The increased population of the Wild Boar (Sus scrofa L.) in Europe

In this paper the recent population changes of the Wild Boar in different European countries is analysed through the study of hunting statistics. A simultaneous increase in numbers is observed throughout the whole area during the period 1965–1975. From 1975 onwards the population stabilizes itself apart from in peripheral areas like Finland. Potentially favourable factors which play a part in this process are discussed and certain reproductive and dispersive characteristics which favour its invasive behaviour are discussed.     

Chromosome numbers in Brazilian species of Crotalaria (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) and their taxonomic significance

Chromosome numbers were counted for 23 species of Crotalaria native to Brazil. Among these data there were new counts for 15 taxa, and some confirmed previous reports or represented numbers that were different from those cited previously. The chromosome numbers most frequently found were 2 n  = 16 and 2 n  = 32. Only C. incana L. had 2 n  = 14 and C. tweediana Benth. had 2 n  = 54. The counts 2 n  = 32 and 54 were found in species of section Calycinae and 2 n  = 16 and 14 in species of section Chrysocalycinae . The data revealed the importance of chromosomal parameters in the characterization of sections Calycinae and Chrysocalycinae in Brazil. We discuss the systematic significance and evolutionary aspects for the genus, comparing the results with the two sections that are native in Brazil.  © 2006 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society , 2006, 151 , 271–277.     

Kinetics of pure cultures of hydrogen-oxidizing denitrifying bacteria and modeling of the interactions among them in mixed cultures

In this study we report the isolation of four denitrifying bacteria from a batch reactor, where the progress of hydrogenotrophic denitrification was examined. Only three of the strains had the ability to use hydrogen as electron donor. In the present work, kinetic batch experiments were carried out in order to study the dynamic characteristics of pure and defined mixed cultures of hydrogen-oxidizing denitrifying bacteria, under anoxic conditions, in a defined synthetic medium, in the presence of nitrates. Kinetic models were developed and the kinetic parameters were determined from the batch experiments for each bacterium separately. The behavior of mixed cultures and the interactions between the bacteria were described using kinetic models based on the kinetic models developed for each bacterium separately and their predictions were compared with the results from mixed culture experiments. The mathematical models that were developed and validated in the present work are capable of describing the behavior of the bacteria in pure and mixed cultures, and in particular, the kinetics of nitrate and nitrite reduction and cell growth.     

Chromosome numbers and meiotic analysis in the pre-breeding of <Emphasis Type="BoldItalic">Brachiaria decumbens</Emphasis> (Poaceae)

A total of 44 accessions of Brachiaria decumbens were analysed for chromosome count and meiotic behaviour in order to identify potential progenitors for crosses. Among them, 15 accessions presented 2n = 18; 27 accessions, 2n = 36; and 2 accessions, 2n = 45 chromosomes. Among the diploid accessions, the rate of meiotic abnormalities was low, ranging from 0.82% to 7.93%. In the 27 tetraploid accessions, the rate of meiotic abnormalities ranged from 18.41% to 65.83%. The most common meiotic abnormalities were related to irregular chromosome segregation, but chromosome stickiness and abnormal cytokinesis were observed in low frequency. All abnormalities can compromise pollen viability by generating unbalanced gametes. Based on the chromosome number and meiotic stability, the present study indicates the apomictic tetraploid accessions that can act as male genitor to produce interspecific hybrids with B. ruziziensis or intraspecific hybrids with recently artificially tetraploidized accessions.     

In Vitro Digestion of caseinate and Tween 20 Emulsions

Food Biophysics - In vitro digestion experiments are set-up with emulsions stabilized either with sodium caseinate and/or Tween 20, in the presence of mucin in the simulated GI fluids. The progress...     

卤虫染色体倍性组成的研究

本文报道了我国4个地理品系卤虫的染色体倍性组成及卵径分布,分析了卤虫染色体的非整倍性,讨论了卤虫种的分布。 天津卤虫有2倍体(2n=42),占33.3％和5倍体,占16.2％;染色体数的波动为21—108;卵径为262±17μm。 海南卤虫有2倍体(2n=42),占8％;4倍体,占17.7％;5倍体,占18.3％;染色体数的波动为16—111;卵径为285±15μm。 新疆卤虫有2倍体(2n=42),占39.2％;染色体数的波动为17—106;卵径为269±15μm。 山西卤虫有2倍体(2n=42),占45.1％,染色体数的波动为17—84;卵径为234±13μm。