Fruit yield and quality characteristics of “Shahmiveh” pear cultivar grafted on six rootstocks

The growth, yield and fruit quality of 7-year-old trees of “Sahahmiveh” pear grafted on six rootstocks, including four quinces (QA, QB, QC, and PQBA29) and an Iranian native pear “Konjoni,” and a wild-type European pear (Pyrus communis L.), were evaluated in a completely randomized design trial with three replications at the Agricultural Research Center of Kabutarabad, Isfahan, Iran in 2 years (2013 and 2014). Yield and fruit weight of all rootstocks were markedly enhanced in the second year of the experiment. Considering both fruit yield and quality, “Sahahmiveh” scions on PQBA29 had the most suitable performance in both years. “Sahahmiveh”-PQBA29 combination exhibited the largest leaf dimensions (5.03?cm width and 7.27?cm length), fruit size values (6.3?cm width and 9.3?cm length), fruit weight (205?g per fruit) the highest yield (41.3?kg per tree), and acceptable fruit internal quality (0.4% titratable acidity and 17.4°brix total soluble solid) in 2014. The highest yield followed by QA (39.6?kg per tree) without significant differences compared to PQBA29. However, “Sahahmiveh”-QA fruit weight (189?g per fruit) and width (5.9?cm) values were markedly less than that of “Sahahmiveh”-PQBA29 in 2014. In conclusion, “Shahmiveh” pear cultivar grafted on PQBA29 exhibited more suitable fruit yield and quality values compared to the other rootstocks and, thus, would be the best rootstock for “Sahahmiveh” pear in Isfahan.     

Western blot immunoassay as a confirmatory test for the presence of anti-Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae antibodies in swine serum.

A Western blot immunoassay (WBI) was developed as a confirmatory test for 2 commercial Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) ELISAs. The WBI detected at least 5 antigen bands (150, 130, 74, 70, and 30 kDa) from Mhyo whole membrane proteins that were not present in the antigens prepared from M. hyorhinis and M. hyosynoviae. Among discrepant sera from vaccinated pigs (n = 17) and field samples (n = 91) assayed by WBI: 1) 2 of the ELISA-positive samples reacted with all 5 antigens bands; 2) all blocking ELISA-positive samples (n = 53) bound 150-, 130-, 74-, and 70-kD antigen bands; and 3) all indirect ELISA-positive samples (n = 55) bound 150-, 130-, and 30-kD antigens. We conclude that the WBI targeting the top 4 antigen bands is a useful confirmatory test for samples initially screened using the commercial Mhyo ELISAs.     

Modeling frequency distributions of tree height,diameter and crown area by six probability functions for open forests of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Quercus persica</Emphasis> in Iran

The prediction of the distribution of quantitative variables in a forest stand is of great interest to forest managers, for the evaluation of forest resources and scheduling of future silvicultural treatments. The aim of this research was to model the distribution of quantitative variables for Quercus persica in open forests in Iran. To investigate the probability distribution of trees in natural stands, 642 trees were selected for measurement using a systematic random sampling method. Selected trees were measured and data were analyzed. Gamma, beta, normal,lognormal, exponential and Weibull probability distributions were fitted to the height distribution of trees. Variables of distribution functions were estimated using the maximum likelihood estimation method. Actual probability and probability which derived from functions was compared using Kolmogorov–Smirnov and Anderson–Darling tests. Beta, Weibull and Weibull probability distributions explained the distributions of tree height, DBH and crown area.     

Multi-criteria decision-making selection model with application to chemical engineering management decisions

Chemical industry project management involves complex decision making situations that require discerning abilities and methods to make sound decisions. Chemical engineers as project managers are faced with decision environments and problems in chemical industry projects that are complex. Multiple-criteria decision making （MCDM） approaches are major parts of decision theory and analysis. This paper presents all of MCDM approaches for use in chemical engineering management decisions. In this work, case study is Research and Development （R＆D） project selection in chemical industry. The ability to make sound decisions is very important to success of R＆D projects. It is hoped that this work will provide a ready reference on MCDM and this will encourage the application of the MCDM in chemical engineering management.     

