bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological Effects of γ-Aminobutyric Acid Application on Improving Heat and Drought Tolerance in Creeping Bentgrass
Authors: Li Zhou , Peng Yan , Huang Bingru
Published: January 2019

Gama-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a nonprotein amino acid in plant cells, which responds to changes in environmental factors. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of foliar spray of GABA on drought and heat tolerance in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera), and to investigate physiological factors altered by GABA application that contribute to improved drought tolerance and heat tolerance. GABA-treated plants (cv. Penncross) or non-GABA-treated control plants were then subjected to the following three treatments in growth chambers: 1) nonstress control [plants irrigated every 2 days to maintain soil water content at the pot capacity and maintained at 21/19 °C (day/night) for 35 days], 2) heat stress [plants exposed to 35/30 °C (day/night) and well-watered conditions for 35 days], and 3) drought stress [plants unirrigated for 9 days and maintained at 21/19 °C (day/night), and then rewatered for 2 days]. As compared with untreated plants, GABA-treated plants showed 22% to 39% and 8% to 21% significantly lower leaf electrolyte leakage (EL) and 35% to 143% and 21% to 24% significantly higher turf quality (TQ), 8% to 17% and 17% to 24% relative water content (RWC), 22% to 39% and 25% to 27% chlorophyll content, 7% to 11% and 6% to 17% photochemical efficiency, and an 84% to 683% and 57% to 76% osmotic adjustment (OA) exposed to heat or drought stress across days of treatment, respectively. GABA-treated plants accumulated 7% to 10% more water-soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and 11% to 43% more free proline than nontreated plants under heat stress, and 12% to 30% higher accumulation of WSC under drought stress. After 2 days of rewatering, a significantly better recovery also was observed in GABA-treated plants than that in nontreated plants previously exposed to drought stress. The results suggest that foliar application of GABA significantly improved heat and drought tolerance of creeping bentgrass, which was associated with maintenance of cell membrane stability, delaying in leaf senescence, and enhancing OA. The effectiveness of exogenous GABA application was more pronounced under heat stress than under drought stress.
Induction of Polyphenol Oxidase in Walnut and Its Relationship to the Pathogenic Response to Bacterial Blight
Authors: Khodadadi Fatemeh , Tohidfar Masoud , Mohayeji Mehdi , Dandekar Abhaya M. , Leslie Charles A. , Kluepfel Daniel A. , Butterfield Timothy , Vahdati Kourosh
Published: January 2019

Plants respond to pathogens with both active and passive defense mechanisms. These defense responses include the induction of defense or defense-related genes such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. The role of PPO in the interaction between bacterial blight [Xanthomonas arboricola pv. juglandis (Xaj)] and walnut (Juglans regia) was studied. JrPPO-1 and P14a genes were identified in two walnut cultivars, Chandler and Serr, using standard polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to understand their inducible ability in response to Xaj. ‘Serr’ and ‘Chandler’ were inoculated with Xaj strain 417. PPO activity in leaves was assayed at 0, 24, 72, 96, 120, and 144 hours after inoculation. Results showed a steady increase in activity commencing within 24 hours of inoculation. Increase in PPO activity was close to 2-fold greater in ‘Chandler’ than in ‘Serr’ at all time points examined. Real-time PCR analysis showed differences between cultivars in PPO gene expression. The JrPPO-1 gene was highly expressed in both cultivars 24 hours after inoculation but expression in ‘Serr’ was much greater than in ‘Chandler’. Significant expression of P14a gene was observed in both cultivars within 24 hours. Expression in ‘Serr’ was strong and maximized with a significant increase at 96 hours. Expression in ‘Chandler’ was far weaker than ‘Serr’ at 24 hours and did not increase further. Our results imply that the walnut–bacterial blight interaction induces the expression of JrPPO-1 and P14a as well as the activity of PPO.
Involvement of Arginase in Methyl Jasmonate–induced Tomato Fruit Chilling Tolerance
Authors: Zhang Xinhua , Li Fujun , Ji Nana , Shao Shujun , Wang Dongyang , Li Ling , Cheng Fansheng
Published: January 2019

The physiological role of arginase in nitrogen remobilization processes from protein degradation during seed germination has well been described in several species. However, very little is known about its possible roles in plant stress responses. Treatment of tomato fruit (Solanum lycopersicum L.) with 0.05 mm methyl jasmonate (MeJA) enhanced transcription levels of arginase genes, especially LeARG2. Chilling injury (CI) of fruit treated with 0.05 mm MeJA for 12 hours was also effectively alleviated, as manifested by decreases in CI index, electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. To investigate the potential role of arginase in MeJA-induced chilling tolerance, fruit were treated with MeJA or the arginase inhibitor Nω-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine (nor-NOHA) combined with MeJA and then stored at 2 °C for 28 days. MeJA-induced arginase activity was strongly inhibited and the reduction of CI by MeJA was nearly abolished by the inhibitor. In addition, MeJA treatment increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX); inhibited peroxidase (POD) activities; and promoted proline and polyamines accumulation. These effects were partially counteracted by nor-NOHA; putrescine accumulation, however, was unaffected by the inhibitor. Our results indicate that arginase may be involved in MeJA-induced chilling tolerance, possibly by ameliorating the antioxidant enzyme system of fruit and increasing proline levels.
Natural Hybridization between Persian Walnut and Chinese Walnut Revealed by Simple Sequence Repeat Markers
Authors: Shu Zhan , Zhang Xue , Yu Dianqiong , Xue Sijia , Wang Hua
Published: January 2019

