Relative Production Rates Research Articles

Nitrite induced transcription of p450nor during denitrification by Fusarium oxysporum correlates with the production of N2O with a high 15N site preference

The greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is produced in soil as a consequence of complex co-occurring processes conducted by diverse microbial species, including fungi. The fungal p450nor gene encodes a nitric oxide reductase associated with fungal denitrification. We thus hypothesized that p450nor gene expression is a marker for ongoing fungal denitrification. Specific PCR primers and quantitative PCR (qPCR) assays were developed targeting p450nor genes and transcripts. The novel PCR primers successfully amplified p450nor from pure cultures, and were used in an mRNA targeted qPCR to quantify p450nor gene transcription (i.e., gene expression) during denitrification activity in cultures of the fungal model denitrifier Fusarium oxysporum. Gene expression was induced by high (5 mM) and low (0.25 mM) nitrite concentrations. Nitrite stimulated N2O production rates by F. oxysporum, which correlated well with an up to 70-fold increase in p450nor gene expression during the first 12–24 h of anoxic incubation. The relative p450nor gene peak expression and peak N2O production rates declined 20- and 2-fold on average, respectively, towards the later phase of incubation (48–120 h). The 15N site preference of N2O (SP(N2O)) was high for F. oxysporum and independent of reaction progress, confirming the fungal origin of N2O produced. In conclusion, the developed fungal p450nor gene expression assay together with the analysis of SP(N2O) values provide a basis to improve current tools for the identification of fungal denitrification and/or N2O production in natural systems like soils.

Trade‐off between standing biomass and productivity in species‐rich tropical forest: Evidence, explanations and implications

Abstract Despite its broad implications for community structure and dynamics, we lack a clear understanding of how forest productivity is partitioned among tree species. As leaf mass per unit of standing biomass declines with tree size, species achieving larger stature should show lower relative productivity as compared to smaller stature species. However, many observations indicate large‐stature species grow faster than small‐stature species. In this study, we address this apparent paradox, and clarify interspecific trade‐offs between turnover rates and maximum size in terms of forest‐level productivity and biomass storage. We examined data from the 1990 and 2000 surveys of the Pasoh 50‐ha plot of Malaysian rain forest. In these data, individual stems ≥1 cm stem diameter (dbh) have been identified, marked, measured and mapped. We applied site‐specific equations to estimate tree biomass from dbh. We estimated species‐level productivity and loss rates that are less influenced by census interval‐related effects and biases. Among 390 abundant tree species, species with high stand‐level biomass were predominantly those large‐stature species where individuals could achieve large sizes. We found that relative (= per‐species‐biomass) productivity and loss rate, per‐capita recruitment and mortality of species were all negatively correlated to species biomass and maximum size, but not to species abundance. Large‐stature species grew faster than small‐stature species at the same tree sizes up to 36 cm dbh. However, the relative growth of large species at their maximum size markedly declined. As a result, tree‐level relative growth at maximum size and species‐level relative productivity decreased with species‐level biomass. Performing further analyses using smaller plots in four old‐growth forests in Indonesia and Japan, we observed a similar interspecific negative relationship between relative productivity and biomass. We expect this phenomenon is widespread across species‐rich forests. Synthesis. How productivity is partitioned among species determines and reflects forest ecosystem functioning and species coexistence. Many species with low biomass and small maximum stem sizes disproportionally contribute to forest primary productivity, rapid recovery and resilience. In contrast, long‐lived, high‐biomass species contribute disproportionally to ecosystem stability and carbon storage. This complementarity reflects differentiation by adult stature among species.

