The nucleocapsid protein (N) gene of tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) was inserted into Osteospermum ecklonis via Agrobacterium tumefaciens leaf strips co-cultivation. Sixteen primary transformant ...clones of two O. ecklonis genotypes were analysed. Southern blots of restricted genomic DNA demonstrated integration of the transgene and indicated the number of integrated copies. Expression of the transgene was estimated by DAS-ELISA and Western and Northern blotting. Plants were challenged with TSWV inoculation, either mechanically or by the thrips Frankliniella occidentalis; they were then monitored for symptom appearance and tested by TAS-ELISA for infection. Inoculation of the transgenic clones via the natural TSWV vector was more efficient and led to the identification of 1 clone, characterised by multiple transgene integration and no transgene expression, with improved resistance to TSWV.
A good knowledge of the angular diameters of stars used to calibrate the observables in stellar interferometry is fundamental. As the available precision for giant stars is worse than the required ...per cent level, we aim to improve the knowledge of many diameters using MATISSE (Multiple AperTure mid-Infrared SpectroScopic Experiment) data in its different instrumental configurations. Using the squared visibility MATISSE observable, we compute the angular diameter value, which ensures the best-fitting curves, assuming an intensity distribution of a uniform disc. We take into account that the transfer function varies over the wavelength and is different from one instrumental configuration to another. The uncertainties on the diameters are estimated using the residual bootstrap method. Using the low spectral resolution mode in the L band, we observed a set of 35 potential calibrators selected in the Mid-infrared stellar Diameter and Flux Compilation Catalogue with diameters ranging from about 1 to 3 mas. We reach a precision on the diameter estimates in the range 0.6 per cent to 4.1 per cent. The study of the stability of the transfer function in visibility over two nights makes us confident in our results. In addition, we identify one star, 75 Vir initially present in the calibrator lists, for which our method does not converge, and prove to be a binary star. This leads us to the conclusion that our method is actually necessary to improve the quality of the astrophysical results obtained with MATISSE, and that it can be used as a useful tool for 'bad calibrator' detection.
A collection of 28 Osteospermum clones and cultivated varieties of different origin were evaluated by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. All the clones were identified by 12 decamers ...selected from a set of 30. This is the first characterization by molecular markers of the genetic material of Osteospermum. The level of genetic diversity among genotypes was assayed and all the accessions tested were then classified into six groups by UPGMA cluster analysis; the clustering of genotypes using the RAPD data proved to be in accordance with their breeding group origin. RAPD analysis can therefore be a useful tool for evaluating genetic variability in other Osteospermum germplasm collections for breeding purposes and for protecting intellectual property rights of improved varieties.
This paper describes a methodological step for the construction of process specifications in the M*-OBJECT information system design methodology. The process construction integrates an ...object-oriented approach to the specification of system components with a set of composition rules for the integration of components' behavior. First of all, the Process and Data Net (PDN) model (which is the basic specification tool of the M*-OBJECT methodology) is briefly illustrated. The PDN model integrates the representation of static, dynamic, and behavioral aspects of a database application, and it is based on an object-oriented data model and a process model. The first is used to describe static and behavioral aspects of objects which represent system components, while the latter describes in which way organization activities are co-ordinated. Then the co-ordination method for behavior composition is specified. It starts from the nets which describe the communications and the control of the classes that represent the system components involved into the process, and constructs the executable specification of the same process. PUBLICATION ABSTRACT
Context. One of the main challenges of optical stellar interferometers is to increase the number of telescopes in the recombining unit to provide a larger number of measurements and an improved ...imaging capability. At the same time there is a need to preserve the spectroscopic capabilities, which leads to complex recombining schemes that may inhibit development. Aims. We describe the possibilities of combining the spatial and spectral encoding of fringes for the design of more compact beam combiners and for minimizing the number of pixels that must be read. Methods. We establish the formalism of the spatio-spectral fringe encoding, discuss general applications, and describe an implementation in the 3T/4T observing mode of the VEGA (Visible spEctroGraph and polArimeter) instrument installed at the coherent focus of the CHARA Array located on Mt Wilson in California. We finally present the science cases made possible by this instrumental implementation in the case of VEGA/CHARA. Results. We demonstrate the interest in implementing an optimized spatio-spectral encoding of fringes in a multi-telescope beam combiner. On-sky results, obtained with the 3T mode of the VEGA combiner are presented. At visible wavelengths and with the hectometric baselines of CHARA, sub-mas stellar diameters could be determined with a precision of a few percent with a spectral resolution of 5000. Our first estimates of closure phase show that accuracies better than 1 degree can be achieved. Conclusions. The first on-sky results obtained with the 3T-4T VEGA instrument using spatio-spectral fringe encoding show the validity of using this principle in the design of future complex beam combiners.
The paper describes a specification model, called the Process and Data Net (PDN) model, used as the modeling tool for the M*-OBJECT information system design methodology. The model integrates the ...representation of static, dynamic, and behavioral aspects of a database application. PDN consists of two components: an object-oriented data model that describes static and behavioral aspects of objects of the system under analysis, and a process model that specifies a way organization activities must be coordinated. The major features of the proposed approach are: 1) the system representation captures all relevant properties from the end-user viewpoint without unnecessary details concerning implementation, 2) complex data structures and data manipulations can be specified, and 3) specifications are executable for rapid prototyping.
M*-OBJECT is a methodology for information system analysis, design and implementation developed for CIM environments. It is based on an object-oriented approach and it covers in-depth analysis of ...static and dynamic aspects of CIM information systems. M*-OBJECT is made of three major phases: organization analysis, conceptual design, and implementation design. The conceptual design phase is supported by the Process and Data Net (PDN) model which integrates an object-oriented data model and a process model. The major features of the specification approach are: (1) static, dynamic, and behavioral properties of information are fully covered, (2) complex data structures and data manipulations can be specified, and (3) specifications are executable for rapid prototyping.< >
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