Hybridization between species of the genus Juglans is common because of weak reproductive isolation mechanisms between closely related species with sympatric distributions. In this research, we investigated the possibility of naturally occurring interspecific hybrids between two species in the genus Juglans: persian walnut (Juglans regia) and chinese walnut (Juglans cathayensis). We used 12 pairs of microsatellite markers to analyze introgression between the two species. All amplified microsatellites were polymorphic in the two species. The result of Bayesian admixture analyses showed that introgression between the two species is rare; only three of nine individuals tentatively identified as hybrids, based on intermediate morphological characteristics, were defined as mixed genotypes. The other six putative hybrids and 156 morphologically pure individuals showed no sign of introgression.
A Chlorophyll Fluorescence-based Biofeedback System to Control Photosynthetic Lighting in Controlled Environment Agriculture
Authors: van Iersel Marc W. , Weaver Geoffrey , Martin Michael T. , Ferrarezi Rhuanito S. , Mattos Erico , Haidekker Mark
Published: January 2019

Photosynthetic lighting is one of the main costs of running controlled environment agriculture facilities. To optimize photosynthetic lighting, it is important to understand how plants use the provided light. When photosynthetic pigments absorb photons, the energy from those photons is used to drive the light reactions of photosynthesis, thermally dissipated, or re-emitted by chlorophyll as fluorescence. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements can be used to determine the quantum yield of photosystem II (ΦPSII) and nonphotochemical quenching (NPQ), which is indicative of the amount of absorbed light energy that is dissipated as heat. Our objective was to develop and test a biofeedback system that allows for the control of photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) based on the physiological performance of the plants. To do so, we used a chlorophyll fluorometer to measure ΦPSII, and used these data and PPFD to calculate the electron transport rate (ETR) through PSII. A datalogger then adjusted the duty cycle of the light-emitting diodes (LEDs) based on the ratio of the measured ETR to a predefined target ETR (ETRT). The biofeedback system was able to maintain ETRs of 70 or 100 µmol·m−2·s−1 over 16-hour periods in experiments conducted with lettuce (Lactuca sativa). With an ETRT of 70 µmol·m−2·s−1, ΦPSII was stable throughout the 16 hour and no appreciable changes in PPFD were needed. At an ETRT of 100 µmol·m−2·s−1, ΦPSII gradually decreased from 0.612 to 0.582. To maintain ETR at 100 µmol·m−2·s−1, PPFD had to be increased from 389 to 409 µmol·m−2·s−1, resulting in a gradual decrease of ΦPSII and an increase in NPQ. The ability of the biofeedback system to achieve a range of different ETRs within a single day was tested using lettuce, sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas), and pothos (Epipremnum aureum). As the ETRT was gradually increased, the PPFD required to achieve that ETR also increased, whereas ΦPSII decreased. Surprisingly, a subsequent decrease in ETRT, and in the PPFD required to achieve that ETR, resulted in only a small increase in ΦPSII. This indicates that ΦPSII was reduced because of photoinhibition. Our results show that the biofeedback system is able to maintain a wide range of ETRs, while it also is capable of distinguishing between NPQ and photoinhibition as causes for decreases in ΦPSII.
Dynamic Changes in Starch Metabolism and Endogenous Hormones during Stolon Formation in Tulipa edulis
Authors: Miao Yuanyuan , Guo Qiaosheng , Zhu Zaibiao , Yang Xiaohua , Wang Changlin , Sun Yuan , Liu Li
Published: January 2019

The stolon is the main asexual reproductive organ of the medicinal plant Tulipa edulis and has special morphology. In the greenhouse experiment presented herein, the dynamic changes in carbohydrates and related enzymes, proteins, and endogenous hormones of stolons during T. edulis stolon formation were investigated. The results showed that the content of total soluble sugar, sucrose, reducing sugar, fructose, and starch were all significantly enhanced in the middle period when stolon emerged and maintained at relatively high levels until the later period of stolon formation, while protein content decreased during stolon formation. The activities of amylase (AMY), sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS), and sucrose synthase (SS) peaked in the initial period and were negatively correlated with soluble sugars. However, adenosine diphosphoglucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase) activity increased as stolon formation progressed, and the changes in soluble starch synthase (SSS), granule-bound starch synthase (GBSS) activities presented a single peak, reaching their maximums in the middle period. AGPase, SSS, and GBSS activities were all positively related to starch content. Moreover, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) verified the changes in SS and SSS activities via the expression levels of the SS, SSSI, and SSSII genes. The gibberellin (GA) and zeatin riboside (ZR) content attained their maximum in the initial period of stolon formation. Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and abscisic acid (ABA) remained at high levels during the initial and middle period and decreased significantly during the later period of stolon formation, inversely to the ratio of ABA:IAA. Analysis of the physiological changes in T. edulis stolon indicated that the accumulation of soluble sugars and starch via various enzymes, a high level of IAA and a low ABA to IAA ratio mainly contributed to stolon development of T. edulis. This paper explored carbohydrate levels and endogenous hormones profiles during stolon formation, which provided the theory basis for further regulating stolon growth of T. edulis.
Effects of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate-deaminase–Producing Bacteria on Perennial Ryegrass Growth and Physiological Responses to Salinity Stress
Authors: Cheng Liang , Zhang Ning , Huang Bingru
Published: January 2019

