bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of an Empty Viral Capsid Vaccine against Foot and Mouth Disease
Authors: Grubman Marvin J. , Stram Yehuda , Mason Peter W. , Yadin Hagai
Published: December 2021

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), a highly infectious viral disease of cloven-hoofed animals, is economically the most important disease of domestic animals. Although inactivated FMD vaccines have been succesfully used as part of comprehensive eradication programs in Western Europe, there are a number of concerns about their safety. In this proposal, we have attempted to develop a new generation of FMD vaccines that addresses these concerns. Specifically we have cloned the region of the viral genome coding for the structural proteins and the proteinase responsible for processing of the structural protein precursor into both a DNA vector and a replication-deficient human adenovirus. We have demonstrated the induction of an FMDV-specific immune response and a neutralizing antibody response with the DNA vectors in mice, but preliminary potency and efficacy studies in swine are variable. However, the adenovirus vector induces a significant and long-lived neutralizing antibody response in mice and most importantly a neutralizing and protective response in swine. These results suggest that the empty capsid approach is a potential alternative to the current vaccination strategy.
Molecular Marker Mapping of Genes Enhancing Tocol and Carotenoid Composition of Maize Grain
Authors: Rocheford Torbert , Tadmor Yaakov , Lambert Robert , Katzir Nurit
Published: December 2021

The overall objective of this research was to identify chromosomal regions and candidate genes associated with control of concentration and forms of carotenoids (includes pro-Vitamin A) and tocopherols (Vitamin E), which are both antioxidants and are associated with health advantages. Vitamin A and E are included in animal feeding supplements and the eventual goal is to increase levels of these compounds in maize grain so that the cost of these supplements can be reduced or eliminated. Moreover, both compounds are antioxidants that protect unsaturated fatty acids from oxidation and thus maintaining maize oil quality for longer periods. We identified three SSR markers that are associated with 38% of the variation for total carotenoids and three SSR markers associated with 44% of the variation for total tocopherols in the cross W64a x A632. We identified two candidate genes associated with levels of carotenoids: phytoene synthase and zeta carotene desaturase. Evaluation of (Illinois High Oil x B73) B73 BC 1S1 population for tocopherols detected additional chromosomal regions influencing the level of total tocopherols, and detected a common region on chromosome 5 associated with ratio of the more desirable alpha from to the gamma form of tocopherol. The results suggest molecular marker assisted selection for higher levels of these antioxidants in corn grain should be feasible.
Parthenogenesis-Inducing Microorganisms in Parasitic Hymenoptera: Their Mode of Action and Utilization for Improvement of Biological Control Agents
Authors: Werren John H. , Zchori-Fein Einat , Coll Moshe
Published: December 2021

Wolbachia are intracellular bacteria known to cause reproductive and sex ratio disorders in many insects. In various parasitic Hymenoptera, Wolbachia induce thelytokous reproduction. The overall goal of this research was the improvement of biological control agents by reversion of their mode of reproduction. This was attempted from two directions: 1) studying the effect of naturally occurring Wolbachia on the thelytokous species Muscidifuraxuniraptor and 2) trying to transmit thelytoky-inducing Wolbachia to Nasoniavitripennis. In M. uniraptor, gamete duplication was found to be the mode of diploidy restoration and Wolbachia density had a strong effect on sex ratio but not on host fitness. Studies on the natural horizontal transmission of Wolbachia between Nasonia wasps and their Protocalliphora hosts using the Wolbachia Outer Surface Protein (WOSP) gene revealed that (a) two Nasonia species (N. giraulti and N. longicornis) possess closely related strains of B-group Wolbachia, but N. vitripennisapparently acquired B Wolbachia by horizontal transmission from an unknown source, (b) Nasonia and its Protocalliphora host have similar Wolbachia, and (c) the Protocalliphora Wolbachia WOSP gene is a recombinant between the one found in N. giraulti/longicornis and N. vitripennis. Results show parasitoid-host insect transmission of Wolbachia and recombination among Wolbachia strains. Results from gynandromorph studies suggest a novel mechanism of sex determination in Nasonia.
Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of Fructose Accumulation: A Strategy to Improve Fruit Quality
Authors: Bennett Alan B. , Schaffer Arthur , Granot David
Published: December 2021