Supplementation of dietary apple cider vinegar as an organic acidifier on the growth performance,digestive enzymes and mucosal immunity of green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus)

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of dietary apple cider vinegar (ACV) on digestive enzyme activity and growth performance as well as immune responses and antibacterial activity of skin mucus in green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus). Fish were fed diets supplemented with 0%, 1%, 2% and 4% of ACV (40.830 ppm acetic acid concentration) for 63 days. The final weight and weight gain values were observed to be significantly higher in fish fed with 2% of ACV compared to the control group (p < .05). ACV inclusion in the diets had significant effects on SGR (%) and FCR values (p > .05). ACV treatment resulted in a significant increase in the intestinal protease, α‐amylase, lipase and alkaline phosphatase activities compared to control (p < .05). The activities of digestive enzymes in fish fed with 2% and 4% of ACV diets were significantly higher than the other groups (p < .05). The total protein content, alternative haemolytic complement, alkaline phosphatase, total immunoglobulins and lysozyme activities of skin mucus increased significantly in fish fed with ACV diets (p < .05). In conclusion, administration of ACV enhanced digestive enzyme activity, growth performance, immune responses and the immune properties of skin mucus, and it can be used as a natural growth promoter and immunostimulant in green terror culture.     

车载电源性能在环测试平台优化

为了实现车载电源性能的综合测试,搭建了由直流电动机-飞轮组成的电源测试平台,以此为基础,研究了平台结构对直流调速系统控制精度的影响。建立了测试平台的数学模型,通过实验分析了存在的问题。依据多轴机电传动理论,提出了平台结构的优化方法,建立了优化后平台的数学模型和状态空间方程。分析了无级变速器(CVT)的传动效率,确定了其速比控制约束条件。构建了基于d SPACE的硬件在环测试平台,通过实验分析了平台优化前后直流调速系统的调速效果,实验结果表明,优化后的平台具有优良的调速性能,直流调速系统的跟踪精度显著提高,为开展复合电源性能测试提供了技术支持。     

The beneficial effect of (-)-epigallocatechin-3-gallate in an experimental model of Alzheimer's disease in rat: a behavioral analysis

BACKGROUND: Progressive cognitive decline is one of the hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) which can be modeled by beta-amyloid injection into specific regions of brain. Since epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is a potent antioxidant agent which its role against oxidative stress and inflammation has been shown in prior studies, we tried to determine whether EGCG administration protects against beta-amyloid-induced memory and coordination impairment in rats. METHODS: Animals (male Wistar rats) were divided into four groups: sham operated, EGCG-pretreated sham operated (sham+EGCG), untreated lesion (lesion), and EGCG-pretreated lesion (lesion+EGCG). Animals in lesion, lesion+EGCG, and sham+EGCG groups received sterile saline or saline plus EGCG (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally one day pre-surgery and every other day for three weeks. The lesion was induced one day after EGCG pretreatment by injection of 4 microl of sterile saline or water containing 2 nmol/microl beta-amyloid (1-40) into the hippocampal fissure. For behavioral analysis, psychomotor coordination (PMC) index and spontaneous alternation behavior were assessed using Rota-rod Treadmill and Y-maze, respectively at the third week post-lesion. RESULTS: We found that beta-amyloid (1-40) injection into hippocampus can decrease these behavioral indexes in lesion group in comparison with sham group which is similar to behavioral changes in AD. On the other hand, pretreatment with EGCG can improve the PMC index and spatial Y-maze alternation in the lesion+EGCG group in comparison with lesion group. CONCLUSION: We concluded that EGCG can be effective in restoring beta-amyloid-induced behavioral derangements in rats regarding coordination and memory abilities.     

