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We propose new sufficient conditions for the existence of periodic solutions for a class of Rayleigh-type p-Laplacian equations with deviating arguments. The results obtained complement or improve the existing ones. [...]

Magnesium alloys have similar mechanical properties with natural bone, and they degrade within a certain time span. Therefore, magnesium alloys are suitable to be made as bone screws or plates. However, high susceptibility to corrosion has limited their applications in the orthopedic field. They would possess great medical functions if the degradation rates of magnesium alloys could be reduced. This paper describes approaches to form calcium phosphate coating on magnesium alloy (AZ31) to control the degradation rate. Samples of AZ31 were placed in the supersaturated calcification solution prepared with Ca[(N[O.sub.3]).sub.2], Na[H.sub.2]P[O.sub.4], and NaHC[O.sub.3], and then, the calcium phosphate coating was formed. The composition, phase structure, and morphology of the coatings were investigated. The degradation behaviors of the naked and coated magnesium (Mg) alloys were studied in simulated body fluid. The results of this paper have shown that the coatings significantly decrease the degradation rate of the original Mg alloy, indicating that the Mg alloy with calcium phosphate coating is a promising degradable bone material. Index Terms--Biodegradable materials, calcium phosphate, coating, magnesium alloy.

A novel method has been developed for the compound-specific carbon isotope analysis of atmospheric formal-dehyde using gas chromatography/combustion/isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC/C/IRMS). The method allows the determination of the [[sigma].sup.13]C value for atmospheric formaldehyde at nanogram levels with higher precision and lower detection limit. In the present work, atmospheric formaldehyde was collected using NaHS[O.sub.3]-coated Sep-Pak silica gel cartridges, washed out by water, then derivatized by cysteamine of known [[sigma].sup.13]C value, and the [[sigma].sup.13]C value of its derivative (thiazolidine) determined by GC/C/IRMS. Finally, the [[sigma].sup.13]C value of atmospheric formaldehyde could be calculated by a simple mass balance equation between formaldehyde, cysteamine, and thiazolidine. Using three formaldehydes with different [[sigma].sup.13]C values, calibration experiments were carried out over large ranges of formaldehyde concentrations. The carbon isotope analysis method achieved excellent reproducibility and high accuracy. There was no carbon isotopic fractionation throughout the derivatization processes. The differences in the carbon isotopic compositions of thiazolidine between the measured and predicted values were always

Multiuser detectors for direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) systems based on a recursive convex programming (RCP) relaxation approach are proposed. In these detectors, maximum likelihood (ML) detection is carried out in two steps: first, the combinatorial problem associated with ML detection is relaxed into a convex programming problem and then a recursive approach is applied to get an approximate solution for ML detection. Computer simulations demonstrate that the bit-error rate performance offered by the new detectors is near-optimal and superior to that offered by many existing suboptimal detectors including some recently proposed semidefinite-programming relaxation (SDPR) detectors. In addition, the amount of computation required by the RCP detectors is much less than that required by SDPR detectors. Index Terms--Convex programming, maximum likelihood (ML) detection, multiuser detection, relaxation method, semidefinite programming (SDP).

A detector for direct-sequence code-division multiple-access (DS-CDMA) systems, based on semidefinite programming (SDP), is proposed.

Results demonstrate that there is a preferential partitioning of the Al atoms to the residual amorphous phase and the partitioning factor is five times larger in this phase than the bcc Fe phase.

Distribution of alloying elements in nanocrystalline Fe76.5Nd8Co8B6Nb1.5 alloys was studied using atom probe field ion microscopy.

Numerous empirical studies have demonstrated that street trees not only reduce dust pollution and absorb particulate matter (PM) but also improve microclimates, providing both ecological functions and aesthetic value. However, recent research has revealed that street tree canopy cover can impede the dispersion of atmospheric PM within street canyons, leading to the accumulation of street pollutants. Although many studies have investigated the impact of street trees on air pollutant dispersion within street canyons, the extent of their influence remains unclear and uncertain. Pollutant accumulation corresponds to the specific characteristics of individual street canyons, coupled with meteorological factors and pollution source strength. Notably, the characteristics of street tree canopy cover also exert a significant influence. There is still a quantitative research gap on street tree cover impacts with respect to pollution and dust reduction control measures within street spaces. To improve urban traffic environments, policymakers have mainly focused on scientifically based street vegetation deployment initiatives in building ecological garden cities and improving the living environment. To address uncertainties regarding the influence of street trees on the dispersion of atmospheric PM in urban streets, this study reviews dispersion mechanisms and key atmospheric PM factors in urban streets, summarizes the research approaches used to conceptualize atmospheric PM dispersion in urban street canyons, and examines urban plant efficiency in reducing atmospheric PM. Furthermore, we also address current challenges and future directions in this field to provide a more comprehensive understanding of atmospheric PM dispersion in urban streets and the role that street trees play in mitigating air pollution. Key words: computational fluid dynamics, dispersion mechanism, microclimatic effects, particulate matter, street trees, 1. Introduction Deteriorating urban airborne pollution, particularly in the presence of atmospheric particulate matter (PM) and its associated health risks, is exacerbated by pollutant sources and combustion vehicle emissions in [...]

Construction crew productivity is affected by the motivation of the crew performing given activities and by situational/contextual factors forming the dynamic construction environment. The literature lacks a comprehensive analysis of causal relationships between crew motivation and situational/contextual factors for dynamic modelling of crew productivity. The contributions of this paper are (1) identifying a set of criteria for performing expert weight assignment for heterogenous group experts in productivity research, (2) proposing an integrated fuzzy analytic hierarchy process-fuzzy decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory approach that provides a systematic, structured method for determining causal relationship mapping between factors affecting crew productivity, and (3) proposing an approach for identifying cause-and-effect groups among the situational/contextual factors and crew motivation, which can further be used to formulate strategic productivity improvement solutions. The proposed methodology is demonstrated using a case study on an actual industrial construction project in Alberta, Canada. Key words: construction crew productivity, construction crew motivation, fuzzy AHP, fuzzy DEMATEL, qualitative modelling, Aminah Robinson Fayek^orcid.org/0000-0002-3744-273X 1. Introduction Construction productivity plays a significant role in determining a construction project's success; therefore, it is a major research area. Construction productivity problems include assessing factors [...]

Introduction Plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) positively affect plants in diverse ways. For example, they promote plant growth, increase crop yield and quality, and provide protection against biotic and abiotic stresses [...], Paenibacillus terrae NK3-4 is a plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium. In this study, the effects of NK3-4 on rice growth and gene transcription were determined. The results indicated that a seed soaking treatment and a pre-germination seed treatment using NK3-4 promoted rice growth, especially spraying rice seedlings with NK3-4 increased the root number and root length by 34.2% and 34.1%, respectively. Moreover, NK3-4 induced the differential transcription of genes annotated with gene ontology (GO) terms; the number of up-regulated genes was 4.38-times higher than the number of down-regulated genes. The NK3-4 treatment induced the differential transcription of genes in 1794 GO functional groups, with 1531 functional groups containing up-regulated genes. Specific growth-related genes up-regulated by NK3-4 are involved in biological processes, including responses to auxin, hormone biosynthesis, cellular component biogenesis, root system development, and other functions. Furthermore, stress resistance-related genes were up-regulated, some of which encode WRKYs, NPK1-related protein kinase, NPR1-like 4, CaM-like proteins, MYBs, ERFs, TIFYs, NACs, EL5s, PR1s, PR2, PR8, PODs, and PAD4. Considered together, these findings imply that NK3-4 may promote plant growth and enhance stress resistance by regulating gene expression, making it a potentially useful microbe for regulating rice growth and stress resistance. Key words: Paenibacillus terrae, growth-promoting rhizobacteria, stress resistance, gene transcription, rice

