Construction of a reference linkage map of Vitis amurensis and genetic mapping of Rpv8, a locus conferring resistance to grapevine downy mildew

Downy mildew, caused by the oomycete Plasmopara viticola, is one of the major threats to grapevine. All traditional cultivars of grapevine (Vitis vinifera) are susceptible to downy mildew, the control of which requires regular application of fungicides. In contrast, many sources of resistance to P. viticola have been described in the Vitis wild species, among which is V. amurensis Rupr. (Vitaceae), a species originating from East Asia. A genetic linkage map of V. amurensis, based on 122 simple sequence repeat and 6 resistance gene analogue markers, was established using S1 progeny. This map covers 975?cM on 19 linkage groups, which represent 82% of the physical coverage of the V. vinifera reference genetic map. To measure the general level of resistance, the sporulation of P. viticola and the necrosis produced in response to infection, five quantitative and semi-quantitative parameters were scored 6?days post-inoculation on the S1 progeny. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis allowed us to identify on linkage group 14 a major QTL controlling the resistance to downy mildew found in V. amurensis, which explained up to 86.3% of the total phenotypic variance. This QTL was named ??Resistance to Plasmopara viticola 8?? (Rpv8).     

Neighborhood Interactions and Larval Dispersal Behavior in Blowflies

We performed a computational analysis employing a cellular automata model to investigate the larval dispersal behavior of blowflies. The spatially discrete model developed here, incorporates simple behavioral rules in local interactions to produce the large-scale patterns observed in the larval dispersal process. We were able to find parameter ranges that could simulate the required experimental dispersal patterns in the study. In particular, oscillations, initially explained as a response to larval aggregation, could be explained by the combination of different mechanisms acting during the dispersal process. Peaks have characterized the interaction between dispersing larvae, but as a function of time. Then, the number of larvae decreased as a result of the pupation process, and neighborhood interaction became stingy.     

Addressing the energy crisis: using microbes to make biofuels

Much of the energy being used to power our lives comes from fossil fuels such as coal, natural gas and petroleum. These energy sources are non-renewable, are being exhausted and also pollute the air, water and soil with toxic chemicals. Their mining, transportation, refining and use are associated with a large carbon footprint that contributes significantly to global warming. In addition, the geopolitical complexities surrounding the main fossil fuel producers create risks and uncertainties around the world. Replacing fossil fuels with clean, renewable forms of energy is paramount to creating a sustainable and healthy future, and for laying the foundations for global political stability and prosperity. Using biomass from plants, microbes can produce biofuels that are identical to or perform as well as fossil fuels. In addition of creating sustainable energy, advancing the biofuel industry will create new, high-quality rural jobs whilst improving energy security.     

Amino acid sequences of seven Vβ, eight Vα, and thirteen Jα novel human TCR genes

The nucleotide sequence data reported in this paper have been submitted to the GenBank nucleotide sequence database and have been assigned the accession numbers L06866-L06893.     

A cold-stress-inducible PERK/OGT axis controls TOM70-assisted mitochondrial protein import and cristae formation

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Interaction between the predator Xylocoris sordidus and Bacillus thuringiensis bioinsecticides

Xylocoris species (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) are known to occur in various habitats and attack a diversity of agriculturally important prey. Other groups of organisms, such as strains of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner (Bt) bacteria, also have been extensively studied and applied as biological control agents. The use of these Bt-bioinsecticides in association with predators may be a good strategy in integrated pest management. This work had the objective to study predator behaviour, predatory capacity, and functional response of fifth-instar nymphs of Xylocoris sordidus (Reuter) to eggs of Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) and Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) treated with one of three commercial Bt-bioinsecticides. The predator presented a type II functional response to untreated P. xylostella eggs (control) and to eggs treated with Agree, whereas the response was type III to P. xylostella eggs treated with Xentari and Dipel. However, on a diet of C. cephalonica eggs the predator displayed a type II response curve on eggs treated with each of the three bioinsecticides, and a type III response on untreated eggs. Bioinsecticides based on B. thuringiensis may be used in association with X. sordidus predators to control lepidopterous pest species.     

Mrs, a new subfamily of Tourist transposable elements

We have characterised a new family of repetitive sequences that we have named Mrs (maize repetitive sequences). Mrs elements are associated with different maize genes and seem to be specific for the genome of Zea species. Mrs elements are short, AT-rich and contain terminal inverted repeats (TIRs). The sequence of their TIRs, as well as the fact that they are flanked by short repetitions that tend to be TAA, allows us to propose Mrs as a new subfamily of Tourist transposable elements.