Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. The loss of telomeres through cell division and oxidative stress is related to cellular aging, organismal growth and disease. In this way, tel...Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. The loss of telomeres through cell division and oxidative stress is related to cellular aging, organismal growth and disease. In this way, telomeres link molecular and cellular mechanisms with organismal processes, and may explain variation in a number of important life-history traits. Here, we discuss how telomere biology relates to the study of physiological ecology and life history evolution. We emphasize current knowledge on how telomeres may relate to growth, survival and lifespan in natural populations. We finish by examining interest- ing new connections between telomeres and the glucocorticoid stress response. Glucocorticoids are often employed as indices of physiological condition, and there is evidence that the glucocorticoid stress response is adaptive. We suggest that one way that glucocorticoids impact organismal survival is through elevated oxidative stress and telomere loss. Future work needs to establish and explore the link between the glucocorticoid stress response and telomere shortening in natural populations. If a link is found, it provides an explanatory mechanism by which environmental perturbation impacts life history trajectories [Current Zoology 56 （6）： 714-727, 2010].展开更多
The morphology and ultrastructure of Bullacta exarata spermatozoa observed by light and transmission electron microscopy are presented in this paper. The spermatozoon is composed of head with a simple acrosomal comple...The morphology and ultrastructure of Bullacta exarata spermatozoa observed by light and transmission electron microscopy are presented in this paper. The spermatozoon is composed of head with a simple acrosomal complex and an elongated nucleus, and tail with a midpiece, principal piece and an end piece. The midpiece consists of a mitochondrial ring, and the principal piece is composed of axoneme and lateral fin. The structure of 5. exarata spermatozoa differs significantly from that of other gastropods, especially in the lateral fin and the principal piece, which was described scarcely before. A comparison is made between B. exarata and other gastropods, and its significance on reproductive evolution and physio-ecological adaptation is preliminarily discussed.展开更多
Northeast India has a good deposit of sub-bituminous tertiary coal. The northeast Indian coals have unusual physico-chemical characteristics such as high sulfur, volatile matter and vitrinite content, and low ash cont...Northeast India has a good deposit of sub-bituminous tertiary coal. The northeast Indian coals have unusual physico-chemical characteristics such as high sulfur, volatile matter and vitrinite content, and low ash content. In addition, many environmental sensitive organic and mineral bound elements such as Fe, Mg, Bi, AI, V, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Mn etc. remain enriched in these coals. Such characteristics are associated with more severe environmental impacts due to mining and its utilization in coal based industries. Environmental challenges include large scale landscape damage, soil erosion, loss of forest ecosystem and wildlife habitat, air, water and soil pollution. Several physical and chemical methods are reported in literature for the removal of mineral matter, total sulfur and different forms of sulfur from high sulfur coal in northeast India. This paper may help different researchers and stakeholders to understand current state of research in the field. Initiatives may be taken towards sustainable use of coal resources by adopting innovative clean technologies and by implementing effective control measures and regulatory policies.展开更多
Despite the fact that miombo woodland soils have significant implications in global climate change processes, few studies have been done to characterize and classify the soils of the miombo woodland ecosystem of Tanza...Despite the fact that miombo woodland soils have significant implications in global climate change processes, few studies have been done to characterize and classify the soils of the miombo woodland ecosystem of Tanzania. The current study was carried out to map and classify soils of Kitonga Forest Reserve, which is a typical miombo woodland ecosystem, in order to generate relevant information for their use and management. A representative study area of 52 km2 was selected and mapped at a scale of 1：50,000 on the basis of relief. Ten representative soil profiles were excavated and described using standard methods. Soil samples were taken from genetic soil horizons and analyzed in the laboratory for physico-chemical characteristics using standard methods. Using field and laboratory analytical data, the soils were classified according to the FAO-World Reference Base （FAO-WRB） for Soil Resources system as Cambisols, Leptosols and Fluvisols. In the USDA-NRCS Soil Taxonomy system the soils were classified as Inceptisols and Entisols. Topographical features played an important role in soil formation. The different soil types differed in physico-chemical properties, hence exhibit differences in their potentials, constraints and need specific management strategies. Texture varied from sandy to different loams; pH from 5.1 to 5.9; organic carbon from 0.9 g/kg to 20 g/kg; and CEC from 3 cmol/（＋）kg to 24 cmol/（＋）kg. Sustainable management of miombo woodlands ecosystem soils requires reduced deforestation and reduced land degradation.展开更多
