Transonic cryogenic test section for the Goettingen tube facility

The design of modern aircraft requires the solution of problems related to transonic flow at high Reynolds numbers. To investigate these problems experimentally, it is proposed to extend the Ludwieg tube facility by adding a transonic cryogenic test section. After stating the requirements for such a test section, the technical concept is briefly explained and a preliminary estimate of the costs is given

Genetic diversity and population structure of locally adapted South African chicken lines: Implications for conservation.

In this study microsatellite markers were applied to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the six local chicken lines kept in the “Fowls for Africa” program, for better clarification of parameters for breed differentiation and genetic conservation of this valuable resource. The lines included the Black Australorp, Potchefstroom Koekoek, New Hampshire, Ovambo, Lebova- Venda and a Naked Neck line. Unbiased estimates for heterozygosity ranged from 50% in the Potchefstroom Koekoek to as high as 65% in the Naked Neck chickens. FIS values varied from as low as 0.16 for the Black Australorp line to as high as 0.35 for the Ovambo chickens. The FST values indicated moderate to high genetic differentiation between the Naked Neck and New Hampshire (0.11); Ovambo and Naked Neck lines (0.12), and Naked Neck and Lebowa- Venda (0.14). A total of 13% of the total genetic variation observed was between the chicken lines and 87% within the lines, supporting moderate genetic differentiation. Population structure was assessed using STRUCTURE where the Black Australorp was genetically best defined. Although six clusters for the different populations could be distinguished, the other lines were not as clearly defined, with individual birds tending to share more than one cluster. Results support a broad classification of these lines and further investigation of unique alleles is recommended for conservation of the lines within the program

Genetic diversity and population structure of locally adapted South African chicken lines: Implications for conservation

In this study microsatellite markers were applied to investigate the genetic diversity and population structure of the six local chicken lines kept in the “Fowls for Africa” program, for better clarification of parameters for breed differentiation and genetic conservation of this valuable resource. The lines included the Black Australorp, Potchefstroom Koekoek, New Hampshire, Ovambo, Lebova- Venda and a Naked Neck line. Unbiased estimates for heterozygosity ranged from 50% in the Potchefstroom Koekoek to as high as 65% in the Naked Neck chickens. FIS values varied from as low as 0.16 for the Black Australorp line to as high as 0.35 for the Ovambo chickens. The FST values indicated moderate to high genetic differentiation between the Naked Neck and New Hampshire (0.11); Ovambo and Naked Neck lines (0.12), and Naked Neck and Lebowa- Venda (0.14). A total of 13% of the total genetic variation observed was between the chicken lines and 87% within the lines, supporting moderate genetic differentiation. Population structure was assessed using STRUCTURE where the Black Australorp was genetically best defined. Although six clusters for the different populations could be distinguished, the other lines were not as clearly defined, with individual birds tending to share more than one cluster. Results support a broad classification of these lines and further investigation of unique alleles is recommended for conservation of the lines within the program. Keywords: Native chicken, microsatellite markers, genetic variation, population structure, South Africa South African Journal of Animal Science Vol. 38 (4) 2008: pp. 271-28

The wool proteome and fibre characteristics of three distinct genetic ovine breeds from Portugal

Wool properties and commodity value vary considerably between breeds. In Portugal, three major ovine groups exist: Churros, Bordaleiros and Merinos. This work studies the effect of the ovine genotype on the wool proteome of such groups. Wool was collected from 15 ewes/breed and genetic groups: Churra da Terra Quente (CTQ) or Churro, Serra da Estrela (SE) or Bordaleiro and Merino Branco (MB) or Merino. Proteins were extracted and subjected to label-free proteomics analysis. A total of 50 keratinous protein groups were identified in all the samples, divided into type I and II keratins and the keratin associated proteins: high-glycine-tyrosine proteins, ultra-high sulphur proteins and high-sulphur proteins. Major differences were found between MB and CTQ with respect to K75 and K38, both medullar proteins and to a lesser extent between SE and CTQ suggesting that these might be good markers for this trait in wool. Partial least squares discriminatory analysis proved MB to be readily distinguishable from the other two breeds. Further differences were noted in keratin associated protein levels between the three breeds, normally an indicator of higher levels of orthocortex and also their relationship to high curvature, high crimp fibres like Merinoinfo:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis reveals the unique genetic composition of South African selected macadamia accessions

Macadamia nuts are known globally for their high quality and economic value. Global macadamia commercial nut production amounts to 60,000 metric tonnes and is increasing steadily. South Africa is the leading producer with 29% of worldwide kernel production. Commercial macadamia germplasm was originally selected from a small genepool (mainly Macadamia integrifolia species) from a limited geographic distribution in Australia. These accessions were subsequently bred, cloned and exported across the world to start local macadamia industries. The South African macadamia industry was established with pre-commercial and commercial macadamia from different parts of the world, and local selections were also performed. Many of these accessions have unique genetic compositions that have not been characterized yet. We used 13 nuclear microsatellite markers to study the genetic diversity and structure of macadamia germplasm cultivated in South Africa. We compared four groups of accessions including 31 originating from the Hawaiian Agricultural Experimental Station (HAES), 19 from Australia (AUS), two from California and one from Israel (OTH), 31 from South Africa’s locally selected accessions (SA) and 26 from two local Farmers (FARM). We used STRUCTURE, PCoA and neighbour-joining phylogenetic analyses to show that the South African selected accessions include diverse hybrid genotypes with strong Macadamia tetraphylla composition, unlike the Hawaiian commercially released and Australian representative collections that mostly have M. integrifolia or hybrid composition. Our results suggest that the South African selections represent a unique and diverse set of germplasm for future macadamia improvement efforts that will benefit from genomic breeding technologies.The National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa and Macadamias South Africa.https://link.springer.com/journal/11295hj2023BiochemistryForestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI)GeneticsMicrobiology and Plant Patholog

