Contributions of FASN and SCD gene polymorphisms on fatty acid composition in muscle from Japanese Black cattle

The fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl‐CoA desaturase (delta‐9‐desaturase) (SCD) genes affect fatty acid composition. This study evaluated the contributions of polymorphisms of these genes on fatty acid composition in muscle in two different populations: 1189 and 1058 Japanese Black cattle from the Miyagi and the Yamagata populations respectively. We sampled intramuscular fat from the longissimus thoracis muscle in the Miyagi population and from the trapezius muscle in the Yamagata population. The collective contributions of FASN and SCD polymorphisms to total additive genetic variance for oleic acid were 13.46% in the Miyagi population and 16.29% in the Yamagata population and to phenotypic variance were 5.45% and 6.54% respectively. Although the individual effects of FASN and SCD polymorphisms on fatty acid composition were small, overall gene substitution may effectively improve fatty acid composition. In addition, we found that gene polymorphism contributions of fatty acids varied by population even in the same breed.     

Abundance and population trends of mangrove landbirds in southwest Florida

ABSTRACT The avifauna of south Florida's mangrove forests is unique and relatively unstudied. The population status of landbirds that breed in these forests is currently unknown, and this lack of information is especially problematic for species that have North American ranges limited almost exclusively to Florida's mangroves. To address this information gap, we estimated trends in abundance using data generated during bird surveys conducted from 2000 to 2008 at 101 points in mangrove forests in southwestern Florida. We found that populations of two of three mangrove‐dependent species that breed in these forests, Black‐whiskered Vireos (Vireo altiloquus) and Mangrove Cuckoos (Coccyzus minor), declined significantly during our study. In contrast, only one of seven species with a broader North American range (Red‐bellied Woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinensis) declined in abundance. No species increased in abundance. The Mangrove Cuckoo population exhibited the greatest decline, with numbers declining 87.1% from 2000 to 2008. Numbers of Black‐whiskered Vireos declined 63.9%. These declines coincided with the outbreak of West Nile virus that has been linked to population declines of other North American birds, but we could not rule out other potential causes, including changes in the quality or extent of breeding or wintering habitat.     

Evaluation of Streptomyces spp. for effective management of Poria hypolateritia causing red root-rot disease in tea plants

A field study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of indigenous biocontrol agents such as Streptomyces griseus and Streptomyces lydicus along with Bacillus subtilis and Trichoderma harzianum for controlling red root rot disease of tea plants. In response to biological treatments, disease incidence, green leaf yield, biometric and physiological parameters and organoleptic characters of made tea were assessed. Among the thirteen treatments tested, soil drenching of carbendazim was superior in terms of reducing red root rot incidence followed by combination of S. griseus and T. harzianum recorded in two consecutive field experiments. In contrast, the maximum green leaf yield and plant growth was achieved in soil application of these biocontrol agents. However, the performance of this dual combination of biocontrol agents was on par with systemic fungicide in terms of disease control. Correspondingly, the biometric, physiological and biochemical parameters were also considerably increased in biologically treated plants when compared to untreated control. The disease increased from 38.7% to 47.6% in untreated control plots and those plants were unhealthy in terms of leaf yellowing, stunted growth with heavy flowering, drying of branches and sudden death of bushes. The tea quality parameters such as theaflavin and thearubigin contents were significantly increased in the range of 0.75–1.43% and 10.38–13.22% respectively in biocontrol treated plants. This was also reflected in tea liquor characteristics. Our results suggested that the combination of biocontrol agents represent a promising alternative for effective management of red root rot disease in tea plants.     

Polymerization in black lipid membranes

A variety of different lipids containing dienoyl groups in the side chains were tested for membrane formation using the planar lipid bilayer approach. One of these lipids formed stable bilayers which could be polymerized using UV-illumination. The influence of the polymerization was studied in monolayers, lipid vesicles and planar bilayers. The stability of the lipid bilayer membranes was increased by polymerization. Thus, the lifetime of the membranes increased from about 1 h to 4–5 h or longer. Furthermore, the specific conductance of unmodified membranes and of carrier-mediated transport is reduced. The transport of lipophilic ions was investigated as a function of polymerization using the charge-pulse method. The absorption of dipicrylamine (DPA^-) is not affected. The translocation of this compound and of tetraphenylborate (B(Ph) ₄ ^- ) showed a strong decrease with polymerization time. The influence of polymerization on the membrane structure may be explained on the basis of a strong viscosity increase in the lipid bilayer membrane.     

A taxonomic reappraisal of the Atlanto-Mediterranean soles Solea solea, S. senegalensis and S. lascaris

Examination of morphometric characters of Solea aegyptiaca shows that it cannot be separated from Solea solea . Diagnostic characters are given to separate this species from S. senegalensis . The available data show that Solea impar and S. nasuta are junior synonyms of S. lascaris . Meristic characters of S. solea and S. lascaris vary greatly according to the geographical origin of the examined fishes, indicating the influence of temperature on the number of vertebrae and fin rays. A key is provided for the identification of the four species of the genus Solea known in the Atlanto-Mediterranean region.     

