Involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinases in the symbiosis Bradyrhizobium-Lupinus

In plants, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) are involved in signalling to hormones, cell cycle regulation, stresses, and plant defence responses. In this work, several MAPKs were detected by immunobloting in roots and nodules of Lupinus albus produced by inoculation with Bradyrhizobium sp. (Lupinus). In vitro kinase assays showed that inoculation of seedling roots with B. sp. (Lupinus) activates salt stress-inducible and stress-activated MAPKs after 5 min of incubation. By contrast, inoculation with dead B. sp. (Lupinus) or the heterologous bacteria Sinorhizobium meliloti did not induce salt stress-inducible and stress-activated MAPK activities. In vivo experiments showed that inoculation with B. sp. (Lupinus) induced the activation of MAPKs in roots. The maximal activation was in the region of the root tip with emerging hairs, which corresponds to the infection zone. The p38 MAPK inhibitors SB 202190 and SB 203580 blocked these kinase activities. Experiments with SB 202190 and the MAPKK inhibitor UO 126 altered the pattern of nodulation in the main root, decreasing the number and weight of nodules produced in the upper sites while increasing the nodule number in the younger lower root zone. These data suggest that MAPK inhibition blocks early events in the susceptible root zone to rhizobial infection, delaying nodulation, and support a role for MAPKs in the infection and nodulation of L. albus by B. sp. (Lupinus). The Author [2006]. Published by Oxford University Press [on behalf of the Society for Experimental Biology]. All rights reserved

Disentangling Peronospora on Papaver: Phylogenetics, Taxonomy, Nomenclature and Host Range of Downy Mildew of Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) and Related Species

Based on sequence data from ITS rDNA, cox1 and cox2, six Peronospora species are recognised as phylogenetically distinct on various Papaver species. The host ranges of the four already described species P. arborescens, P. argemones, P. cristata and P. meconopsidis are clarified. Based on sequence data and morphology, two new species, P. apula and P. somniferi, are described from Papaver apulum and P. somniferum, respectively. The second Peronospora species parasitizing Papaver somniferum, that was only recently recorded as Peronospora cristata from Tasmania, is shown to represent a distinct taxon, P. meconopsidis, originally described from Meconopsis cambrica. It is shown that P. meconopsidis on Papaver somniferum is also present and widespread in Europe and Asia, but has been overlooked due to confusion with P. somniferi and due to less prominent, localized disease symptoms. Oospores are reported for the first time for P. meconopsidis from Asian collections on Papaver somniferum. Morphological descriptions, illustrations and a key are provided for all described Peronospora species on Papaver. cox1 and cox2 sequence data are confirmed as equally good barcoding loci for reliable Peronospora species identification, whereas ITS rDNA does sometimes not resolve species boundaries. Molecular phylogenetic data reveal high host specificity of Peronospora on Papaver, which has the important phytopathological implication that wild Papaver spp. cannot play any role as primary inoculum source for downy mildew epidemics in cultivated opium poppy crops

White Rabbit: Detection and geometrical analysis of rings and pores in mesoporous materials

The algorithm automatically detects the rings of the structures (CIF, PDB, and CAR files) and performs statistics on them: area, distortions, ellipticities and characteristic distances. Falling down the rabbit hole

MenRoles project

"MenRoles project", es el sitio web del proyecto de investigación homónimo. Su grupo de investigación, está formado: Investigadora principal: Teresa Martín-García. Equipo de investigación: Teresa-Castro Martín, Julia Cordero, Clara Cortina Trilla, Irene Lapuerta, Pau Marí-Klose. Grupo de trabajo:Wanda Cabella, Nicole Hiekel, Benoît Laplant, Manuela Naldini, Ignacio Pardo, Marta Séiz, Cristina Solera.In recent decades, the new social role of women, female educational advancement, and the gradual weakening of men in the labor market, exacerbated by the current financial and economic crisis, have strongly affected men’s identities and roles and their educational, labor, conjugal and reproductive trajectories. This project assesses, on the one hand, gender differences in demographic and family dynamics.Peer reviewe

Femtosecond laser processing of biopolymers at high repetition rate

The large intensities available with femtosecond (fs) laser pulses allow permanent structural modifications in transparent materials with high spatial resolution. Irradiation of self-standing transparent biopolymer films, such as collagen, pure and curcumin doped gelatine employing a 60-fs high-power 11 MHz Ti-Sapphire oscillator laser system linked to an optical microscope led to modifications and ablation. Swelling modifications consisting in the foaming of the irradiated area and formation of a single layer of bubbles arranged around the narrow ablation crater were investigated by optical, scanning force (SFM) and scanning electron (SEM) microscopy. These modifications occur at fluences below the respective ablation thresholds, i.e. ablation processes take place on modified swelled phases. The results are discussed in terms of local temperature increase, generation of thermoelastic stress, physico-chemical effects, and in terms of an incubation model, i.e. the accumulation of these phenomena upon successive pulse irradiation

Mesoscale eddies: hotspots of prokaryotic activity and differential community structure in the ocean

To investigate the effects of mesoscale eddies on prokaryotic assemblage structure and activity, we sampled two cyclonic eddies (CEs) and two anticyclonic eddies (AEs) in the permanent eddy-field downstream the Canary Islands. The eddy stations were compared with two far-field (FF) stations located also in the Canary Current, but outside the influence of the eddy field. The distribution of prokaryotic abundance (PA), bulk prokaryotic heterotrophic activity (PHA), various indicators of single-cell activity (such as nucleic acid content, proportion of live cells, and fraction of cells actively incorporating leucine), as well as bacterial and archaeal community structure were determined from the surface to 2000 m depth. In the upper epipelagic layer (0-200 m), the effect of eddies on the prokaryotic community was more apparent, as indicated by the higher PA, PHA, fraction of living cells, and percentage of active cells incorporating leucine within eddies than at FF stations. Prokaryotic community composition differed also between eddy and FF stations in the epipelagic layer. In the mesopelagic layer (200-1000 m), there were also significant differences in PA and PHA between eddy and FF stations, although in general, there were no clear differences in community composition or single-cell activity. The effects on prokaryotic activity and community structure were stronger in AE than CE, decreasing with depth in both types of eddies. Overall, both types of eddies show distinct community compositions (as compared with FF in the epipelagic), and represent oceanic 'hotspots' of prokaryotic activity (in the epi- and mesopelagic realms)

