Uncertainty in the spatial prediction of soil texture: Comparison of regression tree and Random Forest models

Within the southern Ecuadorian Andes, landslides have an impact on landscape development. Landslide risk estimation as well as hydrological modelling requires physical soil data. Statistical models were adapted to predict the spatial distribution of soil texture from terrain parameters. For this purpose, 56 soil profiles were analysed horizon-wise by pipette and laser method. Results by pipette compared to laser method showed the expected shift to higher silt and lower clay contents. Linear regression equations were adapted. The performance of regression tree (RT) and Random Forest (RF) models was compared by hundredfold model runs on random Jackknife partitions. Digital soil maps of sand, silt and clay percentage mean and standard deviation indicate model variability and prediction uncertainty.RF models performed better than RT models. All terrain factors considered in the analysis influenced soil texture of the surface horizon, but altitude a.s.l. was assigned the highest variable importance during model construction. Shallow subsurface flow is considered responsible for increasing sand/clay ratios with increasing altitude, on steep slopes and with overland flow distance to the channel network by removing clay particles downslope. Deeper soil layers are not influenced by this process and therefore, did not show the same texture properties. However, the influence of parent material and landslides on the spatial distribution of soil texture cannot be neglected. Model performance, most probably, could be improved by a bigger dataset.     

Assessment of genetic variation in common bean (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Phaseolus vulgaris</Emphasis> L.) from Nebrodi mountains (Sicily,Italy)

This study was carried out to estimate the level of diversity existing within some common bean landraces still cultivated in Nebrodi mountains, North-western area of Sicily. The multidisciplinary approach adopted to reach this goal involved the characterisation of collected material through morphological, biochemical and molecular marker analyses. The nutritional quality of seeds was also investigated in view of the proposition of the best landraces as niche products. Results showed that those bean landraces retain a considerable level of heterogeneity. The use of both biochemical and molecular markers showed that all landraces clustered into two main groups, corresponding to the Andean and Mesoamerican gene pools. Our results suggest that the best strategy for preserving the diversity of common bean from a restricted area such as Nebrodi mountains, necessitates of a deep knowledge of germplasm to avoid the loss of precious genetic resources or, on the contrary, the safeguard of populations genetically redundant.     

Effects of biochar compared to organic and inorganic fertilizers on soil quality and plant growth in a greenhouse experiment

Our contemporary society is struggling with soil degradation due to overuse and climate change. Pre‐Columbian people left behind sustainably fertile soils rich in organic matter and nutrients well known as terra preta (de Indio) by adding charred residues (biochar) together with organic and inorganic wastes such as excrements and household garbage being a model for sustainable agriculture today. This is the reason why new studies on biochar effects on ecosystem services rapidly emerge. Beneficial effects of biochar amendment on plant growth, soil nutrient content, and C storage were repeatedly observed although a number of negative effects were reported, too. In addition, there is no consensus on benefits of biochar when combined with fertilizers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test whether biochar effects on soil quality and plant growth could be improved by addition of mineral and organic fertilizers. For this purpose, two growth periods of oat (Avena sativa L.) were studied under tropical conditions (26°C and 2600 mm annual rainfall) on an infertile sandy soil in the greenhouse in fivefold replication. Treatments comprised control (only water), mineral fertilizer (111.5 kg N ha^–1, 111.5 kg P ha^–1, and 82.9 kg K ha^–1), compost (5% by weight), biochar (5% by weight), and combinations of biochar (5% by weight) plus mineral fertilizer (111.5 kg N ha^–1, 111.5 kg P ha^–1, and 82.9 kg K ha^–1), and biochar (2.5% by weight) plus compost (2.5% by weight). Pure compost application showed highest yield during the two growth periods, followed by the biochar + compost mixture. biochar addition to mineral fertilizer significantly increased plant growth compared to mineral fertilizer alone. During the second growth period, plant yields were significantly smaller compared to the first growth period. biochar and compost additions significantly increased total organic C content during the two growth periods. Cation‐exchange capacity (CEC) could not be increased upon biochar addition while base saturation (BS) was significantly increased due to ash addition with biochar. On the other hand, compost addition significantly increased CEC. Biochar addition significantly increased soil pH but pH value was generally lower during the second growth period probably due to leaching of base cations. Biochar addition did not reduce ammonium, nitrate, and phosphate leaching during the experiment but it reduced nitrification. The overall plant growth and soil fertility decreased in the order compost > biochar + compost > mineral fertilizer + biochar > mineral fertilizer > control. Further experiments should optimize biochar–organic fertilizer systems.     