The accumulation of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC), which is a precursor for ethylene production, in plant roots exposed to salinity stress can be detrimental to plant growth. The objectives of this study were to determine whether inoculating roots with bacteria containing deaminase enzymes that break down ACC (ACC-deaminase) could improve plant tolerance to salinity in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) and to examine growth and physiological factors, as well as nutrition status of plants affected by the ACC-deaminase bacteria inoculation under salinity stress. Plants of perennial ryegrass (cv. Pangea) were inoculated with either Burkholderia phytofirmans PsJN or Burkholderia gladioli RU1 and irrigated with either fresh water (control) or a 250 mm NaCl solution to induce salinity stress. The bacterium-inoculated plants had less ACC content in shoots and roots under both nonstressed and salinity conditions. Salinity stress inhibited root and shoot growth, but the bacterium-inoculated plants exhibited higher visual turf quality (TQ), tiller number, root biomass, shoot biomass, leaf water content, and photochemical efficiency, as well as lower cellular electrolyte leakage (EL) under salinity stress. Plants inoculated with bacteria had lower sodium content and higher potassium to sodium ratios in shoots under salinity stress. Shoot and root nitrogen content and shoot potassium content increased, whereas shoot and root calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum content all decreased due to bacterial inoculation under salinity treatment. ACC-deaminase bacteria inoculation of roots was effective in improving salinity tolerance of perennial ryegrass and could be incorporated into turfgrass maintenance programs in salt-affected soils.
Genetic Diversity, Cytogenetics, and Biomass Yields among Taxa of Giant Reeds (Arundo Species)
Authors: Touchell Darren H. , Ranney Thomas G. , Panthee Dilip R. , Gehl Ronald J. , Krings Alexander
Published: January 2019

Genetic diversity and cytogenetics of 31 accessions of Arundo L., collected from North America and South Asia, were characterized using 20 intersimple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers, flow cytometry, and cytology. In addition, field trials of 23 Arundo donax L. accessions were established in 2011 and harvested in 2012 to 2013 to assess annual biomass yields. Cluster analysis, based on Jaccard’s similarity coefficient method, clearly differentiated Arundo formasana Hack. from A. donax and a third unidentified Arundo taxon. Arundo donax further contained two subgroups representing North American (naturalized and cultivated) and South Asian collections. Within each A. donax subgroup, genetic distances were very low (0.03 for North America and 0.07 for South Asia). Principle coordinate analysis further supported distinct clusters. Relative genome sizes were determined using Pisum sativum L. as the reference genome and 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) fluorochrome. Chromosome numbers (2n), ploidy levels, and 2C relative genome sizes ranged from ≈62 to 105, near 12x to near 18x, and 2.78 to 4.13 pg, respectively, and were similar within each taxa/subgroup. While there was a low level of genetic variability among A. donax accession, dry biomass yields varied significantly ranging from 6.5 to 65 Mg·ha−1 per year for the third growing season.
Isolation and Functional Characterization of SOC1-like Genes in Prunus mume
Authors: Li Yushu , Xu Zongda , Yang Weiru , Cheng Tangren , Wang Jia , Zhang Qixiang
Published: January 2019

The MADS-box gene SOC1/TM3 (suppressor of overexpression of constans 1/tomato MADS-box gene 3) integrates multiple flowering signals to regulate the transition from vegetative to reproductive development in arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). Although SOC1-like genes have been isolated from a wide range of plant species, their orthologs are not well characterized in mei (Prunus mume), an important ornamental and fruit plant in east Asia. To better understand the molecular regulation of flower development in mei, we isolated and characterized three putative orthologs of arabidopsis SOC1, including PmSOC1-1, PmSOC1-2, and PmSOC1-3. The phylogenetic tree revealed that these genes fall into different subgroups within the SOC1-like gene group, suggesting distinct functions. PmSOC1-1 and PmSOC1-3 were mainly expressed in vegetative organs and at low expression levels in floral parts of the plants, whereas PmSOC1-2 was expressed only in vegetative organs. Furthermore, the expression level decreased significantly during flower bud differentiation development, suggesting a role for these genes in the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase. Overexpression of PmSOC1-1, PmSOC1-2, and PmSOC1-3 in arabidopsis caused early flowering. Early flowering also increased expression levels of four other flowering promoters, agamous-like 24 (AGL24), leafy (LFY), apetala 1 (AP1), and fruitfull (FUL). Moreover, the overexpression of PmSOC1-1 and PmSOC1-2 resulted in a range of floral phenotype changes such as sepals into leaf-like structures, petal color into green, and petal into filament-like structures. These results suggested that the genes PmSOC1-1, PmSOC1-2, and PmSOC1-3 play an evolutionarily conserved role in promoting flowering in mei, and may have distinct roles during flower development. Our findings will help elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in the transition from vegetative to reproductive development in mei.
Role of Ethylene in the Biosynthetic Pathway of Related-aroma Volatiles Derived from Fatty Acids in Oriental Sweet Melon
Authors: Li Yan , Qi Hongyan , Jin Yazhong , Tian Xiaobin , Sui Linlin , Qiu Yan
Published: January 2019

