bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the Genetic Architecture of Fruit Quality Traits in Melon Using a Genomic Library of Near Isogenic Lines
Authors: Eduardo Iban , Arús Pere , Monforte Antonio José , Obando Javier , Fernández-Trujillo Juan Pablo , Martínez Juan Antonio , Alarcón Antonio Luís , María Álvarez Jose , van der Knaap Esther
Published: January 2019

A melon (Cucumis melo L.) genomic library of near-isogenic lines derived from the cross between the Spanish cultivar Piel de Sapo and the exotic accession PI 161375 has been evaluated for fruit quality traits in four different locations. Traits evaluated were fruit weight, soluble solids content, maximum fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit shape index, ovary shape index, external color, and flesh color. Among these traits, soluble solids content showed the highest genotype × environment interaction, whereas genotype × environment interactions for fruit shape and fruit weight were low. Heritability was high for all traits except soluble solids content, with the highest value for fruit shape and ovary shape. Ten to 15 quantitative trait loci were detected for soluble solids content, fruit diameter, fruit length, and fruit shape; and four to five for ovary shape, external color, and flesh color. Depending on the trait, between 13% and 40% of the detected quantitative trait alleles from PI 161375 increased the trait, and between 60% and 87% of them decreased it, resulting in some PI 161375 alleles of interest for breeding. Most of the quantitative trait loci detected in previous experiments could be verified with the near-isogenic line population. Future studies with the melon near-isogenic line genomic library will provide a better understanding of the genetic control of melon fruit quality in a wider context related to agronomy, genetics, genomics and metabolomics studies.
A Low Transcriptional Level of Se-RNase in the Se -haplotype Confers Self-compatibility in Japanese Plum
Authors: Watari Akiko , Hanada Toshio , Yamane Hisayo , Esumi Tomoya , Tao Ryutaro , Yaegaki Hideaki , Yamaguchi Masami , Beppu Kenji , Kataoka Ikuo
Published: January 2019

Most commercial cultivars of japanese plum (Prunus salicina Lindl.) exhibit S-RNase-based gametophytic self-incompatibility (GSI), although some self-compatible (SC) cultivars exist. In this study, we characterized S-RNase and SFB, the pistil and pollen S determinants of the specificity of the GSI reaction, respectively, from four S-haplotypes, including a SC (Se
) and three SI (Sa
, Sb
, and Sc
) S-haplotypes of japanese plum. The genomic organization and structure of the SC Se-haplotype appear intact, because the relative transcriptional orientation of its S-RNase and SFB and their intergenetic distance are similar to those of the other three SI S-haplotypes of japanese plum and other Prunus L. species. Furthermore, there is no apparent defect in the DNA sequences of Se-RNase and SFBe
. However, a series of transcriptional analyses, including real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction, showed that the Se-RNase transcript levels in the pistil are significantly lower than those of the Sa-, Sb-, and Sc-RNases, although transcripts of SFBa
, SFBb
, SFBc
, and SFBe
are present at similar levels in pollen. Furthermore, no Se-RNase spot was detected in two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis profiles of stylar extracts of the cultivars with the Se-haplotype. We discuss the possible molecular basis of SC observed with the Se
-haplotype with special reference to the insufficient Se-RNase accumulation incited by the very low transcriptional level of Se-RNase in pistils.
Appropriate Analysis and Interpretation Approaches to Determine Fertilizer-derived Nitrogen in Plant Tissues
Authors: Righetti Timothy L. , Sandrock David R. , Strik Bernadine , Azarenko Anita
Published: January 2019

Two approaches for estimating the amount of nitrogen (N) in plant tissues derived from labeled fertilizer were evaluated for two tissue types (root and shoot) in three different genera. In the first, atom percentage values obtained by mass spectrometry were converted to the portion of N derived from the fertilizer (NDFF). In the second, the slope of the regression line for the relationship between total N and labeled fertilizer N was used to represent the incremental increase in fertilizer N for each unit increase in total N. These two approaches were applied to data collected during container experiments. Unless a plot of total N versus labeled fertilizer N passes through the origin, conventional ratio-based estimates of the amount of NDFF for plants or tissues are often misleading. When nonzero intercepts occur, NDFF is dependent on the size (total N content) of the tissue or plant. Nonzero intercepts were frequently encountered. An analysis of regression lines describing the relationship between total N gain and fertilizer N produces a different interpretation than evaluations of the NDFF for treatment means. When an analysis of covariance was used to account for differences in total N between tissues and genera, results were generally consistent with the graphical observations and regression analysis. If only ratio-based approaches are used, it is difficult to determine if there are real physiological differences among treatments, genera, and tissues or if differences in NDFF are size-related. Because the data easily can be analyzed several ways, simultaneously evaluating data with ratio-based NDFF, covariates, and regression is appropriate.
Iron Assimilation and Carbon Metabolism in ‘Concord’ Grapevines Grown at Different pHs
Authors: Smith Brandon R. , Cheng Lailiang
Published: January 2019