Aromatic compounds (ACs) in soil can induce competitive inhibition for soil NH3 oxidation, and nitrification inhibitors can be used to this end. A laboratory incubation experiment was performed with 12 nitroaromatic c...Aromatic compounds (ACs) in soil can induce competitive inhibition for soil NH3 oxidation, and nitrification inhibitors can be used to this end. A laboratory incubation experiment was performed with 12 nitroaromatic compounds (NACs), 15 amidoaromatic compounds (AACs) and 20 hydroxyaromatic compounds (HACs) to assess the inhibitory effects of ACs on soil nitrification. Based on these results, the critical and optimal concentrations of ACs were determined for better inhibitory effects. Most of the test ACs were able to inhibit soil nitrification; the effectiveness differed with soil type. Among the ACs, the NACs with m-nitryl, amino or hydroxyl and the AACs with a nitro group or a chlorine atom on aromatic ring or with a p-hydroxyl were more effective. 3-nitroaniline, 4-aminophenol and 3-nitrophenol showed the greatest potential as nitrification inhibitors. The critical concentration of these compounds in brown soil and cinnamon soil was found to be 0.5 mg kg-1 soil. Due to the toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of ACs, further toxicological and ecotoxicological research is necessary before ACs are used as nitrification inhibitors in agricultural and horticultural practices.展开更多
The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and physical attributes of soil, and the productivity of Eucalyptus cultivated in monoculture and silvopastoral systems. The experiment started in 2009 and eval...The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and physical attributes of soil, and the productivity of Eucalyptus cultivated in monoculture and silvopastoral systems. The experiment started in 2009 and evaluated the following four systems： native vegetation system （Cerrado）, a degraded pasture, a Eucalyptus urograndis monoculture （E. urophylla x E. grandis） and a silvopastoral system （E. urograndis combined with Brachiaria brizantha cv. ＂Marandu＂）. The experimental design used was completely randomized. In each system, four soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm depth layer, and the chemical and physical attributes of the soil were evaluated. The diameters of all Eucalyptus trees at 1.30 m above the ground as well as the total height were measured. Subsequently, the trees dimensions were measured and their individual volumes obtained by applying the Smalian formula. The correlation between the parameters for Eucalyptus production and soil attributes was established using the Pearson＇s correlation coefficient method. The planting of Eucalyptus in monoculture and silvopastoral systems contributed to the improvement of the soil＇s chemical and physical attributes, which indicates the potential of these systems for recovery of degraded pastures. The silvopastoral system yielded the highest average volume of wood per tree （0.2228 m^3）, with a productivity of 111.4 m^3/ha. The Eucalyptus monoculture yielded 0.1895 m^3 per tree and 315.71 m^3/ha due to the higher density of the crop. The growth and productivity of Eucalyptus showed highly correlation with the soil attributes, thus suggesting that well-managed crops are an indicator of the soil quality recovery.展开更多
Changes in the global environment such as ocean acidification （OA） may interact with anthropogenic pollutants including trace metals threatening the integrity of marine ecosystems. We analyze recent studies on the i...Changes in the global environment such as ocean acidification （OA） may interact with anthropogenic pollutants including trace metals threatening the integrity of marine ecosystems. We analyze recent studies on the interactive effects of OA and trace metals on marine organisms with a focus on the physiological basis of these interactions. Our analysis shows that the responses to elevated CO2 and metals are strongly dependent on the species, developmental stage, metal biochemistry and the degree of environmental hypercapnia, and cannot be directly predicted from the CO2-induced changes in metal solubility and speciation. The key physiological functions affected by both the OA and trace metal exposures involve acid-base regulation, pro- tein turnover and mitochondrial bioenergetics, reflecting the sensitivity of the underlying molecular and cellular pathways to CO2 and metals. Physiological interactions between elevated CO2 and metals may impact the organisms＇ capacity to maintain ac- id-base homeostasis and reduce the amount of energy available for fitness-related functions such as growth, development and re- production thereby affecting survival and performance of estuarine populations. Environmental hypercapnia may also affect the marine food webs by altering predator-prey interactions and the trophic transfer of metals in the food chain. However, our under- standing of the degree to which these effects can impact the function and integrity of marine ecosystems is limited due the scar- city of the published research and its bias towards certain taxonomic groups. Future research priorities should include studies of metal x Pco2 interactions focusing on critical physiological functions （including acid-base, protein and energy homeostasis） in a greater range of ecologically and economically important marine species, as well as including the field populations naturally ex- posed （and potentially adapted） to different levels of metals and CO2 in their environments [Current Zoology 61 （4）： 653-668, 2015].展开更多