The catabolism of fatty acid (FA) is regarded as a key pathway of aroma volatile compounds in oriental sweet melon (Cucumis melo var. makuwa). In our research, two cultivars of oriental sweet melon, Caihong7 and Tianbao, were employed to illuminate which step of the biosynthetic pathway of aroma compounds could be regulated by ethylene (ETH). The role of ETH in determining the profiles of straight-chain aroma volatile compounds, levels of FA as aroma precursors, activities of aroma-related enzymes derived from FA pathway, and expression patterns of key enzymes were investigated. Overall, exogenous application of ETH increased the production rates of endogenous ETH and levels of FA. Compared with control, the level of straight-chain esters, especially the acetate, hexanoate, and hexyl esters, was significantly increased by ETH, whereas the content of alcohol and aldehyde reduced. In addition, the metabolism of free FA included linoleic acid (LA), linolenic acid (LeA), and oleic acid (OA) appeared to be ETH-dependent. The activities of lipoxygenase (LOX), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), and alcohol acetyltransferase (AAT) as well as the expression patterns of Cm-ADH1, Cm-ADH2, Cm-AAT1, and Cm-AAT4 were positively regulated by ETH. In contrast, hydroperoxide lyase (HPL) and Cm-AAT2 and Cm-AAT3 seemed to be independent of ETH modulation. These results suggested that the dissimilation of FA included LA, LeA, and OA into the acetate, hexanoate, and hexyl esters mainly through ETH regulating the LOX pathway by enhancing the expression of particular members of aroma-related key enzyme gene families as well as the activities of dehydrogenation and esterification.
Physiological Response of European Hornbeam Leaves to Nitrogen Dioxide Stress and Self-recovery
Authors: Sheng Qianqian , Zhu Zunling
Published: January 2019

Plant leaves absorb atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (NO2) primarily via the stomata. Studies of changes in plant growth and physiology after exposure to NO2 are limited. Therefore, this study investigated the physiological response of Carpinus betulus (european hornbeam) chloroplasts after NO2 exposure using fumigation equipment that was able to control timing and record NO2 concentrations. The NO2 concentration was 6 µL·L−1. Seven treatment durations (0, 1, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours) were designed. After fumigation, plants recovered for 30 days under greenhouse conditions. The physiological response, stomatal behavior, thicknesses of palisade and spongy tissues, and chloroplast ultrastructure were measured. In the 48-hour and 72-hour NO2 treatment groups, the chloroplast contents and net photosynthesis rates of the leaves decreased, palisade and spongy tissues thickened, and chloroplast thylakoids swelled; however, the 1-hour NO2 treatment did not have a noticeable toxic effect on C. betulus leaves. After 30 days of recovery, the plants returned to their natural growth level by increasing the chloroplast content and enhancing net photosynthesis. Short durations and high concentrations of NO2 exposure had significantly negative impacts on the physiological response of C. betulus; however, this toxic effect of high NO2 concentrations on C. betulus can be recovered by restoration of unpolluted air. The results of this study may provide a scientific reference and an additional choice of plants species for the application of C. betulus in functional gardening design and ecological green space construction.
Comparison of Defensive Enzyme Activities in the Leaves of Seven Oriental Lily Hybrids after Inoculation with Botrytis elliptica
Authors: Liu Guangxin , Su Xiaoqian , Guan Lingling , Hu Fengrong
Published: January 2019

Plant resistance characteristics are closely related to changes in the activities of self-defense enzymes after infection. Despite significant differences in the resistance of different lily (Lilium sp.) cultivars to leaf blight (Botrytis elliptica), few studies of their resistance physiology exist. This study explored changes in the resistance-related enzyme activity of several lily cultivars after leaf blight inoculation. Seven oriental lily cultivars (Lilium hybrids) with obvious differences in resistance were used as experimental materials. After inoculation with B. elliptica, the activities of four defense enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), and peroxidase (POD), were determined according to the light absorption values at different wavelengths after their reactions. The results showed that the activities of SOD and CAT differed between the highly resistant and highly susceptible hybrids. Before inoculation, SOD activity was relatively low in all cultivars. However, after inoculation, the SOD activity increased sharply in the resistant cultivars. In the moderately resistant cultivars, the SOD activity did not change drastically. In the susceptible cultivars, the SOD activity initially showed slight increases or decreases and then increased. CAT activity showed reactions similar to those of SOD. Some changes in PAL and POD activity occurred after inoculation, but no significant correlations were present between these trends and resistance characteristics. In addition, no significant changes in enzyme activities were found in the control plants of the seven cultivars during the testing period. Overall, the resistance of Lilium oriental hybrids to B. elliptica is related to SOD and CAT activity but does not show much of a relationship with PAL and POD activity. Studying the physiological metabolic pathways of SOD and CAT appears to be an important direction in research to elucidate resistance to B. elliptica in Lilium oriental hybrids.
Antioxidant Balance and Regulation in Tomato Genotypes of Different Color
Authors: Vela-Hinojosa Cristián , Escalona-Buendía Héctor B. , Mendoza-Espinoza José A. , Villa-Hernández Juan M. , Lobato-Ortíz Ricardo , Rodríguez-Pérez Juan E. , Pérez-Flores Laura J.
Published: January 2019

Antioxidants, antioxidant capacity, and the expression of isoprenoid metabolism–related genes and two pigmentation-related transcription factors were studied in four native and four hybrid tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) genotypes with different-colored fruit. Red fruit genotypes were associated with greater lycopene, β-carotene, lipophilic antioxidant capacity, and greater chromoplast-specific lycopene β-cyclase (CYC-B) transcript levels. Orange fruit genotypes had greater concentrations of tocopherols and greater transcript levels of homogentisate phytyl transferase (VTE-2), 1-deoxy-D-xylulose phosphate synthase (DXS), and 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD). The yellow fruit genotype was greater in total polyphenol and hydrophilic antioxidant capacity with greater expression of geranylgeranyl reductase (GGDR), phytol kinase (VTE-5), phytoene synthase (PSY) 2, lycopene β-cyclase (LCY-B), SlNAC1, and SINAC4. Greater levels of individual antioxidants were associated with specific coloration of tomato fruit. Moreover, the negative correlations between the expression of PSY1 and VTE-5, and between lycopene and chlorophyll, suggest a balance between carotenoids, tocopherols, and chlorophylls. The results of this study support either the direct commercialization of tomatoes with different color fruit or use of their genotypes in breeding programs to increase antioxidant levels among existing cultivars.
Characterizing Neck Shrivel in European Plum
Authors: Knoche Moritz , Grimm Eckhard , Winkler Andreas , Alkio Merianne , Lorenz Jürgen
Published: January 2019

