The influence of species traits and <Emphasis Type="Italic">q</Emphasis>-metrics on scale-specific β-diversity components of arthropod communities of temperate forests

Protection of biodiversity and ecosystem functions requires a better understanding of spatial diversity. Here we studied diversity patterns of true bugs and saproxylic beetles, sampled in 28 forest stands of southern Germany, using a hierarchical nested design of five increasingly broader spatial levels: trap location, stratum, forest stand, forest site, and ecoregion. We predicted that: (1) for large body-sized species (as a surrogate for highly mobile species) and host generalist species (low host specificity), the proportion of β-diversity decreases from small to large spatial scales; and (2) the differences between trait-based functional guilds in the proportion of β-diversity increase with increasing weighting of more-abundant species. Our results indicated that the ecoregion level is the most important diversity scale for both taxa and among functional guilds sampled, followed by the forest stand level. Specialized species were more strongly affected on the ecoregion level than generalist species. Differences in the proportion of β-diversity between functional guilds increased with increasing weighting of abundant species. The β-diversity patterns based on body size and host specificity were similar for true bugs, but partly contrasting for saproxylic beetles. Our results suggest that (1) future conservation schemes should focus on establishing new conservation sites in new ecoregions, rather than on enlarging existing protected areas; (2) host specificity might be a more meaningful trait than body size to be considered in biodiversity studies; and (3) common conservation approaches restricted to only large, conspicuous, but rare species might result in a mismatch of important biodiversity scales.     

Morphological characterization of ‘Oblačinska’ sour cherry by multivariate analysis

A wide range of ‘Obla?inska’ sour cherry germplasm was collected from the most important growing regions in Serbia. Twenty nine variables were recorded in 41 accessions to determine the overall degree of polymorphism and to detect similarities among genotypes. The highest degree of variability was observed in traits related to number and composition of fruiting twigs, fruit set and yield. The majority of significant correlation coefficients were found in the characteristics representing fruit and leaf size. Principal component analysis (PCA) makes the phenotypical diversity determination and separation of similar genotypes possible. Variables with high discriminating values were those related to fruit and leaf size, yield efficiency, blooming time and flowering density. Based on the results from this study, the genotypes XI/3 and II/10 can be recommended for cultivation. The clonal selection and conservation of the highly diverse autochthonous population of sour cherry are also recommended.     

Effects of PPARα activation on AngⅡ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and interaction of NFATc4 with p65-NFκB

AIM：To investigate the effects of fenofibrate on angiotensin Ⅱ (AngⅡ)-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. METHODS：Primary neonatal cardiomyocytes were pretreated with fenofibrate (10 μmol/L) for 1 h followed by stimulation with AngⅡ (100 nmol/L). The mRNA levels of ANF, BNP and β-MHC were measured by real-time PCR. Western blotting was employed to determine the nuclear translocations of NFATc4 and p65-NFκB. Co-immunoprecipitation was used to investigate the interaction of NFATc4 with p65-NFκB in the nucleus of cardiomyocytes. In addition, the DNA binding activity of NFATc4 on the BNP promoter was determined by EMSA. RESULTS：Fenofibrate significantly inhibited AngⅡ-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy. Fenofibrate treatment inhibited the nuclear translocations of NFATc4 and p65-NFκB, as well as the interactions of NFATc4 with p65-NFκB in the nucleus of cardiomyocytes induced by AngⅡ. Fenofibrate inhibited the binding activity of NFATc4 with the BNP promoter, which was strengthened by AngⅡ. CONCLUSION： Fenofibrate enhances the interaction of NFATc4 with PPARα, decreases the interaction of NFATc4 with p65-NFκB in the nucleus of cardiomyocytes, and inhibits the DNA binding activity of NFATc4 induced by AngⅡ, which may be the important mechanisms of fenofibrate on inhibiting cardiac hypertrophy.     

