bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequence Composition of Bacterial Chromosome Clones in a Transgressive Root-Knot Nematode Resistance Chromosome Region in Tetraploid Cotton
Authors: Wang Congli , Ulloa Mauricio , Nichols Robert L. , Roberts Philip A.
Published: December 2020

Plants evolve innate immunity including resistance genes to defend against pest and pathogen attack. Our previous studies in cotton (Gossypium spp.) revealed that one telomeric segment on chromosome (Chr) 11 in G. hirsutum cv. Acala NemX (rkn1 locus) contributed to transgressive resistance to the plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita, but the highly homologous segment on homoeologous Chr 21 had no resistance contribution. To better understand the resistance mechanism, a bacterial chromosome (BAC) library of Acala N901 (Acala NemX resistance source) was used to select, sequence, and analyze BAC clones associated with SSR markers in the complex rkn1 resistance region. Sequence alignment with the susceptible G. hirsutum cv. TM-1 genome indicated that 23 BACs mapped to TM-1-Chr11 and 18 BACs mapped to TM-1-Chr 21. Genetic and physical mapping confirmed less BAC sequence (53–84%) mapped with the TM-1 genome in the rkn1 region on Chr 11 than to the homologous region (>89%) on Chr 21. A 3.1-cM genetic distance between the rkn1 flanking markers CIR316 and CIR069 was mapped in a Pima S-7 × Acala NemX RIL population with a physical distance ∼1 Mbp in TM-1. NCBI Blast and Gene annotation indicated that both Chr 11 and Chr 21 harbor resistance gene-rich cluster regions, but more multiple homologous copies of Resistance (R) proteins and of adjacent transposable elements (TE) are present within Chr 11 than within Chr 21. (CC)-NB-LRR type R proteins were found in the rkn1 region close to CIR316, and (TIR)-NB-LRR type R proteins were identified in another resistance rich region 10 cM from CIR 316 (∼3.1 Mbp in the TM-1 genome). The identified unique insertion/deletion in NB-ARC domain, different copies of LRR domain, multiple copies or duplication of R proteins, adjacent protein kinases, or TE in the rkn1 region on Chr 11 might be major factors contributing to complex recombination and transgressive resistance.
Genome-Wide DArTSeq Genotyping and Phenotypic Based Assessment of Within and Among Accessions Diversity and Effective Sample Size in the Diverse Sorghum, Pearl Millet, and Pigeonpea Landraces
Authors: Allan Victor , Vetriventhan Mani , Senthil Ramachandran , Geetha S. , Deshpande Santosh , Rathore Abhishek , Kumar Vinod , Singh Prabhat , Reddymalla Surender , Azevedo Vânia C. R.
Published: December 2020

Germplasm should be conserved in such a way that the genetic integrity of a given accession is maintained. In most genebanks, landraces constitute a major portion of collections, wherein the extent of genetic diversity within and among landraces of crops vary depending on the extent of outcrossing and selection intensity infused by farmers. In this study, we assessed the level of diversity within and among 108 diverse landraces and wild accessions using both phenotypic and genotypic characterization. This included 36 accessions in each of sorghum, pearl millet, and pigeonpea, conserved at ICRISAT genebank. We genotyped about 15 to 25 individuals within each accession, totaling 1,980 individuals using the DArTSeq approach. This resulted in 45,249, 19,052, and 8,211 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in pearl millet, sorghum, and pigeonpea, respectively. Sorghum had the lowest average phenotypic (0.090) and genotypic (0.135) within accession distances, while pearl millet had the highest average phenotypic (0.227) and genotypic (0.245) distances. Pigeonpea had an average of 0.203 phenotypic and 0.168 genotypic within accession distances. Analysis of molecular variance also confirms the lowest variability within accessions of sorghum (26.3%) and the highest of 80.2% in pearl millet, while an intermediate in pigeonpea (57.0%). The effective sample size required to capture maximum variability and to retain rare alleles while regeneration ranged from 47 to 101 for sorghum, 155 to 203 for pearl millet, and 77 to 89 for pigeonpea accessions. This study will support genebank curators, in understanding the dynamics of population within and among accessions, in devising appropriate germplasm conservation strategies, and aid in their utilization for crop improvement.
Cation and Zn Accumulation in Brown Seeds of the Euhalophyte Suaeda salsa Improves Germination Under Saline Conditions
Authors: Guo Jianrong , Liu Lili , Du Ming , Tian Huaying , Wang Baoshan
Published: December 2020