Neck shrivel is a physiological disorder of european plum (Prunus ×domestica L.) fruit, characterized by a shriveled pedicel end and a turgescent stylar end. Affected fruit are perceived as of poor quality. Little is known of the mechanistic basis of neck shrivel, but microcracking of the cuticle has been implicated. The objective of our study was to quantify transpiration through the skin surfaces of european plums with and without symptoms of neck shrivel. Cumulative transpiration increased linearly with time and was greater in the susceptible european plum cultivar Hauszwetsche Wolff with neck shrivel, compared with fruit of the same cultivar but without neck shrivel and compared with fruit of the nonsusceptible unnamed clone P5-112. Cumulative transpiration of epidermal skin segments (ES) excised from symptomatic ‘Hauszwetsche Wolff’ from near the pedicel end exceeded that from ES excised from near the stylar end. The permeance of ES from near the pedicel end of ‘Hauszwetsche Wolff’ with neck shrivel (12.4 ± 2.6 × 10−4 m·s−1) exceeded that of ES from near the stylar end (2.9 ± 0.4 × 10−4 m·s−1) 4.3-fold. However, in the clone P5-112, the same difference was only 1.6-fold (1.3 ± 0.8 × 10−4 m·s−1 vs. 0.8 ± 0.3 × 10−4 m·s−1). Microscopy revealed numerous microcracks near the pedicel end of symptomatic ‘Hauszwetsche Wolff’ fruit but markedly fewer microcracks near the stylar end. The microcracks near the pedicel end were oriented parallel to the pedicel/style axis, whereas those near the stylar end were randomly oriented. Juices extracted from near the pedicel end of susceptible cultivars had consistently more negative osmotic potentials [ψS (e.g., for Doppelte Hauszwetsche −5.1 ± 0.1 MPa)] than those from near the stylar end (e.g., for Doppelte Hauszwetsche −4.0 ± 0.1 MPa) or that from fruit without symptoms of neck shrivel (e.g., for pedicel end and stylar scar regions of Doppelte Hauszwetsche −3.8 ± 0.1 vs. −3.3 ± 0.1 MPa, respectively). Our results indicate that increased transpiration through microcracks near the pedicel end may contribute to neck shrivel but that the causes of neck shrivel are likely more complex.
Evaluation of an instantaneous dryness index-based calibration-free continuous hydrological model in India
Authors: Patnaik Swagat , Sharma Vimal Chandra , Biswal Basudev
Published: January 2019

Traditional continuous hydrological models have a large number of free parameters whose values need to be determined through calibration, and thus their applicability is limited to gauged basins. For prediction in ungauged catchments, hydrologists generally follow regionalization methods to develop region-specific calibration-free continuous models. An alternative attempt was made recently to develop a calibration-free model by proposing an empirically derived universal ‘decay function’ that enables definition of instantaneous dryness index as a function of antecedent rainfall and solar energy. The model was earlier tested in the USA, and its performance was found to be comparable to that shown by regionalization-based models. Here, we test the instantaneous dryness index-based calibration-free model considering data from 108 Indian catchments. The medians of coefficient of determination (R2), Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE) and Kling–Gupta efficiency (KGE) values for the study catchments, respectively, are 0.50, 0.38 and 0.40. Furthermore, the model's performance significantly improved upon Box–Cox transformation (RBC2, NSEBC and KGEBC, respectively, are 0.70, 0.52 and 0.57), suggesting that the model predicts discharge quite well except during flood periods. Overall, our results suggest the model can be used as an alternative platform for predicting discharge in ungauged catchments in the USA and peninsular India, if not in every part of the world.
Assessment of clogging in constructed wetlands by saturated hydraulic conductivity measurements
Authors: Licciardello F. , Aiello R. , Alagna V. , Iovino M. , Ventura D. , Cirelli G. L.
Published: January 2019

This study aims at defining a methodology to evaluate Ks reductions of gravel material constituting constructed wetland (CW) bed matrices. Several schemes and equations for the Lefranc's test were compared by using different gravel sizes and at multiple spatial scales. The falling-head test method was implemented by using two steel permeameters: one impervious (IMP) and one pervious (P) on one side. At laboratory scale, mean K values for a small size gravel (8–15 × 10−2 m) measured by the IMP and the P permeameters were equal to 19,466 m/d and 30,662 m/d, respectively. Mean Ks values for a big size gravel (10–25 × 10−2 m) measured by the IMP and the P permeameters were equal to 12,135 m/d and 20,866 m/d, respectively. Comparison of Ks values obtained by the two permeameters at laboratory scale as well as a sensitivity analysis and a calibration, lead to the modification of the standpipe equation, to evaluate also the temporal variation of the horizontal Ks. In particular, both permeameters allow the evaluation of the Ks decreasing after 4 years-operation and 1–1.5 years' operation of the plants at full scale (filled with the small size gravel) and at pilot scale (filled with the big size gravel), respectively.
The leakage of sewer systems and the impact on the ‘black and odorous water bodies’ and WWTPs in China
Authors: Cao Y. S. , Tang J. G. , Henze M. , Yang X. P. , Gan Y. P. , Li J. , Kroiss H. , van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , Zhang Y. , Daigger G. T.
Published: January 2019