Bottomonia production and polarization in the NRQCD with k_T-factorization. II: Upsilon (2S) and chi _b(2P) mesons

The Upsilon (2S) production and polarization at high energies is studied in the framework of k_T-factorization approach. Our consideration is based on the non-relativistic QCD formalism for bound states formation and off-shell production amplitudes for hard partonic subprocesses. The direct production mechanism, feed-down contributions from radiative chi _b(3P) and chi _b(2P) decays and contributions from Upsilon (3S) decays are taken into account. The transverse momentum dependent gluon densities in a proton were derived from the Ciafaloni–Catani–Fiorani–Marchesini evolution equation, Kimber-Martin-Ryskin prescription and Parton Branching method. Treating the non-perturbative color octet transitions in terms of the mulitpole radiation theory, we extract the corresponding non-perturbative matrix elements for Upsilon (2S) and chi _b(2P) mesons from a combined fit to Upsilon (2S) transverse momenta distributions measured by the CMS and ATLAS Collaborations at the LHC energies sqrt{s} = 7 and 13 TeV and from the relative production rate R^{chi _b(2P)}_{Upsilon (2S)} measured by the LHCb Collaboration at sqrt{s} = 7 and 8 TeV. Then we apply the extracted values to investigate the polarization parameters lambda _theta , lambda _phi and lambda _{theta phi }, which determine the Upsilon (2S) spin density matrix. Our predictions have a good agreement with the currently available data within the theoretical and experimental uncertainties.

Strangeness production with ALICE at the LHC

The main goal of the ALICE experiment is to study the physics of strongly interacting matter under extremely high temperature and energy density conditions to investigate the properties of the Quark-Gluon plasma (QGP). The enhanced production of strange hadrons with respect to non-strange particles was historically considered as one of the signatures of QGP formation during the evolution of the system created in heavy-ion collisions. The excellent tracking and particle identification capabilities of the ALICE experiment allow the reconstruction of multi-strange baryons via their weak decay channels over a large range of transverse momentum. The yields and the relative production rates of strange and multi-strange particles normalized to pions measured in pp, p–Pb, Pb–Pb and Xe–Xe collisions are presented as a function of particle multiplicity. The strangeness production dependence on the collision energy is also shown. Results are compared to QCD-inspired and statistical hadronization model predictions.

Impact of digitalization on industry: problems of definition in EU countries

The digitalization of the economy as a whole, and of manufacturing in particular, is one of the top-priority tasks that governments, business and society face. Central in this process is the implementation of Industry 4.0, which leading and international organizations expect to become a driver of economic development. Therefore, the objective of the study is to define the impact of digitalization on pace of industrial development at the national level. EU member states have been selected as the subject of the study. Comparing countries within the EU's single economic space is the most consistent for several reasons. On the one hand, all of these countries operate under similar institutional conditions, and on the other – the single market facilitates the free movement of capital and labor to the utmost. Also, the vast majority of EU member states are members of the monetary union and use the single currency – euro. Correlation analysis has been chosen as the main method to study the conformity of industrial production dynamics with the processes of digitalization. The results of the study in the most generalized form prove the inconsistency between high levels of digitalization and high rates of industrial production. EU member states, the leaders in terms of digitalization, demonstrate lower rates of industrial production growth than those countries that have lower levels of digital development. The hypothesis on positive impact of high levels of digitalization on industrial production at the national level has not been confirmed. However, it is not advisable to consider the results of the study as a sufficient basis for the final refutation of this hypothesis. One possible explanation for the relatively slower pace of industrial production growth in countries with high levels of digitalization is the following. The high level of industrial development causes the high level of digitalization, but at the same time leads to the "trap of high level of production", when each successive percentage, having a high base of comparison, becomes increasingly difficult. A typical example is the comparison between the Netherlands and Romania. Romania ranks 28 th (last) in the average digitization rate across all EU countries and 1 st in terms of average industry volume growth. At the same time, the Netherlands ranks 28 th in terms of average growth of the industry volume index and 3 rd in terms of digitalization. Thus, it can be argued that at the moment, digitalization (digital capital) does not have a decisive influence on the relative (when comparing between countries) growth rates of industrial production.

