Screening of Preprocessing Method of Biolog for Soil Microbial Community Functional Diversity

As one of the main methods of microbial community functional diversity measurement, biolog method was favored by many researchers for its simple oper- ation, high sensitivity, strong resolution and rich data. But the preprocessing meth- ods reported in the literatures were not the same. In order to screen the best pre- processing method, this paper took three typical treatments to explore the effect of different preprocessing methods on soil microbial community functional diversity. The results showed that, method B＇s overall trend of AWCD values was better than A and C＇s. Method B＇s microbial utilization of six carbon sources was higher, and the result was relatively stable. The Simpson index, Shannon richness index and Car- bon source utilization richness index of the two treatments were B〉C〉A, while the Mclntosh index and Shannon evenness were not very stable, but the difference of variance analysis was not significant, and the method B was always with a smallest variance. Method B＇s principal component analysis was better than A and C＇s. In a word, the method using 250 r/min shaking for 30 minutes and cultivating at 28 ℃ was the best one, because it was simple, convenient, and with good repeatability.

The Influence of Plant Diversity and Functional Composition on Ecosystem Stability of Four Stipa Communities in the Inner Mongolia Plateau

The main purpose of this study was to examine the effects of plant species diversity and functional composition (the identity of the plant functional groups) on ecosystem stability of Stipa, communities in the Inner Mongolia Plateau. The research work was based on a 12-year study (from 1984 to 1995) of species abundance, diversity, and primary productivity of four Stipa communities, i.e. S. baicalensis Roshev., S. grandis P. Smirn., S, krylovii Roshev., and S. klemenzii Roshev. respectively. The Shnnon-Wiener index was used as a measurement of plant diversity, while functional composition was used to differentiate the functional groups that were included in the communities. The plant species of four Stipa communities were classified into functional groups based on the differences in life forms and ecological groups, which influence their performance in resource requirements, seasonality of growth, tolerance to water stress, and life history. Plant species were classified into five functional groups based on their differences in life form, shrubs and half shrubs, perennial bunch grasses, perennial rhizome grasses, forbs, annuals and biennials. Based on their differences in water requirement these species were classified into four functional groups: xerads, intermediate xerads, intermediate mesophytes, and mesophytes. The results showed: 1) Plant species diversity stabilized ecosystem processes. Shannon-Wiener index were 2.401 4, 2.172 0, 1.624 8, 0.354 3 from S. baicalensis community to S. grandis, S. krylovii and S. klemenzii community, respectively. The dynamics of the aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) for a 12-year's period showed a reverse pattern, the coefficients of variation of the four communities were 21.94%, 20.63%, 29.21% and 39.72% respectively. 2) The Life form functional group component of diversity was a greater determinant of the ecosystem processes than the species component of diversity. The effects of perennial bunch grasses, perennial rhizome grasses and forbs on community stability were highly significant. 3) The ecological group component of diversity was also a great determinant of the ecosystem processes. The effects of xerads, intermediate xerads, and mesophytes on community stability were also very strong.

Patterns of species diversity and functional diversity of breeding birds in Hangzhou across an urbanization gradient

Given the rapid rise in human population and increasing urbanization,it is important to understand their potential impacts on biodiversity.From March 2007 to August 2007,we conducted bird surveys in 90 strip transects,each 3 km long and 100 m wide,along a gradient of urbanization in Hangzhou,China.This gradient spanned a range of urbanization levels including urban areas,rural-urban continuum areas,farming areas,mixed forest/farming areas and forested areas.We recorded 96 breeding bird species and classified them into nine functional groups based on nesting requirements.The nine functional groups consisted of canopy nesters,shrub nesters,canopy/shrub nesters,natural cavity nesters,building nesters,natural cavity/building nesters,ground nesters,water surface nesters and parasitic nesters.Species and functional diversities were estimated based on the Shannon-Wiener index.Environmental data of each transect as human disturbance,vegetation cover and building index were also measured,and a synthetic urbanization index of each transect was introduced based on these data.We used regression analyses to model the relationship of species abundance,species diversity,functional abundance and functional diversity with this synthetic index.The results show that urbanization significantly reduces species richness,species diversity,functional richness and functional diversity,but the specific patterns differed.The relationship between species abundance/species diversity and urbanization is linear.In contrast,the relationship between functional diversity and urbanization was quadratic.In other words,with increased urbanization,functional diversity declined only slightly at first but then dropped at an accelerating rate.This implies that,although moderate urbanization reduces species diversity of breeding birds,it affects functional diversity of breeding birds only slightly in Hangzhou.The regression analysis of species diversity and functional diversity suggests a quadratic relationship between species diversity and functional diversity,i.e.,a linear relationship between species diversity and functional diversity can only exist at low diversity levels across urbanization gradients and increasing species abundance does not lead to an increase in functional diversity at the highest diversity levels.