China has achieved significant progress on wastewater treatment and aquatic environmental protection. However, leakage (in- and exfiltration) of sewer systems is still an issue. By using the statistical data of water and wastewater in 2016 in China, and the person loads (PLs) of water and wastewater in Singapore, the leakage fractions of hydraulic flow, organic carbon (COD), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) mass loading, and in-sewer COD biological removal in the sewer systems of China (except Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan), Shanghai, Guangzhou and Beijing were reported for the first time. The fractions of hydraulic flow infiltration (13%, Shanghai and Guangzhou) and exfiltration (39%, China) were calculated. Except Beijing, whose sewer networks are under appropriate management with small leakage fractions, the exfiltration fractions of COD (including in-sewer biological COD removal) ranged from 41% (Shanghai) to 66% (China) and averaged 55%; N ranged from 18% (Shanghai) to 48% (China) and averaged 33%; and P ranged from 23% (Shanghai and Guangzhou) to 44% (China) and averaged 30%. The exfiltrated sewage, COD, N and P not only wastes resources, but also contaminates the aquatic environment (especially groundwater) and contributes to ‘black and odorous water bodies’. In- and exfiltration in the sewer network leads to low influent COD concentration, C/N ratio and high inorganic solids and inert particulate COD concentrations of many municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) causing high cost for nutrient removal, poor resource recovery, additional reactor/settler volume requirement and other operational problems. Therefore, tackling sewer leakage is of primary importance to today's environment in China. Recommendations for the inspection of sewer systems and the rehabilitation of damaged sewers as well as the development of design and operation guidelines of municipal WWTPs tailored to the specific local sewage characteristics and other conditions are proposed.
Development and Validation of a Personalized Social Media Platform–Based HIV Incidence Risk Assessment Tool for Men Who Have Sex With Men in China (Preprint)
Authors: Yun Ke , Xu Junjie , Leuba Sequoia , Zhu Yunyu , Zhang Jing , Chu Zhenxing , Geng Wenqing , Jiang Yongjun , Shang Hong
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUND

Personalized risk assessments can help medical providers determine targeted populations for counseling and risk reduction interventions.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to develop a social media platform–based HIV risk prediction tool for men who have sex with men (MSM) in China based on an independent MSM cohort to help medical providers determine target populations for counseling and risk reduction treatments.

METHODS

A prospective cohort of MSM from Shenyang, China, followed from 2009 to 2016, was used to develop and validate the prediction model. The eligible MSM were randomly assigned to the training and validation dataset, and Cox proportional hazards regression modeling was conducted using predictors for HIV seroconversion selected by the training dataset. Discrimination and calibration were performed, and the related nomogram and social media platform–based HIV risk assessment tool were constructed.

RESULTS

The characteristics of the sample between the training dataset and the validation dataset were similar. The risk prediction model identified the following predictors for HIV seroconversion: the main venue used to find male sexual partners, had condomless receptive or insertive anal intercourse, and used rush poppers. The model was well calibrated. The bootstrap C-index was 0.75 (95% CI 0.65-0.85) in the training dataset, and 0.60 (95% CI 0.45-0.74) in the validation dataset. The calibration plots showed good agreement between predicted risk and the actual proportion of no HIV infection in both the training and validation datasets. Nomogram and WeChat-based HIV incidence risk assessment tools for MSM were developed.

CONCLUSIONS

This social media platform–based HIV infection risk prediction tool can be distributed easily, improve awareness of personal HIV infection risk, and stratify the MSM population based on HIV risk, thus informing targeted interventions for MSM at greatest risk for HIV infection.
DO TAX STRUCTURES AFFECT INDONESIA ECONOMIC GROWTH?
Authors: Iswahyudi Heru
Published: January 2019

This paper investigates how changes in the tax structure may affect Indonesia’s long-run economic growth.* The growth effects of the mix of income taxes and consumption taxes are examined using a set of panel growth regressions, which account for indicators of the tax structure, as well as both the accumulation of physical capital and human capital. The results suggest that income taxes may not exert a statistically significant impact on long-run growth, while consumption taxes may have a positive and statistically significant impact. These results, however, are not robust to changes in the regression’s specifications. Hence, although previous studies predict that the mix of direct and indirect taxes may be an important determinant of long-run growth, this paper provides evidence that, in practice, this mix is unlikely to have an impact on the long-run economic growth of Indonesia. It is therefore suggested that policy makers could instead focus their attentions on directing tax reform in Indonesia toward improving tax administration and the equity of the tax system.
SHOPPING EXPERIENCE AND SUBJECTIVE WELL-BEING: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY
Authors: Sabil Hussein Ananda
Published: January 2019

