Mutagenic Improvement of Shattering Characteristic of the Restorer Line of a Hybrid Rice “Xieyou 9308”

The newly developed hybrid rice combination "Xieyou 9308" (Xieqingzao A/T9308) has been regarded as a super-high-yielding rice variety, of which the yield potential reached as high as 12 t/ha. However, its high shattering characteristic (as high as 60%) has limited its wider application. In the current experiment, a non-shattering mutant line, M9308, was developed from T9308 by gamma irradiation. Comparisons were made but no marked differences were found between T9308 and M9308 as well as between their F1 hybrids crossed to Xieqingzao A for major agronomic and grain quality characters as well as resistance to diseases. Genetic analysis indicated that the non-shattering character of M9308 was governed by a single recessive gene.     

The environmental yardstick for pesticides: a practical indicator used in the Netherlands

The environmental yardstick for pesticides has been developed as a tool for farmers to select pesticides with the least environmental impact and to quantify the impact of their use at the crop/farm level, regional level and national level. For each pesticide the yardstick assigns environmental impact points for the risk to water organisms, the risk of groundwater contamination and the risk to soil organisms. It is presently used in the Netherlands as a management tool for farmers and technical consultants, as a tool for monitoring the environmental performance of farmers, as a tool for setting standards for ecolabels and as a policy evaluation tool.     

COMPARISONS OF LIQUEFIED (ANHYDROUS) AMMONIA AND AMMONIUM NITRATE AS NITROGENOUS FERTILIZERS FOR GRASSLAND

Three trials were conducted to compare liquefied ammonia and ammonium nitrate as nitrogenous fertilizers for grassland. One was at Jealott's Hill and the other two at Henley Manor, Crewkerne, Somerset. At neither centre was the response to liquefied ammonia as great as that from equivalent rates of ammonium nitrate applied in a number of split dressings throughout the season.
Split applications of liquefied ammonia were more efficient than single large dressings, but even these were not as efficient as ammonium nitrate.
The response from a single large application of liquefied ammonia in spring was superior to that from an autumn application, especially under the high-rainfall conditions at Henley Manor.
The pattern of response from split applications of ammonium nitrate was more uniform than that from a single application of liquefied ammonia. In general, the latter gave a large mid-summer cut, but fell away badly at the end of the season. These data confirm earlier findings, which also showed that liquefied ammonia was not as efficient as ammonium nitrate applied in the normal way as a nitrogenous fertilizer for grass.     

Dactylospongia elegans—A Promising Drug Source: Metabolites,Bioactivities, Biosynthesis,Synthesis, and Structural-Activity Relationship

Marine environment has been identified as a huge reservoir of novel biometabolites that are beneficial for medical treatments, as well as improving human health and well-being. Sponges have been highlighted as one of the most interesting phyla as new metabolites producers. Dactylospongia elegans Thiele (Thorectidae) is a wealth pool of various classes of sesquiterpenes, including hydroquinones, quinones, and tetronic acid derivatives. These metabolites possessed a wide array of potent bioactivities such as antitumor, cytotoxicity, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory. In the current work, the reported metabolites from D. elegans have been reviewed, including their bioactivities, biosynthesis, and synthesis, as well as the structural-activity relationship studies. Reviewing the reported studies revealed that these metabolites could contribute to new drug discovery, however, further mechanistic and in vivo studies of these metabolites are needed.     

Die Problematik düngungsbedingter Höchsterträge aus phytochemischer und ernährungsphysiologischer Sicht

The criteria of yield increases is being subjected to a causal examination. Maximum yields — brought about by large nitrogen supply — are being examined with respect to their influence upon disease potential, increase of quality — and non-parasitic defects as well as upon decrease of useful and increase of undesirable compounds. Observations from the world literature as well as our own experiments with vegetables over many years, particularly with spinach serve as evidence. Stimulation of diseases and pests through overnourishment with nitrogen refer particularly to rust, downy mildew, septoria and botrytis organisms as well as to lice and mites. Amongst non-parasitic diseases one has to list a great number of quality defects, a lessening of resistance against mechanical damage at harvest and during transport, a reduction in quantity of commercial grades, flavour losses and above all a decline of keeping in winter storage. Exessive nitrogen supply also results in a decline in content of valuable constituents and increase in biogenic toxicants as well as in plant components to undesirable levels from a technological and nutritional physiological point of view. Fig. 10 summarises these results. The following valuable constituents are particularly affected: dry matter, total sugar, vitamin C, essential oils and potassium, magnesium and phosphoric acid amongst the minerals. Undesirable increase of enzyme activity as well as that of free amino acid content — coupled with a decrease of biological protein value are additional consequences of excess nitrogen fertilizing. Increases of undesirable compounds refer to crude protein (e.g. brewing barley and sugar beet), nitrate nitrogen (spinach) potentially a health hazard to infants (methaemoglobinemia) in case where toxic nitrite is formed in the spinach from nitrate. The removal of watersoluble nitrate from spinach overnourished with nitrogen by prolonged blanching, suggested in some publications, is to be rejected owing to the then unavoidable in part enhanced losses of water soluble compounds of nutritive value, including vitamins and minerals.     