Salinity inhibits plant growth due to salt ion accumulation in plant cells and reduced absorption of other nutrients such as metal ions; however halophyte plants have evolved mechanisms to survive and thrive in high-salt conditions. The euhalophyte Suaeda salsa generates dimorphic seeds (black and brown), which show marked differences in germination and seedling growth under high-salt conditions. However, it is unclear whether their ionic status differs. Here, to provide insight on the role of ions in salt tolerance, we used inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry to measure the ion contents in the dimorphic seeds from S. salsa plants treated with or without NaCl. We measured the macroelements Na, K, Mg, and Ca, and the microelements Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mo. NaCl-treated S. salsa plants produced seeds with significantly reduced metallic element contents and significantly increased Na+ contents. The brown seeds of S. salsa plants treated with 0 and 200 mM NaCl had much higher contents of K+, Ca2+, and Fe2+ compared with the black seeds. However, the S. salsa seeds (both black and brown) from NaCl-treated plants were significantly larger, and had higher germination rate and higher seedling salt tolerance compared with seeds from plants not treated with NaCl. Interestingly, we measured significantly higher Zn2+ contents in the brown seeds from plants treated with NaCl compared with the black seeds. This suggests that the high contents of Zn2+ and other cations affected seed development and salt tolerance during germination under high-salt conditions. These observations provide insight into the mechanisms of salt tolerance in this halophyte and inform efforts to increase salt tolerance in salt-sensitive species.
A Stable Agrobacterium rhizogenes-Mediated Transformation of Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and Plant Regeneration From Transformed Hairy Root via Embryogenesis
Authors: Cui Min-Long , Liu Chen , Piao Chun-Lan , Liu Chuan-Liang
Published: December 2020

Genetic transformation is a powerful tool to study gene function, secondary metabolism pathways, and molecular breeding in crops. Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) is one of the most important economic crops in the world. Current cotton transformation methods take at least seven to culture and are labor-intensive and limited to some cultivars. In this study, we first time achieved plantlet regeneration of cotton via embryogenesis from transformed hairy roots. We inoculated the cotyledon explants of a commercial cultivar Zhongmian-24 with Agrobacterium rhizogenes strain AR1193, harboring a binary vector pBI-35S::GFP that contained the NPT II (neomycin phosphotransferase) gene and the GFP (green fluorescent protein) gene as a fluorescent marker in the T-DNA region. 82.6% explants produced adventitious roots, of which 53% showed GFP expression after transformation. 82% of transformed hairy roots produced embryonic calli, 12% of which regenerated into stable transformed cotton plants after 7 months of culture. The integration of GFP in the transformed cotton genomes were confirmed by PCR (Polymerase chain reaction) and Southern blot analysis as well as the stable expression of GFP were also detected by semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis. The resultant transformed plantlets were phenotypically, thus avoiding Ri syndrome. Here we report a stable and reproducible method for A. rhizogenes-mediated transformation of cotton using cotyledon as explants, which provides a useful and reliable platform for gene function analysis of cotton.
Cinnamic Acid Increased the Incidence of Fusarium Wilt by Increasing the Pathogenicity of Fusarium oxysporum and Reducing the Physiological and Biochemical Resistance of Faba Bean, Which Was Alleviated by Intercropping With Wheat
Authors: Guo Yuting , Lv J. , Zhao Q. , Dong Yan , Dong K.
Published: December 2020

Background

Continuous cropping has resulted in the accumulation of self-toxic substances in faba beans which has restricted their global production. Intercropping is widely used to alleviate these problems.

Aims

To explore the role of cinnamic acid stress in faba bean physiology and disease resistance, and the potential mitigating effects of intercropping the faba bean with wheat.

Methods

Faba bean seedlings were grown with or without wheat in both field and hydroponic conditions in the presence of different cinnamic acid concentrations and Fusarium oxysporum (FOF), the occurrence of. Fusarium-mediated wilt and oxidative stress, as well as plant growth indices and the anti-pathogen defense system were analyzed.

Results

Cinnamic acid significantly increased Fusarium pathogenicity, inhibited the activity of defense enzymes and reduced the ability of plants to resist pathogens, indicating the importance of cinnamic acid in the promotion of Fusarium wilt resulting in reduced seedling growth. Intercropping with wheat improved plant resistance by alleviating cinnamic acid-induced stress, which promoted crop growth and decreased the incidence and disease index of Fusarium wilt.

Conclusion

Cinnamic acid promotes Fusarium wilt by stimulating pathogen enzyme production and destroying the defense capability of faba bean roots. Intercropping reduces Fusarium wilt by alleviating the damage caused by cinnamic acid to the defense system of the faba bean root system.
The Spatio-Temporal Distribution of Cell Wall-Associated Glycoproteins During Wood Formation in Populus
Authors: Abedi Tayebeh , Castilleux Romain , Nibbering Pieter , Niittylä Totte
Published: December 2020

Plant cell wall associated hydroxyproline-rich glycoproteins (HRGPs) are involved in several aspects of plant growth and development, including wood formation in trees. HRGPs such as arabinogalactan-proteins (AGPs), extensins (EXTs), and proline rich proteins (PRPs) are important for the development and architecture of plant cell walls. Analysis of publicly available gene expression data revealed that manyHRGPencoding genes show tight spatio-temporal expression patterns in the developing wood ofPopulusthat are indicative of specific functions during wood formation. Similar results were obtained for the expression of glycosyl transferases putatively involved in HRGP glycosylation.In situimmunolabelling of transverse wood sections using AGP and EXT antibodies revealed the cell type specificity of different epitopes. In mature wood AGP epitopes were located in xylem ray cell walls, whereas EXT epitopes were specifically observed between neighboring xylem vessels, and on the ray cell side of the vessel walls, likely in association with pits. Molecular mass and glycan analysis of AGPs and EXTs in phloem/cambium, developing xylem, and mature xylem revealed clear differences in glycan structures and size between the tissues. Separation of AGPs by agarose gel electrophoresis and staining with β-D-glucosyl Yariv confirmed the presence of different AGP populations in phloem/cambium and xylem. These results reveal the diverse changes in HRGP-related processes that occur during wood formation at the gene expression and HRGP glycan biosynthesis levels, and relate HRGPs and glycosylation processes to the developmental processes of wood formation.
Evolutionary Origin of Distinct NREM and REM Sleep
Authors: Yamazaki Risa , Toda Hirofumi , Libourel Paul-Antoine , Hayashi Yu , Vogt Kaspar E. , Sakurai Takeshi
Published: December 2020