The Potential of Caprifig Genotypes for Sheltering <Emphasis Type="Italic">Blastophaga psenes</Emphasis> L. for Caprification of Edible Figs

Caprifig (Ficus carica L.) as pollen sources, play a major role in edible fig caprification by Blastophaga psenes L. The present study was carried out to evaluate the potential of three caprifig genotypes (Poozdombali, Kouhi and Kouhaki) for the shelter of B. psenes wasp in Estahban region, Fars province, Iran. Summer (profichi) crop fruits per genotype were harvested in full maturity period and evaluated for five times for the shelter of B. psenes wasp. Significant differences among caprifig genotypes were found for B. psenes number for the three times carried out (0, 21 and 28 days), but they did not show significant differences for two times (7 and 14 days). At day of harvesting, Poozdombali showed the highest B. psenes wasp number (341.33) and Kouhaki had the lowest (200.00) and they showed significant differences for this character in this time. Also, seven days after harvesting, Poozdombali showed the highest wasp number (106.67) and Kouhi and Kouhaki had the lowest (104.33), but not significant difference. Number of B. psenes at the day of harvesting was the highest for all of the genotypes and at 28 days after harvesting was the lowest. Cluster analysis identified two major clusters with several sub-clusters. Caprifig trees with having high B. psenes number are essential for a suitable caprification. Thus, Poozdombali genotype with the highest B. psenes number, is suitable in this important trait to be used for edible figs caprification.     

Micropropagation of the bromeliad Guzmania ‘Hilda’ via organogenesis and the effect of α-naphthaleneacetic acid on plantlet elongation

This study established a highly effective micropropagation system to obtain good plantlet proliferation from floral organs via callus induction and bud differentiation in Guzmania ‘Hilda’ bromeliad. The best frequencies of organogenic callus formation (20% in petal and 35% in ovary explants) were obtained on media containing a combination of 1.0 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) with 1.0 mg l⁻¹ α-naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA) and 1.5 mg l⁻¹ 2,4-D with 0.5 mg l⁻¹ NAA, respectively. Organogenic calli were cultured on medium with 1.0 mg l⁻¹ NAA and 0.5 mg l⁻¹ 1-phenyl-3-(1,2,3-thiadiazol-5-yl) urea (TDZ) induce the differentiation and regeneration of adventitious buds into plantlets. When the plantlets were cultured in a medium with optimum NAA concentration (0.5–1.0 mg l⁻¹) significant improvement in regeneration and elongation was achieved within one month. This overcame the difficulty of delayed elongation in Guzmania plantlets. More than 99% of the regenerated and acclimatized plantlets developed to the flowering stage.     

Role of TGF-β1/Smad signaling in angiotensin Ⅱ mediated down-regulation of connexin 43

AIM: To analyze the alterations of angiotensin Ⅱ (Ang Ⅱ), connexin 43 (Cx43), angiotenisin Ⅱ receptor type 1 (AT1) and signaling molecules in the TGF-β1/Smad pathway in different regions of the left ventricular heart tissue for exploring whether Ang Ⅱ regulates Cx43 expression via the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in myocardial infarction (MI) rats. METHODS: MI was induced in 20 male Sprague-Dawley rats by the left anterior descending coronary artery ligation. The rats were then randomized into 2 groups. In the losartan group, 20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 of losartan were administered for 2 weeks. Heart functions were assessed after surgery and 2 weeks later again following the above treatments. All the rats were sacrificed and relevant molecules, including Ang Ⅱ, AT1, and Cx43 were determined thereafter in diffe-rent areas of the left ventricle. TGF-β1 and its downstream signaling molecules, including Smad 2, Smad 3 and Smad 7, were also detected. RESULTS: In losartan group, both left ventricular internal dimension diastole (LVIDd) and left ventricular internal dimension systole (LVIDs) were smaller, with diminished interventricular septal thickness (IVSd) and left ventricular posterior wall depth (LVPWd) and distinct improvement of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (P<0.05). Losartan therapy exhibited a reduction of Ang Ⅱ in the infarct zone and the border zone in the cardiac tissues. AT1 was obviously attenuated in the infarct zone with an enhanced expression of Cx43, which was also elevated in the border zone and none infarct zone. TGF-β1, Smad 2 and Smad 3 were decreased in different zones of the left ventricle, while Smad 7, in contrary to the above factors, presented a converse alteration.CONCLUSION: The activation of Ang Ⅱ provokes downregulation of Cx43 through TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway in MI rats.     