Carbon nanotube/poly(vinyl alcohol) fibers with a sheath-core structure prepared by wet spinning

A method for manufacturing sheath-core structured fibers was developed using wet spinning techniques. The core portion of a fiber was prepared using a carbon nanotube (CNT) solution while the sheath used a fiber-forming polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Preparation methods of CNT solutions were investigated and it was found that dispersivity and concentration played an important role in the formation and spinning of fiber??s core. CNT solution prepared using a surfactant with high molecular weight such as sodium lignosulfonate (SLS) was most effective and the CNT concentration was as high as 30 g/l. Fiber processing conditions were optimized and it was determined that stretching fibers in the coagulation bath was a significant step in the formation of a solid and well structured core. Drawn fibers were so strong and flexible that they could be woven into a fabric for potential use as a pressure sensor. These results are relevant for practical applications, such as the development of large-area fabric sensors. Furthermore, the described procedure to produce sheath-core CNT fibers is scalable as wet spinning methods have been widely used in the fiber industry.     

Carboxymethyl lignin as stabilizing agent in aqueous ceramic suspensions

Identifying new uses for residues of industries that process large quantities of biomass, as in bioethanol production, is essential for a sustainable development with reduced impact on the environment, which is the reason why many efforts have been devoted to find noble uses for lignins. In this study, a lignin obtained from sugarcane bagasse in a bioethanol producing plant was carboxymethylated to yield the water-soluble carboxymethyl lignin (CML), which was then used as stabilizing agent in aqueous alumina (Al₂O₃) suspensions. CML had a degree of substitution 0.46 ± 0.01, in relation to the C9 unit of lignin, and behaved as a polyelectrolyte in a large pH range owing to the dissociation of carboxylic groups. The action of CML as stabilizing agent of alumina aqueous suspensions was investigated using viscometry, zeta potential, and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS) measurements, mainly as a function of pH and time. Overall, the results showed that CML had a good performance as a deflocculating agent, because it led to dispersions with low viscosity and small change in particle size as a function of time. The positive effect from the addition of CML was confirmed in the morphological features of the material obtained from the alumina suspensions after elimination of water, as indicated by scanning electron microscopy. The stabilization of alumina suspensions afforded by CML opens the way for similar applications of modified lignins, whose electrical and structural properties may be tuned for specific uses in various industries, including the ceramic industry.     

Divergent Strategy in Marine Tetracyclic Meroterpenoids Synthesis

The divergent total synthesis strategy can be successfully applied to the preparation of families of natural products using a common late-stage pluripotent intermediate. This approach is a powerful tool in organic synthesis as it offers opportunities for the efficient preparation of structurally related compounds. This article reviews the synthesis of the marine natural product aureol, as well as its use as a common intermediate in the divergent synthesis of other marine natural and non-natural tetracyclic meroterpenoids.     

The germplasm release of NYL 235–4, a clone with resistance to the Colorado potato beetle

Clones selected from the wild diploid species,Solanum berthaultii, have been shown to possess valuable levels of resistance to the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), as well as to insects such as aphids, flea beetles, leafhoppers and the potato tuber moth. Resistance is associated with the presence of glandular trichomes on the foliage ofS. berthaultii (2). Six generations after producing a hybrid between the diploid species and a tetraploid variety, a clone with good beetle and leafhopper resistance, as well as reasonable agronomic characteristics has been produced.     

Synthesis of a base-stock for electrical insulating fluid based on palm kernel oil

This report presents a method for synthesizing base-stock for green industrial product from a vegetable oil with a high composition of unsaturated fatty acids. Epoxy methyl ester of palm kernel oil was synthesized from laboratory purified palm kernel oil using a two-step reaction and the products were used as a base-stock for green electrical insulation fluid. Epoxidized palm kernel oil was first prepared through epoxidation reaction involving purified palm kernel oil, acetic acid and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of amberlite as catalyst which lasted for 4 h. It was then followed by transesterification reaction involving the epoxidized product and methanol in the presence of sodium hydroxide as catalyst to synthesize the corresponding epoxy methyl ester. The thermal and electrical breakdown properties of the epoxy methyl ester demonstrated significantly improved properties for its use as raw material for bio-based industrial products such as electrical insulation fluids.     