Sleep is mandatory in most animals that have the nervous system and is universally observed in model organisms ranging from the nematodes, zebrafish, to mammals. However, it is unclear whether different sleep states fulfill common functions and are driven by shared mechanisms in these different animal species. Mammals and birds exhibit two obviously distinct states of sleep, i.e., non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, but it is unknown why sleep should be so segregated. Studying sleep in other animal models might give us clues that help solve this puzzle. Recent studies suggest that REM sleep, or ancestral forms of REM sleep might be found in non-mammalian or -avian species such as reptiles. These observations suggest that REM sleep and NREM sleep evolved earlier than previously thought. In this review, we discuss the evolutionary origin of the distinct REM/NREM sleep states to gain insight into the mechanistic and functional reason for these two different types of sleep.
The Effect of “Novelty Input” and “Novelty Output” on Boredom During Home Quarantine in the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effects of Trait Creativity
Authors: Liang Zheng , Zhao Qingbai , Zhou Zhijin , Yu Quanlei , Li Songqing , Chen Shi
Published: December 2020

Governments have adopted strict home quarantine measures during the COVID-19 pandemic. A monotonous, barren, and under-stimulating environment can cause state boredom, and people often deal with boredom via novelty-seeking behavior. Novelty-seeking behavior can be divided into “novelty input” and “novelty output.” The former refers to obtaining novel information such as browsing the Web; the latter refers to engaging in creative behavior such as literary creation. This study explores the relationship between two types of novelty-seeking behavior and individual state boredom during home quarantine, along with the moderation effect of trait creativity. The study sample consists of 582 Chinese college students who were quarantined at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants completed the Multidimensional State Boredom Scale, the Williams Creativity Aptitude Test, and self-compiled questionnaires of novelty input and novelty output. The results show that there is no significant relationship between novelty input or novelty output and boredom during the COVID-19 quarantine. Trait creativity is found to negatively moderate the relationship between the two means of novelty seeking and boredom. Specifically, novelty output negatively predicts the state boredom of individuals with high creativity, while novelty input positively predicts the state boredom of individuals with low creativity. Our findings suggest that different novelty-seeking behaviors may have different effects on the boredom level of individuals with high versus low creativity during quarantine. During a quarantine period, individuals should avoid excessively engaging in novelty input behaviors aimed at escaping boring situations.
Learning Activity as a Means of Developing Theoretical Thinking Capacities
Authors: Clarindo Cleber Barbosa da Silva , Miller Stella , Kohle Érika Christina
Published: December 2020

The main purpose of this article is to discuss the development of capacities linked to theoretical thinking during the formation process of Learning Activity in students of the early years of elementary school. It considers some elements which could form the basis for thinking about teaching activity as a means of conducting students toward that development. It starts from the hypothesis that the development of the capacities of analysis, reflection, and mental planning depends, essentially, on the systematic organization of the principles and ways of action of the students on the theoretical contents in their learning process. The hypothesis further states that Learning Activity is the most appropriate way to organize pedagogical work for the development of methods of action that would enable students to achieve new higher psychological formations and develop new ways of thinking and acting in the learning environment. The theoretical study was carried out through locating, gathering, analyzing, synthesizing, and reframing the theorical ideas contained in publications, texts, articles, and books by authors of the Cultural-Historical Theory. The study places emphasis on Learning Activity as an adequate way to develop psychic neoformations in school-age children, since their organization, based on the solution of learning tasks through learning actions, is the source of the development of analysis, reflection, and mental planning skills, as constituent parts of theoretical thinking in school-age children.
Changes in Motor, Cognitive, and Behavioral Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment During the COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Baschi Roberta , Luca Antonina , Nicoletti Alessandra , Caccamo Maria , Cicero Calogero Edoardo , D'Agate Concetta , Di Giorgi Lucia , La Bianca Giuseppe , Lo Castro Tiziana , Zappia Mario , Monastero Roberto
Published: December 2020

Objective: The effects of the COVID-19 lockdown on subjects with prodromal phases of dementia are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the motor, cognitive, and behavioral changes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) with and without mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI and PD-NC) and in patients with MCI not associated with PD (MCInoPD).

Methods: A total of 34 patients with PD-NC, 31 PD-MCI, and 31 MCInoPD and their caregivers were interviewed 10 weeks after the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy, and changes in cognitive, behavioral, and motor symptoms were examined. Modified standardized scales, including the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI) and the Movement Disorder Society, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) Parts I and II, were administered. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate associated covariates by comparing PD-NC vs. PD-MCI and MCInoPD vs. PD-MCI.