Cadmium oxide (CdO) and potassium (K) doped CdO nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the chemical co-precipitation method and were used as photocatalysts for the degradation of Eosin B dye. The X-ray diffraction results presented that the crystallite size of undoped CdO and K doped CdO NPs were 43.74 and 42.31 nm, respectively. The morphological study and percent composition of synthesized undoped CdO and K doped CdO NPs was done by scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The formation of NPs was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The precursor decomposition to CdO after annealing at ~500 [degrees]C was studied by thermogravimetric analysis. The undoped CdO and K doped CdO nanoparticles degraded about 80% and 90% of the dye, respectively, in 140 min. The maximum degradation efficiency of the dye was achieved at a pH of 4, dye initial concentration of 15 ppm, catalyst dose of 20 mg, and a temperature of 45 [degrees]C. The degradation efficiency observed for recovered undoped CdO and recovered doped CdO nanoparticles was found to be 63% and 77%, respectively. Key words: activity, doped, kinetics, percent degradation, pollutants. Nous avons synthetise des nanoparticules (NP) d'oxyde de cadmium (CdO) non dopees et dopees au potassium (K) par coprecipitation chimique avec le CdO et nous les avons utilisees comme photocatalyseurs pour la degradation du colorant eosine B. Les resultats de l'analyse par diffraction des rayons X (DRX) ont montre que la taille des cristallites des NP de CdO non dopees et dopees au K etait respectivement de 43,74 nm et de 42,31 nm. Nous avons etudie la morphologie et determine la composition en % des NP de CdO non dopees et dopees au K ainsi synthetisees par microscopie electronique a balayage (MEB) et spectroscopie de rayons X a dispersion d'energie (EDX). La formation des NP a ete validee par spectroscopie infrarouge a transformee de Fourier (FTIR). Nous avons etudie la decomposition du precurseur en CdO apres recuit a environ 500 [degrees]C par analyse thermogravimetrique (ATG). Les NP de CdO non dopees et dopees au K ont degrade environ 80 % et 90 % du colorant, respectivement en 140 minutes. La degradation du colorant a atteint une efficacite maximale a pH 4, avec une concentration initiale du colorant de 15 ppm et une quantite de catalyseur de 20 mg, a une temperature de 45[degrees]C. Apres recuperation des catalyseurs, l'efficacite de la degradation observee avec les NP de CdO non dopees et dopees au K etait de 63 % et de 77 %, respectivement. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: activite, dope, cinetique, pourcentage de degradation, polluants., Introduction Maintaining a clean supply of drinking water is becoming very challenging all over the world. The principal source of environmental aqueous contamination is dye pollutants in industrial wastewater. (1,2) [...]

Scholars have long debated when the Neolithic began in China. Neolithisation, however, is a process rather than an event. It is more realistic to investigate the timing and nature of the socio-economic trajectory from mobile, microblade-using foragers to sedentary communities during the Palaeolithic-Neolithic transition in northern China. Here, the authors use artefacts from Shuidonggou locality 12 to demonstrate the socio-economic organisation of the site's inhabitants. They identify long-term site occupation by a large group exhibiting high levels of individual mobility. Comparative analyses with contemporaneous data indicate that the early stages of complex social organisation--a fundamental element of Neolithisation--emerged among microblade-using groups. Keywords: China, Terminal Pleistocene, Neolithisation, microblade, hunter-gatherers, social organisation, Introduction The precise trajectory of the Palaeolithic--Neolithic transition and the associated technological and economic diversity that arose among human societies in East Asia are topics of ongoing debate (e.g. An [...]

Author(s): Baichun Wang [sup.1], Bin Liu [sup.1], Yinghua Yan [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.203507.3, 0000 0000 8950 5267, School of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering, Institute of Mass Spectrometry, Ningbo [...], In this work, zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-8) coated mesoporous magnetic nanoparticles (Fe.sub.3O.sub.4@PDA@mSiO.sub.2@ZIF-8) were prepared through a facile and efficient strategy and used as a magnetic solid phase extraction platform for phthalates detection. Polydopamine (PDA) not only provides a hydrophilic layer, but also possesses [pi] electrons for aromatic compounds recognition; mSiO.sub.2 endows the nanoparticles with large surface area and regular channels, which facilitates the rapid transport of phthalates. The prepared Fe.sub.3O.sub.4@PDA@mSiO.sub.2@ZIF-8 with imposed properties showed ultrahigh efficiency and reusability for phthalates determination in human plasma samples. The linearity range was 50-8000 ng/mL, limits of detection were between 50-80 ng/mL, the intra-day RSDs were lower than 4.8%, inter-day RSDs were lower than 6.7%, the recoveries ranged from 90 to 107%. The new prepared nanoparticles displayed potential performance for aromatic compounds detection.

Introduction In the past two decades, three novel human coronaviruses (HCoVs) have caused millions of infections worldwide and resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus [...], The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a serious respiratory illness caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS--CoV-2), has emerged as a global pandemic. Canada reported its first case of COVID-19 on the 25th January 2020. By March 2020, the virus had spread within Canadian communities reaching the most frail and vulnerable elderly population in long-term care facilities. The majority of cases were reported in the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia, and the highest mortality was seen among individuals aged 65 years or older. Canada has the highest prevalence and incidence rates of several chronic inflammatory diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and Parkinson's disease. Many elderly Canadians also live with comorbid medical illnesses, such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic lung disease, and are more likely to suffer from severe COVID-19 with a poor prognosis. It is becoming increasingly evident that underlying inflammatory disease contributes to the pathogenesis of SARS--CoV-2. Here, we review the mechanisms behind SARS--CoV-2 infection, and the host inflammatory responses that lead to resolution or progression to severe COVID-19 disease. Furthermore, we discuss the landscape of COVID-19 therapeutics that are currently in development in Canada. Key words: Canada, COVID-19, coronavirus, inflammation, therapeutics, chronic disease. La maladie a coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), une maladie respiratoire grave causee par le coronavirus 2 du syndrome respiratoire aigu severe (SRAS--CoV-2), a emerge comme pandemie mondiale. Le Canada a signale son premier cas de la COVID-19 le 25 janvier 2020. En mars 2020, le virus s'etait propage au sein des communautes canadiennes, atteignant les personnes agees les plus fragiles et les plus vulnerables dans les etablissements de soins de longue duree. La majorite des cas ont ete signales dans les provinces de Quebec, de l'Ontario, de l'Alberta et de la Colombie-Britannique, et la mortalite la plus elevee a ete observee chez les personnes agees de 65 ans ou plus. Le Canada presente les taux de prevalence et d'incidence les plus eleves de plusieurs maladies inflammatoires chroniques, telles que la sclerose en plaques, les maladies inflammatoires de l'intestin et la maladie de Parkinson. De nombreux Canadiens ages vivent egalement avec des maladies concomitantes, telles que l'hypertension, le diabete, les maladies cardiovasculaires et les maladies pulmonaires chroniques, et sont plus susceptibles de souffrir de formes graves de la COVID-19 associees a un mauvais pronostic. Il est de plus en plus evident que la maladie inflammatoire sous-jacente contribue a la pathogenese du SRAS--CoV-2. Les auteurs examinent ici les mecanismes de l'infection par le SRAS--CoV-2 et les reponses inflammatoires de l'hote qui conduisent a la resolution ou a la progression vers une forme grave de la COVID-19. En outre, ils examinent le spectre des therapies contre la COVID-19 en cours de developpement au Canada. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : Canada, COVID-19, coronavirus, inflammation, therapeutique, maladie chronique.

Author(s): V. N. Maistrenko [sup.1], R. A. Zil'berg [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.77269.3d, 0000 0001 1015 7624, Department of Chemistry, Bashkir State University, , 450076, Ufa, Russia Enantioselective voltammetric sensors [...], The review presents exhaustive information for the last 5 years on the trends and methods of research, development, and application of enantioselective voltammetric sensors on the basis of new chiral materials for the recognition of enantiomers of biologically active and medicinal compounds. Enantioselective sensors on the basis of chiral Cu, Au, Ag, Pt, and Pd nanoparticles and single crystals, mesoporous metals with molecular imprints, single-wall carbon nanotubes, smart polymers, metal-organic frameworks and supramolecular assemblies, and chiral ionic liquids are considered. Examples of the recognition and determination of enantiomers in various samples and analytical characteristics of the proposed sensors are given. Problems and prospects of using enantioselective voltammetric sensors for the chiral recognition of optically active compounds are discussed.