Reproductive performance in out-of-breeding season of fatty ewes using implant norgestomet with or without PMSG

Pregnancy in out-of-breeding season in ewes increases the economical goals. Synchronization of estrus and ovulation is essential for above program. The aims of this study using implant norgestomet with or without Pregnant Mare Serum Gonadotropin (PMSG) were to evaluate the serum progesterone (P4) concentration changes: the conception rate and estimation of the lambing rate and litter size. In total, 80 non-cycling multiparous Iranian Kurdish breed fat-tailed ewes with <0/5 ng/ml P4 were used in April and May 2008 in the suburb of Mashhad, Iran. The animals were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (n = 30) without hormonal treatment, another group (n = 25) received 3 mg of norgestomet implant placed subcutaneously in the convex surface of the ear for 9 days, and the third group (n = 25) treated with 3 mg of norgestomet implant for 9 days with an IM injection of 500 IU PMSG at implant removal. The progesterone of treatment and control groups were measured on days 4, 9, and 13 after removal of the norgestomet using radioimmunoassay. Every five ewes were exposed to one ram after 24 h of norgestomet removal in treatment and control groups, simultaneously. The pregnancy was examined after 25 days of ram removal using ultrasonography. Progesterone concentration was significantly higher in treatment groups on 9 and 13 days after norgestomet removal (P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate in the control, non-PMSG, and PMSG treatments groups were 17%, 52%, and 72%, respectively. The rates of single and twin pregnancy in the non-PMSG treatment group were 69% and 31%, respectively. These rates in norgestomet and PMSG treatment group were 50% and 39%, respectively. Triplet pregnancy (11%) was observed only in the PMSG treatment group. It was concluded that using implant norgestomet especially accompanied with PMSG can increase and improve the fertilization rate of ewe in the out-of-breeding season program.     

The effect of multiplex-PCR-assessed major pathogens causing subclinical mastitis on somatic cell profiles

The major pathogens causing mastitis were evaluated by multiplex-polymerase chain reaction (M-PCR) with self-designed primers in four quarters of the first, third, and fifth parities in industrial, semi-industrial, and traditional dairy cattle farms in Iran. With the incidence of infection in the quarters by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus agalactiae, the mean log somatic cell count (log SCC) increased from 5.06 to 5.77. The smallest changes occurred with Escherichia coli. Contagious pathogens, when compared with environmental pathogens, were more prevalent and common and created more profound quantitative and qualitative changes in SCC profiles. The second part of the study surveyed the diversity of contaminating pathogens and their effect on quantitative and qualitative profiles of somatic cells. M-PCR was used to determine the absence (M-PCR(-)) and presence of one (M-PCR(+1)), two (M-PCR(+2)), and three (M-PCR(+3)) major pathogens in raw milk samples. Quarter log SCC increased from 5.06 (for M-PCR(-1)) to 5.5 (for M-PCR(+1)), 5.7 (for M-PCR(+2)), and 6 (for M-PCR(+3)). Percent changes in polymorphonuclears (PMNs) were not significant between different quarters and parities but were significant between different farms in terms of pathogen diversity (P?相似文献   

Effect of sex and rearing system on the quality and mineral content of fiber from raeini cashmere goats

The aim of this study was to compare the quality characteristics and mineral content of the fiber from male and female cashmere goats raised under different management systems. Male and female Raeini cashmere goats (<1.5 years of age, n = 48) were selected from flocks raised at a government breeding station or raised commercially under either rural or nomadic conditions. The staple length, cashmere fiber diameter, coefficient of variation for fiber diameter, percentage of cashmere in a fleece, percentage of guard hair in a fleece and cashmere tenacity averaged 4.6 ±0.1 cm, 18.0 ±0.1 m, 20.9 ± 0.4%, 66.1 ± 1.5%, 33.8 ± 1.5% and 1.8 ± 0.2 gf/tex, respectively. The sulfur, copper and zinc content of the cashmere averaged 2.8 ± 0.1%, 0.00065 ± 0.00002% and 0.01276 ± 0.00025%, respectively. Rearing method significantly affected staple length, coefficient of variation of fiber diameter, cashmere tenacity and copper content. Males had a higher coefficient of variation of fiber diameter and cashmere tenacity than females (P < 0.05).