文摘Telomeres are protective structures at the ends of eukaryotic chromosomes. The loss of telomeres through cell division and oxidative stress is related to cellular aging, organismal growth and disease. In this way, telomeres link molecular and cellular mechanisms with organismal processes, and may explain variation in a number of important life-history traits. Here, we discuss how telomere biology relates to the study of physiological ecology and life history evolution. We emphasize current knowledge on how telomeres may relate to growth, survival and lifespan in natural populations. We finish by examining interest- ing new connections between telomeres and the glucocorticoid stress response. Glucocorticoids are often employed as indices of physiological condition, and there is evidence that the glucocorticoid stress response is adaptive. We suggest that one way that glucocorticoids impact organismal survival is through elevated oxidative stress and telomere loss. Future work needs to establish and explore the link between the glucocorticoid stress response and telomere shortening in natural populations. If a link is found, it provides an explanatory mechanism by which environmental perturbation impacts life history trajectories [Current Zoology 56 （6）： 714-727, 2010].
文摘The morphology and ultrastructure of Bullacta exarata spermatozoa observed by light and transmission electron microscopy are presented in this paper. The spermatozoon is composed of head with a simple acrosomal complex and an elongated nucleus, and tail with a midpiece, principal piece and an end piece. The midpiece consists of a mitochondrial ring, and the principal piece is composed of axoneme and lateral fin. The structure of 5. exarata spermatozoa differs significantly from that of other gastropods, especially in the lateral fin and the principal piece, which was described scarcely before. A comparison is made between B. exarata and other gastropods, and its significance on reproductive evolution and physio-ecological adaptation is preliminarily discussed.
文摘Northeast India has a good deposit of sub-bituminous tertiary coal. The northeast Indian coals have unusual physico-chemical characteristics such as high sulfur, volatile matter and vitrinite content, and low ash content. In addition, many environmental sensitive organic and mineral bound elements such as Fe, Mg, Bi, AI, V, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Mn etc. remain enriched in these coals. Such characteristics are associated with more severe environmental impacts due to mining and its utilization in coal based industries. Environmental challenges include large scale landscape damage, soil erosion, loss of forest ecosystem and wildlife habitat, air, water and soil pollution. Several physical and chemical methods are reported in literature for the removal of mineral matter, total sulfur and different forms of sulfur from high sulfur coal in northeast India. This paper may help different researchers and stakeholders to understand current state of research in the field. Initiatives may be taken towards sustainable use of coal resources by adopting innovative clean technologies and by implementing effective control measures and regulatory policies.
文摘Despite the fact that miombo woodland soils have significant implications in global climate change processes, few studies have been done to characterize and classify the soils of the miombo woodland ecosystem of Tanzania. The current study was carried out to map and classify soils of Kitonga Forest Reserve, which is a typical miombo woodland ecosystem, in order to generate relevant information for their use and management. A representative study area of 52 km2 was selected and mapped at a scale of 1：50,000 on the basis of relief. Ten representative soil profiles were excavated and described using standard methods. Soil samples were taken from genetic soil horizons and analyzed in the laboratory for physico-chemical characteristics using standard methods. Using field and laboratory analytical data, the soils were classified according to the FAO-World Reference Base （FAO-WRB） for Soil Resources system as Cambisols, Leptosols and Fluvisols. In the USDA-NRCS Soil Taxonomy system the soils were classified as Inceptisols and Entisols. Topographical features played an important role in soil formation. The different soil types differed in physico-chemical properties, hence exhibit differences in their potentials, constraints and need specific management strategies. Texture varied from sandy to different loams; pH from 5.1 to 5.9; organic carbon from 0.9 g/kg to 20 g/kg; and CEC from 3 cmol/（＋）kg to 24 cmol/（＋）kg. Sustainable management of miombo woodlands ecosystem soils requires reduced deforestation and reduced land degradation.