Introduction Ficus L. (Moraceae), commonly known as fig, constitutes one of the largest families of angiosperms with almost 750 species distributed in the tropical and subtropical regions (Chaudhary et al. [...], The closely related species present in the subgenera of Urostigma are challenging to classify due to the existence of overlapping morphological characteristics, which makes identification habitually problematic. It is still unresolved whether the species of the Ficus virens complex, which includes F. virens, F. middletonii, F. caulocarpa, F. concinna, and F. superba, are the same or distinct species due to the complexities in classification. To clarify the circumscription between the species and re-evaluate the taxonomical status, morphological characteristics were extensively examined; further, a phylogenetic reconstruction based on two DNA markers (ITS2 and trnH-psbA)in combination with morphological traits was carried out. The phylogenetic tree constructed using the combined morphology and DNA markers revealed that the five species should be demarcated as independent species. This study supports the importance of using both molecular and morphological data for efficient discrimination of species having high similarities. Further investigation into the species present in the subgenera Urostigma may provide additional information regarding the ancestral traits and its evolutionary history. Key words: cluster analysis, phylogenetics, species delimitation. Les especes proches qui font partie du sous-genre Urostigma sont difficiles a classifier en raison de caracteres morphologiques chevauchants. Il demeure non-resolu si les especes du complexe Ficus virens, lequel comprend F. virens, F. middletonii, F. caulocarpa, F. concinna et F. superba, forment une seule espece ou des especes distinctes en raison de la complexite de la classification. Pour eclairer cette question et pour reevaluer leur statut taxonomique, leurs caracteres morphologiques ont ete examines minutieusement. De plus, un arbre phylogenetique a ete produit sur la base de deux marqueurs de l'ADN (ITS2 et trnH-psbA) ainsi que des caracteres morphologiques. L'arbre phylogenetique construit en combinant les donnees morphologiques et moleculaires a revele que les cinq especes forment effectivement des especes distinctes. Cette etude souligne l'importance d'utiliser ces deux types de donnees, morphologiques et moleculaires, pour distinguer de maniere efficace les especes qui presentent une grande similitude. Des etudes plus approfondies des especes au sein du sous-genre Urostigma pourraient apporter de plus amples informations sur les caracteres ancestraux et l'histoire evolutive au sein de ce groupe. Mots-cles : analyse de groupement, phylogenetique, delimitation des especes.

Author(s): Aziguli Yigaimu [sup.1], Jiahua Chang [sup.1], Amina Hoji [sup.1], Turghun Muhammad [sup.1], Burabiye Yakup [sup.2], Wenwu Yang [sup.1], Sailemayi Aihebaier [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.413254.5, 0000 0000 9544 7024, [...], Auxins play a very important role in plant development and growth. Herein a rapid and convenient method was developed for the quantification of total auxins including indole-3-acetic acid, indole-3-propionic acid and indole-3-butyric acid in mung bean sprouts by means of spectrofluorometry. Based on the same fluorescence properties of the compounds, a linear working curve was established between total concentrations of auxins and fluorescence intensities of their solutions. Under optimized conditions, correlation coefficient and limit of detection were found to be 0.9993 and 0.03 [mu]g/mL, respectively, in linear range of 0.10-24 [mu]g/mL. This method was successfully employed to the determination of total auxins after their extraction from mung bean sprouts, and the recovery was found to be in the range of 100-104% with RSD below 5%. This method has been proved to be simple, reproducible and accurate, also applicable for food samples without complicated apparatus and procedures.

Author(s): Dong Li [sup.1], Hong Qun Luo [sup.1], Nian Bing Li [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.263906.8, Key Laboratory of Eco-environments in Three Gorges Reservoir Region (Ministry of Education), School of [...], We reported a tin film CMK-3 modified carbon paste electrode (Sn-CMK-3/CPE), a brand new electrode combining the ordered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) and tin film to detect trace cadmium. As one of the OMCs, CMK-3 has the distinct advantage of conducting electrons quickly and good adsorptivity because the pores in it are regularly ordered and controllable with the pore diameters of about 3.8-4.0 nm. Compared to the carbon paste electrode modified by CMK-3 and carbon paste electrode modified by the tin film, the Sn-CMK-3/CPE has higher sensitivity and stability in the process of detecting Cd(II). Under the optimum conditions (mass of CMK-3-4.0 mg; pH 4.70, Sn(II) concentration-6.5 mg/L, deposition potential-1.2 V, deposition time - 300 s), the Sn-CMK-3/CPE indicated a wide linear concentration range of 6-100 [mu]g/L with the detection limit of 0.8 [mu]g/L for Cd(II). This novel sensor was applied to the detection of Cd(II) in river samples with good recoveries.

The influence of hydrothermal agingon the structural stabilityofCu-modified SAPO-34 prepared byion-exchange and impregnation methods was studied. XRD, Ar adsorption at -196 [degrees]C, solid-state NMR, UV-vis, [H.sub.2]-TPR, and EPR were used to probe the structural properties of the catalysts. It was found that the precipitation of crystalline AlP[O.sub.4] and Si[O.sub.2], the appearance of mesopores, the migration of silicon to form siliceous islands, and the formation of copper oxide crystallites occurred in aged catalysts. Furthermore, more siliceous islands and copper oxide crystallites were present in the aged samples prepared by the impregnation method than in those prepared by the ion-exchange method. Therefore, the impregnated catalysts show a much poorer structural stability than the ion-exchanged catalysts, which leads to more serious deterioration in the N[H.sub.3]-SCR reaction after hydrothermal aging. Key words: Cu-modified SAPO-34, structural collapse, hydrothermal aging. Resume: Nous avons etudie l'influence du vieillissement hydrothermique sur la stabilite structurale du SAPO-34 modifie par le Cu, que nous avons prepare par des methodes d'echange d'ions et d'impregnation. Nous avons utilise les techniques de diffraction des rayons X (DRX), d'adsorption d'Ar a -196 [degrees]C, de resonance magnetique nucleaire (RMN) a l'etat solide, d'absorption UV-vis, de reduction en temperature programmee sous hydrogene (RTP-[H.sub.2]) et de resonance paramagnetique electronique (RPE) pour etudier les proprietes structurales des catalyseurs prepares. Nous avons observe une precipitation [d'AlPO.sub.4] et de Si[O.sub.2] cristallins dans les catalyseurs vieillis et nous avons examine l'apparence des mesopores. Nous avons egalement observe dans ces echantillons la formation d'ilots siliceux attribuable a la migration d'atomes de silicium, ainsi que la formation de cristallites d'oxyde de cuivre. De plus, nous avons remarque la presence d'un plus grand nombre d'ilots siliceux et de cristallites d'oxyde de cuivre dans les echantillons vieillis prepares par la methode d'impregnation que par celle d'echange d'ions. Par consequent, les catalyseurs produits par impregnation presentent une stabilite structurale beaucoup plus faible que ceux produits par echange d'ions, ce qui entraine une deterioration plus importante lors de la reduction catalytique selective des N[O.sub.x] par l'ammoniac (N[H.sub.3]-SCR) apres vieillissement hydrothermique. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : SAPO-34 modifie par le Cu, effondrement structural, vieillissement hydrothermique., Introduction With the great advantages of lower fuel consumption and lower [CO.sub.2] emissions, diesel and lean-burn engines are attractive alternatives to stoichiometric Otto engines. However, the application of diesel engines [...]