‘Concord’ grapevines (Vitis labruscana Bailey) are susceptible to lime-induced chlorosis, which decreases growth and productivity. In two separate experiments, we grew own-rooted vines in a peat–perlite medium adjusted to different pHs with CaCO3 to characterize how lime-induced Fe deficiency affects root and leaf ferric chelate reductase (FCR) and key enzymes and metabolites involved with glycolysis and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle in leaves. In addition, we measured the pH of the xylem sap as well as Fe, citrate, and malate concentrations. For both experiments, foliar levels of total Fe, active Fe (extracted in 0.1N HCl), and chlorophyll decreased as lime rate increased. An increase in root-medium pH from 5.8 to 7.5 resulted in a 10-fold increase in root FCR activity, whereas leaf FCR activity decreased 10-fold. An increase in root-medium pH did not raise xylem sap pH but decreased Fe and citrate to some extent. Xylem malate was highest at pH 6.6 and decreased both above and below this pH. Foliar data were evaluated in relation to active Fe content, because it is a better indicator of Fe nutritional status. Lower active Fe decreased midday CO2 assimilation and PSII quantum efficiency as well as night respiration. As active Fe decreased, aconitase activity decreased linearly, whereas the activity of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, NAD(P)-isocitrate dehydrogenase, NAD(P)-malic enzyme, malate dehydrogenase, phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase, PEP phosphatase, and pyruvate kinase increased curvilinearly. Glucose-6-phosphate, fructose-6-phosphate, and 3-phosphoglycerate content decreased curvilinearly as active Fe decreased. Malate content increased as active Fe increased to 1.0 mg·m−2 and then decreased above this level. Citrate increased linearly as active Fe decreased and was an order of magnitude lower than malate content. Our results suggest that leaf FCR activity may limit Fe assimilation to a greater extent than root FCR activity. The decreased leaf aconitase activity under Fe deficiency is the most likely cause of the increase in citrate levels. Greater activity of the other glycolytic and TCA enzymes under Fe deficiency may help to funnel carbon into the mitochondria and enhance NAD(P) reduction. Citrate levels (and the citrate:malate ratios) in the xylem exudate and leaf were much lower when compared with other species and may be linked to Fe inefficiency of ‘Concord’.
Cloning and Characterization of a Sucrose Phosphate Synthase-encoding Gene from Muskmelon
Authors: Yu Xiyan , Wang Xiufeng , Fan Jide , Tian Hongmei , Zheng Chengchao
Published: January 2019

Sucrose phosphate synthase [SPS (EC 2.4.1.14)] is thought to play a critical role in sucrose accumulation in muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) fruit. A full-length cDNA clone encoding sucrose phosphate synthase was isolated from muskmelon by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction and rapid amplification of cDNA ends. The clone, designated CmSPS1, contains 3377 nucleotides with an open reading frame of 3162 nucleotides. The deduced 1054 amino acids sequence showed high identities with other plant sucrose phosphate synthases. Northern blot analysis indicated that CmSPS1 was expressed in leaves, stems, and mature fruit, but was not detected in roots or flowers. Moreover, the mRNA accumulation of CmSPS1 started at 25 days after pollination (DAP) and reached highest level in mature fruit. Interestingly, both sucrose content and SPS activity increased dramatically between 20 and 30 DAP during fruit development, suggesting that sucrose accumulation may be linked to the CmSPS1 transcript level in muskmelon fruit.
Temperature Effect on Skin Adhesion, Cell Wall Enzyme Activity, Lignin Content, Anthocyanins, Growth Parameters, and Periderm Histochemistry of Sweetpotato
Authors: Villavicencio Lucia E. , Blankenship Sylvia M. , Yencho G. Craig , Thomas Judith F. , Raper C. David
Published: January 2019

Sweetpotatoes [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.] often experience significant epidermal loss during harvest and postharvest handling. Skin loss causes weight loss, shriveling of the root surface, and increased susceptibility to pathogen attack as well as poor appearance. It is not known if sweetpotatoes show variation in skin adhesion, cell wall enzyme activity and components, and growth parameters with growth temperature or if skin loss can be explained on the basis of variation among these variables. Skin adhesion, polygalacturonase (PG) and pectin methylesterase (PME) activity, lignin, anthocyanin, and dry matter content were measured in the periderm of ‘Beauregard’ roots grown at various temperatures under controlled conditions. Biomass dry matter content, storage root yield, root length, diameter, and weight at harvest were recorded. Histochemical and anatomical characteristics of periderm of roots were studied. Growth temperature affected skin adhesion, PG and PME activity, periderm and biomass dry matter content, yield, storage root weight, and diameter. High temperatures (34/31 °C day/night) yielded roots that were smaller and more resistant to skin loss. These roots had a periderm composed of more cell layers with a lower dry matter content than roots grown at lower and intermediate temperatures (27/24 °C and 20/17 °C). In cured roots, the correlation between skin adhesion and PG activity was negative (r = 0.544, P = 0.0006) and positive between skin adhesion and PME (r = 0.319, P = 0.05). For most of the variables studied, the interaction between growing temperature and curing was significant. Curing improved skin adhesion, but the effect of curing was dependent on the root growth temperature. The periderm of roots grown at higher temperatures was thicker and had more layers than that of roots grown at lower temperatures. Histochemical studies of the periderm of sweetpotato showed that the anatomical and structural composition of the cell walls differ depending on growth temperature.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Mandarin Landraces, Wild Mandarins, and Related Species in China Using Nuclear LEAFY Second Intron and Plastid trnL-trnF Sequence
Authors: Yingzhi Li , Yunjiang Cheng , Nengguo Tao , Xiuxin Deng
Published: January 2019

