Structural and Biochemical Aspects Related to Resistance and Susceptibility of Rubber Tree Clones to Anthracnose

The aim of the present study was to evaluate structural and biochemical aspects related to the interaction of resistant (RRIM 937, IAC 502 and 507) and susceptible (RRIM 600) rubber tree clones with C. tamarillo. For such analysis, ultrathin sections of the leaf limb were embedded in historesin and differently stained to verify structural alterations and presence of starch grains, arginine, lipids, tannins and lignins. The total proteins and activity of the enzymes peroxidase and (PAL) were quantified. Stomatal density was also analyzed under a scanning electron microscope. Data indicated alterations in the cell content of resistant clones inoculated with the pathogen, as well as greater lignin and lipid accumulation in these samples. For tannins, there was no difference between inoculated and non-inoculated clones. Arginine was found at greater quantities in IAC 502 and 507. Starch grains were not detected in any of the analyzed samples. Protein level and stomatal density were lower in resistant clones. Peroxidase activity was more expressive in resistant clones. PAL activity, there was no significant difference between clones. The lignin and lipids, total protein, peroxidase activity and stomatal density may be related to the resistance of rubber tree clones to anthracnose.

Are carbonates from the India-Asia collision remagnetized ?

<p>Widespread carbonate rocks from the Tibetan plateau have been extensively used to constrain terrane paleolatitudes involved in the India-Asia collision. However, their reliability in preserving a primary magnetization has been recently put into question.<span>  </span>A transformation of pyrite to magnetite has been recently proposed as a cause for late re-magnetizations in Paleocene Tethyan Himalaya carbonates (1) and late Triassic carbonates from the Qiantang (2), thus discarding such Characteristic Remanent Magnetizations (ChRM) for tectonic purposes. We have re-examined the paleomagnetic data obtained on late Triassic carbonate rocks from the Qiantang. Our SEM observations indicate pristine pyrite in non-weathered carbonate rocks. Optical microscope observations in reflected light demonstrate that pyrite, when it is weathered, is transformed to iron hydroxides minerals but not to magnetite. This is at odds with previously proposed pyrite to magnetite transformation hypothesis mainly based on interpretations of Scanning Electron Microscope data (SEM/EDS). We thus interpret the ChRM more likely related to an early diagenetic magnetization of Late Triassic age. Knowing that the arguments put forward for a remagnetization of Triassic carbonates are the same as those proposed for the remagnetization of Paleocene carbonates, the ChRM in some Paleocene carbonates could also be of early diagenetic origin. However, there is also a growing number of studies where remagnetization is obvious in the Tethyan Himalaya and undetected remagnetizations (3) are likely the cause of the large differences in the estimation of the size of Greater India. These examples show the urgent need to publish the complete demagnetization dataset in an open database like MAGIC or the FAIR data initiative from (4) in order to reassess previous interpretations if we want to solve problems like the size of Greater India and hypothesis like the Greater India basin.</p><p>(1) doi:10.1002/2016JB013662 ; (2) doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2019.06.035 ; (3) doi:10.1016/j.epsl.2020.116330; (4) doi:10.1029/2019GC008838.</p><p> </p>

Amphibalanus amphitrite begins exoskeleton mineralization within 48 hours of metamorphosis

Barnacles are ancient arthropods that, as adults, are surrounded by a hard, mineralized, outer shell that the organism produces for protection. While extensive research has been conducted on the glue-like cement that barnacles use to adhere to surfaces, less is known about the barnacle exoskeleton, especially the process by which the barnacle exoskeleton is formed. Here, we present data exploring the changes that occur as the barnacle cyprid undergoes metamorphosis to become a sessile juvenile with a mineralized exoskeleton. Scanning electron microscope data show dramatic morphological changes in the barnacle exoskeleton following metamorphosis. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy indicates a small amount of calcium (8%) 1 h post-metamorphosis that steadily increases to 28% by 2 days following metamorphosis. Raman spectroscopy indicates calcite in the exoskeleton of a barnacle 2 days following metamorphosis and no detectable calcium carbonate in exoskeletons up to 3 h post-metamorphosis. Confocal microscopy indicates during this 2 day period, barnacle base plate area and height increases rapidly (0.001 mm 2 h −1 and 0.30 µm h −1 , respectively). These results provide critical information into the early life stages of the barnacle, which will be important for developing an understanding of how ocean acidification might impact the calcification process of the barnacle exoskeleton.

Physical-Mechanical Properties of Bulk Fill Composites Submitted to Biodegradation by Streptococcus mutans

The aim of this study was to evaluate the Streptococcus mutans biofilm influence on the roughness (Ra), gloss (GU), surface hardness (KHN) and flexural strength (FS) of high viscosity bulk fill composites. Filtek Bulk Fill (FBF), Tetric N Ceram Bulk Fill (TNC), X-tra fil Bulk Fill (XF) and Filtek Z350 (FZ) were used. Ten discs of each composite were prepared for Ra, KHN and GU and 20 bars for the FS. After 24 h, specimens were polished and initial analyzes performed. Samples were sterilized and subjected to biodegradation for 7 days and final analyzes performed. Representative samples of each group were evaluated in Scanning Electron Microscope. Data were submitted to ANOVA two factors and Tukey test. XF presented the highest values (p<0.05) of Ra before and after biodegradation (0.1251; 0.3100), and FZ (0.1443) the lowest after biodegradation (p<0.05). The highest GU values (p<0.05) were observed for FZ (71.7; 62) and FBF (69.0; 64.6), and the lowest (p<0.05) for TNC (61.4; 53.3) and XF (58.5; 53.5), both before and after biodegradation. For KHN the highest values were obtained by XF (151.7; 106), and the (p< 0.05) lowest values for TNC (62.2; 51.8), both before and after biodegradation. The highest values (p<0.05) of FS were observed for FZ (127.6) and the lowest (p<0.05) for TNC (86.9); after biodegradation, XF (117.7) presented the highest (p<0.05) values compared to TNC and FZ.” In conclusion, biodegradation increased Ra and decreased GU and KHN for all. Concerning FS, degradation provided a significant decreased value only for FZ.

The immatures of Bezzia chilensis Spinelli & Ronderos, 2001 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)

The fourth instar larva and the pupa ofBezziachilensisSpinelli &amp; Ronderos, 2001 are described for the first time. The immature stages were collected from macrophytes and filamentous algae in streams of the Patagonian steppe, in the provinces of Neuquén and Chubut, Argentina. The described stages were photographed and illustrated with a phase-contrast microscope and scanning electron microscope. Data on the bionomics of the species, new records and tables for characters of the known larvae and pupae ofBezziaKieffer, 1899 from the Neotropical region are provided.