Introduction Soybean seeds provide major sources of oil and protein globally for human consumption and animal feed (Saha and Sultana 2008). Seed quality is determined by its composition of protein, [...], Pre-harvest soybean seeds in the field are susceptible to high temperature and humidity (HTH) stress, leading to pre-harvest seed deterioration, which will result in a reduction in grain quality, yield, and seed vigor. To understand the gene expression involved in seed deterioration response under HTH stress, in this study, we conducted an RNA-Seq analysis using two previously screened soybean cultivars with contrasting seed deterioration resistance. HTH stress induced 1081 and 357 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the sensitive cultivar Ningzhen No. 1 and resistant cultivar Xiangdou No. 3, respectively. The majority of DEGs in the resistant cultivar were up-regulated, while down-regulated DEGs were predominant in the sensitive cultivar. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that metabolic pathways, biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum were the predominant pathways in both cultivars during seed deterioration under HTH stress. The genes involved in photosynthesis, carbohydrate metabolism, lipid metabolism, and heat shock proteins pathways might contribute to the different response to seed deterioration under HTH treatment in the two soybean cultivars. Our study extends the knowledge of gene expression in soybean seed under HTH stress and further provides insight into the molecular mechanism of seed deterioration as well as new strategies for breeding soybean with improved seed deterioration resistance. Key words: soybean, high temperature and humidity, RNA-Seq, pre-harvest seed deterioration. Avant la recolte, les graines de soja au champ sont sensibles a un stress cause par une temperature et une humidite elevees (HTH), ce qui peut entrainer une deterioration des grains en pre-recolte, laquelle diminue la qualite des grains, le rendement et la vigueur des graines. Pour comprendre les profils d'expression genique associes a cette deterioration en reponse au stress HTH, les auteurs ont realise une etude RNA-Seq sur deux cultivars prealablement identifies comme presentant une resistance contrastee a cette deterioration. Le stress HTH a permis d'identifier, respectivement, 1081 et 357 genes a expression differentielle (DEG) chez le cultivar sensible Ningzhen No. 1 et le cultivar resistant Xiangdou No. 3. La majorite des DEG chez le cultivar resistant etaient exprimes a la hausse, tandis que les genes moins fortement exprimes etaient predominants chez le cultivar sensible. Une analyse des sentiers KEGG a revele que les 'sentiers metaboliques', la 'biosynthese des metabolites secondaires' et la 'maturation des proteines dans le reticulum endoplasmique' etaient les sentiers predominants touches lors de la deterioration des graines soumis a un stress HTH. Les genes impliques dans la photosynthese, le metabolisme des hydrates de carbone, le metabolisme des lipides et les proteines de choc thermique pourraient contribuer a la reponse differente observee entre les deux cultivars soumis a un traitement de stress HTH. Cette etude accroit les connaissances sur l'expression genique chez les graines de soja en reponse au stress HTH et fournit un eclairage sur le mecanisme moleculaire de la deterioration des graines ainsi que sur de nouvelles strategies pour selectionner des sojas dotes d'une meilleure resistance a la deterioration des graines. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : soja, temperature et humidite elevees, RNA-Seq, deterioration des graines en pre-recolte.

The photosynthetic light-response (PLR) curve is a mathematical description of a single biochemical process that has been widely applied in many ecophysiological models. For trees, the heterogeneity of PLR curves within the crown is significant but rarely modeled by mathematical techniques. This paper establishes a modified model for estimating crown PLR curves based on PLR functions by linking the parameters of the PLR functions to leaf nitrogen (N), specific leaf area (SLA), and relative depth into the crown (RDINC). The modified models were assessed by considering the goodness of fit (adjusted coefficient of determination, [R.sup.2]; root mean square error, RMSE; and Akaike information criterion, AIC) and model structure. Significant correlations were observed between the parameters of PLR functions and N, SLA, and RDINC. The optimal modified PLR model, by linking RDINC into a modified Mitscherlich function, fit well due to its simple and easily understood structure. Therefore, it is feasible to simultaneously estimate the multilayered and varied PLR curves of the tree crown. Key words: vertical variation, leaf nitrogen content, specific leaf area, relative depth into the crown, maximum net photosynthetic rate, apparent quantum yield, dark respiration rate. La courbe de reponse de la photosynthese a la lumiere (RPL) est une description mathematique d'un processus biochimique unique qui a ete largement appliquee dans plusieurs modeles ecophysiologiques. Chez les arbres, l'heterogeneite des courbes de RPL a l'interieur de la cime est importante mais elle est rarement modelisee en utilisant des techniques mathematiques. Cet article etablit une modele modifie pour estimer les courbes de RPL, sur la base de fonctions de RPL, en reliant les parametres de ces fonctions a l'azote foliaire (N), a la surface foliaire specifique (SFS) et a la profondeur relative dans la cime (PRDC). Les modeles modifies ont ete evalues sur la base de la qualite de l'ajustement (coefficient de determination ajuste, [R.sup.2] erreur quadratique moyenne, EQM, et critere d'information d'Akaika, CIA) et de la structure. Des correlations significatives ont ete trouvees entre les fonctions de RPL et N, SFS et PRDC. Le modele de RPL modifie optimal, en reliant PRDC dans une fonction de Mitscherlich modifiee, convient bien a cause de sa structure simple et facile a comprendre. Par consequent, il est possible d'estimer simultanement les courbes de RPL variees et multiniveaux de la cime des arbres. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : variation verticale, teneur en azote foliaire, surface foliaire specifique, profondeur relative dans la cime, taux de photosynthese nette maximale, rendement quantique apparent, taux de respiration a l'obscurite., Introduction Photosynthesis is dynamic at different locations within tree crowns, which is problematic for estimating photosynthesis at various crown locations due to spatial variability in the physiological features of leaves [...]

Although the role of frugivores in seed dispersal has attracted scientific attention, it remains unclear whether granivorous rodents can act as frugivores to interact mutualistically with fruit-producing plants, especially those bearing green fruits inconspicuous to avian frugivores. In this study, we tracked fruit removal of the tara vine (Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. Ex Miq.) and variegated kiwi vine (Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.) in a temperate forest and presented fruits to the granivorous rodents Siberian chipmunk (Tamias sibiricus (Laxmann, 1769)), Korean field mouse (Apodemus peninsulae (Thomas, 1907)), and gray red-backed vole (Clethrionomys rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846) = Myodes rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846)) in the laboratory to answer this question. Seeds were collected from rodent feces to see the effects of gut passage on seed germination to determine the role of granivorous rodents in endozoochory of A. arguta and A. kolomikta. We presented clear evidence of endozoochory by granivorous rodents in seed dispersal of the two Actinidia species. Rodents appeared to play an alternative role in dispersing plants bearing green fruits. Moreover, we observed increased germination rates after gut ingestion by the granivorous rodents. Our study evidenced endozoochory of granivorous rodents and provided new insight into the mutualist interactions between rodents and plant species bearing fleshy fruits containing tiny seeds. We suggest future studies pay more attention to endozoochory of rodents and establish their mutualistic relationship with fruit-bearing plants in temperate forests.Key words: endozoochory, granivore rodents, seed dispersal, fleshy green fruit, Actinidia, plant-herbivore interactions.Si le role des frugivores dans la dispersion des graines attire l'attention des scientifiques, il n'est pas bien etabli si des rongeurs granivores peuvent agir comme des frugivores et interagir avec des plantes fruitieres, plus particulierement des plantes produisant des fruits difficilement visibles par des frugivores aviaires. Nous avons surveille le retrait de fruits d'actinidies denticulees (Actinidia arguta (Siebold & Zucc.) Planch. Ex Miq.) et de kiwis arctiques (Actinidia kolomikta (Rupr. & Maxim.) Maxim.) dans une foret temperee et presente des fruits a trois rongeurs granivores, le tamia de Siberie (Tamias sibiricus (Laxmann, 1769)), le mulot Apodemus peninsulae (Thomas, 1907) et le campagnol de Sundevall (Clethrionomys rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846) = Myodes rufocanus (Sundevall, 1846)) en laboratoire pour tenter de repondre a cette question. Des graines ont ete prelevees des feces des rongeurs pour verifier les effets sur leur germination du passage dans le tube digestif, afin de determiner le role des rongeurs granivores dans l'endozoochorie d'A arguta et d'A. kolomikta. Nous presentons des preuves claires d'endozoochorie par des rongeurs granivores dans la dispersion des graines des deux especes d'Actinidia. Les rongeurs semblent jouer un role dans la dispersion de plantes produisant des fruits verts. Nous avons en outre observe des taux de germination accrus apres le passage de graines dans le tube digestif des rongeurs granivores. L'etude demontre une endozoochorie de rongeurs granivores et fournit de nouveaux renseignements sur les interactions mutualistes entre des rongeurs et des especes de plantes qui produisent des fruits charnus contenant de minuscules graines. Nous suggerons que des etudes futures accordent une plus grande attention a l'endozoochorie des rongeurs et etablissent leur relation mutualiste avec des plantes fruitieres dans des forets temperees. [Traduit par la Redaction]Mots-cles: endozoochorie, rongeurs granivores, dispersion des graines, fruit vert charnu, Actinidia, interaction plante--herbivore., IntroductionSeed dispersal is one of the most important steps in the life history of plants (Howe and Miriti 2004; Pan et al. 2016; Zhang et al. 2017; Sawaya et al. [...]