The goal of the research project was to evaluate the potential to genetically modify or engineer carbohydrate metabolism in tomato fruit to enhance levels of fructose, a sugar with nearly twice the sweetness value of other sugars. The specific research objectives to achieve that goal were to: 1. Establish the inheritance of a fructose-accumulating trait identified in F1 hybrids of an inferspecific cross between L. hirsutum XL. esculentum and identify linked molecular markers to facilitate its introgression into tomato cultivars. This objective was completed with the genetic data indicating a single major gene, termed Fgr (Fructose glucose ratio), that controlled the partitioning of hexose in the mature fruit. Molecular markers for the gene, were developed to aid introgression of this gene into cultivated tomato. In addition, a second major gene encoding fructokinase 2 (FK2) was found to be a determinant of the fructose to glucose ratio in fruit. The relationship between FK2 and Fgr is epistatic with a combined synergistic effect of the two hirsutum-derived genes on fructose/glucose ratios. 2. Characterize the metabolic and transport properties responsible for high fructose/glucose ratios in fructose-accumulating genotypes. The effect of both the Fgr and FK2 genes on the developmental accumulation of hexoses was studied in a wide range of genetic backgrounds. In all backgrounds the trait is a developmental one and that the increase in fructose to glucose ratio occurs at the breaker stage of fruit development. The following enzymes were assayed, none of which showed differences between genotypes, at either the breaker or ripe stage: invertase, sucrose synthase, FK1, FK2, hexokinase, PGI and PGM. The lack of effect of the FK2 gene on fructokinase activity is surprising and at present we have no explanation for the phenomenon. However, the hirsutum derived Fgr allele was associated with significantly lower levels of phosphorylated glucose, G1c-1-P and G1c-6-P and concomitantly higher levels of the phosphorylated fructose, Fru-6-P, in both the breaker and ripe stage. This suggests a significant role for the isomerase reaction. 3. Develop and implement molecular genetic strategies for the production of transgenic plants with altered levels of enzymes that potentially control fructose/glucose ratios in fruit. This objective focused on manipulating hexokinase and fructokinase expression in transgenic plants. Two highly divergent cDNA clones (Frk1 and Frk2), encoding fructokinase (EC 2.7.1.4), were isolated from tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) and a potato fructokinase cDNA clone was obtained from Dr. Howard Davies. Following expression in yeast, each fructokinase was identified to code for one of the tomato or potato fructokinase isoforms Transgenic tomato plants were generated with the fructokinase cDNA clone in both sense and antisense orientations and the effect of the gene on tomato plants is currently being studied.
The Interaction Between Nonpathogenic Mutants of Colletotrichum and Fusarium, and the Plant Host Defense System
Authors: Freeman Stanley , Rodriguez Russell J.
Published: December 2021

The intent of this proposal was to study the interaction between nonpathogenic mutants of Colletotrichum magna and Fusarium oxysporum, and the cucurbit host defense system. We had shown previously that a nonpathogenic endophytic mutant path- 1 of C. magna, caused no visible disease symptoms but protected watermelon seedlings from disease caused by the wildtype isolate and F. o. niveum. Objectives were: 1) Determine the microscopic, biochemical and molecular genetic interaction between "protected" (path- 1 colonized) cucurbit hosts and wildtype isolates of C. magna; 2) Isolate non-pathogenic mutants of F.o. melonis and test feasibility for protecting plants against fungal diseases. We found that path-1 caused no visible disease symptoms in cucurbit seedlings but conferred disease resistance against pathogenic isolates of C. magna, C. orbiculare, and F. oxysporum. Disease resistance conferred by path-1 correlated to a decrease in the time of activation of host defense systems after exposure of path-1 colonized plants to virulent pathogens. This was determined by monitoring the biochemical activity of PAL and peroxidase, and the deposition of lignin. It appears that path-1-conferred disease resistance is a multigenic phenomenon which should be more difficult for pathogen to overcome than single gene conferred resistance. Based on the benefits conferred by path-1, we have defined this mutant as expressing a mutualistic lifestyle. REMI (restriction enzyme-mediated integration) nonpathogenic mutants were also isolated using pHA1.3 plasmid linearized with Hind III and transformed into wildtype C. magna. The integrated vector and flanking genomic DNA sequences in REMI mutant R1 was re-isolated and cloned resulting in a product of approximately 11 kb designated pGMR1. Transformations of wildtype C. magna with pGMR1 resulted in the same non-pathogenic phenotype. A nonpathogenic mutant of F.o. melonis (pathogenic to melon) was isolated that colonized melon plants but elicited no disease symptoms in seedlings and conferred 25 - 50% disease protection against the virulent wildtype isolate. Subsequently, nonpathogenic mutant isolates of F.o. niveum (pathogenic to watermelon) were also isolated. Their protection capacity against the respective wildtype parent is currently under investigation. This research has provided information toward a better understanding of host-parasite interactions; specifically, endophytes, pathogens and their hosts. It will also allow us to assess the potential for utilizing nonpathogenic mutants as biological control agents against fungal pathogens and isolating molecular genetic factors of pathogenicity in Fusarium.
Regulated Expression of Yeast FLP Recombinase in Plant Cells
Authors: Hodges Thomas K. , Gidoni David
Published: December 2021