Research on Stoichiometry of Early-spring Herbs Functional Group in the Subtropical Artificial Wetland

[Objective]The aim was to carry out stoichiometry on the early-spring herbs functional group in subtropical artificial wetland.[Method]UV-Vis spectrophotometer was used for the determination of nitrate-nitrogen,ammonium nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations.Potassium persulfate absorptiometry was used for the measurement of total N content,while the flame photometer was used to detect the potassium and sodium concentration in plants.All the nutrient determination of plant samples were repeated for four times.[Result]The four nutrient concentrations in almost all samples were in the normal range of natural plant nutrition concentrations;in early-spring herbs functional groups,different species showed diversity on the nutrient concentrations;plant height had no significant effect on the nutrient concentrations in plants;the nutrient concentrations of non-grass group plants were higher than that of grass group plants;the nutrient concentrations of the annual herb were higher than that of perennial herbs.[Conclusion]The study had provided basis for the understanding of the effects of changes in nutritional conditions on species diversity,community structure and succession of the system.

Gut microbial diversity analysis using Illumina sequencing for functional dyspepsia with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome and the interventional Xiaoyaosan in a rat model

AIM To investigate gut microbial diversity and the interventional effect of Xiaoyaosan(XYS) in a rat model of functional dyspepsia(FD) with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome. METHODS The FD with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome rat model was established through classic chronic mild unpredictable stimulation every day. XYS group rats received XYS 1 h before the stimulation. The models were assessed by parameters including state ofthe rat, weight, sucrose test result and open-field test result. After 3 wk, the stools of rats were collected and genomic DNA was extracted. PCR products of the V4 region of 16 S rD NA were sequenced using a barcoded Illumina paired-end sequencing technique. The primary composition of the microbiome in the stool samples was determined and analyzed by cluster analysis.RESULTS Rat models were successfully established, per data from rat state, weight and open-field test. The microbiomes contained 20 phyla from all samples. Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Tenericutes were the most abundant taxonomic groups. The relative abundance of Firmicutes, Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria in the model group was higher than that in the normal group. On the contrary, the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in the model group was lower than that in the normal group. Upon XYS treatment, the relative abundance of all dysregulated phyla was restored to levels similar to those observed in the normal group. Abundance clustering heat map of phyla corroborated the taxonomic distribution. CONCLUSION The microbiome relative abundance of FD rats with liver depression-spleen deficiency syndrome was significantly different from the normal cohort. XYS intervention may effectively adjust the gut dysbacteriosis in FD.

Efficiency,mechanism and microbial community of Cd(Ⅱ)removal by mixed bacteria enriched from heavy metals mine soil

Mixed bacteria were enriched from heavy metals mine soil for cadmium(Cd(Ⅱ))-containing wastewater treatment. Batch adsorption experiment results showed that the optimal pH, temperature, initial Cd(Ⅱ) concentration, and biomass dosage were 6.0, 30 ℃, 20 mg/L, and 1 g/L, respectively. Living biomass exhibited better Cd(Ⅱ) removal efficiency(91.97%) than autoclaved biomass(79.54%) under optimal conditions. The isotherms and kinetics of living biomass conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model and pseudo-first-order kinetic model, respectively. FTIR results implied that amine groups, hydroxyl groups and phosphoric acid play an important role in the Cd(Ⅱ) adsorption process, while XRD results showed that crystalline Cd(OH)and CdO were obtained. After Cd(Ⅱ)-containing wastewater treatment exposure, the dominant bacteria genera included Comamonas(39.94%), unclassified_f__Enterobacteriaceae(34.96%), Ochrobactrum(14.07%), Alcaligenes(4.84%), Bordetella(2.07%), Serratia(1.04%), and Bacillus(1.01%). Function prediction showed that the abundance of metabolic genes changed significantly. This study proposes the potential application of mixed bacteria for Cd(Ⅱ)-containing wastewater treatment.