Nucleotide sequences of the second intron of the nuclear LEAFY gene (FLint2) and trnL-trnF region of the chloroplast genome were used to analyze the phylogenetic relationships among eight wild mandarins (Citrus reticulata Blanco), 19 mandarin landraces, and 19 related species of Citrus L. Forty-six trnL-trnF sequences and 111 FLint2 sequences were obtained from 46 ingroup accessions, with an average length of 1059.7 and 776.7 bp respectively. Phylogeny reconstructions were conducted separately for these two data sets using maximum parsimony and maximum likelihood criteria. Monophyly of mandarins was supported by both of these data sets, and in this clade, most mandarin landraces formed an unresolved polytomy, whereas ‘Jiangyong 1’, ‘Chongyi A2’, ‘Chongyi A1’ (or ‘Jiangyong 4’ in FLint2 data), and ‘Daoxian 1’ wild mandarins formed a subclade. ‘Mangshan A1’ and ‘Daoxian 5’ wild mandarins were sisters to this mandarin clade. A hybrid origin of five mandarin landraces and several mandarin-related species was suggested as a plausible hypothesis to explain the incongruence between the FLint2 and trnL-trnF data sets.
A Genetic Linkage Map of Nonheading Chinese Cabbage
Authors: Geng Jian-Feng , Zhu Cheng-Song , Zhang Xiao-Wei , Cheng Yan , Zhang Yuan-Ming , Hou Xi-Lin
Published: January 2019

Brassica rapa L. ssp. chinensis (L.) Hanelt, known as nonheading chinese cabbage in China, is an important vegetable in eastern Asia and its genetic improvement requires a genetic linkage map. The first genetic linkage map of nonheading chinese cabbage using 112 doubled haploid lines derived from a released F1 hybrid cultivar Shulü between two lines SW-3 and Su-124 was constructed in this paper. One hundred thirty-eight molecular markers were mapped into 14 linkage groups. Among these markers, there were 77 sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers, 27 simple sequence repeat markers, 21 random amplification polymorphic DNA markers, and 13 intersimple sequence repeat markers. Chi-square tests showed that 54 markers are distorted from Mendelian segregation ratios, and the direction of the distortion is mainly toward the maternal parent SW-3. The distortion affects not only the estimation of genetic distance, but also the order of distorted markers on a same linkage group. Given a specific marker order, the authors proposed a multipoint approach to correct the linkage map in an unbiased manner in an F2 population while considering distorted, dominant, and missing markers. A new method was used to correct the linkage map in the doubled haploid population mentioned earlier considering new, distorted, and missing markers. The total length of the corrected linkage map was 1923.75 cM, with an average marker spacing of 15.52 cM. The map will facilitate selective breeding and mapping of quantitative trait loci.
Cross-compatibility of the Parents as the Main Factor for Successful Olive Breeding Crosses
Authors: Díaz Aurora , Martín Antonio , Rallo Pilar , De la Rosa Raúl
Published: January 2019

Previous analyses of olive (Olea europaea L.) crosses have revealed an important degree of pollen contamination. For this reason, the authors tested the paternity of a set of progenies coming from crosses among different cultivars within the olive breeding program of Córdoba, Spain, using four polymorphic microsatellites. They found that the expected pollen sired 141 (83.4%) of the 169 samples analyzed. The contamination rate was either almost total or almost null within each particular cross considered, not being comparable between different crosses. In a second experiment the authors evaluated the influence of several factors on the success of olive crosses, the type of isolation bag, the timing and number of pollinations, and the cross-compatibility of the parents in a multifactorial assay in 2003. They observed no differences in the type of pollination bag used or the number and timing of pollen additions when they analyzed 145 seeds. The main factor affecting the success of the crosses seems to be the intercompatibility among cultivars, because it had a significant influence on the rate of contamination. In the failed crosses, the authors clearly detected the contribution of more than one cultivar to the paternity. The results obtained here indicate that some knowledge of cross-compatibility relationships in olive is required to design crosses in olive breeding programs effectively. To achieve this objective, the progeny parentage analysis could be of great help because of the high level of pollen contamination found among those studied here.
Estimations of Heritability and Breeding Value for Postharvest Fruit Softening in Apple
Authors: Iwanami Hiroshi , Moriya Shigeki , Kotoda Nobuhiro , Takahashi Sae , Abe Kazuyuki
Published: January 2019

Progenies from 38 unbalanced crosses using 20 apple (Malus ×domestica Borkh.) cultivars/selections as parents were evaluated for changes in flesh firmness after harvest in two seasons to determine the mechanism of inheritance of fruit softening. The change in firmness was fitted by linear regression, and the softening rate (N·d−1) expressed as the regression coefficient was used as the phenotypic value of softening after harvest. Fruit were stored under 20 °C and 85% relative humidity after harvest for up to 40 days. The softening rates in the progeny populations were distributed continuously around the softening rates of parents, despite a distinct segregation in the degree of mealiness at 30 days of storage. The narrow-sense heritability of the softening rate was estimated by parent-offspring regression, and the estimate was high (h2 = 0.93). Because the softening rate can be influenced by mealiness, an undesirable trait in the apple industry, the progenies were divided into individuals with and without mealiness, and the breeding values of the parents were estimated based on the softening rate of the nonmealy progeny. The softening rate of the nonmealy progeny was analyzed using a mixed linear model and the restricted maximum likelihood method, with general combining ability (GCA) as parental effects and specific combining ability (SCA) as parental interaction effects. The variance of GCA was significant, but the variance of SCA was small and nonsignificant. The narrow-sense heritability of the softening rate in the nonmealy progeny was estimated by sib analysis, and the estimate was moderately high (h2 = 0.55). A significant correlation was observed between the phenotypic value and the breeding value (twice the GCA effects) in nonmealy parents, but the phenotypic value did not significantly correlate with the breeding value in mealy parents. Therefore, contribution of a mealy parent to the softening rate of nonmealy progenies cannot be predicted by its phenotypic value.
Studies on Water Transport through the Sweet Cherry Fruit Surface: XII. Variation in Cuticle Properties among Cultivars
Authors: Peschel Stefanie , Knoche Moritz
Published: January 2019