Research activities in both our laboratories were directed toward development of control of the FLP/frt recombination system for plants. As described in the text of the research proposal, the US lab has been engaged in developing regulatory strategies such as tissue-specific promoters and the steroid-inducible activation of the FLP enzyme while the main research activities in Israel have been directed toward the development and testing of a copper-regulated expression of flp recombinase in tobacco (this is an example of a promoter activation by metal ions). The Israeli lab hat additionally completed experiments of previous studies regarding factors affecting the efficiency of recombinase activity using both a gain-of-function assay (excisional-activation of a gusA marker) and loss of function assay (excision of a rolC marker) in tobacco. Site-specific recombinase systems, in particular the FLP/frt and R/RS systems of yeast and the Cre/lox system of bacteriophage P1, have become an essential component of targeted genetic transformation procedures both in animal and plant organisms. To provide more flexibility in transgene excisions by the recombinase systems as well as gene targeting, and to widen possible applications, the development of controlled or regulated recombination systems is highly desirable and was therefore the subject of this research proposal. There are a few possible mechanisms to regulate expression of a recombinase system. They include: 1) control of the recombination system by having the target sites (e.g. frt) in one plant and the flp recombinase gene in another, and bringing the two together by cross fertilization. 2) regulation of promoter activities by external stimuli such as temperature, chemicals, metal ions, etc. 3) regulation of promoter activities by internal signals, i.e. cell- or tissue-specific, or developmental regulation. 4) regulation of enzyme activity by providing cofactors essential for biochemical reactions to take place such as steroid molecules in conjunction with a steroid ligand-binding protein (domains). During the course of this research our major emphasis have been focused toward studying the feasibility of hybrid seed production in Arabidopsis, using FLP/frt. Male-sterility was induced using the antisence of a pollen- and tapetum-specific gene, bcp1, isolated from Arabidopsis. The sterility inducing gene was flanked by frt sites. Upon cross pollination of flowers of male-sterile plants with pollen from FLP-containing plants, viable seeds were produced, and the progeny hybrid plants developed normally. The major achievement from this work is the first demonstration of using a site-specific recombinase to restore fertility in male-sterile plants (see attached paper, Luo et al., Plant J 2000; 23:423-430). The implication from this finding is that site-specific recombination systems can be applied in crop plants as a useful alternative method for hybrid seed production.
Lek Behavior of Mediterranean Fruit Flies: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Yuval Boaz , Shelly Todd E.
Published: December 2021

The Mediterranean fruit fly, Ceratitis capitata (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a ubiquitous pest of fruit trees, causing significant economic damage both in the U.S. and in Israel. Control efforts in the future will rely heavily on the sterile insect technique (SIT). Success of such operations hinges on the competitive ability of released males. The mating system of the medfly is based on leks. These are aggregations of sexually signaling males that attract females (who then select and copulate a courting male). A major component of male competitiveness is their ability to join existing leks or establish leks that are attractive to wild females. Accordingly, we identified leks and the behaviors associated with them as critical for the success of SIT operations. The objectives of this proposal were to determine 1. what makes a good lek site, 2. what are the energetic costs of lekking, 3. how females choose leks, and finally 4. whether the copulatory success of sterile males may be manipulated by particular pre-release diets and judicious spatial dispersal. We established that males choose lek sites according to their spatial location and penological status, that they avoid predators, and within the lek tree choose the perch that affords a compromise between optimal signalling, micro-climatic conditions and predation risk (Kaspi & Yuval 1999 a&b; Field et al 2000; Kaspi & Yuval submitted). We were able to show that leks are exclusive, and that only males with adequate protein and carbohydrate reserves can participate (Yuval et al 1998; Kaspi et al 2000; Shelly et al 2000). We determined that females prefer leks formed by protein fed, sexually experienced males (Shelly 2000). Finally, we demonstrated that adding protein to the diet of sterile males significantly enhances their probability of participating in leks and copulating wild females (Kaspi & Yuval 2000).
Control of Fertilization-Independent Development by the FIE1 Gene
Authors: Ohad Nir , Fischer Robert
Published: December 2021

A fundamental problem in biology is to understand how fertilization initiates reproductive development. During plant reproduction, one sperm cell fuses with the egg to form an embryo, whereas a second sperm cell fuses with the adjacent central cell nucleus to form the endosperm tissue that supports embryo and/or seedling development. To understand the mechanisms that initiate reproduction, we have isolated mutants of Arabidopsis that allow for replication of the central cell and subsequent endosperm development without fertilization. In this project we have cloned the MEA gene and showed that it encode a SET- domain polycomb protein. Such proteins are known to form chromatin-protein complexes that repress homeotic gene transcription and influence cell proliferation from Drosophylla to mammals. We propose a model whereby MEA and an additional polycomb protein we have cloned, FIE , function to suppress a critical aspect of early plant reproduction and endosperm development, until fertilization occurs. Using a molecular approach we were able to determine that FIE and MEA interact physically, suggesting that these proteins have been conserved also during the evolution of flowering plants. The analysis of MEA expression pattern revealed that it is an imprinted gene that displays parent-of- origin-dependent monoallelic expression specifically in the endosperm tissue. Silencing of the paternal MEA allele in the endosperm and the phenotype of mutant mea seeds support the parental conflict theory for the evolution of imprinting in plants and mammals. These results contribute new information on the initiation of endosperm development and provide a unique entry point to study asexual reproduction and apomixis which is expected to improve crop production.
Physiological Bases for Impaired Photosynthetic Performance of Chilling-Sensitive Fruit Trees
Authors: Shahak Yosepha , Ort Donald R.
Published: December 2021