湖南省3个主要稻瘟病区菌株的交配型分布及其生理小种测定(英文)

 2001年9月在湖南省3个稻瘟病的主要发病县采集分离了57个稻瘟病菌株，与法国国际农艺研究和发展中心提供的4个标准菌株于稻谷粉琼脂培养基上对峙培养。结果表明，30% 和12% 的测试菌株分别为交配型1.1和交配型12，其余60% 的测试菌株与4个标准菌株中的任何一个均不能产生子囊果，即便是与田间新获得的两性菌株之间的对峙培养也不能产生子囊果。在所获24个能育菌株中只有5个为两性菌株,占9%。各菌株在中国7个鉴别品种上的测定共获5群20个小种，其中ZA 和ZB为优势群，ZB15为优势小种。还就稻瘟病菌有性世代在田间存在与否进行了讨论。     

Comparison of Insulin Sensitivity of Horses Adapted to Different Exercise Intensities

Diets high in concentrates and soluble carbohydrates are associated with reduced insulin sensitivity in horses. Exercise training could protect against diet-induced insulin resistance. The objective of this study was to determine the intensity of exercise training required to affect insulin sensitivity in stabled horses fed a diet high in concentrates but moderate in soluble carbohydrates. In all, 31 stabled horses underwent three different exercise regimens: turnout, light exercise, and moderate exercise, while being fed a diet containing 60% concentrate. Blood was sampled monthly and analyzed for insulin. Insulin sensitivity was assessed using basal insulin concentrations and calculated insulin sensitivity (reciprocal of the square root of insulin) and compared across months by analysis of variance with repeated measures. Insulin sensitivity (reciprocal of the square root of insulin) was higher during periods of moderate and light physical activity as compared with turnout. These results indicate that turnout alone may not be adequate to improve insulin sensitivity in horses fed high amounts of concentrate.     

Ostreid herpesvirus 1 detection and relationship with Crassostrea gigas spat mortality in France between 1998 and 2006

ABSTRACT: Since its molecular characterisation, Ostreid herpesvirus 1 (OsHV-1) has been regularly detected in Crassostrea gigas in France. Although its pathogenicity was demonstrated on larval stages, its involvement during mortality outbreaks at the juvenile stage was highly suspected but not evidenced. To investigate mortality outbreaks, the French National Network for Surveillance and Monitoring of Mollusc Health (REPAMO) carried out two surveys in juvenile C. gigas. The first survey lasted from 1998 to 2006 and was an epidemiological inquiry occurring when oyster farmers reported mortality outbreaks. The second survey, a longitudinal one, was set up in 1998 to complete the network observations on OsHV-1. Data analysis showed a specific pattern of mortality outbreaks associated with OsHV-1 detection. Ostreid herpesvirus 1 detection mainly appeared during the summer, suggesting the influence of the seawater temperature on its occurrence. It mostly presented a patchy distribution in the field in contrast to the nursery. Significant relationship between OsHV-1 detection and spat mortality was found, preferentially in sheltered and closed environments. The longitudinal survey confirmed most of the network observations. Although subsequent works particularly epidemiological surveys would be useful to confirm the causal link between the detection of OsHV-1 and the mortality outbreaks in juvenile C. gigas, the role of OsHV-1 in oyster mortality is progressing.     