The cuticular membrane (CM) represents the primary barrier to water uptake into sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) fruit and thus has a central role in rain-induced cracking. The objective was to quantify CM properties potentially relevant to cracking and to estimate variance components and broad-sense heritabilities for these traits in selected sweet cherry cultivars. Within the scion cultivars, CM mass per area ranged from 0.85 g·m−2 in ‘Rainier’ to 1.61 g·m−2 in ‘Kordia’. Wax mass accounted for one-fourth of CM mass and ranged from 0.21 g·m−2 in ‘Burlat’ to 0.42 g·m−2 in ‘Zeppelin’. Biaxial elastic strain of the CM averaged 76.7% across cultivars and ranged from 56.6% in ‘Namosa’ to 97.0% in ‘Oktavia’. Strain was a linear function of fruit mass (r2 = 0.33, P < 0.0001). Partitioning total variance into variance components revealed that fruit mass, CM, and wax mass and strain of the CM had a high genotypic variance and a low residual error variance. Stomatal density ranged from 0.12 stomata/mm2 in ‘Adriana’ to 2.13 stomata/mm2 in ‘Namosa’. The heritability of stomatal density was 67.5%. Across cultivars and years, mean densities of microcracks were of similar orders of magnitude as those of stomata, but ranges were larger and the heritabilities of microcrack density lower. Permeability for transpiration was lowest in ‘Flamingo Srim’ and highest in ‘Nadino’; that for osmotic water uptake was lowest in ‘Adriana’ and highest in ‘Hedelfinger’. Heritability estimates for permeabilities were low. Based on these data, breeding strategies for less cracking susceptible fruit should focus on genotypes that maintain an intact CM throughout development. This may be achieved by selecting for low CM strain and high CM thickness because thicker CM have more “reserve” for thinning. Finally, genotypes that deposit cutin and wax also during Stage III would be most interesting but were not found among the cultivars investigated.
Molecular Authentication of Dendrobium Species by Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction and Amplification Refractory Mutation System Analysis
Authors: Chiang Chu-Hui , Yu Tsong-Ann , Lo Shu-Fang , Kuo Chao-Lin , Peng Wen-Huang , Tsay Hsin-Sheng
Published: January 2019

The genus Dendrobium is important in traditional Chinese herbal medicine, and the precise identification of Dendrobium species is critical for the treatment and for pharmacological research. In the present study, a ribosomal DNA (rDNA) internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region-based analysis was used to ascertain the phylogenetic relationship among 20 Dendrobium species. The lengths of the ITS regions among the 20 species ranged from 636 to 653 bp, and the identities of the rDNA regions among the different species ranged from 75.7% to 99.1%. The results also showed that the ITS1 and ITS2 regions exhibit more variation than the 5.8S rDNA. A phylogenetic tree derived from the ITS sequence indicated that six medicinal Dendrobium species, of which five are common medicinal plants in the Taiwan market, were closely related and shared a common clade. Multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification was successfully performed to identify the six medicinal Dendrobium species, and amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) PCR was used to distinguish D. tosaense specifically from the 19 other Dendrobium species. The established PCR-based (multiplex and ARMS) analyses can be used for the authentication of the raw materials of medicinal Dendrobium from other species.
A Method for Breeding New Cultivars of Machine-harvested Raspberries with High Yield
Authors: Stephens M. Joseph , Alspach Peter A. , Beatson Ron A. , Winefield Chris , Buck Emily J.
Published: January 2019

The Pacific northwestern (PNW) region of the United States is well known for production of machine-harvested red raspberries (Rubus idaeus) for process markets. The cultivar Meeker, developed in the 1960s, is well suited to this area and for machine-harvesting, but it is susceptible to raspberry bushy dwarf virus and root rot caused by Phytophthora rubi. Despite the efforts of several breeding programs, ‘Meeker’ is still the predominant cultivar for commercial production in the PNW. One of the major difficulties with breeding new berry fruit cultivars is the time-consuming nature of collecting fruit yield and quality data on large seedling populations. For fruit yield, visual scoring assessment methods are commonly used for seedling populations, but these may be poor predictors of yield. Consequently, visual scores for yield can result in less genetic improvement and thus can adversely affect successful cultivar development. Total yield measured by hand-harvesting is labor-intensive and does not assess machine-harvestability, but machine-harvesting is not practical to measure on individual plants. In this study we set out to see if we could bulk machine-harvest full-sib family plots for among-family selection and use yield component data on individuals within the plots for within-family selection. Using best linear unbiased predictors, we estimated machine-harvest yield breeding values for our individual seedlings and found higher genetic gain per generation using estimated individual machine-harvest breeding values (7.6%) than using hand-harvested breeding values (6.5%). Implications for breeding machine-harvest red raspberries are discussed.
Relating Plant Architecture to Eggplant Fruit Quality
Authors: Kahn Brian A.
Published: January 2019