Chilling-sensitivity is an important agricultural problem in both the U.S. and Israel. Most research attention has focused so far on herbaceous crop plants, even though the problem is also acute in the fruit tree industry. Under BARD funding we made substantial progress in identifying the mechanisms involved in the disruption of photosynthesis following a chill in mango. Our investigation with fruit trees has been substantially accelerated by drawing on our knowledge and experience with herbaceous crops. The four original research objectives, focused or discovering the underlying mechanisms of chill-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in fruit trees, and the main achievements are listed below. [1] Separating stomatal from non-stomatal components of chilling on photosynthesis in fruit trees. We found evidence that the dark chill-induced inhibition of photosynthesis in mango was E combination of both stomatal and mesophyll components. [2] Differentiating photo damage from light-induced photo protection of photosystem II (PSII). Dark chilling exacerbate high light photoinhibition, as a result of primary inhibition in the carbor reduction cycle. Nevertheless, in Israeli orchards we observed chronic photoinhibition of PSII photochemistry in the winter. This photo damage was reversible over a few days if sunlight was attenuated with filters or night temperature rose. Practical implications of this finding deserve further investment. Additional achievement was the development of a new biophysical tool to study macro-structural changes of LHCII particles in intact, attached leaves. [3] Determine the role of oxidative stress in the dark-chilling-induced inhibition, with emphasis on oxygen radical scavenging, lipid peroxidation and redox-controlled carbon-cycle enzymes. We found an increase in lipid peroxidation following a dark chill, and partial protective effects or an antioxidant. However, the photoinhibition observed in mango orchards in Israel during the winter did not appear to be a general oxidative stress. [4] Investigate whether chilling interferes with the diurnal and circadian rhythm of gene expression of key photosynthetic proteins as has been shown for chilling-sensitive crop plants. The results indicated that most of the circadian rhythm in photosynthesis was due to reduced lea: internal CO2 concentrations during the subjective night, as a result of rhythmic stomatal closure Chilling-induced interference with circadian timing in mango, does not play the central role in chilling inhibition of photosynthesis that has previously been demonstrated in certain chilling sensitive herbaceous plants. Practical implications of the research achievements are feasible, but require few more years of research.
Enhancing Crop Yield through Colonization of the Rhizosphere with Beneficial Microbes
Authors: Harman Gary E. , Chet Ilan
Published: December 2021

At the start of this project, fungi in the genus Trichoderma were known to be potent biocontrol agents, and their primary mechanism was considered to via direct effects upon the target fungi. Due in large part to the efforts of the two PIs, we now know that this view is far too limited; while Trichoderma spp. do indeed have direct effects on pathogenic fungi, they have very far reaching effects directly upon plants. Indeed, these fungi must be considered as opportunistic plant symbionts; they provide a number of benefits to plants and themselves are favored by large numbers of healthy roots. Research under this BARD grant has demonstrated that These fungi induce resistance mechanisms in plants. They increase root development and depth of rooting; Bradyrhizobium enhances this effect in soybean. They enhance uptake of plant nutrients. They have abilities to solubilize nutrients, such as oxidized metals and insoluble phosphorus compounds by a variety of different mechanisms and biochemicals. This is a marked expansion of our knowledge of the abilities of these organisms. This knowledge has direct implications for understanding of basic plant responses and abilities, and already is being used to improve plant productivity and reduce pollution of the environment.
Genes Controlling Calcium-Enhanced Tolerance to Salinity in Plants
Authors: Fromm A. , Danon Avihai , Zhu Jian-Kang
Published: December 2021

The specific objectives of the proposed research were to identify, clone and characterize downstream cellular target(s) of SOS3 in Arabidopsis thaliana, to analyze the Ca2+-binding characteristics of SOS3 and the sos3-1 mutant and their interactions with SOS3 cellular targets to analyze the SOS3 cell-specific expression patterns, and its subcellular localization, and to assess the in vivo role of SOS3 target protein(s) in plant tolerance to salinity stress. In the course of the study, in view of recent opportunities in identifying Ca2+ - responsive genes using microarrays, the group at Weizmann has moved into identifying Ca2+-responsive stress genes by using a combination of aqeuorin-based measurements of cytosolic Ca and analysis by DNA microarrays of early Ca-responsive genes at the whole genome level. Analysis of SOS3 (University of Arizona) revealed its expression in both roots and shoots. However, the expression of this gene is not induced by stress. This is reminiscent of other stress proteins that are regulated by post-transcriptional mechanisms such as the activation by second messengers like Ca. Further analysis of the expression of the gene using promoter - GUS fusions revealed expression in lateral root primordial. Studies at the Weizmann Institute identified a large number of genes whose expression is up-regulated by a specific cytosolic Ca burst evoked by CaM antagonists. Fewer genes were found to be down-regulated by the Ca burst. Among the up-regulated genes many are associated with early stress responses. Moreover, this study revealed a large number of newly identified Ca-responsive genes. These genes could be useful to investigate yet unknown Ca-responsive gene networks involved in plant response to stress.
Breed Improvement of Tilapia: Selective Breeding for Cold Tolerance and for Growth Rate in Fresh and Saline Water
Authors: Hulata Gideon , Gall Graham A.E.
Published: December 2021

