Genetic Population Structure of Cacao Plantings within a Young Production Area in Nicaragua

Significant cocoa production in the municipality of Waslala, Nicaragua, began in 1961. Since the 1980s, its economic importance to rural smallholders increased, and the region now contributes more than 50% of national cocoa bean production. This research aimed to assist local farmers to develop production of high-value cocoa based on optimal use of cacao biodiversity. Using microsatellite markers, the allelic composition and genetic structure of cacao was assessed from 44 representative plantings and two unmanaged trees. The population at Waslala consists of only three putative founder genotype spectra (lineages). Two (B and R) were introduced during the past 50 years and occur in >95% of all trees sampled, indicating high rates of outcrossing. Based on intermediate allelic diversity, there was large farm-to-farm multilocus genotypic variation. GIS analysis revealed unequal distribution of the genotype spectra, with R being frequent within a 2 km corridor along roads, and B at more remote sites with lower precipitation. The third lineage, Y, was detected in the two forest trees. For explaining the spatial stratification of the genotype spectra, both human intervention and a combination of management and selection driven by environmental conditions, appear responsible. Genotypes of individual trees were highly diverse across plantings, thus enabling selection for farm-specific qualities. On-farm populations can currently be most clearly recognized by the degree of the contribution of the three genotype spectra. Of two possible strategies for future development of cacao in Waslala, i.e. introducing more unrelated germplasm, or working with existing on-site diversity, the latter seems most appropriate. Superior genotypes could be selected by their specific composite genotype spectra as soon as associations with desired quality traits are established, and clonally multiplied. The two Y trees from the forest share a single multilocus genotype, possibly representing the Mayan, ‘ancient Criollo’ cacao

Weiterführung der Begleitforschung zur Einstiegsqualifizierung (EQ): 2. Zwischenbericht (korrigierte Version); im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)

Für den zweiten Zwischenbericht wurden erneut Akteure vor Ort (Kammern, Agenturen für Arbeit, Grundsicherungsstellen und Betriebe) zur Umsetzung befragt. Des Weiteren wurden die jungen Menschen aus der ersten Befragungswelle zu ihrem weiteren Werdegang befragt. Hinzu kamen vertiefte Analysen von Prozessdaten der Bundesagentur für Arbeit

Weiterführung der Begleitforschung zur Einstiegsqualifizierung (EQ): 2. Zwischenbericht ; im Auftrag des Bundesministeriums für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS)

Für den zweiten Zwischenbericht wurden erneut Akteure vor Ort (Kammern, Agenturen für Arbeit, Grundsicherungsstellen und Betriebe) zur Umsetzung befragt. Des Weiteren wurden die jungen Menschen aus der ersten Befragungswelle zu ihrem weiteren Werdegang befragt. Hinzu kamen vertiefte Analysen von Prozessdaten der Bundesagentur für Arbeit

Postmortem Health and Pollution Investigations on Harbor Seals (Phoca vitulina) of the Islands Helgoland and Sylt

Helgoland and Sylt are important centers of tourism in the North Sea. Harbor and grey seals are one reason for the attraction of these islands. However, little is known about these local seal groups. The present postmortem health and pollution study describes a multiparameter investigation of five ill harbor seals which were shot for animal welfare reasons. Firstly, results of pathology and blood investigations support the bad prognosis of survival made in the field. Signs of inflammation in organs, malnutrition, a high-stress level, and reduced thyroid activity were found. Secondly, metal and organic contaminants were investigated. Metal pollutants in blood, liver, muscle, and kidney tissue were not elevated. Lead and mercury concentrations showed a decreased level compared to former studies. Additionally, interesting insights were found for several organic contaminants in comparison with other studies. The Helgoland seals may be influenced by the contaminants of the Elbe plume

Nahrung, Notdurft und Obszönität in Mittelalter und Früher Neuzeit : Akten der Tagung Bamberg 2011 ; Kolloquium des Zentrums für Mittelalterstudien der Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg in Kooperation mit Ann Marie Rasmussen (Duke University), Bamberg, 15.-16.07.2011