While a traditional marketer aims to enhance customer loyalty, a social marketer focuses on the creation of individual well-being. To date, some social marketing programs have been launched to enhance individual well-being. However, only a few studies have been oriented to investigate subjective well-being, in the domain of traditional marketing. Previous studies have indicated that service quality is an important determinant of subjective well-being for a service organization’s customers. However, this notion is not enough as service quality only captures performance of service in the level of attribute. For that reason, this introduces the notion of experience quality as the determinant of subjective well-being. To have a better knowledge about the relationship between these constructs, this study also inserted the notion of customer satisfaction and perceived shopping enjoyment as mediating variables. Two hundred respondents participated in this study. These respondents were recruited at department stores in Malang, a city in the Province of East Java. A self-administered survey was conducted to collect the data. A Covariance Based Structural Equation Model (CBSEM) was employed to analyze the data. The results of a Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) confirmed the model proposed. The structural model showed that the experience of shopping has significant effects on customer satisfaction, perceived shopping enjoyment, and subjective well-being. However, this study failed to prove the mediating effects of customer satisfaction and perceived shopping enjoyment in the relationship between the shopping experience and subjective well-being. Upon the completion of this study, both theoretical and practical contributions were provided.
EFFICIENT CALCULATION OF THE BEM INTEGRALS ON ARBITRARY SHAPES WITH THE FFT
Authors: Benad Justus
Published: January 2019

This paper builds upon the results of a recent study which illustrates how the Fast Fourier Transformation (FFT) can be used to accelerate the Boundary Element Method (BEM) for arbitrary shapes. In the present work, we further deepen this understanding and focus especially on implementation details in order to calculate the boundary integrals with the FFT. Different numerical techniques are compared for an exemplary shape. Also, additions to the concept are mentioned such as the introduction of a high-resolution grid close to the boundary and a low-resolution grid farther away.
A FORMAÇÃO DE FORMADORES NA CIBERCULTURA E A ATUAÇÃO DOCENTE UNIVERSITÁRIA
Authors: Santos Rosemary
Published: January 2019

Este artigo é parte da Pesquisa Institucional “Formação de Formadores e Educação Superior na Cibercultura: itinerâncias de Grupos de Pesquisa no Facebook”, realizada em 2013 e teve como objetivo compreender a formação do formador no contexto da Cibercultura e como este vem estruturando a atuação docente universitária. O tema da formação está geralmente calcado no modelo da racionalidade técnica, instaurando a separação entre teoria e pratica, reflexão e ação. Num movimento contrário, vêm tomando corpo, cada vez com mais intensidade, pesquisas e estudos que defendem outras perspectivas sobre o tema. Como teóricos mais expressivos nesse campo, dialogamos com as abordagens de Josso, Nóvoa, Macedo e Alves. A metodologia inscreveu-se no movimento da perspectiva epistemológica da multirreferencialidade com os cotidianos e pelo método da ciberpesquisa-formação, tendo como campos de pesquisa a universidade e a rede social Facebook. Como dispositivos, bricolamos oficinas, interações nas redes sociais e entrevistas. A pesquisa revelou que a formação do formador com o advento da cibercultura forja outros espaços e tempos de pesquisa acadêmica e de criação de dispositivos online. Revelou também que os usos do digital em rede pelos praticantes da pesquisa fizeram emergir outros processos de articulação da cidade–universidade, estabelecendo outros sentidos para a prática pedagógica e para a pesquisa acadêmica.
TRABALHO DOCENTE MEDIADO POR TECNOLOGIAS: ECOS E REPERCUSSÕES
Authors: Echalar Adda Daniela Lima Figueiredo , Nascimento Neuvani Ana do , Carvalho Rose Mary Almas , Malaquias Arianny Grasielly Baião , Peixoto Joana
Published: January 2019

Este artigo buscou compreender as práticas docentes mediadas por tecnologias à luz do materialismo histórico-dialético. Foram entrevistados 76 professores de 23 escolas públicas em dez municípios do estado de Goiás. As entrevistas coletivas pautaram-se em três temáticas: as ferramentas utilizadas, as formas de uso das tecnologias e as condições estruturais e pedagógicas nas quais tais práticas se realizam. Os dados revelam que há uma multiplicidade de relações, saberes, angústias e problemáticas decorrentes das tentativas de desenvolvimento das práticas pedagógicas com uso de tecnologias. Bem como há indícios de uma racionalidade docente como movimento de superação da alienação comum ao modo trabalho executado.
Currículo educacional: algumas ponderações de professores
Authors: Braga Lucimar Araujo , Pereira Ana Lúcia
Published: January 2019

Resumo: Neste trabalho, tivemos como objetivo apresentar e discutir o entendimento sobre currículo para professores em atuação nos cursos[1] de Letras da Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa (UEPG). Pelo viés da teoria crítica, investigamos o posicionamento de professores que atuam nestes cursos de licenciaturas formando professores para a educação básica. Metodologicamente, a pesquisa de cunho qualitativo se desenvolveu pela Análise Textual Discursiva e, como conclusão, percebemos que é preciso haver mais envolvimento de professores com os currículos das instituições em que atuam. [1] A Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa oferece os cursos de Letras Português-Francês; Português-Espanhol e Português-Inglês, cada um como curso independente.
Análise de erros na realização de atividades matemáticas com crianças
Authors: Henklain Marcelo Henrique Oliveira , Gualberto Priscila Mara de Araújo , Carmo João Dos Santos
Published: January 2019

Buscou-se identificar padrões de erros na realização de atividades matemáticas entre crianças das primeiras séries do Ensino Fundamental por meio da aplicação da bateria de Fioraneli, Castro-Caneguim e Carmo (2011). Participaram quatro crianças, entre sete e 11 anos. Os erros concentraram-se em duas habilidades: operações aritméticas de divisão e multiplicação, envolvendo ou não a identificação de incógnitas nas posições iniciais (a e b), e ordenação de conjuntos segundo critérios específicos. Verificou-se que a construção de baterias e a análise de erros podem ajudar a mapear dificuldades em matemática, sinalizando quais relações ainda precisam ser aprendidas ou aprimoradas, de modo que ocorra uma melhora de desempenho.
(IN)VISIBILIDADE DAS CRIANÇAS E (N)AS CIDADES: HÁ CRIANÇAS? ONDE ESTÃO?
Authors: Nascimento Maria Letícia Barros Pedroso
Published: January 2019