Effects of Winter Cover Crop and Straw Returning on the Functional Diversity of Rhizosphere Microflora in Double-crop Rice Paddies

The functional diversity of rhizosphere microflora which is also known as the “microbial community” is a sensitive indicator of soil quality subject to the type of winter cover crop and straw returning.In order to evaluate the effects of different winter cover crops and returning patterns on the functional diversity of rhizosphere microflora in double-crop rice paddies,we designed five winter cover crops and straw returning combinations to analyze their effects on the functional diversity of rhizosphere microflora in rice paddies: ryegrass (Lolium multiflorumL.)–double-crop rice (Ry),milk vetch (Astragalus sinicus L.)–double-crop rice (Mv),Rape (Brassica napus L.)–Double-crop rice (Ra), Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)–double-crop rice (Po),and winter fallow–doublecrop rice (CK,the control).In this paper,the average well color development (AWCD) in Biolog-GN plates indicated the capacity for carbon utilization by the rhizosphere microbial community.We analyzed the rhizosphere microbial community functional diversity of the paddy soils with the above five treatments by using the Biolog-GN system.The results showed that applications of winter cover crop and straw returning caused high increases in AWCD compared with CK,and the AWCD values for samples with Po treatment was greater than those with Ry and CK treatments at the early and late rice maturity stages. It was concluded that applications of winter cover crop and straw returning can cause changes in the carbon utilization efficiency of rhizosphere microflora.There were differences in the genetic diversity of the rhizosphere microflora among different treatments at the maturity stage of early and late rice.The richness,Shannon,and McIntosh Index under different winter cover crop and straw returning treatments were significantly different.The highest indexes were observed in the Po treatment and the lowest in the CK at the maturity stage of early and late rice.The richness, Shannon,and McIntosh Index under different treatments ranked in descending order is as follows: Po>Ra>Mv>Ry>CK.Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of substrate reactions were conducted in this research.The results indicated that the pattern of carbon source utilization varied with winter cover crop treatments,and that carbohydrates and amino acids were the main carbon sources of rhizosphere microorganisms.To conclude,the application of winter cover crop and straw returning to paddy fields could significantly increase the carbon source utilization, species richness,and species evenness of rhizosphere microflora in double-crop rice paddies.

Biomass Allocation Patterns of Alpine Grassland Species and Functional Groups along a Precipitation Gradient on the Northern Tibetan Plateau

Variations in the fractions of biomass allocated to functional components are widely considered as plant responses to resource availability for grassland plants. Observations indicated shoots isometrically relates to roots at the community level but allometrically at the species level in Tibetan alpine grasslands. These differences may result from the specific complementarity of functional groups between functional components, such as leaf, root, stem and reproductive organ. To test the component complementary responses to regional moisture variation, we conducted a multi-site transect survey to measure plant individual size and component biomass fractions of common species belonging to the functional groups： forbs, grasses, legumes and sedges on the Northern Tibetan Plateau in peak growing season in 2010. Along the mean annual precipitation （MAP） gradient, we sampled 7o species, in which 2o are in alpine meadows, 20 in alpine steppes, 15 in alpine desert-steppes and 15 in alpine deserts, respectively. Our results showed that the size of alpine plants is small with individual biomass mostly lower than 1.0 g. Plants keep relative conservative component individual responses moisture functional fractions across alpine grasslands at the level. However, the complementary between functional components to variations specifically differ among groups. These results indicate that functional group diversity may be an effective tool for scaling biomass allocation patterns from individual up to community level. Therefore, it is necessary andvaluable to perform intensive and systematic studies on identification and differentiation the influences of compositional changes in functional groups on ecosystem primary services and processes.