A 2-year study was conducted at Bixby, OK, to examine shoot characteristics of several eggplant (Solanum melongena) cultivars, including the vertical distribution patterns of fruit production, and to examine possible relationships of these traits to aspects of fruit quality. Plants of 11 cultivars of purple-fruited eggplant were field-grown following local production practices. Fourteen harvests of fruit that had reached horticultural maturity were made from 99 plants in each year over a period of ≈45 days per year. On each harvest date, every fruit that was harvested from an individual plant was charted. Before a fruit was severed from the plant, heights were measured from the soil surface to the pedicel attachment and to the blossom end. Each fruit was then weighed and categorized for marketability. On the day after the final harvest, each data plant was measured for height and diameter of the main stem and then severed at soil level for subsequent measurement of shoot dry weight. ‘Classic’, ‘Dusky’, ‘Megal’, and ‘Santana’ were the only cultivars that produced more than 50% marketable fruit in both years. There were no consistent relationships between plant height, stem diameter, or shoot dry weight and fruit quality. For a given cultivar, the fruiting plane was defined as the vertical space in which fruit were found over the course of the harvest period. This was delimited at the top by the mean height above the soil of the point of pedicel attachment and at the bottom by the mean height above the soil of the blossom end. The cultivars differed in fruiting planes, but height of fruit set was relatively unimportant as a determinant of overall fruit quality. Cull fruit usually had blossom ends that were higher off the ground than marketable fruit. The primary reason for cull fruit production was determined for two cultivars: ‘Black Beauty’ had poor fruit color and ‘Black Bell’ was relatively susceptible to fruit rot (primarily caused by Phomopsis vexans). Fruit scarring was found to be a major contributor to cull fruit production. Cultivars differed in fruit scarring in 1 of 2 years, and there was evidence that scarred fruit occurred higher in the crop canopy than marketable fruit.
Continuous Light from Red, Blue, and Green Light-emitting Diodes Reduces Nitrate Content and Enhances Phytochemical Concentrations and Antioxidant Capacity in Lettuce
Authors: Bian Zhong-Hua , Cheng Rui-Feng , Yang Qi-Chang , Wang Jun , Lu Chungui
Published: January 2019

Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have shown great potential for plant growth and development, with higher luminous efficiency and more flexible and feasible spectral control compared with other artificial lighting. The combined effects of red and blue (RB) LED with or without green (G) LED light and white LED light on lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) growth and physiology, including nitrate content, chlorophyll fluorescence, and phytochemical concentration before harvest, were investigated. Continuous light exposure at preharvest can effectively reduce nitrate accumulation and increase phytochemical concentrations in lettuce plants. Nitrate accumulation is dependent on the spectral composition and duration of treatment: lettuce exposed to continuous RB (with or without G) LED light with a photosynthetic photon flux (PPF) of 200 µmol·m−2·s−1 exhibited a remarkable decrease in nitrate content at 24 hour compared with white LED light treatment at the same PPF. In addition, RB LED light (R:B = 4:1) was more effective than white LED light at the same PPF in facilitating lettuce growth. Moreover, continuous LED light for 24 hours significantly enhanced free-radical scavenging activity and increased phenolic compound concentrations. We suggest that 24 hours continuous RB LED with G light exposure can be used to decrease nitrate content and enhance lettuce quality.
MODELLING SELF-SIMILAR TRAFFIC OF MULTISERVICE NETWORKS
Authors: Maharramov Zakir , Abdullayev Vugar , Mammadova Tamilla
Published: February 2019

Simulation modelling is carried out, which allows adequate describing the traffic of multiservice networks with the commutation of packets with the characteristic of burstiness. One of the most effective methods for studying the traffic of telecommunications systems is computer simulation modelling. By using the theory of queuing systems (QS), computer simulation modelling of packet flows (traffic) in modern multi-service networks is performed as a random self-similar process. Distribution laws such as exponential, Poisson and normal-logarithmic distributions, Pareto and Weibull distributions have been considered. The distribution of time intervals between arrivals of packages and the service duration of service of packages at different system loads has been studied. The research results show that the distribution function of time intervals between packet arrivals and the service duration of packages is in good agreement with the Pareto and Weibull distributions, but in most cases the Pareto distribution prevails. The queuing systems with the queues M/Pa/1 and Pa/M/1 has been studied, and the fractality of the intervals of requests arriving have been compared by the properties of the estimates of the system load and the service duration. It has been found out that in the system Pa/M/1, with the parameter of the form a> 2, the fractality of the intervals of requests arriving does not affect the average waiting time and load factor. However, when 𝑎≤2, as in the M/Pa/1 system, both considered statistical estimates differ. The application of adequate mathematical models of traffic allows to correctly assess the characteristics of the quality of service (QoS) of the network.
INVESTIGATION OF THE EXPEDIENCE OF MODIFICATION OF THE CARBOHYDRATE COMPOSITION OF RICE FLOUR IN THE TECHNOLOGY OF GLUTEN-FREE BREAD
Authors: Medvid Iryna , Dotsenko Viktor , Shydlovska Olena , Ishchenko Tetiana
Published: February 2019

The research considers a possibility of using modification of the carbohydrate composition of rice flour in the technology of bread of the special destination for celiachia.