Effect of the Medium Replacement Interval on the Viability,Growth and In Vitro Maturation of Isolated Caprine and Ovine Pre‐Antral Follicles

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of different medium replacement intervals on the viability, antral cavity formation, growth and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes from caprine and ovine pre‐antral follicles. Pre‐antral ovarian follicles (≥150 μm) were isolated from the ovarian cortex of goats and sheep and were individually cultured for 24 days using two different medium replacement intervals [2 days (T₁) or 6 days (T₂)]. Follicle development was evaluated on the basis of antral cavity formation, increases in follicular diameter and the presence of healthy cumulus oocyte complexes and fully grown oocytes. For caprine species, results showed a higher percentage (p < 0.05) of viable follicles in T₁ than T₂ from day 6 until the end of the culture. In addition, when comparing both treatments after the same culture duration, the rate of antrum formation was significantly higher in T₁ than in T₂ from day 12 onwards. Yet, in ovines, when both treatments were compared on day 24 of the culture, there were more viable follicles in T₂ than in T₁ (p < 0.05). In the caprine species, percentages of fully grown oocytes (≥110 μm) acceptable for IVM after 24 days of culture were significantly higher in normal follicles cultured in T₁ (30.0%) than in T₂ (6.7%; p < 0.05). On the other hand, in ovines, at the end of the culture, the percentage of oocytes destined for IVM was higher in T₂ than in T₁ (23.5% vs 2.9%; p < 0.05). In conclusion, under the same conditions, the frequency of medium replacement significantly affected the in vitro development of caprine and ovine pre‐antral follicles. To improve the efficiency of the culture system, the medium must be replaced every 2 and 6 days for goat and sheep pre‐antral follicles, respectively.     

Amino acid catalysis of 2-alkylfuran formation from lipid oxidation-derived α,β-unsaturated aldehydes

The formation of 2-alkylfurans from the corresponding lipid-derived α,β-unsaturated aldehydes under dry-roasting conditions was investigated in detail. The addition of an amino acid to an α,β-unsaturated aldehyde drastically increased 2-alkylfuran formation. Peptides and proteins as well were able to catalyze 2-alkylfuran formation from the corresponding α,β-unsaturated aldehydes. Further investigation of 2-alkylfuran formation showed the need of oxidizing conditions and the involvement of radicals in the reaction. This way, the formation of 2-methylfuran from 2-pentenal, 2-ethylfuran from 2-hexenal, 2-propylfuran from 2-heptenal, 2-butylfuran from 2-octenal, 2-pentylfuran from 2-nonenal, and 2-hexylfuran from 2-decenal was shown. The impact of amino acids on 2-alkylfuran formation from lipid-derived α,β-unsaturated aldehydes represents an interesting example of the complex role of amino acids in the multitude of chemical reactions occurring during thermal processing of lipid-rich foods.     

Determining milk isolated and conjugated trans-unsaturated fatty acids using fourier transform Raman spectroscopy

The feasibility of Raman spectroscopy in combination with partial least-squares (PLS) regression for the determination of individual or grouped trans-monounsaturated fatty acids (trans-MUFA) and conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) in milk fat is demonstrated using spectra obtained at two temperature conditions: room temperature and after freezing at -80 °C. The PLS results displayed capability for direct semiroutine quantification of several individual CLA (cis-9,trans-11 and trans-10,cis-12 C18:2) and trans-MUFA (trans-4-15 C18:1) in minor concentrations (below 1.0 g/100 g of milk fat). Calibration models were based on reference data cross-correlation or determined by specific scattering signals in the Raman spectra. Distinct bands for trans-MUFA (1674 cm(-1)) and CLA (1653 cm(-1)) from the trans isolated and cis,trans conjugated C ═ C bonds were identified, as well as original evidence for the temperature effect (new bands, peak shifts, and higher intensities) on the Raman spectra of fatty acid methyl ester and triacylglyceride standards, are supplied.     

Mechanistic insights into furan formation in Maillard model systems

Furan has recently received considerable attention as a possibly carcinogenic compound occurring in thermally processed foods. Although several food constituents have been identified as furan precursors, multiple formation pathways remain unclear. Therefore, the mechanisms of furan formation in Maillard model systems were studied by means of the carbon module labeling (CAMOLA) technique. Under both roasting and pressure-cooking conditions, furan was formed from glucose via the intact skeleton, and its formation pathways from glucose alone were not amino acid-dependent. However, some amino acids, especially alanine and serine, did influence the furan production by providing an additional formation pathway. Furthermore, most amino acids enhanced the furan production from glucose. Roasting conditions produced 25-100 times higher amounts of furan as compared to pressure-cooking conditions. Surprisingly, in the alanine/glucose model systems, the relative importance of furan production from glucose alone and from the combination of a glucose-derived and an alanine-derived fragment changed completely over a limited time course of 60 min.