanosheet catalyst sponge/PMS system achieved stable and efficient removal of PNP with a removal efficiency higher than 93%over 10 h.This work highlights the development of functional catalyst and provides an atomic-level understanding into non-radical PMS activation process in wastewater treatment.

中国土壤动物多样性监测网络建设、进展与展望

土壤动物作为陆地生态系统的重要组成部分,调控着生态系统结构和功能的完整性,在生物多样性维持、能量流动和物质循环等方面发挥着关键作用。在当前气候变化和人类活动的持续影响下,土壤动物多样性锐减,使部分土壤动物面临灭绝风险,需要尽快重视土壤动物多样性的监测、保护和恢复工作。基于此,2016年土壤动物多样性监测网络作为中国生物多样性监测与研究网络(Sino BON)的重要组成部分正式建立,初步形成了包含森林、农田、海岛和荒漠生态系统的土壤动物多样性监测网络体系,为推动和完善生物多样性监测的标准化、数据共享和多尺度生物多样性变化评估奠定了良好的基础。本文概述了21世纪以来全球土壤动物多样性监测网络的发端与形成,简介了我国土壤动物多样性监测网络的建立和目标,整理了土壤动物多样性监测网络建立以来的代表性研究进展,主要介绍了国家尺度土壤动物标本的收集与鉴定、典型山地垂直自然带监测、大型固定样地动态监测及长期控制实验样地的土壤动物多样性监测,旨在总结我国土壤动物多样性监测工作的进展与不足,展望未来的研究方向,为加强土壤动物多样性的多尺度空间格局及其维持机制、土壤动物多样性的保护和资源合理利用提供基础数据支撑。

钙卫蛋白对外科术后脓毒症患者的早期诊断价值

目的本研究拟检测外科术后脓毒症患者血浆钙卫蛋白含量,阐明钙卫蛋白对脓毒症的早期诊断价值。方法前瞻性纳入外科术后转入重症医学科的成人患者205例,其中男性151例,女性54例;年龄24~95岁,平均(64.68±14.46)岁。按照患者在ICU期间是否发生脓毒症,将入组患者分为脓毒症组与非脓毒症组,其中脓毒症组100例,非脓毒症组105例。收集所有患者入ICU 24 h内的静脉血标本,收集脓毒症组患者确诊脓毒症24 h内的静脉血标本,并测定血浆钙卫蛋白及其他感染相关指标水平。通过单因素及多因素Logistic回归分析,确定发生脓毒症的危险因素。在此基础上绘制钙卫蛋白诊断脓毒症的ROC曲线,评价其对脓毒症的诊断价值。结果与非脓毒症组相比,脓毒症组患者血钙卫蛋白、降钙素原(PCT)水平明显升高(P<0.01)。多因素Logistic回归分析显示,入组当天最高SOFA评分、急诊手术、糖尿病、血钙卫蛋白、PCT、白细胞计数是术后发生脓毒症的独立危险因素。钙卫蛋白诊断术后发生脓毒症的AUC为0.81(95%CI 0.75,0.86),PCT诊断术后发生脓毒症的AUC为0.78(95%CI 0.71,0.84),钙卫蛋白联合PCT诊断术后发生脓毒症的AUC为0.87(95%CI 0.81,0.92)。结论外科术后患者血浆钙卫蛋白水平对脓毒症有诊断价值,且与PCT联合时早期诊断价值更高。

我国土壤线虫生态学研究进展和展望

土壤线虫生态学主要探讨土壤线虫群落和其周围环境(包括生物和非生物)的相互关系,包括不同生态系统中土壤线虫群落的分布和结构组成、线虫群落与土壤环境及其他土壤生物之间的相互作用等。本文回顾了我国研究者近年来在土壤线虫生态学研究领域的研究现状,包括不同生态系统土壤线虫群落的分布、组成和多样性及其影响因素,土壤线虫群落与全球气候环境变化的关系,土壤线虫群落的生态功能以及土壤线虫群落生态学分析方法的发展及应用。重点评述近年来我国土壤线虫生态学的发展现状,同时分析和比较了国内外土壤线虫生态学的发展态势,提出建设全国范围的监测网络的重要性。未来我国土壤线虫生态学的发展方向应继续加强小尺度下土壤微食物网联通性和大尺度下全球气候变化对土壤线虫群落影响的研究以及加强相关新的研究技术方法的应用。

Morphological responses to water-level fluctuations of two submerged macrophytes, Myriophyllum spicatum and Hydrilla verticillata