Are there any challenges in the charmonia production and polarization at the LHC?

We analyze the inclusive prompt production of $\psi^\prime$, $\chi_c$, $J/\psi$ and $\eta_c$ mesons at the LHC using the $k_T$-factorization approach. Our consideration is based on the off-shell production amplitudes for hard partonic subprocesses, nonrelativistic QCD formalism for the formation of bound states and transverse momentum dependent (or unintegrated) gluon densities in a proton derived from Catani-Ciafaloni-Fiorani-Marchesini equation. The nonperturbative color octet transitions are treated in terms of the multipole radiation theory. We extract the corresponding long-distance matrix elements from a combined fit to transverse momentum distributions measured at various LHC experiments. We make predictions for the polarization parameters $\lambda_\theta$, $\lambda_\phi$, $\lambda_{\theta \phi}$ and the frame-independent parameter $\lambda^*$ and compare them to the available $\psi^\prime$ and $J/\psi$ data. Finally, we present a universal set of parameters that provides a reasonable simultaneous description for the whole body of the LHC data (on the $p_T$ distributions, relative production rates and polarization observables) for the whole charmonium family.

Quantification of reactive oxygen species production by the red fluorescent proteins KillerRed, SuperNova and mCherry

Fluorescent proteins can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon absorption of photons via type I and II photosensitization mechanisms. The red fluorescent proteins KillerRed and SuperNova are phototoxic proteins engineered to generate ROS and are used in a variety of biological applications. However, their relative quantum yields and rates of ROS production are unclear, which has limited the interpretation of their effects when used in biological systems. We cloned and purified KillerRed, SuperNova, and mCherry - a related red fluorescent protein not typically considered a photosensitizer - and measured the superoxide (O2•-) and singlet oxygen (1O2) quantum yields with irradiation at 561 nm. The formation of the O2•--specific product 2-hydroxyethidium (2-OHE+) was quantified via HPLC separation with fluorescence detection. Relative to a reference photosensitizer, Rose Bengal, the O2•- quantum yield (ΦO2•-) of SuperNova was determined to be 1.5 × 10-3, KillerRed was 0.97 × 10-3, and mCherry 1.2 × 10-3. At an excitation fluence of 916.5 J/cm2 and matched absorption at 561 nm, SuperNova, KillerRed and mCherry made 3.81, 2.38 and 1.65 μM O2•-/min, respectively. Using the probe Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green (SOSG), we ascertained the 1O2 quantum yield (Φ1O2) for SuperNova to be 22.0 × 10-3, KillerRed 7.6 × 10-3, and mCherry 5.7 × 10-3. These photosensitization characteristics of SuperNova, KillerRed and mCherry improve our understanding of fluorescent proteins and are pertinent for refining their use as tools to advance our knowledge of redox biology.

High-resolution correlation of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) across the interior of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK

AbstractNew δ13Ccarb and microfacies data from Hereford–Worcestershire and the West Midlands allow for a detailed examination of variations in the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (Silurian) and depositional environment within the Much Wenlock Limestone Formation of the Midland Platform (Avalonia), UK. These comparisons have been aided by a detailed sequence-stratigraphic and bentonite correlation framework. Microfacies analysis has identified regional differences in relative sea-level change and indicates an overall shallowing of the carbonate platform interior from Hereford–Worcestershire to the West Midlands. Based upon the maximum δ13Ccarb values for the lower and upper peaks of the Homerian carbon isotope excursion (CIE), the shallower depositional setting of the West Midlands is associated with values that are 0.7 ‰ and 0.8 ‰ higher than in Hereford–Worcestershire. At the scale of parasequences the effect of depositional environment upon δ13Ccarb values can also be observed, with a conspicuous offset in the position of the trough in δ13Ccarb values between the peaks of the Homerian CIE. This offset can be accounted for by differences in relative sea-level change and carbonate production rates. While such differences complicate the use of CIEs as a means of high-resolution correlation, and caution against correlations based purely upon the isotopic signature, it is clear that a careful analysis of the depositional environment can account for such differences and thereby improve the use of carbon isotopic curves as a means of correlation.