Results: All groups showed a worsening of cognitive (39.6%), pre-existing (37.5%), and new (26%) behavioral symptoms, and motor symptoms (35.4%) during the COVID-19 lockdown, resulting in an increased caregiver burden in 26% of cases. After multivariate analysis, PD-MCI was significantly and positively associated with the IADL lost during quarantine (OR 3.9, CI 1.61–9.58), when compared to PD-NC. In the analysis of MCInoPD vs. PD-MCI, the latter showed a statistically significant worsening of motor symptoms than MCInoPD (OR 7.4, CI 1.09–45.44). Regarding NPI items, nighttime behaviors statistically differed in MCInoPD vs. PD-MCI (16.1% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.007). MDS-UPDRS parts I and II revealed that PD-MCI showed a significantly higher frequency of cognitive impairment (p = 0.034), fatigue (p = 0.036), and speech (p = 0.013) than PD-NC. On the contrary, PD-MCI showed significantly higher frequencies in several MDS-UPDRS items compared to MCInoPD, particularly regarding pain (p = 0.001), turning in bed (p = 0.006), getting out of bed (p = 0.001), and walking and balance (p = 0.003).

Conclusion: The COVID-19 quarantine is associated with the worsening of cognitive, behavioral, and motor symptoms in subjects with PD and MCI, particularly in PD-MCI. There is a need to implement specific strategies to contain the effects of quarantine in patients with PD and cognitive impairment and their caregivers.
Simulating the Impact of Long-Term Care Prevention Among Older Japanese People on Healthcare Costs From 2020 to 2040 Using System Dynamics Modeling
Authors: Nishi Nobuo , Ikeda Nayu , Sugiyama Takehiro , Kurotani Kayo , Miyachi Motohiko
Published: December 2020

Objectives: This study examined how healthcare costs might change by reducing long-term care needs among older Japanese people.

Methods: A simulation model was constructed comprising two aging chains for independent and dependent people aged ≥65 years by sex. Changes in the base run from 2020 to 2040 were compared with those in two hypothetical scenarios: a 2% annual reduction in death rates (S1), and S1 plus a 2% annual reduction in the proportion of dependent people aged 65 years and in transition rates from the independent to dependent state for people aged ≥65 years (S2).

Results: In the base run, the population increased by 13.0% for men and 11.3% for women, and the proportion of dependent people increased by 4.6% for men but decreased by 13.4% for women. The sum of medical and long-term care expenditure increased in the base run, S1, and S2 by 8.2, 27.4, and 16.4%, respectively, for men and women combined.

Conclusions: Healthcare costs will increase as death rates fall, but the increase will be attenuated if the proportion of dependent people decreases.
Case Report: Virtual Reality Analgesia in an Opioid Sparing Orthopedic Outpatient Clinic Setting: A Case Study
Authors: Firoozabadi Reza , Elhaddad Moamen , Drever Sydney , Soltani Maryam , Githens Michael , Kleweno Conor P. , Sharar Sam R. , Patterson David R. , Hoffman Hunter G.
Published: December 2020

Immersive virtual reality is proving effective as a non-pharmacologic analgesic for a growing number of painful medical procedures. External fixator surgical pins provide adjunctive stability to a broken pelvic bone until the bones heal back together, then pins are removed. The purpose of the present case study was to measure for the first time, whether immersive virtual reality could be used to help reduce pain and anxiety during the orthopedic process of removing external fixator pins from a conscious patient in the orthopedic outpatient clinic, and whether it is feasible to use VR in this context. Using a within-subject within wound care design with treatment order randomized, the patient had his first ex-fix pin unscrewed and removed from his healing pelvic bone while he wore a VR helmet and explored an immersive snowy 3D computer generated world, adjunctive VR. He then had his second pin removed during no VR, standard of care pain medications. The patient reported having 43% less pain intensity, 67% less time spent thinking about pain, and 43% lower anxiety during VR vs. during No VR. In addition, the patient reported that his satisfaction with pain management was improved with the use of VR. Conducting simple orthopedic procedures using oral pain pills in an outpatient setting instead of anesthesia in the operating room greatly reduces the amount of opioids used, lowers medical costs and reduces rare but real risks of expensive complications from anesthesia including oversedation, death, and post-surgical dementia. These preliminary results suggest that immersive VR merits more attention as a potentially viable adjunctive non-pharmacologic form of treatment for acute pain and anxiety during medical procedures in the orthopedic outpatient clinic. Recent multi-billion dollar investments into R and D and mass production have made inexpensive immersive virtual reality products commercially available and cost effective for medical applications. We speculate that in the future, patients may be more willing to have minor surgery procedures in the outpatient clinic, with much lower opioid doses, while fully awake, if offered adjunctive virtual reality as a non-pharmacologic analgesic during the procedure. Additional research and development is recommended.
Brain Surgery to Treat Seizures
Authors: Girgis Fady
Published: December 2020

Seizures can happen when the electricity in the brain is not working properly. Seizures can cause people to shake and lose awareness, which can be very scary and prevent people from living normal lives. When medications do not work to take away the seizures, sometimes brain surgery can be done to treat them. This procedure starts when doctors take a special picture of the brain to see the area causing the seizures. Then they make an opening in the patient’s head to fix the problem in the brain. Part of the brain can be removed, or a special device that stimulates the brain with electricity can be implanted. It is important for everyone who has seizures or who knows someone with seizures to be aware of the option of surgery, because sometimes surgery can be a cure for the seizures.
Williams Syndrome: A Genetic Disorder That Causes People to Be Too Friendly
Authors: Bar Ela , Barak Boaz
Published: December 2020