Determination of Energy Use Efficiency of some Apple (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Malus x domestica</Emphasis>) Production in Turkey: a Case Study of Eğirdir Region

This research aims to make an analysis of energy use efficiency of apple (‘Starkrimson Delicious’ and ‘Golden Delicious’) production in E?irdir region of Turkey, during the production season of 2012. Production data this research was collected in 2013. In order to determine the energy use efficiency of apple, various surveys have been conducted in 71 apple farms, selected through Simple Random Sampling method, located in E?irdir region of Turkey. The data have been collected through face to face questionnaires and first hand observations. The energy input and output values in apple production have been calculated as 34,703.63 MJ ha^?1 and 95,034 MJ ha^?1, respectively. Energy inputs consist of diesel fuel energy by 29.04?%, chemical fertilizers energy by 24.28?%, machinery energy by 15.70?%, chemical energy by 9.84?%, human labor energy by 8.54?%, electricity energy by 5.63?%, irrigation energy by 3.97?%, farmyard manure energy by 2.88?% and lime energy by 0.12?%. Energy use efficiency, energy productivity, specific energy and net energy in apple production have been calculated as 2.74, 1.16 kg MJ^?1, 0.86 MJ kg^?1 and 60,330.36 MJ ha^?1, respectively. The total energy input consumed has been classified as direct, by 47.17?%, indirect, by 52.83?%, renewable, by 15.38?% and non-renewable, by 74.62?%.     

萱草‘红唇’、‘手里剑’、‘小黄人’和‘晚礼服’

从20个大花萱草品种杂交组合的1 034个后代中筛选出4个大花优良新品种,花朵大型,花色鲜艳,性状表现稳定,生长强健,适于粗放栽培,可露地越冬,可分株繁殖。     

Preparation and identification of monoclonal antibodies against synthetic human inhibin α、βA、βB fragments and its preliminary application

AIM: Preparation and identification of McAbs against synthetic human inhibin α、βA、 or βB fragments and its immunohistochomical application in cancers.METHODS: The fragment of inhibin subunits α(1-26)(37-65), βA(1-28)(82-114), βΒ(1-28)(85-115) have been synthesized. Inhibin isolated from porcine follicle fluid and synthetic polypeptide fragments were used as antigen. Intraperitoneal immunization was performed on BALB/c mice, then boosted with intraspleen injection was performed 3 days prior to fusion. After fusion, selection and cloning procedures, 14 hybridoma cell lines were successfully obtained and their immunological characteristics were analyzed. After purification, McAbs were applied to immunohistochemical staining in gonadal tumors and other cancers.RESULTS: We obstained 14 stable cell lines which can secret McAbs againsting INH α、βA or βB subunit. The titre of ascites were 1×10^-4-1×10^-6. Immunohistochemical positive staining were observed in ovarian granulosa cell tumor (100%), ovarian mucinos tumor, embryonal carcinoma of the ovary, testis spermocytoma, embryonal carcinoma of the testis, In 40 samples of breast cancers, each INH subunit positive rates were over 70%.CONCLUSION: The INH's McAbs prepared by ourselves were usefull for cancer immunohistochemistry.     

A Study on the Effect of Nitrogen Spray at Different Times on Color and Yield Parameters of Grape <Emphasis Type="Italic">cv. Pykany</Emphasis>

In order to study the effect of nitrogen spray at different times on color and yield parameters of grape cv. Pykany, an experiment was carried out in factorial based on randomized complete block design with four replications in Khalil Abad County in 2015. The treatments included three concentrations of nitrogen (0, 5 and 10?ppm) and three spray times (Late April, before bloom stage, and after pollination and fruit set stage). Color parameters such as brightness rate (L), redness (a) and yellowness (b), chroma, hue angle and browning index were evaluated in this experiment. The results of variance analysis and means comparison showed that the effect of treatment containing spray at concentration of 10?ppm on yield was significant at 1%. There were not significant differences among treatments of urea concentrations and spray times on L and b but different concentrations of urea had significant effect on a* at the level of 1%, so that the highest amount of significant difference was due to the treatment of urea spray at the concentration of 10?ppm and the lowest amount was due to the control treatment. Furthermore, the interaction effect of concentration and different times of nitrogen application on color intensity index was significant at the level of 5%. Based on the results, the effect of different concentrations of urea spray on hue angle was significant at 1% so that the highest level of significant difference was due to the concentration of 10?ppm and the lowest was related to control treatment.     