Zum Zug des Kiebitzregenpfeifers,Pluvialis squatarola,in Bulgarian

Abstract

On the migration of the Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola, in Bulgaria: 137 Bulgarian records (1891 – 1989) were compiled from published and unpublished sources and reviewed. Distribution, phenology, ecology and ethology are described and discussed in comparison with other countries of the Black Sea region.     

Feeding behaviour of the black pine beetle,Hylastes ater (Coleoptera: Scolytidae)

1 The feeding behaviour of Hylastes ater was investigated at 15 °C and 20 °C on a range of tree species. The role of an aggregation pheromone and the part played by olfactory cues in food selection was also investigated. 2 A distinct hierarchical preference at both 15 °C and 20 °C such that Pinus radiata > Pinus sylvestris > > Picea abies > > Rubus fruticosus=Betula pendula was shown. 3 Feeding on P. sylvestris led to the highest weight gain, closely followed by P. radiata and P. abies. Slightly elevated feeding was observed at 20 °C compared with 15 °C. 4 Reduced feeding in the presence of B. pendula suggests the possibility of an antifeedant effect and predamaged wood was found to be less nutritious, possibly due to greater plant defences. 5 The role of an aggregation pheromone was not supported. Olfactory cues enabled the detection of woody hosts, although differentiation between host was not observed. 6 These results are likely to be important in helping to design an effective integrated control approach against this pest.     

近130年来我国茶树有害生物研究书籍出版的历史沿革和特征

我国茶树有害生物发生种类多、分布区域广、危害较为严重，严重影响着茶叶产量和品质。厘清我国近现代茶树有害生物研究相关科技书籍出版时期、类型及数量，分析明确其学术特征，对掌握该领域历史文献脉络和了解其发展趋势等具有参考意义。本研究采用专业数据库文献检索和平面媒体信息查询、购买等方法，阅读、分析、获取茶树有害生物研究内容及书籍出版信息；将书籍分为著作、译著、教材、其他科技书籍4类，检索时间范围为1890-2021年。累计记录到茶树有害生物相关书籍280部，其中著作75部、译作4部、教材68部、其他科技书籍133部；结果显示，我国近现代茶树有害生物相关书籍出版肇始于1915年；总体特征为兼论性质书籍数量比例较大，实用性较强，具有较强系统性或者创新性的比例不高；出版数量时间特征及阶段明显，可分为发端期、起步期、发展期、提升期、繁荣期，总体上呈现显著上升趋势，当前及今后一定时期处于旺盛期；优势作者及作者来源机构、地区均比较集中。我国近现代茶树有害生物研究相关书籍出版肇始于1915年，历经5个阶段，出版规律及学术特征明显，现进入旺盛期。     

Dark-pigmented biodeteriogenic fungi in etruscan hypogeal tombs: New data on their culture-dependent diversity,favouring conditions,and resistance to biocidal treatments

Subterranean Cultural Heritage sites are frequently subject to biological colonization due to the high levels of humidity, even in conditions of low irradiance and oligotrophy. Here microorganisms form complex communities that may be dangerous through mineral precipitation, through the softening of materials or causing frequent surface discolorations. A reduction of contamination’s sources along with the control of microclimatic conditions and biocide treatments (overall performed with benzalkonium chloride) are necessary to reduce microbial growths. Dark discolorations have been recorded in the painted Etruscan tombs of Tarquinia, two of which have been analyzed to collect taxonomical, physiological, and ecological information. Eighteen dark-pigmented fungi were isolated among a wider culturable fraction: nine from blackening areas and nine from door sealings, a possible route of contamination. Isolates belonged to three major groups: Chaetothyriales, Capnodiales (Family Cladosporiaceae), and Acremonium-like fungi. Exophiala angulospora and Cyphellophora olivacea, a novelty for hypogea, were identified, while others need further investigations as possible new taxa. The metabolic skills of the detected species showed their potential dangerousness for the materials. Their tolerance to benzalkonium chloride-based products suggested a certain favouring effect through the decreasing competitiveness of less resistant species. The type of covering of the dromos may influence the risk of outer contamination. Fungal occurrence can be favoured by root penetration.     

The secret of Turkey red – technology transfer with a Scottish connection

Abstract

The successful commercial introduction of the Turkey red textile dyeing process from Western and South Asia into Western Europe occurred via France in the mid 18th century. The French state was deeply involved in facilitating this technology transfer. During the later half of the century, French dyers from Rouen were involved in a further transfer of this process into Great Britain. In particular, the efforts of Scottish dyers to recruit and utilize the knowledge and skills of M. Papillon, the ambiguous role of the Scottish Board of Manufactures, and the assistance of Professors Black and Hope are described. The eventual success of such ventures resulted in the implementation of the Turkey red process industrially in Glasgow by 1785.