Effects of spectral light quality and carbon dioxide on the physiology of Micractinium inermum: growth, photosynthesis, and biochemical composition

Growth, photosynthetic parameters, and biochemical composition of the chlorophyte Micractinium inermum were determined under conditions of different light-emitting diode (LED) wavelength distributions and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels of 1, 5, and 10% v/v. Increasing the inflowing CO2 concentration from 1 to 5 to 10% had negative effects on maximum growth rate (μmax), relative growth rate (RGR), biomass production, and CO2 fixation rate. Cultures subjected to a spectral distribution containing a blue wavelength peak were less negatively affected than red as CO2 stress increased, and evidently there was a quantitative effect depending on the peak area percentage. Under non-stressful conditions (1% CO2), there were no significant differences in μmax or RGR among light treatments; however, blue light resulted in decreased lag phases (0.75 less days than red). Biomass production was significantly higher in red wavelength peak treatments at 1% CO2 (i.e., monochromatic red treatment = 0.772 ± 0.07 g L−1) which demonstrates that although blue light allows for an early growth advantage, cultures grown with red light are able to catch up and result in more biomass. At a 10% CO2 level, RGR was higher in treatments with blue peaks; red peak treatments were no longer able to overcome the stress and demonstrated lag phases 4.87 days longer than blue peak treatments. Inhibition of photosystem II function was evident as CO2 concentrations increased. Evaluation of biochemical composition revealed that protein content was significantly greater in blue peak treatments at 10% CO2, pigment content was up to 2× greater than red at all CO2 levels, and total FAME and fatty acid profiles did not exhibit major changes.

Weak production of strange and charmed ground-state baryons in nuclei

We present results for the quasi-elastic weak production of $\Lambda$ and $\Sigma$ hyperons induced by $\bar{\nu}$ scattering off nuclei, in the kinematical region of interest for accelerator neutrino experiments. We employ realistic hole spectral functions and we describe the propagation of the hyperons in the nuclear medium by means of a Monte Carlo cascade. The latter strongly modifies the kinematics and the relative production rates of the hyperons, leading to a non-vanishing $\Sigma^+$ cross section, to a sizable enhancement of the $\Lambda$ production and to a drastic reduction of the $\Sigma^0$ and $\Sigma^-$ distributions. We also compute the quasi-elastic weak $\Lambda_c$ production cross section, paying special attention to estimate the uncertainties induced by the model dependence of the vacuum $n\to \Lambda_c$ weak matrix element. In this regard, the recent BESIII measurements of the branching ratios of $\Lambda_c\rightarrow \Lambda l^+\nu_l$ ($l=e,\mu$) are used to benchmark the available theoretical predictions.

Stable Isotope Tracers for Metabolic Pathway Analysis.

Stable isotope tracing allows a metabolic substrate to be followed through downstream biochemical reactions, thereby providing unparalleled insights into the metabolic wiring of cells. This approach stops short of modeling absolute fluxes but is relatively straightforward and has become increasingly accessible due to the widespread adoption of high-resolution mass spectrometers. Analysis of both dynamic and steady-state labeling patterns in downstream metabolites provides valuable qualitative information as to their origin and relative rates of production. Stable isotope tracing is, therefore, a powerful way to understand the impact of genetic alterations and defined perturbations on metabolism. In this chapter, we describe a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) protocol for stable isotope tracing using 13C-L-arginine in a macrophage cell line. A similar approach can be used to follow other stable isotope tracers, and notes are provided with advice on how this protocol can be generalized for use in other settings.

Structure-activity relationship of nanostructured ceria for the catalytic generation of hydroxyl radicals.