萱草‘粉佳人’、‘粉太妃’、‘红太妃’和‘霞光’

萱草（Hemerocallis L.）‘粉佳人’,花圆形,花被紫红色,边缘波皱,花直径10.0 cm;‘粉太妃’,花圆形,花被浅粉红色,边缘波皱,花直径8.5 cm;‘红太妃’,花圆形,花被深红色,有绒光,内花被边缘波皱,花直径14.5 cm;‘霞光’,花星形,双色,外花被黄色;内花被红色,中肋黄色,皱褶,花直径14.5 cm。在河北及相似的生境条件下均可栽培。     

Selection of potential pollinizers for ‘Hass’ avocado based on flowering time and male–female overlapping

Avocado production is dependent on the singular synchronous protogynous dichogamy of the species that promotes outcrossing. With the objective of selecting potential pollinizer avocado genotypes for ‘Hass’, the most important avocado cultivar worldwide, we have monitored during two consecutive years the flowering phenology of 27 avocado genotypes in South-eastern Spain. The average length of the flowering season was 45 days ranging from 18 days for ‘Harvest’ to 50 days for ‘Fuerte’. The earliest genotypes to flower were ‘Fuerte’ and ‘Shepard’ that started blooming during the third week of March. The latest genotypes to flower were ‘Colin V-33’, ‘Adi’, ‘OA184’ and ‘Harvest’, which started blooming in the second week of April. ‘Hass’ blooming lasted 30 days, from the first week of April until the second week of May. Since a good pollinizer must present not only an overlapping in the flowering season but also an overlapping in sexual stages with the pollinated cultivar, a group of 12 genotypes (‘Hass’, ‘Fuerte’ and 10 genotypes producing ‘Hass-like’ fruit with good overlapping in the flowering season with ‘Hass’) was studied with more detail determining daily the stages of male and female overlapping every 2 h. Results herein indicate that ‘Marvel’ and ‘Nobel’ showed a high sexual overlapping with ‘Hass’. Taking into account the flowering phenology, the overlapping in sexual stages and the fruit set obtained with hand-pollinated flowers in the field, those two genotypes could be an interesting alternative to the current use of ‘Fuerte’ as pollinizer for ‘Hass’ in South-eastern Spain.     

恨"爹"不成"刚"

"恨爹不成刚",是2010年12月开始传播的网络"名言",受到上百万网友热捧,称之为2010年年度最给力语句.     

Seasonal Changes of Shoot Carbohydrates and Growth Characteristics of ‘Trakya İlkeren’ Grape Variety (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Vitis vinifera</Emphasis> L.)

This research was conducted to determine the changes in the seasonal carbohydrates of annual shoots and growth characteristics of 10 years old ‘Trakya ?lkeren’ grape variety. Grapevines are grafted on 5BB and 5C rootstocks and they were grown in heavy clay soil conditions. In the study, changes of sugar, starch and total carbohydrates were determined from bud burst to dormancy. While sugar, starch and total carbohydrates showed significant differences (P < 0.01) there were no differences between rootstocks. Although sugar, starch and total carbohydrates of shoots decreased from bud burst to blooming, they increased thereafter until vegetative growth stopped. Total carbohydrates of annual shoots have been found to accumulate in period from blooming to harvest. Total and mean leaf area, shoot length and diameter, total chlorophyll and chlorophyll a/b ratio showed significantly variation among rootstocks and phenological stages (P < 0.01). Whereas the highest chlorophyll contents were found in the blooming, it was found at the lowest through to harvest. Overall mean and total leaf area, shoot length and shoot diameter, total chlorophyll content and chlorophyll a/b ratio were significantly higher on 5BB grafted vines. In the study, 5BB rootstocks are found suitable in terms of shoot carbohydrate accumulation and growth characteristics for ‘Trakya ?lkeren’ grape variety.     