基金Supported by the National Basic Research Program (973 Program) of China (No.2007CB109307)the National Science & Technology Pillar Program (No.2006BAD10B01)
文摘Aromatic compounds (ACs) in soil can induce competitive inhibition for soil NH3 oxidation, and nitrification inhibitors can be used to this end. A laboratory incubation experiment was performed with 12 nitroaromatic compounds (NACs), 15 amidoaromatic compounds (AACs) and 20 hydroxyaromatic compounds (HACs) to assess the inhibitory effects of ACs on soil nitrification. Based on these results, the critical and optimal concentrations of ACs were determined for better inhibitory effects. Most of the test ACs were able to inhibit soil nitrification; the effectiveness differed with soil type. Among the ACs, the NACs with m-nitryl, amino or hydroxyl and the AACs with a nitro group or a chlorine atom on aromatic ring or with a p-hydroxyl were more effective. 3-nitroaniline, 4-aminophenol and 3-nitrophenol showed the greatest potential as nitrification inhibitors. The critical concentration of these compounds in brown soil and cinnamon soil was found to be 0.5 mg kg-1 soil. Due to the toxicity, carcinogenicity and mutagenicity of ACs, further toxicological and ecotoxicological research is necessary before ACs are used as nitrification inhibitors in agricultural and horticultural practices.
文摘The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical and physical attributes of soil, and the productivity of Eucalyptus cultivated in monoculture and silvopastoral systems. The experiment started in 2009 and evaluated the following four systems： native vegetation system （Cerrado）, a degraded pasture, a Eucalyptus urograndis monoculture （E. urophylla x E. grandis） and a silvopastoral system （E. urograndis combined with Brachiaria brizantha cv. ＂Marandu＂）. The experimental design used was completely randomized. In each system, four soil samples were collected from the 0-20 cm depth layer, and the chemical and physical attributes of the soil were evaluated. The diameters of all Eucalyptus trees at 1.30 m above the ground as well as the total height were measured. Subsequently, the trees dimensions were measured and their individual volumes obtained by applying the Smalian formula. The correlation between the parameters for Eucalyptus production and soil attributes was established using the Pearson＇s correlation coefficient method. The planting of Eucalyptus in monoculture and silvopastoral systems contributed to the improvement of the soil＇s chemical and physical attributes, which indicates the potential of these systems for recovery of degraded pastures. The silvopastoral system yielded the highest average volume of wood per tree （0.2228 m^3）, with a productivity of 111.4 m^3/ha. The Eucalyptus monoculture yielded 0.1895 m^3 per tree and 315.71 m^3/ha due to the higher density of the crop. The growth and productivity of Eucalyptus showed highly correlation with the soil attributes, thus suggesting that well-managed crops are an indicator of the soil quality recovery.
基金This work was in part supported by funds provided by the National Science Foundation award I0S-095107 and UNC Charlotte＇s Faculty Research Grant to I.M.S.
文摘Changes in the global environment such as ocean acidification （OA） may interact with anthropogenic pollutants including trace metals threatening the integrity of marine ecosystems. We analyze recent studies on the interactive effects of OA and trace metals on marine organisms with a focus on the physiological basis of these interactions. Our analysis shows that the responses to elevated CO2 and metals are strongly dependent on the species, developmental stage, metal biochemistry and the degree of environmental hypercapnia, and cannot be directly predicted from the CO2-induced changes in metal solubility and speciation. The key physiological functions affected by both the OA and trace metal exposures involve acid-base regulation, pro- tein turnover and mitochondrial bioenergetics, reflecting the sensitivity of the underlying molecular and cellular pathways to CO2 and metals. Physiological interactions between elevated CO2 and metals may impact the organisms＇ capacity to maintain ac- id-base homeostasis and reduce the amount of energy available for fitness-related functions such as growth, development and re- production thereby affecting survival and performance of estuarine populations. Environmental hypercapnia may also affect the marine food webs by altering predator-prey interactions and the trophic transfer of metals in the food chain. However, our under- standing of the degree to which these effects can impact the function and integrity of marine ecosystems is limited due the scar- city of the published research and its bias towards certain taxonomic groups. Future research priorities should include studies of metal x Pco2 interactions focusing on critical physiological functions （including acid-base, protein and energy homeostasis） in a greater range of ecologically and economically important marine species, as well as including the field populations naturally ex- posed （and potentially adapted） to different levels of metals and CO2 in their environments [Current Zoology 61 （4）： 653-668, 2015].