DNA barcoding reveals cryptic diversity, taxonomic conflicts and novel biogeographical insights in Cystoseira s.l. (Phaeophyceae)

Cystoseira sensu lato (s.l.) – encompassing the genera Cystoseira sensu stricto (s.s.), Ericaria and Gongolaria – is a diverse group of forest-forming brown macroalgae endemic to the warm-temperate North-east Atlantic. These algae have immense biogeographic and ecological significance and have been experiencing recent regional declines. Most Cystoseira s.l. display important morphological plasticity and can be confused with similar species. Therefore, species boundaries, geographic ranges and phylogenetic affinities remain imprecise for most. In the face of persistent taxonomic difficulties, several authors underlined the necessity for new molecular-based approaches, but studies so far lacked representativity, resolution and standardization. To fill in these gaps, in this study we sequenced a comprehensive collection of Cystoseira s.l. spanning its entire North-east Atlantic range for a ~1200 bp cox1 barcode, and sequenced selected individuals representing major genetic entities for a few additional plastid markers. Phylogeographic, phylogenetic and species delimitation methods revealed 27 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units, including unaccounted cryptic diversity, and elucidated with unprecedented resolution species compositions and phylogenetic relationships within each genus. Some entities within the lineages Cystoseira compressa/humilis, Ericaria brachycarpa/crinita, E. selaginoides and tophulose Gongolaria, as well as among free-living algae, conflicted with a priori taxonomic assignments, and required the redefinition, reinstatement and recognition of new taxa. For some, diagnostic mutations and biogeography were more useful for species identifications than morphological characters or conventional barcoding gaps. A few species showed narrow geographic ranges and others were the sole representatives of their respective lineages. Several sister-species showed Atlantic vs Mediterranean complementary ranges. Phylogenetic signal of cox1 was nevertheless insufficient to confidently determine patterns of lineage splitting in several lineages and species complexes and did not improve significantly with additional plastid markers. We discuss novel systematics and biogeography insights considering the advantages and shortcomings of the barcoding approach employed, and how this comprehensive baseline study can be expanded to address multiple questions still left unanswered. HIGHLIGHTS Identification of major genetic entities of Cystoseira s.s., Ericaria and Gongolaria.A comprehensive reference cox1 barcode library for Cystoseira s.l.Updated systematics and biogeography of Cystoseira s.l. Identification of major genetic entities of Cystoseira s.s., Ericaria and Gongolaria. A comprehensive reference cox1 barcode library for Cystoseira s.l. Updated systematics and biogeography of Cystoseira s.l

DNA barcoding reveals cryptic diversity, taxonomic conflicts and novel biogeographical insights in Cystoseira s.l. (Phaeophyceae)

Cystoseira sensu lato (s.l.) – encompassing the genera Cystoseira sensu stricto (s.s.), Ericaria and Gongolaria – is a diverse group of forest-forming brown macroalgae endemic to the warm-temperate North-east Atlantic. These algae have immense biogeographic and ecological significance and have been experiencing recent regional declines. Most Cystoseira s.l. display important morphological plasticity and can be confused with similar species. Therefore, species boundaries, geographic ranges and phylogenetic affinities remain imprecise for most. In the face of persistent taxonomic difficulties, several authors underlined the necessity for new molecular-based approaches, but studies so far lacked representativity, resolution and standardization. To fill in these gaps, in this study we sequenced a comprehensive collection of Cystoseira s.l. spanning its entire North-east Atlantic range for a ~1200 bp cox1 barcode, and sequenced selected individuals representing major genetic entities for a few additional plastid markers. Phylogeographic, phylogenetic and species delimitation methods revealed 27 Molecular Operational Taxonomic Units, including unaccounted cryptic diversity, and elucidated with unprecedented resolution species compositions and phylogenetic relationships within each genus. Some entities within the lineages Cystoseira compressa/humilis, Ericaria brachycarpa/crinita, E. selaginoides and tophulose Gongolaria, as well as among free-living algae, conflicted with a priori taxonomic assignments, and required the redefinition, reinstatement and recognition of new taxa. For some, diagnostic mutations and biogeography were more useful for species identifications than morphological characters or conventional barcoding gaps. A few species showed narrow geographic ranges and others were the sole representatives of their respective lineages. Several sister-species showed Atlantic vs Mediterranean complementary ranges. Phylogenetic signal of cox1 was nevertheless insufficient to confidently determine patterns of lineage splitting in several lineages and species complexes and did not improve significantly with additional plastid markers. We discuss novel systematics and biogeography insights considering the advantages and shortcomings of the barcoding approach employed, and how this comprehensive baseline study can be expanded to address multiple questions still left unanswered. HIGHLIGHTS Identification of major genetic entities of Cystoseira s.s., Ericaria and Gongolaria.A comprehensive reference cox1 barcode library for Cystoseira s.l.Updated systematics and biogeography of Cystoseira s.l. Identification of major genetic entities of Cystoseira s.s., Ericaria and Gongolaria. A comprehensive reference cox1 barcode library for Cystoseira s.l. Updated systematics and biogeography of Cystoseira s.l