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are powerful oxidants generated in both biological systems and natural environments. Though enzyme-mimic activity and Fenton-like reactions have been postulated to explain how ceria nanoparticles and ROS are involved in the catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), the corresponding reaction kinetics for this reaction have not yet been completely resolved. Here we present our investigation of the structure-activity relationship of ceria nanostructures for the generation of hydroxyl radicals through the catalytic decomposition of H2O2. Different nanostructured ceria including nanorods (NR), nanocubes (NC), and nanooctahedra (NO), together with commercial ceria, were examined to elucidate the relationship between the morphology and reaction kinetics. The initial relative production rates of hydroxyl radicals over different ceria nanostructures were determined using fluorescence measurements and were applied to obtain the apparent activation energy for their intrinsic activity comparisons. The activity trend of the order: ceria NR > ceria NC > ceria NO > commercial ceria was observed. This trend was rationalized and assessed using activity descriptive factors including the intensity ratio of Raman bands of vibration modes due to atomic defects, the percentage of surface Ce3+ content, and the average coordination number of oxygen anions surrounding each cerium cation in the ceria samples.

Production of polyhydroxybutyrate from Acinetobacter nosocomialis RR20 strain using modified mineral salt medium: a statistical approach

Eco-friendly biopolymers, polyhydroxybutyrate, have been produced by many kinds of bacteria that possess most important applications in food packaging industries and also in medical field. In the present work, PHB production was economized through the statistical optimization of nutritional components. The preferable carbon and nitrogen sources chosen for the enhanced production of PHB were molasses and ammonium sulphate. The relative rate of production has been studied by understanding the complex interactions of variables using face-centred central composite design. The submerged fermentation with Acinetobacter nosocomialis RR20 produced PHB yield of 7.82 g/L at optimized conditions with a notable value change of eightfold increase in comparison with minimal salt medium and these findings have showed that the designed medium was significant in terms of higher of PHB production.

Membrane-Modified Metal Triazole Complexes for the Electrocatalytic Reduction of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide.

In this manuscript, an electrochemical architecture is designed that controls the kinetics of proton transfer to metal triazole complexes for electrocatalytic O2 and CO2 reduction. Self-assembled monolayers of these catalysts are attached to a glassy carbon electrode and covered with a lipid monolayer containing proton carriers, which acts as a proton-permeable membrane. The O2 reduction voltammograms on carbon are similar to those obtained on membrane-modified Au electrodes, which through the control of proton transfer rates, can be used to improve the selectivity of O2 reduction. The improved voltage stability of the carbon platforms allows for the investigation of a CO2 reduction catalyst inside a membrane. By controlling proton transfer kinetics across the lipid membrane, it is found that the relative rates of H2, CO, and HCOOH production can be modulated. It is envisioned that the use of these membrane-modified carbon electrodes will aid in understanding catalytic reactions involving the transfer of multiple protons and electrons.

Observation of a New Ξ_{b}^{-} Resonance.

From samples of pp collision data collected by the LHCb experiment at sqrt[s]=7, 8 and 13TeV, corresponding to integrated luminosities of 1.0, 2.0 and 1.5 fb^{-1}, respectively, a peak in both the Λ_{b}^{0}K^{-} and Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{-} invariant mass spectra is observed. In the quark model, radially and orbitally excited Ξ_{b}^{-} resonances with quark content bds are expected. Referring to this peak as Ξ_{b}(6227)^{-}, the mass and natural width are measured to be m_{Ξ_{b}(6227)^{-}}=6226.9±2.0±0.3±0.2 MeV/c^{2} and Γ_{Ξ_{b}(6227)^{-}}=18.1±5.4±1.8 MeV/c^{2}, where the first uncertainty is statistical, the second is systematic, and the third, on m_{Ξ_{b}(6227)^{-}}, is due to the knowledge of the Λ_{b}^{0} baryon mass. Relative production rates of the Ξ_{b}(6227)^{-}→Λ_{b}^{0}K^{-} and Ξ_{b}(6227)^{-}→Ξ_{b}^{0}π^{-} decays are also reported.