Williams syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by hypersociability and unique neurocognitive abnormalities. One of the characteristics of Williams syndrome is an inappropriate increase in social behavior. People with the syndrome may be overly friendly, even to strangers. We performed a novel study in our lab that demonstrated that the lack of a gene called Gtf2i may play a role in Williams syndrome. When this gene is absent, there are changes to one of the most important brain components for transferring signals in the brain and are likely to contribute to the over-friendliness observed in Williams syndrome. We expose surprising mechanisms involved in an increased social behavior, which is one of the characteristics of Williams Syndrome. In this article, we demonstrate how drugs can compensate for the damaged part of the brain and can bring the increased friendly behavior down to a normal level.
An Evaluation Framework and Algorithms for Train Rescheduling
Authors: Josyula Sai Prashanth , Krasemann Johanna Törnquist , Lundberg Lars
Published: December 2020

In railway traffic systems, whenever disturbances occur, it is important to effectively reschedule trains while optimizing the goals of various stakeholders. Algorithms can provide significant benefits to support the traffic controllers in train rescheduling, if well integrated into the overall traffic management process. In the railway research literature, many algorithms are proposed to tackle different versions of the train rescheduling problem. However, limited research has been performed to assess the capabilities and performance of alternative approaches, with the purpose of identifying their main strengths and weaknesses. Evaluation of train rescheduling algorithms enables practitioners and decision support systems to select a suitable algorithm based on the properties of the type of disturbance scenario in focus. It also guides researchers and algorithm designers in improving the algorithms. In this paper, we (1) propose an evaluation framework for train rescheduling algorithms, (2) present two train rescheduling algorithms: a heuristic and a MILP-based exact algorithm, and (3) conduct an experiment to compare the two multi-objective algorithms using the proposed framework (a proof-of-concept). It is found that the heuristic algorithm is suitable for solving simpler disturbance scenarios since it is quick in producing decent solutions. For complex disturbances wherein multiple trains experience a primary delay due to an infrastructure failure, the exact algorithm is found to be more appropriate.
Evaluation of Agricultural Investment Climate in CEE Countries: The Application of Back Propagation Neural Network
Authors: Guo Ru , Qiu Xiaodong , He Yiyi
Published: December 2020

Evaluation of agricultural investment climate has essential reference value for site selection, operation and risk management of agricultural outward foreign direct investment projects. This study builds a back propagation neural network-based agricultural investment climate evaluation model, which has 22 indicators of four subsystems that take political climate, economic climate, social climate, and technological climate as the input vector, and agricultural investment climate rating as the output vector, to evaluate the agricultural investment climate in 16 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries. The overall spatial distribution characteristics demonstrate that the best agricultural investment climate is in the three Baltic countries, followed by the Visegrad Group and Slovenia sector, and then the Balkan littoral countries. The findings may provide insights for entrepreneurs who aim to invest in agriculture abroad and contribute to the improvement of these countries’ investment climate.
Grafting as a Sustainable Means for Securing Yield Stability and Quality in Vegetable Crops
Authors: Kyriacou Marios C. , Colla Giuseppe , Rouphael Youssef
Published: December 2020

Grafting is among the most ancient agricultural techniques, having been practiced since 2000 BC [...]
Genetic Characterization, Agro-Morphological and Physiological Evaluation of Grafted Tomato under Salinity Stress Conditions
Authors: Abdeldym Emad A. , El-Mogy Mohamed M. , Abdellateaf Hoda R. L. , Atia Mohamed A. M.
Published: December 2020

This study aims to determine grafting’s efficiency to improve tomato growth and production under salinity stress conditions. A commercial tomato hybrid (cv. Bark) and eight wild tomato accessions were evaluated at molecular, physiological and agronomic levels. At the molecular level, two robust gene-targeting marker systems (Conserved DNA-Derived Polymorphism; CDDP and Start Codon Targeted Polymorphism; SCoT) were employed. Bark cv. was grafted as a scion onto the four tomato genotypes’ roots as stocks. The rootstocks effect was evaluated by growing plants at 0, 100 and 200 mM NaCl. Our results showed that grafting enhanced plant shoots and roots growth (plant height, number of branches, plant fresh weight, root length, and root fresh and dry weight), fruit yield (total yield, number and weight of fruits) and fruit quality (Vitamin C, firmness and total soluble solids) in Bark on most tested rootstocks. A significant interaction between salinity levels and rootstocks for all measured hormones, antioxidants and proline was observed. In conclusion, our consistent results from the three approaches (molecular, physiological and agronomical) revealed that the four genotypes (LA1995, LA2711, LA2485 and LA3845) were found to be grouped and exhibit better performance under salinity stress conditions. Furthermore, grafting could be a low-cost alternative method to improve salt tolerance in sensitive tomato genotypes.
Growing Medium Type Affects Organic Fertilizer Mineralization and CNPS Microbial Enzyme Activities
Authors: Paillat Louise , Cannavo Patrice , Barraud Fabrice , Huché-Thélier Lydie , Guénon René
Published: December 2020