Groteske Körpermotive führen koitierende, exkrementierende, sich überfressende Körper vor. Besonders Nahrungsaufnahme und -ausscheidung nehmen hyperbolische Quantitäten an, die rückverweisen auf die vitalen Kräfte des Körpers. Die Zugangsbarrieren zu solchen Themen sind in der Forschung nach wie vor hoch. Der vorliegende Band versammelt Beiträge über ‚naturalia’ in mittelalterlichen Texten wie Nahrungsaufnahme, Notdurft und Obszönität aus interdisziplinären Blickwinkeln.Motifs of the Grotesque body demonstrate copulating, defecating, over-eating bodies. Especially ingestion and defecation take on hyperbolic measures and thereby lead back to the vital forces of the body. The barriers concerning such themes were and still are high. This volume offers contributions about ‘naturalia’ in medieval texts such as ingestion, defecation and obscene motifs from an interdisciplinary ankle

Structural brain anomalies in patients with FOXG1 syndrome and in Foxg1+/- mice

Objective FOXG1 syndrome is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder associated with heterozygous FOXG1 variants or chromosomal microaberrations in 14q12. The study aimed at assessing the scope of structural cerebral anomalies revealed by neuroimaging to delineate the genotype and neuroimaging phenotype associations. Methods We compiled 34 patients with a heterozygous (likely) pathogenic FOXG1 variant. Qualitative assessment of cerebral anomalies was performed by standardized re-analysis of all 34 MRI data sets. Statistical analysis of genetic, clinical and neuroimaging data were performed. We quantified clinical and neuroimaging phenotypes using severity scores. Telencephalic phenotypes of adult Foxg1+/- mice were examined using immunohistological stainings followed by quantitative evaluation of structural anomalies. Results Characteristic neuroimaging features included corpus callosum anomalies (82%), thickening of the fornix (74%), simplified gyral pattern (56%), enlargement of inner CSF spaces (44%), hypoplasia of basal ganglia (38%), and hypoplasia of frontal lobes (29%). We observed a marked, filiform thinning of the rostrum as recurrent highly typical pattern of corpus callosum anomaly in combination with distinct thickening of the fornix as a characteristic feature. Thickening of the fornices was not reported previously in FOXG1 syndrome. Simplified gyral pattern occurred significantly more frequently in patients with early truncating variants. Higher clinical severity scores were significantly associated with higher neuroimaging severity scores. Modeling of Foxg1 heterozygosity in mouse brain recapitulated the associated abnormal cerebral morphology phenotypes, including the striking enlargement of the fornix. Interpretation Combination of specific corpus callosum anomalies with simplified gyral pattern and hyperplasia of the fornices is highly characteristic for FOXG1 syndrome.Peer reviewe

Valenzen des Lachens in der Vormoderne (1250-1750)

Das Lachen war oft Gegenstand theoretischer Reflexion. Untersuchungen zu den spezifischen historischen Konstellationen des Lachens in der Vormoderne fehlen dagegen fast ganz. Diesem Defizit ist der vorliegende Band gewidmet. Über das Lachen lässt sich historisches Selbstverständnis erschließen. Werte und Tabus treten in politischen, historiographischen, literarischen und brieflichen Zeugnissen, die mit dem Lachen befasst sind, in besonders prägnanter Weise hervor. Das Lachen ist eine Form der Kommunikation und sozialen Interaktion, die nicht nur durch Instrumentalisierung in der Propaganda neue Identitäten schaffen und festigen kann. Lachen dient als Machtinstrument, trägt zur gruppeninternen Verständigung bei und ist ein Mittel der Sinnstiftung. Die hier versammelten Beiträge untersuchen die Valenzen des Lachens empirisch und in interdisziplinärer Perspektive vom Mittelalter bis ins 18. Jahrhundert. Exemplarische Studien loten so das Potential einer historischen Erforschung des Lachens aus