There has been conducted an analysis of the condition of the carbohydrate-amylase complex of rice flour. Revealed regularities have demonstrated that this flour has an unessential amylolytic activity that negatively influences the course of microbiological processes in gluten-free dough and quality parameters of ready products.

The aim of the research was to develop arrangements as to accumulation of sugars in dough at the expanse of own reserves of rice bread for providing the necessary intensity of rice dough fermentation by using enzymes of the amylolytic effect. It is a precondition for improving structural-mechanical and organoleptic properties of gluten-free rice bread. At the same time accumulation of products of incomplete hydrolysis of flour starch in the process of its fermentative modification – dextrins will favor deceleration of ready products staling.

There has been established the influence of α-amylase of the fungal origin and glucoamylase on accumulation of sugars at hydrolysis of rice flour starch. It has been studied, that dosage of α-amylase in amount 0,005 % and glucoamylase – 0,03 % of a flour mass results in creating sugars in amount 5,5–6 %. There has been proved the effectiveness of using α-amylase by accumulation of dextrins, in which composition the essential raise of the content of low-molecular ones – archo- and maltodextrins has been determined.

Based on the conducted studies, it has been determined, that hydrolysis products of rice flour starch are created as a result of its fermentative modification by α-amylase and glycoamylase that is testified by the increase of gas-creation and acid-accumulation.

There has been observed the positive influence of using modification of the carbohydrate composition of flour in the technology of rice bread on the specific volume, porosity structure and flexible-elastic properties of crumb of ready products.

It has been established, that realization of hydrolysis of flour starch at producing rice bread favors prolongation of its fresh storage term as a result of raising the amount of dextrins, created under the effect of α-amylase.
Flat vs. curved rigid-lid LES computations of an open-channel confluence
Authors: Ramos Pedro Xavier , Schindfessel Laurent , Pêgo João Pedro , De Mulder Tom
Published: February 2019

This paper describes the application of four Large Eddy Simulations (LES) to an open-channel confluence flow, making use of a frictionless rigid-lid to treat the free-surface. Three simulations are conducted with a flat rigid-lid, at different elevations. A fourth simulation is carried out with a curved rigid-lid which is a closer approximation to the real free-surface of the flow. The curved rigid-lid is obtained from the time-averaged pressure field on the flat rigid-lid from one of the initial three simulations. The aim is to investigate the limitations of the free-surface treatment by means of a rigid-lid in the simulation of an asymmetric confluence, showing the differences that both approaches produce in terms of mean flow, secondary flow and turbulence. After validation with experimental data, the predictions are used to understand the differences between adopting a flat and a curved rigid-lid onto the confluence hydrodynamics. For the present flow case, although it was characterized by a moderately low downstream Froude number (Fr ≈ 0.37), it was found that an oversimplification of the numerical treatment of the free-surface leads to a decreased accuracy of the predictions of the secondary flow and turbulent kinetic energy.
Damage of extreme water levels and the adaptation cost of dikes in the Pearl River Delta
Authors: He Lei , Li Guosheng , Li Kuo , Zhang Yue , Guo Tengjiao
Published: February 2019

Many of the world's largest coastal cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to extreme events due to their growing populations and infrastructure, the changing climate, and subsidence. This paper assessed the economic impacts of extreme climatic events including sea-level rise and storm surge risk and the benefits of the adaptation strategies in the Pearl River Delta, a lowing-lying area located in southern China. An economic benefit–cost model was established for the estimation of the impacts and benefits. The damage of the extreme events was calculated using the damage rate modeled from the historic disaster database, and then the difference between the damage and the cost of heightening dikes was investigated under different scenarios. The results showed that the damage rate and storm surge level were positively related. The adaptation strategies benefited when the dike was heightened by 1.43–12.67 m, with the optimum reached at 5.15 m, and the dike did not exceed 12.67 m. The maximum benefits were obtained when the dike was designed to defend a 20-year return period storm surge in 2100, and the minimum when the dike is heightened to defend a 100-year return period storm surge in 2100.
A modified upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor as an alternative for decentralized domestic wastewater treatment in developing countries
Authors: Amaral S. R. , dos Santos L. V. , Lima L. M. , Vich D. V. , Queiroz L. M.
Published: February 2019

The aim of this paper was to evaluate the performance of two modified upflow anaerobic reactor (RAns) as a decentralized technology for the treatment of high-strength domestic wastewater. Two full-scale anaerobic reactors (Ran1 and Ran2) with the same configuration and total volume of 14.6 m³, total height of 2.57 m, and constructed from fibreglass reinforced plastics were operated with a 16-hour hydraulic retention time and submitted to a volumetric organic load less than 2.7 kg chemical oxygen demand (COD)·m−3·d−1. The RAns were monitored for 10 consecutive months and showed the capability to support the fluctuations of organic loading and volumetric rates. The compact anaerobic reactors proved to be effective in removing organic matter (biological oxygen demand removal efficiencies greater than 70% and the average soluble COD removal efficiencies greater than 57.4%). The solids profile in the reactor ranged from very dense particles with good settleability close to the bottom (sludge bed) to a more dispersed and light sludge close to the top of the reactor (sludge blanket), similar to conventional UASB reactors.
Emulsion and blood flow in microchannels of differently structure
Authors: Akhmetov A.T. , Rakhimov A.A. , Valiev A.A. , Nigmatzyanova R.R.
Published: February 2019