Unreclaimed gravel mining pits located in the central interior of British Columbia have very limited soil nitrogen (N) levels due to gravelly textured soils with weak profile development, no organic forest floor, and low atmospheric N inputs through precipitation. However, lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) trees can be found growing well at these pits with tissue N content and growth rate unaffected by extremely low soil N levels, indicating that pine trees are able to meet their N requirements from an unknown source. We hypothesized that biological N fixation by bacteria living in the tree tissues (known as endophytic diazotrophs) could be a potential N source for these trees. To test this hypothesis, we isolated 77 potential endophytic diazotrophs from needle, stem, and root tissues of pine trees on N-free culture medium. Of these, 32 bacteria showed positive N-fixing ability when tested for nitrogenase enzyme activity using the acetylene reduction assay. These endophytic N-fixing bacteria were identified as mainly belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus, and Rhizobium, which are well known for their plant-beneficial traits including N fixation. Therefore, it can be concluded that pine trees growing at these severely N-limited gravel pits naturally harbour endophytic diazotrophs, which could be involved in sustaining their vigorous growth, possibly through biological N fixation.Key words: endophytic diazotroph, lodgepole pine, biological nitrogen fixation, Pinus, gravel mining pits.Des gravieres non rehabilitees situees dans le centre interieur de la Colombie-Britannique ont des niveaux d'azote (N) dans le sol tres limites a cause de la texture graveleuse des sols, d'un profil peu developpe, de l'absence de couche holorganique et de faibles apports de N atmospherique dans les precipitations. Cependant, on peut trouver dans ces gravieres des tiges de pin tordu latifolie (Pinus contorta var. latifolia Engelm. ex S. Watson) qui ont une bonne croissance et dont la teneur en N des tissus et le taux de croissance ne sont pas affectes par les niveaux de N du sol extremement faibles; ce qui indique que les pins peuvent satisfaire leurs besoins en N a partir d'une source inconnue. Nous avons emis l'hypothese que la fixation biologique de N par des bacteries vivant dans les tissus des arbres (connues sous le nom de diazotrophes endophytes) pouvait etre une source potentielle de N pour ces arbres. Pour verifier cette hypothese, nous avons isole 77 diazotrophes endophytes potentielles dans les aiguilles, la tige et les racines des pins sur des milieux de culture exempts de N. Parmi ces isolats, 32 bacteries avaient la capacite de fixer N apres avoir ete testees pour l'activite de la nitrogenase par reduction de l'acetylene. Ces bacteries endophytes fixatrices de N ont ete identifiees. Elles appartiennent principalement aux genres Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Paenibacillus et Rhizobium, qui sont bien connus a cause de leurs traits benefiques pour les plantes, incluant la fixation de N. Par consequent, on peut conclure que les pins qui croissent dans ces gravieres severement deficientes en N abritent naturellement des diazotrophes endophytes, qui pourraient etre responsables de leur croissance vigoureuse, possiblement par le biais de la fixation biologique de N. [Traduit par la Redaction]Mots-cles: diazotrophe endophyte, pin tordu, fixation biologique de l'azote, Pinus, gravieres., IntroductionThe glacial and geological history of North America has resulted in abundant deposits of gravel near the soil surface throughout Canada. Gravel is a highly sought-after material that is widely [...]

IntroductionColorectal cancer is the third most common malignant tumor and the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide (Ferlay et al. 2015). The etiology of this cancer is multifactorial and [...], ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 2 (ATAD2) is involved in various types of cancers, including colorectal cancer. This study aimed to determine the role of ATAD2 in angiogenesis in colorectal cancer. Here, we downregulated ATAD2 expression in HCT116 and SW480 cells, and collected the conditioned medium (CM) from control and ATAD2-silenced cells. The effect of CM on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) was evaluated by using CCK-8, wound healing, tube formation, Western blot, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Our results showed that the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of HUVEC were reduced in presence of ATAD2-silenced CM, and the levels of phosphorylated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (P-VEGFR2), CD31, and CD34 were downregulated. Mechanism studies showed that ATAD2 silencing regulated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and miR-520a. Moreover, we found that miR-520a could bind to ATAD2, and its inhibitor partly reversed the alterations in HUVEC induced by CM from ATAD2-silenced cells. In addition, we demonstrated that miR-520a directly bound to 3'-UTR of VEGFA and inhibited its expression. Collectively, our results indicate that ATAD2 inhibition suppresses VEGFA secretion by increasing miR-520a levels. Our study suggests ATAD2 as a potential therapeutic target for angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.Key words: ATAD2, colorectal cancer, angiogenesis, miR-520a, VEGFA.ATAD2 (<< ATPase family AAA domain-containing protein 2 >>) est impliquee dans differents types de cancers, dont le cancer colorectal. Cette etude visait a determiner le role d'ATAD2 dans l'angiogenese du cancer colorectal. Les auteurs ont abroge ici l'expression d'ATAD2 dans les cellules HCT116 et SW480, et recolte le milieu conditionne (MC) des cellules controles et des cellules dans lesquelles ATAD2 a ete inactivee. L'effet du MC sur les cellules endotheliales de cordon ombilical humaines (HUVEC) a ete evalue a l'aide du test CCK-8, la cicatrisation, la formation de tube, par transfert Western et par dosage d'un rapporteur double luciferase. Leurs resultats ont montre que la proliferation, la migration et la formation de tube des HUVEC etaient reduites en presence du MC des cellules dans lesquelles ATAD2 est inactivee, et que les niveaux du recepteur du VEGF 2 phosphoryle (P-VEGFR2), de CD31 et de CD34 etaient regules a la baisse. L'etude des mecanismes impliques ont montre que l'inactivation de ATAD2 regulait l'expression du facteur de croissance endothelial A (VEGFA) et de miR-520a. Par ailleurs, les auteurs ont trouve que miR-520a pouvait se lier a ATAD2, et que son inhibiteur renversait partiellement les changements induits chez les HUVEC par le MC des cellules dans lesquelles ATAD2 est inactivee. De plus, ils ont demontre que miR-520a se liait directement au 3'-UTR du VEGFA et inhibait son expression. En somme, leurs resultats indiquent que l'inhibition d'ATAD2 supprime la secretion de VEGFA par l'accroissement des niveaux de miR-520a. Leur etude suggere qu'ATAD2 soit une cible therapeutique potentielle dans l'angiogenese du cancer colorectal. [Traduit par la Redaction]Mots-cles: ATAD2, cancer colorectal, angiogenese, miR-520a, VEGFA.