Extended Group Foliation Method and Functional Separation of Variables to Nonlinear Wave Equations

Generalized functional separation of variables to nonlinear evolution equations is studied in terms of the extended group foliation method, which is based on the Lie point symmetry method. The approach is applied to nonlinear wave equations with variable speed and external force. A complete classification for the wave equation which admits functional separable solutions is presented. Some known results can be recovered by this approach.

Soil microbial community composition and its driving factors in alpine grasslands along a mountain elevational gradient

Understanding the vertical distribution patterns of soil microbial community and its driving factors in alpine grasslands in the humid regions of the Tibet Plateau might be of great significance for predicting the soil microbial community of this type of vegetation in response to environmental change. Using phospholipid fatty acids （PLFA）, we investigated soil microbial community composition along an elevational gradient （3094-4131 m above sea level） on Mount Yajiageng, and we explored the impact of plant functional groups and soil chemistry on the soil microbial community. Except for Arbuscular Mycorrhizal fungi （AM fungi） biomarker 18：2ω6,9 increasing significantly, other biomarkers did not show a consistent trend with the elevational gradient. Microbial biomass quantified by total PLFAs did not show the elevational trend and had mean values ranging from 1.64 to 4.09 ktmol per g organic carbon （OC）, which had the maximum value at the highest site. Bacterial PLFAs exhibited a similar trend with total PLFAs, and its mean values ranged from 0.82 to 1.81 μmol （g OC）-1. The bacterial to fungal biomass ratios had the minimum value at the highest site, which might be related to temperature and soil total nitrogen （TN）. The ratios of Gram-negative to Gram-positive bacteria had a significantly negative correlation with soil TN and had the maximum value at the highest site. Leguminous plant coverage and soil TN explained 58% of the total variation in the soil microbial community and could achieve the same interpretation as the whole model. Other factors may influence the soil microbial community through interaction with leguminous plant coverage and soil TN. Soil chemistry and plant functional group composition in substantial amounts explained different parts of the variation within the soil microbial community, and the interaction between them had no impact on the soil microbial community maybe beeause long-term grazing greatly reduces litter. In sum, although there were obvious differences in soil microbial communities along the elevation gradient, there were no clear elevational trends found in general. Plant functional groups and soil chemistry respectively affect the different aspects of soil microbial community. Leguminous plant coverage and soil TN had important effects in shaping soil microbial community.

Effect of introduction of exogenous strain Leptospirillum ferriphilum YSK on functional gene expression,structure,and function of indigenous consortium during pyrite bioleaching

Leptospirillum ferriphilum YSK was added to a native consortium of bioleaching bacteria including Acidithiobacillus caldus,A.thiooxidans,A.ferrooxidans,Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans,Acidiphilium spp.,and Ferroplasma thermophilum cultured in modified 9K medium containing 0.5%(W/V)pyrite.The bioleaching efficiency markedly increased.Changes in community structure and gene expression were monitored with real-time PCR and functional gene arrays.Dynamic changes that varied in different populations in the consortium occurred after the addition of L.ferriphilum YSK,with growth of A.caldus S1,A.thiooxidans A01,Acidiphillum spp.DX1-1 promoted the growth of Ferroplasma L1,inhibited that of S.thermosulfidooxidans ST,and exerted little effect on that of A.ferrooxidans CMS.Genes encoding ADP heptose,phosphoheptose isomerase,glycosyltransferase,biotin carboxylase,and protoheme ferrolyase from L.ferriphilum,acetyl-CoA carboxylase from Acidiphillum spp.,and doxD from A.caldus were up-regulated in 0-20 h.Genes encoding lipid A disaccharide synthase LpxB,glycosyl transferase,and ADP heptose synthase from A.ferrooxidans were up-regulated in 0-8 h and then down-regulated in 8-20 h.Genes encoding ferredoxin oxidoreductase from Ferroplasma sp.were up-regulated in 0-4 h,down-regulated in 4-16 h,and again up-regulated in 16-20 h.CbbS from A.ferrooxidans was down-regulated in 0-20 h.