Search for the X(5568) State Decaying into B_{s}^{0}π^{±} in Proton-Proton Collisions at sqrt[s]=8 TeV.

A search for resonancelike structures in the B_{s}^{0}π^{±} invariant mass spectrum is performed using proton-proton collision data collected by the CMS experiment at the LHC at sqrt[s]=8 TeV, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 19.7 fb^{-1}. The B_{s}^{0} mesons are reconstructed in the decay chain B_{s}^{0}→J/ψϕ, with J/ψ→μ^{+}μ^{-} and ϕ→K^{+}K^{-}. The B_{s}^{0}π^{±} invariant mass distribution shows no statistically significant peaks for different selection requirements on the reconstructed B_{s}^{0} and π^{±} candidates. Upper limits are set on the relative production rates of the X(5568) and B_{s}^{0} states times the branching fraction of the decay X(5568)^{±}→B_{s}^{0}π^{±}. In addition, upper limits are obtained as a function of the mass and the natural width of possible exotic states decaying into B_{s}^{0}π^{±}.

Perceptual Responses to Exercise Heat‐Stress in Smokers versus Non‐Smokers

Physiological and psychological/mental stress occurs as individuals undergo exercise‐ heat stress. The latter can include perceptual measures, feelings of mood, and cognition performance. Decrements in these may lead to a decrease in productivity and motivation. Prior work suggests that smokers and non‐smokers have physiological differences, thus it is possible that smokers perceive exercise heat‐stress differently. It is important to understand how smokers “feel” during heat stress, especially when they are being physically active.PurposeThe purpose of this pilot study was to determine whether exercise heat stress has negative cognitive and perceptual effects on smokers versus non‐smokers.MethodsThree current male smokers (SMK: 20.6 ± 2.3 yr; 6 ± 1.7 cigarettes/day; 86.6 ± 10.2 kg; 21 ± 3.1% body fat) and 3 non‐smokers (N‐SMK: 24.6 ± 5.1 yr; 80.3 ± 3.6kg; 20.7 ± 8.2% body fat) participated in an experimental trial consisting of subjects performing 60 total minutes of cycling. Specifically, there were three 20‐minute exercise periods with two 20 minute rest periods in between each exercise bout. Participants cycled at a target metabolic heat production of 6 watts/kg in an environmental chamber at 40°C, 35 % relative humidity. The subject's internal temperature (Trec ) via rectal thermistor, mean body temperature (Tbody), heart rate and perceptual measures were collected every 5 and 15 minutes throughout each exercise and rest periods. Perceptual measures included perceived exertion, thirst, thermal sensation, muscle pain, motivation to continue, feeling and comfort.ResultsDuring the experimental trial, Trec at baseline for SMK and N‐SMK was 37.36±0.15 and 37.43±0.7°C, respectively; at the end of exercise (i.e., min 60) Trec was 38.03±0.2 and 38.34±0.7°C. Tbody for SMK and N‐SMK at the end of exercise was 39.5±0.16 and 39.7±0.7°C, respectively. HR was similar in SMK (132 ± 16.7 bpm) vs. N‐SMK (133±19.1 bpm). At the end of the last exercise bout the final perceptual ratings for SMK and N‐SMK were 10±3 and 11±1 for RPE, 4±2 and 4±3 for Thirst, 4.7±0.6 and 5.6±0.3 for Thermal, 1.3±0.6 and 1.2±0.8 for Muscle Pain, 4±2 and 4±1 for motivation to continue, 3±2 and 2±1 and for feeling and 2±1 and 2±1 for comfort.ConclusionIn this pilot study, when exercising at a similar relative rate of metabolic heat production, smokers had similar physiological responses. Likewise, the perceptual variables obtained were also similar between smokers and non‐smokers. This has implications for occupational settings in which smokers are heat stressed and trying to complete tasks that involve cognitive thought processes.Support or Funding InformationFunding provided by: Arkansas Department of Higher Education and the University of ArkansasThis abstract is from the Experimental Biology 2018 Meeting. There is no full text article associated with this abstract published in The FASEB Journal.

