en slag on nitrogen

rogen removal from the liquid steel.The experimental results show that addition of BaO and TiO2 to the slag can promote removal of nitrogen,and the nitrogen content of molten steel decreases linearly with increasing BaO and TiO2 contents in the slag.liquid steel;nitrogen content;BaO     

The Effect of ‘Latent’ Virus Infections on the Yield of Maiden Trees on 20 Apomictic Apple Seedling Rootstocks

Five years’ experiments with apomictic apple seedling rootstock selections budded with apple cultivars have shown that incompatibility in Malus sieboldii, M. sargenti, M. hupehensis and their derivatives is mainly due to high sensitivity of the species rootstocks to viruses latent in commercial apple cultivars. The yields of maiden trees from rootstocks which were budded with material that was virus-free, infected with ‘latent’ viruses and infected with ‘latent’ viruses plus rubbery wood virus were 67%, 28% and 16%, respectively. There were, however, differences in the sensitivity reaction between the rootstocks tested. Fairly good compatibility with scions infected with ‘latent’ viruses was observed in the M. sieboldii root- stock selections 4542, 4556 and 4608 and in M. hupehensis.     

Effect of zacopride on angiotensin Ⅱ-induced myocardial fibrosis

AIM:To investigate the effect of inwardly rectifying potassium channel (I_K1) agonist zacopride (Zac) on angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ)-induced viability and apoptosis of cardiac fibroblasts (CFb) and to explore the underlying anti-fibrosis mechanism.METHODS:The ventricular fibroblasts from neonatal SD rats were isolated and cultured by tissue digestion and differential adherence methods. The model of rat cardiac fibroblast activation induced by angiotensin Ⅱ was established. The CFb were randomly divided into control group, Ang Ⅱ model group, Ang Ⅱ+Zac group, Ang Ⅱ+Zac+BaCl₂ group, AngⅡ+Zac+chloroquine group and Ang Ⅱ+captopril group. CCK-8 assay was used to detect the effect of Zac on the viability of CFb. The amount of collagen I and collagen Ⅲ secreted by CFb was determined by ELISA. The apoptosis of the CFb was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein expression of Kir2.1 was determined by Western blot. RESULTS:Compared with the control group, the viability and collagen synthesis of the CFb were significantly increased, along with decreased Kir2.1 expression (P<0.05). Compared with the Ang Ⅱ model group, Zac treatment inhibited the viability and collagen synthesis of the CFb, induced apoptosis and up-regulated Kir2.1 expression (P<0.05). I_K1 blockers BaCl₂ and chloroquine reversed the effect of Zac. CONCLUSION:By enhancing I_K1 (Kir2.1) expression, Zac attenuates Ang Ⅱ-induced ventricular fibrosis, in response to the inhibition of cell viability and induction of apoptosis.     

Evidence of Clonal Variation and Latent Virus Effect on the Vigour of Cox’s Orange Pippin Apple Trees on M.9 Rootstocks

Apple trees on M.9 EMLA rootstocks free from known virus are at least 50% larger than those on M.9a containing latent virus. Evidence is presented that about half of this difference can be attributed to clonal variation and the rest to virus effects.     

Effects of Coriaria sinica Maxim’s extract on burn wound healing and scar hyperplasia in rats based on ILK signaling pathway

AIM: To explore the mechanism of Coriaria sinica Maxim’s extract (CSME) promoting burn wound healing in the early stage and inhibiting excessive scar hyperplasia in the later stage, based on the signaling pathways, such as transforming growth factor-β₁ (TGF-β₁) regulated by integrin-linked kinase (ILK) and ILK regulated by PI3K/AKT. METHODS: Female SD rats (n=180; 180~200 g) were randomly divided into 6 groups: normal control (NC) group, vaseline (VL) group, silver sulfadiazine (SS) group and low-, medium- and high-dose of CSME (CSME-L, CSME-M and CSME-H) groups, with 30 rats in each group. Except for the rats in NC group, VL, SS, and 3 doses of CSME were applied to the wound surface of the rats in the corresponding groups every day after II° burn model was made on their waist-back in the condition of chloral hydrate anesthesia. To calculate the healing rate (HR), 10 rats in each experimental group were randomly selected to remove their wound skin for observing the pathologic change, detecting the expression of related proteins by Western blot and RT-qPCR, and checking the collagen shrinkage (SK) by fibroblast culture at the 7th, 14th, and 21st days. RESULTS: The expression of ILK, fibronectin (FN), TGF-β₁, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and integrin-β₁ (ITG-β₁) at protein and mRNA levels in wound skin of CSME groups was stronger than that in VL group and SS group at the 7th day in a dose-dependent manner, but weaker than that in VL group and SS group at the 21st day (P<0.05). Meanwhile, the protein and mRNA expression of collagen type I (Col I) in CSME groups was stronger than that in VL group and SS group from the 7th day to the 14th day, but weaker than that in VL group and SS group at the 21st day in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). However, the protein and mRNA expression of collagen type III (Col III) in CSME groups was weaker than that in VL group and SS group from the 7th day to the 14th day, but stronger than that in VL group and SS group at the 21st day in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The SK of fibroblasts in VL group and SS group was increased continuously over time and reached its peak at 96 h. SK in CSME groups was only higher than that in VL group and SS group at 24 h and 48 h in a dose-dependent manner, but lower than that in VL group and SS group at 96 h (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: CSME promotes burn wound healing in the early stages and inhibits the scar hyperplasia in the later stages. The mechanisms may be related to its multicomponents or multiple-targets to intervene in the signaling pathways such as TGF-β₁ regulated by ILK and ILK regulated by PI3K/AKT. It may also be related to the ratio of Col I and Col III expression.     