Aims Myriophyllum spicatum and Hydrilla verticillata are common submerged macrophytes in the Yangtze River basin.To investigate their tolerances and adaptations to water-level fluctuations,an experiment was conducted in a pond.Methods We designed five different amplitudes of water-level fluctuations as static,615,630,660 and 690 cm during the 74 days of the experiment.In each amplitude treatment,two cultivation methods were examined as monoculture and mixed culture.Important Findings The results showed that M.spicatum had greater morphological responses to water-level fluctuations than H.verticillata.Fluctuating amplitude had significant effects on branch number,shoot length and root dry weight(DW)of M.spicatum,whereas it only had significant effect on branch number of H.verticillata.Both fluctuating amplitude and cultivation method had significant effects on total DW of M.spicatum,which was higher in monoculture than mixed culture.The total DW of H.verticillata was affected by fluctuating amplitude only,and the largest biomass was in the amplitude of 630 cm.Fruit DW of M.spicatum was largest in the amplitude of 630 cm,high amplitude of water-level fluctuations would inhibit flowering and seed production.Root DW proportion was significantly affected by fluctuating amplitude and cultivation method in both species,and the root DW proportion of M.spicatum was significantly higher in the amplitude-of 690 cm.We conclude that moderate amplitude of water-level fluctuations can promote the distribution and growth of both species,and in order to accelerate the restoration of both species in natural habitats,the optimum amplitude should be keep at 615 to 630 cm.

Organic amendment effects on nematode distribution within aggregate fractions in agricultural soils

To evaluate the effect of organic amendments on soil nematode community composition and diversity within aggregate fractions,a study was initiated in agricultural soils with four-year organic amendments.Soil samples were collected from the plow layer(0-20 cm)under three cornfield management scenarios:1)conventional cropping(CK,corn straw removal and no organic manure application);2)straw retention(SR,incorporation of chopped corn stalk);and 3)manure application(MA,chicken manure input).The soil samples were fractionated into four aggregate sizes,i.e.,>2 mm(large macroaggregates),1-2 mm(macroaggregates),0.25-1 mm(small macroaggregates),and<0.25 mm(microaggregates,silt and clay fractions).The composition and diversity of soil nematode communities were determined within each aggregate fraction.The results showed that both SR and MA treatments significantly increased the percentage of macroaggregates(>1 mm)and only MA treatment strongly increased the mean weight diameter compared to the CK(P<0.05).The abundance of total nematodes and four trophic groups were affected significantly by the aggregate fractions and their higher abundance occurred in the larger aggregates.The effects of aggregate size on most nematode genera were significant.Bacterivores in the small macroaggregates and microaggregates,and fungivores in the large macroaggregates were significantly different among treatments.The percentage of bacterivores increased after the application of organic materials,while that of fungivores decreased.It can be concluded that organic management significantly affects soil aggregation and soil characteristics within aggregates,and the aggregate size subsequently influences the distribution of nematode communities.

Relationships between testate amoeba communities and water quality in Lake Donghu, a large alkaline lake in Wuhan, China

The middle Yangtze Reach is one of the most developed regions of China. As a result, most lakes in this area have suffered from eutrophication and serious environmental pollution during recent decades. The aquatic biodiversity in the lakes of the area is thus currently under significant threat from continuous human activities. Testate amoebae （TA） are benthic （rarely planktonic） microorganisms characterized by an agglutinated or autogenous shell. Owing to their high abundance, preservation potential in lacustrine sediments, and distinct response to environmental stress, they are increasingly used as indicators for monitoring water quality and reconstructing palaeoenvironmental changes. However this approach has not yet been developed in China. This study presents an initial assessment of benthic TA assemblages in eight lakes of Lake Donghu in the region of Wuhan, China. Testate amoeba community structure was most strongly correlated to water pH. In more alkaline conditions, communities were dominated by Centropyxis aculeata, Difflugia oblonga, Pontigulasia compressa, Pon. elisa and Lesquereusia modesta. These results are consistent with previous studies and show that TA could be useful for reconstructing past water pH fluctuations in China. To achieve this, the next step will be to expand the database and build transfer function models.

Dendrimer-based nanoparticles in cancer chemotherapy and gene therapy

This review discusses recent studies on dendrimer-based nanoparticles in cancer chemotherapy and gene therapy. In order to achieve the high efficacy and low side effects of chemotherapy and gene therapy, it is essential to combine the unique features of dendrimers and the specific tumor microenvironment to target delivery and control release of therapeutic agents to tumor tissues and cells. Strategies to design the dendrimer-based delivery system in this review include non-modified dendrimers, dendrimer conjugates, assembled amphiphilic dendrimers, nanohybrid dendrimer carriers and dendrimers with inherent activity. In addition, specific functional groups on these dendrimers as stimuli-responsive system for targeting delivery and controlled release of therapeutic agents are discussed.