Los xenartros de Honduras: nuevos registros, principales amenazas y comentarios sobre su estado de conservación

The Xenarthra are one of the least studied mammalian groups in Honduras. Their ecology, natural history, and distribution in the country are poorly known. Here we compile and discuss, for the first time, the available information about the seven species of Xenarthra that occur in Honduras. We also present new distribution records and comment on their main threats. The lack of specific scientific studies, poaching, illegal traffic, cultural beliefs, and deforestation are among the main threats to xenarthrans in Honduras.Xenarthra es uno de los grupos de mamíferos menos estudiados en Honduras, y de los que menos se sabe sobre su ecología, historia natural y distribución en el país. Aquí recopilamos y discutimos, por primera vez, la información disponible de cada una de las siete especies de Xenarthra que ocurren en Honduras. También presentamos nuevos registros de distribución y comentamos sobre las principales amenazas. La falta de estudios científicos, la cacería y el tráfico ilegal, creencias culturales y la deforestación están entre algunas de las principales amenazas para los xenartros en Honduras.Fil: Turcios Casco, Manfredo A.. Instituto Nacional de Conservación y Desarrollo Foresta; HondurasFil: Ávila Palma, Hefer D.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras; HondurasFil: Martínez, Marcio. Instituto Nacional de Conservación y Desarrollo Foresta; HondurasFil: Trejo Ordoñez, Eduardo J.. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras; HondurasFil: Meza Flores, David E.. Asociación de Investigación para el Desarrollo Ecológico y Socioeconómico; HondurasFil: Castañeda, Franklin. Panthera; HondurasFil: King, Travis. Washington State University; Estados UnidosFil: Thornton, Daniel. Washington State University; Estados UnidosFil: Superina, Mariella. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentin

A review of the use of blood and blood products in HIV-infected patients

Despite numerous publications on the appropriate use of blood and blood products, few specifically consider the role of transfusion in the management of HIV. This review is a synthesis of conditions encountered in the management of HIV-infected patients where the transfusion of blood or blood products may be indicated. A consistent message emerging from the review is that the principles of transfusion medicine do not differ between HIV-negative and -positive patients. The aim of the review is to provide clinicians witha practical and succinct overview of the haematological abnormalities and clinical circumstances most commonly encountered in the HIV setting, while focusing on the rational and appropriate use of blood and blood products forHIV patients. Important ethical considerations in dealing with both the collection and transfusion blood and blood products in the HIV era have also been addressed

Functional network analysis of genes differentially expressed during xylogenesis in soc1ful woody Arabidopsis plants

Many plant genes are known to be involved in the development of cambium and wood, but how the expres- sion and functional interaction of these genes determine the unique biology of wood remains largely unknown. We used the soc1ful loss of function mutant – the woodiest genotype known in the otherwise herbaceous model plant Arabidopsis – to investigate the expression and interactions of genes involved in secondary growth (wood formation). Detailed anatomical observations of the stem in combination with mRNA sequencing were used to assess transcriptome remodeling during xylogenesis in wild-type and woody soc1ful plants. To interpret the transcriptome changes, we constructed functional gene association networks of differentially expressed genes using the STRING database. This analysis revealed functionally enriched gene association hubs that are differentially expressed in herbaceous and woody tissues. In particular, we observed the differential expression of genes related to mechanical stress and jasmonate biosynthesis/signaling during wood formation in soc1ful plants that may be an effect of greater tension within woody tissues. Our results suggest that habit shifts from herbaceous to woody life forms observed in many angiosperm lineages could have evolved convergently by genetic changes that modulate the gene expres- sion and interaction network, and thereby redeploy the conserved wood developmental program.  Plant sciencesNaturali

Functional network analysis of genes differentially expressed during xylogenesis in soc1ful woody Arabidopsis plants

Many plant genes are known to be involved in the development of cambium and wood, but how the expression and functional interaction of these genes determine the unique biology of wood remains largely unknown. We used the soc1ful loss of function mutant – the woodiest genotype known in the otherwise herbaceous model plant Arabidopsis – to investigate the expression and interactions of genes involved in secondary growth (wood formation). Detailed anatomical observations of the stem in combination with mRNA sequencing were used to assess transcriptome remodeling during xylogenesis in wild-type and woody soc1ful plants. To interpret the transcriptome changes, we constructed functional gene association networks of differentially expressed genes using the STRING database. This analysis revealed functionally enriched gene association hubs that are differentially expressed in herbaceous and woody tissues. In particular, we observed the differential expression of genes related to mechanical stress and jasmonate biosynthesis/ signaling during wood formation in soc1ful plants that may be an effect of greater tension within woody tissues. Our results suggest that habit shifts from herbaceous to woody life forms observed in many angiosperm lineages could have evolved convergently by genetic changes that modulate the gene expression and interaction network, and thereby redeploy the conserved wood developmental program.The Naturalis Biodiversity Center (FES 017/202), the Alberta Mennega Stichting, the Genome Canada Large-Scale Applied Research Program (POPCAN, project 168BIO), USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture and AgBioResearch to PPE, a NSERC (Canada) Discovery Grant to CJD and NWO (Netherlands Science Foundation) VIDI and Ecogenomics grants to MES.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1365-313Xhb2016Genetic