The Effect of Conditions of Storage on the Respiration of Apples: III. The Effect of Modulation of Temperature on the Respiration of Cox’s Orange Pippin Apples,and on the Extent of Low Temperature Injury

When apples which develop low temperature breakdown (LTB) at 32° F. are moved from 32° F. to 65° F. for 3 to 5 days at about the 7th to 8th week of storage, they subsequently develop within a given period of storage less LTB than apples kept at 32° F. continuously.

The respiration of apples susceptible to LTB increases steadily during storage at 32° F. If these apples are warmed to 65° F. during the period of exposure to 32° F., the subsequent rate of respiration at 32° F. is lower than before warming, and continues at a lower rate than for apples kept at 32° F. continuously.

If the apples are moved to 38° F., without an intermediate treatment at 65° F., the rate of respiration is higher than for apples at 38° F. continuously, and this higher rate persists.

If there is an intermediate wanning period at 65° F., the respiration of apples moved from 32° to 38° F. is of the same order as that for apples kept at 38° F. continuously.

The respiratory quotient of apples at 32° F. or at 38° F., which is indicative of the type of respiratory activity, is typical for the temperature at which it is measured, and is not affected by the warming treatment. The effects of wanning on both the incidence of LTB and respiration are similar for apples stored in air and in 2% oxygen: 98% nitrogen.     

Effect of Culture Parameters on the Growth of Sparassis crispa Mycelium

The effect of carbon and nitrogen sources, pH, temperature and substrate water content on the growth and vigor of Sparassis crispa mycelium was evaluated. Mycelial growth rates were highest when rice starch served as the carbon source and when peptone, yeast extract or soybean meal were adopted as the nitrogen source. The optimum pH and substrate water content values were 5.25 and 62.5% respectively. Mycelial growth was optimal at 20.2 ℃ and inhibited at 35 ℃, and temperatures of 40 ℃ and above killed the fungus.     

Effective microorganisms and their influence on vegetable production – a review

Summary

This review aims to describe the nature of effective microorganisms (EM) and how EM influence the growth, yield, quality, and protection of vegetable plants. EM comprise a mixture of live natural cultures of microorganisms isolated from fertile soils that are used to improve crop production. EM technology was developed over 40 years ago by Dr. Tero Higa in Japan. How EM act and interact in the soil-plant environment to suppress plant pathogens and disease, to conserve energy, to solubilise soil minerals, to aid the balance and ecology of soil microbes, and to improve photosynthetic efficiency and biological nitrogen fixation are described. In 70% of published studies, it was concluded that EM had a positive effect on the growth of vegetables, while, in the other 30%, they had no significant influence. In this investigation, among 22 reports on the effects of EM on the yields of vegetables, 84% were positive, 4% were negative, and 12% showed no significant influence. It is concluded that EM can improve the quality and yield of vegetables by reducing the incidence of pests and diseases, and by protecting against weeds, thereby contributing to sustainable agriculture.     

What determines the spatial extent of landscape effects on species?

Context

Landscape ecologists are often interested in measuring the effects of an environmental variable on a biological response; however, the strength and direction of effect depend on the size of the area within which the environmental variable is measured. Thus a central objective is to identify the optimal spatial extent within which to measure the environmental variable, i.e. the “scale of effect”.

Objectives

Our objectives are (1) to provide a comprehensive summary of the hypotheses concerning what determines the scale of effect, (2) to provide predictions that can be tested in empirical studies, and (3) to show, with a review of the literature, that most of these predictions have so far been inadequately tested.

Methods

We propose 14 predictions derived from five hypotheses explaining what determines the scale of effect, and review the literature (if any) supporting each prediction. These predictions involve five types of factors: (A) species traits, (B) landscape variables, (C) biological responses (e.g. abundance vs. occurrence), (D) indirect influences, and (E) regional context of the study. We identify methodological issues that hinder estimation of the scale of effect.