The main objective of this project was to initiate a breeding program to produce cold-tolerant and salinity-tolerant synthetic breeds of tilapia, from a base population consisting of a four-species hybrid population created under an earlier BARD project. A secondary objective was to estimate genetic parameters for the traits growth rate under fresh- and salt-water and for cold tolerance. A third objective was to place quantitative trait loci that affect these traits of interest (e.g., growth rate in fresh-water, salt-water and cold tolerance) on the growing linkage map of primarily microsatellite loci.   We have encountered fertility problems that were apparently the result of the complex genetic structure of this base population. The failure in producing the first generation of the breeding program has forced us to stop the intended breeding program. Thus, upon approval of BARD office, this objective was dropped and during the last year we have focused on the secondary objective of the original project during the third year of the project, but failed to perform the intended analysis to estimate genetic parameters for the traits of interest. We have succeeded, however, to strengthen the earlier identification of a QTL for cold tolerance by analyzing further segregating families. The results support the existence of a QTL for cold tolerance on linkage group 15, corresponding to UNH linkage group 23. The results also indicate a QTL for the same trait on linkage group 12, corresponding to UNH linkage group 4.
Modulation of pathogenicity of postharvest pathogens by environmental pH
Authors: Prusky Dov , Rollins Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Until recently, environmental pH was not considered a factor in determining pathogen compatibility. Our hypothesis was that the environmental pH at the infection site, which is dynamically controlled by activities of both the host and the pathogen, regulates the expression of genes necessary for disease development in Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Sclerotinia sclerotiorum. This form of regulation ensures that genes are expressed at optimal conditions for their encoded activities.Pectate lyase encoded by pelB, has been demonstrated to play a key role in virulence of C. gloeosporioides in avocado fruit. Polyglacturonase synergism with oxalic acid production is considered to be an essential pathogenicity determinant in the interactions of S. sclerotiorum with its numerous hosts. A common regulatory feature of these virulence and pathogenicity factors is their dependence upon environmental pH conditions within the host niche to create optimal conditions for expression and secretion. In this proposal we have examined, 1) the mechanisms employed by these fungi to establish a suitable pH environment, 2) the molecular levels at which genes and gene products are regulated in response to environmental pH, and 3) the molecular basis and functional importance of pH-responsive gene regulation during pathogenicity.   The specific objectives of the proposal were: 1. Characterize the mechanism of local pH modulation and the effect of ambient pH on the expression and secretion of virulence factors. 2. Provide evidence that a conserved molecular pathway for pH-responsive gene expression exists in C. gloeosporioides by cloning a pacC gene homologue. 3. Determine the role of pacC in pathogenicity by gene disruption and activating mutations. Major conclusions 1. We determined the importance of nitrogen source and external pH in the secretion of the virulence factor pectate lyase with respect to the ambient pH transcriptional regulator pacC. It was concluded that nitrogen source availability and ambient pH are two independent signals for the transcriptional regulation of genes required for the disease process of C. gloeosporioides and possibly of other pathogens. 2. We also determined that availability of ammonia regulate independently the alkalinization process and pelB expression, pecate lyase secretion and virulence of C. gloeosporioides. 3. Gene disruption of pacC reduced virulence of C. gloeosporioides however did not reduced fully pelB expression. It was concluded that pelB expression is regulated by several factors including pH, nitrogen and carbon sources. 4. Gene disruption of pacC reduced virulence of S. slcerotiourum Creation of a dominant activating
Role of Fructokinases in the Development and Function of the Vascular System
Authors: Granot David , Holbrook Noel Michelle
Published: December 2021

Plant vascular tissues are superhighways whose development and function have profound implications for productivity, yield and stress response. Preliminary studies by the PI indicated that sugar metabolism mediated by fructokinases (FRKs) has a pronounced effect on the transport properties of the xylem. The goal of this research was to determine how the main fructokinase gene, FRK2, and the only plastidic fructokinase, FRK3, influence vascular development and physiology, emphasizing processes that occur at both the cellular and organismic level. We found that both genes are expressed in vascular tissues, but FRK3 is expressed primarily in vascular tissues of mature petioles. Vascular anatomy of plants with antisense suppression of FRK2 uncovered that FRK2 is necessary for xylem and phloem development, most likely due to its role in vascular cell-wall synthesis, and affects vascular development all over the plant. As a result, suppression of FRK2 reduced hydraulic conductivity of roots, stem and leaves and restricted sugar phloem transport. Vascular anatomy of plants with RNAi suppression of FRK3 uncovered that FRK3 is required for vascular development in mature petiole but its role is partially complemented by FRK2. Suppression of FRK3 combined with partial suppression of FRK2 had effects completely different from that of FRK2 suppression, resulting in wilting of mature leaves rather than young leaves of FRK2 suppressed plants, and decreased export of photoassimilates. This primary effect of FRK2 suppression on mature petioles had a secondary effect, reducing the hydraulic conductivity in roots and stem. The very fact that a plastidic fructokinase plays a role in vascular development is quite surprising and we are still seeking to uncover its metabolic mode-of-action. Yet, it is clear that these two fructokinases have different roles in the coordination between photosynthetic capacity and vascular development. We have started analyzing the role of the last third FRK, FRK1, and discovered that it is also expressed exclusively in vascular tissues. It appears therefore, that all FRKs studied here are involved in vascular development.   An interesting unexpected outcome of this study was the connection of FRK2 with hormonal regulation of vascular development, most likely auxin. This observation together with the yet to be solved questions on the exact roles of FRK3 are the subjects of our current efforts.
Exploring the role of the rumen microbiota in determining the feed efficiency of dairy cows
Authors: Mizrahi Itzhak , White Bryan A.
Published: December 2021