Hydrodynamic studies results are presented for O/W and W/O emulsions, biological dispersion as a human blood in microchannels obtained both by traditional methods and soft lithography ones. It’s shown that a general property of dispersions flow in microchannels is the dynamic blocking phenomenon. An analysis of blood and emulsion rheological properties is provided by data got with a precision rheometer. Experiments using microfluidic devices supported to detect droplet deformation during the dynamic blocking and an asymmetry of the dispersion flow pattern ina stepped constriction.
The influence of temperature dependence of viscosity on stability liquid flows in a plane channel
Authors: Nizamova A.D.
Published: February 2019

The influence problem of temperature dependence of viscosity on stability of liquid flow in a plane channel under non-uniform temperature field was considered. The system of two ordinary differential equations for the perturbation amplitudes of velocity and temperature was received. In the case of isothermal flow, derived system can be reduced to the Orr-Sommerfeld equation. The spectra of eigenvalues for Poiseuille flow with different temperature dependence of viscosity were numerical studied. It is shown that temperature dependence of viscosity has an influence on the stability of the liquid flow.
Compatibility of the equations of flat thermal agitations of gas
Authors: Khabirov S.V.
Published: February 2019

The original way of reduction in an involution of the redefined system of differential equations describing flat isothermal flows of gas without expansions is offered.
Qual o valor do ser humano? Sobre a idolatria do dinheiro na sociedade
Authors: Nickel-Schwäbisch Andrea , Westphal Euler Renato
Published: February 2019

O uso do dinheiro faz parte das relações humanas como instrumentopara garantir direitos para a preservação da vida de cada pessoa. A economia vive das trocas de produção e do dinheiro. Assim, o ser humano tem suas necessidades atendidas pela circulação de dinheiro e pelo compartilhamento da produção de bens. O mercado que se coloca como um deus, para atender as suas próprias necessidades, transforma o ser humano em mercadoria. Esse “capital humano” mercantiliza asrelações sociais, criando seres humanos úteis e inúteis para o mercado. O lucro e o dinheiro são transformados em ídolos impiedosos. Martinho Lutero e Karl Marx, como intérprete do Reformador, apontavam para a natureza idólatra do dinheiro. Tudo é transformado em valor econômico, desde o valor que se atribui à pessoa como sujeito, nas relações sociais, no Estado, na política, até o existente nas eleições, nas amizades, nas relações familiares e no sistema de saúde pública. A ganância, enquanto virtude individual em uma economia marcada pelo dinheiro, corrói asrelações pessoais e institucionais. A dignidade humana é um valor que não pode ser reduzido ao valor monetário. O dinheiro precisa estar a serviço do ser humano. A pessoa não é mercadoria, mas sua dignidade deve ser fortalecida pelas trocas justas das dinâmicas econômicas.
Onde vivem os “vândalos”? As incongruências em uma política nominalista das diferenças na cidade de Joinville (SC)
Authors: Machado Diego Finder
Published: February 2019

Este artigo problematiza uma campanha contra o “vandalismo” promovida pela Prefeitura de Joinville em 2014. Tomando a palavra “vandalismo” como um rótulo social atribuído a atos que subvertem a ordem na cidade, busca-se interpretar o que se considera uma “política nominalista das diferenças”. Trata-se, nesse sentido, de perscrutar disputas pelo poder manifestadas em atos de linguagem que fixam marcadores de diferenças sustentados em estereótipos e estigmas. Para tanto, são interpretados alguns significados possíveis da campanha, demonstrando alusões a duas modalidades de anúncios publicitários: os típicos comercias de margarina e os anúncios que oferecem moradias em condomínios fechados. Discute-se, ainda, que uma ideia de ordem na cidade implica, além de marcar diferenças, uma compulsão por limpeza.
Rileggendo Paul Wouters: La bottega del filosofo. Ferri del mestiere per pensatori debuttanti
Authors: Stamile Natalina
Published: February 2019

Le presenti riflessioni tentano di dimostrare l’importanza della filosofiaattraverso una (ri)lettura ragionata di “La bottega del filosofo, ferri del mestiere per pensatori debuttanti” di Paul Wouters. Infatti, oggi, sempre più spesso la filosofia sembra essere ridotta al lumicino nella formazione del pensiero non solo giuridico. L’autore, invece, attraverso lo stumento della metafora e dell’allegoria ci permette di comprendere alcune tra le più importanti scuole di pensiero filosofico. Dall’analisi del testo emerge come solo dalla capacità di saper utilizzare simultaneamente molteplici metodologie, deriva la qualità delle risposte del filosofo. In conclusione, originale è la proposta di Paul Wouters che non cede alla tentazione di ricercare strumenti nuovi, quanto si impegna a scoprire una sorta di strategia mista, che si riveli, di volta in volta, utile al raggiungimento dello scopo che ci si prefigge.
Cultura digital e democracia: um olhar histórico sobre um presente ultraveloz
Authors: Barbosa Marialva
Published: February 2019