Managing plant fertilization is a major concern of greenhouse growers to achieve sustainable production with growing media (GM). Organic fertilization is popular but is more difficult to control, since organic compounds need first to be mineralized by microbes. After 7, 14, 28, and 56 days of incubation, we investigated the response of microbial activities and nutrient releases from three frequently used organic fertilizers (horn and two plant-based fertilizers) in three frequently employed GM types (peat, coir, and bark). We measured pH, electrical conductivity, nutrient contents (NH4+-N, NO3−-N, PO43−-P, SO42−-S), and enzyme activities (β-1.4-glucosidase, urease, acid phosphatase, arylsulfatase). After fertilization, microbes in coir expressed all the C, N, P, and S functions studied, making related nutrients available. In peat and bark, some C, N, P, and S-related pathways were locked. Peat presented high NH4+-N and PO43−-P releases linked to high acid phosphatase and β-glucosidase activities, while bark showed high nitrification rates but weak enzyme activities. Fertilizer types modulated these responses with lower activities and nutrient releases with horn. Our results contributed to better understanding mineralization processes in GM, showing different microbial responses to fertilization. This study pointed out the necessity to look deeper into microbial functions in GM optimizing biological and physicochemical properties.
The Use of Water in Agriculture in Mexico and Its Sustainable Management: A Bibliometric Review
Authors: Ochoa-Noriega Claudia A. , Aznar-Sánchez José A. , Velasco-Muñoz Juan F. , Álvarez-Bejar Alejandro
Published: December 2020

The development of agricultural activity in Mexico is generating environmental externalities that could compromise its future. One of the principal challenges facing the Mexican agricultural sector is to find a way to continue growing without jeopardising the availability and quality of its water resources. The objective of this article is to analyse the dynamics of the research on the use of water in agriculture in Mexico and its sustainable management. To do this, a review and a bibliometric analysis have been carried out on a sample of 1490 articles. The results show that the research has focused on the pollution of water bodies, climate change, the quality of water, the application of technology in order to make water use more efficient, biodiversity, erosion, agronomic practices that reduce water consumption, underground water sources, and conservation agriculture. Although research focusing on sustainability is still in its infancy, it has become a priority field. A gap in the research has been detected in terms of the economic and social dimensions of sustainability. There is also a lack of holistic studies that include all three of the pillars of sustainability (environmental, economic, and social).
Spatial Variability of Yield and Nitrogen Indicators—A Crop Rotation Approach
Authors: Łukowiak Remigiusz , Grzebisz Witold , Ceglarek Jakub , Podolski Adam , Kaźmierowski Cezary , Piekarczyk Jan
Published: December 2020

The division of an arable field into zones of different productivity requires a reliable, discriminatory tool. This hypothesis was validated by analyzing the spatial variability of yield and N indicators in the crop rotation of winter oilseed rape (WOSR)/winter triticale (WTR) during 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 in a field of 30 ha (Przebędowo, Poland). The direct, measurable variables were: yield, N accumulated in—seeds/grain and crop residues, mineral N in spring, and harvest. The basic N indicators were total N uptake (TN), N-partial factor productivity, and N balance (Nb). The attainable yields of WOSR and WTR were 4.93 and 6.51 t ha−1, and a yield gap of −2.04 and −2.10 t ha−1. The management of 50 kg of the non-used N by crops, i.e. nitrogen gap (NG) could cover 36% and 65% of the yield gap (YG), respectively. The Nb, based on N input (Nin = Nmin + Nf) and TN, was the key field indicator, defining both yield and NG. Geostatic parameters, i.e., the nugget to sill ratio, spatial dependence range, and mean correlation distance, were very stable (≤0.2–0.17; 94–100 m; 28 m for WOSR and WTR). The spatial stability of Nb, irrespective of the crop and growing conditions, corroborates its suitability for discriminating high and low-productivity field zones.
Reduction of Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) Natural Re-Sowing with Herbicides and Plant Growth Regulators
Authors: Schaeffer Afonso Henrique , Schaeffer Otávio Augusto , Silveira Diógenes Cecchin , Bertol João Arthur Guareschi , Rocha Debora Kelli , dos Santos Fernando Machado , Vargas Leandro , Lângaro Nadia Canali
Published: December 2020

Ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) is the main winter weed of crops in Southern Brazil. High competitiveness, adaptability, widespread resistance to herbicides and seed dormancy make the plant a permanent problem. Herbicides, as well as plant growth regulators, can be used as a management option for ryegrass seed production, however there is no consensus among authors at which stage of the plant the application is most effective. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the production and physiological quality of ryegrass seeds in response to the application of herbicides and plant growth regulators in three stages of plant development (inflorescence emergence, flowering and fruit development). Each treatment consisted of applying two different doses of each of the active ingredients: ammonium glufosinate, clethodim, glyphosate, iodosulfuron-methyl, paraquat and 2,4-D (herbicides); ethephon and trinexapac-ethyl (plant growth regulators), still an untreated control, totaling 17 treatments for each stage of development. The experimental design used was randomized blocks, with three replications. The variables evaluated were: seed production (kg ha−1), thousand seed weight (g), viability (%), germination (%), first germination count (%), dormant seeds (%) and dead seeds (%). The ryegrass seed production reduced 100% with clethodim, glyphosate, ammonium glufosinate or paraquat applied in the inflorescence emergence or flowering stages. In the fruit development stage, all treatments (herbicides and plant growth regulators) caused deleterious effects on seed production, the greatest effect occurred with paraquat (95%). Paraquat, ammonium glufosinate and clethodim affected the physiological quality of the seeds when applied in fruit development stage. This research demonstrated that the application of herbicides in the ryegrass reproductive stage decreases its seedbank replenishment (natural re-sowing), with the potential to harm its progeny.
B-Mode and Doppler Ultrasonographic Findings of Prostate Gland and Testes in Dogs Receiving Deslorelin Acetate or Osaterone Acetate
Authors: Niżański Wojciech , Ochota Małgorzata , Fontaine Christelle , Pasikowska Joanna
Published: December 2020

