Using Rheological Phenotype Phases to Predict Rheological Features of Wheat Hardness and Milling Potential of Durum Wheat

Predictions about milling, dough making, and baking properties can be made by measuring properties of the wheat grain with different small‐ and medium‐scale equipment. In this study, rheological hardness index (RHI) was shown to separate hexaploid wheats and durums into clearly distinct hardness classes. Earlier work demonstrated the utility of RHI to give new insight about the classification of wheat types, and in this study further use of the rheological phenotype phases (RPPs) to construct combinations of RPPs (cRPPs) is explored. In particular, it is shown how different cRPPs can be used to compare, for various wheat varieties, the elastic, fragmentation, equilibrium, and viscoelastic phases of an average crush response profile. In addition, relationships were obtained, based on selected RPPs from the single‐kernel characterization system, that gave good predictions of the laboratory milling potential of durum wheats. This information could be used as an early generation test to predict milling yield in breeding programs without having to mill the sample. Further validation of these relationships is required by evaluating the prediction across multiple environments.     

Methoden zur relativen Quantifizierung der pilzlichen Biomasse im Boden

Methods for relative quantifying fungi biomass in soils To estimate the mycological contribution in soil microflora, the amount of chitin and ergosterol and the decolorisation of Poly-B-411 dye was measured in three different soils. The tests showed a linear proportionality between the amount of soil and the respective quantities of the substances. Due to the methodic procedure, ergosterol was measured more accurately than chitin. The decolorisation of the Poly-B-411 dye was in wet humidic aerobic soil higher than in soil suspension. The stability of the adsorbance ratio (593/483 nm), which is a measure for the degradation, was obtained between the 5th and 7th day.     

Actinomycin D: inhibition of respiration and glycolysis

Actinomycin D inhibited respiration and anaerobic glycolysis of human leukemic leukocytes and lowered the adenosine triphosphate content of the cells. Inhibitory effects on respiration and on RNA synthesis could not be dissociated from one another over a wide range of drug concentrations. Actinomycin D also impaired protein synthesis, probably by decreasing the availability of adenosine triphosphate and by inhibiting messenger RNA.     

A strain-specific and a sex-associated STS marker for Asian arowana (Scleropages formosus, Osteoglossidae)

A sex‐associated amplified fragment length polymorphism and a strain‐specific random amplified polymorphic DNA marker were identified from Asian arowana (dragonfish; Scleropages formosus Müller & Schlegel) by screening pooled genomic DNA samples from three different strains as well as males and females respectively. Both markers were cloned, sequenced and successfully converted into sequence‐tagged‐site (STS) markers. The strain‐specific STS marker could be applied to differentiate the Indonesian golden strain of Asian arowana from the green and blood‐red strains before the stage when colours become identifiable. Individuals from the green strain could be sexed with an efficiency of 82.7% using the sex‐associated STS marker. Thus, populations with preferred sex ratios can be formed without the need of rearing a large number of fish.     

Observing others: multiple action representation in the frontal lobe

Observation of actions performed by others activates monkey ventral premotor cortex, where action meaning, but not object identity, is coded. In a functional MRI (fMRI) study, we investigated whether other monkey frontal areas respond to actions performed by others. Observation of a hand grasping objects activated four frontal areas: rostral F5 and areas 45B, 45A, and 46. Observation of an individual grasping an object also activated caudal F5, which indicates different degrees of action abstraction in F5. Observation of shapes activated area 45, but not premotor F5. Convergence of object and action information in area 45 may be important for full comprehension of actions.     

DNA polymerase activities associated with smooth membranes and ribosomes from rat liver and hepatoma cytoplasm

Deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase activity that prefers denatured DNA primer concentrates with the smooth membranes during sucrose gradient centrifugation of rat liver and hepatoma cytoplasmic extracts. The activity in this fraction is eightfold higher in hepatoma tissue. Deoxyribonucleic acid polymerase activity that prefers native DNA primer concentrates with the free ribosome fraction from both tissues.     

不同品种番茄拉秧后未熟果实的成熟动态变化研究

当番茄作物拉秧结束时,大约有10%～15%的潜在产量是未熟果。本试验研究了未成熟收获果实成熟期间的动态变化,提出了一种简单、低成本的熟化方法。结果表明在20～25℃的贮藏温度下,无论经绿熟期、突变期或转色期的番茄果实均可完全成熟,有限生长品种的未熟变化较无限生长品种快,耐贮番茄较普通番茄完全成熟需要更多的时间。     

Stocktake study of current fertilisation recommendations across Europe and discussion towards a more harmonised approach

The European Commission has set targets for a reduction in nutrient losses by at least 50% and a reduction in fertiliser use by at least 20% by 2030 while ensuring no deterioration in soil fertility. Within the mandate of the European Joint Programme EJP Soil ‘Towards climate-smart sustainable management of agricultural soils’, the objective of this study was to assess current fertilisation practices across Europe and discuss the potential for harmonisation of fertilisation methodologies as a strategy to reduce nutrient loss and overall fertiliser use. A stocktake study of current methods of delivering fertilisation advice took place across 23 European countries. The stocktake was in the form of a questionnaire, comprising 46 questions. Information was gathered on a large range of factors, including soil analysis methods, along with soil, crop and climatic factors taken into consideration within fertilisation calculations. The questionnaire was completed by experts, who are involved in compiling fertilisation recommendations within their country. Substantial differences exist in the content, format and delivery of fertilisation guidelines across Europe. The barriers, constraints and potential benefits of a harmonised approach to fertilisation across Europe are discussed. The general consensus from all participating countries was that harmonisation of fertilisation guidelines should be increased, but it was unclear in what format this could be achieved. Shared learning in the delivery and format of fertilisation guidelines and mechanisms to adhere to environmental legislation were viewed as being beneficial. However, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to harmonise all soil test data and fertilisation methodologies at EU level due to diverse soil types and agro-ecosystem influences. Nevertheless, increased future collaboration, especially between neighbouring countries within the same environmental zone, was seen as potentially very beneficial. This study is unique in providing current detail on fertilisation practices across European countries in a side-by-side comparison. The gathered data can provide a baseline for the development of scientifically based EU policy targets for nutrient loss and soil fertility evaluation.