O artigo apresenta e discute relações entre a infância e a cidade,destacando a (in)visibilidade da infância no cotidiano urbano,e, quase que como contraponto, a participação das criançasnos espaços urbanos, para além da escola, tradicional “lugarda criança”. Compõem o texto breve argumentação sobre ainvisibilidade histórica da infância, elementos de estudos epropostas sobre as crianças e a cena urbana, consideraçõessobre a participação das crianças, do ponto de vista das relaçõesintergeracionais e como direito, e, como último segmento,a pesquisa com crianças como recurso para encontrá-las emdiferentes pontos das cidades, nos quais deixam suas marcas eexercem sua condição de cidadãs.
INVESTIGANDO INFÂNCIAS E PROCESSOS EDUCATIVOS NA CIDADE DE SÃO GONÇALO
Authors: Tavares Maria Tereza Goudard , Larangeira Cintia , Veríssimo Julyana
Published: January 2019

O presente artigo é resultante de uma pesquisa qualitativade cunho etnográfico realizada no âmbito do projeto“A(s) infância(s) e a cidade: Investigando componentesterritoriais de processos educativos de crianças na cidadede São Gonçalo”, que vem objetivando investigar se oscomponentes territoriais da cidade de São Gonçalointerferem e/ou produzem impactos nos processoseducativos e de escolarização inicial das crianças dascamadas populares no município. Pretendemos, com esteestudo, dar continuidade e complexificar pesquisas quevimos desenvolvendo há quase duas décadas sobre/com olocal, destacando a centralidade da cidade de São Gonçalonas políticas e práticas de educação escolar em curso nametrópole gonçalense.
PERCURSOS URBANOS: (IM)POSSIBILIDADES DE CRIANÇAS EM BRASÍLIA E FLORIANÓPOLIS
Authors: Müller Fernanda , Dutra Cristian Pedro Rubini
Published: January 2019

O presente artigo dá um tratamento inédito a dadosdecorrentes de duas pesquisas sobre mobilidadee experiências urbanas de crianças em Brasília eFlorianópolis. Fazendo uso de desenhos e narrativassobre os mais diversos percursos nas duas cidades, oartigo, primeiramente, nega pré-noções hegemônicassobre o espaço, geralmente baseadas nas interdiçõesàs crianças. Posteriormente, analisa experiênciasde percursos de crianças voltadas às insularização(ZEIHER, 2003); às possibilidades e medos em relaçãoà rua; e às aprendizagens, inclusive, da autonomia.
A INFÂNCIA EM CRONOTOPOS: MIGRAÇÃO, TERRITÓRIOS E ENUNCIAÇÃO INFANTIL
Authors: De Mello Marisol Barenco
Published: January 2019

O presente texto pretende construir um estudo críticosobre a autoria infantil, buscando compreender osprocessos de pensamento, linguagem e ação infantis emsituações complexas no contexto escolar. Entendendoa partir das perspectivas histórico-culturais que odesenvolvimento humano acontece em processossociais mediados por instrumentos e tomando alinguagem como ferramenta simbólica privilegiada,buscamos tanto tecer a crítica às teorias clássicas econtemporâneas sobre as infâncias e seus processosde desenvolvimento e construção de conhecimentos,quanto afirmar as dimensões estéticas e éticas como coconstitutivasdos processos cognitivos e epistêmicos.O trabalho afirma a necessidade de se tomar em conta,no estudo das infâncias e seus processos, as dimensõeséticas e estéticas como co-constitutivas das demaisdimensões historicamente consideradas, tanto no quediz respeito aos modelos teóricos assumidos, quantono que concerne às ações dirigidas às crianças – o olhardo adulto sobre as ações infantis e as ações adultas daídecorrentes, propostas no trabalho com as crianças.Pensando na cultura como domínios discursivosterritoriazados, o artigo busca pensar as crianças e asinfâncias como iminentemente desterritorializadoras,em suas autorias únicas e irrepetíveis.
co morbilidad de trastornos de personalidad en personas sin hogar
Authors: Salavera Bordas Carlos
Published: January 2019

En este estudio se lleva a cabo una investigación sobre co morbilidad en los trastornos de personalidad en personas sin hogar. El objetivo del estudio era analizar si existe co morbilidad entre trastornos. Para ello, se lleva a abo un estudio ex post facto, de carácter transversal, con una muestra de 91 pacientes, que cumplimentaron una entrevista semiestructurada y el MCMI II, en el transcurso de su tratamiento. Los resultados muestran como en un 40,66% de la muestra, coexisten 2 o más trastornos de personalidad a un tiempo, con una media de 2,06 TP por persona. Además, los trastornos de personalidad del grupo B; antisocial, límite, histriónico y narcisista, son los que unmayor índice de co morbilidad presentan. Por el contrario, trastornos de personalidad del grupo C: obsesivo-compulsivo, por evitación o por dependencia, a pesar de tener mayor presencia, apenas presentan co morbilidad con otros. Por último, se comenta la implicación que tiene este estudio en la práctica clínica y líneas futuras de investigación.