A comparison of leaf protein concentrate fortified dishes and milk as supplements for children with nutritionally inadequate diets

Leaf protein concentrate (LPC) fortified dishes were compared with isoproteinous and isocaloric amounts of milk for the supplementation of the normal diets of the children of a local slum: 40 children were fed LPC-fortified dishes as a supplement and 40 other children were fed milk as a supplement; 20 children who were not given any supplements served as a control group. Data on increases in height and weight and on haemoglobin and red blood cell status confirmed that the LPC-fortified dishes were comparable to milk as a supplement to provide protein, minerals and vitamins to nutritionally inadequate local diets.     

Global warming impacts of the process to utilize digested slurry from methane fermentation as a fertilizer: Case Study of the Yamada Biomass Plant

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the process to utilize digested slurry from methane fermentation as a fertilizer were calculated with actual operational data from a methane fermentation plant and the effects were verified by introducing the process into a field system. The results indicated that the total emissions from the utilization of digested slurry as a fertilizer were 8.1 kg-CO₂ eq. per 1 ton of digested slurry and transportation was the major source of GHG emissions, accounting for 67 % of the total emissions. Shortening the transportation distance by using digested slurry in farmlands near the methane fermentation plant is the most effective to reduce GHG emissions. The results also indicated that GHG emissions from the wastewater treatment process for digested slurry were much larger than GHG emissions from the utilization of digested slurry as a fertilizer. In conclusion, CH₄ as an energy source and digested slurry as a fertilizer can be effectively utilized and reduce GHG emissions by introducing the methane fermentation processes to the use of digested slurry as a fertilizer.     

广东橡胶林生态效益的初步研究

据1983—1985年试验研究结果表明,广东橡胶林能具有类似于热带次生林的小气候生态环境,能有效地控制水土流失;其土壤肥力能较快恢复以至有所提高,系统内物质循环能趋于动态平衡。实践证明,橡胶林人工生态系统有良好的生态效益、经济效益和社会效益。我国开发利用热带地区的经验是成功的,坚持合理的、高标准的开发和科学管理(如胶园的林网化、梯田化、覆盖化、良种化),植胶后能较快地出现新的生态平衡。在热带草原或荒山草坡植胶,会明显地改善当地的生态环境,即使以橡胶林更替低山丘陵区的热带次生杂木林,也不会引起当地生态环境变劣和经济收益下降。     

Use of glycoside hydrolase family 8 xylanases in baking

Xylanases have long been used in the baking industry for improving dough stability and flexibility and for increasing bread volume and crumb structure. Only xylanases from glycoside hydrolase families 10 and 11 appear to have been tested in this application and only those from the latter family have as yet found application. Interestingly, enzymes with a putative xylanase activity are also found in glycoside hydrolase families 5, 7, 8 and 43, but apparently these have not, as yet, been tested in baking. Baking trials were used to determine the effectiveness of a psychrophilic and a mesophilic family 8 xylanolytic enzyme as well as a psychrophilic family 10 xylanase and a currently used family 11 commercial mesophilic xylanase. The potential of family 8 xylanases as technological aids in baking was clearly demonstrated as both the psychrophilic enzyme from Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis TAH3a and the mesophilic enzyme from Bacillus halodurans C-125 had a positive effect on loaf volume. In contrast, the psychrophilic family 10 enzyme from Cryptococcus adeliae TAE85 was found to be ineffective.     

Malabaricane and Isomalabaricane Triterpenoids,Including Their Glycoconjugated Forms

In this review, we discuss structural diversity, taxonomic distribution, biological activities, biogenesis, and synthesis of a rare group of terpenoids, the so-called malabaricane and isomalabaricane triterpenoids, as well as some compounds derived from them. Representatives of these groups were found in some higher and lower terrestrial plants, as well as in some fungi, and in a relatively small group of marine sponges. The skeletal systems of malabaricanes and isomalabaricanes are similar to each other, but differ principally in the stereochemistry of their tricyclic core fragments, consisting of two six-membered and one five-membered rings. Evolution of these triterpenoids provides variety of rearranged, oxidized, and glycoconjugated products. These natural compounds have attracted a lot of attention for their biosynthetic origin and biological activity, especially for their extremely high cytotoxicity against tumor cells as well as promising neuroprotective properties in nanomolar concentrations.     