This article presents B-mode and color Doppler imaging of the prostate and testes in dogs suffering from benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and receiving deslorelin acetate (SuprelorinTM) or osaterone acetate (YpozaneTM). The study was planned as a controlled clinical trial, dogs were divided into negative control (healthy dogs, n = 10), positive control (dogs with BPH, n = 10), and study groups, III (n = 15), receiving deslorelin acetate (DA), and IV (n = 10), receiving osaterone acetate (OA). The B-mode appearance of the prostate parenchyma improved in all investigated dogs from the DA group, and in 60% of OA dogs. Prostate volume was reduced more quickly with OA (from D14), but lasting for a shorter time (on average up to week 20), compared to DA that reduced the prostate volume more slowly (>8 weeks), but the reduction remained longer (>24 weeks). The systolic peak velocity (SPV) and mean velocity (Vmean) were higher in all dogs diagnosed with BPH, compared to Control Group I. The indices did not change in both Control Groups I and II, whereas in study Groups III and IV they decreased throughout the study period compared to day 0 and Control Group II. In Group III the highest reduction was noted from day 21 to week 8, whereas in Group IV the lowest Vmean was recorded before day 21. Testicular parenchyma and volume changed significantly in Group III receiving DA, and the velocity of blood flow in the testicular artery correlated positively with testicular volume only in this group (III). The present study proved the usefulness of B-mode and color Doppler US imaging techniques for diagnosis and progress assessment of dogs suffering from BPH. The blood flow kinetics (mainly SPV) demonstrated a time association between the blood flow changes registered in the prostatic artery, and the subsequent volumetric and sonographic improvement of the prostate parenchyma. The reduction in flow indices was noted prior to the reduction in prostate volume, suggesting that the sonographic recovery of the prostate tissue, occurs secondarily to the regression of the prostate vascular system. Both investigated medications (osaterone acetate and deslorelin acetate) led to a significant sonographic improvement. Deslorelin acetate reduced prostate volume more slowly, but its effect lasted longer than for osaterone acetate.
Poly-ε-caprolactone Nanoparticles Loaded with 4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) for Growth Inhibition of Microsporum canis
Authors: Greatti Vanessa Raquel , Oda Fernando , Sorrechia Rodrigo , Kapp Bárbara Regina , Seraphim Carolina Manzato , Weckwerth Ana Carolina Villas Bôas , Chorilli Marlus , Silva Patrícia Bento Da , Eloy Josimar O. , Kogan Marcelo J. , Morales Javier O. , Pietro Rosemeire Cristina Linhari Rodrigues
Published: December 2020

Dermatophyte fungal infections are difficult to treat because they need long-term treatments. 4-Nerolidylcatechol (4-NC) is a compound found in Piper umbellatum that has been reported to demonstrate significant antifungal activity, but is easily oxidizable. Due to this characteristic, the incorporation in nanostructured systems represents a strategy to guarantee the compound’s stability compared to the isolated form and the possibility of improving antifungal activity. The objective of this study was to incorporate 4-NC into polymeric nanoparticles to evaluate, in vitro and in vivo, the growth inhibition of Microsporum canis. 4-NC was isolated from fresh leaves of P. umbellatum, and polymer nanoparticles of polycaprolactone were developed by nanoprecipitation using a 1:5 weight ratio (drug:polymer). Nanoparticles exhibited excellent encapsulation efficiency, and the antifungal activity was observed in nanoparticles with 4-NC incorporated. Polymeric nanoparticles can be a strategy employed for decreased cytotoxicity, increasing the stability and solubility of substances, as well as improving the efficacy of 4-NC.
Ketone- and Cyano-Selenoesters to Overcome Efflux Pump, Quorum-Sensing, and Biofilm-Mediated Resistance
Authors: Szemerédi Nikoletta , Kincses Annamária , Rehorova Katerina , Hoang Lan , Salardón-Jiménez Noemi , Sevilla-Hernández Clotilde , Viktorová Jitka , Domínguez-Álvarez Enrique , Spengler Gabriella
Published: December 2020