Introduction Doxorubicin (DOX), the anthracycline antitumor drug, is regarded as one of the greatest effective chemotherapeutic medications (Carvalho et al. 2009). DOX is commonly utilized in the treatment of various [...], Nephrotoxicity is one of the serious undesirable effects related to doxorubicin (DOX). Herein, we have investigated the potential protective effect of irbesartan (IRB) against chronic nephrotoxicity induced by DOX, and the implication of different mechanistic pathways underlying these effects. Rats were treated with either DOX (2.5 mg/kg i.p., 3 times/week) for 2 weeks, and (or) IRB (40 mg/kg, daily) for 3 weeks. IRB prohibited nephrotoxicity induced by DOX, which was evident by the increase in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine levels and histopathological changes. IRB improved DOX-induced alterations in oxidative status by diminishing lipid peroxidation and upregulating the antioxidant enzymes. Also, upon DOX treatment, the renal expression of tumor necrosis factor-a, interleukin-6, and caspase-3 were significantly increased; IRB diminished DOX-induced alterations in these parameters. Moreover, DOX significantly decreased the expression level of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Meanwhile, DOX induced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways that cross talked with AMPK. On the contrary, IRB successfully counterbalanced all these effects. Collectively, these outcomes suggest that the modulation of AMPK, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR pathways plays a critical role in conferring the protective effects of IRB against DOX nephrotoxicity. Key words: doxorubicin, irbesartan, nephrotoxicity, AMPK, PI3K/Akt, mTOR, rats. La nephrotoxicite est l&apos;un des effets indesirables graves qui sont lies a la doxorubicine (DOX). Dans ces travaux, nous avons etudie l&apos;effet protecteur eventuel de l&apos;irbesartan (IRB) contre la nephrotoxicite chronique provoquee par la DOX, ainsi que le role de differentes voies de signalisation liees aux modes d&apos;action sous-jacents de cet effet. Nous avons administre a des rats de la DOX (2,5 mg/kg, 3 fois par semaine parvoie i.p.) pendant deux semaines, et(ou) de l&apos;IRB (40 mg/kg une fois par jour) pendant trois semaines. L&apos;IRB permettait d&apos;attenuer la nephrotoxicite provoquee par la DOX, ce que rendait manifeste l&apos;augmentation des taux sanguins d&apos;azote ureique et de creatinine, ainsi que des modifications sur le plan histopathologique. L&apos;IRB permettait d&apos;attenuer les modifications de l&apos;etat d&apos;oxydation provoquees par la DOX avec la diminution de la peroxydation lipidique et la regulation a la hausse d&apos;enzymes antioxydantes. De plus, avec l&apos;administration de DOX, nous avons observe une augmentation marquee de l&apos;expression renale du facteur de necrose tumorale a, de l&apos;interleukine-6 et de la caspase-3; l&apos;IRB permettait d&apos;attenuer les modifications que la DOX provoquait sur ces parametres. De surcroit, la DOX entrainait une diminution marquee de l&apos;expression de la proteine kinase activee par l&apos;AMP (AMPK). En meme temps, la DOX provoquait l&apos;activation des voies de signalisation phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/proteine kinase B (Akt/PKB) et mTOR (pour"mammalian target of rapamycin") en reactions croisees avec l&apos;AMPK. A l&apos;inverse, l&apos;IRB permettait de contrecarrer tous ces effets avec succes. Collectivement, ces resultats laissent entendre que la modulation des voies de signalisation AMPK, PI3K, Akt et mTORjoueraientun role crucial dans les effets protecteurs de l&apos;IRB contre la nephrotoxicite liee a la DOX. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: doxorubicine, irbesartan, nephrotoxicite, AMPK, PI3K/Akt, mTOR, rats.

Net C[O.sub.2] assimilation ([A.sub.N]) is an important physiological indicator that reflects the photosynthetic capacity. The seasonal and spatial variations of [A.sub.N] play an important role in carbon uptake simulations, especially for trees. To gain a clearer understanding of the state of the branch carbon balance, it is necessary to more carefully evaluate the dynamic variation of [A.sub.N] over different gradients in the crown during the growing season. Gas exchange, leaf temperature ([T.sub.leaf]), vapor pressure deficit (VPD), leaf mass per area (LMA), and relative depth into crown (RDINC) were measured throughout the growing season of planted Larix olgensis A. Henry trees. A semi-empirical model for predicting multilayered crown [A.sub.N] was established by incorporating [T.sub.leaf], VPD, LMA, RDINC, and their combinations into a photosynthetic light response (PLR) curve model using re- parameterization. The model was assessed based on goodness of fit (adjusted coefficient of determination ([R.sup.2.sub.a]), root mean square error (RMSE), and Akaike's information criterion (AIC)) and on the validation results (mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), precision estimation (P)) and performed well. The multilayered predicted model of crown [A.sub.N] lays the foundation for calculating the multilayered photosynthetic production within the crown and determining the range of the functional crown for individual trees. Key words: modified Mitscherlich model, maximum net C[O.sub.2] assimilation, dark respiration rate, multilayered predicted model, vertical variation. L'assimilation nette de C[O.sub.2] ([A.sub.N]) est un important indicateur physiologique qui reflete la capacite photosynthetique. Les variations spatiales et saisonnieres de [A.sub.N] jouent un role important dans les simulations d'absorption du carbone, particulierement chez les arbres. Pour obtenir une meilleure comprehension du statut du bilan du carbone dans les branches, il est necessaire d'evaluer plus soigneusement la variation dynamique de [A.sub.N] le long de differents gradients dans la cime durant la saison de croissance. Les echanges gazeux, la temperature des feuilles ([T.sub.leaf]), le deficit de saturation (VPD), la masse foliaire par unite de surface (LMA) et la profondeur relative dans la cime (RDINC) ont ete mesures tout au long de la saison de croissance chez des tiges de Larix olgensis A. Henry en plantation. Un modele semi-empirique de prediction de [A.sub.N] a plusieurs niveaux dans la cime a ete elabore en incorporant [T.sub.leaf], VPD, LMA, RDINC et leurs combinaisons dans un modele de courbe de reponse de la photosynthese a la lumiere en ayant recours au reparametrage. Le modele a ete evalue sur la base de la qualite de l'ajustement (coefficient de determination ajuste ([R.sup.2.sub.a]), erreur quadratique moyenne (EQM), et critere d'information d'Akaike (AIC)) et de la validation des resultats (erreur moyenne (EM), erreur moyenne absolue (EMA), estimation de la precision (P)) et il a bien performe. Le modele de prediction multiniveau de [A.sub.N] dans la cime etablit les bases pour calculer la production photosynthetique a plusieurs niveaux a l'interieur de la cime et determiner l'etendue de la cime fonctionnelle chez les arbres individuels. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : modele de Mitscherlich modifie, assimilation nette maximum de C[O.sub.2], taux de respiration a l'obscurite, modele multiniveau predit, variation verticale., Introduction For trees, some branches in the lower crown usually form the wound and knot after they abscised (Springmann et al. 2011). Artificial pruning (cutting a part of branches present [...]

Introduction Chronic liver disease occurs owing to a progressive destruction of hepatic parenchyma with subsequent fibrosis, cirrhosis, and lastly liver cell failure, which represent major healthcare problems worldwide. Chronic viral [...], Hepatic fibrosis is a worldwide health problem with significant morbidity and mortality. Currently, there is no effective therapy for hepatic fibrosis. The present study was aimed to evaluate the possible regenerative effect of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic damage. Eighty albino rats were included; 40 were used for PRP preparation and 40 were randomly divided into 4 groups: group I (control group); group II (PRP control); group III (TAA-intoxicated by a dose of 200 mg/kg body mass, intraperitoneally, twice weekly for 7 weeks), and group IV(TAA intoxicated + PRP treated). Macrophage inflammatory protein-1[alpha] (MIP-1[alpha]) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) were immunoassayed in addition to peroxinitrite level, NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1) enzyme activity, and liver function. PRP treatment showed significant improvement in hepatic function, and decreased MIP-1[alpha] and peroxinitrite levels. Meanwhile, significant increase in NQO1 enzyme activity and cAMP level were observed. The histopathological results confirmed the laboratory results with improvement of hepatic architecture except for some inflammatory cellular infiltrates. This study shows that PRP has the ability to protect against TAA-induced liver damage, possibly by improving redox status, liver histopathological architecture, and disruption of the inflammatory and fibrotic response induced by TAA Key words: platelet-rich plasma, thioacetamide, NADPH-quinone oxidoreductase-1, macrophage inflammatory protein-1a, cyclic adenosine monophosphate. La fibrose hepatique est un probleme de sante mondial avec d&apos;importants taux de morbidite et de mortalite. Mais on ne connait pas actuellement de traitement efficace contre la fibrose hepatique. La presente etude visait a evaluer l&apos;effet regenerateur eventuel du plasma riche en plaquettes (PRP) contre des lesions hepatiques engendrees par la thioacetamide (TAA). Notre etude a porte sur 80 rats albinos: 40 pour la preparation du PRP et 40 autres repartis dans les 4 groupes ci-dessous. Groupe I (temoin), groupe II (temoin PRP), groupe III (intoxication par le TAA a raison de 200 mg/kg de masse corporelle par voie intraperitoneal 2 fois par semaine pendant 7 semaines) et groupe IV (intoxication par le TAA avec administration de PRP). Nous avons effectue des immunoessais sur la proteine MIP-1[alpha] (pour << macrophage inflammatory protein-1a >>) et l&apos;AMPc (adenosine monophosphate cyclique), et mesure les taux de peroxynitrite, ainsi que l&apos;activite enzymatique de la NQO1 (pour<< NADPHquinone oxidoreductase-1 >>), avec revaluation de la fonction hepatique. L&apos;administration de PRP a permis d&apos;observer d&apos;importantes ameliorations de la fonction hepatique, ainsi qu&apos;une diminution des taux de MIP-1[alpha] et de peroxynitrite. Entretemps, nous avions observe une augmentation marquee de l&apos;activite enzymatique de la NQO1, ainsi que des taux d&apos;AMPc. Les resultats de laboratoire ont ete confirmes a l&apos;histopathologie, avec une amelioration de l&apos;architecture du foie, a l&apos;exception de quelques infiltrats de cellules inflammatoires. Cette etude montre que le PRP peut permettre une protection contre les dommages hepatiques engendres par le TAA, possiblement par Amelioration du statut d&apos;oxydoreduction, de l&apos;architecture histopathologique du foie, ainsi que par l&apos;interruption des reactions inflammatoires et fibrotiques engendrees par le TAA. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: plasma riche en plaquettes, thioacetamide, NADPH quinone oxido-reductase 1, proteine inflammatoire-1a des macrophages, adenosine monophosphate cyclique.