Effects of mechanical strain on the electric conductivity of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/polyurethane (PU) composites

Conducting polymers have been under development for more than thirty years as replacements for metals in various applications, such as fuel cells, solar cells, actuators, etc. In this study, we investigate conducting polymer composites and attempt to fabricate composite polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotubes. The multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were acid-treated to add functional groups such as -OH or -COOH so they could then be chemically bonded to diisocyanate to form a urethane linkage. Because they have fewer impurities and reduced surface roughness (as confirmed by TEM micrographs), acid-treated MWCNTs can be better dispersed in a polyurethane (PU) matrix than untreated MWCNTs, and acid-treated MWCNTs exhibit better adhesion with the PU matrix, as well. In addition, the conductance test of MWCNT/PU films as a function of elongation showed that the conductance of the acid-treated MWCNT/PU increased up to a certain % elongation, while that of the untreated MWCNT/PU decreased monotonically with % elongation.     

N-acetylglucosamine: production and applications

N-Acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc) is a monosaccharide that usually polymerizes linearly through (1,4)-β-linkages. GlcNAc is the monomeric unit of the polymer chitin, the second most abundant carbohydrate after cellulose. In addition to serving as a component of this homogeneous polysaccharide, GlcNAc is also a basic component of hyaluronic acid and keratin sulfate on the cell surface. In this review, we discuss the industrial production of GlcNAc, using chitin as a substrate, by chemical, enzymatic and biotransformation methods. Also, newly developed methods to obtain GlcNAc using glucose as a substrate in genetically modified microorganisms are introduced. Moreover, GlcNAc has generated interest not only as an underutilized resource but also as a new functional material with high potential in various fields. Here we also take a closer look at the current applications of GlcNAc, and several new and cutting edge approaches in this fascinating area are thoroughly discussed.     

Cottonseed protein: What does the future hold?

Cottonseed protein has the potential to increase the world's food supply while decreasing the incidence of malnutrition among the world's hungry. Nutritionally, cottonseed flour compares favorably to other animal and vegetable protein sources, as it is low in fat and contains a substantial amount of high biological value protein. Animal studies, as well as human research, using gossypol-free glandless cottonseed flour have shown that cottonseed protein promotes growth, increased weight gain, and a positive nitrogen balance. Cottonseed protein food products have been shown to be a healthy addition to the diets of children, college-age women, and the elderly. With its light color and bland flavor, cottonseed has many uses in the food processing arena. Baked goods, snack foods and candy, as well as pet and livestock feed are just a few successful products developed utilizing cottonseed protein.     

Reactivity of monoclonal antibodies to potato virus A in various types of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

Summary A panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) was prepared against potato virus A (PVA) and their reactivity was tested in various types of ELISA. The type of ELISA as well as the methods of MAbs purification played an essential role. All monoclonal antibodies reacted with PVA antigen in IDAS-ELISA but MAbs used in DAS₁-ELISA and in DAS₂-ELISA, in combination with polyclonal antibodies, showed different reactivity. The reactivity of MAbs in DAS-ELISA was dependent on the individual MAb used as a coating or as a conjugate. Two MAbs showed highest reactivity as coating antibodies but only one of them as a conjugate. The results demonstrate the importance of using different type of ELISA in selecting MAbs for routine diagnosis.     

Global warming impacts of the process to utilize digested slurry from methane fermentation as a fertilizer: Case Study of the Yamada Biomass Plant

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the process to utilize digested slurry from methane fermentation as a fertilizer were calculated with actual operational data from a methane fermentation plant and the effects were verified by introducing the process into a field system. The results indicated that the total emissions from the utilization of digested slurry as a fertilizer were 8.1 kg-CO₂ eq. per 1 ton of digested slurry and transportation was the major source of GHG emissions, accounting for 67 % of the total emissions. Shortening the transportation distance by using digested slurry in farmlands near the methane fermentation plant is the most effective to reduce GHG emissions. The results also indicated that GHG emissions from the wastewater treatment process for digested slurry were much larger than GHG emissions from the utilization of digested slurry as a fertilizer. In conclusion, CH₄ as an energy source and digested slurry as a fertilizer can be effectively utilized and reduce GHG emissions by introducing the methane fermentation processes to the use of digested slurry as a fertilizer.