Expanding world hunger calls for increasing available food resources. Ruminants have the remarkable ability to convert human-indigestible plant biomass into human-digestible food products, due to a complex microbiome residing in the rumen compartment of their upper digestive tract. One way to tackle the problem of diminishing food resources is to increase the animals' energetic efficiency, i.e., the efficiency with which they convert energy from feed, thereby increasing food availability while lowering the environmental burden, as these animals would produce more and eat less. We hypothesize that the cow's feed efficiency is dependent on the taxonomic composition, coding capacity and activity of its reticulorumenmicrobiota. To test this hypothesis, three aims are defined: (1) Evaluation of the feed efficiency of 146 dairy cows and defining two groups representing the highest and lowest 25% using the Israeli group's unique facility; (2) Comparing these two groups for microbiota diversity, identity and coding capacity using next-generation sequencing and metagenomic approaches; (3) Comparing the reticulorumenmicrobiota metabolic activity parameters. We measured feed efficiency in 146 milking cows and analyzed the taxonomic composition, gene content, microbial activity and metabolomic composition of rumen microbiomes from the 78 most extreme animals. Lower richness of microbiome gene content and taxa was tightly linked to higher feed efficiency. Microbiome genes and species accurately predicted the animals' feed-efficiency phenotype. Specific enrichment of microbes and metabolic pathways in each of these microbiome groups resulted in increasing valuable metabolites and decreasing unusable ones such as methane in efficient animals. This ecological and mechanistic understanding of the rumen microbiome could lead to an increase in available food resources and environmentally friendly livestock agriculture.
МЕНЕДЖЕР З КОРПОРАТИВНОЇ СОЦІАЛЬНОЇ ВІДПОВІДАЛЬНОСТІ У СФЕРІ ГОСТИННОСТІ
Authors: Лешко Христина
Published: December 2021

У статті проаналізовано важливість стратегії КСВ для підприємств індустрії гостинності. Метою дослідження є визначення потреби посади менеджера з КСВ у підприємствах сфери гостинності. Проаналізовано зону відповідальності менеджера з КСВ. Виділено заробітну плату фахівця з КСВ у Європі. Розглянуто обов’язки менеджера з КСВ. Виокремлено основні професійні навички менеджера з КСВ, а саме: міжнародні стандарти щодо соціальної звітності; програмні документи щодо соціальної відповідальності; законодавство України та нормативні акти, що регламентують соціальні та трудові відносини; умови та особливості конкурентоспроможного функціонування підприємств різних форм власності; основні напрями маркетингової діяльності; стан та розвиток світової та вітчизняної економіки; напрямки інноваційної та інвестиційної політики; методологію аналізу ринкового середовища на мікроекономічному рівні; взаємозв'язок елементів внутрішнього та факторів зовнішнього середовища підприємства; екологічну компоненту соціальної відповідальності; законодавство України про охорону навколишнього середовища; перспективи та світові тенденції розвитку технології галузі, психологію управління та конфліктологію; інформаційні технології менеджменту та загальні закономірності взаємодії бізнесу та суспільства; ґенеза концепції корпоративної соціальної відповідальності (КСВ); роль етики бізнесу системі КСВ; етичні стандарти міжнародного бізнесу; склад соціальних інвестицій; механізм економічного регулювання корпоративної соціальної відповідальності; діловодство. Розкрито факт гендерності у цій професії. Проаналізовано дослідження Європейської асоціації професіоналів з питань сталого розвитку за підтримки KPMG та GreenFlex. Визначено основні тенденції розвитку КСВ та важливості навчання фахівців у питаннях соціальної відповідальності. Сформоване авторське трактування поняття менеджер з корпоративної соціальної відповідальності. Проаналізовано стратегію КСВ мережі готелів Hilton. Відповідальних за проєкти та звіти з КСВ у готелі Hilton. Досліджено проєкти та соціальні акції у готелях міжнародної мережі Radisson Hotel Group, а також хто їх розробляє та несе відповідальність за обізнаність працівників та стейкхолдерів у досягнені поставлених цілей.
Функціонування програмного забезпечення СВРК ВВЕР-1000 верхнього рівня в умовах реалізіції в Україні розширеної програми з диверсифікації ядерного палива
Authors: Khalimonchuk V.
Published: December 2021

Розглядається можливість і доцільність розробки в Україні власного математичного забезпечення для СВРК ВВЕР-1000, що є однією з важливих умов реалізації розширеної програми диверсифікації ядерного палива. Програмне забезпечення верхнього рівня пропонується розробляти на основі власних напрацювань у створенні програм відновлення поля енерговиділення, які раніше успішно використовувалися в аналізі безпеки РБМК-1000.
Кореляційний підхід до оцінки критичної температури крихкості матеріалів корпусів реакторів ВВЕР-1000 у неопроміненому стані
Authors: Revka V.
Published: December 2021