The pollutants released from fireworks may seriously deteriorate air quality and adversely impact human health. To aid in obtaining comprehensive observations and in establishing effective legislation aimed at controlling the short-term effects of fireworks, we systematically reviewed the findings of previous studies of the impact of fireworks. These studies, primarily located in Asia (>70% studies), Europe, and North America considered particle concentrations, size distribution, morphology, noise, and chemical composition (including water-soluble ions, elements, carbonaceous material, organic matter, and trace gases), along with the associated human health effects during a fireworks display. Forty-one percent of the studies suggested that the concentrations of firework particles were reported to be 1-5 times higher than the respective background values, and the mean ratios [PM.sub.10]/TSP, [PM.sub.2.5]/[PM.sub.10], and [PM.sub.1.0]/[PM.sub.2.5] were 0.64, 0.72, and 0.65, respectively. During festivals, the concentrations of S[O.sub.4.sup.2-] and [K.sup.+] were the highest of the water-soluble ions with the highest concentrations of K and S for major elements and CO and S[O.sub.2] for gaseous pollutants. The health effects of particles and gaseous pollutants, including metals, emitted from fireworks need further epidemiological study to aid in the prevention of health problems and for the treatment of patients. Fireworks industries should use technical innovation to reduce pollutant emissions. Emissions inventories of fireworks displays should be compiled and used in Eulerian models to forecast the spatiotemporal distribution of pollutants and to further assistant the government in establishing appropriate restriction levels and legislations that balance environmental protection with the festive spirit. Key words: fireworks, atmospheric pollutants, physicochemical characteristics, environmental effects, management and prevention. Les polluants emis par les feux d'artifice peuvent serieusement deteriorer la qualite de l'air et avoir des effets negatifs sur la sante humaine. Dans le but d'aider a obtenir des observations detaillees et a etablir des mesures legislatives efficaces visant a controler les effets a court terme des feux d'artifice, nous avons systematiquement passe en revue les constatations des etudes anterieures sur les effets de feux d'artifice. Ces etudes, principalement menees en Asie (plus de 70% des etudes), en Europe et en Amerique du Nord, ont pris en consideration les concentrations de particules, la repartition de taille, la morphologie, le bruit et la composition chimique (incluant les ions hydrosolubles, les elements, la matiere carbonee, la matiere organique et les gaz de traces), ainsi que les effets sur la sante humaine pendant la presentation de feux d'artifice. 41% des etudes ont avance que les concentrations de particules provenant de feux d'artifice aient ete 1-5 fois plus elevees que leurs valeurs de fond. Et les rapports moyens [PM.sub.10]/TSP, PM2,5/[PM.sub.10] et [PM.sub.1],0/PM2,5 etaient 0,64, 0,72 et 0,65, respectivement. Pendant des festivals, les concentrations de S[O.sub.4.sup.2-] et de [K.sup.+] etaient les plus elevees des ions hydrosolubles. Pour les principaux elements et polluants gazeux, K, S et CO, S[O.sub.2] indiquaient les plus hautes concentrations, respectivement. Il serait necessaire que les effets sur la sante causes par les particules et les polluants gazeux, y compris les metaux, emis par les feux d'artifice fassent l'objet de nouvelles etudes epidemiologiques afin d'aider dans la prevention de problemes de sante et le traitement de patients. Les industries de feux d'artifice devraient faire de l'innovation technique pour reduire les emissions de polluants. Les inventaires d'emissions aux presentations de feux d'artifice devraient etre compiles et utilises dans des modeles Eulerian, afin de predire la repartition spatiotemporelle de polluants et d'aider le gouvernement dans l'etablissement de niveaux de restriction appropries et de mesures legislatives qui creent une egalite de force entre la protection de l'environnement et l'esprit festif. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : feu d'artifice, polluants atmospheriques, caracteristiques physicochimiques, effets sur l'environnement, gestion et prevention., 1. Introduction Fireworks are generally used to celebrate special events, such as festivals and (or) official celebrations and thus become one of the most unusual sources of air pollution. Traditional [...]

An analytical model for the diffusion of one-dimensional vapour-phase volatile organic compounds (VOCs) through a four-layer landfill composite cover system consisting of a protective layer, drainage layer, geomembrane (GMB), and compacted clay liner (CCL) is developed. Effects of degree of water saturation ([S.sub.r]), adsorption, and degradation on vapour-phase VOC diffusion in a cover system are then analyzed. The vapour-phase benzene concentration profile increases with increase of [S.sub.r] in the drainage and protective layers. When [S.sub.r1] = [S.sub.r2] = 0.5 (where [S.sub.r1] and [S.sub.r2] are degree of water saturation of the protective and drainage layers, respectively), surface flux for the case with the degree of water saturation of the CCL layer [S.sub.r4] = 0.3 is 1.3 and 1560 times larger than that with [S.sub.r4] = 0.7 and = 0.9, respectively. The effect of adsorption of the VOCs in the CCL on performance of the cover system is more important than that in the drainage and protective layers. Surface flux and concentration of benzene tends to be zero when CCL is amended with 0.5% biochar due to an increase of the retardation factor. The effect of degradation rate on benzene concentration increases with increase of degree of water saturation. The influence of half-life of VOCs in the soil layer, [t.sub.1/2] , on vapour-phase VOC concentration can be neglected when [S.sub.r] [less than or equal to] 0.3. Key words: vapour-phase volatile organic compound, diffusion, landfill layered cover, degree of water saturation, analytical model. Resume : Un modele d'analyse unidimensionnelle de la phase vapeur des composes organiques volatils (COV) de la diffusion a travers quatre couches de recouvrement composite d'enfouissement d'un systeme constitue d'une couche de protection, une couche de drainage, une geomembrane (GMB), et d'une argile compactee (CCL) est mis au point. Effets du degre de saturation en eau ([S.sub.r]), l'adsorption et la degradation de l'environnement sur la diffusion des COV en phase vapeur dans le systeme couvercle ont ete ensuite analysees. Le profil de concentration de benzene en phase vapeur augmente avec l'augmentation de profil [S.sub.r] dans la couche de drainage et dans la couche de protection. Lorsque [S.sub.r1] = [S.sub.r2] = 0.5 ([S.sub.r1] et [S.sub.r2] sont des degres de saturation en eau de la couche de protection et la couche de drainage, respectivement.), pour le cas du flux de surface avec le degre de saturation en eau de la couche CCL [S.sub.r4] = 0,3 est 1,3 et 1560 fois plus grande que celle avec [S.sub.r4] = 0.7 et [S.sub.r4] = 0.9, respectivement. Effet de l'adsorption de COV dans le CCA sur le rendement du systeme de couverture est plus important que celui dans la couche de drainage et couche de protection. Le flux de surface et la concentration de benzene tendent a etre nuls quand le CCL est modifie avec 0,5 % de biochar en raison de l'augmentation du coefficient de ralentissement. L'effet de taux de degradation sur la concentration de benzene augmente avec l'augmentation de degre de saturation en eau. L'influence de la demi-vie des COV dans la couche de sol, [t.sub.1/2], sur la concentration de COV en phase vapeur peut etre neglige quand [S.sub.r] [less than or equal to] 0,3. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles: compose organique volatil en phase vapeur, diffusion, enfouissement des couches, degre de saturation en eau, modele analytique., Introduction Anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in refuse produces landfill gas (LFG), commonly consisting of methane (--50%-60% by volume), carbon dioxide (~40% by volume), and more than 100 types of [...]