An essential role for abscisic acid in the regulation of xylem fibre differentiation.

Division of the cambial cells and their subsequent differentiation into xylem and phloem drives radial expansion of the hypocotyl. Following the transition to reproductive growth, a phase change occurs in the Arabidopsis hypocotyl. During this second phase, the relative rate of xylem production is dramatically increased compared with that of phloem, and xylem fibres that contain thick secondary cell walls also form. Using two different genetic backgrounds and different environmental conditions, we identified a set of core transcriptional changes that is associated with the switch to the second phase of growth in the hypocotyl. Abscisic acid (ABA) signalling pathways are significantly over-represented in this set of core genes. Reverse genetic analysis demonstrated that mutants that are defective in ABA-biosynthesis enzymes exhibited significantly delayed fibre production without affecting the xylem:phloem ratio, and that these effects can be reversed by the application of ABA. The altered morphology is also reflected at the transcript level, with a reduced expression of marker genes that are associated with fibre formation in aba1 mutants. Taken together, the data reveal an essential role for ABA in the regulation of fibre formation.

On the entropy method and exponential convergence to equilibrium for a recombination–drift–diffusion system with self-consistent potential

We consider a Shockley–Read–Hall recombination–drift–diffusion model coupled to Poisson’s equation and subject to boundary conditions, which imply conservation of the total charge. As main result, we derive an explicit functional inequality between relative entropy and entropy production rate, which implies exponential convergence to equilibrium with explicit constant and rate. We report that the key entropy–entropy production inequality ought rather not to be formulated on the states space of the parabolic–elliptic system, but on the reduced states space of the associated nonlocal drift–diffusion problem, where the Poisson equation is replaced by the corresponding Green function.

Microbial carbon processing in oligotrophic Lake Lucerne (Switzerland): results of in situ 13C-labelling studies

Although lakes play a major role in the storage of organic carbon, processes involved are not yet very well characterized, especially for oligotrophic lakes. Whether a lake functions as a net source or sink for carbon depends on relative rates of primary production, inputs of terrestrial organic matter and respiration. The microbial community will affect the efficiency of carbon cycling and thereby potential carbon storage. Because the organic matter fluxes are smaller in oligotrophic lakes they have been studied less intensively with respect to their carbon cycling compared to eutrophic lakes. Whether they play an appreciable role in freshwater carbon cycling relies on unraveling primary and secondary production. Here we present the results from such a study in oligotrophic Lake Lucerne, Switzerland. Based on in situ carbon isotopic labelling experiments using dark, glucose-labelled and transparent, DIC-labelled bottles positioned at different depths in the water column, we conclude that even though the photic zone was very deep, integrated primary productivity was consistently low. The carbon processing efficiency of the heterotrophic producers was such that photosynthesized organic matter was fully consumed, even during times of maximum productivity. This implies that the heterotrophic producers were well adapted to rapidly respond to a temporary increase in primary productivity, which is in line with calculated bacterial growth efficiencies in the surface water layer. Highest glucose-based productivity, as a measure of the heterotrophic potential, was observed in the deepest parts of the water column. Chemoautotrophy was shown at 60 m water depth and is of relatively minor importance for overall fluxes. Mixotrophy was recognized as a strategy to keep up production when light conditions become less favorable for autotrophic growth. A mesocosm experiment earlier in the year indicated lower primary production, which agrees well with the timing of this experiment preceding the annual spring bloom. During the low-productivity season the coupling between phytoplankton and bacterial production was much weaker and potentially more organic matter could escape recycling at that time, although quantitatively fluxes remained very low.