秋海棠新品种‘开云’、‘星光’和‘昴’

秋海棠新品种‘开云’（‘银珠’× 歪叶秋海棠）,‘星光’（‘银珠’× 光滑秋海棠）和‘昴’（‘银珠’ב白王’）均通过有性杂交从其后代群体中选择培育而成,其株形好,是一类既可观叶又可观花的室内草本观赏花卉。     

Influence of Bagging on Color,Anthocyanin and Anthocyanin Biosynthetic Genes in Peel of Red Colored Mango <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cv</Emphasis>. ‘Lily’

Sunlight influences many morphological, biochemical and molecular changes in fruits and the most important is color change associated with the development of pigments. The exposure to sunlight influences the anthocyanin content of the fruit peel. With the aim to understand the influence of bagging of fruits on the mango peel color, anthocyanin and expression of anthocyanin biosynthetic genes, an experiment was conducted by covering fruits of red colored cv. ‘Lily’ with muslin cloth. The observations were recorded for fruits of control (non-bagged) and fruits developing in shade. In bagged fruits, the color of peel changed towards lightness and yellowness. The reduction in anthocyanin was observed up to 17 times in bagged and shaded fruits. We also observed the down-regulation of all anthocyanin biosynthetic genes in fruits under bagged and shaded conditions. This study reports the influence of bagging and shade on anthocyanin biosynthetic genes and subsequent change in the color of fruit peel.     

Electrochemical Properties and Biochemical Composition of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cv. </Emphasis>Shiraz Wine Grape (<Emphasis Type="Italic">V. vinifera</Emphasis> L.) Depending on Various Dose and Application Time of Foliar Microbial Fertilizer Treatments

Utilization from bio fertilization is well known a considerable tool to improve the yield and fruit quality of various crop fruits through the increasing emphasis on maintain of soil health, minimize environmental pollution and decrease the use of chemical fertilization. In this study, in order to improve wine grape quality features of cv. Shiraz, four different doses of foliar microbial fertilizer, including 0, 1000, 2000 and 3000?ppm were applied at two different terms as Term I (mostly; pre-bloom applications) and Term II (mostly; post-bloom applications). However, there were no influences of application terms of foliar microbial fertilizer treatments; treatment doses had considerable effects on yield and quality parameters. The lowest p-values, meaning the highest berry quality, from doses of foliar microbial fertilizer were obtained from 2000?ppm (105.08?μW), 1000?ppm (110.40?μW), 3000?ppm (112.97?μW) and 0?ppm (119.58?μW). Comparing the applications of foliar microbial fertilizer, it was observed that doses of 2000?ppm (3155.56?mg/kg), 1000?ppm (3000.92?mg/kg) and 3000?ppm (2530.19?mg/kg) exhibited higher total phenolic compounds content when compared with 0?ppm treatment (2206.97?mg/kg). Berries from grapevines applied with the doses of 2000, 1000 and 3000?ppm foliar microbial fertilizer respectively shown higher total anthocyanin content such as 1230.19, 1160.85 and 865.86?mg/kg compared to 0?ppm (637.37?mg/kg). As a result, research the findings indicated that 2000 and 1000?ppm doses of foliar microbial fertilizer were obviously effective on wine grape quality features of cv. Shiraz in terms of electrochemical property, total phenolic compounds content and total anthocyanin content.     

The dark side of raptors’ distribution ranges under climate change

Landscape Ecology - Artificial light at night (ALAN) represents a significant threat to biodiversity. Given that protected areas (PAs) are in relative darkness compared to the surrounding sites,...     

粗根鸢尾新品种‘Violet Peafowl’、‘Starry Diamond’、‘Rainbow in May’和‘Bright Vitas’

 ‘Violet Peafowl’、‘Starry Diamond’、‘Rainbow in May’和‘Bright Vitas’是从粗根鸢尾（Iris tigridia）的实生后代中选育出的新品种,株高12 ~ 14 cm,花色分别为紫、蓝紫、粉紫、蓝,花朵于7：30—14：00开放,花期4—5月,果期6—8月,具有耐寒、耐旱、耐盐碱等特性,可以在北方露地越冬。     

野鸢尾新品种‘Footstone’和‘Snow Honey’

 ‘Footstone’和‘Snow Honey’是从野鸢尾（I. dichotoma）的实生后代中选育出的新品种， 花色分别为黄色和白色，花朵15：00—19：30 开放，花期分别为8—9 月和7—8 月，均耐寒，耐旱，耐 瘠薄，可以在北方露地越冬。