Проведено статистичний аналіз даних по 10 енергоблоках ВВЕР-1000 АЕС України для отримання кореляційного співвідношення між критичними температурами крихкості Тк0 (за паспортом корпусу реактора) та Тки (за результатами випробувань зразків-свідків) основного металу та металу зварного шва в неопроміненому стані. Аналіз показав, що збільшення температури Тки супроводжується  зростанням Тк0 і цей взаємозв’язок є лінійним для досліджуваних матеріалів. У рамках наведеного кореляційного дослідження запропоновано формулу для оцінки температури Тк0, що може бути використана для визначення з необхідним рівнем консерватизму критичної температури крихкості матеріалів у процесі обґрунтування безпечної експлуатації корпусу реактора ВВЕР-1000.
Результати науково-технічної діяльності Державного науково-технічний центру з ядерної та радіаційної безпеки за 2014 рік
Authors: Nosovsky V. , Valigun N. , Vorobei I. , Korniievska O.
Published: December 2021

Оприлюднено результати науково-технічної діяльності ДНТЦ ЯРБ у 2014 році за основними напрямами діяльності. Зокрема, наведено результати участі з розвитку системи нормативного регулювання ЯРБ, експертної діяльності та науково-технічної підтримки наглядової функції Держатомрегулювання, описано напрями науково-дослідних та аналітичних робіт, розглянуто науково-інформаційну та міжнародну діяльність. Визначено пріоритетні напрями діяльності для ДНТЦ ЯРБ на найближчі роки.
Оцінка радіаційної небезпеки хвостосховищ Придніпровського хімічного заводу для населення
Authors: Kovalenko G. , Durasova N.
Published: December 2021

Проаналізовано стан хвостосховищ Придніпровського хімічного заводу. Для кожного населеного пункту, який перебуває під впливом хвостосховищ, виконано розрахункові оцінки індивідуальних і колективних дозових навантажень, які обумовлені виділенням в атмосферне повітря радону, продуктів його розпаду та радіоактивного пилу. Проведено ранжування хвостосховищ відповідно до ступеня небезпеки за внеском у формування колективної дози й ризику.
Деякі питання демонтажу основного обладнання в процесі зняття АЕС з експлуатації
Authors: Koroliov O. , Zhou X. Y.
Published: December 2021

Надано критичний аналіз устаткування і технологій, призначених для демонтажу обладнання АЕС, знятих з експлуатації. Показано переваги та недоліки цих технологій, що дають змогу зробити раціональний вибір.
Analysis of Fuel Criticality during Severe Accidents
Authors: Bilodid I. , Duspiva J.
Published: December 2021

Interest in the analysis of beyond design basis accidents, involving a combination of several failures with fuel damage, has increased throughout the world after the Fukushima accident. Stress tests were performed at NPPs, and development of severe accident management guidelines was started. These activities necessitated calculations to analyze the probability of beyond design basis accidents and assess their initiating events and consequences. One of the aspects in analysis of beyond design basis accidents is to determine the potential for re-criticality during such accidents.

The paper provides results of some criticality safety calculations for VVER reactors performed, in particular, by ÚJV Řež and SSTC NRS experts. It is shown how criticality can occur in different severe accident phases.
Оцінка ймовірності перевищення критеріїв безпеки за результатами ймірнісного аналізу безпеки
Authors: Dybach O. , Nosovsky A.
Published: December 2021

Розглянуто в загальній постановці задача з перевірки відповідності ймовірнісних показників безпеки нормативним критеріям. Наведено співвідношення для оцінки ймовірності перевищення критерію безпеки при різних законах розподілу чисельних результатів імовірнісного аналізу безпеки. Запропоновано шкалу нормування ймовірності перевищення критеріїв безпеки.
Аспекти безпеки та оптимізації довгострокового зберігання радіоактивних відходів на майданчику «Вектор»
Authors: Tokarevskyi O. , Kondratiev S. , Alekseeva Z. , Rybalka N.
Published: December 2021

Проаналізовано зв’язки між варіантом остаточного захоронення та потребами в довгостроковому зберіганні радіоактивних відходів з огляду на пропозиції щодо можливих змін схеми класифікації РАВ у цілях захоронення. Розглянуто концептуальний підхід до проектування сховищ для зберігання довгоіснуючих РАВ на майданчику комплексу виробництв «Вектор» та підходи щодо застосування вимог нормативних документів, принципів і критеріїв радіаційної безпеки в проектуванні сховищ для довготривалого зберігання РАВ та оцінки рівня їх безпеки.
Зонування, оптимальне обстеження та верифікація даних дозиметрії поверхневих полів випромінювань
Authors: Snisar I.
Published: December 2021

Пропонуються оригінальні методики зонування, оптимізації обстежень та верифікації даних дозиметрії поверхневих полів іонізуючих випромінювань. Ці методики уможливлюють однозначність розв’язання задач зонування й маршрутизації обстежень згаданих полів за будь-якого обсягу вихідних даних, а також верифікацію даних польових вимірювань, отриманих за будь-якої сітки вимірювань і будь-якими методами.
Horizontality, Negotiation, and Emergence: Toward a Philosophy of Environmental History
Authors: De Carvalho Cabral Diogo
Published: December 2021

