Genetic relationships among olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars native to Croatia and Turkey

The aim of the study is to determine genetic diversity and relationships among olive cultivars native to Croatia and Turkey. A total of twenty olive (Olea europaea L.) cultivars including fourteen from Croatia and six common cultivars from Turkey were analyzed for genetic diversity and relationships by using six microsatellite markers (DCA05, DCA09, DCA18, GAPU71B, GAPU101, UDO43). The number of polymorphic alleles ranged from 2 (UDO43) to 5 (DCA09), with an average of 3.6  fragments per marker. UPGMA cluster analysis based on simple matching similarity matrix grouped cultivars into three main clusters. Two pairs of cultivars from Croatia ("Buža muška" and Levantinka"; "VLMD6" and "Drobnica") were thought to be different, although they produced identical SSR profi les. Cluster analysis points to some genetic relationships between Croatian and Turkish olive cultivars. The results also indicate effi ciency of SSR markers to evaluate genetic diversity in olive and identify misnamed or synonym individuals

Disentangling Subpopulations in Single-Molecule FRET and ALEX Experiments with Photon Distribution Analysis

AbstractAmong the advantages of the single-molecule approach when used to study biomolecular structural dynamics and interaction is its ability to distinguish between and independently observe minor subpopulations. In a single-molecule Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) and alternating laser excitation diffusion experiment, the various populations are apparent in the resultant histograms. However, because histograms are calculated based on the per-burst mean FRET and stoichiometry ratio and not on the internal photon distribution, much of the acquired information is lost, thereby reducing the capabilities of the method. Here we suggest what to our knowledge is a novel statistical analysis tool that significantly enhances these capabilities, and we use it to identify and isolate static and dynamic subpopulations. Based on a kernel density estimator and a proper photon distribution analysis, for each individual burst, we calculate scores that reflect properties of interest. Specifically, we determine the FRET efficiency and brightness ratio distributions and use them to reveal 1), the underlying structure of a two-state DNA-hairpin and a DNA hairpin that is bound to DNA origami; 2), a minor doubly labeled dsDNA subpopulation concealed in a larger singly labeled dsDNA; and 3), functioning DNA origami motors concealed within a larger subpopulation of defective motors. Altogether, these findings demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed approach. The method was developed and tested using simulations, its rationality is described, and a computer algorithm is provided

The role of sediment properties and solution pH in the adsorption of uranium(VI) to freshwater sediments

Uranium (U) can enter aquatic environments from natural and anthropogenic processes, accumulating in sediments to concentrations that could, if bioavailable, adversely affect benthic organisms. To better predict the sorption and mobility of U in aquatic ecosystems, we investigated the sediment-solution partition coefficients (Kd) of U for nine uncontaminated freshwater sediments with a wide range of physicochemical characteristics over an environmentally relevant pH range. Test solutions were reconstituted to mimic water quality conditions and U(VI) concentrations (0.023–2.3 mg U/L) found downstream of Canadian U mines. Adsorption of U(VI) to each sediment was greatest at pH 6 and 7, and significantly reduced at pH 8. There were significant differences in pH-dependent sorption among sediments with different physicochemical properties, with sorption increasing up until thresholds of 12% total organic carbon, 37% fine fraction (≤50 μm), and 29 g/kg of iron content. The Kd values for U(VI) were predicted using the Windermere Humic Aqueous Model (WHAM) using total U(VI) concentrations, and water and sediment physicochemical parameters. Predicted Kd-U values were generally within a factor of three of the observed values. These results improve the understanding and assessment of U sorption to field sediment, and quantify the relationship with sediment properties that may influence the bioavailability and ecological risk of U-contaminated sediments

Inventário mastofaunístico da Estação Ecológica Municipal de Boa Ventura de São Roque (PR, Brasil)

Inventário mastofaunístico  da Estação Ecológica Municipal de Boa Ventura  de São Roque (PR, Brasil)</htm

Analysis of Juniperus phoenicea from throughout its range in the Mediterranean using DNA sequence data from nrDNA and petN-psbM: the case for the recognition of J. turbinata Guss

DNA sequences were analyzed from 19 populations of J. phoenicea from throughout its range. The sequence data (nrDNA, petN-psbM) revealed that J. phoenicea is clearly divided into two taxa. These taxa have been recognized as var. (subsp.) phoenicea and var. (subsp.) turbinata by Adams (2011) and Farjon (2005). However, the magnitude of the differences in the DNA regions, along with the differences in pollen shedding times, morphology and prodelphinidin content support the recognition of J. turbinata Guss. No differentiation was found between the typical Mediterranean and Canary Island populations, offering no support for the recognition of J. phoenicea subsp. canariensis (Guyot) RivasMartinez. Juniperus turbinata appears to be widespread from Madeira - Canary Islands to the Sinai with few DNA differences among most populations. However, some populations (Grazalema, Madeira, Sinai, central Italy) had moderate amounts of divergence (3-4 mutations) and warrant additional study

School-based targeted prevention for children with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning and behaviour problems: A pilot implementation study

Background: We examined the implementation and potential effectiveness of a school-based targeted prevention programme addressing behaviour problems, adapted for children with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning. Method: Thirteen children participated. The intervention was implemented in schools. We examined intervention dosage, reach, responsiveness, satisfaction, and comprehension, using questionnaires completed by children and trainers. We assessed child- and teacher-reported behaviour problems before and after the intervention. Results: Trainers selected both children who did and did not meet the intervention eligibility criteria, suggesting problems in intervention reach. Intervention dosage, responsiveness, satisfaction, and comprehension were satisfactory. There were group-level behaviour problem decreases (i.e., Cohen's d). Individual-level behaviour problem changes (i.e., Reliable Change Indices) showed large heterogeneity and little reliable change. Conclusions: The results provide initial evidence that the intervention has potential for successful implementation in schools, but the current evidence for intervention effectiveness is inconclusive

For love and money: Navigating values at the antiques roadshow event

Antiques Roadshow Events are held in historic locations across the United Kingdom. On site, experts evaluate objects brought in by attendees, who are often cast as passive recipients, while edited highlights make up the long-running BBC TV program. Through Collaborative Event Ethnography at one Roadshow Event we show how object stories are navigated through “value talk” between attendees and experts in front of live audiences. Value is not a measurement but a dimension of the thing and its context. Stories and money are both integral in understanding worth, and final valuations are only partially shaped by given expertise