O texto faz uma reflexão sobre a relação entre os modos de comunicação contemporâneos, marcados pelo domínio do digital, e a emergência de uma sociedade verdadeiramente democrática. Atesta que diante do cenário midiático e das relações marcadas pelo conservadorismo, a imersão na chamada cultura digital não significa a ampliação dos valores democráticos. Reflete, ainda, sobre a ausência histórica do Estado democrático real no Brasil e sobre o fato de vivermos no século XXI ainda relações marcadamente clientelistas, paternalistas e uma total descrença na possibilidade de transformação do Estado a partir da participação dos cidadãos nos processos de outorga do governo, a partir da soberania de cada um.
Cardioprotective Properties of HDL: Structural and Functional Considerations
Authors: Pappa Eleni , Elisaf Moses S. , Kostara Christina , Bairaktari Eleni , Tsimihodimos Vasilis K.
Published: February 2019

Background:

As Mendelian Randomization (MR) studies showed no effect of variants altering HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) levels concerning Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) and novel therapeutic interventions aiming to raise HDL-C resulted to futility, the usefulness of HDL-C is unclear.

Objective:

As the role of HDL-C is currently doubtful, it is suggested that the atheroprotective functions of HDLs can be attributed to the number of HDL particles, and their characteristics including their lipid and protein components. Scientific interest has focused on HDL function and on the causes of rendering HDL particles dysfunctional, whereas the relevance of HDL subclasses with CVD remains controversial.

Methods:

The present review discusses changes in quality as much as in quantity of HDL in pathological conditions and the connection between HDL particle concentration and cardiovascular disease and mortality. Emphasis is given to the recently available data concerning the cholesterol efflux capacity and the parameters that determine HDL functionality, as well as to recent investigations concerning the associations of HDL subclasses with cardiovascular mortality.

Results:

MR studies or pharmacological interventions targeting HDL-C are not in favor of the hypothesis of HDL-C levels and the relationship with CVD. The search of biomarkers that relate with HDL functionality is needed. Similarly, HDL particle size and number exhibit controversial data in the context of CVD and further studies are needed.

Conclusion:

There is no room for the old concept of HDL as a silver bullet,as HDL-C cannot be considered a robust marker and does not reflect the importance of HDL particle size and number. Elucidation of the complex HDL system, as well as the finding of biomarkers, will allow the development of any HDL-targeted therapy.
Topical and Transdermal Drug Delivery: From Simple Potions to Smart Technologies
Authors: Benson Heather A.E. , Grice Jeffrey E. , Mohammed Yousuf , Namjoshi Sarika , Roberts Michael S.
Published: February 2019

This overview on skin delivery considers the evolution of the principles of percutaneous absorption and skin products from ancient times to today. Over the ages, it has been recognised that products may be applied to the skin for either local or systemic effects. As our understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the skin has improved, this has facilitated the development of technologies to effectively and quantitatively deliver solutes across this barrier to specific target sites in the skin and beyond. We focus on these technologies and their role in skin delivery today and in the future.
Small Molecule Natural Products and Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wu Xiaoai , Cai Huawei , Pan Lili , Cui Gang , Qin Feng , Li YunChun , Cai Zhengxin
Published: February 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive and deadly neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by memory loss, cognitive impairment and dementia. Several hypotheses have been proposed for the pathogenesis based on the pathological changes in the brain of AD patients during the last few decades. Unfortunately, there is no effective agents/therapies to prevent or control AD at present. Currently, only a few drugs, which function as acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors or N-methyl-Daspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, are available to alleviate symptoms.  Since many small molecule natural products have shown their functions as agonists or antagonists of receptors, as well as inhibitors of enzymes and proteins in the brain during the development of central nervous system (CNS) drugs, it is likely that natural products will play an important role in anti-AD drug development. We review recent papers on using small molecule natural products as drug candidates for the treatment of AD. These natural products possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticholinesterase, anti-amyloidogenic and neuroprotective activities. Moreover, bioactive natural products intended to be used for preventing AD, reducing the symptoms of AD and the new targets for treatment of AD are summarized.
In Vitro Protective Effect of Ascorbic Acid Against Antibiotic-Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Simon Veneta , K.V. Sreerag , Sasikumar R. , Kanthlal S.K.
Published: February 2019

Background:

Although antibiotic-induced hepatotoxicity is recoverable with mild impairment, and some cases were reported to cause morbidity. However, an adjuvant is essential in reducing such incidences.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the protective effect of ascorbic acid on antibiotic induced liver toxicity using liver slices.

Methods:

Fresh liver slices were incubated with different concentrations of sulfamethoxazole tetracycline and clavulanic acid along with ascorbic acid (200μg/ml) for 2 hours. The liver homogenate was assessed for markers like ALT, AST, MDA and CAT levels. Cytotoxicity assessment was performed using MTT assay.

Results:

Incubating liver slices with all three antibiotics shows elevated levels of aminotransferases, MDA and CAT enzyme when compared to the control groups which indicates the level of hepatotoxicity. In the presence of ascorbic acid, the elevated levels of TBARS, ALT and AST were significantly reduced which showcases the protective effect of ascorbic acid. The percentage survival of cell was also shown to have improved while accessed using cell viability assay.

Conclusion:

Obtained data suggests that consuming vitamin C or vitamin C containing food like citrus fruits or green leafy vegetables equivalent to 3g/day during antibiotic treatment, perhaps put down the risk of liver toxicity to a greater extent.