In this article, I intend to creatively synthesize both the empirical findings and the theoretical formulations put forward by self-proclaimed environmental historians, as well as those by the scholars who preceded and influenced them. Establishing a dialogue with the broader field of Environmental Humanities, especially posthumanism, I propose three principles for writing environmental histories: horizontality, negotiation, and emergency. Horizontality refers to the inexistence of a given and absolute 'ground' for human life. We walk, build our houses, earn a living, and develop ideas and cultures, not on top of an ontological floor, but attending to and being attended by the bodies surrounding us, some of them animated and some not, some solid and some liquid and gaseous. To inhabit is to make oneself available to be inhabited. Mutual habitation weaves assemblages that are both the continent and the content of life. Negotiation alludes to the human conversation with a larger world, both animated and inanimate, about coexistence. Humans never get everything they want, just the way they want it, from their relationships with nonhumans. Though people rarely recognize this, the only way history can be made is through compromise with the rest of the biosphere. This means that humans are continuously becoming, as they and their activities couple themselves with other natural entities and their activities. Emergence, therefore, is the radical geo-historicity of all earthly things, whose character is never given beforehand but constituted as they make their way through the world.
Analyzing the Phenomenon of English-Chinese Intransitive Verbs with Objects
Authors: Cai Yiqian
Published: December 2021

Academics have paid close attention to intransitive verbs with objects as a unique language phenomenon. This article aims to examine the phenomenon of intransitive verbs carrying objects in Chinese from the standpoints of syntactic structure and cognitive linguistic theory. The object of intransitive verbs is categorized, as well as the syntactic structure of intransitive verbs with objects. Additionally, a comparison of English and Chinese intransitive verbs with objects is made, and the structure of intransitive verbs with objects is analyzed for rationality. The analysis of 38 international students' actual learning situations, as well as valid questionnaires and corpora, is used to determine whether second language learners from various language systems can comprehend and master the structure of "intransitive verbs with object" in Chinese despite significant language system differences. Finally, despite the impact of COVID-19 on the project survey, we discovered that students whose first language was not Chinese had varying levels of bias in their perception and acquisition of intransitive verbs with objects, owing to the negative effects of their mother tongue and different teaching methods. Most notably, the versatility of the syntactic structure of "intransitive verbs with objects" complicates learning Chinese syntax, which is already difficult in comparison to English. This leads us to believe that more study is required to further our understanding of the peculiar grammatical phenomenon known as "intransitive verbs with objects" and to apply our findings to the study of contemporary Chinese and language learning.
Simulation and Implementation PID Controlling Buck Converter DC
Authors: Ardana I Wayan Raka , Wiranata Lalu Febrian , Purnama Ida Bagus Irawan
Published: December 2021

Regulating the output voltage based on the desired set point is useful for many applications. However, getting the optimal value using fast computation with minimal error is still challenging. This paper aims to design, simulate, and implement a second-order Buck-Boost DC-DC converter circuit so that the voltage result according to the desired set point can be achieved. Initially, testing is conducted using Matlab Simulink. Then, Proteus is used to test the computation of the program on embedded systems in which the result is implemented in C. In low voltage power electronics applications, this approach has never been used to determine the output form. To determine the value of Kp, Ki, dan Kd, PID, Ziger Nichos (Guo, 2002). method is used. Meanwhile, tuning is done through Matlab. For simulation on Proteus, the output is tested by setting the setpoint values of 3.0, 2.5, and 1.7 volts. This aims to see the pattern of changes in the simulation. The simulation results with Proteus show that they have similar peak values but with different overshoot values. This is because the simulation must pass the reference voltage before it drops to the desired setpoint value. Proteus simulation can also help to prove embedded system programs are running correctly. On the other hand, the value of 1.7 volts is used as a setpoint in device implementation. This is due to the determination that the setpoint voltage in the implementation does not exceed the value of the source/power supply. The results show that for the rise time value of 378,770 ms, Overshoot and settling time are 11.798% and 0, respectively. This means the result produces an optimal value which is a return to the initial target. The optimal factor is assessed from the ability to minimize existing errors as well as having the shortest possible computational process.
Prediction of the Shear Tension Strength of Resistance Spot Welded Thin Steel Sheets from High- to Ultrahigh Strength Range
Authors: Májlinger Kornél , Katula Levente T. , Varbai Balázs
Published: December 2021

The tensile strength of newly developed ultra-high strength steel grades is now above 1800 MPa, and even new steel grades are currently in development. One typical welding process to join thin steels sheets is resistance spot welding (RSW). Some standardized and not standardized formulas predict the minimal shear tension strength (STS) of RSWed joints, but those formulas are less and less accurate with the higher base materials strength. Therefore, in our current research, we investigated a significant amount of STS data of the professional literature and our own experiments and recommended a new formula to predict the STS of RSWed high strength steel joints. The proposed correlation gives a better prediction than the other formulas, not only in the ultra-high strength steel range but also in the lower steel strength domain.
Vibrations in Single-Degrees-of-Freedom Sampled-Data Linear Mechanical Systems
Authors: Budai Csaba
Published: December 2021

This paper aims to present that the effect of sampling can result in multi-frequency vibration even in the case of a single-degree-of-freedom linear mechanical model. Even though the sampled-data systems have an infinite number of characteristic exponents due to sampling, the vibrations of these systems can still be characterized by an effective system model with a single dominant frequency. However, as this paper shows, additional harmonics become relevant, resulting in multi-frequency vibrations depending on the magnitude of applied control parameters. The vibrations presented by the time histories of vibration and their spectra resulted in numerical simulation of the sampled-data system.