Results

Of the 14 predictions, only nine have been tested empirically and only five have received some empirical support. Most support is from simulation studies. Empirical evidence usually does not support predictions.

Conclusions

The study of the spatial scale at which landscape variables influence biological outcomes is in its infancy. We provide directions for future research by clarifying predictions concerning the determinants of the scale of effect.

     

The long-term effects of pre-planting soil fumigation on the growth and cropping of cvs Laxton’s Fortune and Cox’s Orange Pippin on M.2 rootstock,planted on land affected with a replant disease of apple

Soil fumigation of land affected by apple replant disease, using chloropicrin at 281 1 ha^-1 before planting-out, caused increases in shoot numbers, trunk girth and of 35% in total crop accumulated over 10 years for cv Cox’s Orange Pippin on M.2 rootstock. Chloropicrin at 1121 ha^-1 gave rise to a smaller response, and DD at 5621 ha^-1 was ineffective. Cv Laxton’s Fortune on M.2 showed little response to any treatment.     

Effects of α-MSH on the Ca2+ channels of primary DMNV cells and effects of anti-apoptosis on primary DMNV cells after activation of melanocortin receptors

AIM: α-MSH is elevated in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and has been implicated as an inflammatory mediator. The purpose of this study was to investigate effects of α-MSH on the Ca2+ channels of primary DMNV cells, the effects of gastrointestinal inflammation on the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in rats, as well as the effects of proinflammatory cytokines and α-MSH on neurons from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in vitro. METHODS: In vitro studies the primary culture of neurons from the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus was performed. Single-cell cytoplasmic calcium transients were determined using the fluorescence dye fura-2-AM. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: MC4R mRNA was expressed in the DMNV cells of normal rats. Activation of MC4R promoted the calcium influx of primary DMNV cells. The addition of α-MSH to thrombin or trypsin resulted in significant decreases in apoptosis compared to thrombin or trypsin alone. CONCLUSION: Functionally active α-MSH receptors are linked to Ca2+ channels in DMNV neurons. In cultured DMNV cells, α-MSH attenuates neuronal apoptosis and reverses inhibition of cellular proliferation.     

The thinning effect of benzyladenine on red ‘Fuji’ apple trees

A trial, at the Grove Research Station in southern Tasmania, studied the thinning effect of benzyladenine (BA) on five year old red ‘Fuji’ apple trees. Untreated control trees were compared with trees treated at four timings, from full bloom (FB) to 30 d after full bloom (AFB), with four concentrations of BA (50, 100, 200 or 400 mg I-1). The most effective time of thinning was 20 d AFB, when increasing concentration also increased thinning. Further advantages of this successful thinning were reflected in better fruit size and weight. At 30 d AFB high concentrations of BA depressed fruit weight. Return bloom was improved significantly by both 20 and 30 d. AFB sprays with a concentration effect at 20 d AFB. Timing of sprays had no effect on the incidence of russet which was increased only by applications of 400 mg l-1. Both the higher concentrations and later timings resulted in an increase in shoot numbers and total growth. Reduction in mean shoot length was related more to the concentration of BA used than to differences in the timing of sprays. BA has shown potential as a thinner for red ‘Fuji’ apple at 20 d AFB.     

The effect of ε-aminocaproic acid on self-incompatibility and incongruity in Phaseolus

Summary

The effects of ε-aminocaproic acid (EACA) on self-incompatibility was tested in a Phaseolus coccineus line which failed to form pods in controlled pollinations. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and fluorescence miscroscopy confirmed problems in pollen-germination and pollen-tube growth but EACA-treated self- pollinations resulted in fairly normal pollen germination and pollen tube growth. In a few cases, pollen tubes were seen entering the embryo sac and occasionally pods were formed. Incongruity barriers also exist in crosses of P. coccineus × P. vulgaris, P. acutifolius × P. coccineus and their reciprocals. Effects of EACA on flower abscission, pod development and pod abscission were studied. Increased pod formation was observed in EACA treated materials, except in P. acutifolius × P. coccineus and P. coccineus × P. vulgaris cv. Jacobs Cattle. EACA seems to act at the stigmatic and stylar levels, thereby enhancing pollen germination and pollen tube growth and delaying flower abscission. The net result is fertilization and delayed senescence which permit the pod to grow for a longer period of time.     