The emergence of drug-resistant pathogens leads to a gradual decline in the efficacy of many antibacterial agents, which poses a serious problem for proper therapy. Multidrug resistance (MDR) mechanisms allow resistant bacteria to have limited uptake of drugs, modification of their target molecules, drug inactivation, or release of the drug into the extracellular space by efflux pumps (EPs). In previous studies, selenoesters have proved to be promising derivatives with a noteworthy antimicrobial activity. On the basis of these results, two series of novel selenoesters were synthesized to achieve more potent antibacterial activity on Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Fifteen selenoesters (eight ketone-selenoesters and seven cyano-selenoesters) were investigated with regards to their efflux pump-inhibiting, anti-quorum-sensing (QS), and anti-biofilm effects in vitro. According to the results of the antibacterial activity, the ketone-selenoesters proved to be more potent antibacterial compounds than the cyano-selenoesters. With regard to efflux pump inhibition, one cyano-selenoester on methicillin-resistant S. aureus and one ketone-selenoester on Salmonella Typhimurium were potent inhibitors. The biofilm inhibitory capacity and the ability of the derivatives to disrupt mature biofilms were noteworthy in all the experimental systems applied. Regarding QS inhibition, four ketone-selenoesters and three cyano-selenoesters exerted a noteworthy effect on Vibrio campbellii strains.
Dynamic Planning of Mobile Service Teams’ Mission Subject to Orders Uncertainty Constraints
Authors: Bocewicz Grzegorz , Nielsen Peter , Jasiulewicz-Kaczmarek Małgorzata , Banaszak Zbigniew
Published: December 2020

This paper considers the dynamic vehicle routing problem where a fleet of vehicles deals with periodic deliveries of goods or services to spatially dispersed customers over a given time horizon. Individual customers may only be served by predefined (dedicated) suppliers. Each vehicle follows a pre-planned separate route linking points defined by the customer location and service periods when ordered deliveries are carried out. Customer order specifications and their services time windows as well as vehicle travel times are dynamically recognized over time. The objective is to maximize a number of newly introduced or modified requests, being submitted dynamically throughout the assumed time horizon, but not compromising already considered orders. Therefore, the main question is whether a newly reported delivery request or currently modified/corrected one can be accepted or not. The considered problem arises, for example, in systems in which garbage collection or DHL parcel deliveries as well as preventive maintenance requests are scheduled and implemented according to a cyclically repeating sequence. It is formulated as a constraint satisfaction problem implementing the ordered fuzzy number formalism enabling to handle the fuzzy nature of variables through an algebraic approach. Computational results show that the proposed solution outperforms commonly used computer simulation methods.
Determination of the Operating Temperature of the Gas-Insulated Transmission Line
Authors: Szczegielniak Tomasz , Kusiak Dariusz , Jabłoński Paweł
Published: December 2020

Gas-insulated lines (GILs) have been increasingly used as high-current busducts for high-power transmission. Temperature is one of the most important factors affecting the performance and ampacity of GILs. In this paper, an analytical method was proposed to determine the temperature of a three-phase high-current busduct in the form of a single pole GIL. First, power losses in the phase conductors and enclosures were determined analytically with the skin, and proximity effects were taken into account. The determined power losses were used as heat sources in thermal analysis. Considering the natural convection and radiation heat transfer effects, the heat balance equations on the surface of the phase conductors and the screens were established, respectively. Subsequently, the temperature of the phase conductors and the enclosures were determined. The validation of the proposed method was carried out using the finite element method and laboratory measurements.
Experimental Investigations on Laser Ablation of Aluminum in Sub-Picosecond Regimes
Authors: Garasz Katarzyna , Kocik Marek
Published: December 2020

Due to high power and ultrashort pulses, femtosecond lasers excel at (but are not limited to) processing materials whose thicknesses are less than 500 microns. Numerous experiments and theoretical analyses testify to the fact that there are solid grounds for the applications of ultrafast laser micromachining. However, with high costs and complexity of these devices, a sub-picosecond laser that might be an alternative when it comes to various micromachining applications, such as patterns and masks in thin metal foils, micro-nozzles, thermo-detectors, MEMS (micro electro-mechanical systems), sensors, etc. Furthermore, the investigation of sub-picosecond laser interactions with matter could provide more knowledge on the ablation mechanisms and experimental verification of existing models for ultrashort pulse regimes. In this article, we present the research on sub-picosecond laser interactions with thin aluminum foil under various laser pulse parameters. Research was conducted with two types of ultrafast lasers: a prototype sub-picosecond Yb:KYW laser (650 fs) and a commercially available femtosecond Ti:S laser (35 fs). The results show how the variables such as pulse width, energy, frequency, wavelength and irradiation time affect the micromachining process.
The Effects of Ear Dimensions and Product Attributes on the Wearing Comfort of Wireless Earphones
Authors: Song Haseung , Shin Gee Won , Yoon Yeree , Bahn Sangwoo
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the wearing comfort of wireless earphones. In order to test the effects of ear dimensions with the product characteristics on wearing comfort, first, a total of six ear dimensions were selected. In addition, each ear dimension was classified into two groups using K-means clustering analysis. Second, four major factors related to wearing comfort (pain, pressure, comfort, and fixation) with four sample products were investigated, considering the characteristics of the product (kernel-type/open-type), operation method (touch-input/button-press), and shape. Finally, a total of 38 participants (23 men and 15 women) participated in the experiments. The results show that pain in the ear canal was low to the participants who had a long length of the ear canal–incisura intertragica, and the fixation of the ear canal was high in the participants with a long incisura intertragica–antitragus cluster. Compared to open-type products, kernel-type products put more pressure on the ear canal area, so the participants felt less comfortable. In terms of operation methods, operating products in touch-input types caused less pain than operating products in button-press types did. Overall, the factors affecting user satisfaction and wearing comfort determined in this study will serve as a basis for the future design of wireless earphone products.