Species-area relationship within and across functional groups at alpine grasslands on the northern Tibetan Plateau,China

The species-area relationship （SAR） is one of the most fundamental concepts in community ecology and is helpful for biodiversity conservation. However, few studies have systematically addressed this topic for different alpine grassland types on the Tibetan Plateau, China. We explored whether the plant composition of different functional groups affects the manner in which species richness inereases with increasing area at scales ≤ 1.0 m^2. We also compared species richness （S） within and across forbs, legumes, sedges and grasses, with sampling subplot area （A） increasing from 0.0625 m^2 to 1.0 m^2 between alpine meadow and steppe communities. We applied a logarithmic function （S = b0 ＋ b1 ln A） to determine the slope and intercept of SAR curves within and across functional groups. The results showed that the logarithmic relationship holds true between species richness and sampling area at these small scales. Both the intercept and slope of the logarithmic forbs-area curves are significantly higher than those for the three other functional groups （P 〈 0.05）. Forb accounts for about 91.9 % of the variation in the intercept and 75.0% of the variation in the slope of the SAR curve when all functional groups＇ data were pooled together. Our results indicated that the different SAR patterns should be linked with species dispersal capabilities, environmental filtering, and life form composition within alpine grassland communities. Further studies on the relationship between species diversity and ecosystem functions should specify the differential responses of different functional groups to variations in climate and anthropogenic disturbances.

A pooled-neighbor swarm intelligence approach to optimal reactive power dispatch

This paper presents a pooled-neighbor swarm intelligence approach (PNSIA) to optimal reactive power dispatch and voltage control of power systems. The proposed approach uses more particles’ information to control the mutation operation. The proposed PNSIA algorithm is also extended to handle mixed variables, such as transformer taps and reactive power source in- stallation, using a simple scheme. PNSIA applied for optimal power system reactive power dispatch is evaluated on an IEEE 30-bus power system and a practical 118-bus power system in which the control of bus voltages, tap position of transformers and reactive power sources are involved to minimize the transmission loss of the power system. Simulation results showed that the proposed approach is superior to current methods for finding the optimal solution, in terms of both solution quality and algorithm robustness.

Fermentation Production of Ganoderma lucidum by Bacillus subtilis Ameliorated Ceftriaxone-induced Intestinal Dysbiosis and Improved Intestinal Mucosal Barrier Function in Mice

Objective This study aimed to develop a type of Ganoderma lucidum(G.lucidum)-probiotic fermentation broth that can effectively improve the intestinal mucosal barrier function of mice with ceftriaxone-induced intestinal dysbiosis.Methods By means of absorbance of optical density(OD)value and phenol-concentrated sulfuric acid measurement of polysaccharide content,the probiotic species can grow on the medium of G.lucidum were screened out,and the concentration of the medium of G.lucidum was determined,and the fermentation broth was prepared for subsequent experiments.Thirty-two SPF grade male BALB/c mice were randomly divided into four groups(eight mice in each group),namely control group(CON),intestinal mucosal barrier damage model group(CS),fermentation broth intervention group(FT)and G.lucidum medium intervention group(GL),respectively.The intestinal dysregulation model was induced by intra-gastric administration of 0.2 mL ceftriaxone sodium(twice a day for seven consecutive days).From day 8,the FT group and GL group were gavage with 0.2 mL fermentation broth and G.lucidum medium,respectively.On day 15,all mice were sacrificed.To draw the weight curve and measure the cecal index;pathological examination of colon tissues with HE staining;serum levels of LPS,IL-10,TNF and IL-6 were detected by ELISA.Flow cytometry was used to analyze the changes of CD3+T cells,CD4+T cells,CD8+T cells and macrophages in spleen.16S rRNA sequencing was performed to detect the intestinal microbiota structure of mice.Results Bacillus subtilis can decompose and utilize G.lucidum fruiting body medium,and the suitable concentration of G.lucidum fruiting body medium is 33.2 mg/mL.The effect of Bacillus subtilis-G.lucidum fermentation broth on the damage of intestinal mucosal barrier caused by ceftriaxone sodium was reduced,the body weight of mice recovered and colon swelling improved,colon histopathological injury was alleviated,inflammatory cell infiltration was alleviated,serum IL-10 increased significantly,LPS、TNF-αand IL-6 decreased significantly compared with model group,and the proportion of T cells and intestinal dysbiosis was improved.Conclusions The experimental results suggest that Bacillus subtilis-G.lucidum fermentation broth can effectively improve the intestinal barrier function damage,immune dysfunction and intestinal dysbiosis caused by antibiotic overdose,and has a certain regulatory effect on intestinal mucosal barrier function.