Thinopyrum ponticum (Th. ponticum) (2n = 10x = 70) is an important breeding material with excellent resistance and stress tolerance. In this study, we characterized the derivative line CH1113-B13-1-1-2-1 (CH1113-B13) [...]

Author(s): Samarchith P Kurup [1]; Nyamekye Obeng-Adjei [2]; Scott M Anthony [1]; Boubacar Traore [3]; Ogobara K Doumbo [3]; Noah S Butler [1, 4]; Peter D Crompton [2]; John T [...]

There is a heated debate over the necessity of nitrogen (N) reduction, in addition to phosphorus (P) reduction, for the control of eutrophication. Whole-lake fertilization experiments and lake restoration practices in high latitudes have demonstrated that P is the primary factor regulating total phytoplankton. Recognizing the limited large-scale evidence in warmer climatic zones, a fertilization experiment was conducted in four ponds located in the subtropical Yangtze River Basin, China. Total phytoplankton abundance in a pond receiving P (+P) was similar to that in a pond receiving both N and P (+N+P). Both had higher phytoplankton than a pond receiving no additional nutrient (Control). Total nitrogen concentration (TN) in the +P pond increased with the appearance of N-fixing cyanobacteria. Total phytoplankton abundance was similar in the ponds without P addition (+N, Control), and both ponds had lower phytoplankton levels than the +N+P pond. These results showed that P, not N, determines total phytoplankton abundance and that N deficiency is offset by N fixation in subtropical lakes. This experiment supports the idea that attention should be mainly focused on P reduction in mitigating eutrophication. Un debat existe concernant la necessite de reduire l'azote (N), en plus du phosphore (P), pour controler l'eutrophisation. Des experiences de fertilisation a l'echelle des lacs et les pratiques de restauration des lacs a hautes latitudes ont demontre que le P est le principal facteur de regulation du phytoplancton total. Reconnaissant le caractere limite des donnees a grande echelle pour les zones climatiques plus chaudes, nous avons mene une experience de fertilisation dans quatre etangs situes dans le bassin subtropical du fleuve Yangzi (Chine). L'abondance du phytoplancton total dans un etang recevant du P (+P) etait semblable a celle d'un etang recevant du N et du P (+N+P). Les deux avaient plus de phytoplancton qu'un etang ne recevant aucun ajout de nutriment (temoin). La concentration d'azote total (TN) dans l'etang +P augmentait avec l'apparition de cyanobacteries fixatrices de N. L'abondance du phytoplancton total etait semblable pour les etangs sans ajout de P (+N, temoin), et l'abondance de phytoplancton dans ces deux etangs etait plus faible que dans l'etang +N+P. Ces resultats montrent que le P, et non le N, determine l'abondance de phytoplancton total et que la fixation de N compense les deficiences en N dans les lacs subtropicaux. Cette experience appuie la notion voulant que les efforts d'attenuation de l'eutrophisation devraient principalement porter sur la reduction du P. [Traduit par la Redaction], Introduction Eutrophication of lakes is a global environmental problem, associated with algal blooms, fish kills, ecosystem degeneration, and toxic algae, and hence represents a hazard to drinking water supplies. Many [...]

Abstract: The thick and continuous Cenozoic successions in the Qaidam Basin provide an excellent paleoclimate archive. Here, we focus on the ostracod fauna, stable isotope records, and paleoweathering indices from [...]

Introduction People in China are becoming more aware of the quality of their life, opting to live in a comfortable environment and to lead a healthy lifestyle. This shift is [...], This cross-sectional survey was conducted to understand parents&apos; perceptions regarding air pollution and its effect on children&apos;s respiratory health in Nanchang, China, to offer baseline information useful to the government of the People&apos;s Republic of China. Data collected from 1,056 residents (response rate = 93.7%) was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square test, nonparametric rank-sum test, Spearman rank correlation coefficient, and linear trend test. The results showed that most parents would worry more about their children&apos;s health if air quality became worse, especially in families with high education and income. The top three respiratory conditions associated with poor air quality among children were cough (90.5%), upper respiratory infection (72.9%), and bronchitis (47.2%). Parents believed motor vehicle emissions (95.9%), secondhand smoke (95.4%), and dust (92.9%) to be the risk factors largely responsible for respiratory illnesses among children. Furthermore, most respondents supported government intervention to improve air quality with several suggestions: controlling industrial pollution (69.9%), increasing public transportation and reducing private cars (51.0%), and controlling and reducing waste incineration (45.6%).

Abstract: Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of organobromine compounds that are used as flame retardants in many commonly used products. Their presence has been confirmed in various environmental [...]

Background: Lindera neesiana Kurz (Lauraceae), popularly known as Siltimur in Nepal, is an aromatic and spicy plant with edible fruits. It is a traditional herbal medicine widely used for the [...]

Introduction Rye (Secale cereale L., 2n = 2x = 14, RR), a species closely related to wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD), has been used extensively [...], Alien addition lines are important for transferring useful genes from alien species into common wheat. Rye is an important and valuable gene resource for improving wheat disease resistance, yield, and environment adaptation. A new wheat-rye addition line, N9436B, was developed from the progeny of the cross of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) cultivar Shaanmai 611 and rye (Secale cereal L., 2n = 2x = 14, RR) accession Austrian rye. We characterized this new line by cytology, genomic in situ hybridization (GISH), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), molecular markers, and disease resistance screening. N9436B was stable in morphology and cytology, with a chromosome composition of 2n = 42 + 2t = 22II. GISH investigations showed that this line contained two rye chromosomes. GISH, FISH, and molecular maker identification suggested that the introduced R chromosome and the missing wheat chromosome arms were 1R chromosome and 2DL chromosome arm, respectively. N9436B exhibited 30-37 spikelets per spike and a high level of resistance to powdery mildew (Blumeriagraminis f. sp. tritici, Bgt) isolate E09 at the seedling stage. N9436B was cytologically stable, had the trait of multiple spikelets, and was resistant to powdery mildew; this line should thus be useful in wheat improvement. Key words: wheat-rye addition line, multiple spikelets, powdery mildew resistance, GISH and FISH, molecular makers. Les lignees d'addition exotiques constituent un moyen important pour transferer des genes utiles d'especes exotiques au ble. Le seigle constitue une ressource genetique importante et de grande valeur pour augmenter la resistance aux maladies, le rendement et l'adaptation environnementale chez le ble. Une nouvelle lignee d'addition ble-seigle, N9436B, a ete developpee ?1 partir de la descendance du croisement entre le cultivar Shaanmai 611 du ble tendre (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, AABBDD) et l'accession Austrian du seigle (Secale cereale L., 2n = 2x = 14, RR). Les auteurs ont caracterise cette nouvelle lignee par le biais d'analyses de cytologie, d'hybridation genomique in situ (GISH), d'hybridation in situ en fluorescence (FISH), de marqueurs moleculaires et de la resistance a une maladie. La lignee N9436B s'est montree stable tant en matiere de morphologie que de cytologie, avec une formule chromosomique de 2n = 42 + 2t = 22II. Les analyses GISH ont montre que cette lignee possedait deux chromosomes du seigle. Les analyses GISH, FISH et les marqueurs moleculaires ont suggere que le chromosome R introduit et le bras chromosomique manquant etaient respectivement le 1R et le 2DL. N9436B presente 30 a 37 epillets par epi et un niveau eleve de resistance a l'isolat E09 du blanc (Blumeriagraminis f. sp. tritici, Bgt) au stade plantule. N9436B affichait une stabilite cytologique, de nombreux epillets et la resistance au blanc; cette lignee devrait ainsi s'averer utile en amelioration genetique du ble. [Traduit par la Redaction] Mots-cles : lignee d'addition ble-seigle, epillets multiples, resistance au blanc, GISH et FISH, marqueurs moleculaires.