Prohexadione-calcium effects on the quality of ‘Royal Gala’ apple fruits

Summary

To study the effects of prohexadione-calcium (Pro-Ca) on fruit quality, an experiment was performed in 2002 in which trees were treated with two different concentrations of Pro-Ca and left with different crop-loads. Increasing levels of thinning resulted in smaller yields, but greater fruit sizes, which followed a curvilinear pattern when plotted against crop-load. The soluble solids content and titratable acidity of fruits decreased linearly with increasing crop-load. Fruit skin chromaticity values also changed. Luminescence increased, while a* values decreased linearly with increasing crop-load, indicating more reddish and darker coloured fruits on trees subjected to very heavy thinning. In addition, the concentrations of soluble sugars in fruits changed with the level of cropping; fructose and glucose concentrations increased with crop-load, while sorbitol and sucrose decreased. The application of Pro-Ca shortly after full-bloom inhibited shoot elongation growth, but did not result in changes in yield or in any of the fruit quality parameters analysed.     

The effect of nucleolin on interleukin-1β secretion induced by lipopolysaccharide

AIM: To explore the expression of nucleolin in lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-mediated inflammatory models, and further investigate the role of nucleolin in expression and secretion of LPS-induced interleukin-1β(IL-1β). METHODS: To establish inflammatory models, mice suffered intraperitoneal injection of LPS(15 mg/kg)and RAW264.7 cells were treated with LPS(500 μg/L).Western blotting were applied to identify the expression of nucleolin in these inflammatory models. After over-expression of nucleolin by transient pcDNA3.1-C23 transfection and down-regulation by transient transfection of nucleolin antisense oligonucleotides, the secretion of IL-1β were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. RESULTS: Westem blotting assays showed that the 110 kD nucleolin increased in RAW264.7 cells treated with LPS (500 μg/L) and the lung tissues of the mice treated with LPS (15 mg/kg), while the 80 kD component of nucleolin decreased. ELISA showed that LPS-induced IL-1β release in RAW264.7 cells transfected with pcDNA3.1-C23 was higher than that in pcDNA3.1 empty vector transfected cells. LPS-induced IL-1β release in RAW264.7 cells transfected with C23 antisense oligonucleotide was lower than that in normal cells and scramble oligonucleotide transfected cells. CONCLUSION: In LPS-mediated mouse endotoxemia model and LPS-mediated RAW264.7 cell inflammatory model, the expression of 110 kD nucleolin was up-regulated, but 80 kD nucleolin fragment decreased. Nucleolin promoted secretion of LPS-induced IL-1β.     

Influence of IFN-γ combined with M-pred on human embryonic lung fibroblasts

AIM: To look for a better method to deal with interstitial lung disease, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) combined with methylprednisolone (M-pred) to influence human embryonic lung fibroblast on proliferation, collagen synthesis and the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) protein and mRNA were investigated. METHODS: Exponentially growing cells were preincubated for 48 h before harvested. The microculture tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to measure the inhibition ratios of M-pred combined with different concentrations of IFN-γ. The expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was detected by immunocytochemical analysis. Hydroxyproline kit was adopted to detect collagen synthesis. The expressions of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein were detected respectively by RT-PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: Methylprednisolone, IFN-γ as well as the combination of methylprednisolone and IFN-γ inhibited the proliferation of HELF and the expression of PCNA in comparison with control group (P<0.05). That also decreased the expression of hydroxyproline, inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA and protein (P<0.05). The effectiveness of IFN-γ became stronger when the concentration increased. The synergistic effect between IFN-γ and methylprednisolone was observed (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination effect of IFN-γ and methylprednisolone is augmented compared with using IFN-γ or methylprednisolone alone, suggesting that the combination use of both drugs has better anti-fibrous degeneration effect than use either alone.     

What determines the scale of landscape effect on tropical arboreal mammals?

Landscape Ecology - Biodiversity patterns depend on landscape structure, but the spatial scale at which such dependence is strongest (scale of effect, SoE) remains poorly understood, especially for...     

The relations among PAMP,ADM and AngⅡ on vascular tissue

AIM: To elucidate the relations among proadrenomedullin N terminal 20 peptide(PAMP), adrenomedullin(ADM)and angiotensin(Ang).METHODS: Tissue slices of rat aorta were incubated as follows:(I) increasing concentrations of AngⅡ(10^-9, 10^-8, 10^-7 mol/L); increasing concentrations of PAMP(10^-9,10^-8,10^-7mol/L).The tissue and incubation concentrations of PAMP,ADM and AngⅡ were measured by the radioimmunoassay (RIA).RESULTS: The tissue and incubation concentrations of PAMP and ADM were concentration-dependently increased by AngⅡ,but the tissue and incubation concentrations of AngⅡ can not effected by PAMP.CONCLUSION: AngⅡ markedly stimulate the release of ADM and PAMP.It may be one of the factors which regulate the synthesis and release of ADM and PAMP.The regulation may play an important role in homeostasis regulation of cardiovascular system.