On the Role of Intestinal Microbiota in Patients with Cognitive Decline

Objective： The association between gut microbiota composition and biomarkers of immune activation and inflammation was assessed in the elderly. Patients： Serum inflammation markers of fifty-five outpatients （29 females, 26 males, aged 78 ＋ 8.5 years） were analyzed. Stool specimens and thus data on gut microbiota were available from a subgroup of 23 individuals （9 females and 14 males）. Results： Global cerebral atrophy was found in all magnet resonance tomography scans. Mean mini-mental-score examination in Alzheimer＇s disease patients was 18.8 ± 7.1, in patients with mild cognitive impairment 27.8 ± 1.5. Serum neopterin concentrations correlated with concentrations of fecal S100A12 （p 〈 0.001） and cq-antitrypsin （p 〈 0.05）. Faecalibacterium prausnitzii correlated with MMSE （p 〈 0.05）, with Akkermansia muciniphila （p 〈 0.01） and with serum neopterin （p 〈 0.05）. Fecal zonulin correlated inversely with Clostridium cluster I （p 〈 0.02）. Conclusions： Our results underline earlier in vitro and animal studies that cognitive decline associates with age-related changes in the intestinal microbiota and neuroinflammation. However, only correlational evidence can be reported, and a causative relationship still has to be demonstrated.

Effect of Different Nutrient Factors in the Population Growth of Heterocapsa circularisquama

A marine red tide algae denominated as Heterocapsa circularisquama was cultured under the control factors. And the ecological function of nutrient salts such as nitrogen （mg/L）, phosphorus （rag/L） as well as silicon （rag/L） in different consistency on the population growth of H. circularisquama was investigated. The results showed that overtop or too low consistency of nutrient salts both delayed the population multiplication of the red tide algae, and different nutrient factors as nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon all had significant effects on the population amplification of H.circularisquama （p〈0.01）. The optimal concentration of nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon in the culture medium for the algae propagation and growth were 10 mg/L, 1-5 mg/L and 0 mg/L respectively.

Versatile Leadership, LVI and Their Application in Skoda Auto a.s.

The paper starts with a presentation of the versatile leadership model developed by Kaplan and Kaiser and of their 360 feedback tool Leadership Versatility Index （LVI）. Versatility can be generally defined as a mastery of opposites, as the ability to play multiple roles, even contradictory ones, without emphasizing some at the expense of others. The LVI has been designed to help managers understand their repertoire and how they can become more versatile leaders. It employs an innovative rating scale on which ideal score ＂0＂ is in the middle of it （the right amount）, flanked by underdoing to the left （too little） and overdoing to the right （too much）. The idea is to avoid the ＂more is better＂ design trap by providing a way for raters to indicate when managers go to counterproductive extremes. The LVI works with two-sided view of leadership based on two major pairs of opposites： directive vs. supportive leadership and execution vs. strategy. Interventions based on the LVI results help to overcome traditional behaviorism as they combine the outer work （behavioral change） with the inner work （personal change） of development. Application of the LV1 on a sample of the managers from Skoda Auto a.s. and verification of its practical value represented the core of the SAVS IGA project MM/O7/02. The last part of the paper is devoted to a presentation of the findings from this project. The LVI has been found to be both original and a very useful 360 feedback tool which can be addressed to two general groups of clients： （1） experienced senior managers; and （2） young perspective managers in the beginning of their career.